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15 Military Benefits That Can Change Your Life

April 1, 2024 By Leave a Comment

military benefitsFor those who have served in the military, a wide range of benefits is available, designed to honor their service and support their transition back into civilian life. These benefits, often underutilized due to a lack of awareness, can profoundly impact an individual’s life and future. Here are 15 military benefits that can offer new opportunities, security, and support for service members and veterans.

1. GI Bill for Education

The GI Bill provides significant financial assistance for education and training to veterans and active duty personnel. Covering tuition for college, graduate school, and training programs, it also offers housing allowances and stipends for books and supplies. This benefit can open doors to new career paths and opportunities, making higher education accessible and affordable.

2. VA Home Loans

Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans assist military members in purchasing, building, or refinancing a home, often with no down payment and favorable terms. These military benefits can make the dream of homeownership a reality for many service members, providing financial stability and a sense of belonging in the civilian world.

3. Healthcare Through TRICARE

TRICARE offers comprehensive healthcare coverage to military personnel, retirees, and their families. With options for health plans, prescriptions, dental plans, and special programs tailored to military needs, TRICARE ensures that those who serve and their loved ones have access to high-quality health care.

4. Military Retirement Pay

Those who retire from the military after at least 20 years of service receive a monthly pension for life. The amount is based on rank, service length, and the retirement system applicable to their service period. This pension provides financial security and acknowledges the long-term commitment of military members.

5. Veteran Employment Programs

Various employment programs assist veterans in finding civilian jobs, offering resources like job training, resume development, and career counseling. Programs such as the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) help veterans with service-connected disabilities find suitable employment, ensuring their skills and experience are recognized in the civilian workforce.

6. Commissary and Exchange Privileges

Active-duty, reserve, and retired military personnel have access to commissaries and exchanges, offering discounted groceries, retail goods, and services. These benefits help military families save money on everyday purchases, providing significant financial relief.

7. Education Benefits for Dependents

The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled or died while serving. This benefit supports the educational goals of military families, ensuring they have the resources to succeed.

8. Military Recreation Facilities

Service members and their families have access to a variety of recreational facilities and services, including fitness centers, beaches, and vacation rentals at military bases around the world. These amenities offer valuable opportunities for rest, relaxation, and bonding, enhancing the quality of life for military families.

9. Legal Assistance

Military legal assistance provides free legal advice and services for a range of issues, including estate planning, family law, and military rights. This support can be invaluable for navigating legal challenges, ensuring service members and their families have access to professional guidance.

10. Tax Benefits

Military members are eligible for various tax benefits, including tax-free allowances, combat zone tax exclusions, and special deductions for uniform costs and moving expenses. These benefits can reduce the tax burden on military families, providing financial relief.

11. Life Insurance

The Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) offers low-cost term life insurance to military members, providing financial protection to their beneficiaries in the event of the service member’s death. This benefit ensures peace of mind for military families, knowing they have financial support during difficult times.

12. Transition Assistance

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides resources and workshops to help service members transition to civilian life, covering topics such as employment, education, and veterans’ benefits. This support is crucial for a smooth reintegration into civilian life, helping veterans navigate the challenges of post-military careers and lifestyles.

13. Disability Compensation

Veterans with disabilities related to their service are eligible for tax-free disability compensation. This benefit acknowledges the sacrifices made by service members and provides them with financial support to manage health issues resulting from their service.

14. Child Care Assistance

Military childcare programs offer subsidized care options, providing safe and affordable care for children of service members. This support is essential for military families, ensuring parents can fulfill their duties without compromising on their children’s care.

15. Burial and Memorial Benefits

The VA provides burial and memorial benefits to honor the service of military members, including burial in VA national cemeteries and military funeral honors. These benefits ensure that the service and sacrifice of veterans are respectfully commemorated.

Maximizing Military Benefits

The range of benefits available to military members and veterans is vast and varied, designed to honor their service and support their transition to civilian life. By taking full advantage of these military benefits, service members and their families can access opportunities for education, healthcare, housing, and financial stability that can significantly change their lives. Understanding and utilizing these benefits is crucial for leveraging the support systems in place to aid those who have served our country.

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12 Inspiring Older Entrepreneurs Who Reinvented Themselves After Retirement

March 22, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Retirement? More like rewire-ment! Here’s a shout-out to those unstoppable people who decided that retirement was the perfect time to kick-start their entrepreneurial journey. These 12 older entrepreneurs prove that when it comes to starting a business, age is just a number, and passion knows no bounds.

1. Colleen and Jim Seiler – Kushley, LLC

In their golden years, the Seilers decided that retiring wasn’t quite for them. So, they went nose-first into the odor control industry, launching Kushley, LLC! Originally, they were just trying to help out a friend, but after investing $30,000 in their new company, it became a successful business venture instead.

2. Sune Larsson – Serviced Offices

At the age of 50, Sune Larsson decided it was high time to break free from the shackles of the 9-to-5 routine. He went to Stockholm and set up serviced office spaces for hire, which gave entrepreneurs a place to work and a community for their ideas. Clearly, you don’t have to be a spring chicken to be creative! 

3. Lorraine Campman – Music Center

Lorraine Campman struck a chord with her decision to open a music center at 56, turning her lifelong passion for piano teaching into something much bigger. She began offering both group and private lessons to any keen musicians. Her story is a true masterpiece, showing that the music of entrepreneurship can begin at any age.

4. Deborah Ramsey – Natural Wellness and Spa

After being laid off, Deborah Ramsey, at the age of 56, started her next chapter of being an older entrepreneur by launching a wellness and spa business. Deborah’s business began giving her clients and Deborah herself some peace, transforming her from employee to entrepreneur. No matter what hurdles you might face, if you stay resilient, you can keep achieving. 

5. Jaswant Kular – Jaswant’s Kitchen Indian Spice Blend

When she turned 60, Jaswant Kular decided to create a range of spice blends that whisked kitchens worldwide on a journey to India. Her enterprise, Jaswant’s Kitchen, has become well-known for its authentic Indian flavors. If you have a true passion for your roots, then you can season the globe!

6. Mary Tennyson – Stash All

At 63, Mary Tennyson noticed that many people with walkers could not use purses. So, she decided to fix this. She created Stash All, purses designed for those using walkers that mixed practicality with a touch of elegance. Although it began as a personal problem, she later transformed it into an entrepreneurial victory.

7. Rob Urry – Kogalla

Unhappy with retirement, Roby Kurry, at 52, created Kogalla. This product is a creative lighting solution for anyone who likes being outdoors. Soon enough, his invention began to revolutionize exploration through its sheer creativity. His story shows that the adventure of entrepreneurship can happen at any age.

8. Nonna Nerina – Nonna Live

At 86, Nonna Nerina took her intimate cooking classes online, spreading Italian culinary magic across the globe. Buon appetito, world​​! She used her age-old wisdom for a new-age platform, proving that a love for life and cooking can create a recipe for success that can travel across generations.

9. Rowena Montoya – JulieAnn Caramels

Rowena Montoya turned her simple hobby into a thriving business with JulieAnn Caramels. She managed to keep her family together during her retirement while also creating a thriving business, even during tough times. Sometimes, the sweetest rewards come from our own passions and hard work.

10. Sonja Detrinidad – Partly Sunny Projects

With Partly Sunny Projects, Sonja Detrinidad used TikTok to create a community of plant enthusiasts and a blooming online business. Who says you can’t teach an old plant new tricks? All you need are the seeds of encouragement to cultivate your passion into a thriving business, no matter what season of life you’re in.

11. Carmen Hijosa – Ananas Anam

Ananas Anam is a company that introduced Piñatex, a vegan leather alternative, to the world. And it all came from Carmen Hijosa, a 60-year-old entrepreneur! She has repeatedly spoken about the importance of sustainability and entrepreneurship, showing that they are important at any age.

12. Ponnu Mami – Pickle Queen

In Kerala, Ponnu Mami’s passion for pickle-making blossomed into a successful business. She turned simple ingredients into jars of joy that brought a taste of India to every table. Clearly, it doesn’t matter when you start – as long as you have enough love, you can turn any passion into a recipe for success.

Dreams Never Die

These entrepreneurs are clear proof that dreams have no expiration date and that retirement doesn’t have to be the end –  it can be a grand new beginning instead! So, if you ever get worried about aging, just remember these trailblazers who used it as an opportunity for innovation and passion. Age is just a number.


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These 11 Bachelor’s Degrees Will Guarantee You A Low Paying Job

March 21, 2024 By Leave a Comment

low paying jobChoosing a major is one of the most significant decisions for college students, impacting future career paths and potential earnings. While passion and interest should undoubtedly influence this choice, it’s also essential to consider the economic realities of the job market. This article highlights 11 bachelor’s degrees that, according to recent data and trends, are more frequently associated with a low paying job. It’s not meant to dissuade students from following their passions but to provide a realistic outlook on potential financial outcomes.

1. Fine Arts

While a degree in fine arts can lead to a fulfilling career in the arts, it is often associated with lower starting salaries and competitive job markets. Graduates may find opportunities in galleries, education, or freelance work, but these positions typically offer modest compensation.

2. Anthropology

Anthropology majors gain deep insights into human cultures and societies, but they may struggle to find high-paying roles without further specialization or advanced degrees. Many anthropologists work in research, academia, or museums, sectors known for tighter budgets and lower salary scales.

3. Creative Writing

Creative writing degrees foster valuable communication skills and creativity. However, graduates looking to become authors, journalists, or writers face a highly competitive field with many freelancers and contract workers, often resulting in lower and unstable income streams.

4. Philosophy

Philosophy majors develop critical thinking and analytical skills, but direct career paths related to the field tend to be limited and not particularly lucrative. Many philosophy graduates pursue careers in education, law (with additional qualifications), or various industries where they may start with a low paying job.

5. Religious Studies

Students of religious studies often pursue careers in counseling, social work, or religious institutions. While these roles can be deeply rewarding and impactful, they frequently come with lower salaries compared to corporate or technology-driven fields.

6. Hospitality and Tourism

Hospitality and tourism degrees prepare students for careers in travel, lodging, and food services management. Despite the fun and dynamic work environment, many positions in this sector offer a low paying job, partly due to the operational cost structures of these industries.

7. Education

Educators play a crucial role in society, yet public school teachers in many regions earn salaries that do not reflect the importance and demands of their job. Specialization and further certifications can lead to higher-paying roles within the education sector.

8. Social Work

Social workers provide invaluable services to communities, working in schools, hospitals, and non-profits. Despite the critical nature of their work, social work is often undervalued in terms of compensation, reflecting broader societal issues in funding and supporting social services.

9. Culinary Arts

Culinary arts graduates often work in kitchens, restaurants, and food services, where long hours and high-pressure environments are common, but high salaries are not. Establishing a successful career in high-end dining or as a celebrity chef can offer financial rewards but requires significant dedication and a bit of luck.

10. Music

A degree in music can open doors to careers in performance, education, and production. However, many musicians face challenges in finding anything other than a low paying job, relying instead on a mix of teaching, freelance performances, and other roles.

11. Studio Arts

Studio arts graduates, much like their fine arts counterparts, enter fields where personal expression and creativity are high, but financial compensation is often limited. Careers in art, design, and crafts offer fulfillment but typically come with modest paychecks.

Making Informed Decisions

Pursuing a passion is admirable, and many find immense satisfaction in careers born from the degrees listed above. However, it’s crucial for prospective students to understand the potential financial implications of their chosen field of study. Combining one’s passion with strategic planning, additional certifications, or even double majoring can enhance employability and earning potential. In today’s ever-evolving job market, adaptability, lifelong learning, and skill diversification are key to both personal fulfillment and avoiding getting stuck in a low paying job.

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Use These 12 Work From Home Sites To Find The Perfect Job

March 12, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Work from home sitesThe allure of remote work has never been stronger, with more people than ever seeking the balance and flexibility that comes with working from home. Whether you’re transitioning from an office job, looking to freelance, or seeking a more permanent remote position, the right opportunity can set the course for your career’s future. Here are 12 excellent work-from-home sites where you can start your search for the perfect work-from-home job.

1. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is renowned for its curated list of remote, freelance, and part-time jobs across numerous industries. What sets it apart is its dedication to vetting job listings to ensure they’re legitimate, removing the risk of scams. For those serious about finding high-quality remote work, FlexJobs offers peace of mind and a wide array of options.

2. We Work Remotely

As one of the largest work-from-home sites, We Work Remotely boasts a diverse selection of job listings from programming to customer service. The site is straightforward and user-friendly, making your job search hassle-free. For those looking to join the digital workforce without geographical constraints, this platform is a goldmine.

3. Remote.co

Remote.co is a resource for companies and individuals alike, offering listings for remote jobs across various fields, from writing and teaching to web development. The site also provides valuable insights and tips on remote work, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone new to the remote work scene.

4. Remotive

Remotive’s vibrant community and regularly updated job board focus primarily on tech jobs, though it also features positions in marketing, design, and other areas. Its newsletter is a fantastic resource, delivering the latest job postings and remote work news directly to your inbox.

5. Upwork

For freelancers, Upwork is one of the best work-from-home sites to connect with businesses seeking specific skills for short-term projects or ongoing work. While the competition can be stiff, Upwork’s wide range of opportunities across industries makes it an excellent site for building a freelance portfolio and finding consistent work.

6. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is not just for networking. Its job search functionality allows you to filter positions by “Remote” under the location settings, unlocking a wealth of opportunities across every sector imaginable. Plus, leveraging your network can give you a leg up in the application process.

7. Indeed

By searching “remote” in the location field on Indeed, you can uncover a plethora of remote jobs. From startups to global corporations, Indeed aggregates listings for every job seeker. Its straightforward interface and extensive database make it one of the most reliable work from home sites for your remote job hunt.

8. AngelList

If working for a startup excites you, AngelList is the place to look. This platform connects job seekers with startups looking to hire talent for various remote roles. It’s an excellent way to become part of the vibrant startup ecosystem and grow with an emerging company.

9. SkipTheDrive

Focused exclusively on telecommuting jobs, SkipTheDrive simplifies the search for remote work. Its easy-to-navigate categories and curated job listings make finding your next remote position less time-consuming, letting you “skip the drive” and focus on what matters.

10. Virtual Vocations

Virtual Vocations’ team hand-screens thousands of remote job listings, ensuring that every opportunity is legitimate and up-to-date. The site covers a broad spectrum of industries, from healthcare to education, making it a versatile resource for remote job seekers.

11. Working Nomads

Catering to the digital nomad lifestyle, Working Nomads curates a list of remote jobs that offer the ultimate flexibility. With a focus on digital roles like web development, design, and marketing, it’s the ideal place to find a job that lets you work from anywhere.

12. Freelancer

Freelancer offers a wide range of project-based work, from web design and programming to writing and marketing. By bidding on projects that match your skills, you can build your portfolio and client base, all while working from the comfort of your home.

Your Remote Work Journey Begins Here

Embarking on a remote work journey opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to tailor your career to fit your lifestyle, not the other way around. The work-from-home sites listed above are just the starting point in finding a job that offers the freedom and flexibility you desire. By leveraging these platforms, you’re well on your way to securing a work-from-home position that meets your needs and aspirations.

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