She Informs

Category: Career/Finance

Dedicated to helping women excel in their professional and financial journeys. Unlock valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories tailored for personal development and success in both career and finance!

  • Scholarships & Grants for Single Mothers

    Scholarships & Grants for Single Mothers

    With inflation, rising living costs, and many more unmanageable things going on in the world. School can be very costly for just about anyone, especially single mothers. Being a mother is more than a full-time job, it’s a 24/7 job. Taking care of a child, working, and trying to pay bills are tough. Even not having the funds to start a business you’re passionate about can be super challenging. Here are a few scholarships and grants for the single mothers out there who are looking to improve their possibilities.

    Advertisements

    $10,000 Scholarships4Moms

    A $10,000 scholarship giveaway for single moms. This one is super easy and includes a one-step process:

    1. Filling out the form on the homepage

    Simple!

    Single Mother Grants

    SingleMotherGrants.org has grants for rent, utility bills, child care, education, medication, housing, medical bills, mortgage, and other things as well. They have over 1,000 grants for single moms to apply for. They also have a FB page for you to join, where they post tips and hack for all moms out there who may need them.

    LouEllen Dabbs Scholarship

    This specific scholarship is for single parents interested in furthering their careers in banking, finance, and business. The requirements include:

    1. Must be enrolled in school for business administration or banking
    2. Must be a single parent
    3. Must have a minimum of 9 credits
    4. Must have at least a GPA of 2.35

    The Life of a Single Mom Ministries

    The Life of Single Mom Ministries is a nonprofit organization that has an extensive list of resources for single mothers. They assist in things like emergency services, such as housing, education awards, utility bill payment assistance, or other financial services. Providing life skill education in 3 core areas: Parenting, Finances, and Health & Wellness, along with life-changing events, such as single mom conferences, boot camps, and more. Life of Single Mom Ministries believes that no single mom should walk alone.

    Advertisements

    College Grants for Single Mothers

    StudentGrants.org has a list of grants if you want to further your education in any degree. They range from three important places for available grants: the federal government, your state, and local governments, and private businesses and non-profit organizations. They correspondingly suggest you watch out for scams because there are plenty of websites that will scam you out of thousands of dollars.

    Supermom Scholarship

    The $2,000 Supermom Scholarship is designed to help undergraduate and graduate single mothers and those who have been directly impacted by one, on their path to obtaining a college degree. To apply, you must tell about your experience as a single mother and/or as the child of a single mother. After all, being a supermom is one of the most important jobs in the world.

    Asherah Foundation Scholarship Program

    Scholarship winners receive $2,500 annually to be applied toward expenses pertaining to a four-year college degree, associate degree, accredited vocational program, or other postsecondary career training program. Despite the seemingly long list of qualifications, the impact will be worth it. To qualify, you must:

    • Identify as a woman.
    • Be at least 24 years of age at the time of application.
    • Be committed to the pursuit of postsecondary education and/or training.
    • Demonstrate a financial inability to attain further education/training without the Scholarship.
    • Demonstrate personal discipline and perseverance.
    • Provide a high school transcript, a current transcript from the current school, or other documentation of educational progress.
    • Complete Foundation’s current essay requirement.
    • Provide two letters of recommendation and two references with contact information.
    • Have been accepted into an accredited college or university degree program or a vocational or training institution.
    Advertisements

    The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation

    This foundation offers five scholarships every year to women who are at least 17 years old and are mothers with minor children. Wanting to pursue an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or a vocational degree or certificate, and have an annual family income of $28,000 or less (depending on the number of family members). Awards are up to $5,000. Read the website for qualifications.

    Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers Single Mother Scholarship

    The Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC’ offers an Annual Single Mother Scholarship to open doors for single mothers and their children.

    Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC will review applications and award 2 applicants with a $1,000 scholarship each. This scholarship may be used to cover school-related expenses, such as tuition fees, registration costs, supplies, and books. Read their website to understand the requirements and the application process.

    Advertisements

    Osher Reentry Scholarships

    The Osher Reentry scholarship, from the Bernard Osher Foundation, offers scholarship support for students who have experienced a cumulative gap in their education of five or more years; are at the undergraduate level and pursuing their first baccalaureate degree; anticipate workforce participation for a significant period of time after graduation; demonstrate financial need; and show academic promise and a commitment to obtaining their degree. Requirements include:

    Application Requirements

    • Application form required
    • Transcript required
    • Financial need analysis required

    Custody X Change Single Parent Scholarship

    The Custody X Change Giving Fund awards three scholarships to single parents each year. To apply, you must be a full-time student at an accredited college or university within or outside of the U.S. and have the equivalent of a 3.0 GPA or higher. One of the requirements for the application process includes a 400-500 word essay question that asks, “How will you use your education to improve your family?”

    Thanks for reading!

  • Year 1: What I’ve Learned Blogging So Far

    Year 1: What I’ve Learned Blogging So Far

    Image by Irina from Pixabay

    She Informs has officially hit the one-year mark and I thought, what better way to celebrate than to share the low roads, high roads, and the critical components of what I’ve learned blogging so far.

    I will do this every year to reflect on my blogging journey and document my growth. Feel free to tag along!

    Here what’s I’ve taken from this experience so far:

    Advertisements

    1. Consistency Is Key

    Don’t underestimate the significance of blogging consistently. If I knew in the beginning how much of a difference in traffic it makes, I would have done it starting off. What I’ve realized is that with a new blog, one of the main focuses is building an audience and in order to do that, you must blog at a consistent pace. The more you blog, the more your audience will grow.

    2. Don’t Focus So Hard On Views

    When I first began blogging, I made it a bad habit to check my views multiple times a day. I was putting in so much work that I expected the views to magically appear out of thin air (especially when I applied SEO to my posts), but I was missing so many other pieces to the puzzle. That’s one of the things I love the most about blogging, you learn something new every day. I now check my views twice, maybe three times per week versus every day which makes blogging more free-flowing for me. Doing this will only cause you stress and make you feel demotivated.

    Advertisements

    3. Work On Building A Blogging Audience First

    what I've learned blogging
    Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
    Advertisements

    I talked about this above, but I want to get more in-depth here. Building a following on social media, a mailing list, and a loyal blog fanbase. Your subscribers should be receiving emails from you and can’t wait to open them. They won’t hesitate to try the products you recommend. You can depend on these people and they rely on you. Building an audience guarantees you loyal views and loyal customers that associate with your brand.

    4. Invest Money Into Your Blog

    what I've learned blogging
    Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

    You have to spend money to make money. Many people believe it costs little to nothing to start blogging, which is true. But if you want your blog to truly blossom, then you must invest in the things that it needs to do so. For example, one of my biggest mistakes starting out was not having hosting. I bought hosting 8 months in and had to restructure my entire website. It was a process, but I saw a dramatic change in things with having hosting versus not having hosting. This is just one investment. Investing in blogging courses, your site, blogging services many other things will get you where you want to be quicker than just going the free route. Out of everything I’ve learned while blogging so far, this was my biggest lesson.

    Advertisements

    5. Treat It Like Your Job

    If you have a 9-5, your blog should be your 5-9. The same energy you give your day job, give that plus more to your blog. This may get draining at some point and you may feel you need a break, which is perfectly fine. I take breaks here and there to give myself a breather, but never fall off and forget why I’m doing it in the first place. The more work and time you put into your craft, the quicker the results.

    6. ENGAGE

    Comment on other people’s blog posts, share their blog posts, etc. Join blogging groups on FB, share experiences, and make blogging friends. This helps a lot when you feel like you’re alone and it starts to feel like a waste of time. There are people going through the same process, why not go through it together? If you love blogging, then it shouldn’t be hard to follow another person’s blog.

    Advertisements

    7. You’re Not Going To Make A Living Blogging Right Away

    what I've learned blogging
    Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

    When I first started blogging, I thought I would be able to quit my job a few months in. Boy was I wrong. It’s been a year, and I’m still not yet at that point. Although there are various ways to make money blogging, it does not happen overnight. Do not believe the blogging gurus when they tell you you can quit your job in 3 months of blogging. It takes time…time to build your blog from the ground up. Time to build a following, time to make blog posts, etc. Most people on average don’t make a living until after their first year.

    8. Terms & Conditions

    what I've learned blogging
    Image by Sergei Tokmakov Terms.Law from Pixabay

    There are a lot of things behind the scenes that you can’t do blogging. Like using other people’s pictures, making sure you’re website has a privacy policy, and even putting disclaimers in your blog posts. I can go on and on, but it’s essential to read and do your research on the legal side of blogging so that you don’t get into any legal trouble. What I’ve learned blogging is that there’s so much to learn. I didn’t know this until I was about 6 months in thankfully, nothing happened.

    Advertisements

    9. Opens Doors For Endless Possibilities

    what i've learned blogging
    Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

    There are so many skills that come along with blogging. Digital marketing, graphic design, coding, writing, editing, SEO, and many more. These skills alone can open up any opportunities for any other endeavors you liked to pursue. Whether a new job or a freelance gig, the world is yours.

    Advertisements

    Thank you for reading my takeaways and what I’ve learned blogging in my first year, I hope this helps!

  • Energy-Saving Tips for Summer: Our Top 6 Hacks

    Energy-Saving Tips for Summer: Our Top 6 Hacks

    With the summer heat at a record high, I thought this would be the perfect time to share my most efficient energy-saving tips for summer to cool down the house and ways to maintain it during these excruciating summer months.

    Image by Tumisu, please consider ☕ Thank you! 🤗 from Pixabay

    If you live in the south like me, the heat can sometimes feel like the closest thing to hell. Which can also cause the energy bill to skyrocket. Here are my top five clever household hacks to keep that energy bill at its lowest, while not having to crank up the AC.

    1. Use Ceiling Fans

    Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay

    Circulating fresh air around the home using a ceiling fan can reduce the pressure from your air conditioning system. Specifically, during the summer months, it is best for your fan to spin quickly in the counterclockwise direction. Doing this pushes air down and creates a cool breeze.

    It also helps keep a room at temperature and reduces the need for an air conditioner consistently and inconsistently running.

    2. Insulate/Seal/Block Windows and Doors

    Your home may have poor insulation, which could be the #1 reason why it gets super hot/cold inside during the different seasons. In my opinion, this is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to keep the cool air in your house. While there are a vast majority of ways, here are five easy ways to insulate and protect the air in your home to decrease that electric bill. This is the most effective energy-saving tip for summer. I’ve noticed a drastic change in keeping the cool air in my home after sealing windows and doors.

    3. Energy-saving Curtains/Blinds

    Make sure to close blinds or buy black-out curtains. This blocks out access to sunlight that will come through. The darker the color, the better. The key is to make sure they’re installed to hang as close to the glass as possible. Heat will enter through the glass but curtains close to the glass reduce the chance of any heat getting through.

    4. Raise the Temperature on Your Thermostat

    Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay

    Setting the temperature low on your thermostat can save you hundreds of dollars on your energy bill every year. Every summer, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that when at home, 78 degrees fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for staying cool and keeping your energy bill at its lowest.

    5. Switch Off Appliances

    Image by Mote Oo Education from Pixabay

    You’d be surprised at the amount of waste heat the appliances around your house generate. Turning off and unplugging unused appliances can drop numbers in your energy bill every month. Also, avoid using unnecessary items, for instance, hand-wash your dishes vs using your dishwasher. Or hanging your clothes to dry vs using a dryer. Use these appliances as the sun goes down, and it will not only keep the house cool but cut back on your costs as well.

    6. Clean Your AC Filters Regularly

    If you live in an apartment, like myself, then this is typically something your local maintenance man would normally take care of. Which is something they should be doing regularly. In a house, if your AC isn’t working correctly, then it might be time to change the air filter. If your air filter is clogged or filthy, it makes your AC work harder and impacts indoor air quality. It can lead to allergies, inefficient warming, and raise your electric bill. It’s recommended to clean your filter every two weeks and replace it every four months.

    Always remember to keep it simple. The smaller your place is the lower the costs. Turn things off when you’re not using them. Use LED lights and if you absolutely have to use appliances, use energy-saving ones. Following these steps will put more money in your pockets. Have any suggestions not listed? Comment them below!

  • 5 Incredible Benefits Of Having A Side Hustle In 2024

    5 Incredible Benefits Of Having A Side Hustle In 2024

    Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

    While I am a huge advocate for making the most out of life and having a life outside of your hustle. It’s important not to work so hard that you forget how to truly live. Now, let’s get into it. Having a side hustle can come with a multitude of incredible benefits that go beyond just making some extra cash. Whether you’re a full-time employee, a freelancer, or a stay-at-home parent, a side hustle can enhance your finances, provide a creative outlet, and even offer opportunities for personal growth.

    Extra sources of income provide security

    One of the most significant benefits of having a side hustle is the added financial security it provides. By diversifying your income, you’re less reliant on a single paycheck and better equipped to weather any unexpected financial storms. Additionally, a side hustle gives you the freedom to explore your passions and interests outside of your main career, allowing you to find fulfillment beyond the 9-to-5 grind.

    If it didn’t hit you before, it hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic taught us that it isn’t safe to just rely on your one day-to-day job. You can be let go at any time and you must be prepared for it—well, they expect you to be prepared.

    Either way, you need to be able to take care of yourself and whoever else, when the time comes. A side hustle can easily take care of that. Unexpected expenses like a hospital bill or a car accident usually happen when you least expect them. So it’s good to be able to cover the finances for these kinds of things.

    Good to have a creative outlet

    When people can pay you for something you’re very skillful at, you’ve established a happy medium. Being able to optimize your creative side is the true key to freedom. Here are some benefits of utilizing your creative outlet:

    • Creativity feeds the soul and uplifts your mood
    • Gives you inspiration
    • Seeing your work complete gives you a sense of purpose

    You can provide a service other people can’t, which makes you feel needed. If you adopt the right marketing skills, you can also teach people or sell products, ultimately creating another source of income.

    It will eventually replace your 9-5

    If you have dreams to finally one day retire from the dreadful, dead-end job that you hate going to every day, a side hustle would be the way to do it. If you choose the right side hustle, you can give up the 9-5 completely. A 9-5 is linear income, meaning you get paid the same amount of money to do the same amount of work. Once you stop working, you stop making money.

    Residual income (your side hustle) is key because you do work this week, and you still get paid for weeks, months, and even years to come. All it takes is consistency, discipline, and drive.

    Related: 5 Most Lucrative Passive Income Ideas for Women

    Flexibility and work-life balance

    If you’re ready to embark on a side hustle but aren’t sure where to start, here are some ideas for different skills:

    1. Writing and editing: Offer freelance writing or editing services for blogs, websites, or publications.

    2. Graphic design: Create custom logos, social media graphics, or website designs for small businesses.

    3. Photography: Offer professional photography services for events, portraits, or product shoots.

    4. Handmade crafts: Create and sell handmade jewelry, pottery, or other crafts on online marketplaces.

    5. Tutoring: Teach subjects you excel in, whether it’s academic subjects or specialized skills like music or languages.

    6. Consulting: Provide consulting services in your area of expertise, such as marketing, finance, or HR.

    Remember to choose a side hustle that aligns with your skills, interests, and available time. This will ensure that you enjoy the journey and stay committed to your side hustle in the long run.

    Retirement plans will no longer be an option

    While the retirement age has become a controversial issue, it is now being said that we will no longer have the option of a retirement plan in the years to come. That means while you’re working that 9-5 every day, there will be no guaranteed pension for you when the time comes for you to retire.

    According to Investopedia.com, social security is unlikely in the future to provide enough income for a comfortable retirement. If Social Security is reworked by Congress to extend its life, younger workers and high-income earners will likely be the ones to pay for it. The earlier you begin saving for retirement, the better. 

    Encouragement to start your side hustle

    In conclusion, having a side hustle can bring numerous benefits to your life. From the financial security it provides to the opportunities for personal growth and skill development, a side hustle can be a game-changer. It allows you to explore your passions, expand your network, and achieve a better work-life balance. So, whether you’re looking to boost your income, pursue a creative outlet, or gain entrepreneurial experience, starting a side hustle may be just what you need.

    Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Take the leap, embrace the opportunities, and start your side hustle today. With careful planning, dedication, and the right resources, you can turn your side hustle into a thriving venture that enhances your life in countless ways. So, what are you waiting for? Start hustling!

  • How Writing Out My Bills Helped Me Earn More Money

    How Writing Out My Bills Helped Me Earn More Money

    Image by 3D Animation Production Company from Pixabay

    Let me tell you how writing out my bills and expenses helped me out. I was sitting at work one day, constantly thinking about where I was financially and how I got there. I was living paycheck to paycheck at the time and I could not figure out where my money was going. I’m never the type to sit in my own pity, so I decided to take measures. Let me tell you how writing out my bills and expenses helped me out.

    For Motivational Purposes…

    To figure out where my money was going, I sat down and wrote everything out.

    Now, there are two types of people in this world; those that are broke and stay broke until they someday hit the lottery, and those who will do something about it. I’m a firm believer that YOU are in control of your life, so if you aren’t satisfied then you must make the change so you are. All I had to do was figure out the best way to implement my change.

    I was cleaning my apartment one day, listening to an audiobook called Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker. One of the most amazing audiobooks I’ve ever listened to; It is truly a must-read. It’s a blueprint on how wealthy people think and contributed a fortune to me putting my goals and aspirations into fruition. Here are a few things that stuck with me the most:

    Advertisements
    • Manifestation is real, so everything begins with your thoughts.
    • Rich people believe “I create my life”, poor people believe “life happens to me”.
    • Get in the game. If you want it, start it.
    • Energy is contagious: either you affect people or infect people.
    • There’s nothing wrong with getting a steady paycheck, unless it interferes with your ability to earn what you’re worth. Which It usually does.

    I won’t share too many key points because I want you all to read/listen to it as well.

    After finishing it, I started my blog and was no longer at a job that was not paying me enough. But of course, this was after I wrote out my monthly bills and expenses. It wasn’t until I added everything up that I realized I had more bills than what I was making. So, instead of eliminating bills to make ends meet, I decided the only solution was that I needed more money. I wasn’t happy at my job and they weren’t paying me enough, so why was I still there?

    Below is an example of what I wrote out half a year ago. I was making $28,000 but with taxes and benefits, this is what my income came out to:

    Me writing out my bills and budget

    Quickly after starting my blog, I knew what type of work I wanted to do. So, I fixed my resume a little, made some adjustments to my LinkedIn, and made sure my website was nice enough for a recruiter to glance at.

    Advertisements

    In my free time, I spent my entire day either working on my blog or applying to an enormous amount of jobs in the field I wanted to work in. I was starting to see some progress but I am so confident in myself that I wasn’t going to accept the first offer just because they were first. Along with the pay, I had to make sure it was a healthy work environment with good hours…I refused to be miserable. I knew my worth and I wasn’t going to sink (I now have a job that I really enjoy and pays me more, remember, never settle).

    Referring back to the line, rich people believe “I create my life”, poor people believe “life happens to me”–I knew it was up to me to be exactly where I wanted to be and if I had the “the world is against me” mentality then I wasn’t going to get far. I spoke it, put action towards it, and it happened. There are circumstances where people feel they lack the proper resources to get where they need to be but there is a way around everything.

    Wealth File #13: Rich people focus on their net worth. Poor people focus on their working income.

    I don’t mind working because working income is important, but having financial value is the true measure of wealth. Along with wanting to make more money, I want to invest long-term. I also know that I need the working income to invest and once I have savings and investments I’ve reached my true pinnacle. On the way to me reaching my pinnacle, I needed more money than just what was paying my bills.

    If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, and you are leaving it up to the Lord to get you out of it; he can only do so much without any action on your part. What’s stopping you from applying for that better-paying job or starting that business venture?

  • Job Hunt Tips That Are Guaranteed To Be Helpful

    Job Hunt Tips That Are Guaranteed To Be Helpful

    Image by @magnetme on Instagram

    Are you having trouble landing that dream job? Haven’t heard back after you’ve submitted multiple job applications? Let’s put an end to that dreary process…its important not to give up while trying to find the right job. These are the most effective and helpful job hunt tips that can speed up the process. In this post, I will cover:

    • Resumes/Cover Letters
    • Responses
    • Experience
    • Follow-ups
    • Relationship Building

    Resumes are vital, and CVs are even better.

    Image by Biljana Jovanovic from Pixabay

    Your resume is a very important part of the job hunt process; it’s what grasps the recruiter’s attention, reels them in, and helps them determine if they’ll move forward. A cover letter is your chance to actually introduce yourself and explain why you are a great candidate for the job. It probably isn’t if you feel your resume is not up to par. I would recommend getting it fixed by a professional. It is a great investment, and it gives you an idea of what your resume should look like for future references.

    Always tailor your resume for the specific job. If you are applying for a sales job, it should not be the same version as your resume for a teaching job. They are two different industries that require specific qualifications. The same thing goes for your cover letter. Each employer is looking for specific qualifications, so you must emphasize in some way that you exceed these qualifications.

    Once your resume is restored and you have a well-written CV, you should have no problem getting to the next step, which is the interview.

    Do not expect a response right away…

    Job hunt tip #2… Just because you applied on Monday does not mean they will respond by Tuesday. I’ve had companies get back to me the next day and/or months after I have already accepted an offer elsewhere. They will respond on their own time unless you decide to consistently follow up. Unless you know for sure you got the job, don’t rely on just one interview.

    Did you submit your application? Great! They haven’t gotten back to you? Well…here are a few reasons why that’s happened:

    1. They’ve chosen someone else.
    2. You’re in consideration in case the other person doesn’t fall through.
    3. The employer is unorganized/dealing with other things.
    4. They are still interviewing candidates and going through the hiring process. Apparently, it can take more time than we expect.

    After the interview, they picked the candidate, but they haven’t sent you your rejection letter. You might be next in line if that said person decides not to follow through. They won’t fully reject you if they may end up needing you in the long run. Things may get out of hand or pop up, and they may have put a hold on the hiring process.

    The hiring process might take a little longer than you expected if the job is in high demand. Sometimes, the employer might be going through a busy season and hasn’t necessarily gotten around to it. This is why it’s important to apply to multiple but similar jobs and not just submit one application.

    Need help to ace the interview? Grab the Ultimate Guide to Job Interview Answers, and get your dream job quickly!

    After your interview, send a follow-up thank you letter.

    It is a good look and can set you aside from the other candidates. Grammarly has the best examples of follow-up letters.

    Experience over credentials…

    One of my least favorite job hunt tips is that if you do not have experience but have a master’s degree, it does not mean you are obligated or always guaranteed the job. Many people I know who earned a master’s degree but do not have the experience have gone through this process repeatedly. This brings me to ask the next question… is a school degree worth the debt? I believe it should definitely be something you’re passionate about, or else you probably shouldn’t pursue it.

    A good reference is important

    Building relationships is important because you never know when you might need someone. I can count on more than one hand alone how many people I can write down as a reference, whether a supervisor, a former coworker, or an old classmate. I can count on these people to give me a positive review for my next job. If you leave a job, always leave on a positive note. Being a good employee for one job can get you into an even better door. NEVER burn bridges!