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Last updated – July 30, 2022
I admit it – I love a good garage sale. However, there is something even better about a good thrift store. I have been amazed at the things I have found there. I have found clothes with tags on them and end up paying less than 90% of the marked price! No kidding!
What I think I love most about thrift stores is the thought that my frugal finds actually benefit someone. Whether it be the Salvation Army, Girls & Boys Club, or even Council of the Blind — my money isn’t lining the pockets of the big dogs. That always makes me feel good!
Another plus is that I am, in essence, recycling! I am not having to buy all new stuff and am giving things that are gently used a second chance at life. It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to a headboard that you pay $3.00 for! If that cute shirt has some smudges on it, you’ll find that a little soaking in some Oxy Clean or tossing some Tide Stain Release in the washer and it’s as good as new. Oh – and the toys — as long as they don’t have batteries, just throw them on the top shelf of your dishwasher and they’ll clean up good as new!
Did you know that when you donate to some thrift stores you can get cash, discounts or both? And, you can even get tax receipts for your donations through many of them — just be sure to keep a VERY accurate list of every item you donate so you can calculate the correct deductions come tax time!
If you love your thrift store, be sure to sign up for any newsletters that they might have. You never know when you’ll catch a sale. Yes – even thrift stores have sales!!! If you think about it, if you find a shirt that is $3.00 — then you are going to pay only $1.50!
So, if you’re a “closet” thrift store shopper — come on out! You’re no longer alone!
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Zero based budgeting is a process where every dollar that comes in goes to the number one priority.
It’s an effective way of prioritizing your money and executing properly, but it can be hard to know where to start when you are just getting started with this new system.
Budgeting can be a nightmare when you don’t have the mindset and tools to make it easier.
So many people struggle with money- they are overspending on things their family doesn’t need or doesn’t enjoy, which causes stress in their lives. But if your goal is financial freedom, it’s time to learn about a new budgeting system.
If you have a desire to:
Spend less than you make
Get out of debt
Save money faster
Become financially independent
Then, you are in the right place! Let how easy and simple zero based budgeting really is!
Decide what you want your budget to achieve: a zero-based budget forces you to think about what you want your money to do, rather than just accepting the status quo.
If you want to use zero based budgeting but aren’t sure where to start, this article will guide you through setting it up in an easy and effective way.
What is zero based budgeting?
Zero based budgeting is a financial planning strategy where every dollar in the budget has a specific purpose. With this type of budget, it can be helpful for those looking to get their finances in order or who want more control over their spending.
A zero based budget is when you start from scratch every month and assign every dollar a job.
Income – Expenses = $0
You begin by calculating your income for the month, then subtracting your known expenses. What’s left is $0, which means you have to get creative with how you’ll spend the rest of your money.
You can use a zero based budget template to help make this process easier.
What are the benefits of using a zero based budget template?
There are many benefits to using a zero based budget template.
Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it allows you to see where every penny is going. This comprehensive view gives you a clear picture of your expenses and makes it easy to identify areas where you can cut back on spending.
In addition, using a zero based budget helps individuals worry less about their financial health. Since all living expenses are accounted for in the budgeting process, there is no need to panic if an unexpected expense pops up. This peace of mind can be very helpful when trying to stick to long-term financial goals.
A zero based budget template is also easy to follow. The basic plan can be executed without any difficulty, making it a great choice for people who want a simple way to manage their finances.
How to create a zero based budget template?
A zero based budget template can be helpful in tracking your money and achieving financial goals.
There are a variety of ways to create a zero based budgeting template, and no one size fits all approach. That is why we offer a zero based budget template in our shop that you can modify to your needs.
There are a few key things you’ll need to create your zero based budget template. The first is a list of your monthly income, expenses, and savings goals for the year. This will help you stay on track and plan ahead.
The next step is to individually itemize each expense and income. This may be time-consuming but it’s crucial in order to get an accurate picture of where your money is going.
After that, it’s important to track your spending and income on a monthly basis. This will help you see if you’re meeting your goals or not.
It is important to choose the proper zero based budgeting template for your needs.
What are the 5 steps in creating a zero based budget?
There are five steps in creating a zero-based budget. This system was made popular by Dave Ramsey.
We will quickly outline the five steps to make your first zero based budget. Then, we will go into detail on creating your own zero based budget.
List your income
List your expenses
Subtract your income from expenses to reach zero
Track your expenses.
Make a new budget for the next month or pay period.
One way to ensure success by following a zero based budget is by taking small steps instead of making large changes all at once–this can be difficult for some people who are used to living paycheck-to-paycheck.
Another suggestion is to allow yourself some “fun money” so that you don’t feel too restricted while trying to adjust your spending habits.
By following these tips and using a zero based budgeting template, you can successfully get yourself back on track financially!
How to Create a Zero Based Budget
Zero-based budgeting is a system of budgeting that has been gaining in popularity since the introduction of personal computers and spreadsheets. It encourages decision-making based on values and not numbers, which is important in a time when numbers are often used to make decisions.
Zero-based budgeting allows you to start with a clean slate and create your own vision of what the future looks like.
You will need to gather all of your financial information together, including your income, debts, and expenses.
Step # 1: List out your income
The first step in creating a zero based budget is to list out all of your income.
This should include job income, side hustles, rental properties, alimony, child support, and investment income. Once you have a complete picture of your income sources, you can start to make decisions about how to allocate your money.
It is important to decide how you plan to budget your money on a monthly basis, bi-weekly basis, or by paycheck.
Step #2: Tally up your expenses
Be sure to include any regular expenses you have as well, such as rent or mortgage payments, car loans, and credit card bills.
Think of all of the budgeting categories you need for absolutely everything.
This will help you track your spending more closely and make it easier to find areas where you can cut back. Some people recommend creating as many budgeting categories as possible, including for example:
Housing
Utilities
Food
Transportation
Entertainment
Health care
If there’s something that doesn’t fit neatly into a category, come up with a name for it that will help you remember what it is. For example, “clothes” or “misc.”
You’ll also need to factor in any debts you may have.
Step #3: Get your budget to zero
Once you have a full list of your expenses, it’s time to subtract that amount from your income. Then, figure out if you are close to zero.
This is where you will likely have to make adjustments.
There are two ways to get your budget to zero- either spend less than you make (aka cut spending) or make more money.
If you want to stay out of debt and save money, it’s important to do one or both of these things. It may be difficult at first, but with a little bit of effort, you can get your budget under control and start saving for the future.
Budgeting is an extremely important tool to have in your financial arsenal. It allows you to have more control over your money and can help you make more of it. By following a few simple steps, you can get your budget to zero and start saving for the future.
Step # 4: Track your expenses
In order to be successful with a zero based budget, you have to be willing and able to track your expenses. This means being mindful of every penny that goes in and out of your account – ALL month long!
By tracking your expenses, you’re ensuring that every penny goes into the right place. This enables you to see where your money is going and how you can save in specific areas.
Expenses tracking apps allow you to easily record, categorize, and analyze your spending. They let you see how much money you spend on different categories of items from groceries to travel and more. Some of the most popular apps are Simplifi, You Need a Budget, and Qube Money.
This also makes tax season less daunting because you’ll have a complete record of all of your transactions.
You can also use this information to refine a realistic budget that works for you.
Step # 5: Make a new budget for each month or paycheck
Creating a new budget every month is an important part of zero based budgeting. This helps ensure that you are always aware of your current financial situation and can make changes as needed.
It is best to create your budget before the month begins, so you have time to adjust as necessary.
A zero-based budget is a great way to get your finances in order. It can be tough to stick to, but it’s worth it because it forces you to pay attention and make adjustments.
This is why the budget by paycheck method has gained popularity in conjunction with the zero based budgeting system.
Tips to Make Your Zero Based Budget Successful
It can be difficult to stick to a budget, but there are ways to make it happen.
Here are a few quick budgeting tips:
Make a list of your necessary expenses and stick to it.
Cut back on unnecessary spending.
Live within your means.
Find cheaper alternatives to your regular expenses.
In addition, here is what you need to make sure your money is spent where you want and not following the status quo.
You need to learn which payment type is best if you are trying to stick to a budget.
Know your End Goal
What do you want your money to do for you?
Too many times, we let life dictate how and where we want to spend money. Then, we are always chasing from behind.
To truly make your money work for you, decide on three core areas you want to spend your money. Then, make your budget reflect those values.
Understand the Flexibility of Zero Based Budget
Zero-based budgeting is a great way to stay flexible with your finances. There are no set rules to follow, and you can adapt as your life changes. The goal is to always be mindful of your spending and make sure that every penny counts.
Unexpected expenses are going to pop up from time to time, so it’s important to have some flexibility in your budget. That way, you can handle these unexpected costs without breaking the bank.
Put Most Important Expenses at the Top
When creating a zero based budget, it is important to start with the most important items and work your way down.
This ensures that you do not miss any essential expenses and that you are able to stick to your budget. It is also important to be realistic about what you can afford and to make sure that you are flexible in case of unexpected expenses.
Put in a Cushion or a Buffer
When starting a zero based budget, it is important to be realistic about what you can and cannot do.
Some people find it helpful to have a cushion in case of unexpected expenses, while others prefer to keep their spending as low as possible. It is important to find what works best for you and stick to it.
Additionally, remember that your goal should be to live within your means, not spend less than you make.
Look Ahead
When creating or following a zero based budget, it is important to be mindful of any upcoming events that may require more money.
This includes things like holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. If you know these events are coming up, you can plan for them in your budget and make sure you have the funds available.
Check out ideas for bill calendar strategies.
Sinking Funds
One of the most important things to remember is that you need to plan for big-ticket items and one-off events. This can be done using sinking funds.
Sinking funds are special savings accounts that are specifically designated for planned expenses.
You put money into the account over time until you have saved enough to cover the expense. This allows you to avoid breaking your budget when something unexpected comes up.
Learn how to use sinking funds.
zero based budgeting Example
Zero based budgeting is a way of organizing your finances in which you spend money only on things that have an actual impact on your financial situation.
This method can help you stay mindful of how much you are spending and where it is going.
It can also help you to make better decisions about what needs to be paid off, saved for, or invested in.
Here is a basic zero based budget example:
Can You Make a Zero-Based Budget With an Irregular Income?
Zero-based budgeting is an excellent way to manage your finances when you have an irregular income.
Regardless of how much money you earn each month, you can create a budget that will help you save money and make the most of your income. With a zero-based budget, every penny has a purpose and you can be sure that you are making the most of your resources.
It is also helpful to “age” your money by at least one month. That means your April income will be paying your May bills.
The Best Zero Based Budget Templates and Apps
Zero-based budgeting is a methodology of budgeting that starts with the assumption that how much one has at the beginning of each period should be used to purchase only those things needed. This is different from the traditional budgeting practice of starting with how much one has at the end of the last period and using that as a basis for what needs to happen during the next period.
There are a number of zero-based budget templates and apps that are available on the internet. The following seven are some of the most popular:
1. Tiller Money
Tiller Money is a budgeting app that allows you to create a zero-based budget. This means that every dollar in your budget has a specific purpose.
It has a “Foundation Template” feature that allows expenses to be budgeted against goals in order to make sure the amount of money actually spent is at a minimum.
This allows you to create a zero based budget quickly and easily.
You can try Tiller Money for free for 30 days, and the annual cost is $79.
2. Simplifi by Quicken
Simplifi by Quicken is a budgeting app that takes a different approach to budgeting.
Rather than starting with your current income and expenses and trying to adjust them, Simplifi starts with your savings goals and works backwards. This can be helpful for those who have trouble sticking to a budget because it allows you to focus on your financial dreams rather than your current spending habits.
You can set up your own categories, limits, watchlist, and spending plan.
It offers all of the features of Quicken with the added convenience of being able to access it on your phone or tablet.
Another thing that makes Simplifi stand out is that it is ad-free (unlike Mint), which can be helpful if you are trying to stay focused while budgeting.
Enjoy your first 30 days free and then pay as low as $3.99 per month.
3. Qube Money
Qube is an app that helps you create intentional, smart spending habits.
With Qube, you have the freedom to manage your money with real purpose. Qube helps you stay on top of your finances by giving you a clear picture of where your money is going and how much you have leftover each month.
Qube Money is a budgeting tool that helps you manage your money by automatically ledger transactions and allowing you to divvy up your money into qubes. This makes it easy for you to see how much money you have in each category and click to spend.
Get started with Basic for free with 10 qubes. Upgrade to Premium for $6.50 per month.
4. YNAB
You Need a Budget (YNAB) is a popular method of budgeting that requires you to spend money from the previous month’s income. They stress “aging your money” to break the living paycheck to paycheck method.
Each month you start from scratch each month, accounting for all of your income and expenses.
YNAB is best known for its awesome support community and training.
It offers a free trial for 34 days, after which it costs $84 per year.
Best Zero-Based Budget Template For Debt Payoff
It is useful to make a debt payoff plan that starts from the zero level. This will allow you to track your progress and adjust your budget as necessary.
Using Tally is a great tool when paying off debt.
Time for you to Start with the 0 Budgeting Method
A zero based budget is a financial planning strategy where every dollar in the budget is assigned a purpose. This differs from traditional budgeting where the focus is on last month’s spending and last year’s income.
With a zero based budget, you start fresh each month and assign every dollar a job or responsibility. This way, you can ensure that your money is being put to its best use.
When you use a zero based budget template, you are able to track every dollar that you spend.
This comprehensive view gives you a clear idea of where your money is going and where you can cut back on spending. Additionally, using a zero based budget template makes it easy to see if there have been any areas where you could save money.
The best part is you are comfortable knowing that all of your living expenses are accounted for.
This means that you can spend money without worrying about jeopardizing your financial health.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
As a new homeowner, I recently had to buy a homeowners insurance policy. And as a personal finance writer, I tried to take my own advice and “shop around.”
To be honest, it was a pain, and the rates I was getting on my own were way too high. Maybe it wouldn’t have been so bad if I wasn’t also trying to close on a house. In the end, I found an independent insurance agent, and she saved me hundreds of dollars and lots of headaches.
But I also learned that there were things I could do to help her keep my premium low year after year. For instance, I had planned to install an ADT security system, which I later learned would lower our premium.
So if you’re in the market for a new policy, here are six ways to make sure you’re getting the best possible rate:
1. Make sure you aren’t over-insured.
Being under-insured can be a big problem when disaster strikes. But being over-insured means you’re wasting your hard-earned moolah. So the ideal situation is to have just the right amount of coverage. So how do you do that?
Review your policy when it’s up for renewal each year. Specifically, make sure to review any floaters, which are extra insurance for items not fully covered in a standard homeowner’s policy. Examples include things like expensive electronics or equipment, valuable jewelry and artwork. If you no longer own the item or if its value has lowered, cancel or reduce the floater.
2. Reconsider your deductible.
A deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance policy kicks in and pays the claim. And the lower your deductible, the higher your insurance premium. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), today most insurance companies recommend a deductible of $500 or more. But if you can afford to raise your deductible to $1,000, you could save as much as 25 percent. And, advises the III, don’t forget that you might have more than one kind of deductible. For instance, if you live in a disaster-prone area, like one prone to windstorms, hail or earthquakes, your insurance policy may have a separate deductible those specific types of damage.
3. Clean up your credit report.
Like it or not, when it comes to insurance, your credit report is up for grabs. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), states that insurance companies have a “permissible purpose” to look at your credit information without your permission. And since insurers have found that credit history is a reliable predictor of how risky someone is to insure, they use that information to determine whether or not to offer you a policy, as well as how much to charge for your premium.
So besides all the other important reasons to monitor your credit report, doing so can also yield you a lower premium on your home insurance, or at least prevent your premium from going up. And be sure to order copies of your credit reports once per year, since you can be sure insurers are checking it before you renew. For instance, a 2007 report by the Arkansas Insurance Department found that in 2006, a total of 457,982 policies in the state were written or renewed that involved the use of credit as one of the factors weighed in determining the premium. Of those, 32.3 percent resulted in the premium being decreased, and 9.2 percent resulted in the premium being increased. In the remaining 58.5 percent, credit was a neutral factor.
According to the III, in most states the insurance company has to advise you that they’re raising your premium because of red flags on your credit report. But it’s best to just check your credit on a regular basis and correct errors quickly to make sure your record is always accurate.
4. Make your home Fire Marshall Bill-proof.
Fire Marshall Bill was a Jim Carrey character on the sketch show In Living Color, and his safety lessons, which he demoed on himself, resulted in fires, explosions, and loss of limb.
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You probably know better than to toss lighter fluid on a burning pipe, but you might not know about less ridiculous safety measures that could lower your insurance premium. Talk to your insurance agent or rep to find out if you can save money by doing things like:
Making your home more windstorm-resistant, such as adding storm shutters.
Updating your plumbing and electrical systems to reduce the risk of water and fire damage.
Increasing your home security with smoke detectors, burglar alarms or dead-bolt locks.
These aren’t cheap updates, so make sure they’ll lower your premium enough to make it worthwhile and that your updates will qualify for the discount. For instance, an insurer might have a list of qualifying alarm systems. Realistically, expensive updates like these aren’t usually done solely to save crazy money on insurance premiums. They’re typically things you want to do to make your home safer, or as Fire Marshall Bill would say, less “Dtuhhh-dthuhhh…DEADLY!”
5. Shop around every year.
We talked about this earlier, but really and seriously, you have to shop around if you want to make sure you’re getting a great rate. Ask your network for recommendations, and check out the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (www.naic.org) for help finding an insurer in your area. Pay special attention to the consumer complaint information, since price isn’t the only thing you want to consider when deciding on an insurer.
Or find an independent insurance agent, who shops around for you. Before finding my agent, my auto and home insurance quotes were in the $1,000-$1,300 range. Then I employed her services and she found a great policy from a reputable company for just $700. That’s some serious savings.
And speaking of auto and home insurance…
6. Consolidate to save more.
Some companies that sell multiple types of insurance, such as homeowners, auto and liability, will knock a percentage off your premium if you buy two or more policies from them. It can save you anywhere from 5 to 15 percent, according to the III. Just make sure the combined price with a discount is actually lower than buying separate policies from different companies.
Readers, can you add anything to this list? How have you saved money on your home insurance policy?
If you’re moving away for college and planning to bring a car, remember to check how this change might impact your car insurance. You might need to purchase your own car insurance policy, for example, or you may be able to stay on your parents’ policy if you meet certain conditions. Having the right coverage in place can help ensure you’re covered in case of an accident.
If you’re a teen driver or you have a teen driver listed on your policy, you might also be looking for ways to save. Adding a younger driver can make car insurance more expensive, but the good news is that some companies offer cheaper average rates than others for college students. In addition, several companies offer competitive student discounts.
The best car insurance for college students
While many of the best car insurance companies provide discounts to college students, some are more generous than others. Below, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team selected five top car insurance providers that offer competitive rates to college-aged drivers on their parents’ policy, according to 2023 auto insurance rate data pulled from Quadrant Information Services.
Each company is listed with its Bankrate Score, which shows how well each insurance provider performs overall, on a five-point scale. Our team calculates Bankrate Scores by analyzing each company’s average premiums, coverage offerings, discount options, complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), mobile app, J.D. Power score for customer service and AM Best rating for financial strength. The closer a company scores to five, the better it performs across each category.
Insurance company
Bankrate Score
Average full coverage premium with a student discount on their parents’ policy
Average full coverage premium without a student discount on their own policy
Geico
4.4
$2,523
$4,048
State Farm
4.2
$2,689
$7,089
Progressive
4.2
$3,163
$7,088
Farmers
3.8
$2,762
$6,567
Allstate
3.8
$4,184
$7,089
*Rates calculated for 18-year-olds students, either on their parents’ joint policy with a student discount applied or on their own policy without a student discount applied
Geico
Why we picked this carrier: Geico offers a low average full coverage rate when adding an 18-year-old college student to their parents’ car insurance policy.
If you’re looking for cheap car insurance, you may want to get a quote from Geico. Geico’s average annual cost for full coverage car insurance for 18-year-olds on their parents’ policy is $2,523 per year with a good student discount. College students may also be able to qualify for other discounts to further bring down the cost, like Geico’s discounts for membership in several organizations. The company received a high Bankrate Score of 4.4 for its wide range of discounts and low average premiums. However, the company lost a few points for its lack of optional endorsements. Unlike some of its competitors, Geico does not offer a 24-hour helpline.
PROS
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Offers discounts for fraternity, sorority, honor society and other membership organizations
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Several student discounts available
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Low average rates for college students added to their parents’ policy
CONS
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No 24/7 helpline
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Few optional endorsements
Learn more: Geico insurance review
State Farm
Why we picked this carrier: State Farm offers a generous potential discount percentage for good students.
Parents with 18-year-old students on their State Farm auto policy pay an average annual cost of $2,689 for full coverage car insurance with a good student discount. State Farm offers savings for eligible college students who can maintain a GPA of at least 3.0. Students attending school away from their primary residence without a car may also be eligible for a distant student discount, and combining these two discounts could result in an even lower premium. The company received one of the highest Bankrate Scores on our list for its low average premiums, accessible mobile app and excellent online policy management. However, if you’re interested in buying accident forgiveness coverage, a State Farm policy wouldn’t be ideal. The company only offers the coverage as a perk earned by having a certain number of claim-free years on your record, which can’t be bought.
PROS
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Low average rates for college students added to their parents’ policy
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Good student and distant student discounts available
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Offers a safe driving program for teens called Steer Clear
CONS
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Gap insurance unavailable
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Accident forgiveness can’t be purchased, only “earned”
Learn more: State Farm insurance review
Progressive
Why we picked this carrier: Progressive’s Snapshot telematics program could be a great savings opportunity for college students who drive safely and infrequently.
Progressive’s average annual cost of full coverage car insurance for 18-year-olds on their parents’ policy is $3,163 with a good student discount. In addition to the standard good student and distant student discounts, Progressive also offers Snapshot, a usage-based car insurance program — which could help lower your rate based on your driving habits. The company earns a high Bankrate Score for its exceptionally wide range of coverage options, plentiful discounts and seamless online policy management. However, the company tends to have lower-than-average customer satisfaction ratings according to J.D. Power.
PROS
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Usage-based car insurance available
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Good student and distant student discounts available
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Offers an automatic teen discount for drivers age 18 and younger
CONS
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Typically ranks lower than the average in J.D. Power customer satisfaction
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Rates may differ between online and agency quotes
Learn more: Progressive insurance review
Farmers
Why we picked this carrier: Farmers offers several discount opportunities to students.
Parents with 18-year-old college students on their policy pay an average of $2,762 for their insurance each year with Farmers with a good student discount applied. Farmers also offers a youthful driver discount for anyone under 25 who is a child or grandchild of a current policyholder. While Farmers scored well in terms of mobile app and policy management, the company doesn’t have 24/7 customer support and is not available nationwide.
PROS
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Students who make the dean’s list or honor roll may be able to save
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Several student and young driver discounts available, such as the Youthful Driver discount
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Offers a telematics program called Signal
CONS
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Not available nationwide
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No 24/7 support
Learn more: Farmers insurance review
Allstate
Why we picked this carrier: Allstate has multiple discount opportunities for college students.
Although Allstate has a high average premium for a student on their parents’ policy, college students may be able to apply discounts to bring down the cost of auto insurance. College students who can maintain a GPA of at least 2.7 may qualify for a good student discount, which is more generous than many other insurers’ good student discount qualifications. The company’s Bankrate Score was impacted by its high premiums. However, it gained points for its A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating and user-friendly policy management.
PROS
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Money-saving programs such as Smart Student and teenSMART available
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Several student discounts available
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Robust digital tools
CONS
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High average premiums
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Fewer additional coverage options than other carriers
How can college students lower their car insurance premium?
Because car insurance rates for young drivers are significantly higher than the national average cost of car insurance, finding ways to save money may be critical. To find cheap car insurance for college students, you may want to get several quotes to give you an idea of what you will pay. Some other ways to save include:
Student discounts
Many car insurance companies offer discounts designed specifically for college students, such as:
Earning good grades in school demonstrates to insurers that you are responsible, making it more likely that you are a responsible driver and often earning you a discount.
Another way to save money on car insurance is to complete a driver’s education course. For example, drivers with a Geico insurance policy could save by completing a defensive driving course to refresh their memory on the rules of the road.
You could save money by leaving your car at home when you are away at school. Most car insurance carriers will discount your rate if you a a certain number of miles away without a car, prorating your premium to reflect the months you are away at school and not using your vehicle.
Students can often save by demonstrating their safe driving practices through insurance programs designed for young drivers. For instance, there are savings programs like American Family’s Teen Safe Driver, for drivers under age 21, and State Farm’s Steer Clear program, for young drivers up to age 25. After completing the program, drivers could get a discount on their car insurance.
Affiliation discounts for students
Many insurance companies also offer discounts for students who participate in certain organizations or associations, such as:
Geico offers car insurance discounts for fraternities, sororities and even honor societies, along with an extensive list of other organizations.
Some companies may offer discounts if you are an alumni of a certain university or even if you’ve simply completed a two- or four-year degree.
If a parent is a veteran or military member, you might save extra money on your car insurance through military discounts. As a military-only provider, USAA is one option for military discounts for your car insurance, but a few other companies offer military discounts, too, such as Geico, The General and Liberty Mutual.
Other ways to save
In addition to student and affiliation discounts, there are other ways college students can help lower car insurance premiums using these additional savings programs:
Lower your mileage: When you spend less time on the road, there’s a lower risk of accidents happening, so many carriers will offer lower car insurance premiums to drivers who rack up fewer miles.
Drive a used car: Newer cars may be more expensive to repair or replace, so rates could be higher. A used car is generally cheaper to fix and may qualify you for lower car insurance premiums than a new car. Driving a vehicle with extra safety features is another way to potentially earn lower premiums, so explore models with safety features like anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, forward-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Explore pay-as-you-go insurance: Instead of paying full price for car insurance, you might be able to sign up for pay-per-mile insurance, which monitors your driving and charges your car insurance accordingly. It’s a popular option with several car insurance companies: Allstate offers its Milewise program and Nationwide has its SmartMiles program.
Car additions: Some additions and upgrades may make your car safer and help you save money on car insurance premiums.
Dash cams: Dash cameras could help reduce car insurance rates by reducing the likelihood of crime involving your vehicle and also protecting you against false liability claims that could cost your insurer money. Discounts for dash cams aren’t common, but you may find a carrier that offers one.
Navigation systems: A GPS navigation system can help keep you feel more prepared when driving, helping you drive slower and more safely, which could translate to lower rates.
Anti-theft device: A car alarm or other anti-theft device may earn you extra discounts by lowering the risk of theft or vandalism.
Ways to save on driving
Driving can be expensive, especially so for college students on tight budgets. Keeping transportation costs low can help students afford to keep their cars and maintain insurance on the vehicle. Here are some ways to save on gas and vehicle maintenance.
How to save on gas
Gas can be pricey, especially if you drive often. Here are some ways to lower your gas costs:
Choose a car with good gas mileage: College students often commute between home and school, so a car with excellent gas mileage can easily save hundreds of dollars each year.
Use a rideshare service: Using rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can help you save on gas costs, and may be especially cost-effective if you opt for group ridesharing, where you split the cost with others.
Utilize public transportation: Public transportation can almost entirely eliminate transportation expenses. Buses, trains or subways are often a fraction of the cost of driving and are usually accessible at most colleges or universities.
Invest in a bicycle: A bicycle can be an even better substitute for public transportation, especially for students in urban areas. Using a personal bicycle is free after purchase, and there are also typically lots of options for low-cost bike sharing or rentals in more populated areas.
Carpool with your classmates or colleagues: If you must drive, consider setting up a carpool or car-sharing arrangement with classmates or colleagues who live along your route. They will probably appreciate the opportunity to save money and it gives you the added benefit of some company during the commute. Just be sure to talk to your insurer if you’re exchanging money for gas and maintenance, to make sure you’re still covered.
How to save on maintenance
Maintenance costs should be factored into buying a vehicle as well, as they can be a large portion of your car budget. Here are some tips to save on maintenance:
Find car deals for new graduates: Many car manufacturers offer special purchase deals for current college students or recent graduates to buy a new car. There may also be short-term leasing specials available for students for those not ready to purchase a vehicle.
Ask about student savings programs for oil changes: Another potential place to save is regular oil changes. College students can burn through many miles and require more frequent oil changes, but many of the larger chains, such as Jiffy Lube, offer students discounts.
Utilize free tire and air fill-up services: To save extra money on diagnostic and professional services, check your tire pressure yourself. Most gas stations offer free or cheap stations to check tire pressure and add air if necessary.
Research DIY repairs: There are several basic car repairs that can be done at home. Learning how to do essential maintenance can save money on parts and high labor costs. It will also save time to repair the car on your own schedule. These basic repairs are easy to learn and can save hundreds of dollars. Before attempting them, it’s worth researching potential safety hazards so that you can avoid complications:
Change the battery.
Change the oil.
Change your spark plugs.
Replace tail lights or headlights.
Swap out windshield wipers.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
$100,000 bodily injury liability per person
$300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$50,000 property damage liability per accident
$100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
$300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
$500 collision deductible
$500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with age 18 (base: 40 years) applied. The 18-year-old driver on their own policy is a renter. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
Pinching pennies doesn’t mean you can’t make yourself pretty. Yes, it’s true that personal-care products and services can take a big bite out of your budget. By the time you’ve paid for your salon visit, your skin cream, your hair product, and your lip balm, you can easily be out $100 or more in any given month. You don’t want to overindulge and blow a lot of money on personal appearance. All the same, it’s important to take care of yourself, and it’s possible to do so frugally. Here’s how.
Do Less
I’ll tell you a secret: I haven’t washed my hair in weeks. I rinse it with water every morning when I take my shower (in my fancy, newly-repaired shower that now features hot and cold running water!). But I only shampoo and condition it about once a month. When I do, I use a 50-percent solution of shampoo and water. This means I’m using about 1/60th of the shampoo I used to use when I washed my hair every day with full strength shampoo. Needless to say, one bottle of shampoo lasts me a whole lot longer.
There’s a whole “no-poo” movement for people who don’t want to shampoo their hair. A lot of them rinse with baking soda and vinegar instead, but I’ve found that even that is optional.
But you don’t have to dive into the deep end to minimize your beauty routine. Simply taking good care of yourself can dramatically cut down on the number of beauty products you need to use. When I asked readers for their favorite DIY beauty tips, a lot of them boiled down to simple self care.
Simple, free things you can do to take care of yourself without the need for products include:
Get enough sleep
Drink lots of water. No — I mean more water than that. Lots of water.
Smile!
Do It Yourself
Whether it’s doing your own manicure or making your own deodorant, there are lots of ways you can cut down on personal care expenses by embracing the DIY spirit. Look at each of your regular personal care expenses and ask: Would this be cheaper if I did it myself?
Some ways to take charge of your beauty routines include:
Have a friend cut your hair. This clearly doesn’t work for everyone, but if you have a relatively simple cut and don’t need it to look perfect all the time, having your hair cut at home by a helpful friend or family member can save you a lot of money. Haircuts are probably my biggest personal care expense, so I try to space out trips to my stylist by trimming my hair at home and seeing her once every few months.
Use oils as skin cleansers. Instead of indulging in expensive skin treatments, many of my friends swear by the oil cleansing method for cleaning and moisturizing their skin. I’ve never used the exact method, but I have used olive oil as a skin moisturizer for years and love it.
Make skin scrubs out of sugar or salt. It’s surprisingly easy to make very good salt scrubs at home with sea salt, massage oil, and a little essential oil. These are great for home use and make lovely gifts.
Making your own toothpaste. It’s easy to make your own toothpaste. You can do it with just baking soda and water, or you can get a little fancier. Either way, it will totally get your teeth clean. Confession time: I did this for a year or so and then went back to using Tom’s of Maine. It was just too weird to switch away from the toothpaste I’d grown up with. For me, toothpaste turns out to be one of the products I prioritize spending on, as I’ll discuss below.
Make your own deodorant. Making your own deodorant is dead simple and it comes out great. Plus you can scent it any way you like. If mixing a few ingredients is too much for you, or if your skin is very sensitive, one commenter on the Instructables article linked above suggests getting a small spray bottle and filling it with apple cider vinegar to spritz under your arms.
Virtually any beauty product can be made simply and cheaply at home. Lip balm, soap, lotion, face masks, shampoo: A quick Google search will turn up DIY recipes for all your favorite stuff.
Doing it yourself isn’t always worthwhile. Some DIY approaches, like making your own soap, can be time-consuming and expensive. Sometimes you can’t easily replicate the quality you’d get from a commercial product. But often a DIY solution is fast, cheap, and easy. It’s usually worth considering.
Prioritize Your Personal-Care Spending
Once you’ve minimized your beauty routines to the really worthwhile stuff, you’ll probably find you have a few luxuries you’re loath to part with. I have a dear friend who cuts her own hair, makes her own shampoo and deodorant, and never wears make-up. She splurges on $75 French moisturizer for her face, though. Nothing else works as well on her delicate skin. Since this is her one personal care luxury, she feels good about paying for the product she really loves.
You may find that homemade skin cream, or cheap stuff from the drugstore, suits you just fine, but you’re unwilling to part with your Aveda hair product or your monthly visits to your stylist. Great. This isn’t an exercise in deprivation. It’s about examining your spending so you can prioritize paying for quality on the things you really want, while saving money on ones that are less important to you.
How have you saved money on your personal care routines? Tell us your favorite DIY beauty tricks in the comments.
Chances are life insurance can provide some kind of benefit to your life. At age 57 you most likely have different priorities than that of a person who is younger, but there is still a valid reason for having a quality insurance policy
When it comes to insurance, there are multiple factors that must be brought into consideration before deciding on a particular type of life insurance.
What Do you Need?
As a 57 year old you are hopefully either already retired or are close to retirement. Additionally, your family most likely isn’t as dependent on you as your children are (hopefully) out of the house. If you have fewer people, or nobody, dependent on your annual salary, you may think that you don’t need life insurance anymore, but this isn’t the only purpose for life insurance. Even if your kids have finally moved out of the basement, you still need protection for your family
Regardless, you probably still have liabilities and most likely still have the desire to provide for your family.
It provides the peace of mind that your family will be cared for in the event of some kind of misfortune.
What are the going rates of life insurance at age 57?
The rates that are quoted depend on a number of factors aside from your health. Most likely though if you are a non-smoker, you have a clean bill of health, you most likely will be eligible for a Preferred Plus rate.
Many life insurance providers will perform a medical exam as well as obtain a history of your medical records before offering final quote.
Sex
10 Year
20 Year
30 Year
Male
Protective – $46.26/month
SBLI – $80.91/month
Transamerica – $180.69/month
Female
Protective – $34.30/month
SBLI – $59.60/month
Transamerica – $126.88/month
At age 57 you hopefully have no medical ailments, but this most likely will not be the case forever. It is easy to fall in the mindset that you will always be healthy, but life happens, and it is not always in pleasant form.
Life insurance comes into play by offsetting these misfortunes and offering peace of mind.
What Type of Insurance Does a 57 Year Old Need?
When you’re over 50, your life insurance needs are very different. There are several kinds of plans still available to you, but not each of them is a good purchase.
In most cases, a term life insurance policy is going to be the best option, because they allow you to decide how much longer you’ll need coverage. There might be a time in the next 10 or 20 years where you no longer need life insurance, which is why term insurance is so handy.
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What is Term Life Insurance?
A cheap term life insurance policy is appealing for many ages, but particularly for someone at age 57. In addition to being affordable, it offers a large degree of protection against of number of different scenarios.
Unlike a traditional insurance agent, independent agents don’t just represent one single company, we represent dozens of the most highly rated insurance companies across the United States. Don’t waste time calling all of the companies yourself, we can bring all of the lowest quotes directly to you. Contact our agents or simply fill out the quote form with your information, and you can get the best rates from reputable companies.
Working with an independent agent isn’t the only way that you can get cheap term life insurance. There are several other things that you can do to keep some extra cash in your pocket.
The first is to improve your health and start using that dusty gym membership that you’ve had for years. Unless you choose a no medical exam policy, you’ll be required to complete a short health physical before you are accepted for coverage. The medical exam is going to impact how much you pay for coverage. Put simply, the better health you’re in, the less you pay for life insurance. If you want to save money, cut back on the junk food and start hitting the gym. Your doctor and bank account will both thank you.
Similarly, you’ll need to quit smoking or using chewing tobacco. Being listed as a smoker on your insurance application is going to cause your premiums to double automatically, regardless of how the rest of your health is. If you want to save as much money as possible on your coverage, you’ll need to kick the cigarettes. Smoking is one of the worst things that you can do for your insurance rates.
The last thing you should do is make sure that you’re getting the right amount of coverage. It’s a delicate balance trying to get the perfect amount of coverage, but if you purchase too much life insurance, you’ll be tossing away money. Sure, it’s better to have too much than too little, but it could also mean you’re spending way more on monthly premiums.
Bottom Line
If you are getting standard life insurance quotes over 50 then you will see some wide variance in the premium costs. The key is to work with an agent that knows the market and can shop for the best life insurance for your needs.
One of the worst things that you can do for your family is to not have life insurance. Your loved ones will be responsible for thousands and thousands of dollars of debt, and not have the money they need to pay those bills. It can make a difficult situation that much worse.
Do you want to live a great life? Do you feel like your life isn’t going the way you want?
Maybe your plan isn’t working, or you just want a change because anything is better than how things are currently going.
Or, maybe you just want to improve your life even more this year!
No matter how you’re feeling, I believe that everyone is in charge of their own destiny and that everyone can learn how to live a great life.
If you feel things are not going the way you want them to go, then change it! You can improve your life and how you perceive it by taking part in different actions.
For that reason, I’ve packed this post with my best and most actionable tips so that you can live a great life, and there are some new ones that are sure to make this new year your best ever. Enjoy, and I hope this year is a great one for everyone.
Related reads:
How to live a great life in 2023!
1. Reach your goals in 2023.
To make it a great year, you’ll want to set goals so that you can reach your dreams. Those who set goals are much more likely to be successful than those who do not.
To reach your goals, you’ll want to:
Review the previous year along with your previous goals and objectives.
Make sure your goal is SMART.
Write down your goals and objectives.
Create a plan to reach your life goals.
Break your goal apart into smaller goals.
Keep track of your goal setting progress and make changes (if needed).
Find small ways to stick to your goal.
Find ways to motivate yourself when setting goals.
Make reaching your goal a friendly competition.
Read further at The Best Way To Set Goals And Reach Success.
2. Smile more.
Smiling is contagious and is very important if you want to live a great life!
Studies have even proven that smiling can improve your mood, even if it’s a fake smile.
Smile at the next person you pass, smile when you’re talking on the phone, smile when your loved one comes home, smile in an interview, and more.
Related: How To Better Yourself – 23 Challenges That Will Change Your Life
3. Don’t be afraid of what people think.
I used to really care about what other people thought of me, but I’ve been able to let go of that and now I couldn’t be happier. This has really helped me learn how to live a great life.
You shouldn’t let the opinions of others affect you, drag you down, control you, and so on. Like I always say “Who cares!?”
Why should the opinions of others matter to you? And, because everyone is different, all that should matter is what is right for you.
Related content: Learn How To Set Resolutions — Make This Year The Best Yet!
4. Spend less time watching TV.
I bring this up a lot on Making Sense of Cents, but this statistic is just crazy-
the average person watches around 35 hours of TV a week.
35 HOURS!
Our minds are greatly influenced by what we see on TV. Plus, watching TV can be a big time waster and can be detrimental if you want to live a great life.
Instead of turning on the TV the next time you are bored or looking for something to do, you may want to do something more worthwhile, such as working out, spending time with friends and family, reading a book, and so on.
5. Be more confident.
A lack of confidence may:
Prevent someone from believing in themselves.
Lead to someone being too shy to do what they want or need.
Force someone to do things they hate.
Cause someone to ruin a meeting, job possibility, and so on.
Lead to unhappiness.
On the flip side, confidence can open many doors for you.
It can lead to getting the job you want, making more money, reaching your dreams, meeting new people, networking, traveling the world, and more.
Read more at Be More Confident And Get What You Want In Life.
6. Be thankful for what you have.
The next time something negative is bringing you down, I suggest you try to remember all of the positive and good in your life. You already live a great life, you just need to remember that.
This is the power of positive thinking at its best.
You can be thankful for your family, friends, job, a past experience, opportunities, and more.
Thinking about everything you are thankful for can make something negative seem very trivial. You may even laugh at yourself for being so negative!
7. Start investing.
I want you to start investing if you haven’t done so yet.
You want to invest your money so that you can:
Retire one day.
Prepare for unexpected events in the future.
Allow your money to grow over time.
Read more at The 6 Steps To Take To Invest Your First Dollar – Yes, It’s Really This Easy!
8. Be kind to others.
You should always be kind to others. This can help both you and others live a great life. Being kind can open your mind, help you stop dwelling on negative things in life, brighten someone’s day, and more.
You can be kind to others by doing things such as:
Say hello to every person you walk by today.
Open doors for others.
Smile at strangers.
Help someone with their groceries.
Volunteer somewhere.
Related post: 50+ Random Acts of Kindness.
9. Look for ways to save more money.
Looking for ways to save more money may allow you to pay off your debt quicker, improve your financial habits, help you reach your dream sooner, and more.
Plus, there are many, many different ways to save money. You don’t need to sacrifice your favorite things or live an unhappy life in order to save money.
It’s all about being realistic and finding a good balance between saving and spending.
Read more at 30+ Ways To Save Money Each Month.
10. Take a risk.
Have you ever thought about doing something particularly risky but were too afraid to go for it?
Well, it may be your year! Or, at least maybe you can start planning to take that risk?
Doing something risky every so often can get your heart beating and your adrenaline rushing. This can really make you feel alive and like you are in charge of your life.
11. Realize that it’s okay to fail.
If you’re taking risks or trying new things, there is a chance that you may fail.
But, that’s completely okay!
You won’t know if something will work or not unless you try it, and sometimes failure is just a part of the learning process.
Part of living a great life is failing every now and then. Accept that fate now and you’ll be better prepared when it happens.
12. Create a budget.
The average family carries a lot of financial stress. Most people have student loans, credit card debt, a mortgage, car loans, and sometimes other forms of debt.
However, not many people have a budget.
In fact, 68% of households in the U.S. do not prepare a budget.
Budgeting can help you take control of your finances, which can then help reduce stress and allow you to reach your dreams. Having a budget is crucial if you want to live a great life.
Read more at The Complete Budgeting Guide: How To Create A Budget That Works.
13. Say yes.
If you often find that you’re hiding from everyone and you feel like you are stuck, you may want to try branching out and saying yes more often.
Saying yes can open you up to more situations, help you grow as a person, and so on.
14. Say no.
If you say yes to everything, but you are ready to pull your hair out, then you may want to start saying no. No one wants to be walked on or spread too thin, and you also don’t want to be holding yourself back from the things that you truly want to do in life.
Saying no may allow you to have more time to focus on what you truly want from life.
15. Don’t let life pass you by.
It can be really easy to let life pass you by. Before you know it, years or even decades may be gone.
Too many people have the mindset of “Oh, in 10 years life will be so much better because of such and such.” And then, they just let their lives go by without ever thinking about the present.
Well, what about now?!
10 years is a long time!
Reaching a goal is great, but you should always make sure you are living life to the fullest (on a budget, of course).
16. Cherish moments with loved ones.
You should never take a moment for granted with those that you love. This will sound very doom and gloom, but you just never know what may happen to you or them.
Plus, spending time with your loved ones is always a great time, so why not just do it more?!
17. Pay off debt.
Paying off your debt can lessen your stress levels, allow you to put more money towards something else (such as retirement), stop paying interest fees, and more.
Debt can hold a person back significantly, and by paying off your debt you may be able to live the life that you’ve always wanted.
Let’s make this the year that we finally get rid of our debt or at least work our way towards eliminating it!
Read more at How To Eliminate Your Debt.
18. Exercise more.
Whenever I’m feeling a little stressed out, tired, or even grumpy, I try to fit in a workout. I know that even a small workout is better than none.
Exercising is great and it can improve your life because it can make you healthier all around. You will feel more confident, your mind will be clearer, you will be able to better cope with stress, and more.
19. Increase your credit score.
If you need a loan for anything in the future, you can do easy things to increase your credit score. Watch your utilization rate on your credit cards, pay your bills on time, watch the amount of hard inquiries on your credit report, and so on.
Your credit score is important because it can affect your interest rate and whether or not you will get approved for a loan.
Just a few percentage points can mean the difference of hundreds of dollars each month.
That means you can wind up saving THOUSANDS each year just by increasing your credit score. You can check your credit score for free with Credit Sesame.
20. Don’t keep up with the Joneses.
Whether you are five years old and want that new toy everyone is playing with, or if you are 50 years old and are feeling the need to upgrade your house, car, etc., everyone has experienced wanting to keep up with someone else.
The problem with this is that keeping up with the Joneses can actually make you broke.
When trying to keep up with the Joneses, you might spend money you do not have. You might put expenses on credit cards to (in a pretend world) “afford” things. You might buy things that you do not care about. The problems can go on and on.
This can then lead to an excessive amount of debt and potentially set someone back years with their financial goals, if not decades.
21. Do what YOU want to do.
What makes you happy, excited, joyful, and motivated? That’s what you should be doing with your life (as long as it’s legal)!
Stop thinking about what other people want you to do and start listening to your heart. Who cares about what others think? If you spend all your time thinking about others, you will just be wasting a ton of time!
If you want to live a life of adventure – Go for it.
If you want to start a family – Start planning one.
If you want a better job – Get one.
If you want to change the world – Do it.
22. Read as much as you can.
I’ll admit it, I don’t read as many books as I would like to.
I’m so focused on reading about personal finance, but I know I need to occasionally take a break and do some reading for pleasure.
Reading is great for many reasons, such as:
Providing knowledge.
Improving your memory.
Opening your mind.
Bringing out your creative side.
It is affordable entertainment.
And more!
23. Think positively.
I say this often, and I believe it.
Thinking positively can greatly improve your life and your outlook on life. Being positive can help motivate you, it can help you to not waste time on regret, and more.
Related article: Why I Believe Being Positive Can Change Your Financial Situation And Your Life.
24. Don’t waste time on being negative.
You are wasting your time when you are being negative.
Instead of wasting your energy on things like dwelling on regret and/or gossiping, you can be more productive by using this time for things that actually matter.
By being more positive, you will be able to better simplify your life.
25. Find free forms of entertainment.
Someone once told me how expensive it was to have fun. They were telling me about all of their debt and everything that goes along with it, then they also told me that their monthly “fun” budget was around $500.
Uhhh what?! $500? A month?!
If you are trying to get rid of high-interest rate debt, I can’t think of any reason for why you should be spending $500 a month to have fun.
There are many ways to have fun for cheap. Check out How To Have Frugal Fun for some of my ideas.
26. Stop letting money control you.
If you want to gain control of your life and make it a great year, then you need to gain control of your money.
This means you need to stop worrying about all of the things that are holding you back. Instead, create an action plan so that the littlest things do not tear you down or stress you out.
27. Get enough sleep each night.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the average person needs around 7.5 hours of sleep in order to “function at their best.” However, the average person actually only sleeps around 6.5 hours.
Lack of sleep, according to HealthLine, can lead to issues such as:
Impaired brain activity
Memory problems
Moodiness
Depression
Cold and Flu
Type 2 Diabetes
Weight gain
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Due to this, you should aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
28. Find something good in a negative situation.
There may even be some good in a bad experience, even though it can be hard to think about the positive while you are experiencing something negative.
Through the power of positive thinking, you can use a bad experience to learn something new about yourself, to realize you made a mistake, to come up with a new plan you never thought of before, and more.
Taking the negative and turning it into a learning experience can help prevent a negative situation from happening again. Or, maybe next time you’ll be more prepared!
29. Travel to a random place.
There are many wonderful places in the world. Traveling to a random place can help improve your confidence, open you up to new experiences, and may even make you a little uncomfortable- and sometimes that’s okay.
30. Create a bucket list.
If you don’t have a bucket list, I recommend creating one now! In case you are unaware, a bucket list is where you list all of the major goals you want to meet, places you want to visit, and things you want to do in your life.
Creating a bucket list can give you the motivation you need to work harder towards your dreams, it can give you a sense of direction, and a great feeling of fulfillment as you complete each amazing thing you want to do.
31. Welcome the unknown.
Some people like to ignore the unknown because they are afraid of it. However, you’ll never know what your future holds unless you try new things and welcome different experiences.
When looking forward, you should make a realistic plan for what may happen once you start taking steps to reach your goal. This may make the whole thing much more relaxing and less stressful because you will be more prepared for the unknown.
For example, if you want to leave your job for something else but are afraid of what may happen, one thing you might want to do is to make sure you have a well-funded emergency fund. This way, if it takes you a little longer to find your dream job or dream life, your emergency fund will be there to help ease some of the stress.
32. Be open to new things and tackle your fears.
When was the last time you did something new? So many people live inside their comfort zone when they actually need to branch out every now and then.
Yes, stepping outside of your box can be tough, but what if it completely opened your eyes and changed your whole outlook on life? Wouldn’t that be amazing?
If you want to learn how to live life to the fullest, this is something you need to do every now and then. You could even give yourself a goal to try something new each day, each week, or each month.
33. Become more organized.
Being unorganized can waste a significant amount of your time. It leads to late fees, stress, lost items, and more.
Here are some surprising statistics I found from Simply Orderly about being unorganized:
The average person spends 12 days per year looking for things they can’t find.
Every day, the average office worker spends 1.5 hours looking for things.
In a recent survey, 55% of consumers stated they would save anywhere from 16 to 60 minutes a day if they were organized.
23% of people pay bills late and have to pay late fees because they are unable to find their bills.
34. Be open minded to live a great life.
Being open minded is a great quality. There are billions of people in this world and everyone is different, so instead of judging others we should be more open minded.
And, everyone can stand to be a little more open minded.
Being open minded can help you accept changes, love others, be optimistic, learn from others, and most of all, it’s relaxing. Instead of worrying about what everyone else is doing, you can relax, have less stress, and just accept those around you.
35. Finally get rid of cable.
The average monthly cable bill is over $100. The average cable bill is around $200 a month.
You can read more about cutting cable here and how to save money by doing this. I recommend getting a digital antenna so that you can receive local channels for free!
We don’t pay for any form of TV (not even Netflix!), and we LOVE it.
36. Drink more water to live a great life.
According to Lifehacker, the average person should drink around 9 to 13 cups of water per day. This is just a baseline, though, as if you exercise or are in hot weather, then you should consume more.
However, not many people get anywhere near this amount of water.
Drinking water can help you lose weight, perform better, be happier, prevent headaches, help your skin, and is a must for your body to survive.
37. Make more money.
Here on Making Sense of Cents, I spend a lot of time discussing extra income, side hustles, side income, and how to make money online. I believe that earning extra income can completely change your life in a positive way. You can stop living paycheck to paycheck, pay off your debt, and more, all by earning extra money.
In fact, because of extra income and my blog, I was able to pay off $38,000 in student loans within 7 months, I was able to leave my day job in order to pursue my passion, travel full-time, and more!
Related blog posts:
38. Spend less time on social media.
The average person spends many, many hours on social media each week.
Between Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and many others it can be quite easy to waste your entire day.
If you find that you are spending too much time on social media and that it is negatively impacting you, you may want to shut down the social media accounts that you are spending too much time on. You can even create a time block so you cannot access your accounts during certain periods of the day, and so on.
39. Declutter and downsize.
Decluttering and downsizing can help you:
To save money. In some cases, a bigger home can cost more due to higher utility bills, more clutter being bought, higher insurance, more maintenance and repairs needed, higher purchasing price, etc.
To have less clutter. The bigger your home, the more likely you’ll have empty rooms that you feel the need to put stuff in. Now that we live in an RV, we are much more mindful of what we buy. We think about every purchase in terms of weight, size, where we can store it, and more.
To spend less time on maintenance and repairs. If all other factors between two homes are the same (age, location, etc.), a bigger home is more likely to take up more of your time and money due to more things breaking.
To spend less time cleaning. A larger home is going to take a lot more time to clean than a smaller one.
40. Have regular family money meetings.
Talking about money and conducting regular budget meetings is an important task for every family and serious relationship to take part in. A family who has regular money talks and budget meetings is more likely to be financially successful and happier than a family that doesn’t.
Regular money meetings can lead to better communication between family members, a more unified financial goal, family members being more involved and motivated, and more.
Read more at Family Budget Meetings – Yes, You Need To Have Them.
41. Keep a journal.
While I don’t have a journal, I do have this blog, which acts as a journal in a way. Keeping a journal can help you reflect on your past, and it also allows you to see the progress you are making towards your goals and dreams.
Plus, spilling your heart out every so often is great for the mind and soul.
Related tip: If you’re looking for a life planner, I highly recommend checking out Erin Condren and looking at their life planners and monthly planners. This can be a great way to stay motivated so that you can reach your dream life!
42. Don’t be afraid to be successful.
When some people become successful and reach their goals, they occasionally start feeling guilty.
Yes, I know, this might seem weird. However, I understand this.
Sometimes I really dislike telling my friends and family how great life is and how much I love my business. I often feel guilty, but I just need to remember that a mixture of luck and hard work led me to where I am. Everyone has their down points, and I had them as well.
You shouldn’t be afraid to talk about your accomplishments, and you shouldn’t ever be ashamed of your success.
43. Sit silently.
When was the last time you just sat down in complete silence with no distractions? For the average person, this is probably a rare occurrence.
Sitting silently can help you reflect on your life and what’s going on in the world around you. It can also help you relax, destress, and clear your mind.
44. Have an emergency fund.
An emergency fund is something that I believe everyone should have. However, according to a report by Bankrate.com, 26% of Americans have no emergency fund whatsoever.
This same report stated that only 40% of families have enough in savings to cover three months of expenses, with an even lower percentage having the recommended six months worth of savings.
This is frightening to me, as having an emergency fund can really help you get through tough parts of your life.
An emergency fund can help you if you lose your job, if your hours are cut back, if you have an unexpected expense, and so on.
Read more at Everything You Need To Know About Emergency Funds.
45. Stay motivated.
Even with how much I love saving money, every now and then it becomes easy to get unmotivated and want to SPEND ALL THE MONEY!
I’m sure I’m not alone either.
While many choose to live a frugal life, it’s not always easy. Some have large amounts of debt to pay off, others find it hard to stick to a budget, and more.
Finding financial motivators will help you continue to work hard towards your goal, even when it seems impossible. Without motivation, one might give up on a financial goal quite easily. This is why it’s so important to learn how to stay motivated.
Read more at Paying Off Debt And Budgeting: Tricks For Staying Motivated.
46. Stop being afraid of your past.
Just because you may have failed at something in the past, this should not prevent you from aiming for your goals. I know people who have completely given up with reaching for hard goals because they weren’t successful in the past. However, that’s a horrible mindset to have.
If you have failed in the past, then you should use those mistakes as learning tools for the future.
What will you do to live an amazing life? What tips on how to live a great life do you have to share with us?
Inside: Learn how much your 80k salary is hourly. Plus find tips to make more money and live the lifestyle you want.
Retirement can be a scary word to those who are not wealthy or afraid of having too much time on their hands.
People in the workforce often don’t know what they will do when their retirement comes around, but it doesn’t have to be that way after all.
For most retirees, there are many reasons they want to work after retirement. And that is 100% okay!
Low stress jobs after retirement make for great part-time careers while still providing enough flexibility to enjoy your personal life. Plus a little extra money is always helpful!
While there is no one “right” answer on which job for you, we compiled a list of 30 great options to consider. All of these jobs offer relatively low stress levels and plenty of opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
But before you jump on the first one that comes along, you want to consider which will work best and help ease your transition into the world of retirement.
When you retire, you want to find a job that is low stress and enjoyable. That’s why finding a good retirement job is so important!
The benefits of having a low stress job after retirement
After years of hard work, retirement is a time to relax and enjoy life.
However, for some retirees, working part-time or as a side job can provide additional earnings and a sense of purpose. The following jobs are perfect for seniors over 55, or those post-retirement. They have lower stress levels than the average job and offer many opportunities for growth.
Many retirees below starting a second career after retirement would be difficult and are looking for a job that has fewer strings attached. This may be due to the fact that many retirees feel they have reached the pinnacle of their careers and want more time freedom.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Fortunately, there are many available jobs with increasing demand and most even have lower stress levels than average.
Retirement is a good time to consider additional earnings. This can provide a stream of money for people who want to enjoy life longer and need an additional income. In addition, working can help retirees stay mentally and physically healthy.
Jobs to Do after Retirement
The list is composed of jobs that are perfect for seniors over 55, or even post-retirement. They have lower stress levels than the average job and offer many opportunities for growth.
Some retirees prefer to work part time or as a side job; others want to find a full-time position that will keep them busy and engaged in their community. Whatever your preference, know that there are plenty of great options out there!
Retiring means starting a new life, so it is important to consider this change as the beginning of a new life and not the end of an old one.
So go ahead and take the plunge into retirement! It’s a new beginning full of endless possibilities.
There are plenty of good jobs for retirees!
What are fun jobs after retirement?
There are many fun retirement jobs that pay a small fortune! And what your personality prefers!
Some people choose to continue working in the same field, but in a more relaxed or part-time capacity. Other people choose to use their retirement to try something new and exciting, such as starting their own business, traveling, or taking up a new hobby.
What can I do after retirement to make money?
Now that you’re retired, you may be looking for ways to make some extra money. Luckily, there are plenty of options to make money in retirement available to you!
You could start a business, become a consultant, or tutor students. In addition, you could also look into working from home opportunities or start a blog.
Maybe you want one of the best part time jobs in retirement.
Whatever you choose, make sure you do your research and find something you enjoy so you don’t get bored!
Tips to Making Money in Retirement
The best fun jobs after retirement include working at a theme park, house sitting permanently on a beach or something crazy you never dreamed yourself to do!
One great way to make some money is by selling your skills and experience. For example, interior decorating is a low-stress field that often requires past experience. Alternatively, you could become a real estate agent. Both of these opportunities allow you to use the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired over the years.
Another great option for retirees is to take advantage of the growing gig economy. There are a host of jobs available through online platforms like Uber or Lyft that don’t require a lot of physical activity or travel time. Plus, they typically offer higher pay rates than traditional employment opportunities.
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, consider joining one of the many survey sites out there. These sites reward you with a small amount of money for each survey you complete. It may not be much, but it can add up over time!
Finally, if you’re looking for an easy way to make some money, consider something easy like greeting people. This is a great option because it’s so easy and doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge.
Which job is stress free and high paying?
There is no such job that is stress free and high paying. All jobs have their own unique stressors and rewards. It is important to find a job that is rewarding to you and that you find manageable levels of stress.
There are many jobs that are considered “stress free” after retirement.
For example, many seniors are now looking into jobs such as being a consultant or working in customer service. These positions offer a more relaxed work schedule and usually don’t require extensive training.
In addition, the amount of money one earns from a job is directly related to how much work one put into it. If you’re willing to put in the extra effort, you can make significantly more money than those who don’t.
Really Focused on less stress?
Many seniors are also looking for jobs that don’t involve stress or concern. Proofreading is one such position that meets these qualifications. The job requires native-level English proficiency and an excellent understanding of grammar to succeed. In order to be successful in this field, you have to proofread documents that contain no grammatical errors, punctuation mistakes, or syntactic flubs.
You need to find a job that feeds your soul and doesn’t seem like work.
Plus it is fun to tell others what do you do for a living.
Best low stress jobs after retirement
Some people want to use their retirement as a vehicle to start their side hustle and be more relaxed than they were during work hours. This is a great way to spend your retirement! Most cool retirement jobs require little-to-no experience, but some do.
At the end of the day, you must decide if you want to work for yourself and start your own company with a higher earning potential. Or work for someone else with less strings attached and lower pay.
In many cases, you might be stuck working because you didn’t save for retirement, so here are a few jobs that are perfect for seniors over 55 years old, or even after retirement:
1. Freelance writing
Freelance writing can be a good source of income when one has the skills and experience to do so. The best part? You get to set your own hours and take on as much or as little work as you want!
This may not sound like a low-stress job at first, but it’s actually an excellent low-stress job! Being your own boss offers incredible benefits. Best of all, you can do it in a completely stress-free environment by deciding in advance exactly how many hours you want to work.
In fact, my friend over at More Time to Travel does freelance writing for Forbes.
Freelance writing is a great way to make money from home. Be sure to have a strong portfolio and excellent writing skills to land quality freelance writing jobs. Here is a great freelance writing course.
2. Tour guide
This is perfect for someone who loves people and to discuss their worldly knowledge.
A tour guide is someone who accompanies tourists and provides information about the areas they are visiting. They are usually seniors because no special certifications or degrees are required. However, it can be a fun job for anyone who loves meeting people and has a lot of knowledge about their area. Some tour guide jobs offer tips and the opportunity to travel.
A good tour guide will have a deep knowledge of the areas they are touring and will be able to answer any questions the tourists may have. Plus cash tips are always a perk!
3. House Sitter
You can house sit for someone you know, or use a site like Mind My House to find paying gigs. Rates vary depending on the city, but typically you can expect to earn $25-50/day as a house sitter.
It allows you to live in new places without having to commit to long-term leases, and it gives you an opportunity to meet new people and explore new neighborhoods. Plus, it’s a great way to make some extra money on the side as well as lowering your monthly expenses!
If this is something you are seriously considering, then check out this book to learn how to housesit from an expert.
4. Librarian
Librarians are responsible for organizing and managing library collections, helping patrons find information and materials, and providing instruction on how to use library resources. They typically work regular hours in a library setting, and their work is relatively active.
They also need excellent research skills and the ability to stay up-to-date on new technologies.
However, job prospects are good to work in this quiet environment.
5. Customer Service Representative
Jobs in customer service usually don’t require a lot of experience or special training, so they can be a great way to ease into retirement. And since most customer service positions are in the service industry, you’ll likely get to meet new people and help them solve problems every day.
They may work in call centers, retail stores, banks, or insurance companies. In some cases, they may also work remotely from their homes. Customer service reps typically need strong communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to stay calm under pressure.
6. Craft seller
Many people don’t have time for their crafts like they wanted when working full-time and raising kids. So, retirement is a perfect time to become an artisans who make and sell their own products.
You can set your own hours, work from home and sell whatever you like. There are many online marketplaces that cater to craft sellers, so you can find a platform that fits your style and interests. In addition, you can attend craft fairs and other events to sell their work in person.
Make sure to price your items competitively and take the time to create an attractive product listing. Plus ship quickly and provide excellent customer service to keep buyers coming back for more!
7. Crossing Guard
It only requires a few hours of work per day, and the pay is decent around $15 an hour.
The job does not require any special skills or training, so it is an ideal way to spend your golden years. Plus you can keep youthful by staying around all of the school-aged children.
8. Blogging
This is a form of expression for most retirees or those thinking about retiring.
It can be a low stress job after retirement, as you can do it from the comfort of your own home and set your own schedule. You don’t need any special qualifications or training to start blogging – all you need is a computer, an internet connection, and something to write about.
Blogging is a great way to create fresh, new content on a regular basis for your website. In fact, my friend over at Tuppennys Fireplace uses blogging to drive extra money to their retirement budget each month.
You can sell advertising space on your blog, use affiliate marketing to promote products and services, or even launch your own product or service. The sky’s the limit when it comes to making money from blogging – so if you have something interesting to say, go for it!
9. Elder Care Services
Services can range from in-home help to full-time nursing care, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
While this may seem odd as a low stress job in retirement, it is a good reminder that you are still youthful in others’ eyes.
These may be simple jobs such as picking up groceries, light cleaning, cooking meals, or companionship during the day. Given the cost of nursing homes and certified nursing assistance, this is an affordable option for families who want extra eyes on their loved ones.
10. Private Island Caretaker
Okay, this is the one I want!
If you are reading this and need a caretaker, I am happy to be the right person for your estate.
A lot of caretaker jobs are in private areas, such as private islands, ski resorts, large estates, and other remote or private areas. This is often because employers need someone they can trust to be on-site full time and take care of things.1) Private Island Caretaker
Caretaker jobs are a great way for retirees to stay engaged and active in their golden years. They can provide a sense of purpose and routine, as well as an opportunity to explore new places and meet new people.
11. Docent or Usher
One low-stress job that retirees can consider is becoming an usher at their local theater or sporting area. This job does not require much training and typically pays minimum wage, but it can be a great way to meet people and see new shows and watch sports.
A docent is someone who has expert knowledge about a certain subject and can teach people about it through guided tours and lectures. They are often found in museums, art galleries, and other places where people can learn about the arts.
For many retirees, these are the perfect jobs to get paid for enjoying their hobbies and events they didn’t have time to see when working full-time.
12. Work at Disney
Jobs at Disney parks can be both fun and challenging, with plenty of opportunities to make new friends and help guests have a great time. You’ll need to be able to work hard and stay cheerful under pressure, but the rewards are many.
If you’re interested in working at one of the happiest places on earth, visit the Walt Disney Company website to learn more about current openings and how to apply.
Perfect for the retiree to stay youthful!
13. Invest in Various Intiatvies through Crowdfunding
When it comes to investments, there are many options to choose from that can fit any personality type.
Crowdfunding was created to help more people invest in various businesses by pooling resources together. This makes it more affordable and less risky for everyone involved.
For many retirees, this is a great way to impact start-up businesses and maybe even have a great ROI on their money.
14. Tutoring
Tutoring can help students learn in a one-on-one environment, and help them to focus on the material. Tutoring can also help build a student’s confidence, and help them to ask questions they may be too embarrassed to ask in a classroom setting.
It’s a great way to help students who are struggling and give them the support they need to succeed. You also get the satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping young people achieve their goals. Tutoring can be done in person or online, so it’s a flexible job that you can fit around your schedule.
In today’s society, there are plenty of opportunities to help students achieve faster with tutoring. Most tutors are paid at least $30 an hour.
15. Virtual assistant
There are many low stress jobs that can be found online and Virtual Assistants are one of those jobs.
A virtual assistant is a professional who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location. Often, virtual assistants work for multiple clients simultaneously, providing a wide range of services including social media management, email management, bookkeeping, and more.
They provide a service to their client through the internet and This is a great way for someone with retirement to start making money fast because most VAs make between $35 and $50 an hour.
Take free training for becoming a virtual assistant!
16. Personal shopper
A personal shopper may work in a store, helping customers find what they need, or they may work remotely for a customer who gives them a list of items to purchase. Either way, personal shoppers usually charge by the hour.
It also pays well, especially if you work for a high-end retailer. And since you’re working with customers one-on-one, this is a great job for someone who enjoys helping others. Perfect for a retiree to get out and about.
17. Personal organizer
They may work with individuals or groups, in both business and personal settings. Personal organizers usually have excellent time management skills, as well as a thorough understanding of the principles of organization.
This type of position is great to keep you moving as well as help others.
18. Animal shelter worker
They may feed, groom, and exercise the animals, as well as administer medication and vaccinations. They also clean cages and kennels, and may handle adoptions. The work can be physically demanding, but it is also very rewarding to help homeless animals find new homes.
For someone who loves animals, this is a perfect opportunity to make money and help neglected animals.
19. Book store assistant
The work is relatively easy, and there are usually no major deadlines to worry about. Plus, bookstores are typically quiet and calming environments, which can be a nice break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
If you’re looking for a relaxed job after retirement, this could be it!
20. Photographer
Some people take up photography as a hobby, some as an art form, and some as a profession. The beauty of photography is that it can be whatever you want it to be. There are so many different types of photography, based on your taste and choice you can choose which area to focus on first.
In addition, photography is a great low stress job after retirement!
It can be done freelance to supplement your income or on a full-time basis. There are many opportunities for photographers, and the work is generally enjoyable.
21. Life coach
After retirement, there are many low stress jobs that a person can take on. One such option is becoming a life coach.
This job involves helping people work through their problems and achieve their goals.
By becoming a mentor for the next generation, you are able to have a lasting impact and legacy. This allows you to share your wisdom and knowledge while also helping someone else in their career path.
As a life coach, it’s important to be a good listener and have strong communication skills. Additionally, new graduates might be able to offer you fresh perspectives on life that you may not have considered before. It’s easy to become a mentor to coworkers or people in your field; all it takes is some time and effort.
22. Consultant
Consulting is a broad term used to describe an area of work. It encompasses a wide range of activities and can be done by anyone with the appropriate skills and experience.
Many retirees choose to focus on the areas they enjoyed at work and avoid stressful parts, becoming consultants in those fields.
Often, retirees are a great resource for companies looking for short-term or project-based work. If you let your network know that you are available for consulting opportunities, they may be more likely to reach out to you when they have a need. Additionally, the average consultant salary is between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience level.
23. Walmart Greeter
Greeters welcome customers, help them find what they need, and provide general information about the store. They may also monitor security cameras and alarms in the store. The position requires little training, and most Walmart greeters are given on-the-job training.
However, greeters must be able to handle stress well, as they are often the first point of contact for customers who are angry or upset. The position also requires being able to work weekends and holidays.
24. Dog walker
Dog walking is a great job for people who love dogs and want to make a difference in the lives of animals. It is also perfect for retirees who want to stay busy and have flexible hours. The work can be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is a low-stress profession.
Dog walkers are typically paid by how many dogs they are watching at any given time, rather than by the hour. There are specific websites where you can find work as a dog walker like Rover and the average pay is $14 an hour.
25. Pet sitter
A pet sitter is a professional who is hired to take care of pets while their owners are away. Pet sitters typically visit the home of the pet owner to feed, water, and exercise the pet. They may also provide additional services such as grooming and medication administration.
For example, many retirees enjoy pet sitting because it allows them to form close relationships with animals while also providing a service to their community.
Find plenty of pet sitting gigs on Rover.
26. Camp Host
After retirement, many people are looking for a low stress job that will allow them to travel, get outside, and see new places. Campground jobs are perfect for this because you can work during the day and explore at night.
Camp hosts are people who work at a campground to provide information and assistance to guests.
Campsites allow for some flexibility in terms of location – you may be able to choose the state or national park you’d like to work in, as well as the dates of your stay. Additionally, many camp hosts have a good deal of control over their schedules, which can be a perk.
They usually work for minimum wage, but can often receive tips from guests.
27. Adjunct Professor
Many retirees take on part-time work as adjunct professors. The position offers a high level of flexibility, good pay, and opportunities for professional development. In addition, adjunct professors often have the opportunity to work with students from diverse backgrounds and help them grow academically.
This can be a great way to share your knowledge and expertise with the next generation of students. Contact your local college and see if they have any openings. Adjunct professors typically earn around $3,000 per class taught.
28. Author
Becoming an author can be a great way to enjoy your retirement years while still earning some extra money on the side. The job doesn’t involve a lot of pressure, and you get to set your own deadlines.
There are a few different ways to get your book published. One option is to work with an agent. However, this may not always be possible, especially if you are writing a non-fiction book. Another option is to self-publish your book. This can be a great way to get your book out there without having to go through a publishing house.
You will finally have time to tell your story from your perspective.
29. Focus group participant
Focus groups are gatherings of people who are brought together to discuss a certain topic. The participants can range from 6 to 12 people, and they are typically held in local hotels or conference centers. During the focus group, the participants will discuss upcoming products, services, trends, and issues.
Focus group participants are typically reimbursed for their time and participation in the discussion. This can be done in a variety of ways but is usually either through cash or gift cards.
30. Furniture flipper
Furniture flipping is a great business for those who want to make some extra money with little stress and no formal education needed. You can do it from the comfort of your own home, as long as you have the necessary tools and space. With a bit of hard work, you could be on your way to making some serious cash.
Furniture flippers are people who buy furniture at a low price and resell it for a profit. They usually start as furniture buyers who love hunting for deals at garage sales or estate auctions. This is a low-stress job that’s also profitable.
For many retirees, it may have been a hobby turned profitable.
31. Delivery driver
Delivery driver is a great job for retirees because it keeps them active and socially engaged. It can be difficult to sit at home all day, so this job is perfect for those who want to be out in the world meeting new people.
Delivering food is a great way to make some extra money in your spare time. It’s a low-stress job because you’re only out of the car for deliveries, and many companies offer drivers up to $20 per hour.
I love Doordash because their sign-up process is so easy–you can be up and running in minutes!
32. Rideshare driver
Ridesharing is a great way for seniors to make some extra money on the side while still having plenty of time for themselves. It’s very flexible, so they can work as much or as little as they want, and it doesn’t require them to take too much time out of their day.
Both Uber and Lyft require relatively little startup capital, and retirees can often make money driving for these companies.
Just make sure you have the proper auto insurance for ridesharing.
33. Taxi Driver
Taxis are in high demand in most cities, so there is always work to be found. In addition, the hours are flexible, so drivers can work as much or as little as they want.
And since driving a taxi is not very demanding physically, it is a good job for those who are no longer able to do strenuous work.
Many people who move to a foreign country find being a taxi driver a highly rewarding and lucrative way to make money.
34. School Bus Driver
There is a severe shortage of school bus drivers across the country.
This may not be a low stress job to many, but you can have a long lasting impact on the students. Right now, our students need positive influences in their lives.
What does the job entail? You must have a valid commercial driver’s license (or find someone who will provide the training) and be clear from moving violations in the last 3 years. In addition, you must pass a background check to work with students.
Many districts are desperate for school bus drivers and providing a signing bonus.
35. Chat moderator
Chat moderators are responsible for monitoring chat rooms and helping to ensure that the conversation remains on topic and respectful. They also work to resolve any disputes that may arise.
They work in a variety of settings, from social media to online gaming platforms.
But for the most part, the job is relatively low-stress, thanks to the ability to take breaks and work flexible hours. Chat moderators also often have the opportunity to learn new technologies and hone their customer service skills.
36. Babysitter & Nanny
Babysitting and nannying is a great way to make some extra money in your spare time. It’s perfect for people who love kids and have a few hours in the afternoon after school lets out. You can help out your neighbors by babysitting their kids or finding families near you who are looking for a nanny.
They offer a lot of flexibility, they’re relatively low stress, and they often come with a set schedule so you know what you’re doing each week. Plus, you can usually work from home, which is a big perk if you want to stay active in your golden years.
The average babysitter in the United States earns a bit less than $15 per hour, but some earn at least $20 an hour. It is easy to find work.
37. Event Staff
Event planning can be a very stressful job, but it can also be a very rewarding one. After retirement, many people look for a flexible job that they can do mostly on the weekends and in the evening. Event staff is a great option for those people.
They may work in a variety of industries, including entertainment, hospitality, marketing or nonprofit organizations.
Event staff often have to wear many hats during an event, handling duties such as coordinating with vendors, setting up event spaces, managing attendees, and serving as liaisons between organizers and other staffers.
This may not be the situation for everyone, but great for someone who likes to be in the action.
38. Research Assistant
After retirement, many people feel lost and without a sense of purpose. A research assistant helps others find information and discover problems to solve. They work with teams or individuals to locate the best information possible and help them use it effectively.
Research assistants are in high demand because they help other people find information and solve problems. They work on a variety of tasks, such as conducting research, organizing data, and writing reports. Their skills are in high demand by companies, governments, and individuals who need help conducting research.
The job is relatively low stress and pays between $18 and $22 per hour. It requires patience, communication skills, and a range of computer skills.
39. Substitute Teacher
A substitute teacher is someone who fills in for a permanent teacher when they are absent. This can be for a variety of reasons, such as paid vacation, maternity leave, or sick leave. It is a great option for retirees because it is one of the most respected and low-stress jobs after retirement.
This is one of the best retirement jobs because you can substitute teach any position within a school.
Substitute teaching can be extremely rewarding, as you are able to help students in need and fill in for teachers who are absent. You may also have the opportunity to work with different age groups and learn new things.
It is now possible to earn around $20 per hour on average as a substitute teacher. In order to become a substitute teacher, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in any academic discipline from an accredited college or university. With the right qualifications, you can enjoy a great deal of flexibility and earning potential while working with children.
40. Airbnb Host
You can earn up to $1,000 per month by listing your home on the site.
It’s also a low-stress job since you don’t have to worry about meeting deadlines or dealing with customers. And, since you’re working from home, you can easily take care of any last-minute changes or emergencies.
If you’re interested in becoming an Airbnb host, check out this guide on how to get started.
41. Proofreading
In this career, you would be reading documents or manuscripts and looking for mistakes in grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax. You would then mark the errors with a correction symbol and provide a note to the author about the mistake. Proofreading can be done independently or as part of a team.
It is also important to be able to meet deadlines because many publishers require that manuscripts be returned within a certain timeframe.
42. Park Ranger
They enforce park rules, help visitors enjoy their visit, and provide information about the areas they patrol. Park rangers may also conduct educational programs, research projects, and archaeological surveys.
The growing popularity of outdoor recreational activities will lead to more demand for these workers.
Rangers must be able to hike long distances in difficult terrain, often carrying heavy equipment. They also may need to work extended hours, including weekends and holidays, during peak visitor seasons.
43. Voiceover artist
Voiceover artists are people who provide the voice for a character or commercial. They must be able to understand and interpret the script, and then deliver the lines in a way that sounds natural and believable.
Voiceover artists are in high demand for their unique ability to provide a voice for various multimedia productions that requires no formal training. This work can be done from anywhere with a good internet connection, making it an ideal job for retirees or those with flexible hours.
44. Real Estate Agent
The work is often exciting, and you can set your own hours. However, it can also be demanding and require long hours during busy times.
They must be knowledgeable about the current market conditions and have strong negotiating skills. In order to succeed in this career, you’ll need to be able to work well independently and be comfortable networking with potential clients.
You’ll also need to develop a strong marketing strategy to attract new clients.
45. Sports Coach
They may also instruct athletes on the rules and regulations of a sport. Sports coaches typically have a college degree in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field.
Coaches often work long hours during the season and must be able to handle criticism from players and parents. However, for those who love sports and enjoy working with people, sports coaching can be an enjoyable and low-stress job after retirement.
46. Artist
Being an artist is a great job to have after retirement because it doesn’t require a lot of stress and you’re free to create whatever you like. The only requirement for the job is that you have some artistic ability, which most people do.
Working as an artist can be perfect for people who are looking to have more flexibility with their hours and want to work on the go. There are many different types of artist jobs that one can find, and the best way to find out what’s available is to do some research online or talk to other artists in your area.
47. Translator
Translation is a great option for those who want to use their second or third language skills in a professional setting.
Many retirees find themselves with time on their hands after retirement and may enjoy doing something that they are good at and can be successful at. Speaking another language can lead to many opportunities, including working as a translator or in a translation services company, or becoming a consultant in foreign affairs.
Translators must be able to understand the source material fully and then accurately convert it into the target language.
48. Interior decorator
Interior decorators are in high demand because they have an eye for design and can help people make their homes look beautiful. This is a low-stress career choice that allows retirees to work anywhere, which is why it is becoming increasingly popular.
Interior decorators are often retirees who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in interior design. They must build up a portfolio of their clients’ homes before they can become an interior designer and be able to charge more for their services.
Interior decorating is a creative line of work that can earn great money, and it’s often a side hustle for people who want to make more money while still having free time. Satisfying customers is another perk of this career!
49. Handyman Services
If you’re looking for a way to make some money after retirement, and enjoy doing hands-on home repair projects, consider working as a handyman. Handyman work can be done on your own schedule, so it’s a great option if you want more flexibility in your life.
Handyman services are becoming more popular because they allow you to set your own rates and work on your own schedule.
This is beneficial for both the worker and the customer, as it allows the worker to charge a fair price for their services and customers can get work done on their time. Additionally, handymen have a variety of skills and can fix many problems around the home, which makes them a valuable asset.
50. Professional cuddler
Cuddling has become a popular service in recent years. Companies like Cuddle Comfort offer professional cuddlers that will come to your house and provide you with a compassionate, understanding listening ear as well as some quality cuddle time.
Some people make a living from professional cuddling. These cuddlers can earn approximately $40 per hour for just being themselves and giving bear hugs. This is a growing industry with many people finding comfort and satisfaction in human touch.
51. Mediator
To become a mediator, you need to have either legal training or a bachelor’s degree in mediation. This gives you the skills needed to mediate and resolve disputes between two or more parties. Mediators usually have a low-stress job because of their flexibility and freedom to work from anywhere.
Mediators come from a variety of professional backgrounds, but the majority have some form of legal background. More than half of certified mediators work as general mediators, charging $100 to $250 per hour.
52. Data entry specialist
A data entry specialist is somebody who enters data into a computer system. This can be a very low stress job, especially if you have basic computer skills and typing speed and accuracy. The work is relatively easy to find and usually does not require any specific qualifications.
Data entry specialists are paid a modest wage for their work, but the pay is reliable and predictable. The job is also relatively easy to find, making it a great option for people who are looking for additional work during retirement or in their spare time.
Being able to type quickly and accurately in order to be successful in this role.
53. Waiter/ Waitress
If you have a gift of gab and service, then this might be the perfect industry for you. Especially as a bar back!
The work hours are flexible, the tips are usually good, and you get to meet new people all the time. Plus this type of job is fun, as it’s not high-stress and it allows someone who just retired or wants a job with flexible hours to stay active socially while they make money.
If you’re looking for an alternative after retirement, waiter or waitress work is definitely a good option.
54. Cook
Many families are looking for healthy options for dinner. What is better than a home-cooked meal?
While working as a cook for a restaurant, you may often work long hours in a hot, noisy kitchen. However, cooking for local families on a small scale may be the perfect scenario.
55. Become a Transcriber
Transcription is a great way to make some money after retirement. You can typically make around $18-$25/hour, depending on your skill level and experience.
The work is relatively low stress, so it’s a great option for those looking for a relaxing way to make some extra income.
56. Retirement planner
Some retirement planners offer training and certification for their employees. The employer might pay for your training and certificate if they feel confident enough in hiring you as an employee after seeing how well you do these tasks.
This may not be the ideal situation for many, but it pays well.
57. Flip Items
Flipping items for profit is a great way to make some extra cash. You can find deals at garage sales and online, and then turn around and sell them for more.
Be sure to look out for scams, however, as there are many people who try to take advantage of those looking to flip items.
To learn how to flip for a side hustle, check out Flea Market Flippers.
58. Professional Volunteer
Charity work is a great way to give back to the community and help those in need. There are many charities that need help, and by donating your time or money, you can make a big difference in someone’s life.
It can also be a great way to ease into retirement. Many charities are always in need of volunteers, and you can often find opportunities that fit your schedule. You may also be able to find paid positions with certain charities.
You will have the opportunity to help others and make a real difference in their lives. You may also find new friendships and learn new skills.
It keeps you social and busy, and it lets you help out in your community. Plus, many organizations offer volunteer opportunities tailored to retirees’ skills and interests.
In fact, many volunteer opportunities turn into paid jobs.
How to find a job that is low stress and matches your skills?
Which best jobs for retirees do you want?
When you’re looking for a job that is low stress and matches your skills, it’s important to consider a variety of factors. For example, employers want employees who can work independently and are well-organized. They also want employees who can communicate clearly. You should have a basic understanding of the job duties as well.
If you have specific skills, you may not need these things as much.
However, employers still want employees who can complete tasks without any help from others. There are a variety of ways to find out about such jobs, including using search engines or social media sites like Facebook and LinkedIn.
Also, whoever says you have to wait for retirement?? Find low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree now.
It’s also important to be aware of the pay structure. Often, employers want employees who will be able to work for them on a long-term basis. The pay structure is often predictable and employers know exactly how much work there will be available for each project. This makes it easier for both parties involved.
One way to find a job that is low stress and matches your skills is by using online platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr. These platforms offer many data entry jobs that are perfect for those looking for an easy way to make some money after retirement. In order to take advantage of these jobs, you’ll have to learn how to type fast.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
If you’re curious who the top mortgage lenders in Utah are, I’ve got some answers.
Last year, more than 500 lenders in The Beehive State originated nearly $100 billion in home loans.
But one mortgage company far exceeded the others, so much so that it wasn’t even close.
Interestingly, this company isn’t headquartered in the state of Utah, nor does it operate retail locations.
I’m talking about United Wholesale Mortgage, or UWM for short. Read on to see who else ranked in the top 10.
Top Mortgage Lenders in Utah (Overall)
Ranking
Company Name
2021 Loan Volume
1.
UWM
$9.3 billion
2.
Rocket Mortgage
$4.5 billion
3.
Intercap Lending
$3.6 billion
4.
Mountain America CU
$2.9 billion
5.
First Colony Mortgage
$2.9 billion
6.
Homepoint
$2.7 billion
7.
America First CU
$2.4 billion
8.
Academy Mortgage
$2.2 billion
9.
SecurityNational
$2.1 billion
10.
Wells Fargo
$2.1 billion
Yep, a wholesale mortgage lender topped the rankings in the state of Utah, originating about $9.3 billion there in 2021, per HMDA data from Richey May.
As such, we might say that a legion of mortgage brokers is #1, as wholesale lenders rely on these intermediaries to generate all their business.
What’s surprising is the margin above second place Rocket Mortgage, which funded just $4.5 billion there.
This meant UWM doubled the volume of its nearest competitor, who also happens to be the top lender nationwide.
In third was Draper, Utah-based Intercap Lending, which originated $3.6 billion in its home state.
In fourth was fellow Utah company Mountain America Credit Union, a Sandy-based company that funded $2.9 billion.
Rounding out the top five was Orem-based First Colony Mortgage Corp. with a similar $2.9 billion.
It’s not often that you see three of the top five lenders of a particular state headquartered within the state.
But wait, there’s more! After six placed Homepoint’s $2.7 billion came Ogden-based America First Credit Union with $2.4 billion in seventh.
They were followed by Academy Mortgage (yep, also from Utah), SecurityNational Mortgage (also Utah), and finally Wells Fargo
All told, six of the top 10 mortgage lenders in Utah are Utah-based companies, which could be some kind of a record for an individual state.
Top Utah Mortgage Lenders (for Home Buyers)
Ranking
Company Name
2021 Loan Volume
1.
UWM
$3.1 billion
2.
Intercap Lending
$2.0 billion
3.
First Colony Mortgage
$1.5 billion
4.
SecurityNational
$1.3 billion
5.
Academy Mortgage
$1.1 billion
6.
Chase
$921 million
7.
Homepoint
$859 million
8.
Rocket Mortgage
$791 million
9.
Wells Fargo
$681 million
10.
Guaranteed Rate
$677 million
When we fine-tune the list to only consider home purchase lending, UWM once again tops the list with $3.1 billion funded.
While still mostly blowing away the competition, second place Intercap Lending narrowed the gap with $2 billion funded.
In third was First Colony Mortgage with $1.5 billion, followed by SecurityNational Mortgage with $1.3 billion and Academy Mortgage with $1.1 billion.
Once again, Utah-based lenders dominated the list, taking four of the top five spots.
This tells me Utahns really prefer to keep it local when obtaining a home loan, especially a home purchase loan.
The rest of the top 10 included Chase, Homepoint, Rocket Mortgage, Wells Fargo, and Guaranteed Rate.
A lot of big, national brands in there after taking into account the local companies.
Top Refinance Lenders in Utah (for Existing Homeowners)
Ranking
Company Name
2021 Loan Volume
1.
UWM
$6.1 billion
2.
Rocket Mortgage
$3.6 billion
3.
Mountain America CU
$2.0 billion
4.
Homepoint
$1.9 billion
5.
America First CU
$1.8 billion
6.
Intercap Lending
$1.6 billion
7.
First Colony Mortgage
$1.4 billion
8.
Wells Fargo
$1.3 billion
9.
Freedom Mortgage
$1.3 billion
10.
Pennymac
$1.2 billion
When it came to refinances for existing homeowners, UWM once again took top honors with $6.1 billion funded, a clean sweep of all three categories.
In second was Rocket Mortgage with $3.6 billion, followed by Homepoint with $1.9 billion.
No Utah-based companies in the top three, which isn’t a big surprise as mortgage refinances are typically price-driven.
In fourth was Intercap with $1.6 billion, followed by Mountain America with $1.5 billion.
The rest of the best included First Colony, America First, Wells Fargo, Freedom Mortgage, and Pennymac.
Top Mortgage Lenders in Salt Lake City
Ranking
Company Name
2021 Loan Volume
1.
UWM
$3.9 billion
2.
Rocket Mortgage
$1.8 billion
3.
Intercap Lending
$1.6 billion
4.
Homepoint
$1.2 billion
5.
Mountain America CU
$1.1 billion
6.
SecurityNational
$1.0 billion
7.
America First CU
$800 million
8.
Chase
$730 million
9.
Academy Mortgage
$676 million
10.
Wells Fargo
$665 million
Top Mortgage Lenders in Ogden
Ranking
Company Name
2021 Loan Volume
1.
UWM
$1.6 billion
2.
Rocket Mortgage
$975 million
3.
America First CU
$971 million
4.
Academy Mortgage
$866 million
5.
Intercap Lending
$699 million
6.
Goldenwest CU
$601 million
7.
Homepoint
$542 million
8.
Pennymac
$507 million
9.
Freedom Mortgage
$469 million
10.
Wells Fargo
$442 million
Top Mortgage Lenders in Provo
Ranking
Company Name
2021 Loan Volume
1.
UWM
$2.2 billion
2.
First Colony Mortgage
$1.5 billion
3.
Rocket Mortgage
$925 million
4.
Intercap Lending
$724 million
5.
SecurityNational
$680 million
6.
Homepoint
$678 million
7.
Utah Community CU
$615 million
8.
Mountain America CU
$559 million
9.
Chase
$384 million
10.
Pennymac
$380 million
Who Are the Best Utah Mortgage Lenders?
Seeing that the top mortgage lender in Utah was a wholesale lender, you’d need to get the ratings of all the individual mortgage brokers to determine their overall likability.
That would prove too difficult and wouldn’t really tell us much as the broker is likely more important than the lender they work.
Second placed-Rocket has a good 4.48-star rating on Zillow, while third placed-Intercap has a stellar 4.97-star rating.
Mountain America is generally well-liked (America First not as much), though hard to determine if it’s because of their mortgage lending or other banking services. Both are credit unions.
First Colony also has a 4.97-star rating on Zillow, slightly better than Academy’s 4.96 and Homepoint’s 4.89 rating. Meanwhile, SecurityNational Mortgage has a 4.88-star rating.
Then there’s Wells Fargo, which we all know has had its share of mortgage-related controversies, yet is still a go-to for many.
Other Utah-based mortgage companies not in the top 10 include SLC’s own Primary Residential Mortgage Inc. with a 4.98-rating, and Sandy’s Citywide Home Loans with a 4.96 rating.
In other words, there are plenty of good options out there, both big and small, some of which are household names and others relative unknowns.
Put in the time to research a handful of companies before making a decision on one.
Equal parts sophisticated minimalism and earthy mountainside respite, interior designers share how to include this new design trend in your home, even if there are no mountains in sight.
Getty Images/Gremlin
From cottage chic and coastal grandmother to rustic farmhouse, trends that center homes around earthy tones, reclaimed pieces, and natural elements have existed for years. Mountain modern style is the newest iteration to join the pack, only it draws inspiration from rugged peaks, rocky slopes, and windblown prairies. Here, interior designers define and explore this minimalist-meets-rustic aesthetic—and share how to make it work in your own home, whether you live in Colorado or New York City.
Related: Clustercore Is Trending—and It's the Perfect Decorating Style for Collectors
What Is Mountain Modern Style?
This trend’s name says it all: Mountain modern style translates the tones and clean lines found on mountains, resulting in a minimalist but warm interior punctuated by organic textures and unique art. “It is all about bringing the outdoors in through décor choices like nature-inspired color palettes, fabrics that are both aesthetically inspired by the outdoors and can also take a beating, animal-inspired artwork, and a mix of vintage and found items,” says Max Humphrey, an interior designer based in Portland, Ore.
Incorporating simple modern finishes is a tenet of mountain modern style; they create a clean and light counterbalance to purposefully unrefined details. In this sense, it steps away from the traditional “alpine” design that often feels dark, heavy, and dated. “The appeal of mountain modern design are the clean-cut lines, minimalism, and sophistication that homeowners want to bring to their mountain respite,” says interior designer Jackie Johnson.
Using Mountain Modern Style in Urban Settings
While mountain modern lends itself to homes nestled in the mountains, you don’t necessarily have to dwell in the alpines to pull inspiration from this trend. Just be aware that a little goes a long way if you’re not designing a mountain house, says Humphrey. Going overboard in a suburban or urban space could result in a space that feels inauthentic—or worse yet, borders on cheesy theme park. The goal is to incorporate warm, natural touches in ways that make sense for the space. And true to the “modern” portion of this trend, less is alway going to be more.
How to Add Mountain Modern Style to Your Home
Not sure where to start? Let this interior design advice guide you.
Strategically Layer Natural Textures and Tones
Mountain modern lends itself to layered earth tones and natural textures just as they would appear in nature. “Think of the details in the layering of the textures like wood, metal, and fabric that bring the space to life, rather than layering on more décor,” says Johnson. “In this case, less is more.”
You’ll want furniture with clean lines, minimal large-scale pieces that create interior vistas, and just a few accessories. Here are some ways you can subtly layer textures and tones into your space:
Natural Fabrics: Leathers and hide-on-hair fabrics can be incorporated via dining chairs, bar stools, accent chairs, and pillows.
Metal Accents: Metal legs on furniture, hardware with some patina, black steel windows and doors, and metal beams are beautiful mountain modern touches.
Wood Details: Try kitchen cabinetry in rift white oak, wood paneling on the walls of powder baths or feature rooms, and live edge tables.
Real Stone: You can add real stone via countertops, backsplashes in your bar or kitchen, or a waterfall island.
Getty Images/Gremlin
Use Rustic Materials in Authentic Ways
Marrying “mountain” and “modern” is key for this aesthetic. “The cleanliness and modern function is the attraction, but for many people, it lacks soul,” says Jordan Obermann, co-founder and co-principal of Forge & Bow. “Using rustic materials in real ways brings a sense of history to the home,”
His solution for striking that perfect balance is to understand the history of the home, keep finishes simple and streamlined, and to let the building materials shine. From there, you can incorporate rustic details where they make the most sense.
Focus on Natural and Accent Lighting
Let the sun be your primary source of light during the day. That means large, open windows that aren’t hidden behind curtains. Incorporate task and accent lighting for early mornings and evenings. “You’ll notice in the national park lodges there’s no overhead can lights,” says Humphrey. “Typically, there’s multiple sources of light, such as chandeliers, table lamps, and floor lamps. It gives you options at home to set the mountain mood.”
Let Windows Be Your Art
If you’re lucky to live in the mountains—and luckier yet to have a stellar view—let nature be your featured artwork. Arrange your space so that you’re invited to gaze outside, and keep window dressings light and to a minimum. If budget allows, consider incorporating a new window or widening an existing one. As an alternative, consider transforming a small door into a larger one, or swap in a full-glass door versus covered iterations.
Getty Images/Portra Images
Lean Toward Warmth
“Clean lines and modern finishes can lean both warm or more cold or sterile, but by bringing in the rustic principles of mountain modern, cold doesn’t work,” says Obermann. “Keep your finishes—even if they are more modern—warm and inviting.” This can be incorporated through the right wall color, large, cozy textiles, inviting furniture, and lighting.
Incorporate Art Prints
In lieu of (or perhaps in addition to) actual mountain views, art prints can bring a little mountain modern into your home. “Whether it’s vintage travel posters or flea market paintings of outdoor scenes, art is a good way to remind you of your travels or inspire you to go outside,” Humphrey says.
Install Earthy Wallpaper
Wallpaper is an easy way to bring some mountain modern magic into your home. “Even a floral print or a plaid or gingham paper that resembles a camp blanket can be a wink towards mountain modern, and can be used in a big way or sparingly in an accent wall or a guest room,” says Humphrey. When in doubt, stick to earthy hues such as forest green, cream, or sky blue that evoke nature.