When you enter recovery, you must reevaluate every aspect of your life. Many people in recovery must work to rebuild their relationships and lifestyle. Still, it's impossible to ignore the importance of your financial standing.
 
As you begin to heal and recalibrate your priorities, you need to make a game plan to support yourself financially while adding fulfillment to your days. Below, we share a few practical ways to make ends meet and position yourself for a bright future as you beat addiction. It will provide you with more financial security, boost your self-confidence, and lower your chance of relapse.
 
Consider Entrepreneurship    
 One of the first steps you will need to take is to figure out how to earn an income. Suppose you have a particular passion that could bring fulfillment to your life and prove profitable; you could turn it into a business. Many benefits come with starting a business out of something you love doing.
 
Your passion can help you to overcome the fear of failure and give you more motivation to persevere through challenges, but it's also attractive to investors and other professionals who can help along the way. Also, clients and customers can tell if you love what you do, and it will evoke a sense of trust that you will do whatever is necessary to get the job done right!
 
Of course, starting a business requires a lot of time, energy, and decision-making. There are endless options when it comes to the types of companies you can start in today's world, as well as side gigs worth pursuing that can boost your income as you rebuild your life. From freelance writing to food delivery, from selling handmade crafts to renting out your vehicle—explore the many options to find something that will help you get back on your feet.
 
There are a number of inexpensive marketing strategies that small businesses can use to reach new customers and grow their business. Social media is a great way to connect with potential customers and create interesting, shareable content. Another way to reach new customers is through word-of-mouth marketing. You can also use an online tool to make a logo and download it. This tool allows you to customize ready-made logo templates with your font, colors, and design elements.
 
Learn How to Interview Well
 If you decide to find a job where you work for an employer, you will need to ensure that you have some basic interview skills to make a solid first impression. For example, for each job you pursue, thoroughly research the company and job position and make a list of likely questions.
 
After preparing your answers, plan some follow-up questions to ask the interviewer to show your interest in the organization. It can also help to rehearse your interview with a friend or relative to get used to maintaining eye contact, answering with confidence, and selling your primary reasons for wanting the job.
 
Check Your Resources      
No entrepreneur can succeed long-term without utilizing the resources at their disposal at some point. Start researching investors and other funding organizations to help you launch your company strong. There are plenty of organizations and programs worth looking into at the federal, state, and local levels. You will want to apply for as many things as you can to stack your options.
 
Keep Support Around You
Along with entrepreneurial support, you will also need to surround yourself with people who can help you stay clean and meet all of your recovery milestones. Look for a local support group specific to your addiction to connect with other individuals who share your issues and challenges. You might be surprised by how much it helps to talk to and share wisdom with others.
 
Recovery is not easy, but it must be your top priority if you plan to rebuild your life after addiction. One of the most practical ways you can start strong is to pursue an income. Consider the tips above as you make a plan for your physical, mental, emotional, and financial recovery. Keep researching other ways to lay a solid foundation for a bright future.
 
DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation is dedicated to educating students so they can become financially literate. Learn how you can make a difference!

In the early 70's my father lost his job. This created #financialinstability and my father took out his frustrations on his family. My mother was left to raise 5 kids alone. We received welfare; Mom worked caring for a wealthy woman to make extra money despite her heart condition. As kids, we worked on farms planting and picking and attended school and church. Lake Ontario and the orchards and farms were our playgrounds. We expected nothing and as #money was tight we were thankful for what we received. A pot of gravy was simmering on the stove every Sunday, life was hard, but good because we had each other.
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Mom passed away suddenly in 1977 and while trying to give her mouth to mouth I remember thinking; this can't be happening. By this time, my oldest brother was married and living in California, and my oldest sister was also married and living in Niagara Falls. So, the discussions began, what to do with the three youngest?

My middle sister who was disabled was sent to live in a group home near my brother. My closest sister (14) and I (12) were sent to live with an aunt in Rockland NY. Eventually, my sister would go to live with my father. I was thrown out of my aunt's house when I defied her by going to work. At 15, I believed I needed to work to pay for college. With everything I owned laying on the front lawn (this was her usual practice with her foster children), I swore that I would never be thrown out like garbage again. I would never return or speak with my aunt again.

I was fortunate to live with friends, sleeping on couches or in the basement, in a booth at a family restaurant I worked at, or in my car. Eventually, my sister and I convinced our father to sign a lease on a 1-bedroom where we lived and covered our expenses. We worked hard, often holding down several jobs. #Money was always an issue often wasted on wants to leave little room for needs. Some times were dire, but somehow, we pushed through and learned to make smarter choices.

The way in which I was raised, the time spent homeless, the fear, insecurity, and financial instability have affected my life. Though today I consider myself financially #responsible, with a good family and great children the impact of the financial instability early in life is still there. #Skills learned through trial and error, and through work at the foundation have helped me change my mindset. They are important skills for youth from all walks of life, and lifesaving to those who have not had the great opportunities that I have had to learn and recover from mistakes.
This is why it is so important for us to help young men and women and at-risk families develop the skills needed to succeed. Financial success builds security, promotes responsible #behaviors and a healthy #mindset, and helps build the foundations needed to become #successful in life!

Please share your story and why #PersonalFinance is important to you?

www.tiresplus.com/auto-maintenance-services/tune-up/Bringing your new baby home for the first time is exciting. It’s also scary. Suddenly there’s a little life in your hands, and your trusty car doesn’t seem as safe as it did before there was a fragile newborn in the back seat.
 
If you want to be completely sure of your baby’s safety on the ride home and beyond, don’t wait until you’re at the hospital to worry about your car. The DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation hopes these tips will help you prepare your vehicle for its precious cargo without spending a lot.
Freshen Up Your RideDoes your car have good bones but need a little work? An unexpected breakdown is more than inconvenient when you have a baby in the car. Check around for a trustworthy shop for a tune-up. If you can’t afford to go without your car, look for an auto repair shop that offers no-cost loaner cars or rent a car for a couple of days.

According to Palment Motore, one way to helpavoid major repairs is to protect you car in a garage. If your house is currently garage free, dont worry it may be affordable to add one than you think. Once you factor in the savings on maintenance and insuracne an add it to the increased value of your new garage adds to your home cyou may even com out on top!  

Need to Upgrade?Take a good look at your car. Is it a four-door car with modern safety features, or are you still driving your old college beater?
 
You don’t have to go out and buy a minivan, but you do need a car that’s safe and practical. If your old car doesn’t have side curtain airbags or requires a contortionist to load the car seat, shop for a low-mileage used vehicle rather than splurging on a new one. Cars lose substantial market value within the first five years, which means if you know what to look for, you can buy a late-model used vehicle for around half the price.
Check Your Insurance PolicyA bare-bones car insurance policy saves money in your monthly budget, but it could cost a lot more in the long run. The minimum mandatory car insurance required by state law may not be enough to cover medical bills and property damage in an accident. Even full coverage may lack valuable benefits, like uninsured motorist coverage and roadside assistance. 
Increasing your car insurance coverage doesn’t necessarily mean hiking your rates. If you traded a sports car for a family-friendly vehicle, Wallet Hub points out your premiums may go down thanks to a safer car.
Prevent DistractionsIn-vehicle infotainment systems are becoming commonplace in new vehicles, but drivers can save money by using their smartphone as a driving assistant rather than paying for the carmaker’s factory navigation.
 
Compatible with most cars beginning in 2014, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integrate with your car’s touchscreen to display driving directions, play music and podcasts, and activate Siri or Google Assistant. Instead of taking your eyes off the road, you can use voice activation or steering wheel controls to change music or get directions. You may even be able to use features like Android Auto or Apple Carplay to stay completely hands-free while driving.
 
Every parent knows how important car seats are, but keeping your baby safe on the road goes beyond buying the right safety restraint. If you want to feel confident loading your baby in the car for the first time, make sure you’re looking at the big picture of car safety — from staying focused behind the wheel to staying covered in the event of a wreck.
 
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Photo Credit:Unsplash

The cost of attending college in the United States has increased by a staggering 31% over the last decade. This has resulted in more students facing financial difficulties –– and it’s not just a lack of accessible funds that creates issues. The stress of worrying about loan repayments also impacts students, and can affect everything from school performance to mental health.

In an article in September of this year, The College Post reported on research into the financial stress placed upon college students. The article evidences that 74% of students surveyed indicated that financial restraints were their most difficult challenge.

In order to address and help alleviate financial stress, many students are turning to part-time working while in school. And while it's not ideal that this is a necessity in many cases, it can help ease the burden. Below, we'll look at five examples of ways college students can earn some extra cash in college.

1. Local Retail Work

Retail jobs are often some of the best part-time positions available to students. Employers can usually offer flexible hours and hold positions specifically catered to students' lifestyles. Those flexible hours can be fitted conveniently around class schedules and often, retailers are at their busiest during periods when students are on seasonal or holiday breaks. The pay isn't always particularly high, but even picking up five hours' worth of work in a week at the average retail location can make a real difference for a lot of students.

2. Virtual Work

Taking on virtual work is another popular option. Opting for this method of “at-home working” opens up many opportunities –– even more so now that the pandemic has forced the working landscape to shift toward the digital realm. To that point, the financial advice platform AskMoney wrote last year about the effects of the pandemic and shared some of the most in-demand virtual jobs, some of which may be good fits for college students seeking income. These include thinks like web development, medical transcription, and online marketing –– all of which can be done from the comfort of a dorm room, and often with flexible hours.

3. Gig Economy

The growth of the gig economy has been one of the most profound changes in the workforce in recent years. This type of work encompasses freelance, outsourcing, and contract working. It can also, as outlined in our piece on ‘Getting Started in the Gig Economy’, refer to the selling of your own work or products. Whatever the specific venture, jumping into the gig economy can be a beneficial way for students to increase their income.

4. Brand Ambassador

Hiring people to promote and raise awareness of a brand isn’t a new concept, but it is more prevalent these days thanks to social media. That said, not all brand ambassadors are required to work online, so you don’t need to have amassed a huge following on any platform to give this idea a shot. In-person ambassadors work with businesses attending or exhibiting at events; duties may include distributing marketing materials, providing product samples, or just setting up and occupying tables at conferences. This type of job can often sit well within a student’s schedule and provide reasonable part-time income

5. Tutoring

Tutoring is a perfect job for students seeking extra income. The fact that it comes with its own rewards –– helping to shape the education of schoolchildren –– is a bonus. Most tutoring work these days is remote, and usually involves assisting other students on a one-to-one basis with homework, as well as discussing and reviewing assignments and helping with exam preparation. And you can get set up with students today through any number of online platforms designed to connect students with tutors. Once you're set up, you can effectively pass on your knowledge and learning tips, and earn a bit of spare income in the process –– about $17 or $18 an hour on average, according to Chron

It remains an unfortunate reality that a lot of college students today face a need to make money on the side. But the opportunities above represent sensible solutions that can yield helpful income through relatively small time commitments.
  
Article written by Riley Anne Johnson
Exclusively for DMFLF

The FitKit Programs aim to bring financial literacy education to those who stand to benefit the most from Financial Literacy Education in schools and in the larger community.  FitKit Express Programs are tailored to fit the specific needs of men and women living in poverty or are otherwise at risk thereof, and relate to the mindset, history, values, and challenges of those specific communities. At DoughMain Financial Literacy Foundation we aim to Educate, Empower and help youth and adults overcome the pitfalls of America's financial system.

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​Content by F. Crumlish DMFLF Contributor

​Sometimes we all need to find some extra cash each month, either to handle an emergency, save for a goal, or just try to improve our overall financial situation. If you search the internet for tips on “best ways to  stretch a dollar,” you will find hundreds of articles and tips. There are dozens of books on personal finance with chapters on managing your spending. Your friends and family will also have suggestions. Some are easier to implement than others. Here are some ways you can use to stretch your dollar:

Make a budget and stick to it. Budgeting is key to understanding where your money goes. Once you have a budget, make it a point to monitor it and freeze your spending once you hit that number each month. This may not be possible in all cases, such as if you have an emergency car repair. But it can work very well for discretionary expenses such as entertainment and dining out.

Pay yourself first. When you create a budget, establish an amount that you will automatically transfer to your savings or investment account from each paycheck, so that less of your paycheck is immediately available to spend. If you don’t “see” it in your checking account, you are less likely to spend it. Your savings grow.

Needs versus wants.  Before making a purchase, ask yourself if what you intend to buy is something you need, as opposed to something you want. This will help to avoid impulse purchases, such as a lottery ticket, can of soda, or snack. More significantly, if your phone works well, do you really need to upgrade it to the latest model? When shopping, you can avoid impulse purchases if you ask yourself if the item is something you really need before heading to the checkout counter. You can buy things you want if your budget allows it, but be honest with yourself.  Don’t describe branded or luxury items as needs if there is an acceptable, less expensive or “prestigious” alternative. This is an especially good rule to follow when shopping for a car. A reliable car doesn’t have to have a leather interior, heated seats, or an eight channel stereo.

Grocery shop with a list. Supermarkets are filled with things you really do not need displayed in a manner that entices you to buy them. If you make a list, and stick to it, you will avoid buying extra items. If you reach for something off the list, ask yourself if it is really something you need. When making your list, check for coupons and comparison shop brands. Sometimes store brands are significantly less expensive than name brands for comparable items.

Don’t Shop When Hungry -  Shopping for groceries while hungry often makes it difficult to avoid the impulse to buy food items not on your list. A 2015 study found that hunger promotes the acquisition of non-food items as well - in any store. The upshot of this is that you should never go shopping - for anything - on an empty stomach.

Bring your lunch to work. - It costs significantly more money to eat out than to bring your lunch. Even if you bring your lunch a few days a week, you will save.

Avoid sales - unless you are sure it’s a deal. A “Sale” is a marketing ploy to entice you to buy things you don’t really need, or clear out unsold items. Also, just because something is marked as “On Sale,” doesn’t mean it isn’t available at a better price elsewhere. When shopping sales, make sure you understand what things cost. Ask yourself if the item is something you really need. Remember too that “sales” often occur several times a year, so you will likely get another chance to buy what you want.

Don’t buy more internet or phone service than you need. The more internet speed or phone data you buy, the higher your bill. “Gig” speed internet is designed to enable several devices to stream video or game simultaneously. If you only have a few devices, or do not game or stream video, you can probably get away with a slower service such as 200 or 400 bps. You can always upgrade your service later, if you find your internet too slow for your usage. Similarly, you can track your cell phone data usage to see if you really need “unlimited” data or if a less expensive plan will suffice.

Review subscriptions. Subscription services have become the norm for video, music, and other programming.  Businesses such as gyms and yoga studios have also use a subscription model. And then, of course, there are magazines and newspapers. Review your subscriptions to see if you are using them. Cancel  those you do not use. You can always restart them later on should you wish to.

Pay off your credit cards, highest interest rates first. Credit cards carry very high interest rates. You should never charge more than you can pay off, in full, by the due date each month. The reason is that paying on time keeps your credit good, and paying in full means you do not pay interest to the bank. If you do have credit card debt, you want to pay it off as soon as possible. You should do this by paying off the card with the highest interest rate first, while keeping the others current. Eliminating all interest keeps more money in your bank account. If you find yourself unable to avoid charging more than you can pay in full each month, stop using your credit cards. Pay with cash or a debit card instead.

Save your change - Small change adds up. Drop it in a jar, then take it to the bank later on. If you use a debit card, some banks offer “keep the change” programs where they round your purchase up to the next dollar and deposit the difference in your savings account. For example, if you buy something for $9.50, the bank will round it up to $10.00 and deposit $0.50 to your savings account. Over time, your savings add up.

1.  Hunger promotes acquisition of nonfood objects Alison Jing Xu, Norbert Schwarz, Robert S. Wyer Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Mar 2015, 112 (9) 2688-2692; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1417712112

Being a post-college graduate can be scary. Going from a support system of professors and administration ready to help guide you to a self-made, self-sufficient business owner can be daunting. That nervousness can be increased if you’re debating whether or not to start your own business, which means managing everything by yourself. However, if you possess any of the three traits mentioned below, and think about all the logistics before you take that risk, then a life of entrepreneurship could be for you. 

A Great Idea
If there is one trait all successful businesses have in common, it’s that they started with a great idea. This may seem obvious but the importance of it cannot be overstated. Think about a business idea as the foundation. The sturdier it is, the overall health of a company will stay healthier for a longer period of time. 

However, where do great ideas come from? One of the most sure-fire great ideas comes from identifying everyday problems and solving them creatively. Yakir Gola is a perfect example of doing just that; developing a solution to a problem he discovered in his own life. Gola was one of the only people in his friend group to own a car while at college, which meant he was the only person to ferry his friends back and forth to the convenience store. Seeing that this was a problem for many college students, he got to work creating a business that would deliver convenience store goods right to peoples’ doors. 

Problem-solving is a great central idea for a business, especially if it removes one less thing for people to juggle in their everyday lives.  So, think of some problems the general population may face every day. Have a solution that’s creative and/or innovative? If so, then you may just have the next great business idea!

An Ability to Lead
There can be an immense amount of pressure on you when you are the founder of a business. You are now the one everyone will look to for answers when something goes wrong. Leadership skills are vital for a company to thrive and grow, and to keep you sane as you traverse the entrepreneurial landscape. 

Being a leader, however, doesn’t mean your demeanor should be cold and ruthless. While it is important to look out for the overall good of the company, being compassionate will always net you better results than overlooking others’ emotions to get to a bottom line. Experts in the field even state that being nice will make you a better leader overall. Why wouldn’t it? People are attracted to compassionate people. Those who listen and care will make their teams feel heard. If an idea is a foundation then the employees are the supporting structure of your business, and treating them with respect will only lead you closer to success. 

A Want to Succeed
The journey to reaching your entrepreneurial goals may not always be easy. Roadblocks are almost a guarantee when in the driver’s seat of your own company. Growing pains happen to everyone and it’s important to remember not to assume you’ve failed when you hit one. There will always be ways to overcome these problems that pop up, but one thing that may not always be there is the want to overcome them. Being self-motivated, even in the face of adversity, might be the most beneficial trait to possess. Remember, at the end of the day, this business is your business. It wouldn’t exist without your work. Whether it be life events or the growing pains of business, a desire to persevere is an essential trait of any business owner. 

Being a Young Entrepreneur
Those three traits are not the only things to think about when deciding if starting a business after college is right for you. Being a young entrepreneur can be exhilarating, but there can also be some hardships ahead. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros

• You’ll have fresh ideas - Being a young entrepreneur means that you have a unique perspective on the world compared to some. You also haven’t been in the industry so long that you have been heavily influenced by the business world and can truly be a clean slate that cultivates new ideas.
• You have time to explore - Having the freedom to explore your career options is truly a bonus of being young. Pivoting an idea or even completely overhauling your business is easier to do as a young entrepreneur when you have your whole business life ahead of you. Take advantage of this time of your life to really hone in on and expand business skills. 
• You have the energy for the work - Starting your own business can be tiring. Long hours, little resources, and many meetings take most of the day. However, college has prepared you for all-nighters and you still have the ability to bounce back from them! Energy dwindles as we age, so it’s beneficial to get the initial long hours out of the way while you’re young. 

Cons

• You may feel inexperienced - Unfortunately, people will judge you based on your age. No matter how knowledgeable you are, there are some who will feel that the younger you are the less authoritative you are. You may also feel some sort of impostor syndrome yourself while trying to gain respect as a business owner. 
• You might suffer from fear of missing out - “FOMO” happens to everyone, but being a young entrepreneur can exasperate the feeling. While you have to work tirelessly at growing your business, your friends may be off enjoying their free time. This can feel like you are wasting your youth.
• Your funds may be low - Leaving college means the kick-off to paying back student loans, which will lead to a dwindling bank account for you to start a company. Businesses can require an immense amount of money to get off the ground which can be a reason to decide entrepreneurship is not for you. Using a startup calculator can help you break down your costs and give you a clear idea of the amount you’d be looking at.

The world of entrepreneurship can seem intimidating, even with college classes on the subject under your belt. However, if you are prepared to put the work in and implement these three skills then the title of  “business owner” could be in your future.

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