Voice acting for videos is one of the most well-liked at-home occupations that use your voice. Online, numerous businesses employ people to perform these voice-overs. Finding a clever technique to advertise oneself to that demographic is required. Additionally, you can sign up for websites where you can advertise your services for a fee.

Do you want to use your voice to earn money from home? So, allow me to assist you. It is not difficult to use your voice to earn money from home. So how to make money with your voice? Here are some suggestions to get you started on the road to working from home doing voice-overs.

Commercial voice-overs

How to make money with your voice? One approach to using your voice to earn money from home is to voice ads. Online businesses that produce commercials employ voice actors. Once you have perfected them, these tasks are likewise quite simple to complete. It is advisable to compile a portfolio of voice-over ads if you are interested in doing voice-over work so that you have a sample to show potential employers. Keep an eye out for locations seeking individuals to appear in ads and send them a demo to get started.

Promote radio ads

Another way to make money through your voice is you can sell radio advertisements while working from home. For their advertisements, many radio stations employ folks like you and me. A good microphone, adequate soundproofing, and audio editing software are all you need. Look for places that need radio advertisements, such as podcasters and online radio stations. Additionally, you should record a voice-over demo of yourself reading several radio advertisements so they can hear your demo when you apply to a radio station.

Publish audiobooks

Because they make it simple to read while doing other activities like cleaning dishes, working out, gardening, driving a car, or even working, audiobooks are becoming more and more popular. The best way to learn is by listening to audiobooks, as it is a highly effective method. I constantly listen to audiobooks on my iPhone at x2 speed so I can process information twice as fast! Due to the significant demand for audiobooks, several businesses employ professionals to convert their written works into audiobooks. 

Gig economy on Upwork

Upwork is a well-known website for independent contractors with a variety of specialties. There are a few options for singers, and it’s a terrific location to find freelance writing or design projects. Sign up for the website, then look for performances that look interesting. There are jobs available for singing and using your voice, including song features, producers, vocal coaching, and many others. The cost of each gig will vary based on the task at hand and the employer, but Upwork is an excellent place to look for online singing jobs or even regular work.

Offer singing lessons online with TakeLessons.com.

If you have experience singing, you can make money by giving students throughout the nation online singing lessons. You can provide voice lessons only offered online through TakeLessons.com. Make a business profile on the internet that highlights your talents and qualifications. Then, Take Lessons will manage student scheduling and payments, so all you have to do is teach. You will have complete control over how you organize your time, allowing you to book lessons with students.

Read books aloud using ACX.

Have you ever heard someone compliment your voice? You might be able to earn money by reading audiobooks. Authors can convert their novels into audiobooks using the website. Create a profile on the website if you are a narrator looking to get paid for audio recording opportunities. They will then begin uploading samples and seeking jobs.

Voice Over Work That Utilizes the Ear

A media website called Ear Works offers voice-over services in addition to copywriting, video production, and audio production. For the projects of their clients, they use voice actors. To work for this organization, you must meet a few location restrictions; however, you can learn more and apply here. You can look at their resources page here if you believe you still need to improve your voice-over abilities.

For work as a professional voice actor, use Voices.com.

Another website that rewards voice actors is Voices.com. Voice is a prestigious platform that connects voice actors with freelancing chances to work on audiobooks, e-learning, videos, mobile apps, film projects, and more. (Find out how to pursue a career as an audiobook narrator). To achieve a better ranking profile that will allow you to apply for more jobs, you can either create a free account or pay for a premium membership. You can email an MP3 recorded file as an audition when you locate changes you like. For voice-over acting jobs, Voice.com offers good pay. Your potential earnings per project range from $100 to $2,000, as indicated on their rate sheet.

Develop Your Voice-over Career with Snap Recordings

Another voice talent website that is very similar to Voices.com is Snap Recordings. Talent can register for free, make a profile, and submit bids for jobs. The type of job that is accessible is the only significant distinction. Snap Recordings typically offer to record voice messages for their phone system or other parts of the business. They have more than 100 voice actors who perform a range of responsibilities for various companies, including greetings, messages on hold, and voice prompts.

Talking Bunny

To discover voice-over jobs in English and other languages or accents, you can register with Voice Bunny. The voice actors can choose their fees. Customers locate your profile and pick to hire you. Although applying to Voice Bunny is difficult due to its stringent qualifications, it is worthwhile to give it a shot if you are searching for flexible and lucrative online voice-over work and have expertise.

Conclusion to how to make money with your voice

As you can see, you will likely utilize your voice while working from the convenience of your home. And the best part about this is you can also determine your schedule, allowing you to accomplish this work on the side if you choose.

How Can You Make Money With Your Voice? Great Side Hustle Ideas! is a post from: When Life Gives You Lemons. Did you like the post? Follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or hop on over to my blog and leave me your feedback.

Renters insurance is relatively inexpensive, costing between $15 and $30 per month, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. For less than $1 per day, renters can protect all of their possessions and not be held liable for an accident in their rental home.

But even the most miserly renters can save on renters insurance by adding safety features to the property they’re renting. Here are four upgrades insurers may offer discounts for:

Smoke detectors

Landlords should already have smoke detectors installed in rental units. Most states require them by law, so if your rental doesn’t have them, ask your landlord to buy smoke detectors and install them.

Smoke detectors alert you to a fire quicker, hopefully giving you time to get outside to a safer location or to possibly put out the fire quickly and minimize property damage.

Three out of five home fire deaths are from fires in properties without working smoke alarms, and 37 percent are from fires where no smoke alarm was present. The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half when a smoke alarm is working.

Fire extinguishers

Insurers may also offer discounts for having a fire extinguisher that’s working. One in a kitchen can keep a stovetop fire from spreading to your other possessions.

They should be checked monthly to ensure they’re working, and the extinguisher should be easy to get to and not blocked in a closet by coats or anything else.

Deadbolts for saving on renters insurance

If a burglar tries to pick the locks on your doors, a deadbolt can add an extra line of defense for a few dollars.

The high volume of foot traffic in apartment complexes can increase the chances of a break-in. Add deadbolts to front, back and side doors.

Security system

A home security system can be as expensive as you want to make it. You can hire a professional alarm company to install a burglar alarm and other forms of surveillance, or you can install video cameras yourself.

An around-the-clock security system can alert tenants and police to harm and can prevent the loss of your property.

Whatever upgrades your considering adding, first discuss them with your landlord and point out that not only will you save you money on renters insurance, but they’ll likely save money on homeowners insurance for the property for having the extra safety measures.

4 Upgrades to Save on Renters Insurance is a post from: When Life Gives You Lemons. Did you like the post? Follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or hop on over to my blog and leave me your feedback.

Having all of your family’s money in one bank account can make keeping track of your money easier, but it might not help your family meet its financial goals. While it might not sound right at first, having a few banks accounts can make your family’s financial life easier.

Instead of one big fund for everything — such as a checking account — you might be better equipped to meet several small financial goals with multiple bank accounts. If you’re smart about them, you might also save on fees and make more money off of your money.

Here are five bank accounts every family should have:

Start 5 bank accounts with regular savings

This is an account to hold money in and only use when needed. You can attach a goal to it, such as saving for a down payment on a house or a family vacation, or it can just sit around for life’s unexpected expenses.

Try to save up three months of living expenses in this fund in case of a short-term emergency.

Emergency savings

This account should be used as a last resort and is for big emergencies, such as losing a job and having enough money set aside for six to 12 months of living expenses.

Joint checking account

This is used to pay your regular bills and other family expenses, though not medical bills, which we’ll get to soon.

It’s an account you probably already have and is where most of your income should go first before it’s used to pay bills or move to other accounts. This account should at least cover your monthly expenses.

Spousal checking accounts

Each spouse should have their own checking account so they can buy something however they see fit. The amount shouldn’t be a secret from the other spouse, and it can be used as “fun money.”

If everything else in your budget has been paid for, then money in this account is each person’s spot to use as they’d like to.

Health Savings Account

Also called an HSA, this is a tax-free account to hold money for medical expenses, from prescriptions to hospital stays. There are some rules to understand before using an HSA, so ask your Human Resources department at work or search online for details.

If you’re spending a few thousand dollars a year on your family’s medical costs, then a tax-free HSA can make it less expensive.

How much money you put into these bank accounts is up to you, but do yourself a favor and make it easy by using direct deposit so that a specified amount of money is automatically deposited into each account each month.

5 Bank Accounts Every Family Should Have is a post from: When Life Gives You Lemons. Did you like the post? Follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or hop on over to my blog and leave me your feedback.

Owning a home is expensive. Not only do you have to pay for the home itself, but there are many other costs associated with home ownership. If you aren’t careful, these extra costs can quickly pile up, and before long you are spending more than you can afford.

Luckily, there are a few simple ways that you can cut costs around the home, and make it a little easier to stay within your monthly budget. If you’ve found that you’re spending too much each month on your home, try some of these ideas. 

Adjust the temperature

One of the biggest expenses for any home goes towards our heating and cooling bills. We want to be comfortable in our homes, and as a result, we turn up the heat when we are chilly, or crank the AC during the summer.

And while you should feel free to use your heat and AC as you see fit, sometimes adjusting it by a degree or two can make a large difference. So the next time you want to turn the heat up in your home, consider throwing on a sweatshirt instead, or if the room is too warm, opening up a window and turning on a fan. It may not seem like much at the time, but when your bill arrives at the end of the month, you might be happily surprised.

Adjust your hot water

Besides just the temperature of your home, you should also think about the temperature of your water. According to this plumber in Mornington, hot water makes up about half of your energy bill.

So if you can find ways to cut costs in this area, you might be in for some decent savings. Try taking shorter showers, or even turning down your hot water system. Another option is to wash your clothes in cold water, rather than hot.

Your shower might not be as hot as you’d like at night, or it might not last as long, but if it saves you money, this might be a sacrifice you’re willing to make.

Install energy saving lights

Another great way to cut some costs is by switching to a different type of light bulb. The lights in your home are probably on so often that you no longer even think about them, but each time you turn them on, you’re using power. By switching to a more energy efficient light bulb, you can save yourself a considerable amount of money in the long run.

Besides energy saving bulbs, also consider putting your lights on a timer. A timer is great for outdoor lights, as you don’t have to remember to switch them on and off. This way your lights won’t run overnight when you don’t need them, and turn themselves back on in the evening before you get home.

Get rid of your cable subscription

More and more people these days are getting rid of their cable subscriptions, or “cord cutting”. Because there are now so many ways to watch your favorite shows – Netflix, Hulu, or HBO Go, many homes are finding that they no longer need a cable package.

If you find that you’re not watching a lot of live TV, or that you don’t mind waiting for your favorite show to appear online, then cord cutting is a great way to save money. To learn more, here is a quick guide on how to get started with cord cutting.

Search for coupons

Finally, one of your biggest expenses is likely food. We all spend a lot on food, trying to keep our refrigerators and cabinets stocked. But if you’re not willing to cut back on the amount of food you buy – or unable – consider trying to find a cheaper way to get it.

By searching for coupons each time you go grocery shopping, you could potentially save yourself a lot of money on your food budget. You might have to switch to some other brands, and you’ll have to put in some time to find the coupons, but this is a small sacrifice that could pay large dividends. Here is a great site to search for coupons to get you started.

Be willing to make sacrifices

It’s possible to be frugal without feeling deprived, but you’ll still likely have to make some sacrifices. Do you mind being a little chilly in your home? Taking a shorter shower? Switching to a different brand of paper towels?

If so, savings could be right around the corner, and before you know it your monthly expenses don’t look as bad as they once did.

5 Ways to Cut Costs Around the Home is a post from: When Life Gives You Lemons. Did you like the post? Follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or hop on over to my blog and leave me your feedback.

Getting rid of a broken down or old car can be a little daunting seeing as it is not something you do every day.  How do you know what your car is worth? Who should you contact? Luckily, if you need to junk a car for cash it can be a lot simple than you imagined. If you keep a few key tips in mind it can really make the experience, go a lot smoother than the nightmare some may have.

One thing to always be sure of is to find your title. Not properly obtaining your title and transferring it to the individual or company purchasing the car may cause you to incur various fees. State records will show you still technically own the vehicle whether it is in your possession. Sometimes it is not always required depending on the age of the vehicle, this number can vary by state. Inquire with your local department of motor vehicles to find out the specifics for your area when it comes to the required documentation and processes involved to streamline the process as much as possible.

Along with getting your title in order, some states require you return the plates to cancel registration. Sometimes you are unable to cancel your insurance policy until this is done either.  Doing this ahead of time will save a lot of time and head ache. You do not want to try and get your plates while a busy tow truck driver is waiting!

Junkyards are normally pricing out the metal or potentially reusable parts but in most cases, they are not going to give you extra for your premium parts. Things like aftermarket radios and good tires will only be icing on the cake for them. If your tires are still in good condition, consider picking up some bald tires to replace them, then resell the good tires.

Just like buying a car, simply because one person has said what they will pay you does not mean that everyone will pay the same. Give your car a good look over and take down everything you observe such as areas of the vehicle with damage, mileage and how long since the car was last driven.  The more detailed and useful information you can gather the more accurate your quotes will be.  You can also use Kelley Blue Book to find out a rough idea of the value of your car.  If it isn’t running, consider having a mechanic check out the vehicle to determine if it’s an easy fix. You can also subtract the amount needed to repair the car from the KBB estimate to get an idea. A car that runs can be worth considerably more than one that doesn’t.

Call several different salvage yards and junkyards and write down what each is willing to offer to get the best price. There are also numerous online companies out there that may be interested in your car, a quick search can turn up several scrap car companies. Your local paper can also have several local companies listed in the classifieds. You never know when the next phone call you make could yield even more money than the last.

Make sure you remove all your personal items from your car as well. Check in all the small out of sight areas and make sure you do not miss anything. You never know what personal items or information may be hiding underneath your seats. You don’t want to find out that you left something valuable in there like an iPod or perhaps even old mail like bank statements.    

When arranging a way to get your vehicle to the lot there are a few things to consider.  Obviously, if the car can be driven then some junkyards will pay more for bringing it to them so be sure to mention that when discussing the vehicle. If the vehicle does not run, then the most convenient option is to have the junkyard pick up the car. Make sure you are aware what your car is worth as sometimes they may change what they are willing to offer once the car is loaded.  Do not let them push you out of money you should be paid. You’ve done all the work to know what it’s worth.

If you keep these tips in mind, getting rid of your car can be a breeze. In fact, junking your extra car can be one great idea to get extra cash for the holidays. Just take your time and before you know it you will be cashing your check and moving on to the next daunting task of replacing it!

Handy Tips to Get Cash for Your Broken-Down Car is a post from: When Life Gives You Lemons. Did you like the post? Follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or hop on over to my blog and leave me your feedback.

Here are six ways that you can be frugal without feeling deprived:

Realize Your Priorities

First things first, you have to know where your priorities are. Why spend money going out when you prefer to stay home? Why would you spend money on a huge house when you’d rather travel more often? By realizing your priorities, you’ll be able to cut out unnecessary spending and enjoy spending your money on things you actually care about.

Also, instead of saying ” I don’t have the money for that”, you can say “That’s not a priority for me right now.”

People won’t be able to call you cheap if they know where your priorities are. Plus, this keeps you from feeling guilty when you’d rather not spend the money on something you’d rather not be doing.

Barter

You may love doing something, but don’t want to spend a small fortune on it. This may be getting your house cleaned from a professional, getting a fancy haircut, or maybe even hiring a personal trainer. If you have skills that you could trade for these services, or if you can offer something that would benefit the person offering you a service, you can barter for discounts or even free services.

Now, you may not be able to barter for everything. Plus, you never want to offend anyone by lowballing them. But, bartering can be a great way to be frugal without feeling deprived if you do it right.

Find Cheaper Alternatives

If you love coffee, try brewing it special at home instead of spending $5 for a latte. With all of the different ways to brew and enjoy coffee at home, you won’t have to sacrifice flavor for a few dollars. Ready to buy an electronic? Try finding gently used or refurbished phones, tablets, and the like with just a quick Google search.

Just because you are frugal, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy nice things. Being frugal without feeling deprived is all about finding balance with what you love and what’s in your budget.

Have Some (Frugal) Fun

It doesn’t have to cost a small fortune to have fun. In fact, many cities have a lot of free (or relatively inexpensive) options for you, and your family, to enjoy. You can typically find free events or outings on your city’s website, or even by browsing through events on Facebook or Google.

It’s important to go out and have fun. You can be frugal without feeling deprived if you can still find ways around time to enjoy yourself. Eith the money you save on outings, you may be able to have a nice emergency fund, or splurge and pay cash for something you’ve been wanting for a while.

Practice Delayed Gratification

In a time where instant gratification is everywhere, practicing delayed gratification is a great way to be frugal without feeling deprived. In many cases, you can give yourself the 48-hour rule. For example, if you come across an item that you’d love to have, but don’t really need, write it down. Then, wait for 48-hours. Still want the item after that timeframe? Get it (as long as it’s within budget).

Most of the time, you will come to realize that you don’t really need the item or want the item after all. But, if you still do, you won’t feel guilty for purchasing it. This also helps curb impulse buys. If you are going to be buying something that’s a larger purchase ($100 or more), try waiting at least a week.

Cheat A Little

If you make a budget every month, it’s okay to have one day where you cheat a little. You should still budget for it, but you don’t have to be super strict with your budget all of the time. That’s one of the quickest ways to burn out when it comes to managing your money.

It is possible to be frugal without feeling deprived, and you can still live a good life while being smart with your money.

6 Ways to be Frugal Without Feeling Deprived is a post from: When Life Gives You Lemons. Did you like the post? Follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or hop on over to my blog and leave me your feedback.

However, there are ways to cut costs, save money, and still pay your bills on time. Here are a few tips to help you save money during deployment.

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act

If you aren’t familiar with it yet, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act gives legal rights to anyone being deployed and also extends some coverage to the spouse and family members of the service member. This is a big deal if you are trying to save money during deployment. Instead of paying bills you aren’t using (like car insurance, phone bills, etc.) you can pause these contracts, or may be able to break them altogether.

Save Deployment Pay

There are many different ways that a service member can receive pay while deployed. Sometimes, you may qualify for additional compensation as well (based on the type of deployment and if the service member has a spouse/dependents).

There are times where deployment pay may be lower than traditional paychecks. However, if you find yourself earning more during deployment, throw the extra money into a savings account that you can’t easily touch unless for an emergency. This will allow you to save money during deployment without losing out on too much income.

Lower Your Bills

Going along with taking advantage of the SCRA, you can find plenty of other ways to lower your bills during deployment. Almost every flexible bill, like utility bills, phone bills, and even car insurance can be lowered. Sometimes you may have to explain your situation (again, that’s where the SCRA comes in), but more often than not you’ll be able to lower your bills with just a simple phone call.

If you can’t lower your bills, try cutting them out altogether. Do you really need cable? Can you do without the second car payment? Try seeing how you can simplify your finances so you can save money during deployment.

Use Military Discounts

Now, this doesn’t mean to look down on small businesses or companies that don’t offer military discounts (even if you think they should), but this does mean to take advantage of the offers when you get them. Military discounts can save you cash on almost everything, from food to getting your car serviced.

If you are a spouse dealing with deployment, military discounts can make a huge difference in your savings. Just don’t forget to have your military ID to prove who you are.

Cut Out Unnecessary Expenses

As much as you may like eating out or getting haircuts, sometimes you have to buckle down and cut out unnecessary expenses. If you are losing money during deployment, cutting out expenses that aren’t necessities can add a few (or a few hundred) dollars into your budget every month, and every little bit counts.

Go through your budget from the last few months, and see where you can make some changes. I guarantee that there will be something that you can cut out, just for the short term. Then, take the money you are saving on the expenses, and throw it into a savings account.

Get a Part-Time Job

If you have exhausted all other options and are still struggling while trying to save money during deployment, it may be time to apply for a part-time job.

While not ideal, especially if you have kids, a part-time job can help you stay afloat and save more money. You don’t have to keep the job forever, but at least having it short-term can help you save more.

There are so many ways to save money during deployment, but these should start you on the right track.

How to Save Money During Deployment is a post from: When Life Gives You Lemons. Did you like the post? Follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or hop on over to my blog and leave me your feedback.

“Do what I say and not what I do” is something too many kids can hear when growing up. And if not in those words, then in their parents’ actions.

Speeding, swearing, not exercising and poor money habits are bad examples that parents can set without realizing it.

Some parenting “fails” teach children about money — but in bad way. Here are some parenting “fails” that parents can turn around to teach their children about money:

Bad parenting impulse buys

Some impulse purchases can be fun. An ice cream treat after a tough week at school or a movie out as a way to break up the monotony of staying home too many nights can be  worthwhile motivators for kids to do better in school or at least be a fun break.

But if you can’t afford them, or spend too much on an expensive impulse buy — such as the latest technological gadget that you’ve coveted for months — then it can show a lack of restraint in how you shop.

Even small impulse buys, if made often, can show your child that it’s OK to buy something without giving it much thought and that you get what you want. But small purchases add up, and a better lesson would be to give up such purchases and put that money aside in a vacation fund for the whole family to enjoy the benefits of giving up short-term joys for long-term planning of a family vacation.

Every parent has probably had their child ask for a candy bar or something while waiting at the grocery checkout line. Telling them no can be difficult, but it beats raising a child who thinks they’re entitled to everything they see.

Not letting them work for their money

Giving a kid an allowance is a great idea — if they work for it. Like indulging impulse buys, handing a kid some cash each week without doing anything in return for it can lead them to equate you with being a bank.

Money doesn’t just appear in your pocket magically. You work for it. And so should they, up to a degree.

Parents provide clothing, shelter, food and other necessities through age 18, and even them some of them are funded less than others as children age. What teen wants their parents picking out their clothes for them at the store?

Be earning money with chores or at a part-time job, kids can learn the value of a dollar and can find out first-hand how many hours of work it takes to afford that pricey pair of pants they want.

Not setting up a bank account for them

If your kids don’t have a savings account or college savings account by age 5, you’re doing them a disservice. Heck, if you don’t have a savings account or retirement account, you’re doing yourself a disservice and teaching them the poor habit of not saving for the future.

Birthday money and part of an allowance can be put into a child’s savings account. Regular trips to the bank to make those deposits can show them how banks work and why they should save.

As children become teenagers, parents can help teach them about managing money by helping them get an ATM debit card, checking account and possibly a credit card with a low limit.

Not following a budget

Just like the first tip on curbing impulse spending, a parent’s money habits can filter down to their children.

If you and your spouse don’t have regular talks in front of your children, or at least within earshot of them, then you’re doing them a disservice by not talking about how you make money decisions together.

You don’t have to detail every expense in your budget, but they should have a general sense of what you’re budgeting for and why.

If you pay your bills late and constantly complain about how you can’t afford the gas bill each month, you’re setting a poor example of how to deal with basic bills. Show them how you budget for that bill each month and where cuts may have to be made to accommodate for it.

Of all of the parenting “fails” to be made with money, try not to get yourself too down about them. They’re learning opportunities at any age, and even learning them when you have children gives you a chance to correct them and let the next generation learn from your mistakes.

Parenting ‘Fails’ to Teach Kids About Money is a post from: When Life Gives You Lemons. Did you like the post? Follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or hop on over to my blog and leave me your feedback.

People are Living Longer

It is projected that in 2050, over 20% of the population will be 65 years or older. That’s up from 12% in 2000. With more people living longer, there comes more time to enjoy life and work if you choose to. 65 doesn’t automatically mean you have to give up your job.

In fact, 65 doesn’t mean a decline in health or physical capabilities, so if you want to work, you shouldn’t let age hold you back.

You should never retire just because of the stigma around age. In fact, adults are expected to live to at least 84 years once they make it to their 65th birthday. That’s almost an extra 20 years. Can you imagine being retired for 20 years?

No Retirement Security

It is well known that saving for retirement is important. However, many baby boomers, Gen X’ers, and Millennials still aren’t saving and investing. This leads to a lower amount in savings, and a lower amount of money that can be used once a person has retired.

You should never retire if you feel you can’t make ends meet. Even if you can afford your lifestyle, money is never guaranteed. Having a job, even if part-time, or a side hustle can offer you more flexibility, and money in your pocket.

Could Reduce Aging Illnesses

Did you know that it studies have shown that people who never retire actually have decreased health issues, slightly happier outlooks on life, and even increased mental health? If you want to keep yourself in optimal health, never retire, because you may be putting yourself at a disadvantage.

While retiring doesn’t automatically mean health issues, short or long term, it could still be fulfilling to work or volunteer your time. Plus, who doesn’t want to have slightly happier outlooks on life?

Boredom Isn’t an Option if You Never Retire

If you are working, even part-time, you won’t have the opportunity to get bored in your day to day life. A common complaint amongst retirement aged people is that after a while, there’s not much else to do, especially if you are low income. By working or volunteering, you aren’t giving yourself the option to feel boredom.

You don’t have to work a traditional 9 to 5 your entire life. And, you certainly don’t have to have a job that is physically demanding and exhausting. But just taking a few hours out of the week to work or volunteer can keep you from feeling bored, lonely, or even depressed.

Even if you do choose to retire, pick a hobby that gives you the opportunity to get out of the house multiple times a week, and gets you in front of people. By giving yourself this opportunity, you’ll keep yourself happier, and kick boredom to the curb.

Extra Money Doesn’t Hurt

Who doesn’t love extra money? Even if you earned and saved enough to retire at 65 (as stated above), doesn’t mean you can’t earn even more. It could be money you save in a trust fund or splurge on you and your spouse. The fact is, even if you have to or want to work, the extra money can come in handy.

Another great reason to keep earning money, even after a certain age, is to save for healthcare. Nursing homes, private caregivers, and the like are expensive. Even those who saved their entire lives can get into a situation where they can’t afford care. By working, you are giving yourself the opportunity to afford these options if that time ever happens to you.

You should never retire, because it’s not as important as many people think it is. But if you do choose to retire, at least keep your mind, and body, happy and active.

5 Reasons Why You Should Never Retire is a post from: When Life Gives You Lemons. Did you like the post? Follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or hop on over to my blog and leave me your feedback.

Who is Bill Gates?

Bill and Melinda Gates are widely known, but the Gateses could also be anyone who has built wealth in smart ways, saves for a rainy day, and doesn’t flaunt their debt.

So, how can you become a Gates? Well, there are quite a few things you can do.

Invest in Education

Everyone who knows of Bill Gates’ story knows that he dropped out of Harvard University. However, he has recommended on several occasions that investing in your education is important.

This isn’t to say that you have to get into massive student loan debt. But it does mean to take some classes to learn new skills, get a degree if you can do so debt free, or even just practicing something new.

Why is investing in education so important? Think about it. If you have more marketable skills, chances are that you are more likely to get hired for a job or be able to have a few side hustles to earn extra cash.

Your skills don’t have to be over the top, but knowing things like coding, project management, or even social media can really give you a leg up on the competition.

It’s OK To Splurge (If You Can Afford It)

If you Google Bill Gates, you will see a man who has a rather boring wardrobe, and who doesn’t seem to eat out much. However, you may be surprised to know that Bill Gates drives a Porsche (several in fact) and owns a home that cost him approximately $60 million to build.

While I certainly wouldn’t recommend building a $60 million home, Bill Gates shows that it’s OK to splurge on items and adventures that you enjoy, as long as you can afford them. Bill Gates is worth $85.5 billion, and yet he only splurges where he feels his money can go the farthest.

Simplify

As stated above, Bill Gates only splurges on things that he deems important. If it’s not important, he either won’t buy it, or he will give it up.

For example, while Bill Gates does have a private jet, he has one for a very good reason. Because of his foundation, and the immense amount of travel he and his team do on a regular basis, he is actually saving money by having his own jet.

Not only is he able to save time and energy by flying his own plane, but he doesn’t have to worry about paying for multiple tickets multiple times throughout the year.

Because of his foundation, and the immense amount of travel he and his team do on a regular basis, he is actually saving money by having his own jet. Not only is he able to save time and energy by flying his own plane, but he doesn’t have to worry about paying for multiple tickets multiple times throughout the year.

Also, Bill Gates keeps his home tidy and in order, and everything has its place. You won’t find clutter in the home, which means he knows exactly where everything is at all times. Try taking it from him, and keep your home minimalistic, simple, and clean. No more wasting money on something you didn’t need because you couldn’t remember where it was!

Know How to Invest

Bill Gates is very smart with his money. He not only invests in stocks, but he invests his money into businesses that he knows will give him a return on his money. Although he has taken a few gambles (like investing in “clean” meat), he keeps his portfolio fairly conservative.

You don’t have to be a billionaire to start investing like Bill Gates. In fact, you can invest with just a few pennies, or with a few dollars from each paycheck. Just stay smart with the companies you invest in, and trust your gut.

While keeping up with the Joneses may make you broke, keeping up with the Gateses can help you save more money, enjoy your life, and still build wealth. Which would you rather have?

Keeping Up With the Gateses is a post from: When Life Gives You Lemons. Did you like the post? Follow me on Twitter, like me on Facebook, or hop on over to my blog and leave me your feedback.