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Articles by Grace Schweizer
The Year-By-Year Guide to Landing Your Dream Job After College Graduation Original
Students walk inside the Marshall Student Center at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Fla. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder Graduation is scary. The real world is scary. And getting a job? In your chosen career field? That pays a livable wage? Right out of the gate? Well now — that’s a whole new level of terrifying. Luckily, there are some steps you can (and absolutely should) take while you’re still in college to up your chances of landing your dream job post-graduation.
11 Thoughtful Gifts — That Aren’t Cash — for College-Bound Graduates Original
Graduation season means graduation gifts — and while we’re rooting for those high school seniors heading out into the real(ish) world, we’re also rooting for our wallets and their ability to get us through the month. So we came up with high school graduation gift ideas. Money is a classic (and always appreciated) graduation gift, but if you know more than a few high schoolers graduating this spring, you’ll end up dropping some big bucks.
Get Eclipse Glasses or Make a Pinhole Projector to View the Solar Eclipse Original
On April 8, 2024, people across the U.S. will be able to witness a total solar eclipse. Everyone on the vast, 120-mile-wide path reaching from Mexico to Maine will be able to see the complete solar eclipse.
How to Write an Effective Elevator Pitch
The Penny Hoarder | By Grace Schweizer and Rachel Christian Telling people what you do in a concise way isn’t easy. That’s why creating an elevator pitch is so important. Whether it’s during a chance encounter with the CEO at the coffee shop, a formal business meeting or a literal elevator ride, delivering a perfectly crafted elevator pitch sets you apart from the competition.
How to Write an Effective Elevator Pitch
Loading your audio article Telling people what you do in a concise way isn’t easy. That’s why creating an elevator pitch is so important. Whether it’s during a chance encounter with the CEO at the coffee shop, a formal business meeting or a literal elevator ride, delivering a perfectly crafted elevator pitch sets you apart from the competition. If you don’t have one prepared, you run the risk of missing out on an awesome opportunity to build your network and promote yourself.
Nail Your Next Networking Event with a Killer Elevator Pitch Original
Telling people what you do in a concise way isn’t easy. That’s why creating an elevator pitch is so important. Whether it’s during a chance encounter with the CEO at the coffee shop, a formal business meeting or a literal elevator ride, delivering a perfectly crafted elevator pitch sets you apart from the competition. If you don’t have one prepared, you run the risk of missing out on an awesome opportunity to build your network and promote yourself.
Networking for Introverts: 9 Tips and Tricks to Make Meaningful Connections Original
Ask most professionals they’ll tell you the same thing: Networking is a necessary part of career growth. When done well, it can be an invaluable way to gain new clients, develop meaningful relationships, discover professional opportunities and promote your business. But, if you’re an introvert (or just a generally shy person), networking feels more like a necessary evil. Luckily there are a few tips, tricks and techniques to make networking for introverts a little less awful.
10 Tasty Recipes That Save Your Overripe Avocados From the Trash Original
Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on The Penny Hoarder. You’ve probably tossed more than a few avocados into the trash after missing that (very narrow) window between being perfectly ripe and turning brown, mushy and gross. And avocados are expensive, so that’s good money you’re throwing away. Here’s a little secret, though: As long as there’s vibrant green meat somewhere inside (just scrape away the brown spots), that overripe avocado can still be seriously yummy.
Watch Out for Misleading College Financial Aid Letters, Feds Warn Original
In the spring, enticing financial aid letters from colleges will start arriving in high school seniors’ mailboxes. Unfortunately, most of them are misleading. The letters offering financial aid packages are supposed to help families who are making major financial decisions. But the vast majority of them are hiding the true cost of college, according to a newly released government report.
Wondering What to Do With an Overripe Avocado? Try These 10 Recipes
You’ve probably tossed more than a few avocados into the trash after missing that (very slim) window between being perfectly ripe and turning brown, mushy and gross. And avocados are expensive, so that’s good money you’re throwing away. Here’s a little secret, though: As long as there’s vibrant green meat somewhere inside (just scrape away the brown spots), that brown avocado can still be seriously yummy. Never again will I toss an avocado just because it’s past prime guacamole-making texture.
If You’re Ready to Quit Smoking, These 7 Free Resources Can Help
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. In the U.S., lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women. More people die from lung cancer every year than from colon, breast and prostate cancer combined. Fortunately, there’s a way to dramatically lower the risk of ever being diagnosed with lung cancer — and that’s to quit smoking.
5 Tasty Halloween Treats You Can Make for Just a Few Bucks
The pandemic has ruined a whole lot of plans this year, but hear this: It is NOT taking Halloween from us. In some ways, Oct. 31 will be a day like any other in the year 2020. We’re already wearing masks all the time and comforting ourselves with junk food. About that junk food… Maybe you’re tailoring your trick-or-treat routine to allow for less human (and goblin) contact. Or you’re not throwing a party and having your guests bob for apples (which was honestly kind of gross before coronavirus).
How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe That’ll Save You Time and Money
A few years ago, I decided my closet, budget and morning routine all needed a little TLC. As a ridiculously busy college student (weren’t we all?), I realized I was spending too many mornings exhausted and frustrated — and too much of each paycheck buying clothes I would hardly ever wear. I know it might sound silly, but my shopping (and wearing) habits had me at a breaking point.
Here’s What to Have in Your Pet Emergency Kit in Case Disaster Strikes
Updated September 13, 2021 Whether it’s hurricanes, wildfires, blizzards, tornadoes or flash floods, it seems no place is immune from a weather disaster — which means every pet owner should have an emergency plan for their fur friends. Unfortunately, many people in a rush to escape must leave behind pets. For those who do take their animals with them, it can be a struggle to arrange last-minute travel or find shelters that allow pets.
From Drinks to Dessert: Here Are 11 Yummy Recipes for Overripe Avocados
I have a love-hate relationship with avocados. Love, because they’re delicious and creamy and wonderful, and they go perfectly with just about anything. Hate, because there’s a six-hour window of perfect ripeness that falls randomly and unpredictably somewhere between day one and day seven of purchase, after which they’re mushy and gross.
6 Smart Strategies That’ll Help You Finally Achieve Your Savings Goals
Saving money means embracing smart strategies and putting them into action. It may be a challenge to put money aside for the future rather than spend it today, but it’s well worth the effort. Helping Americans boost their savings efforts is the goal of America Saves Week, which occurs Feb. 24 to 29.
Dreaming of a Good Night’s Sleep? These 8 Mattress-Buying Tips Will Help
My mattress and I… we don’t always see eye to eye. You see, I believe my bed is a place I can go to lie down, stop doing things and black out for a few blessed hours of blissful oblivion. My mattress, on the other hand, seems to think my bed is a place I go to seek out back problems, toss and turn for hours and fervently beg for the sweet, sweet release of sleep. But that discrepancy in beliefs is probably due to the fact that I’ve never paid more than a couple hundred bucks for a mattress.
Dear Penny: Is It Rude Not to Tip Servers Who Bring Food to Your Car?
Dear Penny, My boyfriend and mother don’t tip for call-in-order carside meals. As someone who works in the food industry, I know how it feels to be snubbed, so I always try to tip generously when I feel our server has earned it. When I mention to them that it’s kind of rude not to tip, my boyfriend fires back with: “They’re not really doing anything. They’re just walking it out to our car.
What’s a Penny Date? A Low-Cost Romantic Valentine’s Day Adventure
Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, which means it’s almost time to blow an entire paycheck on a dozen long-stem roses, a six-foot-tall teddy bear and a rare, perfectly aged bottle of Champagne.
The Penny Hoarder’s 2019 Holiday Gift Guide
The countdown is on! Christmas is coming, and you’ve only got a few days left to cross the last of those gifts off your list. Out of ideas? Not to worry: We partnered with some brands we love to put together the ultimate Holiday Gift Guide filled with our favorite things to give and share. Want to send your parents on an epic (but affordable) getaway in 2020? Surprise your favorite home chef with a new suite of pots and pans without busting the budget?
These 14 Strategies Will Help You Save Big on Your Universal Orlando Trip Original
While theme parks are high on the list of favorite vacation destinations, they can get really expensive really quickly when you factor in extras like hotels and food. Here at The Penny Hoarder, we believe in a healthy balance between work and play. So if you can afford it, take that dream vacation and enjoy every second of it — just make sure you don’t completely abandon your penny hoarding ways.
What to Do With Your Holiday Bonus, Tips or Christmas Cash
The holidays can be a financially stressful time, but one bright spot in the darkness of winter is when you get gifted with cold, hard cash. It could be the dollar bills your mom still stuffs in your Christmas card even though you’re past the fledgling adulthood stage. Or maybe it’s the holiday tips you’ll receive or the end-of-the-year work bonus you’ve been looking forward to. However this monetary joy comes your way, we know you’ll really appreciate it.
Why Even Bother With Budgeting? Here Are 5 Good Reasons
Budget, shmudget. Who needs one? You! (We’re just guessing.) If you run out of money at the end of the month, struggle reaching your financial goals or feel remorseful about your spending habits, a budget may actually be what you need. Now, we know budgeting isn’t the most thrilling topic. Bringing up the subject tends to elicit more groans than cheers. But focusing on the benefits of budgeting can help you push through all the dreaded numbers and math.
Derek Peth of ‘Bachelor in Paradise’: It’s OK to Talk About Money with Friends
Photo courtesy of Derek Peth Trying to maintain a social life while still paying the bills? That’s easier said than done. Bar tabs, brunches, vacations and birthday celebrations don’t pay down student loans or help you save for a down payment on a home. If you’re not a careful budgeter, your social spending can even put you behind on rent. But that doesn’t mean you have to isolate yourself.
How We Made a Budget… and Stopped Fighting About Money
A few of years ago, my husband and I were in limbo. We were trying to sell a house that wouldn’t sell and paying off student loans on an education that promised a higher-paying job but didn’t deliver. Our savings weren’t growing, even though we both had full-time jobs. We felt like we were hurtling along in life, but never getting anywhere. A friend was leading a class on budgeting, so we signed up — more as a favor than anything else.
5 Things That Make You Less Likely to Go Bankrupt
Aileen Perilla/The Penny Hoarder Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. Every year, nearly 750,000 Americans go bankrupt. In fact, tens of millions of Americans will go into bankruptcy at some point in their lives. Their debts will overwhelm them and their credit will get nuked. These are depressingly large numbers. But you can avoid being one of them.
All Bills and No Fun Makes a Very Dull Budget. Here’s How to Do Better
Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder The term “fun money” means different things to different people. You might think of it as money for entertainment or eating out. It could be your growing vacation fund or the cash you hide from your spouse to support your shoe shopping addiction. The money you spend on a painting class or round of golf could fall into this category. Essentially, fun money is what you spend to enjoy yourself.
From Clothes to Cars to Microwaves: The Best Time to Sell Your Stuff Original
There are plenty of reasons to sell your unwanted stuff. You might be downsizing as empty nesters or moving on from a bad relationship — or you might just want to purge after getting onboard with the minimalist trend. Or maybe you really just need the extra cash this week. Whatever your motivation for selling all the weird stuff lurking in the back of your closet, you’ll want to make as much money as you possibly can off each item — because who doesn’t like money?
6 Simple Ways to Use a Bullet Journal to Manage Your Money
Instead of choosing from the dizzying array of online budgeting tools, here’s a novel thought: The best solution to keeping track of your money may be writing everything down with pen and paper. The bullet journal — or BuJo, for short — is an analog organizational system that can help you find the “calm in the chaos” (at least, according to the official bullet journal website). What sets the bullet journal apart from other lookalikes is it’s completely customizable.
Become a Notary Public and Start Earning Money on the Side
Jon Snedeker didn’t become a notary public because it was his lifelong dream. He did it because it was a requirement for the loan officer job he landed fresh out of college. It wasn’t until years later that he realized how valuable his Notary Commission was. After the economy crashed, he became a mobile notary, meaning he drives directly to his clients who need notarization services, and he started his own business teaching others to do the same.
Here’s How To Find Cheap Tickets To Your Favorite Concerts This Summer
There is nothing more disappointing than missing out on tickets to see your favorite artist live in concert. Especially after two very long years of canceled gigs, postponed tours and ticket refunds. With pandemic restrictions mostly lifted, pent-up demand is driving concert ticket prices sky high across the country. It can be really, really hard for an average person to get those prized concert tickets from big name artists without paying an arm and a leg.
Skip the Scalpers: Secrets for Paying Lower Prices for Concert Tickets
There is nothing more disappointing than missing out on tickets to see your favorite artist live in concert. (I mean, I guess I could think of a few things, but as far as this post is concerned, there is nothing more disappointing.) But these days, it can be really, really hard to get ahold of concert tickets without paying an arm and a leg — and then another arm for good measure.
Earn Cash Selling Clothes Online With These 5 Resale Sites
Truth time: My wardrobe embarrasses me. It’s not because I dislike the things I wear — it’s because I have so many things I don’t wear. Since cleaning out my closet and attempting a capsule wardrobe experiment a few years ago, I’ve unfortunately regressed to my old ways — and by “old ways,” I mean my closet is overflowing with things I just don’t wear often enough. In fact, I would guess that at this point, about 60% of my wardrobe is simply taking up space.
This App Will Give You Cash Back for Eating at Chipotle
Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We provide you with accurate, reliable information. Learn more about how we make money and select our advertising partners. I lived on Chipotle in college. Could I afford it? Not really. But that wouldn’t keep me away from that flavorful cilantro-lime rice, the juicy carnitas, those giant dollops of sour cream or the warm tortillas. I mean, it could’ve been worse (ahem, Taco Bell).
5 Ways to Save for Your Kids’ College Years Without Bankrupting Yourself
Do you know what it costs to go to college these days? If not, you should probably sit down for this. A two-year degree costs more than $3,600 per year on average, according to a College Board analysis of published tuition prices for the 2018-19 school year. A four-year degree from a public school? You’re looking at over $10,000 per year. And — take a breath — a private-school degree? $35,830. Every year. For four years. Do you know what it costs to go to college these days?
Say Goodbye to Full-Price Ebooks: This Tool Helps You Fill Your Kindle for Less
Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder. When I unwrapped my new tablet, I was quick to download a bunch of ebooks. However, I soon realized the cost of replacing my library habit with a bunch of Kindle books was adding up. To save some money without denying my reading needs, I’m using a site called BookBub; in the first two months, I estimate it saved me $60 on five titles. How Does BookBub Work?
This Financial Expert (and Dad) Shares His 2 Cents on Father’s Day Spending
Travis Sickle values time with his family on Father's Day more than he values gifts. Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to show love and gratitude to your dad — and the other men in your life who are fathers. But showing that appreciation doesn’t have to set you back financially. The National Retail Federation predicts the average person celebrating Father’s Day this year will spend an all-time high of $138.97, up from last year’s $132.82.
How to Take a Cheap Getaway to Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park
Here in Florida, we’ve got more than a few options for quick, inexpensive trips to waterfront destinations (seriously — you’re almost never more than an hour or two from a beach). But while we love a good beach trip, the real hidden gems of Florida are the natural springs that dot the landscape from the panhandle down through the center of the state. If you’re headed to Florida, consider putting the springs — any springs — on your “must-see” list.
Are You Ready for a Credit Card? These 4 Questions Will Help You Decide
Credit cards: Good or evil? Whether you’ve shunned credit cards in the past for fear of diving into a debt oblivion or you can’t wait to score some sweet plastic freedom — and the accompanying perks — deciding to get your first credit card is a big decision. Or at least, it should be, according to Todd Christensen, an Accredited Financial Counselor and education manager with MoneyFit.org.
You Could Be Missing Out on Free Student Aid if You Skip This Deadline
If college students were superheroes, deadlines would be their kryptonite. But there are upcoming deadlines to apply for federal student aid you’ll want to add to your calendar now (yes, it’s a little confusing, but we’ll explain in a bit): FAFSA deadline for the 2020-21 school year: June 30, 2021. FAFSA deadline for 2021-22 school year: June 30, 2022. “That deadline isn’t until next year!” you say. But the sooner you get your application in, the more likely you can still claim some of that money.
We All Scream for Ice Cream — and It’s Free at DQ on March 20
Aileen Perilla/ The Penny Hoarder It looks like most of the country may finally be getting a taste of spring, so why not wash it down with free ice cream from Dairy Queen? The ice cream chain is gearing up for its fifth annual Free Cone Day. (I know there’s a blizzard pun in there somewhere, but I haven’t shoveled it out yet. Sorry — bad weather joke.) OK, sorry. Back to the ice cream. On March 20, Dairy Queen will celebrate spring by giving out free ice cream at participating locations.
This Company’s Hiring Real-Life Mermaids to Hang Out Under the Sea
Professional mermaid Whitney Roberts drinks a Coke underwater during the Fish Tails show at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in Spring Hill, Fla., on April 21, 2017. OK, real talk. Who here has dreamed of becoming a mermaid ever since you were just a tiny, ocean-loving tot brushing your hair with a fork while your parents begged you not to start a VHS of “The Little Mermaid” for the 50th time that day? Yeah, I know you.
Why Potlucks are the Perfect Alternative to Expensive Dinners With Friends
The death of the dinner party is one of the greatest tragedies of our generation. (Just kidding. Everything is terrible.) The reality is it’s just too expensive (and stressful) to cook a full meal for 12 people. And you can pretty much forget about all of your friends being able to spring for an extra dinner out at the same time — which gets even pricier if they have kids and need to hire sitters.
This Scholarship Contest Hands Out $2,000 Every Month — No Essay Required!
This Scholarship Contest Hands Out $2,000 Every Month — No Essay Required! Feeling lucky? Good, hang on to that. And if you’re not feeling organically lucky today, it’s time to track down a four-leaf clover, pick up a lucky penny and rub that rabbit’s foot, because you’re going to need all the good fortune you can get. Because we found a scholarship opportunity worth $2,000 — and it’s all done lottery style. (Psst: That means no essay.
Trick or Treat! Make These 5 Halloween Party Treats for Less Than $5
Trick or Treat! Make These 5 Halloween Party Treats for Less Than $5 Halloween is coming up fast — like, scary fast. By now you probably have your costume planned (and if you don’t, here are some awesome last-minute costume ideas you can pull from your closet), your house decorated (we can help with that, too!), the candy bought and your party planned. Wait, you mean you don’t have a banger of a Halloween blow-out planned for all your friends and family?! OK, OK, so neither do I.
This Scholarship Contest Hands Out $2,000 Every Month — No Essay Required!
This Scholarship Contest Hands Out $2,000 Every Month — No Essay Required! Feeling lucky? Good, hang on to that. And if you’re not feeling organically lucky today, it’s time to track down a four leaf clover, pick up a lucky penny and rub that rabbit’s foot, because you’re going to need all the luck you can get. Because we found a scholarship opportunity worth $2,000 — and it’s all done lottery style. (Psst: That means no essay.
20 Things to Check off Your Financial Bucket List Before You Turn 30
20 Things to Check off Your Financial Bucket List Before You Turn 30 If life is a journey, turning 30 is “The World’s Largest Ball of Yarn.” It’s the marker everyone references when they give you directions, but the second half of those directions is usually just, “and then keep driving ’til you get where you’re going.” It’s a pretty big deal, and you’ve been anticipating this mile marker — this awesome roadside attraction — for the entirety of your road trip thus far.
Fresh Air, Gorgeous Scenery, Hard Work: The Life of a State Park Attendant
“My kids left on a paddleboard two hours ago, and I haven’t heard from them since.” The woman’s voice is tinged with concern as she talks to Gilchrist Blue Springs Park Attendant Garrett Barr. She tells him she thinks her kids were headed for Ginnie Springs, a neighboring springhead that connects to Gilchrist Blue by way of the Santa Fe River.
Dreaming of a Good Night’s Sleep? These Mattress-Buying Tips Will Help
Dreaming of a Good Night’s Sleep? These Mattress-Buying Tips Will Help My mattress and I… we don’t always see eye to eye. You see, I believe my bed is a place I can go to lie down, stop doing things and black out for a few blessed hours of blissful oblivion. My mattress, on the other hand, seems to think my bed is a place I go to seek out back problems, toss and turn for hours and fervently beg for the sweet, sweet release of sleep.
Here’s Why I’m Swapping Out Some of My Drugstore Makeup Products
Here’s Why I’m Swapping Out Some of My Drugstore Makeup Products When it comes to makeup, I’m always trying to find a good deal. This has a lot to do with the fact that I really enjoy wearing and experimenting with makeup — and go through so much of it so quickly — but it’s also because, when it comes down to it, I’m a Penny Hoarder at heart. As such, I can’t stand to splurge on makeup I’m going to wear while going about my day-to-day activities and wash off at the end of the night.
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