Needs vs. Wants

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So you've chosen your ideal summer job, nailed your interview, and start next week. Score! On top of gaining valuable skills to carry on throughout your life, working a summer job means more money for trips, summer clothes, and outings with friends. It welcomes the opportunity to become more independent, providing for yourself more than ever before. What better way to spend the free time that summer brings?

It’s important to remember, though, that with money and financial independence comes more responsibility. Create a budget, outlining your expenses and deciding how much you’ll have to spend and how much you need to save. After all, wouldn't it be wonderful to go off to college or into the next school year with something to show for the hard work you did this summer? Saving is important, and the only way to save is to set saving goals and be smart about your spending. Determine needs versus wants.

Needs are things you can’t afford to live without. Traditional needs include:

·         Transportation (gas)

·         Bills

·         Food

·         Basic clothing

·         Toiletries

·         Saving

Before you spend leisurely, make sure you've taken care of your needs first. Does your cell phone bill need to be paid? Set that money aside as soon as you receive a paycheck. Running low on toiletries? Take care of that, too. Filling up your gas tank also prevents you from having to spend money repeatedly on frequent trips to the gas station. And before everything, make sure you've set your savings aside. Opening a savings account gives you the opportunity to transfer to your savings every paycheck, and commit to not touching that money until you've reached your saving goal or absolutely need it.

Wants are expenses that you could live without. Do you really need that $5 latte every morning before work? Do you have to go to a restaurant every day, or could you wake up a few minutes early and pack your lunch? Is that new outfit a necessity, or could you mix and match items in your closet to create something totally new?

Explore ways to cut down on your wants, or agree to spend less in one area in order to enjoy something else. Examples include:

• ·         Packing your lunch every day for a week if you know you’re taking a road trip with friends that weekend
• ·         Opting out of buying  new shoes if you know you’re doing dinner and a movie after work
• ·         Deciding which new album to buy with one paycheck, and waiting for the next check to purchase the other

Part of being responsible is spending responsibly. Create a budget before the money starts flowing in, and watch how you’ll be able to control your spending while still enjoying everything we love about summertime!

Saving Money

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To have the Starbucks grande caramel macchiato or to not? As an independent college student (or a young professional), even a simple decision like this can have a huge impact on your finances. Here are some of our saving tips, pulled from Daily Finance, to help you save while working toward your goals in college and beyond.

• Be wary of credit cards- Research what kinds are out there, their fees and interest rates, and make a decision based on that. Unless you know you can pay it off, don’t get a card. You, your credit score, and your bank account will be happier in the long run.
• Create a budget that works for you- Outline a budget to help you figure out how much money you have each month and what it has to go towards. This will also help you decide how much you can spend on going out or on other events. A way to do this—decide how much you want to spend on a night out, and leave the rest in a safe place at home.
• Embrace the student discount- Stores and restaurants near campus may offer a student discount, so take advantage of it!
• Pay less for textbooks- Since the school bookstore is often more expensive, buy your books used from Amazon or rent them from sites like Chegg.com. Remember to sell used books back at the end of the semester to get a little extra cash back.
• Be organized- You may not realize it, but unexpected fines like a parking ticket or overdue library or movie rental fee can mess up your budget. Also, be aware of ATM fees—know where your closest bank branch is to avoid this when getting cash.
• Online banking is your friend- Sign up for text and email alerts from your bank to help you stay on track and well-informed about your spending.
• Go couponing- Think that little coupon book you get at the campus fair is silly? It can help you save on a dinner out or a haircut you want. That way, you’ll have a little extra cash for other things you might be saving towards. Sites like Groupon are also a great resource!
• Invest in yourself- Take that volunteer position or internship and network amongst family and friends. This will help you learn skills and build connections to get your dream job in the future (which won’t hurt your bank account at all).
• Set limits- If something is over $50, consider whether you really need it. This is a good way to determine wants and needs (and maybe that shirt will go on sale in a few weeks!)

With these tips, you can stay on track and start thinking about your future goals. In other words: invest in a good ol’ coffee pot and treat yourself to Starbucks when you get that job or ace your term project. 

Top 5 Summer Jobs

Are you looking for a summer gig? Summer jobs are a great way to save some money before heading back to school or off to your first year of college. For high school students and new graduates, the key to finding a summer job is starting early. Many teens may know someone who owns a company, already have a dream summer job in mind, or are returning to their seasonal job, but what if this is your first summer working and you have no idea where to start? Never fear; we've found five summer jobs for high school students and recent graduates!

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1. Lifeguard- Are you a strong swimmer? With completion of certification courses, you can spend your summer life guarding at your local community pool, beach, or private classes. You get the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and sit poolside or on the shore while still gaining skills that you’ll be able to carry on with you even after the summer ends. This job does require a responsible and mature teenager who is ready to take on the challenges that come with this position. 
2. Tutor- Many younger students need a little extra help during the summer to prepare for the upcoming year; do you have dreams of becoming a teacher or feel you perform exceptionally well in a particular subject? This may be the summer position for you. 
3. Nanny- Becoming a nanny is a rewarding summer jobs for teens who enjoy being around and working with children. Many working parents need childcare during the summer months when their children are out for summer break. Because daycare often have waiting lists or can get pricey, parents turn to nannies. Being a nanny requires a teen that is responsible, patient, and quick-thinking.
4. Landscape- Are you a young entrepreneur? Do you love to spend time outdoors? Join a local landscaping business in your area or create your own lawn care service. The demands of work can become taxing, and oftentimes caring for their lawn can become a job in itself. Many homeowners appreciate hardworking teens who are eager to work efficiently.  Lawn care and gardening is a great job that remains in high demand for the summer months. Best of all, you can create your own price! Research lawn care companies to come up with a reasonable rate for your business.
5. Food Service- Sociable teens will enjoy a position in food service because you’re interacting with different types of people every day. You will also get more variety in positions; hosts, waiters, busboys, or cooks are all a part of the food service industry. You’ll learn all about following instructions and conflict resolution if you choose this summer job opportunity. And the best part? Taking home tips after your shift!

 Here’s to a start on the search for a perfect summer job. Happy hunting!

Interview Etiquette Essentials

So, you’re headed out into the real world, looking for your first professional job or a part-time campus gig for some extra cash. No matter what you’re searching for, at some point you’ll have to face the (dreaded) job interview. It may seem overwhelming, but have no fear! ToGetHerThere (with some help from The Huffington Post) gives you these tips to help you nail it.

(Photo credit: dianegottsman.com (via Google Images))

Before your interview:

• Do your research on the company and job. Know what they’re looking for and what unique skills you can bring to the position.
• Have a killer professional outfit, even if the place you’re working at is very casual. A simple suit and jacket (and no distracting jewelry) will help you look like the young professional you are.
• Prepare questions ahead of time to ask the interviewer about the job and company. It’ll show your interest and seriousness to the position.
• Arrive early—if you don’t know where the office is, check it out beforehand so you’re not late the day of!
• Do a practice run to get the nerves out. Ask a parent or friend to grill you with the toughest interview questions so you can shine in front of your interviewer.
• Bring several copies of your resume with you (you never know how many people you’ll have to meet with!). Also bring business cards, if you have them.
• Turn off your phone!

During:

• Have a firm handshake when meeting the interviewer.
• Keep eye contact during the interview.
• Listen to what the interviewer shares about the company and the job. Takes notes if you feel it’s necessary.
• Let that practice pay off—explain your goals and accomplishments without relying on your resume.
• Ask those questions you prepared!
• Give clear and concise responses to questions: not too long, not too short, but just right!
• Be aware of your body language and what it could say to the interviewer. Sit up straight and look as focused as possible.

After:

• Send a handwritten thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. Handwritten notes will show you consideration, and that’ll stick with your interviewer as they make their decision.

Whether you get the job or not, this will be a good experience to help you down the line as you move through your career. Good luck!