January 2022 - Vertū Marketing

Finding Legitimate Work-From-Home Jobs

January 26, 2022 by ronnie

Working from home has its advantages, which is why many people are searching for legitimate opportunities to work at home. A quick online search yields many results with job opportunities, claiming you can make lots of money while staying home. But some of these are simply not legitimate. If you’re looking for a job that allows you to work from home, do your research and use the following information to help you find a legitimate job opportunity.

Research thoroughly

When you search for work-from-home jobs on any job-hunting site, you may find a lot of options. Some of those are legitimate while others are not. Before even applying for a work-from-home position, it’s a good idea to do an online search for reviews from past employers or clients that have worked with the company. You may also want to contact the company for information on the exact details of the job. The information, or lack thereof, you find through your online search and the feedback you get from the company will help you decide if you want to proceed forward.

Employee or independent contractor?

Be sure to understand the difference between being an employee or an independent contractor. There are positives and negatives for both, but it’s important to know what the employer is offering you before you accept the position. Independent contractors generally decide their own hours and often may work with more than one employer or company. They don’t usually qualify for benefits or workers’ compensation.
Work-from-home employees may have to work during specific hours, they will likely have much more contact and guidance with their employer, and they usually quality for unemployment. Employees have taxes withheld from their pay while independent contractors pay a self-employment tax based on their earnings.

Traditional employees and independent contractors can find legitimate work-from-home opportunities. Be sure to research the company before submitting any personal information, as some online listings are scams. Understand what the employer is offering you and be very detailed in knowing their expectations of you as well as how and when you will be compensated for your work.

Meal Prep Tips To Save Time In The Kitchen

January 18, 2022 by ronnie

Cooking meals at home not only saves money, but it can also be much healthier than grabbing fast food. There’s nothing wrong with using convenience meals and getting take-out, but if you’re looking for ways to make it easier to cook more frequently at home, the following tips may be useful.

Take stock of what you have

It’s important to always know what foods you have on hand before you plan your meals. Some people keep a very detailed inventory sheet, but this can be time-consuming and not necessary unless you have a lot of food on hand. Choose a day each week to think about what you have and what you can make so you can plan out meals for the entire week. There are meal planning apps and planners that are designed just to help you keep track of what you want to cook each week. But a simple cheap notebook can serve the same purpose.

Keep it simple

Not everyone enjoys cooking, but knowing some very simple kitchen skills can help keep yourself and your family well-fed. Some of the easiest meals like pasta, breakfast for dinner and freezer-friendly meals require very little time in the kitchen. If you can take a few hours once a week to wash and chop veggies, thaw/marinate meat and pre-assemble some dishes, the daily work is much easier to manage. Keep a list of your family’s favorite meals and add in new dishes when you have extra time.

Work smarter

Cooking up a large batch of meat allows you to use it in several different ways, which also saves much time and effort. Baked or grilled chicken can be later used in quesadillas, salads, or pasta. Cooked ground beef can be used for lasagna, chili or soup, and tacos. Slow cooker meals can also be a good option for stews and roasts. You can assemble the meal in the morning and allow the slow cooker to do all the work.

Cooking every day can feel like a chore, especially when you don’t take time to plan your meals ahead. There’s nothing wrong with having simple meals like pasta, tacos, and sandwiches. Whatever you make at home is likely healthier and cheaper than what you can get at your local takeout place. Spend a couple of hours each week to plan and prep your meals so you can cut down on the time spent in the kitchen each day.

Increase Your Productivity While Working At Home

January 12, 2022 by ronnie

Events in the past two years have led to many more people working from home for various reasons. Working from home has many advantages, but it’s easy to get distracted, which means you can’t get as much work done. Here are some easy ways to increase your productivity when you’re working from home:

Establish a morning routine

Even though working at home gives you flexibility, it’s still beneficial to start your day with a basic routine that allows you to get ready for the workday. You may want to get some household chores done, prep dinner, or just scroll through your social media feeds before you start work for the day. Be aware of the amount of time you have before you need to start working so you can complete your work in a timely manner. You may want to set a timer or alarm to let you know when to start work for the day.

Schedule work time

Think about what you need to get done in a workday and consider the amount of time needed to complete those tasks. Schedule your workday around other necessary things that must be completed around the house. Some who work from home prefer to get everything done in one sitting while others work better by completing certain tasks amid doing other things around the house. Working from home often means that you can choose your work hours within reason if you have good time management skills.

Set boundaries with family

If you have others at home during your work hours, it’s essential to set boundaries. Let them know that your work time is off-limits for conversations and distractions unless there is an emergency that requires your attention. This can be difficult if you have small children at home, so you may need to work during their nap time or get help from a spouse or other family member for childcare. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with childcare if you need it.

Working from home isn’t for everyone, but there are many benefits for those who are looking for flexibility. Being able to manage your time is essential to having a productive day while working at home. Set some boundaries and use your time wisely during the day to maximize productivity with work tasks and the things you need to do to keep your home running.

By Brittney Dockery for Vertu Marketing LLC