Personal Development

Ask the Readers: What Are Your Goals for 2020?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 14:46:12 +0000

Happy New Year! With the fresh new year ahead of us, now is the perfect time to take stock of your goals for 2020.

What are your goals for 2020? Why these goals? What steps will you be taking to achieve these goals?

Tell us about about your goals for 2020 and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win:

Follow us on Twitter
Tweet about our giveaway for an entry.
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Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards:

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Contest ends Monday, January 6th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after January 6th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
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You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us about about your goals for 2020 and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: What Are You Most Thankful For?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 09:30:05 +0000

As the year is winding down and we celebrate the holiday that's all about gratitude (and food), it's a good time to reflect on the things we're thankful for.

What are you most thankful for? What impact does it have on your life? Has it changed your lifestyle in any way?

Tell us what you're most thankful for and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win:

Follow us on Twitter
Tweet about our giveaway for an entry.
Visit our Facebook page for an entry.
Follow @janetonthemoney on Twitter.

Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards:

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Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, November 25th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after November 25th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook or Twitter.
You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us what you're most thankful for and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: What New Thing Do You Want to Try This Year?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 08 Jan 2019 09:30:09 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to greentopiaries, Dericka, and Ephraim for winning this week's contest!

Usher in the new year by planning new experiences! They make your days more interesting, and you'll probably learn something, too!

What new thing do you want to try this year? What do you find so appealing about it? Do you have specific plans for it yet?

Tell us what new thing you want to try this year and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win:

Follow us on Twitter
Tweet about our giveaway for an entry.
Visit our Facebook page for an entry.

Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, January 14th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after January 14th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook or Twitter.
You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us what new thing you want to try this year and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: What Is Your Favorite Memory From 2018?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 25 Dec 2018 09:30:08 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to LaNique, Natasha, and Chrissy for winning this week's contest!

As we close out 2018, let's take a walk down memory lane and share our favorites from the past year.

What is your favorite memory from 2018? Why is it your favorite? Has the experience changed you in any way?

Tell us about your favorite memory from 2018 and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win:

Follow us on Twitter
Tweet about our giveaway for an entry.
Visit our Facebook page for an entry.

Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, December 31st at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after December 31st on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook or Twitter.
You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us about your favorite memory from 2018 and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: What Are You Thankful For?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 08:30:15 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Kelly, Deanne, and Sandie for winning this week's contest!

Thanksgiving is a time for food and family, and it's also a great time to reflect on the good things in your life — the things you're thankful for.

What are you thankful for? Thanksgiving isn't the only time to be thankful — how do you express thanks in your everyday life?

Tell us what you're thankful for and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win:

Follow us on Twitter
Tweet about our giveaway for an entry.
Visit our Facebook page for an entry.

Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, November 26th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after November 26th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook or Twitter.
You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us what you're thankful for and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How Constant Rejection Can Actually Lead to Success

Emily Guy Birken — Tue, 13 Nov 2018 08:00:11 +0000

Rejection is no one's idea of fun. Not only do you have to deal with the disappointment of not getting something you hoped for, but you also have to grapple with the feelings of insecurity that come along for the ride anytime you're told, "Thanks, but no thanks."

You might feel like curling up at home and never trying again after a crushing rejection, but it's best to ignore that impulse. That's because the most effective way of finding a path to your greatest success is to get rejected over and over again.

Constant rejection removes the sting

One of the reasons why rejection hurts so bad is because it closes off a potential future that you were looking forward to. Whether you don't get the promotion you applied for, the college acceptance you wanted, publication of a story you wrote, or a date with the guy you've had a crush on for months, learning that the answer is no is painful because you've lost something.

But if you're always putting yourself out there, you're not only opening yourself up to more rejection, you're also lessening the importance of any one option available to you. Being open to getting rejected much more often can help you remember how easy it is to bounce back from a disappointment when you've got plenty of other options available. (See also: 4 Ways to Bounce Back From Job Rejection)

Play the odds

Overcoming the negative emotional impact of rejection is just the beginning. In addition to that, the more you put yourself out there, the more you're likely to receive acceptance that you weren't expecting.

Consider what happened to writer Kiki Schirr. She set herself the goal of receiving 100 rejections in 2018. That's nearly two rejections a week, which meant she had to be putting out at least two applications or story submissions per week. With that kind of goal, Schirr decided to apply for anything and everything that interested her, even if she thought the opportunities were out of her league.

Instead of racking up rejection after rejection, however, Schirr had to declare her resolution a failure as of late May, because she had gotten so many acceptances.

Before this experiment, she assumed opportunities were closed off to her based on her skillset. Until she decided to collect rejections — and therefore take more chances — it never occurred to her just how much she could do. (See also: 11 Ways to Get Over Rejection)

How to collect your own rejections

To make constant rejection a way of life for you, too, you need to make sure you do the following:

1. Set a rejection goal

As with any goal, you should give yourself a specific and measurable target for your rejections. Saying, "I want to apply for more jobs and get more rejections," does not help you overcome the fear of rejection or give you something to strive for. Instead, set a goal that you will collect 30 job rejections in three months, or get turned down for 10 dates in a month.

2. Change your mindset about rejections

Instead of viewing each "No, thank you" that you receive as a rejection, start seeing it as an affirmation that you're trying. If you start feeling excited to receive a rejection, then you can feel good about learning from it and getting back on the horse.

3. Collect your rejections in a meaningful way

You can even do something fun with the rejections you receive. For instance, when Stephen King was first starting out as a writer, he sent his stories to every sci-fi and horror magazine out there. They all got rejected for the first few years, so he got in the habit of sticking the rejection letters on a nail on the wall of his bedroom, and feeling a sense of pride at the size of the stack.

4. Ignore your concerns about being fully qualified

Job-seekers will often only apply for positions that they know they are completely qualified for. But listed qualifications are often guidelines, instead of hard-and-fast requirements, and you may find you're perfect for a job you wouldn't otherwise apply for.

5. Have fun applying for anything that interests you

Letting go of the concern about whether or not you get a specific opportunity allows you to have a lot more fun with the process. You can enjoy the hunt for new opportunities to be rejected, since no one rejection really matters, and you can have fun applying for things that are outside of your normal sphere. (See also: How to Leave a Positive Impression on Everyone You Meet)

Rejection is your path to success

To succeed, first you need to fail — a lot. Rejection is just one part of failure, and but it can land a major emotional punch. Giving yourself a goal to collect rejections can help you learn to remove the sting from rejection and give you many more opportunities to succeed.

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This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Be a Stellar Mentor to Someone at Work

Paul Michael — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 08:01:09 +0000

When you're asked to become a mentor to someone, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. You've reached a stage in your career wherein you have valuable knowledge to pass on, and you can impart that wisdom to an eager disciple. However, the difference between being a good mentor, and one of the best, is all about how much effort you put in, and the ground rules you set for both yourself, and the student. Here's some advice to get you there.

1. Listen more than you speak

It's easy to think that because you're an experienced and reliable advisor, talking is the biggest part of the role. But in reality, a great mentor will choose his or her words carefully, and spend way more time listening to their protégé. Knowing what to say, and when to say it, is what separates a good mentor from a great one. If you listen to your young Padawan carefully, you'll get all the information you need to provide more reasoned and helpful advice. (See also: This One Skill Can Make You a Better Boss)

2. Know when to step back

We learn by failing. You shouldn't be afraid to let your disciple fail. Of course, they should be at least ready to attempt the task at hand, whether it's learning a new skill, or leading a team project. But success will not come instantly, and by letting them learn from their mistakes (and embracing every success along the way) you'll prepare them way better than a mentor who shelters them from every possible struggle.

3. Offer plenty of clear explanations

What's that old saying about giving someone a fish versus teaching them how to fish? You know the one. The same applies to almost any kind of information you share with your mentee. You may know the best way to do something, be it stripping down an engine or building a strategy for a product launch. However, just telling them without explaining why you do it the way you do is nowhere near as helpful. Remember, you're a mentor because you have great knowledge to pass on. Get ready to explain the why as well as the how. It will also help you gain a fresh perspective on how you got so good at what you do. (See also: 9 Signs You're Making All the Right Career Moves)

4. Acknowledge that you can learn from them, too

Mentoring is not a one-way street. Whether you're 28 or 88, there's always something new to learn. Sure, you know a lot; enough to be a mentor, but your mentee brings new experiences and information to the table as well.

A great example of this is the world of advertising and design. The last decade has seen a revolution in the way brands advertise to consumers, and in particular, millennials, and Gen Z'ers. Social media is a powerful tool, and one that veteran advertising experts are still trying to master. Mentees in the advertising world often know more about this than the mentors. Get ready to trade knowledge, not just dish it out. (See also: 6 Ways to Make Extra Money Using Social Media)

5. Be available as often as you can

Mentoring, when done correctly, is a commitment to teach what you've learned to an eager mind. The problem with minds is that they don't easily switch off. Your protégé will have questions, thoughts, and maybe even big ideas outside of the usual 9-5 work day. A good mentor will be available during the work week. A great mentor will be available when he or she is needed, regardless of the time. It's fine to set boundaries, of course ("I'm at a wedding, save your questions until later"), but to simply shut them down when the clock turns to 5:01 p.m. is not going to help them reach their full potential.

6. Set some achievable goals

When you become a mentor, you should be prepared to interview your mentee at the start of the process and figure out what they want to get from you, and the relationship. It can be a casual conversation at a coffee shop, but take notes and set at least five or six definitive goals for both of you. Make sure these are goals that will prove your mentoring has not only succeeded, but has done so in necessary and specific areas.

For example, say you're mentoring someone to become a better swimmer. The goals could be "learn the backstroke," "complete a flip-and-turn successfully," and so on. This applies to any industry or pastime, and as someone with a great deal of experience, you shouldn't have trouble setting specific goals.

7. Go heavy on praise, and light on criticism

For some mentors, the path to success is paved with shouting, reproach, humiliation, and blame. You'll often find this kind of behavior on reality shows, because they need the ratings, but that is not the norm. You will not be a great mentor if you point out every single mistake, jump on every failure, and scream your way to achievements. Yes, it will sometimes be necessary to talk about a major misstep, but you need to focus on the successes and heap praise upon the victories. Mentees will get much further when you show them how proud you are of their accomplishments, rather than how much you hate their mistakes.

8. Put your protégé ahead of your company

When I was a junior copywriter, I had some incredible mentors. One of them, a creative director, saw my potential and advised me to leave the company and work for one that would challenge me more. Needless to say, I took that advice. He was loyal to me, not the agency, and I have never forgotten his guidance.

Invest your time in the person, not the position. What are they bringing to the table? Are they going to be miserable here? Are they meant for another career entirely? As a mentor, when you see this in your mentee, it's your duty to point it out. Most of the time, it comes back to reward you.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Life Skills You Can Learn for Free

Ashley Eneriz — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 08:00:11 +0000

We don't learn everything in school. There are many people who might have an impressive degree and can do calculus, but when it comes to public speaking or cooking a tasty meal, they don't know where to begin. Here are seven basic life skills everyone needs to know, and how to learn them for free.

1. Budgeting

Rather than learning basic personal finance skills in school, many of us have had to learn financial lessons through costly trial and error. Learning to stick with a budget means you can avoid and pay off debt, save for retirement, and eventually be able to buy a home or splurge on a dream vacation.

There are several budgeting techniques you can use, but essentially you want to start tracking all of your bills and expenses, and ultimately see where you can cut back. Then move those extra funds to paying off debt or into a savings account. Keeping all of this information in one place like a spreadsheet will be your best bet in being able to get a clear picture of your finances. (See also: Take Control of Your Money With These 10 Free Spreadsheet Templates)

2. Public speaking

Even though many will not choose a career that requires constant speeches, like a pastor or politician, all of us will need to speak publicly at some point. Whether it be for a work meeting, a wedding speech, or a eulogy at a funeral, you'll have to get up in front of a group of people and not pass out from nerves.

You can audit the University of Washington’s public speaking course through Coursera for free, or rent books with tips on how to master this skill from your local library. You could even practice monologues in front of a mirror or for a group of friends.

3. Speed reading

Reading at a faster speed while maintaining comprehension can help you enjoy more books in less time. And depending on your line of work, it can also help you perform your work tasks at a quicker speed (and hopefully getting a bigger raise).

There are a few free speed reading courses through Skillshare and other free education platforms. One notable course on Skillshare is Speed Reading Mastery from Jordan Harry, a TEDx speaker who says he can read 1,500 words per minute. Skillshare does have a monthly fee of $15, but you can get the first month for free and take unlimited classes during that introductory period.

4. Speaking a second language

If mastering a second language is on your bucket list, then stop waiting for enough free time to get started. You can learn a new language by committing to 15-30 minutes a day with free audiobooks from the library or free online courses.

Duolingo is one of the most popular free language platforms and gamifies the learning process to make it more enjoyable. There are many languages offered, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese. There is even an option to learn High Valyrian from Game of Thrones or Klingon from Star Trek. (See also: 11 Ways a Second Language Can Boost Your Career)

5. Cooking

There are so many elements to cooking, but everyone should feel comfortable enough in the kitchen to whip up a tasty meal with ingredients they have on hand. When you can look in your pantry and fridge and turn staples into dinner, you won’t be constantly tempted to order takeout.

Jamie Oliver has several YouTube videos on kitchen basics, such as roasting a chicken or making perfect scrambled eggs, along with how to make classic dishes like spaghetti carbonara. Once you've mastered the basics in the kitchen, take it to the next level with Gordon Ramsay’s YouTube lessons. And since you're not a contestant on Hell's Kitchen, you won't get yelled at if you make a mistake.

6. Sewing

Just learning the basics of sewing can save you tons of money because you'll be able to repair minor rips, reattach buttons, and even hem pants that are too long, instead of buying new clothing items all the time. You'll also be equipped to adjust your clothes or your children’s clothes during weight fluctuations or growth spurts.

The internet is full of free sewing tutorials and patterns, but a good starting place is Made Everyday’s sewing lessons on YouTube.

7. Writing

You don’t need to learn how to become the next best-selling author, but you do need to learn how to get your point across with the written word. A well-written letter or email can save you money on your bills, land you a job, soothe a family or friend conflict, or help you do better in the workplace. (See also: 4 Times a Handwritten Letter Can Save You Big Bucks.)

You can audit this free business writing course from Coursera, which covers how to write effectively in the business world and how to avoid basic grammar errors.

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This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Amazing Volunteer Programs Around the World

Nick Wharton — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 08:00:11 +0000

Volunteering can be challenging, eye opening, and even life altering, but ultimately it's rewarding in so many ways for those who undertake it. And volunteering abroad is a fantastic way to not only enrich your travels, but also to help others in the process. There are great volunteer programs in virtually every country, so you're sure to find something that suits your skills, experiences, and interests.

Whether you're an animal lover, a healthcare professional, a teacher, a conservationist, or just an enthusiastic traveler with a desire to lend a hand, there's a volunteering position that's right for you. And while most of these programs do have costs attached to enrolling, there are usually scholarships available to lessen the costs, and many often include food and housing. Here are six amazing places you can give back while traveling. (See also: Make the World Better With These 17 Free Ways to Give Back)

1. Help marine conservation efforts in Mexico

With nearly 5,800 miles of coastline that includes the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, as well as the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, Mexico has a huge amount of ocean surrounding it. Those waters are home to part of the second largest barrier reef system in the world, the Great Mayan Reef, as well as numerous endangered species of sea creatures.

As a result, there are lots of opportunities within Mexico to help out with marine conservation efforts. Global Vision International (GVI) offers a highly rated program in the Yucatan region that requires volunteers to earn their scuba diving qualifications before joining the team to help secure the future of the local coral reefs. Other projects focus on turtle and crocodile conservation, like this one by Projects Abroad based on the Pacific Coast.

2. Work at Thailand's elephant sanctuaries

Elephants hold a special place in Thai culture and you'll find them represented everywhere from patterned prints on clothing to works of art. Despite this, it's now widely known that many of the captive elephants in Thailand are poorly treated from birth, and activities like elephant riding are cruel and unethical.

Thankfully, there are several sanctuaries and parks where previously captive and working animals come for rehabilitation. The Wildlife Friends Foundation runs volunteer programs helping abused elephants at the Elephant Refuge and Education Center near Bangkok, which provides a chain-free environment for the elephants to roam. And this GVI program in Chiang Mai aims to assist with the rehabilitation of elephants previously used in the tourism industry.

3. Provide health tips to children in South Africa

Though it has one of the most developed economies on the continent, South Africa also suffers from extremely high rates of poverty, and the availability of basic health care is limited in some regions. Among the various health concerns, a particularly prominent problem is the shockingly high occurrence of HIV/AIDS, with UNAids stating that South Africa has the "largest HIV epidemic in the world."

Facilities provide help for the many people unable to afford private health care as well as offering information on general health topics. This GVI program involves running workshops in local communities in and around Cape Town, mainly aimed at children, and teaching them healthy habits. If you're a health care professional or student, there are lots of programs that will require your skill set, like this one run by New Hope Volunteers, placing you in hospitals and clinics. (See also: 9 Unexpected Benefits of Volunteering)

4. Teach English in Cambodia

Cambodia is still recovering from the brutal regime of the Khmer Rouge, which slaughtered millions in its state-sponsored genocide, carried out between 1975 and 1979. One of the ways they're rebuilding is through the development of its burgeoning tourism industry, and an easy way to help is by teaching English to its residents.

Kids who have English as a second language under their belts will have much greater employment prospects in the future. This Go Overseas' program gives you the opportunity to undertake teachers' training while making a difference in the lives of the children you teach. Volunteer in Cambodia is another organization offering local placements in villages throughout Cambodia for periods of three months at a time. (See also: How to Make Good Money Teaching English in China)

5. Protect plants and animals in Costa Rica

The country of Costa Rica packs a biologically diverse punch for its relatively small size. It accounts for an estimated 4 percent of the planet's species. That means it's green, lush, and has countless species of plants and animals that live and thrive within its borders. Amazingly, hundreds of these species are actually endemic to Costa Rica and not found anywhere else.

And there are huge efforts being made to protect the wildlife that exists there. GVI has numerous projects in place including jaguar conservation, biodiversity conservation, and many more. Go Abroad offers a more agriculture-focused program in which volunteers help local farming communities with their daily farming activities, but also with reforestation efforts.

6. Support women's rights in India

India is a country that's developing rapidly, and according to Nasdaq, it has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. For some, its emergence as a global financial powerhouse means it's a land of endless opportunities. But for others, particularly those who live in more rural areas, the pace of change remains painfully slow.

It's a particularly tough environment for India's women, with widespread discrimination, inequality, and physical violence still commonplace. Numerous programs like this one from Kaya have been set up to help address this and support women to bring about the necessary changes through teaching English and providing education on women's rights. GVI also provides a program focused on promoting gender equality through working with disadvantaged women to help them overcome the social issues they face.

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: Small Lifestyle Changes That Make a Big Difference

Amy Lu — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 09:30:09 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on simple changes that make a big difference in your life, health foods you should make at home, and fun things to put on a calendar.

Ask the Readers: What New Thing Would You Like to Try This Year?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 09:30:05 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Brianna, Elena, and Matt for winning this week's contest!

Most of us have things that we want to try. It might be something on your bucket list, or just an activity you came across that looked interesting. Why not knock out a few of those items this year?

What new thing would you like to try this year? What draws you to this new activity or experience? Will you need to make any special preparations or arrangements?

Tell us what new thing you would like to try this year and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win:

Follow us on Twitter
Follow our Executive Editor Janet Alvarez on Twitter
Tweet about our giveaway for an entry.
Visit our Facebook page for an entry.

Use our Rafflecopter widget for your chance to win one of three Amazon Gift Cards:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

Contest ends Monday, January 8th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Winners will be announced after January 8th on the original post. Winners will also be contacted via email.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered, or associated with Facebook or Twitter.
You must be 18 and U.S. resident to enter. Void where prohibited.

Good Luck!

Tell us what new thing you would like to try this year and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: 30 Habits, Qualities, and Secrets That Lead to Success

Amy Lu — Tue, 19 Dec 2017 09:00:09 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on the habits and qualities that lead you to success, tips for driving on snowy roads, and ways to explore a new city on the cheap.

7 Organizations That Need Your Help During Christmas

Kat Tretina — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 09:00:09 +0000

There are people in your community right now who are struggling with financial problems, illness, and homelessness. Although you want to help, you might be on a tight budget yourself; and you don't have enough to donate to the various causes. Thankfully, you can still contribute in a meaningful way by volunteering.

Christmas can be a wonderful occasion to volunteer your time, as many groups need extra help around the holidays. If you're looking for a volunteer opportunity, these seven organizations are still in need of help. (See also: 8 Charities You Can Trust With Your Holiday Donations)

1. Knit for the Gift of Life

If you enjoy knitting, the Gift of Life needs your skills. It's an organization that is dedicated to helping and supporting parents of premature babies and babies in neonatal intensive care units. Many families will be spending Christmas Day in the hospital to be near their babies.

The Gift of Life collects stuffed bears and beanies to distribute to families at Christmastime to provide comfort and hope. The organization needs knitters and crocheters to create the bears and hats. You can contact them to volunteer and they will send you the hat sizes and patterns they need.

2. Wrap presents for the American Red Cross

You might have taken advantage of American Red Cross wrapping booths in the past, yourself. They're common in shopping malls nationwide during the holiday season. Volunteers wrap shoppers' presents for them in return for a donation. It's an effective fundraiser that goes toward disaster relief and support for the military.

If you enjoy wrapping presents, you can find seasonal American Red Cross volunteer gigs on VolunteerMatch.org or by contacting your local chapter office.

3. Deliver hot meals with Little Brothers: Friends of the Elderly

Many elderly or disabled individuals are homebound and cannot go to the grocery store for food. Or, they might not have family to help them and are completely isolated. They often rely on organizations like Meals on Wheels for hot meals and companionship.

However, Meals on Wheels is not open on Christmas Day. Little Brothers: Friends of the Elderly chapters fill the gap by delivering hot meals directly to individuals' homes, ensuring they're not alone on Christmas Day. Contact your local chapter office to sign up to become a deliverer.

4. Cheer hospital patients with the Salvation Army

Spending the holidays in the hospital can be a very grim and lonely experience. As part of its holiday efforts, Salvation Army chapters nationwide arrange for hospital and nursing home visits. Volunteers sit with patients on Christmas Day. It can be uplifting for patients, especially for children and the elderly. You can contact your local Salvation Army chapter to inquire about visitation schedules.

5. Distribute warm clothes with Goodwill

While many children are dreaming of new video games, others just wish for a warm coat. Each year, Goodwill chapters collect new and gently used coats, shoes, and gloves for both children and adults. You can contact your local chapter to volunteer, or you can help by collecting gently used warm clothing from family and friends.

6. Assemble hygiene kits for the Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Unfortunately, the National Domestic Violence Hotline receives hundreds of phone calls on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and throughout the holiday season from victims of domestic abuse in need of help. Some are connected with local shelters so they can get to a safe place.

When victims of domestic abuse leave their abuser, they often have to leave suddenly with just the clothes on their back. They might arrive at the shelter without even a toothbrush. The local chapters of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence need help collecting new supplies and assembling hygiene kits. Contact your local coalition office to volunteer or donate supplies.

7. Visit nursing home residents with the Holiday Project

The Holiday Project is an organization devoted to making visiting people in nursing homes, hospitals, or other residential institutions a normal holiday tradition. It arranges for volunteers to visit nursing home residents, who are often without family and may never receive visitors otherwise. During your visit, you might sing Christmas carols, hang up decorations, or play games with residents. You can find a list of existing groups or learn how to create your own group by visiting HolidayProject.info.

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This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: Who Inspires You?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 09:30:06 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Jen, Julie, and Carrie for winning this week's contest!

Amazing people are everywhere. Whenever you need to little push to keep going, it helps to remember that someone out there has conquered similar obstacles, and that people who started where you are have accomplished great things, and that ordinary people can do a lot of good in the world.

It doesn't matter whether you know these people personally or not. They are your inspiration, and they push you to persevere when the going gets tough.

Who inspires you, and why? How do their stories or experiences motivate you in your own life?

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10 Ways to Combat "Impostor Syndrome"

Camilla Cheung — Tue, 21 Nov 2017 09:00:09 +0000

Have you ever walked into a meeting hoping that you'll be able to convince others that you're an expert in your field, when in reality you feel as if you're faking it? Have you ever feared that you would be "found out" to be less competent than others think you are? The "impostor phenomenon" was first described in 1978 in a study about professional women who believed that they had achieved their success by luck or by mistake, instead of by their intelligence and competence.

Since then, researchers have learned that what we now call "impostor syndrome" affects not only women, but also men in roughly equal numbers. Described as an inability to internalize one's own successes, the self-doubt of feeling like an impostor can hold you back when you consistently underestimate yourself or sell yourself short. (See also: 10 Ways Even Shy People Can Fake Confidence and Get Ahead)

The good news is, research shows that impostor syndrome isn't really a syndrome — it's not a personality trait, nor a mental disorder, nor is it rare. In fact, almost everyone experiences it as a reaction to a situation at some point. With that in mind, there are some strategies you can use to combat feelings of inadequacy and to feel confident in your own abilities.

1. Remember that you're not alone

Some of the most successful people in history have described feelings of disbelief in their success. From Maya Angelou to Albert Einstein, many famous achievers felt that they did not deserve the accolades and success they had achieved.

So if you have similar fears of being found out, know that you're in good company! Most likely, everyone in the room has had similar feelings and insecurities. It kind of makes you feel better about your own feelings of inadequacy if you know that the person you're talking to most likely feels them too, doesn't it? We're all just faking it till we make it.

2. Talk about it

When you feel that you don't have what it takes to succeed, it can help to talk with a trusted friend or mentor who can give a more objective perspective on the situation. A supportive friend who knows your abilities and successes can encourage you, can point to reasons why you shouldn't feel nervous about your abilities, and can help you think through the situation. Even if they are simply repeating things you already know ("You've already done a project like this, and you can do this one, too"), it can help to hear it come out of someone else's mouth.

3. Focus on the work

Instead of dwelling on what your work says about you, focus on finding solutions to the problem at hand. You have less time for self-doubt if you're thinking about the work itself. I often find that while I might dread a task because I'm afraid I'm not qualified enough to do it, once I get started, that fear often goes away because I'm too busy to think about it. (Don't Panic! How to Meet a Deadline)

4. It's not bad to be an outsider

You may feel like the least qualified person in the room, but that doesn't mean you don't have something to contribute. Often, people with an outsider perspective are able to see solutions that seasoned experts miss because they're too close to the subject. Outsiders are often able to reframe the problem to see from a different perspective. So even if you have less expertise, think of your outsider status as an asset, not a liability.

5. Avoid undermining yourself

Try to stop yourself from using phrases like, "Well, I'm no expert, but I think …" or "I don't really know what I'm talking about, but …" While such refreshing humility can be appealing on a personal level, they can undermine you on a professional level. Don't make others doubt your opinion before you even give it. There's a difference between acknowledging that you don't have all the answers, and tearing yourself down.

6. Focus on what you can learn

Instead of thinking about how you're performing and how that performance looks to others, think instead of what you can learn from the experience. If your pitch for a new project ends up being rejected, focus on what you can learn to be successful next time. Treating each situation like an experiment makes it less personal. Failure simply means that the approach needs to be slightly different next time, instead of confirming your worst fears about yourself. (See also: 15 Free Ways to Learn Something New)

7. Your worth isn't in your achievement

Many people who experience impostor syndrome associate achievement with self-worth. Surround yourself with friends and mentors who value you not for what you achieve, but for who you are as a friend and as a person. And realize that no matter how much you achieve, success alone will not make people genuinely love you or care for you.

8. Realize perfection is not attainable

Many people who struggle with impostor syndrome also tend to be perfectionists who cannot let a task go until they have overplanned and overworked it to the point of exhaustion. Or, that perfectionism might manifest itself as a fear of trying a new task because you might not be able to do it perfectly. Either way, overcoming impostor syndrome involves being able to do a task well enough, instead of perfectly. Cut yourself off when you find yourself obsessing over making something perfect. In my experience, the more you fuss over it, the less creative and fresh the final result will be.

9. Keep in mind that it's not always about you

Over the last few years, I've learned that sometimes, a less than optimal result has more to do with factors out of your control than with your own abilities. Perhaps a client's timetable had to be more rushed than optimal, or budget constraints did not allow you to operate at full potential. While it's important to be realistic about how you can improve, all you can control is how you act, respond, and learn from the experience. You can't change all those other factors — you're just one person. (See also: 12 Ways You Can Go Easier on Yourself)

10. Don't forget that impostor syndrome can be a strength

If you don't allow impostor syndrome to cripple you from taking risks, it can actually bring about some positive effects. Acknowledging that you don't have all the answers can create an atmosphere of trust, communicativeness, and teamwork.

Case in point — I recently went to a media event, and a blogger at my table openly admitted, right at the beginning of the event, that she had been nervous about coming because of her so-called social awkwardness. You could almost hear the collective sigh of relief going around the table — we were not alone!

Impostor syndrome means that you know you have a lot to learn, which can push you to be more innovative, more team-oriented, and more hardworking. So next time impostor syndrome whispers in your ear, treat it like the friend (or frenemy?) who keeps you on your toes, but sometimes needs to be put in its place.

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This article is from Camilla Cheung of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

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How Constant Rejection Can Actually Lead to Success

Constant rejection removes the sting

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How to collect your own rejections

1. Set a rejection goal

2. Change your mindset about rejections

3. Collect your rejections in a meaningful way

4. Ignore your concerns about being fully qualified

5. Have fun applying for anything that interests you

Rejection is your path to success

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3. Offer plenty of clear explanations

4. Acknowledge that you can learn from them, too

5. Be available as often as you can

6. Set some achievable goals

7. Go heavy on praise, and light on criticism

8. Put your protégé ahead of your company

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1. Help marine conservation efforts in Mexico

2. Work at Thailand's elephant sanctuaries

3. Provide health tips to children in South Africa

4. Teach English in Cambodia

5. Protect plants and animals in Costa Rica

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5. Distribute warm clothes with Goodwill

6. Assemble hygiene kits for the Coalition Against Domestic Violence

7. Visit nursing home residents with the Holiday Project

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10 Ways to Combat "Impostor Syndrome"

1. Remember that you're not alone

2. Talk about it

3. Focus on the work

4. It's not bad to be an outsider