#146 10 Ways Financial Independence Leads to a Happier Life

#146: 10 Ways Financial Independence Leads to a Happier Life –

Financial independence is more than just a financial goal; it’s a catalyst for a happier and more fulfilling life. 

By achieving financial independence (or financial freedom), you gain the freedom and flexibility to pursue your passions, reduce stress, and create a life that truly aligns with your values. 

You can spend more time with loved ones, retire early, travel the world, take a sabbatical, start a passion project, or simply spend more time relaxing.

The FIRE movement (financial independence, retire early) provides tools and strategies to help you achieve financial freedom, but more about that later.

Studies show that happiness skyrockets after retirement. Why not seek a happier lifestyle – on your terms – sooner?

In this article, I’ll introduce the FIRE movement and outline ten ways financial independence can lead to a happier lifestyle.

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#144 Unlocking Wealth the Best S&P 500 Index Funds

#144: Unlocking Wealth: the Best S&P 500 Index Funds –

Investing can feel intimidating, at least until you learn about S&P 500 index funds. Let me explain…

But first, let’s talk about why investing matters.

Investing is essential if you want to grow your wealth over time. It’s a great way to get your hard-earned money to work for you, and help you achieve financial freedom.

There are many forms of valuable investments, but one of the most popular strategies is investing in index funds. These funds track the performance of the S&P 500, a leading stock market index that includes 500 of the largest companies in the United States.

The stock market can be a daunting place, especially for those new to investing. With countless options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. 

By investing in an S&P 500 Index Fund, you’re essentially buying a piece of 500 of the largest companies in the United States. This diversification can help mitigate risk and provide long-term returns.

The good news? Investing in S&P 500 index funds is a comparatively easy, passive investing strategy.

In this article, you’ll learn about investing in S&P 500 index funds to achieve financial freedom.

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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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#142 Work Less, Live More How to Cultivate a Mindset for Financial Freedom

#142: Work Less, Live More: How to Cultivate a Mindset for Financial Freedom –

Most of us want to work less, live more, but did you know that a lot of your success comes down to your mindset?

The path to financial freedom is not solely about numbers and strategies but also about building a mindset supporting success

You might be surprised at how your beliefs and attitudes can influence your (often unconscious) financial behaviors. Ultimately, this impacts your ability to achieve financial independence. 

By cultivating a positive and empowering money mindset, you can pave the way for a more fulfilling and financially secure future.

In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to build a money mindset that will empower you to achieve your financial goals, FIRE, financial freedom, or otherwise.

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#140 Is Financial Freedom Possible When You Have a Disability

#140: Is Financial Freedom Possible When You Have a Disability? –

If you’ve ever struggled with a disability, whether it’s a physical limitation, chronic illness, or something else, then you’re living life in “hard” mode (as if life wasn’t already hard enough, right?).

Hard mode or not, you still have hopes and dreams and deserve the chance to achieve them.

Your hopes and dreams might even include achieving financial freedom, but it might feel impossible (like many things in life).

The pursuit of financial freedom is an aspiration for many, but when you have a disability, you’re faced with unique challenges. 

The additional costs associated with healthcare, assistive technology, and potential limitations on earning potential can make the journey to financial freedom more complex. 

So, is it possible to achieve financial freedom when you have a disability?

I’ll quickly skip to the ending by answering. Yes, financial freedom is achievable, regardless of disability. That said, it doesn’t come easy (disability or not).

If you’ve landed on this page, you might want to know how or why financial freedom is possible when you have a disability, especially when just living can seem hard enough.

If this describes you, then you’re in luck. In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know so that you can understand how and why it’s possible to achieve financial freedom, even with a disability.

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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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#137 How to Work Less and Let Financial Freedom Work Magic in Your Life

#137: How to Work Less and Let Financial Freedom Work Magic in Your Life –

Do you dream of the opportunity to escape the relentless grind and work less

Would you like more freedom to choose how you spend your time? It may seem like a distant fantasy, but it’s achievable with the right mindset and strategies.

FIRE & Financial Freedom: The Key to Work Less

The opportunity to work less lies in achieving financial freedom. This is where the FIRE movement – Financial Independence, Retire Early – comes into play. 

While the name suggests early retirement, the core principle is gaining control over your financial life. It’s about reaching a point where your investments generate enough income to cover your living expenses.

The beauty of financial freedom is that it doesn’t dictate a specific lifestyle. You might choose to retire early, or you might opt to reduce your work hours, pursue a passion project, or start your own business. 

The power lies in having the flexibility to choose.

In this article, we’ll explore how financial freedom can empower you to work less. In so doing, you can achieve a lifestyle that grants you more freedom to spend more time doing what you love.

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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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#135 The Cover Letter Conundrum Do Employers Really Read Them

#135: The Cover Letter Conundrum: Do Employers Really Read Them? –

The long-dreaded cover letter: a relic of the past or a powerful tool in your job search arsenal? 

In an age dominated by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and online applications, many job seekers question the value of this traditional document.

It’s a fair question, especially when simply filling out an application can take so much time. I know I’m not alone in wondering why employers require you to fill out online fields with your job experience (isn’t that what a resume is for?).

Not only that, but now employers are requiring projects, tests, and endless rounds of interviews. It’s exhausting.

Do employers read cover letters? Can they set you apart from other applicants? Do they actually make a difference in the job applicant pool?

More importantly: do cover letters still matter? And are they worth your time and energy when you could otherwise focus on other aspects of the job application process?

In this article, I’ll share some reasons why it may or may not make sense for you to craft a cover letter (hint: it depends). I’ll also give you a few tips for writing a compelling cover letter if you find you need one.

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