april

Many people take on side gigs to bring in a little extra income. Working online in copywriting is a very popular side gig for many reasons. You can usually choose your hours and can work when and where it’s convenient for you. But this convenience often comes with the drawback of not having a full-time position and the benefits that come along with it. Moving into a full-time copywriting position can be done if you want more hours, more structure, and benefits.

Finding full-time positions

The easiest way to find a full-time position in copywriting is to inquire about your options with your current employer. They may be open to offering you a full-time position or at least give you the opportunity to take on more hours or more clients. Using online networking sites can connect you with employers or others in copywriting who can help you find what you’re looking for. A quick search through an online job listing website allows you to sort by job type, salary, location, and other variables to find a position with the hours, pay, and benefits you want. 

What to expect

Working part-time as a copywriter usually means you don’t have access to benefits like worker’s compensation, health insurance, and paid time off. Most full-time positions will offer these benefits, but the way you work may change once you move to full-time. These positions often have more structure when it comes to the hours you must work per week, meaning less flexibility with your schedule. You may be paid by the hour, by the job, or paid a yearly salary depending on the terms of your employment. 

Many people find joy in writing and are talented writers who thrive in the copywriting field. It’s common to work part-time in copywriting as a way to earn some extra money or have a flexible job with convenience that’s not available in many full-time positions. But if you want more structure and want the benefits of working full-time in copywriting, there are plenty of opportunities out there. 

Ethical writers focus on providing readers with access to accurate information. Lying or purposely misleading readers is a quick way to lose your reputation in the online publishing world. Once the word gets around that you’re publishing bad articles, most people will look for other places to get their information. One of the best ways to ensure that you’re providing reliable information to your readers is by evaluating your sources before using their information.

Finding a good source 

Sources that provide facts should have no problem showing where those facts come from. A good source should be well-written without spelling and grammar mistakes. Even good information looks bad when there are easily avoidable errors. Information should come from a non-bias viewpoint and be based on facts instead of emotions. While there can be some merit in using opinion pieces, depending on the type of article you’re writing, these pieces aren’t ideal for many professional blogs and articles where information is supposed to be solely fact-based. 

Watch for these red flags 

There are some red flags to look for when identifying non-reliable sources. A page with lots of ads can mean the source is only there to earn money for the site rather than to provide good information. Extreme political pages can also be biased and tend to alter data and ignore facts that don’t follow the ideology of the writer. If the source focuses on out-of-date information or spends a lot of time dealing in facts and data that can’t be backed up with proof, you should question the information. Consider the message, the author, and the purpose of the article to determine if it’s appropriate to your purposes.

Living in an age of instant access to virtually any type of information you want can be overwhelming. There are great sources out there to use for professional and personal use when you’re trying to find information. But especially when searching for sources for professional use, you must use caution and verify that the source is reliable. Using bad sources can quickly ruin the reputation of a writer and the organization they work for. 

When it comes to publishing content, whether online or in physical format, many people think large corporate publishers are all that matters. While these companies have a lot of clients and a lot of revenue, they aren’t the only publishers in the game. Small independent publishing companies are a vital part of the industry. While small companies can struggle when competing with publishers that are household names, there are plenty of reasons why people choose to work with and for smaller publishing companies.

More freedom

An independent publisher doesn’t necessarily have to follow the same guidelines as large publishers. This freedom allows for greater creativity when working with up-and-coming clients. Employees of smaller publishers often find that flexibility and opportunity that comes from stepping away from the corporate world provides opportunities for working in a more creative and fulfilling environment. 

Better opportunities

Independent publishers can take some risks when it comes to working with clients on projects that could be considered too controversial or not mainstream enough for traditional publishing. Large publishers often choose projects based solely on how popular they believe it will be and how much money they can make. Corporate publishers already have a well-known name and reputation, so they may not be willing to risk working with unknown clients that don’t have a following. Independent publishers have the chance to become better known by working with clients on unique projects, helping the company and the client simultaneously. 

Not all talented writers are given the chance to be published by the well-known corporate publishers. An independent publisher can take on those unique projects that others may pass on. Independent publishers are an integral part of online publishing and the publishing of physical materials. While they may not always produce the most popular or well-known content, the projects they do take on are often thought-provoking and no less important than the latest best-seller. 

Tax time is often stressful, especially for those who file their own tax returns without using professional help. No one wants to deal with an issue that requires an audit or any type of interaction with the IRS. But filing tax returns comes with many challenges and there are common mistakes that can cause issues in the future. By being aware of these mistakes and avoiding them, you can better your chances of getting through tax season without a hitch.

Ask for help if you need it

Filing your own tax returns can be significantly cheaper than hiring a professional. But if you have complicated financial matters, the help of a professional can be very useful. Plus, using a professional usually means you have the reassurance that they will help you if a problem arises. While it may seem cheaper to do it yourself, in the long run, dealing with an issue with your tax returns can mean more money spent, not to mention the stress that comes with it. 

Take advantage of applicable tax laws

There are many tax laws that allow individuals and businesses to make the best of a bad situation when it comes to losses. These laws can be complicated to understand, but in some situations, you can carry forward unused realized investment losses from the previous tax year. When it comes to Roth IRA contributions, there is a limit, and going over that limit can be financially detrimental as far as taxes are concerned. It’s important to be aware of these laws, especially when it comes to how your employer handles your stock shares as compensation, and don’t assume they will take care of everything related to this type of employee compensation.

Tax laws are not always easy to understand, especially if you have no background in taxation legalities. While it can save money to prepare and file your own tax returns, when you have a lot of investments, various types of income, and other complicated matters, hiring a professional can ease the stress and provide peace of mind that everything is completed correctly. If you prefer to do it yourself, be sure to familiarize yourself with all applicable tax laws based on your financial situation.  

Mental health is a serious concern for many people of all ages and backgrounds. Some may deal with occasional mental health issues while others have more serious concerns that require therapy and medication. If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, there is no shame in seeking help from all the available resources. While medication and therapy can work, for some people, keeping up with a regular exercise routine can go a long way in improving the way they feel mentally from day to day. 

Exercise may reduce symptoms of depression 

There is much evidence to suggest that exercise helps promote mental well-being. Unfortunately, this is not widely known, and exercise is not one of the most recommended treatments for depression and other mental conditions. Regular physical activity can be beneficial for men and women of all ages. Plus, regular workouts also promote overall health, which is a great motivation to keep going.

Getting started can be difficult

Depression symptoms can often make it difficult for you to feel motivated to exercise. If you’re going on little sleep, are emotionally drained, and lack the motivation to get out of bed, working out is probably the last thing you want to do. But finding time to exercise can alleviate all those symptoms. The time required and the number of workout sessions needed per week varies greatly by person. It’s also important to know that it may take a while for you to feel the results from your workouts when it comes to your depression symptoms. Working out with a friend or taking a class can provide the motivation you need to stick to a regular exercise routine. 

As with any health concern, you should always speak with your doctor when making significant life changes in an attempt to deal with mental health issues or other health concerns. For some people, regular exercise may reduce many symptoms related to depression and other conditions, possibly reducing the need for some types of medications. Every situation is different and it’s important for everyone to listen to medical advice and do what works best for their personal well-being. 

Spring is just around the corner, which means for many people, it’s time to get outside and do some gardening. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or an experienced green thumb, taking some time in late winter to plan your garden can help you be better prepared for planting time. This planning may involve cleaning up your garden area, ordering seeds, deciding what plants to buy, and starting plants inside or in a greenhouse. 

Tips for beginners

Gardening can be a great stress relief and it’s good for you to get outside and get your hands in the dirt. While growing plants comes naturally to some people, others may need to do research to learn more about the science of gardening. Check out some gardening books from your local library and familiarize yourself with the growing zone you live in and which plants grow well there. Speak to experts at a local plant nursery as they have years of experience and can provide you with lots of information on how to get started growing flowers, produce, and other types of plants.  

Decide what you’re going to grow

If you’re planning on growing fruits, vegetables, or flowers, deciding ahead of time which varieties you want to grow can help you get those seeds or young plants when they’re available. Often, popular varieties sell out if you wait too long. Consider adding raised beds or planters for spaces to grow plants that prefer different growing conditions. It’s always fun to try a new variety of a favorite vegetable and many seed catalogs have heirloom seeds that you can’t find elsewhere.

Starting plants indoors 

Some plants do better when started inside before the conditions outside are ready for planting. Your grow zone determines when you should start plants indoors. Be sure to read up on the plant varieties and know which types do well with being transplanted. Some plants are better suited for direct planting and don’t do well when the roots are disturbed. 

Growing flowers, herbs, and your own produce can be very rewarding. Not only do these plants make your outdoor space look nice, but they can also provide you with the satisfaction of watching something grow from seed to mature plant. With a little planning, you can be prepared for spring with everything you need to start your garden this year. 

Between social media, work-related tasks, and basic everyday use, many people are on their phones, laptops, and other devices for hours every day. Technology is a great way to stay connected with family and friends and to be aware of what’s going on in the world, but it can also be overwhelming. It’s easy to spend hours scrolling through your social media without even realizing how long you’ve been distracted. While some people choose to do a complete technology detox, removing all but the absolutely essential devices from their lives, you don’t have to be so extreme if you’re looking for ways to reduce your usage and spend more time doing non-techy activities.

A complete detox may not be possible

Removing all digital devices from daily life is simply not feasible for most people. Whether you want to admit it or not, you’re likely quite dependent on your phone and other devices, as are many others. You can set boundaries for yourself that reduce the amount of time spent online or prevent you from using technology when you have other things you should be doing. Use your technology to remind you when it’s time to step away by setting an alarm or reminder.

Find another hobby 

Scrolling through various social media accounts, checking your email, and looking around in different apps can prevent your mind from being able to relax. When you decide to step away from technology, use your time to do something that helps you relax and unwind. For some people, this may include reading, or simply sitting outside watching the sunset. The importance of downtime, away from digital devices, will be obvious when you get into a habit of stepping away for a designated time period each day.

Technology is in most people’s lives to stay. Dependence on digital devices is not necessarily a bad thing as they can make life much easier. But overuse of technology can wreak havoc on your mental well-being. Schedule time for other activities and find ways to relax that don’t involve your phone or computer. 

Starting a business is an exciting step, but it can also be an expensive process. There are significant start-up costs associated with launching a new business operation, and you can find yourself in serious money trouble if you aren’t careful. Money mistakes can happen whether you are quitting your job to chase your dream full time or you will be working your business as a side hustle for the time being. Thankfully, with careful planning and a few smart steps, you can lay the foundation for the future success of your business without it costing you your entire financial future.

Financial planning doesn’t come easy for everyone, and it can be especially difficult to focus on these issues when you are also thinking about things such as business expenses, hiring employees, choosing a business entity and more. In fact, forgetting financial planning during the initial stages of a small business is one of the most common mistakes entrepreneurs may make. Some of the other common money mistakes you’ll want to avoid include:

• Failing to speak with a financial expert regarding smart investment moves you may need to make
• Forgetting to plan and save for retirement
• Not having any financial goals for the future
• Failing to set up a budget and stick to it, especially during a financially uncertain stage of your business
• Not taking opportunities to learn more about financial management

There is a lot on your mind during the initial stages of your company, but there are important money matters you will not want to overlook. Failure to consider these things and making money mistakes could ultimately result in an uncertain future, wiping out your savings or being unable to pay your bills while you work to get your business off the ground.

With so much on the line and your financial security at stake, you will want to consider the guidance of a financial professional as you start your business. You don’t have to be wealthy to benefit from the support and expertise of a person who has your long-term well-being in mind. Don’t sacrifice your stability to start a business — think about things you can do to get a safety net in place before you take the leap into entrepreneurship.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC