So your company is not doing so well and you think you may not have a job much longer. There are some things that you can do now that will help to lessen the blow of losing your job..
Update your resume. Start sending it out. Not just to the companies listed on job boards, but think about other companies that are in your industry, other companies that may offer positions similar to yours, and companies listed on job boards such as indeed.com.
Check out your competitors. When looking at your company - look at who it is competing with. They may be hiring.
Renew your contacts. There are people in the past that you have worked with either as a coworker or as a sales rep or marketing agent. Get back in touch with them. They may know of positions.
Pay off as much debt as you can. The more you pay off now, the less stress you will be under if you are laid off. By all means, DO NOT accumulate more debt if you can help it!
Know where you will live. If your home or your apartment depends on you having a job, start looking at places you can live if you lose your job.
Trade down. If you're driving a luxury car, trade it in now and see about getting something that is more affordable. The same with apartments, etc.
Cash on hand. Make sure you have some cash on hand. Everyone should have 4-6 months in a savings account. Less than 1% do. Make sure your not left with nothing.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Holiday Prepping
By holidays I mean - Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day - or whatever you may celebrate that you intend to cook for.
I usually cook 4 big family meals a year, the three listed above and Easter.
First, set your menu, whether it is traditional or like I do and fix something different every year.
When trying new recipes, go through each recipe and make a list of ingredients that you will need - divide it out by perishables and non-perishables.
Start buying your non-perishable items in late October and through November and keeping them on the shelf. This way, as each holiday approaches, the only thing you have to buy extra is the perishables.
This should cut down your final expense the week that you are cooking.
I usually cook 4 big family meals a year, the three listed above and Easter.
First, set your menu, whether it is traditional or like I do and fix something different every year.
When trying new recipes, go through each recipe and make a list of ingredients that you will need - divide it out by perishables and non-perishables.
Start buying your non-perishable items in late October and through November and keeping them on the shelf. This way, as each holiday approaches, the only thing you have to buy extra is the perishables.
This should cut down your final expense the week that you are cooking.
Emergencies on the Road and What You Should Have in Your Car
You never know when an emergency will occur. With the winter season approaching it is best to be prepared. Here are a few things you should have tucked away in the trunk of your car.
Water - At least 2-3 bottles tucked away in case your car breaks down, you have something to soothe your thirst.
Food - Not a meal but something along the lines of a package of jerky, a box of energy bars, a box of pop tarts, etc - you get the idea.
Blanket(s) - You should have a blanket or even a sleeping bag for as many people that normally ride in your car or as many seats that you have. I say this because if you are driving and you have front bucket seats you will want a blanket for yourself, one for the passenger, and then at least on for the backseat, unless you have a Suburban or Excusion - then you have more seats to worry about. Usually more than one child can huddle together under a blanket.
Clothes - If you live in an area where the weather can change on the flip of a coin, then it is best to always have a coat or if you're a female a pair of jogging pants in the car. This way if you have to walk, you have pants that can easily be put on and taken off (I say this from wearing dresses and having to walk from a parking garage several blocks away).
First Aid Kit - What can I say, you never know when something is going to happen. Especially if you have kids or friends.
Road Flares - If your car does break down, especially at night, you don't want to be hit by a passing motorist. The flares will let them know your car is there on the side of a road.
Flashlight - It is always good to have a flashlight handy. Just be sure and check the batteries!
Anti-Freeze - Now is the best time to make sure you have coolant. True story, I just bought some for my car last Saturday, decided to check it just in case and ended up adding half of the jug. I was low. I keep it in my trunk.
Washer Fluid - It is always good to keep this in your car so that you can add it as needed.
Brake Fluid - Now is also a good time to check brake fluid and keep some on hand.
Oil - Find out what kind your car takes and keep at least 2 quarts spare in your car.
Fuses - It's always good to keep extra's on hand.
Fix-A-Flat - Just in case.
Duct Tape - Has been known to mend a hose long enough to get you to a place of safety.
WD-40 - Just in case.
Now is also a good time to check all of your lights and your wiper blades to make sure they are in working order.
FYI - I keep all the fluids in a small square laundry basket in the trunk of my car. I can't stand things rolling around in the back and I would hate for one of them to spill.
Water - At least 2-3 bottles tucked away in case your car breaks down, you have something to soothe your thirst.
Food - Not a meal but something along the lines of a package of jerky, a box of energy bars, a box of pop tarts, etc - you get the idea.
Blanket(s) - You should have a blanket or even a sleeping bag for as many people that normally ride in your car or as many seats that you have. I say this because if you are driving and you have front bucket seats you will want a blanket for yourself, one for the passenger, and then at least on for the backseat, unless you have a Suburban or Excusion - then you have more seats to worry about. Usually more than one child can huddle together under a blanket.
Clothes - If you live in an area where the weather can change on the flip of a coin, then it is best to always have a coat or if you're a female a pair of jogging pants in the car. This way if you have to walk, you have pants that can easily be put on and taken off (I say this from wearing dresses and having to walk from a parking garage several blocks away).
First Aid Kit - What can I say, you never know when something is going to happen. Especially if you have kids or friends.
Road Flares - If your car does break down, especially at night, you don't want to be hit by a passing motorist. The flares will let them know your car is there on the side of a road.
Flashlight - It is always good to have a flashlight handy. Just be sure and check the batteries!
Anti-Freeze - Now is the best time to make sure you have coolant. True story, I just bought some for my car last Saturday, decided to check it just in case and ended up adding half of the jug. I was low. I keep it in my trunk.
Washer Fluid - It is always good to keep this in your car so that you can add it as needed.
Brake Fluid - Now is also a good time to check brake fluid and keep some on hand.
Oil - Find out what kind your car takes and keep at least 2 quarts spare in your car.
Fuses - It's always good to keep extra's on hand.
Fix-A-Flat - Just in case.
Duct Tape - Has been known to mend a hose long enough to get you to a place of safety.
WD-40 - Just in case.
Now is also a good time to check all of your lights and your wiper blades to make sure they are in working order.
FYI - I keep all the fluids in a small square laundry basket in the trunk of my car. I can't stand things rolling around in the back and I would hate for one of them to spill.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Looking for a Job: Networking
In this economy, Networking is not what it used to be.
Networking was once considered a group of professionals that would get together once a month, but now the game has changed.
Networking may now be simply anyone you know, and you would be surprised at how many people you know.
Social Networking is another place to look for jobs. Facebook, MySpace and the other dozen or so sites. I would not suggest posting your resume, but let your friends know you are looking for a job and what type of work you do and ask for suggestions or contacts. Use Twitter to let everyone know you are looking for work and what type.
For instance, I work in Banking and Financial Services. I have professional contacts through The American Society of Financial Service Professionals. I have many people that I meet in women's groups that involve banking. Other professions, involve different types of meetings.
My ex-husband was a sheet metal mechanic and while he did not belong to professional organizations, he did have contacts. The companies that installed their lave, their grinder, their laser, and other machines they used knew companies that were either hiring or going in the wrong direction. Their metal suppliers knew who was ordering and who was not. And while these companies would not release information on their customers, they might tell someone where to check. It's all about the way it is asked.
Another way is to look at where government bids are being awarded. Usually, if a bid is being rewarded to a company, then they will have work. Go to the company and talk to them, leave your resume (usually online) this way they have your name. Online - check the "about us" section of the company. They will sometimes post their company officer's names (remember HR is the last person you want to make contact with, unless of course you are a HR professional).
Check with friends, fellow church members, drinking buddies, etc... Someone may drop a name or company that may be hiring.
Good luck!
Networking was once considered a group of professionals that would get together once a month, but now the game has changed.
Networking may now be simply anyone you know, and you would be surprised at how many people you know.
Social Networking is another place to look for jobs. Facebook, MySpace and the other dozen or so sites. I would not suggest posting your resume, but let your friends know you are looking for a job and what type of work you do and ask for suggestions or contacts. Use Twitter to let everyone know you are looking for work and what type.
For instance, I work in Banking and Financial Services. I have professional contacts through The American Society of Financial Service Professionals. I have many people that I meet in women's groups that involve banking. Other professions, involve different types of meetings.
My ex-husband was a sheet metal mechanic and while he did not belong to professional organizations, he did have contacts. The companies that installed their lave, their grinder, their laser, and other machines they used knew companies that were either hiring or going in the wrong direction. Their metal suppliers knew who was ordering and who was not. And while these companies would not release information on their customers, they might tell someone where to check. It's all about the way it is asked.
Another way is to look at where government bids are being awarded. Usually, if a bid is being rewarded to a company, then they will have work. Go to the company and talk to them, leave your resume (usually online) this way they have your name. Online - check the "about us" section of the company. They will sometimes post their company officer's names (remember HR is the last person you want to make contact with, unless of course you are a HR professional).
Check with friends, fellow church members, drinking buddies, etc... Someone may drop a name or company that may be hiring.
Good luck!
It's time to look for coats!
I originally meant to post this in August, but with my move I never got around to it.
I know it's September and it is still warm in most areas. Which is why you should be shopping for any needed coats now! They are plentiful in supply and you can get some really good deals.
I recently bought my son and grandson coats and only spent $100 for both. My grandson's coat is a polyfiber coat that has a vest and a jacket. It was $39.
My son's coat is a leather jacket with a "fake" shearling (sheepskin) lining. This coat will last him several years unless he grows out of it. It was $59.
I bought both at Burlington Coat Factory.
While you can get cheaper coats, this is your children or you and your health you are talking about! It is best to spend a little more money and have a good coat in the long run.
If you have multiple children to buy for then buy one each paycheck.
I know it's September and it is still warm in most areas. Which is why you should be shopping for any needed coats now! They are plentiful in supply and you can get some really good deals.
I recently bought my son and grandson coats and only spent $100 for both. My grandson's coat is a polyfiber coat that has a vest and a jacket. It was $39.
My son's coat is a leather jacket with a "fake" shearling (sheepskin) lining. This coat will last him several years unless he grows out of it. It was $59.
I bought both at Burlington Coat Factory.
While you can get cheaper coats, this is your children or you and your health you are talking about! It is best to spend a little more money and have a good coat in the long run.
If you have multiple children to buy for then buy one each paycheck.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Let's never forget the music
Daryl Worley - Have You Forgotten
Eagles - Hole In The World
Alan Jackson - Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning
Iced Earth - When The Eagle Cries
Toby Keith - Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue
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