Managing Your Finances

November 18, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Lessons Learned

I saw some sobering news when I was surfing. Consumer prices went up again last month. It wasn’t surprising, but disconcerting, nevertheless. However, if anything good has come out of the recession, I’ve become serious about money.

I’m taking more time to learn about online trading. I’ve always been a cautious person, so stock trading wasn’t something in which I’d engage. My wake-up call came when I figured my expenses and taxes for next year. Working the day job, I just went to work each day, collected my paycheck, and was as happy as can be. Once I realized how much I’m going to be paying next year, I knew that I had to look in more ways to diversify and make money.

I have to admit being a bit nervous. I plan on some funds staying in the old, oak chest, but certainly I’m willing seek the advice of an online broker, which leads me to another good thing about the recession. I’m not just trying to build one safety net, rather I’m constructing several. As a writer and freelancer, I believe it to be a good strategy. Hell, I’m even building up a stock of canned goods and household products.

Writing is stressful enough, especially when you’re trying to make a living off of it. Managing your finances early in your career should be high priority.

Tags: finances

Manage Your Writing, Manage Your Finances

April 26, 2009 by Chris · Comments Off
Filed under: Lessons Learned

As writers, we’re all too familiar with the ups and downs of our industry. We are well aware of the pressures in the publishing world. To ensure our ability to devote our efforts to writing, you need a plan.

A ballpark figure of six-month savings is a good goal to give yourself that extra cushion. The stream of writing gigs has a life of its own. Work can be unpredictable. Even if the work isn’t coming, chances are you are still writing. You are writing articles, creating writing samples to build up your store of work. Your finances would benefit by that same thinking.

One way you can accomplish this is through stock trading. With prices low, this is a good time to look into online trading. If you’re like me, I’m conservative when it comes to money. Other options exist that give you more secure ways to manage your investment. Even a simple savings account can give you the peace of mind you need to keep your focus on your work.

In any case, you want to do your research. Learn about opportunities and their risks. Speak with an online broker for assistance. First Trade provides such services. Whatever you need to do, it is important to protect your writing investment.

Tags: finances