HOW RISKY ARE YOU: TO QUIT OR NOT QUIT YOUR JOB

Since the pandemic many have had an awakening of becoming their own boss versus working the current job they have. They had an epiphany about what they missed out on, financial freedom, flexibility, and being appreciated. However, depending on who you ask there may or may not be a right or wrong way to go about it.

The Risk Taker

First you have those that says I’m going to bet on myself. I’m tired of working a 9-5. I want to be my own boss. They want the flexibility to work or create when they are most effective. The risk taker also is someone who has many ideas, creative, and very social. They have much confidence in themselves and says I’m going to win no matter what. The risk taker says if you have a plan B, then you aren’t putting all your efforts into Plan A. So of course you’re going to have to rely on Plan B one day. FINANCIAL MINDSET: WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

As Steve Harvey once said, “If my plan A doesn’t work then I’ll create another plan A.”

There isn’t a certain time to be stable to branch out on your own. Anything can happen. The more you try to work and save until you have enough, the longer you’re prolonging your dream and happiness. The comfort will always have you pushing back the deadline to begin your own.

The risk taker may also feel the company can shut down at any moment. They can lay you off without warning. Cut positions, hours, and benefits. Then where will that lead you.

The Cautious One

Next, we have those that says I have a family and bills. What about insurance. What if something happens. They are used to that guaranteed amount and needs that security “just in case.” It’s best to save at least six months, some say, before quitting your job. You need to make sure you’re financially secure and the family is stable while pursuing your dream. It’s all about security and comfort.

So do you quit your job and bet on yourself? Or keep that stable job until you feel you’re ready to stand on your own. Either way there are pros and cons to each. Depending on your life, lifestyle, circumstances, financial status, and many other factors. They both have the same end goal. To be financially free and to have something to pass down to their children. Doing what they love. Having fun. At some point working minimum hours while receiving maximum profit.

I’m a believer in your job or career should fit into your life not your life fitting into your job.

Which mindset are you? Quit or not?

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

FAMILY AND CAREER: CAN YOU HAVE BOTH?

This is something that I’ve been thinking about for awhile now. Can you have both: family and career. Some says yes and others says no. Both are full time jobs. Due to my husband position I was the one who had to be extremely flexible and sacrifice. With that being said, I knew I wanted to be present mentally and emotionally for my kids. I only have them for a short amount of time before they expand their wings and go on their own. Conversations with those of my generation, one of the common themes was lack of emotional support. Having a parent interested them, their thoughts, feelings, interest, views, likes, and dislikes.

I’ve watched some friends and family members raise their children completely different and saw outcomes that support both.

First we have the one parent that says I have to work and pay the bills. This parent works two jobs. By the time she gets home her children are in bed. She hasn’t seen them since they left for the school bus. She says they’ve text throughout the day and they are ok. Are they really? Also she believes they love hanging out with their friends and they don’t care if she goes to work. But for some reason one daughter is always calling her at work saying she’s sick. She wants her mom to come pick her up and stay with her at home. She sends dad.

She says they have everything they ask for. That’s why I’m working so much. I take them on a vacation every summer. We have a lake house. I have to work and have my life. She’s right. But is there a cost.

Then she says there’s no need to go to parent teacher conference. Her kids aren’t failing. She thinks her kids doesn’t want her at events, they don’t care. She and her husband told their son because they had to work 2 jobs he couldn’t join baseball because they couldn’t commit. 3 SELF CARE MISTAKES I MADE AS A STAY AT HOME MOM

On the other hand, we have the one who says I’m going to go to every event, game, show, award ceremony my kid have. I’ll live a subtle life to spend time with the kids. They don’t need name brand stuff all the time. She works just under 40 hours and leaves at 4pm because she says getting off at 5pm is too late for her to start her evening with the kids. They have TV shows they watch together. They eat dinner together. She’s the carpool mom and is very inquisitive about their friends and social life.

She says she’s being a concerned mom. She wants to know everything about them and be there for them. Is there a such thing as a helicopter mom?

Yes kids love having “stuff”. But at the end of the day they want mom or dad there. Not necessarily engaging, but available. They want that comfort and security of knowing you’re around. Or else the risk of the kids learning and finding their way without you can hurt them and the relationship.

No one can put 100% in two things. Being present physically, is different from being present mentally and emotionally. Kids really don’t care about the money.

A couple weeks ago my daughter had an award ceremony because she was nominated for Student Of The Month. During this ceremony there were also other awards given for different categories and grades. Sure the ceremony was on a Friday morning at 9am. They had coffee, donuts, milk and water for us to snack on with our kid until the ceremony started. We were able to mix and mingle with the other parents as well.

However, it broke my heart so bad that a couple of kids didn’t have parents to show. These were huge awards that all teachers and counselors voted on for a particular student. They were eating donuts alone. Looking so sad. At one point I even told my daughter to go tell one student to come sit with us. I just couldn’t help it.

When their name were called up, the counselor read the loving note from the teacher that nominated them. They received their award and took photos. The body language and the barely there smile killed me. At some point I heard a little guy say, my mom couldn’t come she had to work.

Yes you have to work. May not be able to get off every time. But unfortunately, the only things the kids see and remember is being alone at some pretty great moments. No material thing can get rid of that.

Of course, family dynamics, finances, and type of career makes a difference.

So can you really have it all? Family and Career.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

FINANCIAL MINDSET: WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

After hearing two coworkers different point of view about finances, budgeting, and saving it had me think about my point of view on finances. Which mindset of the financial spectrum did I fall on? One coworker said she only lives once. Therefore, she buys what she wants, when she wants, and doesn’t particularly save. She pays her bills in full every month. After that, she and her husband live their life. They didn’t believe in the rainy day. “I can’t take the money with me when I die.” Hmmmmm…….

The other coworker was on the complete opposite end of the financial mindset. Her and her family budget everything every month down to the entertainment, eating out, and extras. She said if she goes to the store and get to the counter and the total is over what she planned she will stand there and determine which item she needs less and put it back. Whenever the budget runs out for that category, that is it until next payday or it’s time to budget again. They also have a set savings amount each month. “We just don’t know what’s going to happen.” Hmmmmmm……

So that leads me to the question of which mindset are you?

A. Tomorrow isn’t promised so I’m going to live each day like it’s my last. I’ll worry about tomorrow and what is needed then.

B. I like to be prepared and make sure I have everything I need. I never know when an emergency or unexpected situation or expense may occur.

C. Some where in the middle.

D. Haven’t thought about it.

What’s your financial mindset? Which aisle of the spectrum do fall on? QUICK FINANCIAL WELLNESS TIP

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO START A SIDE HUSTLE

Within the last year and half the idea of a ”side hustle” has really been pushed. There is so much advice, tips, and tricks on how to begin a side hustle that could make one overwhelmed. The one thing that you need to know if you want to create a side hustle is that you have everything you need to begin.

Most of the time people side hustles are what they are passionate about or some hobby that they enjoy. Well you can do that with what’s in your home. Whatever you are good at you can begin to create and sell. You have everything you need to start a side hustle and let the money work for you.

To begin with the obvious, many want to start their own Youtube channel. Well you can. You have a phone and it records. So you have what you need to begin. You have a story to tell that inspires someone. There is also a gift in you that is ready to come out. I know there are many who started their Youtube channel just using their phone. You don’t need to spend money on equipment to begin. That will come when it’s time.

The next is to start a blog. Once again you have a phone or IPAD, then you can begin to create your own story on the web. We have to get out of our head that we need all the bells and whistles to begin. When in actuality, if we had the bells and whistles we wouldn’t know how to use them correctly. Yes, there are some who started their blog on their phone or whatever device they had handy. By the way, your story is what’s going to capture your audience. You already have everything you need.

Next, side hustle you can do because you have everything is retail reselling or selling what you no longer use or need. There are many platforms and apps you can download on your phone that you already have, to begin selling items in your home and closet that you no longer use. Go through your home and pull everything that you haven’t worn or used in a year. I guarantee you, you will generate additional income. Your phone allows you to download the app, take photos, edit the photos, upload photos, create the listing, and sell the listing.

If you are good at baking or cooking, you can use your phone to market yourself on several apps you already use to cater events. Begin locally and let it grow. You have everything you need to create a free website to sell whatever goods or services you are good at. Self Care: Hobbies and Activities After all, we all have something we are good at.

There are so many other ”side hustles” that you can do to generate additional income with what you have. I know you’ve seen many articles and other content on side hustle ideas. You have everthing you need to begin. We all have something that we are passionate about. Furthermore, we all have a hobby that we love doing.

Using your talents and gifts that reside in you already, allows you to begin any side hustle you desire. If you’re good at organization, creating travel plans, planning, transcribing, writing, or many other ideas you can begin now. Use what you have to begin. Please don’t make the mistake of thinking you have time. On the other hand, thinking you need money and resources to begin. Build yourself up and you’ll enjoy the process.

P.S. This is not a post to tell you you should start a side hustle, its for those you’ve been thinking about it. They are waiting for the right time, or when they get the money to begin.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Money Jar Saving Method for easy saving

I grew up on the money jar saving method and didn’t even know it. For example, as a little girl my father would have this huge glass jar filled with coins. When the jar became full, he would take it to the bank, cash it in, and make a deposit. My aunt also had a money jar, that she kept on the corner table filled with coins, and that’s what we used as our daily bus fare.

It’s ironic that in the last couple of years, I too, have adopted the save money method using jars. Right now we keep an old peanut jar on the kitchen counter for our daily lose change.

What is a money jar? Welp, its a money management system used to save, budget, plan, and be financially responsible. It’s the act of using mason jars or any kind of jar to place a certain dollar amount in daily, weekly, or monthly to reach a certain finacnial goal. This is a great system for those who have trouble saving or poor spending habits. The money jar system can be used to save for something specific or rainy day.Handle Your Business…Get Your Finances Together

Go to your kitchen cabinet and grab a glass that you aren’t using and put a dollar in it. Do this every Monday, or whatever day you choose. If you have more to spare in your budget then start with $5 or whatever you can afford. The best thing about this system is that you can start as little as your budget allows. This is the quickest and easiest way to save money especially if you’re on a budget or just going through a rough time right now.

Having a money jar or jars in the home are a great way to physically see your savings. Yes, we have saving accounts, but the physical action of taking money out of your wallet, and watching that jar fill, encourages you mentally and emotionally. You see the progress which encourages you to save more and spend less.

Also, I don’t know about you, but we’ve become so used to swiping our debit or credit card. How many times have you said you weren’t going to spend any money, and before you know it, your account balance has dropped. It’s very easy to swipe, and guys those small amounts add up.

You begin to know the importance of spending less, being grateful for what you have, and the desire of having “stuff” isn’t as fulfilling anymore. You become more comfortable in living without certain “things” and notice the amount of frivolous spending that may occur.

The insight on “what did I spend my money on” becomes clear. How many times do you look and say where did I spend all that money? What did I buy? I’ve done it plenty of times walking out the store, and saying “it doesn’t look like I have a cart of stuff worth a $100”. How many times have you guys said that?

You can have as many money saving jars as you think you need or want. To begin the process, figure out what you want to save for and how many jars you need. We have 3 children so January 1, we get a jar and label it Christmas. Next, we like to pay our car insurance in full so we have one labeled car insurance. Thirdly, we have one that literally say “rainy day”. Finally we each have one for something we are saving for personally to us.

Next, label each jar. You can create labels, color code them, or purchase some labels . Then figure out a place in your home of where you’d like to place it. You can opt to keep it visual or in a spot to where it’s out of sight.

You can use the money jar saving method for a house down payment , purchasing a new car, tuition, vacation, or whatever you desire. If you don’t have the finances or desire to purchase a set of mason jars, then you can literally get some glasses and place the money in there.

This process is completely personal to you. You can get as creative as you like. Actually the more creative you are the better.

Mentally you will be encouraged to save as you see it grow, you gain confidence in knowing you’re taking responsibility, and knowing you are pursuing your goals actively. Emotionally you become more aware and conscious of your actions. It makes you question priorities, needs, and wants. Financially you have taken responsibility , being more aware of your spending, and taking control of your life.

Initially, I was like so many people in thinking that’s what I have a savings account for. But since I’ve began using the money jar saving method weekly, I’m more encouraged to save, excited about the possibilities and opportunities the savings will allow me, and motivated to continuously be more financially responsible and aware.

One of our biggest motivations is to know that we have something saved not just for our family but if someone we love who is need we can provide a little financial assistance to them in their time of need.

Most of the time one of the biggest reasons we begin to feel hopeless or in despair it’s due to a financial set back that we didn’t expect. Having a financial set back tends to send every other area in our life into a pit. The best way to set ourselves up for success is to begin to save no matter what our income level is and using the money jar system is a great way to start. I encourage anyone to try the money jar saving method. Make a commitment, start small, and work on your finances this year.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.

Handle Your Business…Get Your Finances Together

The older I get and as I approach a age milestone the importance of handling my business is more important to me than ever before. Now when I say handle my business its making sure the non tangibles are in tact.

It pains me to see so many people focused on what others are doing on social media, what they are wearing, where they are going, and twisting themselves into a pretzel trying to keep up. The more you focus on someone’s filtered life on social media the less time you are spending making sure your ish is together.

The first step in handling your business is managing your finances. Get a calendar book or journal and write stuff down. You need to know what your monthly expenses are, how much is going in and how much is going out. The more organized you are the more successful you can be in managing and saving your money. Money Jar Saving Method for easy saving

What are the due dates on your bills? Are your bills spaced out enough through the month according to your paydays? Did you know you can request a different due date on certain bills? Changing your due date on certain bills will allow you to effectively manage your income and stay in control.

Another way to handle your business is to stop overspending. Before you buy something ask yourself if its a want or need. Take a look in your closet and around your house and you’ll see how much money is sitting there wasted. I bet there are clothes and shoes that you’ve purchase but haven’t worn in a while or still have the tags on them. When you look around the house do you see stuff just sitting there collecting dust?

Along with overspending, save yourself time and money by paying things off. Instead of paying the minimum pay a little extra. If you’re minimum payment is $27, go ahead and give a solid $30. You are saving money and paying interest down and that bill will be paid off quicker. You can also save money by paying in full. So often we choose to pay in installments, however if you look at your statements on many of your bills there are installment fees.

I know some of this may be easier said than done. But start somewhere and start small. One of the main reasons we become overwhelmed, depressed, and lose ourselves often times begin with a financial situation and things just spiral after that.

You don’t have to be rich to live a rich life.

RosalynLynn

Be you so you can be free.