#148 A Holiday Guide for FIRE Tools for Financial Freedom

#148: A Holiday Guide for FIRE: Tools for Financial Freedom –

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and while you’re busy buying gifts for loved ones, a holiday guide for FIRE may be a great gift for yourself. Or perhaps it may inspire other gift ideas for your loved ones.

The holidays bring fun and a season of magic, but these times can also be stressful. With frequent activities and a shopping list that seems to never end, you might feel overwhelmed.

If you find yourself frequently feeling overwhelmed this time of year, take time for self-care. Perhaps you want to reassess where you stand on your FIRE goals, or maybe you’d rather relax and enjoy the holiday season with a new FIRE resource.

Regardless of where you stand this holiday season with goals or self-care, this holiday guide for FIRE will give you a list of valuable resources and tools to explore. Use this upcoming holiday guide to help you stay on track with your FIRE journey, or to help a loved one as they begin to explore a similar path.

In this article, I’ll share a list of some of my favorite FIRE tools and resources. This list includes books, courses, software, communities, and other valuable tools to support a FIRE journey.

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#143 The Ultimate Interview Guide How to Land Your Dream Job

#143: The Ultimate Interview Guide: How to Land Your Dream Job –

Looking for an interview guide to help you ace that interview and unlock your dream career? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

While the interview process can be nerve-wracking, the right preparation and a strategic approach can confidently showcase your skills and leave a lasting, positive impression on the hiring manager. 

Acing a job interview is a crucial step in landing your dream career. It can set you apart from candidates and even set the tone for your employment. 

If you’re ready to excel in your next interview and land the job of your dreams, keep reading on! This interview guide will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the interview process and secure your next role.

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#139 Is Transferring Colleges Worth It

#139: Is Transferring Colleges Worth It? –

You’re about to make a major choice, but you ask yourself for the hundredth time, “Is transferring colleges worth it?”

You’ve debated your options, weighing the pros and cons. You’ve consulted with a few trusted friends and advisors, yet you’re still unconvinced.

You know you started your college career where you’re at for a reason, but it no longer feels like the right place.

Let’s face it, we’ve all made a choice we regretted at some point or another. But making an expensive choice, like going to the wrong college feels more painful.

So what do you do? Do you tough it out for a few more semesters? Or do you pack up your things and hope to roam on greener pastures, wherever you go?

I once found myself faced with a similar choice after I started my freshman year of undergrad. Eventually, I did transfer, but I’ll get into that later.

The choice wasn’t easy for me, and I doubt it’s easy for you. Your future is at stake, after all, so it’s a scary choice to make. What if you choose wrong?

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know so that you can confidently answer the question, “Is transferring colleges worth it for me?”

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#138 Best Degrees to Make Money

#138: Best Degrees to Make Money –

Choosing which college to attend can be difficult, but have you ever wondered, “What are the best degrees to make money?”

The right degree can be a defining moment in shaping your career and financial future.

While passion is essential, considering the earning potential of different degrees can significantly accelerate your ability to achieve financial freedom. 

This article explores some of the best degrees to make money and how they can accelerate your journey towards FIRE (financial independence, retire early). Let’s delve into degrees that can fast-track your path to financial freedom.

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136 7 Ways the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Empowers Employees

#136: 7 Ways the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Empowers Employees –

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been a cornerstone of civil rights for individuals with disabilities since its passage in 1990. 

This groundbreaking legislation significantly transformed the workplace, creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for millions of Americans. It provided the rights and a pathway for disabled Americans to participate in the workplace in ways they weren’t previously able to.

It’s been decades since the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, yet there’s still confusion about what it entails. Both employees and employers struggle to understand the rules and requirements at times. The laws behind it are complex, but it is possible to navigate them.

If you have a legal disability, whether it’s a chronic illness, vision impairment, mobility issue, or otherwise, you might be surprised about the extensive ways the ADA can support you in the workplace.

In this article, we’ll explore seven key ways the ADA empowers disabled employees. Arm yourself with this information and you’ll be well on your way to better understanding your rights, and potentially negotiating with employers.

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#132 How to Find Your Why So You Can FIRE Your Career

#132: How to Find Your “Why” So You Can FIRE Your Career –

Learning how to find your “why” is arguably the most important part of your FIRE journey.

FIRE or Financial Independence, Retire Early is more than just about retiring early, it’s about building a life of freedom; a life where you choose how you spend your time.

Your “why” provides you with purpose, passion, and fuel to overcome life’s inevitable challenges. It’s a guiding post and a reminder of what you’re working toward.

The path to FIRE can be challenging, so it helps to know how to find your why, even if (or perhaps especially if) it changes over time.

Your goals and priorities will probably change over time, and that’s ok! It’s important to ensure your goals are in alignment with your “why” so that you can make any necessary adjustments.

If you’re ready to learn how to find your why, uncover your purpose, and fuel your journey to FIRE, then keep reading on and you’ll have the tools and resources to do just that by the time you’re done reading.

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#131 How to Calculate Your FIRE Number

#131: How to Calculate Your FIRE Number –

If you’re familiar with FIRE (financial independence, retire early), you might wonder how to find your FIRE number.

The FIRE movement has inspired many to achieve financial freedom, but do you know why? While everyone’s “why” is different, the ultimate goal is to gain the freedom to choose how to live your life.

You might choose to remain in your career if it fulfills you (focusing only on “FI”), but maybe you prefer to take advantage of “RE” and retire early. Perhaps it’s a matter of gaining more balance in your life and being able to invest your efforts where you find more meaning and purpose.

Regardless of your “why,” or how you choose to spend your time, you’ll need to understand the “how.” In other words, your “how much,” or FIRE number.

Your FIRE number will give you a finish line or a guiding post. The best part? It’s entirely reliant on your lifestyle. Your FIRE number might be low, or it can be high, depending on your yearly expenses.

So if you’re ready to outline your individualized path to FIRE and uncover your personalized FIRE number, keep reading on, and you’ll learn a simple way to calculate it by the time you’re done reading.

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#125 How to Negotiate Salary Increases in New Job Offers

#125: How to Negotiate Salary Increases in New Job Offers –

How to Negotiate Salary Increases and Land the Perfect Package

Congrats, you’ve gotten a job offer! What’s next?

Regardless of whether you choose to accept the job offer or not, you deserve to celebrate! However, before you sign the dotted line, make sure you remember an important step: negotiation

Consider this: negotiation is an essential step in securing the best possible job offer. So don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself! Most employers expect you to negotiate, so don’t forget that it’s just part of the process. 

Admittedly, it can be intimidating to negotiate. After all, sometimes the job offer itself feels like a gift, especially if you’ve been in the job market for a while. However, don’t forget that it’s in your best interest to negotiate the terms of your employment.

The only party that wins when you don’t negotiate is your (potential) future employer, so don’t be afraid to speak up for what you feel is right and fair when it comes to your employment.

Speaking of which, if you’re wondering how to negotiate salary terms, you’ve come to the right place!

If you’re ready to learn how to negotiate salary terms for your latest job offer, this article will help you do just that. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to navigate the negotiation process and unlock a compensation package that reflects your true value.

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#123 Is an MBA Worth It How to Get the Most Out of Your Education

#123: Is an MBA Worth It? How to Get the Most Out of Your Education –

The question, “Is an MBA worth it?” echoes through the minds of countless career changers and ambitious professionals. 

An MBA can be a powerful tool for propelling your career forward, but the hefty price tag demands careful consideration.

Student debt in the US has hit record highs in recent years and it’s a major concern, but fairly so. After all, it’s painful to take on hefty student debt, especially if you eventually pursue a career in an unrelated field.

That’s not to say that a degree isn’t worth it; many say it is. I count myself among this group. But some regret their choices for further education. 

This article explores the value an MBA can provide for YOU, analyzing the potential benefits across various job fields. By the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll have a set of decision-making tools to help you determine if an MBA is the right investment for you.

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#121 Career Success Upleveled Unlock the Power of Incremental Improvements for Grand Achievements

#121: Career Success Upleveled: Unlock the Power of Incremental Improvements for Grand Achievements –

The path to career success is often painted as a relentless sprint toward a not-too-distant finish line. 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve often envisioned meteoric rises, overnight breakthroughs, and grand pronouncements of achievement.

That’s how great career success goes, right?

Not quite. The reality of building a fulfilling and sustainable career marked by success is far more nuanced. 

The best achievements are made by normal people every day, and their lives are no more unusual than yours or mine. 

In fact, the greatest achievements aren’t made overnight. Grand achievements are made through careful, deliberate, and considerate long-term actions… baby step by baby step.

It’s a long-distance marathon, not a short sprint, and the key to victory lies in the power of incremental improvements.

In this article, I’ll tell you exactly how you can use the power of incremental improvements to drive career success and achievement in your life.

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