Each month, I am going to focus on one thing, career related, that can be used to get you where you want to me.
This month the focus is on Professional Associations. If you've catch my March Favorites over on YouTube you'll find that I listed Professional Associations as my Career Favorite for the month and here's why:
1| Networking
Professional Associates are made up of a number of people that do what you do or what you want to do. This means there are great opportunities to connect with other professionals, take about your industry, share best practices, and create a klan of people that you can use as a resource.
2| Girl Crush
As you network, you're going to find women whose career, lifestyle, energy speak to you. These people that you come to admire can quickly turn into mentors. Every boss deserves a mentor and the best thing is when you can become a mentor for someone else.
3| Knowledge
Professional Associations often hold educational seminars aimed at improving knowledge in the industry. They are usually pretty affordable especially if you already have membership. Since all bosses should be knowledge sponges you should definitely sign yourself up for sessions that spark your interest.
4| Badass By Associations
Often employers will think highly of a candidate because of the professional associates they are members of. It doesn't hurt to throw the associations you belong to on your Linkedin or your resume.
5| Money, Money, Money
In many cases, fees that you pay to Professional Associations can be tax deductible meaning it could result in a larger refund. I call that a win.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Boss Obsessed
1| Through the Lady Project Summit I found Bossed Up Org, an organization aimed at preventing burnout for strong and powerful lady bosses. It was started by Emilie Aries who I am basically obsessed with.
2| Sara Petty being bad ass bold on Twitter.
3| All the conversation I've had with Rooney but explained by a hot shirtless guy
4| It's National Puppy Day! And more importantly, it's my Rooney's birthday! I made her these pupcakes with plenty to share with the other furbabies at day care tomorrow.
5| Basically everyone's worst nightmare. And it involves POOP. But it will have you laughing for quite a while.
2| Sara Petty being bad ass bold on Twitter.
3| All the conversation I've had with Rooney but explained by a hot shirtless guy
4| It's National Puppy Day! And more importantly, it's my Rooney's birthday! I made her these pupcakes with plenty to share with the other furbabies at day care tomorrow.
5| Basically everyone's worst nightmare. And it involves POOP. But it will have you laughing for quite a while.
Monday, March 21, 2016
In the Trenches
I really love a good trench coat and feel like they are a great piece of outwear that transitions from day to night, work to play. The style itself can blend itself between seasons as well. Find my top picks for trenches for this spring below.
Tips when searching for the perfect trench:
 |
| 1| French Connection Twill Trench 2| Loft Essential Trench 3| Top Shop Double Breasted Coat 4| Michael Kors Single Breasted Raincoat 5| Jessica Simpson Ruffle Trench 6| Old Navy Trench |
- Find one that is machine washable. It's much easier than having to have it dry cleaned.
- Look for feminine detail. The ruffle detail on the Jessica Simpson trench is to die for.
- Make sure you try it on before you commit. Our bodies are all shaped differently and sometimes a trench can sit weird on your hips. They are meant to highlight your hourglass figure so make sure you find one that makes you feel the most comfortable.
Happy shopping bosses!
D
Saturday, March 19, 2016
The Road to Financial Wellness
I'm 27 years old and stuck.
I'm feeling married to my student loans and credit debt. Month after month I am paying the minimum payment on my credit card struggling to get below the credit limit.
Now I don't blame anyone but myself. I chose to college to college. I chose to move out on my own when I wasn't financial ready and of course, refused to get a roommate. I chose to trade my perfectly good care for a fancy new one on a lease. These were all choices that I made in the last 5 years that looking back on now, maybe weren't the most thought out decisions.
I can definitely say that my financial situation is a huge cause of anxiety. This recently came to the surface during couples therapy where I had a mini meltdown about feeling like a free loader.
Since that appointment, I've made some drastic changes and put myself on a two year plan to financial wellness.
One | Credit Cards
Since credit cards are the biggest, most painful thorn in my side, I decided to tackle those first. Ironically I opened up a new credit card that was running a promotion for balance transfers, offering 0% APR for 18 months. The other thing I did is apply for a personal loan to pay off the remainder of my other credit cards. The personal loan has an interest rate of just under 10% which is worlds better than the 27% APR I have on some of my credit cards.
For me, the best part of my method of paying these dang cards off is there's a light at the end of the tunnel. 18 months for one and 24 months for the other, rather than the endless minimum payments that I had been doing for the past few years.
Two | Budget
Next, I created a budget. I've done them before but they were half assed. This budget was legit, with formulas and everything! Microsoft Excel has a budget template that you can download or you can create your own. My goal was the figure out where the hell all my money was going. In a way, I sort of knew where it was going but it was a big shock to see exactly how much was going where.
Three | Savings Account
Lastly, I opened up a savings account. I used to have one but it was "accidentally" closed as part of my parents divorce. I hadn't seen a need to reopen one until I had a conversation with my boss and he said something that really stuck. You need to pay yourself first. I definitely wasn't doing that but realized the value in it.
I feel much better about where I am now. Not my debt didn't go away overnight, but feeling like there's a plan and it's manageable has put me in a much better spot.
Do you have any tips for financial wellness?
D
I'm feeling married to my student loans and credit debt. Month after month I am paying the minimum payment on my credit card struggling to get below the credit limit.
Now I don't blame anyone but myself. I chose to college to college. I chose to move out on my own when I wasn't financial ready and of course, refused to get a roommate. I chose to trade my perfectly good care for a fancy new one on a lease. These were all choices that I made in the last 5 years that looking back on now, maybe weren't the most thought out decisions.
I can definitely say that my financial situation is a huge cause of anxiety. This recently came to the surface during couples therapy where I had a mini meltdown about feeling like a free loader.
Since that appointment, I've made some drastic changes and put myself on a two year plan to financial wellness.
One | Credit Cards
Since credit cards are the biggest, most painful thorn in my side, I decided to tackle those first. Ironically I opened up a new credit card that was running a promotion for balance transfers, offering 0% APR for 18 months. The other thing I did is apply for a personal loan to pay off the remainder of my other credit cards. The personal loan has an interest rate of just under 10% which is worlds better than the 27% APR I have on some of my credit cards.
For me, the best part of my method of paying these dang cards off is there's a light at the end of the tunnel. 18 months for one and 24 months for the other, rather than the endless minimum payments that I had been doing for the past few years.
Two | Budget
Next, I created a budget. I've done them before but they were half assed. This budget was legit, with formulas and everything! Microsoft Excel has a budget template that you can download or you can create your own. My goal was the figure out where the hell all my money was going. In a way, I sort of knew where it was going but it was a big shock to see exactly how much was going where.
Three | Savings Account
Lastly, I opened up a savings account. I used to have one but it was "accidentally" closed as part of my parents divorce. I hadn't seen a need to reopen one until I had a conversation with my boss and he said something that really stuck. You need to pay yourself first. I definitely wasn't doing that but realized the value in it.
I feel much better about where I am now. Not my debt didn't go away overnight, but feeling like there's a plan and it's manageable has put me in a much better spot.
Do you have any tips for financial wellness?
D
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Lady Project Summit
Saturday I spent the beautiful day up in Providence at the Lady Project Summit. If you're not familiar with the Lady Project, it's a nonprofit focused on inspiring women and sharing the amazing things we do. You should definitely check out their website at www.ladyproject.org if you're interested in learning more about them.
This is the fourth year that the nonprofit has put on the summit and my first year attending and it was amazing. The summit is comprised of different workshops that you can attend on topics such as anxiety, motherhood, leadership, financial wellness, fitness and nutrition and more! They also arranged for three amazing key note speakers throughout the day, Ann Shoket, former Editor in Chief at Seventeen Magazine, Ruma Bose, President of Chobani Venture and Elaine Pouliot, formed VP of T&D at IBM. Let me say that these three #badass key note speakers were the highlight.
It was definitely inspiring to see so many women come together for the same cause, supporting each others badassery (not a real word but it should be). It's a great networking opportunity and a chance to learn something about yourself, your passion, your purpose or your side hustle.
Not only do they have the day long summit, but they have an after party and events the Friday before and the Sunday after. It makes the price tag of the summit well worth it.
If you live near a summit or at least a local chapter, I encourage you to participate. I definitely plan on attending next year, and maybe more than just an attendee!
They also gave out an amazing swag bag. Hop on over to my Youtube to see what's included!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRPZnnzasHw
Have a fabulous week!
This is the fourth year that the nonprofit has put on the summit and my first year attending and it was amazing. The summit is comprised of different workshops that you can attend on topics such as anxiety, motherhood, leadership, financial wellness, fitness and nutrition and more! They also arranged for three amazing key note speakers throughout the day, Ann Shoket, former Editor in Chief at Seventeen Magazine, Ruma Bose, President of Chobani Venture and Elaine Pouliot, formed VP of T&D at IBM. Let me say that these three #badass key note speakers were the highlight.
It was definitely inspiring to see so many women come together for the same cause, supporting each others badassery (not a real word but it should be). It's a great networking opportunity and a chance to learn something about yourself, your passion, your purpose or your side hustle.
Not only do they have the day long summit, but they have an after party and events the Friday before and the Sunday after. It makes the price tag of the summit well worth it.
If you live near a summit or at least a local chapter, I encourage you to participate. I definitely plan on attending next year, and maybe more than just an attendee!
They also gave out an amazing swag bag. Hop on over to my Youtube to see what's included!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRPZnnzasHw
Have a fabulous week!
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