Buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps like Afterpay allow consumers to get the products they need without having to pay in full for them. Since the cost of living is pretty high nowadays, it’s not surprising that these apps have become so popular. Buy now, pay later is a form of short-form financing that enables… Continue…

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Last month was a wash since I paid off a credit card, but then turned around and used it for Princess’ wisdom teeth extraction.

However, this month, we are getting back on track.

After paying all the monthly obligations (bills plus transfers to savings, investments) and debt payments, I have $586 left. I’m anticipating that will cover the Texas trip. This will allow my savings to remain in tact which gives me a great deal of comfort.

Christmas on the Brain

I am already struggling with the idea of Christmas. This next week I will break out the remaining $5 for my Christmas budget and figure out how to use it. Thankfully, the kids are all great and I know they will be thrilled with anything. I truly do have great kids. The goal is to have Christmas done especially for the 3 boys and Texas family so I can avoid any shipping charges. Crossing my fingers. I’ve got to weeks to wrap it up.

Next Milestone Goal

I anticipate that my next credit card will be paid off in January at latest. The Frontier card, that is. Then I have to decide whether to focus on the final CC or pay off my dad. I feel like it should be my final personal loan. But my dad has made it clear that he is fine waiting. So I’m leaning toward the credit card. No promises, but I am sticking with the plan of paying off the credit card debt first.

I’ve also got to re-evaluate my tax plan for the new year since my annual income will be significantly higher than this year. (I’m also hoping for a bonus this year. Can’t plan for it, but I’m hoping.)

The post Hope’s Debt Update – November, 2024 appeared first on Blogging Away Debt.

We can’t all get a second or part-time job to make more money. For those who can, it’s great! But what about the rest of us? Pregnant women, stay at home moms/dads, short/long term disabled folks, new and nursing moms, and of course, the millions who can’t find a job much less a second one?… Continue…

The post 81 Legit Ways to Make Money Online for Beginners (2024 Update) appeared first on MoneyPantry.com.

I don’t know about you, but I hate giving money as gifts to people for special occasions, because handing over an envelope with a card and money in doesn’t feel that special. However, I know the benefits to giving someone cash, especially so that they can buy something they really want, or save it towards […]

The post Creative Ways To Gift Money appeared first on Make Money Without A Job.

In the world of NIL and major realignment in college football, the Indiana Football Team is 10-0 and currently sits in contention of the college football playoffs.  This isn’t supposed to happen when many other programs are able to vastly outspend them in NIL deals and when they have a coach who has never been a head man at the power five level.  However, on their run this season the team and Coach Cignetti are teaching the world some valuable lessons that translate off the football field.

Look for Value that others don’t see

Curt Cignetti wasn’t the hottest coaching hire in the world, but he’s been successful everywhere he’s been.  He turned around every program he’d been at since becoming a head coach in 2011.  He was also part of the University of Alabama coaching staff under Nick Saban where he learned from the greatest coach in college football history.  However, he is a bit older than many prized coaching hires and in his last stop he was only at James Madison which isn’t a major program even though they had a great four year run with Cignetti at the helm.  Due partly to not looking the part of the next big hire, Cignetti didn’t get poached by a larger program, but Indiana saw a winner and took a chance.

Having Money to Spend isn’t as important as the Program Being Built

Indiana will never be able to touch Michigan in terms of NIL money or recruiting prowess.  The Wolverines will always have higher levels of recruits because of the way the world of college football is structured.  However, with Jim Harbaugh and his program out, the advantage of coaching and system were with the Hoosiers which beat the Wolverines this season, but also hold a 10-0 record to Michigan’s 5-5.  The infrastructure that Harbaugh is famous for building has quickly deteriorated in his first season away, while Cignetti continues to show that he is able to translate his program to whatever level he moves to.

There is still hope for the Little Guy – Even in the World of NIL Money

The coolest thing about the run that India and Cignetti are having is that it proves that even with the massive shift from the NIL, there is still hope for programs that typically haven’t had the greatest recruits and will never have the most money to spend.  Hopefully Cignetti keeps his program rolling for years to come and continues to show that the core things that make college football great still matter.  There is still space to build a program and develop players who don’t come in with 5 star recruiting ratings.

This article is part of an effort by personalfinanceblogs.com to celebrate the principles that make for success in life and money.  The ability to find value where others don’t and building a program for a college football team share many of the core elements that make a financially successful person out in the stands.  Hope you enjoyed this article and please check out our featured articles from the best minds in the world of personal finance.

What happens when you spend three decades talking to retirement experts? You learn that most of what people think they know about retirement planning is oversimplified or wrong.

Christine Benz, director of personal finance and retirement planning at Morningstar, joins us on the Afford Anything podcast to share what she’s discovered after 31 years of interviewing experts across personal finance, tax planning, and Social Security.

One key insight: The standard advice about withdrawing 4 percent of your portfolio annually in retirement misses the mark. Real-life spending isn’t that simple. In your 60s, you might spend more on travel. By your 80s, healthcare costs often rise.

Benz suggests creating separate “pots” of money for different purposes – like a travel fund you aim to deplete within your first decade of retirement.

Want to protect against market crashes early in retirement? Benz recommends keeping 5-8 years of planned withdrawals in cash and high-quality bonds. This prevents having to sell stocks during downturns.

We talk about why retirement doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing. Instead of going from 40 hours to zero, Benz describes how many people benefit from a phased approach. This might mean keeping the parts of your job you enjoy while dropping the rest, or finding new ways to use your skills.

The conversation shifts to housing choices. While many assume retirees move to Florida or Arizona, the data shows most stay put. Those who do move often end up near their oldest daughter. And while single-family homes tend to make people happier until around age 75, apartment dwellers report more satisfaction after that — largely due to increased social interaction.

Benz shares her own retirement planning process. Despite being a retirement expert herself, she works with an hourly financial planner who tells her she’ll likely struggle to spend as much as she could in retirement. It’s a common problem — after decades of saving habits, many retirees find it psychologically difficult to spend their money.

The interview wraps up with a discussion about relationships in retirement. Research shows that while older adults often have smaller social circles, these relationships tend to be deeper and more meaningful. They’ve pruned away the “good enough” friendships to focus on their closest connections.

Benz’s insights come from her new book “How to Retire” and her work at Morningstar, where she creates free model portfolios and hosts The Long View podcast. Beyond the financial aspects, she emphasizes that successful retirement planning involves thinking about purpose, relationships, and how you want to spend your days — not just your money.

Timestamps:

Note: Timestamps will vary on individual listening devices based on dynamic advertising run times. The provided timestamps are approximate and may be several minutes off due to changing ad lengths.

0:00 What 30 years of retirement expert interviews reveal

1:34 Why spending in retirement is harder than saving for it

3:12 Beyond money: need purpose, not just leisure

4:00 The challenge: planning for an unknown time horizon

8:52 Should market fears delay your retirement?

13:42 How much cash and bonds to keep safe

15:49 When bonds don’t protect against stock crashes

18:33 Phased retirement: keep what you love, drop what you don’t

29:24 Take mini-retirements throughout your career

33:20 Spending shifts: from travel to healthcare costs

46:14 Why most retirees don’t actually move

57:31 After 75, apartment living beats houses

1:00:42 Friendship patterns change: quality over quantity

1:04:58 Virtual vs real-life connections

1:06:25 Where to find more info

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Chemical engineering is a versatile field that opens doors to a variety of industries, from manufacturing and healthcare to environmental science and renewable energy. Here are five dynamic career options for chemical engineers, along with the top cities to find these opportunities.

1. Process Engineer

What They Do: Process engineers focus on designing, implementing, and optimizing production processes. They work in industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food manufacturing, ensuring that production is efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly.

Top Cities:

• Houston, TX: Known as the energy capital of the U.S., Houston hosts many companies in oil, gas, and chemical manufacturing, providing ample opportunities for process engineers.
• Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia’s strong pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are ideal for process engineers, especially those interested in healthcare.
• Chicago, IL: Chicago has a broad manufacturing base that includes food production, chemicals, and bioengineering, making it an ideal spot for process engineering jobs.

2. Environmental Engineer

What They Do: Environmental engineers focus their attention large scale projects related to environmental impact of large scale industry or development. They work on projects involving water treatment, pollution control, waste management, and air quality, contributing to a sustainable future.

Top Cities:

• San Francisco, CA: With a focus on environmental sustainability and numerous tech companies supporting green initiatives, San Francisco is ideal for environmental engineers.
• Seattle, WA: Known for its commitment to sustainability, Seattle provides many opportunities in waste management, air quality control, and environmental consulting.
• Denver, CO: Denver’s proactive approach to renewable energy and environmental protection makes it a top city for engineers focused on environmental impact.

3. Pharmaceutical Engineer

What They Do: Pharmaceutical engineers develop and improve drug production processes. They play a critical role in bringing new medications to market by optimizing the chemical formulations and manufacturing processes required for drug safety and efficacy.

Top Cities:

• Boston, MA: As a hub for pharmaceutical and biotech firms, Boston is a top destination for chemical engineers interested in pharmaceutical development.
• Raleigh-Durham, NC: Known as the Research Triangle, this area is home to many pharmaceutical companies, providing a range of career options for chemical engineers.
• San Diego, CA: San Diego’s strong biotech industry and research centers make it a prime location for pharmaceutical engineers looking to work on groundbreaking drugs and therapies.

4. Energy Engineer

What They Do: Energy engineers develop and improve processes for energy production, storage, and efficiency. From petroleum to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, they ensure the world’s energy needs are met sustainably.

Top Cities:

• Houston, TX: As the core of the U.S. energy industry, Houston provides opportunities for energy engineers in oil, gas, and emerging renewable sectors.
• Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh’s focus on renewable energy and green technology makes it a growing hub for engineers interested in energy innovation.
• Los Angeles, CA: With California’s commitment to renewable energy, Los Angeles offers numerous positions in solar, wind, and other sustainable energy fields.

5. Food and Beverage Engineer

What They Do: Food and beverage engineers are responsible for developing processes and products in the food industry. They work to improve food safety, flavor, nutrition, and production efficiency, playing a crucial role in feeding the world safely and sustainably.

Top Cities:

• Chicago, IL: As a major center for food processing and manufacturing which makes it an excellent city for engineers looking to work with top companies in the industry.
• Los Angeles, CA: With a strong food production sector, Los Angeles offers diverse opportunities in food and beverage engineering, particularly for those interested in health-focused and organic products.
• Columbus, OH: Known for its food industry, Columbus is home to many large-scale food and beverage companies, offering opportunities in process optimization and innovation.

Pharmaceutical engineering has grown rapidly over the last decade, offering ample opportunities for professionals looking to work at the intersection of healthcare and engineering. This career is essential to developing new medications, improving manufacturing processes, and ensuring quality control in the production of pharmaceuticals. Here are five top cities for pharmaceutical engineering jobs in the U.S., along with insights into their real estate markets.

1. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a well-known hub for biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Home to prominent institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and numerous world-class research hospitals, Boston is a global leader in life sciences and pharmaceutical research and development. The city’s thriving biotech scene offers ample opportunities for pharmaceutical engineers, especially in research and manufacturing roles.

• Average Home Price: $835,000
• Cost of Living: Boston’s cost of living is high, with housing being a significant factor. However, the city’s high salaries in the biotech and pharmaceutical fields help offset this for many professionals.

2. San Francisco Bay Area, California

The San Francisco Bay Area, including the South Bay and Silicon Valley, has established itself as a powerhouse in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Home to major pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and a strong start-up culture, the area offers an innovative atmosphere ideal for pharmaceutical engineers. Genentech, one of the largest biotechnology companies, is based here, and numerous others have headquarters or satellite offices in the area.

• Average Home Price: $1,400,000
• Cost of Living: Real estate prices are some of the highest in the country, which can be a challenge. Still, the job market for pharmaceutical engineers is competitive, with high salaries to match.

3. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

Raleigh-Durham, specifically the Research Triangle area, has become a leading center for pharmaceutical and life sciences companies. Major companies such as Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Biogen have facilities here, making it one of the most significant regions for pharmaceutical research and manufacturing. The area also benefits from a lower cost of living compared to other biotech hubs, making it a popular choice for professionals seeking a balance of job opportunities and affordability.

• Average Home Price: $460,000
• Cost of Living: More affordable than many other biotech centers, Raleigh-Durham offers a high quality of life and ample job opportunities in pharmaceutical engineering without the extreme housing costs found in other cities.

4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia has a growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector with numerous companies conducting research, manufacturing, and product development. The city is home to many healthcare and research institutions, and with nearby access to the New Jersey pharma corridor, it’s an excellent choice for pharmaceutical engineers seeking a variety of job opportunities.

• Average Home Price: $320,000
• Cost of Living: Philadelphia’s relatively affordable housing market makes it attractive for professionals. While the cost of living is higher than the national average, it remains manageable compared to cities like Boston and San Francisco.

5. Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis has emerged as a strong player in the pharmaceutical industry, with a lower cost of living and major employers like Eli Lilly and Company. The city provides pharmaceutical engineers with opportunities in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality control, and drug development, with a favorable housing market that’s accessible to young professionals and families.

• Average Home Price: $295,000
• Cost of Living: Indianapolis offers one of the most affordable housing markets on this list, making it an appealing choice for pharmaceutical engineers seeking a solid job market without the high costs associated with other large cities.

How is your fall going? Much as I hate to think about it, we’ll be getting out the winter coats and boots soon. I’m hoping for a few more weeks of warm fall weather, but this felt like a good week to sort through and declutter coats, boots, and other outerwear in the 52-Week Decluttering Challenge.

The post Decluttering challenge – Week 40 – Coats, boots and other outerwear appeared first on Boomer Eco Crusader.

“I owe $20,000 in debt at a 28% interest rate, paying just above the minimum payments, and am not sure whether I should consolidate into a new (hopefully) lower interest rate loan or use debt settlement with a reputable company. Can you help me decide which is best for me?” Let’s look at the true […]

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