Author: Jenny Smedra

5 Things to Check Before Retiring to the Suburbs in 2022

Things to Check Before Retiring to the Suburbs in 2022

If you are nearing retirement age and dream of a quiet life away from the city, here are a few things to check before retiring to the suburbs in 2022.

5 Things To Check Before Retiring to the Suburbs in 2022

1. Your Budget

Financial Plan

The first thing you need to check before retiring to the suburbs in 2022 is your financial plan. Have you reached your long-term goals? Have you accounted for inflation and market fluctuations? Are your assets protected? You want to make sure you are ready to stop working before you jump into retirement.

This means you’ll have to be realistic about what you can afford. You should also pay off all your debts before you retire so you don’t deplete your savings. And, you need to make sure that you will have enough income to cover your living and medical expenses. If you aren’t sure if you are ready to fully retire, discuss it with your financial planner.

Cost of Living

Since you will be living on a fixed income, you want to maintain a low cost of living. If the home you are currently in is too much of a financial burden, it may be time to downsize. Moving to a smaller home can drastically reduce your monthly expenses. However, you may also consider relocating. Retiring to the suburbs around San Francisco, New York, or Honolulu is going to require a much larger nest egg than places like Fort Wayne, IN, or Toledo, OH.

Taxes

Although federal taxes are an unavoidable fact of life, not every state collects taxes from its retired population. In fact, seven states don’t levy any taxes on personal income (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, Wyoming). For those looking for the cheapest places to live, compare which states and counties have the lowest property taxes. This will give you a good indication of the general cost of living in the area.

2. Health Plan

Health Care

Maintaining your physical health is a major concern as people get older. The hard truth is that medical expenses will constitute a large part of your retirement budget. Couples retiring can expect to pay approximately $387,000 in health care costs.

Furthermore, those with chronic conditions may need to see specialists or require access to the latest medical technologies. So, you’ll need to be close to a hospital that has cutting-edge facilities if you require frequent trips to the doctor. The trade-off for these conveniences is living in more expensive urban areas. If you have a serious medical condition, this should be a consideration before moving to the suburbs in 2022.

Safety

Another health concern many people overlook is personal safety. Living on a fixed income means that cost is a primary concern. But, you shouldn’t sacrifice your safety to save money. Unfortunately, cheaper housing is usually located in more dangerous neighborhoods which could affect your well-being. Therefore, you should eliminate low-cost neighborhoods that have high crime rates. You can learn more about local crime rates from your police department or by searching crime maps of the area.

3. Proximity

Transportation

One significant disadvantage of retiring to the suburbs in 2022 is the distance and drive time it takes to get places. However, if you are perfectly happy to get out of the city, you may not need a car for daily commutes. Many suburban areas are gaining greater access to stores, restaurants, parks, and other amenities. Not only does this offer more convenience, but it also means less driving.

It encourages you to walk more which is a great way to stay active, fit, and get the most out of your neighborhood. However, you should consider proximity to public transportation if want to sell your car and plan to stay there through your retirement years. Even if you keep your car, you may lose the ability to drive someday. But, being close to public transit will allow you to stay mobile. For those moving further away from their family, it’s a good idea to look for places near the local airport.

Proximity to Family

Do you want to spend more time with your family after you retire? Or, do you want to head for the hills in search of a more peaceful life? Familial connections can be crucial as we get older. But, dysfunctional families can also create more stress. Whether you want to be nearby or as far away as possible, proximity to your family is another consideration when you retire.

4. Lifestyle

Culture

The kind of lifestyle you lead is also an important consideration. Think about what kind of social life you want to have and how you will spend your free time. Are you ready to move away from the bustling city center for the quiet life of the suburbs? Do you plan to participate and socialize at local senior centers with classes, game nights, or other events? On the other hand, if you want to take in the culture of your city, you should look for neighborhoods closer to museums, galleries, theaters, and other attractions.

Climate

While cost and location are both important factors, you shouldn’t forget about the climate. Most retirees want to live somewhere where they will be comfortable year-round. For some seniors, this means they are willing to leave places with extreme temperatures to pass their golden years in more comfort. If you are relocating, you will also want to avoid places that are prone to natural disasters.

Getting Back to Nature

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll want to find somewhere that provides easy access. Many suburbs offer great hiking and biking trails or proximity to beaches, lakes, and mountains. Moving somewhere that allows you to easily enjoy your outdoor hobbies promotes strong physical and mental health as you get older.

Rules and Regulations

Although living in a community provides many benefits and services, homeowner associations and city ordinances can create huge headaches. First, there are the fees to account for. Then, there are the local laws and regulations you must comply with. Some cities and neighborhoods have strict ordinances that require extensive paperwork for any construction projects. Make sure you understand the bylaws of where you want to live. Being at odds with the local governing body could turn your suburban paradise into a nightmare.

5. Personal Happiness

Ultimately, the most important thing to keep in mind before retiring to the suburbs in 2022 is your personal happiness. Think about what is most important to you and where you will be the most content spending your final years.

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Choosing a Job for Your Financial and Mental Health

Choosing a Job That's Good for Your Financial and Mental Health

The last two years have seen a huge shift in how the world does business. While it provides many opportunities, it has also exposed some serious social and mental health concerns for employees. Although some issues stem from the reengineering of the workforce, transitioning to a remote environment has also brought many issues of toxic work cultures into the spotlight.

So, if you are feeling burnt out, lonely, or undervalued, you’re not alone. Many of us have been taken advantage of and suffered through the day-to-day drudgery of a toxic workplace. But, this could be harming you more than you realize.

Here’s why it’s important to choose a job that’s good for your financial and mental health.

The Financial Strain of the Underpaid

When you are first starting out, you should expect to be on the low end of the salary spectrum in any field. Even if you have the right certifications and are highly qualified for the position, you must gain hands-on experience. Once you have put the time in, your salary should increase to reflect this.

However, stingy companies and penny-pinching CEOs will be hard-pressed to give their employees the compensation they deserve. In my experience, this meant denying raises, forgoing end-of-year bonuses, and canceling events or festivities on the company’s dime. Meanwhile, the top executives usually don’t have to make the same sacrifices.

Not only is it unfair, but it is a major red flag that you have a toxic work environment. Unfortunately, it is a widespread problem which I have seen around the world. I have worked for several employers in multiple countries where it has happened. Companies under-value their staff who have few options and have no choice but to accept the low wages.

In addition to lowering morale and reinforcing an unhealthy dynamic, it creates a huge financial strain for these employees. Although inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, employees’ incomes remain stagnant. This makes it harder to stretch the budget and nearly impossible to build savings.

The Mental Health Toll

In addition to the financial impacts, a toxic workplace takes a heavy toll on your mental health. Employees in these environments report higher rates of chronic stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and burnout. Furthermore, health professionals also warn that these factors can also lower your immune response and cause you to get sick more often.

At one point in my career,  it was so severe that I showed all of these symptoms simultaneously. The worst part was how long it took me to recognize the signs of a toxic workplace. I continued to push through, believing that I was the problem. Instead of trusting my abilities and training, I felt like my work was never good enough.

I can recall one manager, in particular, that would micromanage menial tasks and force employees to redo them as a way to exert her dominance over everyone. While I’m sure she justified it as a means to establish her authority, it created a hostile workspace.

Although I’m no longer there, the truth is that I am still dealing with the repercussions today. It has taken me years to rebuild my self-confidence and understand my own worth after years of verbal abuse from my superiors.

10 Signs Your Job Is Affecting Your Financial and Mental Health

I overlooked several red flags early on that led to a decline in my overall well-being. While there are several indications that you work in a toxic workplace, these were the 10 signs which told me that my job was affecting my financial and mental health:

  1. An unhealthy work-life balance
  2. Unrealistic expectations and demands from my superiors
  3. No respect for personal boundaries
  4. No encouragement for input from employees
  5. Lack of acknowledgment or appreciation for employee efforts
  6. Every task is micromanaged
  7. Work is affecting your sleeping habits
  8. No opportunities for professional advancement
  9. A general lack of enthusiasm for the job
  10. Regularly thinking about quitting

This list is by no means all-inclusive. However, it provided me with a tangible checklist that made me realize that I was in an unhealthy situation. For me, all signs pointed to one conclusion: it was time for a change.

Finding a Job That’s Good for Your Financial and Mental Health

Once I realized I had had enough of the verbal abuse, it became easier to enforce boundaries. For months, I received extra tasks, was bullied to work for free, and berated in front of my coworkers. After yet another one of temper tantrums, I simply told my supervisor I was done and walked away. I maintained my professionalism and gave my two-weeks notice, but checked out from her mental gymnastics.

Determined to have a fresh start, I decided it was time to go into business for myself. Never again would I subject myself to abusive bosses or toxic workplaces. Instead, I could create my own professional atmosphere and job that promoted positive financial and mental health.

However, starting your own business is easier said than done. I needed to find a viable career path for my skill set. So, I performed an honest self-assessment to see what my options were. With a strong background in communication, grammar, writing, and copy editing, I began researching what it would take to become a freelance writer. Since I already had acquaintances who had made the same career move, I discussed my situation and consulted with them as I got started.

Over the next year, I spent time networking with other freelancers, making new contacts in the industry, and finding ways to attract new clients. I’m proud to say that all my efforts have paid off. What was once a side hustle in college has now blossomed into a full-time career.

I won’t be making millions, but I’m much happier doing work I enjoy with people I respect. The sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with life is much greater than any financial loss.

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Sponsors Note: This article has been made possible by Jooble.org.  With over 779,000 current vacancies.  Find a new job today!

What Clothes Can You Sell on Depop?

What Clothes Can You Sell on Depop?

If your closet is stuffed to the brim, maybe it’s time to learn what clothes you can sell on Depop.

What is Depop?

For those new to Depop, it’s a peer-to-peer shopping app to buy and sell clothing. While it isn’t the first of its kind, it has become increasingly popular among online shoppers. Primarily because it is so simple to set up and start selling right away without a long verification process. Since it’s compatible with both Android and iOS, you can add the app to your smartphone or login in from your computer to start browsing.

And, although they will charge a 10% fee for every item sold, it’s completely free to join. The user-friendly platform closely resembles Instagram and currently has about 21 million members. Its versatility and accessibility attracts a younger audience. But, Depop is more than just another app for people who are looking for good deals or want to make some extra money cleaning out their closets.  It’s a marketplace that allows for freedom of expression and has built a community that shares fashion, art, music, and so much more.

Clothes You Can Sell on Depop

Some sellers will argue that Depop is the best option when selling preloved casual clothing, vintage items from thrift shops, or pieces from independent designers. So, you won’t typically find high fashion pieces that come with a high price tag. But, you have potential customers from every walk of life which means a wide variety of styles and interests.

When deciding what clothes you can sell on Depop, it’s best to begin by identifying the audience you want to appeal to. From there, you can choose all types of clothing items that fit within the image you want to create. You can start with larger items like outerwear, shoes, bottoms, tops, and dresses. Or, specialize in accessories such as jewelry, watches, hats, scarves, belts, sunglasses, or handbags.

There are also non-clothing items you can sell on Depop. Music enthusiasts can find CDs and vinyl records. Shutterbugs can browse vintage cameras. Meanwhile, bibliophiles have an entirely new source of online reading material. The key to becoming a successful seller is choosing items that are consistent with the brand image and the aesthetic you are trying to create.

Clothes You Can’t Sell on Depop

Beyond what clothes you can sell on Depop, you must also be aware of their list of prohibited and restricted items. You don’t want to have items removed or get banned from the site. Although you can sell many things on the platform, there are a few obvious things you should steer clear of, such as:

    • adult content or nudity
    • alcohol and tobacco products
    • drug-related merchandise
    • graphic or violent images
    • discriminatory or hate speech
    • counterfeit items

The site provides a detailed list of items and an explanation why they would be removed, the admins retain the right to take down any content they feel breaches their Terms of Service or poses a risk they aren’t willing to take.

Making Money on Depop

Even if you aren’t trying to make a living, you can earn some extra cash for your efforts. If you want to make money, you need to know how to market yourself and which items will get the most attention. But before you can start counting your profits, you have to create your Depop shop.

1. Create an account.

Before you can sell anything, you will have to create your own account. It’s simple to set up; all you need is your name, phone number, and email address. Then, you can set your feed preferences such as categories you’re interested in and sizes. When you choose a name for your shop, think of a catchy or memorable name that customers won’t forget. And, be sure to include a bio to tell customers more about your style and products.

2. Link it to a PayPal account.

Unfortunately, Depop doesn’t have its own electronic payment system. So, you’ll need to link it to your PayPal account before you choose clothes and accessories you can sell on Depop. After it’s connected, you can start receiving payments.

3. Choose the items you want to sell.

When you sell online, first impressions are everything. Think about the first thing shoppers see when they visit your page.  And then, choose items that you want to sell with this in mind. First, look through your closet for items you no longer wear. If you need more inventory, search local thrift stores and second-hand shops for new items.

4. Take photos for your shop.

Don’t underestimate the importance of your photos. While every item you list must have an image to accompany it, think about the presentation. Try to showcase the most flattering views and showcase each piece without distractions in the background.

You can include four photos and one video per item. Be sure to capture different angles, the tag, or someone modeling the item. It’s also better to take your own photos than to use stock images when selling personal belongings. No matter which images you choose, keep your photography style consistent to make it look more professional.

5. List the items for sale.

If you want to make money, you have to list the items for sale. You can either download the app to your phone or log in to their website to access your account.

When you create a listing, add photos, a detailed description, and hashtags to generate more traffic to your shop. High-quality pictures grab shoppers’ attention, but the details in the description are what sell it. Be honest about the condition, point out any details that make it special, and include any other information that might be useful to buyers.

The most difficult part is setting the right price. If you price it too high, no one will buy it. Too low…and you barely cover the shipping costs. If necessary, compare it with similar items to know the value of your items and price them fairly.

Since there is no cost or limit to the number of items you can list, maximize your profits by listing as many things as possible.

6. Once sold, ship the items.

When you sell an item, ship it as soon as possible. This builds a good rapport with customers and earns good reviews. To avoid any miscommunication, determine who will be paying the shipping fee before you send it. The site gives you the option to “ship with Depop” or make your own shipping arrangements. Make sure to use tracked shipping and send the tracking number to the customer once it’s on the way.

7. Look for ways to boost your sales.

Once you have established your shop, it’s time to find more customers. Follow shops you like and become more active to get more views. Linking your shop to all your social media accounts is another great way to do this. You should also consider when most people are online and post during high traffic periods like lunch breaks and evenings from 7-9:00 pm.

And, don’t overlook the value of good customer service. Being friendly and prompt with responses can earn you repeat business. You can also include a thank you note or free gift to show your appreciation. Don’t forget to include your business card and encourage them to leave a positive review as well.

If you feel like you have tried everything and still aren’t seeing the returns you’d hoped for, reach out to other sellers. You can talk to community members by browsing their shops or joining r/Depop to seek advice or discuss your concerns. Just because you weren’t successful on your first attempt doesn’t mean that you can’t turn it into a profitable venture.

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