Another fun tip to look good on Zoom: Touch up appearance. My colleague, Michelle Didner, whom I’m teaching with on Woman's Compass: The Course used the term “mole whacking” about Personal Finances and I loved it! As we enter our 6th week (or 7th week?) of quarantine - clients are asking for: immediate plan for expenses and investment analysis but also a plan for after quarantine. I taught a webinar at Playwrights Realm and Freelancers Hub this week. An amazing group that asked key questions. Personally, I’m in the process of (finally) updating my will!
We already have a great group signed up for: Woman's Compass: The Course a 3-month online program for Personal Finance, Legal and Self Care. Live webinars, to-do lists, templates, check-ins and more. Starts May 5 with my Personal Finance session! Updated tips to cover your Personal Finances, Legal Needs and Self-Care:
Affordable Legal Assistance During Pandemic
Did you know it’s possible for small businesses across the country struggling with the pandemic to get free legal assistance? Resources such as Lawyers for Good Government Foundation, the SBA, and even some online legal apps are offering free legal advice and assistance.
Check Your Credit
There are no negative scores for 120 days but now’s the time to clean up any mistakes. https://www.creditkarma.com, https://www.myfico.com, and https://www.equifax.com/, www.transunion.com, www.experian.com. DO NOT sign up for monthly monitoring services.
Don’t Take Savings Out of Your Budget
Create a savings category in your budget. Sure times are tough right now and income is limited. But get rid of an expense or reduce another one and put it into savings. I.e.: get rid of cable - just do streaming, shop car insurance, or refinance your mortgage. If you are earning any money (and many of you are) - save something from that income. If you are saving automatically, don’t stop it. If you have to, just reduce it. Try a new app: YNAB is a favorite and I just heard about Empower. https://empower.me/
Need Help Sleeping? How are you sleeping? Many of us are struggling with insomnia right now, and the cause may be anxiety which drives hyper arousal at night when cortisol levels should be lower. Poor sleep leads to impaired insulin resistance and increases sympathetic hunger which can lead us to make some pretty unhealthy choices the next morning like reaching for that chocolate chunk cookie instead of some oatmeal with fresh fruit. Try the app Calm at bedtime . Sleep better and you will eat better the next day!
Separate Personal and Business Finances
I’ve taught multiple workshops the last few weeks to business owners, freelancers, entrepreneurs. I’m surprised how many haven’t separated out their personal and business accounts. Reasons why:
1- You take yourself more seriously as a business owner and will earn more money. I promise!
2- You can be more organized and write-off your business expenses.
3- You are clear on how much to pay yourself and how much you need to earn.
4- Start with just a dedicated checking account and a card just for your business expenses. Use Quicken Home and Business or Bench to do easy bookkeeping and Recordkeeping.
Don't forget to sign up for: Woman's Compass: The Course a 3-month online program for Personal Finance, Legal and Self Care. Live webinars, to-do lists, templates, check-ins and more. Starts May 5 with my Personal Finance session!