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Smart Start Money provides information on making smart money decisions. Providing tips, personal experiences, and opinions on saving smart and spending smart. Times have changed since getting a job and keeping the same place of employment for a lifetime. The average time spent with one employer is now three to five years. Companies are replacing workers with lean staff that previously held more people to accomplish the same tasks. This has resulted in periods of unemployment for many people making it challenging to save for retirement and stay debt-free. The rising costs of healthcare, consumer goods, and wages that often do not seem to keep pace with the cost of daily life make it more important than ever to make smart financial decisions. Millions of people struggle each day to get ahead. The intention of Smart Start Money is to not only provide insight into saving or spending but also open conversations. Discussions relating to the economy, employment, and even the occasional forbidden topic of politics are possible. If the subject matter has a correlation to helping people with their finances or questioning the so-called experts, it is open for dialogue. It has never been more important than ever to save and stay out of debt. No one has all the answers when it comes to personal finance. People come from all different backgrounds in life. The choices we make and the opportunities available are never identical. We can all learn from each other.
Episodes
Thursday Jan 30, 2020
Why Do People in Their 30's and 40's Work for Minimum Wage?
Thursday Jan 30, 2020
Thursday Jan 30, 2020
I recently responded to a question on why people in their 30's and 40's work for less than a higher wage. Some of the comments I saw on this subject were not only disrespectful, but they were simply not the truth. Not all older people that work for lower wages are drug addicts, ex-cons or government system leaches.
This podcast episode takes a look at why many people are working for less than they are likely qualified to earn.
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Monday Jan 27, 2020
Save Your Money on New Technology
Monday Jan 27, 2020
Monday Jan 27, 2020
How can you save money on new technology?
From the newest cell phone to computers, the newest technology can be expensive.
This Smart Start Money podcast episode looks at ways to save money when it comes to buying the latest and greatest technology.
Visit Our Website: https://smartstartmoney.com
Subscribe to the Podcast: https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
401k Do’s and Don’ts
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
Thursday Jan 23, 2020
Saving for retirement is crucial for everyone. Defined benefit plans, such as a pension plan, is not something that is readily available for most people any longer.
For many year’s pensions were a standard retirement plan that many employers provided. Some do still offer these, but they are becoming much rarer. Most employers have opted to offer 401k plans in place of these because they can be less expensive to administer. As companies continue cost-cutting and fuel the philosophy of more with less, more defined benefit pension plans will likely start to disappear.
Being 401k’s are for retirement, it is important for plan participants to ensure the investments have the possibility of growing as much as possible and also avoid mistakes.
This podcast episode looks at things you should and should not do with your 401k.
Visit Our Website: https://smartstartmoney.com
Subscribe to the Podcast: https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/
Monday Jan 20, 2020
Human Resource Department Misconceptions
Monday Jan 20, 2020
Monday Jan 20, 2020
Company Human Resource departments are often labeled as being there to help employees. This could only be further from the truth.
HR departments are not employee advocates. Their main objective is to keep a business out of trouble with the government and employment laws. Issues, such as sexual harassment and discrimination, are a few examples of real problems that do exist. The EOC (Equal Opportunity Commission) has a number of laws in place to protect workers. It is the Human Resource department’s responsibility to ensure a company does not get caught up in complaints that have the potential for further action.
This Smart Start Money podcast episode looks at what role a Human Resource Department really has. It isn't to help with conflict resolution or assist employees with their problems. The truth is HR does not care about you. Their role is to do the very best from the moment you walk in the door to protect the company that provides for them.
Smart Start Money
Visit Our Website: https://smartstartmoney.com
Subscribe to the Podcast: https://smartstartmoney.podbean.com/
Thursday Jan 16, 2020
How to Find a Good Employer
Thursday Jan 16, 2020
Thursday Jan 16, 2020
If you are currently job hunting or even considering a career change, finding a good employer to work for is important. Not only is the employer investing in you, but you will be spending a great deal of your time with your new chosen employer. This is time away from your family, hobbies, and interests.
The problem with how to find a good employer today is they are becoming smaller in numbers. Employers are increasingly seeing their employees as being an expendable resource.
This podcast episode talks about things to look for in a good place to work. A workplace that is respectful and one that rewards people for their contributions.
Monday Jan 13, 2020
Money Pit House Signs
Monday Jan 13, 2020
Monday Jan 13, 2020
Buying a home can be stressful and exciting. For first time home buyers, the process is one that can include tunnel vision with just getting into a home of their own. A house that appears ideal at the right price can be hard to pass up. However, no home is perfect and it is important to be cautious, patient and thorough when purchasing a home. If this is not done, you could end up with a money pit house. This will end up being a home that has endless repairs and expenses. It will equal the purchase of a home with a blank check.
This podcast episode looks at things to look for in a potential money pit home purchase. Not only are the typical high expenses with home ownership discussed, but there are items most people do not even consider that could be potential financial disasters when buying a home.
Thursday Jan 09, 2020
Are Online College Degrees Worth the Investment?
Thursday Jan 09, 2020
Thursday Jan 09, 2020
Getting a college degree online appears to be more popular. But are college diplomas earned online becoming more accepted in the workplace? Are online college degrees worth the investment?
This podcast looks at the acceptance of employers for employees that might have earned their education through online coursework.
Monday Jan 06, 2020
The Truth About Performance Reviews
Monday Jan 06, 2020
Monday Jan 06, 2020
Workplace performance reviews are simply a waste of time and resources. They are often done on an annual basis and sometimes also referred to as performance appraisals. These employee reviews are many times the basis for advancement or a salary increase. Many companies like to describe them as something good for both the employee and employer. However, performance reviews are typically not any good at truly improving employee performance.
This podcast episode looks at the real reasons companies like to use performance reviews and why many employers still choose the archaic method of evaluating their employees.
Thursday Jan 02, 2020
What is the One Thing You Should Save for With Your First Job?
Thursday Jan 02, 2020
Thursday Jan 02, 2020
It can be tempting to reward yourself with a new car or a lavish vacation after landing your first professional job. Maybe you just graduated from college or finished a trade school and are now making a good wage for the first time. The first thing you should be saving your money for is not a shiny new vehicle or a European vacation.
This podcast episode looks at the importance of planning financially when someone gets their first job.