Higher Earning

When it comes to personal finance, especially homeownership, rules of thumb can serve as useful guidelines to help you make informed decisions. One of the most commonly referenced in housing and mortgage budgeting is the 30% rule. But what exactly does this rule entail, where did it come from, and how applicable is it in today’s housing market? Let’s dive into what the 30% rule is, how it’s used in budgeting for a home, and whether it still holds up in modern financial planning. What Is the 30% Rule? The 30% rule states that you should spend no more than 30% of your gross monthly income on housing expenses. These expenses typically include: Mortgage principal and interest Property taxes Homeowner’s insurance (Sometimes) Homeowners Association (HOA) fees or mortgage insurance For renters, the rule applies to rent instead of mortgage payments. The goal is to ensure that you don’t become “house poor” — a situation where the majority of your income goes toward housing costs, leaving little...

If you’ve ever stared at your computer at 3:47 PM and wondered, “Is this all there is?”—you’re not alone. The good news? You’re likely sitting on a goldmine of skills you’ve picked up from your 9-5. What if you could leverage those very talents to build a profitable side hustle? Whether you’re chasing financial freedom, creative fulfillment, or simply a backup plan, turning your day job expertise into extra income is more doable than you think. Here’s how to bridge the gap between your current job and your next income stream. 1.  Audit Your Skill Set Start by listing out what you do every day. Don’t just think about your job title—focus on what you actually do. Ask yourself: What problems do I solve? What software or tools am I proficient in? What do colleagues always ask me for help with? What do I do faster or better than most? 💡 Example: A customer service rep likely has stellar communication skills, knows how to handle tough people, and may be a pro at using CRMs. That’s a gre...

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, launching an online store has never been easier. Among the most trusted and user-friendly platforms in the world of eCommerce is Shopify . Whether you’re a small business owner, an established brand, or just starting out, Shopify offers a complete solution to help you build, grow, and manage your online store with ease. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Shopify a top choice for entrepreneurs around the globe, and why you might want to consider it for your next eCommerce venture. What is  Shopify ? Shopify is a cloud-based eCommerce platform that allows individuals and businesses to create their own online stores to sell products. It supports both physical and digital goods, with tools that help manage inventory, track sales, accept payments, and customize the customer shopping experience. Launched in 2006, Shopify has grown into one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, powering over a million businesses worldwide. Its scalable inf...

In 2025, letting your money sit in a traditional savings account is the financial equivalent of leaving it in a drawer collecting dust. If you’re serious about building wealth and maximizing every dollar, a high-yield savings account (HYSA) is the smart choice. With interest rates now soaring past 4% and even 5%, there’s no excuse not to put your money to work. Below are 10 of the best high-yield savings accounts you can open today. These accounts offer exceptional APYs, no or low fees, and easy online access, making it simple to save more, faster. 1.  Poppy Bank High-Yield Savings  –  5.50% APY Why it stands out: Poppy Bank leads the pack with a whopping 5.50% APY, no monthly maintenance fees, and no required minimum balance. It’s a rare combination of high return and low hassle. APY: 5.50% Minimum balance: None Fees: None Persuasive Take: Want to earn the highest possible return on your savings without jumping through hoops? Poppy Bank is your top choice. 2.  Varo...

Economic recessions and market downturns are inevitable. They’re part of the natural cycle of economies worldwide. Whether it’s due to geopolitical tension, rising interest rates, or global health crises, financial slowdowns tend to spark anxiety, particularly when it comes to personal savings and investments. The good news is that there are practical, time-tested strategies to protect your financial future during uncertain times. Here’s how to recession-proof your money and come out stronger on the other side. 1.  Start With a Solid Emergency Fund Before diving into complex investment strategies, make sure your financial foundation is secure. That means having an emergency fund that can cover 3 to 6 months’ worth of living expenses. In a recession, job losses and income disruptions are more common. Your emergency fund should be easily accessible—preferably in a high-yield savings account or a money market account—so you don’t have to liquidate long-term investments during a marke...

In the digital age, affiliate marketing has become one of the most popular ways to generate passive income online. Whether you’re a blogger, content creator, or just someone looking for a side hustle, affiliate marketing offers a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to earn money by promoting products and services you believe in. This comprehensive guide will walk you through what affiliate marketing is, how to get started, and the key strategies to succeed. What Is Affiliate Marketing? Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where individuals (affiliates) promote a company’s products or services and earn a commission for every sale or action generated through their referral link. Here’s how it works in simple terms: You join an affiliate program. You receive a unique affiliate link. You promote that link through your content. When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. Affiliate marketing benefits all parties involved: The merchant gai...

When you’re stuck between paychecks and unexpected expenses arise, a little financial cushion can go a long way. Fortunately, there are several reputable apps designed specifically to help you borrow money until payday. These apps offer features like instant cash advances, low or no fees, and tools to improve your financial wellness. Here’s a roundup of the top payday advance apps in 2025: 1.  Earnin Best for: No-fee advances Advance amount: Up to $750 per pay period Key features: No interest or mandatory fees (optional tips) Lightning Speed option for instant transfers Balance Shield alerts to avoid overdrafts Pros: No credit check, fast transfers Cons: Requires consistent direct deposit 2.  Brigit Best for: Budgeting tools + cash advance Advance amount: Up to $250 Key features: Automatic advances to prevent overdrafts Credit monitoring and identity theft protection Smart budgeting tools Pros: Helps improve financial habits Cons: Requires a paid subscription ($9.99/month) 3....

In a world of quick financial advice on TikTok and Instagram, nothing beats the long-term wisdom found in a well-written finance book. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or looking to sharpen your money management skills, these books offer timeless insights that can change the way you think about wealth, investing, and freedom. Here are 7 must-read finance books for the month of June that continue to empower readers worldwide. 1. Rich Dad Poor Dad  by Robert Kiyosaki Best for: Changing your mindset about money This classic personal finance book contrasts the financial philosophies of Kiyosaki’s two “dads”—his real father (Poor Dad) and the father of his best friend (Rich Dad). It drives home the importance of financial education, investing, and building assets over earning a high salary. Key takeaway: Don’t work for money—make money work for you. Buy it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ZwHO5D 2. The Total Money Makeover  by Dave Ramsey Best for: Getting out of debt...

For most professionals, increasing income is a key goal. While side hustles and investments can supplement your earnings, one of the most sustainable and powerful ways to grow your income is through career growth. Advancing in your career not only leads to greater financial rewards, but also offers long-term stability, personal development, and job satisfaction. Here’s how you can strategically grow your earnings by focusing on your career: 1.  Invest in Skill Development To earn more, you need to offer more value. Continuously upgrading your skills makes you more competitive and opens doors to higher-paying roles. Consider: Learning high-demand technical skills (e.g., data analysis, coding, digital marketing) Earning certifications relevant to your field Improving soft skills like communication, leadership, and negotiation Tip: Identify gaps in your industry and fill them. If few people in your company understand a new tool or platform, becoming the go-to expert can make you indis...

Running a business is no easy task. From managing day-to-day operations to securing funding, small business owners wear many hats. One crucial element of success that often gets overlooked is understanding and managing your business credit. That’s where Nav.com comes in—a powerful platform designed to simplify financial decisions and empower business owners to grow with confidence. What is Nav.com ? Nav.com is a financial health platform that helps small businesses understand and improve their business credit, compare financing options, and make smarter money decisions. By aggregating data from business and personal credit reports, Nav provides tailored insights and tools to help you take control of your business’s financial future. 1.  Free Access to Business and Personal Credit Scores One of Nav’s standout features is free access to both your personal and business credit scores—from trusted bureaus like Experian, Dun & Bradstreet, and Equifax. This dual view allows business ...

In a significant development, the United States and China have agreed to a 90-day reduction in tariffs, aiming to ease escalating trade tensions that have impacted global markets and supply chains. Key Details of the Agreement: Tariff Reductions: The U.S. will lower tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China will reduce its tariffs on U.S. goods from 125% to 10% .  Duration: This mutual reduction is set for an initial 90-day period, during which both nations will engage in further negotiations to address underlying trade issues .  Market Reactions: The announcement led to a surge in global stock markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 1,160 points (2.8%), while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq gained 3.3% and 4.4%, respectively . Investors are optimistic about the potential for a more stable trade environment. Strategic Considerations: Beyond tariffs, the U.S. is focusing on reducing dependence on China for critical minerals essential for technology and defen...

Introduction Ever found yourself walking out of a store with something you didn’t plan to buy—or worse, regretted it just days later? You’re not alone. Impulse spending is one of the biggest obstacles to saving money. Fortunately, there’s a simple, proven strategy to help: The 30-Day Saving Rule. This rule isn’t about deprivation. It’s about mindfulness, intention, and giving yourself the space to make smarter decisions with your money. Let’s break it down. What Is the 30-Day Saving Rule? The 30-Day Saving Rule is a personal finance strategy that helps you avoid unnecessary purchases. The concept is simple: When you feel the urge to buy something non-essential, wait 30 days before purchasing it. During this time, you set the money aside—as if you bought the item—but don’t actually spend it. After 30 days, reassess. Do you still want it? Do you still need it? Or has the urge faded? Why It Works Creates a Cooling-Off Period Emotional or impulsive decisions often lead to buyer’s remorse. ...

Looking to make the most out of your everyday purchases this year? With the right cash back credit card, you can earn money back on groceries, gas, dining, streaming, and more. Whether you’re after simplicity or want to maximize specific categories, 2025 has a card for you. ⸻ 1. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Best for: Flat-rate rewards Rewards: Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases Annual Fee: $0 Why it stands out: No categories, no limits. Just a reliable 2% back on everything you buy. ⸻ 2. Chase Freedom Flex® Best for: Rotating bonus categories Rewards: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in quarterly bonus categories (after activation), 1% on other purchases Annual Fee: $0 Why it stands out: High bonus potential plus 3% on dining and drugstores all year long. ⸻ 3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Best for: Grocery and streaming enthusiasts Rewards: 6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year), 6% on select U.S. streaming services, 3% on transit and g...