To increase your chances of employment, you should create a strong resume and a cover letter that is customized for the positions you are applying for. You should then send out applications to several positions you think will be a good fit for you, based on your resume and your qualifications.

If you are planning on earning part time cash by waitressing or bartending, you will likely need to get your ProServe license before you can get hired by an employer at a bar or restaurant. Most ProServe certifications can be done online for $25-$30 through your state’s Preserve program.

Many small business owners start out small, with limited stock and an online only store, especially if they are the only ones making, marketing, and selling their handmade products. You may run your shop as a side business while you maintain a full time job until it becomes sustainable enough to be your full time source of income.

You can set up automatic payments through your bank where you pay down the same amount on your outstanding debts every month. With consistent payments, you should be able to pay down your debt quickly and efficiently.

Depending on your employer, you may also be able to direct a portion of your paycheck into your savings account every month. Talk to your employer about this possibility. If you really want to ensure you do not spend any of your savings, you can open up a savings account at another bank that is not your main bank. This way, your checking account and your savings account are completely separate and are not easily accessible from one account or one debit card. Another option is to pay yourself first before you pay your bills. This means putting your paycheck into your savings account and then making recurring weekly payments to your checking account to pay for bills and expenses. This will help to ensure you do not neglect your savings account or use your savings to pay for unnecessary expenses.

Depending on your employer, you may also be able to direct a portion of your paycheck into your savings account every month. Talk to your employer about this possibility. If you really want to ensure you do not spend any of your savings, you can open up a savings account at another bank that is not your main bank. This way, your checking account and your savings account are completely separate and are not easily accessible from one account or one debit card. Another option is to pay yourself first before you pay your bills. This means putting your paycheck into your savings account and then making recurring weekly payments to your checking account to pay for bills and expenses. This will help to ensure you do not neglect your savings account or use your savings to pay for unnecessary expenses.

Your employer may also have a retirement plan that you can enroll in, known as a 401(k). This plan allows your employer to match the amount of money you deposit in your 401(k) fund and the maximum annual contributions for these funds get larger the longer you work at the company. This can help you save for retirement and be smart about your savings. [5] X Research source

Think about a big ticket item you are saving for, like a new home or a continuing education course, or a life changing experience, like a two month backpacking trip or a semester studying abroad. Having a purpose for your savings will motivate you to continue to add to your savings account and reward yourself for being conscious of your spending.

Rent and utilities. Transportation. Food. Miscellaneous expenses, like car payments, school supplies, healthcare payments, etc. If you have any debt payments, add these to your budget as necessary expenses and pay them off as soon as possible.

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You may want to take out your food money for the month, for example, and use this cash wisely on groceries. This way, you will not be able to overspend before the month is out and you can stay on budget.