VOLUME 12 #9

• Job Search Tips • Credit Corner • UCAN • Inspiring Thoughts • Spare Change• Adding A Little Fun To Your Budget • Hidden Treasure: Discounts You May Not Know About

Hit The Job Search Trail With These Tips

Here are a few tips to

consider as you search for a new employment.

Reinvent Your Brand. Perhaps

you want to change careers entirely. Or maybe you yearn for a fresh opportunity in your current job path. Whatever your case may be, take a step back, reevaluate yourself and consider ways in which you could update or acquire new skills.

Check with your local community college to see if they offer classes on subjects that pertain to your career choice. Sometimes a little extra knowledge will show employers that you possess the initiative to learn more. Also, your local career center or library might offer free or low-cost job training workshops on a variety of subjects.

Many schools offer online courses which could be an option for you. If you are currently unemployed, your local employment agency might offer government funding or programs for job-seekers that want to enroll in training or continue their education. Additional resources for your state of residence may be found on the U.S. Department of Labor website at Dol.Gov.

Revisit Your Resume. Some employers use electronic scanning and special software to single out resumes that include specific keywords. The keywords may be terms used in the job posting or common jargon typical to a profession or industry. You should try to think of specific

skills, qualities, talents, knowledge and abilities crucial to a particular position and tailor your resume to each job posting you apply for.

In addition, make sure all information is up to date and there are no spelling errors. If you have a job or career center in your area, check to see if they offer resume writing or editing services. Also, you may be able to find free or low-cost resume writing help at LiveCareer.com. In addition, don’t forget services and help offered through your local library.

Start A Blog Or Website. Starting a website can help you showcase your skills and demonstrate your ability to use modern technology. Sites like GoDaddy.com or Bluehost.com are low cost while Wordpress.com offers many simple

templates free of charge. If the idea of creating a website intimidates you, consider starting a blog that showcases your skills and talents. For ideas, go online and search “premade blog templates”.

Consider Temp Work. Temporary agencies may be a good source of income. Although jobs through agencies may be a temporary at first, some opportunities may eventually result in full-time employment.

Network. Many positions in today’s competitive market are filled through networking. Let all of your friends, family, and acquaintances know that you are looking for a job.

It may also be wise to create a profile on LinkedIn.com, a business networking web site which give you the opportunity to “link in” with former business associates or people that work in your industry.

Contact your former college’s alumni office or visit their web site to see if they feature job postings for alumni.

Volunteer. Consider volunteering in your community while you search for employment. For example, if you work in the advertising or marketing field, help a charity organize a fundraiser event. In addition to dedicating your time to a worthwhile cause, you will be networking, making important contacts and demonstrating the skills you have.

• Monster: www.monster.com• Careerbuilder: www.careerbuilder.com

• America’s Job Bank: www.ajb.org• Indeed: www.indeed.com

• USAJOBS: www.usajobs.gov• Job of Mine: www.jobofmine.com

• LinkUp: www.linkup.com• Jobster: www.jobster.com

• Snag A Job: www.snagajob.com• Groove Job: www.groovejob.com

• Job.com: www.job.com

Employmentor Bust!

Job Search sites

SPARE CHANGE

When was the last time you picked up the phone to call a friend? You may have emailed or Facebooked him/her recently, but how long has it been since you initiated face-to-

face contact with someone who is important to you?Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our busy lives we forget about

how fulfilling it can be to interact with the special people in our lives on a deeply personal basis.

Emailing and social networking makes things very convenient and this form of communication certainly has its place in today’s society, but nothing may quite like having a close connection with a true friend.

True friendships, if nurtured, can improve our lives through the most trying of times.

Alternately, they can provide support and motivation through the most

uplifting moments.Words cannot really define friendship, and it means different things to

different people, but those who are blessed to have a true, healthy friend know what a wondrous gift it can be.

Like all human relationships, friends are human beings and sometimes things may not go perfectly. Are those you consider friends really true, healthy companions? Have you been a good friend yourself?

It is important to communicate and work together to attempt maintaining your special bond of friendship so that it can continue throughout your lives. Healthy friendships can reward you with a lifetime of blessings.

A Healthy Friend Is ...

• Someone who gives lets you be yourself without judging you

• One who comforts you when things are less than stellar

• Someone who guides without judging

• Keeps their promises

• Can be depended on

• Apologizes when they’ve made a mistake

• Maintains honesty

• Is trustworthy

• Is loyal

• Respects you

• Doesn’t take advantage of you

• Is selfless

• Is supportive

• Is a good listener

“I get by with a little help from my friends”

~John Lennon

Inspiring Thoughts

Useful Degrees For The Future

Want to improve your chances on obtaining a job with better earning power?

According to Yahoo! Finance and U.S. News & World Report, the four most useful degrees for the near future include computer/information sciences, business administration/management, accounting/finance and marketing. In addition, BeingFrugal.net points out that there is a current demand in industries including retail trade, insurance, real estate, finance, chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing, professional services and management consulting.

Gadget Resale Sites Gain Momentum

So what do you do with an unwanted smartphone once you’ve upgraded?

An influx of new electronic products has resulted in opportunities for the gadget reselling industry.

The reselling of smartphones, tablets, MP3 players and other devices is not a new idea. Nevertheless, it is estimated that electronic resales will be a $14 billion a year industry by 2017.

Popular auction sites, such as eBay, continue to provide an opportunity for users to recoup value from gently used, recently purchased devices.

However, those looking to unload an electronic device they no longer want or need may also want to check out resale sites such as Gazelle, Usell, Glyde and others.

Some retailers, such as Best Buy, offer trade-in programs for their customers and popular digital camera companies, such as Canon, are also taking advantage of the reselling market.

If you own a broken camera, contact the brand’s customer service to see if they offer a Loyalty Program. This may give you the option to send back your old camera for credit toward a newer model.

CornerUCAN Offers Personalized Service

If you feel you have been

a victim of disturbing collection activity, contact UCAN right away. Our staff understands your difficult financial situation and is trained to offer you personalized and sensitive attention.

You may have considered filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the government organization that oversees the collections industry.

Filing a claim with the FTC can help this government agency pinpoint unscrupulous collection agencies. However, many individuals do not realize that the FTC does not get involved with the individual cases of consumers. Instead, they look for patterns of violations which could eventually result in action against a collection agency.

When you first contact the knowledgeable consumer advocates at United Consumer Advocacy Network (UCAN), we will immediately assess the problem and determine the best course of action. Remember that UCAN is always on your side. In fact, we may eventually notify the FTC about your case.

You also may not know that if the FTC fines a collection agency as a result of a complaint that you and hundreds of other consumers filed, you will not receive any monetary settlements.

However, if we feel that a collector has violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), especially if the violation has caused undue harm or ill effects to you, we may refer your particular case to our attorney network for a free consultation.

Your assigned attorney will decide whether or not to file a claim against the collector. If your case results in legal proceedings and you receive a settlement, your attorney will collect their fees only from any settlement paid.

Please call us at 1-877-462-8226 or email UCAN at info@ucan.net. Our FAX number is 1-877-895-7577.

Normal business hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.

Saddle Up For Savings

Ahoy! Hidden Deals And Discounts Ahead!

When grocery shopping, consider your all-around savings. For example, one

store may have great dairy prices but their produce prices may not be budget friendly. Or, a store may have good meat sales, but not-so-good prices on cereal.

Try to pick and choose what you’ll buy from each store. Also, bring sales flyers from the competition. Many stores will match the price.

Sometimes you have to dig deep for money-saving solutions. Here are a few ideas that may inspire you to think

outside the box.

• Check your state web site, local Visitor’s Bureau or community library for free travel guides. If you are planning on traveling to another state, take advantage of their travel guides that may include valuable discount coupons.

• If you belong to the American Automobile Association (AAA) or another roadside assistance program, be sure to take advantage of the free maps, coupons and other perks for members.

For example, if you are an AAA member and you are unable to start your vehicle, you may be able to purchase a discounted battery if a purchased from a certified AAA responder. Check with your club group to see if they offer this option in your area or the areas you travel in the most so you are informed in case of an emergency.

• You may not be aware that most local libraries offer summer reading programs for children and adults. You can also rent movies at the library for free.

• Many cities offer package rates and family passes for amusement parks and other area attractions. In addition, you should call your local zoos and

museums to see if they offer discounted rates on certain days.

• Check with your local bank or credit union. They could offer discounts on life or health insurance as well as other perks.

• You may want to try Groupon (Groupon.com). This site offers different deals each day for local goods and services in your area (if they operate in your city). Discounts could range from 50 to 90 percent off of a particular item or service.

However, keep in mind that the deal is only valid if an allotted number of consumers purchase the same deal within a 24 hour period. Check Groupon.com to see if they operate in your city or one close to it.

• If you are a member of American Association Of Retired Persons (AARP) you have access to savings, discounts you may not be aware of. For a $16 membership to AARP

you could take advantage of their online grocery coupon center as well as prescription, travel, dining and shopping discounts in addition to many other benefits.

Visit AARP.org for more ways to save.

The Road to Financial Freedom (RTFF) is published by The Premier Institute for Financial Freedom. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock.com and iStock.com. While articles in the RTFF newsletter are factual and accurate, they are not intended to replace the advice of professional financial, accounting, and/or legal advisers. As with all decisions regarding your finances, the advice, techniques, ideas and suggestions offered herein

should be followed under the supervision of the appropriate competent professional.

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Phone: (800) 256-7273 • FAX: (724) 861-1039

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Company Announcements

If at all possible, it is important to set aside a reasonable portion of your budget for entertainment purposes.

Entertainment is a great way to strengthen relationships with friends and family and relieve stress.

However, spending too much on fun can wreak havoc with your personal spending goals. Here are few tips that may help you take part in more fun for less money.

Get Board

If you enjoy competition, consider holding a Game Night at your house. Invite family and friends for a lively game of Twister, Scrabble or Monopoly.

Flick Picks

If you don’t absolutely need to see a movie the same week of its release, find out if your city has

a discount theatre. If you enjoy going to movies, you could save money by seeing it after it has been at

the theatres for a while. Even better, you could bypass theatre ticket prices and expensive snacks by renting an older movie you may have missed.

A Novel Idea

Use your local library where you can borrow books, movies and CDs for free. In addition, some chain stores resale books at less than half of the retail cost.

If you have books you no longer want or need, some stores also accept your unwanted books in exchange for credit toward your next purchase.

Remember To Compromise

What alternatives can you come up with for the things you like to do?

Then, try to replicate your favorite experiences in a more budget-friendly way. For example, if you like sports, find out if your city hosts a minor league team.

Or, perhaps you could support local youth by attending a high school sporting event. Tickets, parking, food and fun can be had at a fraction of the cost of attending professional games.

Food For Thought

If you like going out to eat because you enjoy the catching up with friends and family in a casual atmosphere you may be able to get that same fulfillment by hosting a potluck meal. You can share the duties by alternating homes each time you schedule a get-together.

Have a picnic at your park with your family and a few close friends. Play games such as volleyball and badminton, or hike on the walking trails.

A Helping Hand

Don’t forget that you can find fun and companionship while helping others. For example, you could volunteer at your local animal shelter. Some organizations allow you to walk dogs in the neighborhood or bring pets to visit the elderly.

Thinking of the money you set aside for fun as a way to obtain lifelong memories could make it a lot easier to cut back on other things in your life that may not be as important.

‘Fun’ Money Is An Important Part Of Budget