Work & Money

Welcome to Work & Money.
   
Whether you’re just starting out in the work force, juggling work and motherhood, or getting ready to change jobs, or trying to master your money challenges — we’ve got you covered with our Work & Money section. Here, we discuss college, career prep, finding a job, making a living, and how to manage your money so that it doesn’t manage you.
   
Your Work, Your Passion
   
Certainly, work is about making a paycheck and paying those bills (okay, a little shopping too!), but work is also about your passion. Your life’s work should be something that inspires you, something that gets you out of bed in the morning.
   
Easier said than done, right? Well, it’s all about that soul-searching — and maybe a little trial and error! A great place to start is to check out some of the paths of other working women who have been in your shoes before. Who knows? You might become inspired to find your passion as well!
   
Women and Money: Pros & Woes
   
Fortunately, the pros are the ones helping the rest of us out with our money woes. After all, we’re not born with the ability to earn big, save, and invest. This is the stuff you’ve got to learn, and on The Grit & Grace Project, we want you to have the best information possible. While most of all of us are not pros in finance but we willingly share our real life experience, our stories, solutions, the wisdom we’ve gained along with a little bit of information from the professionals. We’re here to offer what worked for us to help you better handle your money — and your debt.
   
From reducing your high-spending tendencies and saving cash with super apps to what to do when you’ve lost a job and being prepared in the event of a financial loss — we offer our very own financial experience that may help you to make smart decisions for you and your future too.
   
It’s all here on The Grit & Grace Project.

Why Putting Others First Will Make You More Successful

Why Putting Others First Will Make You More Successful

The best boss I ever had was a woman who had a great knack for empowering people to discover and cultivate their unique gifts and talents. Humble and approachable, a large part of what made this leader well-regarded in the workplace and community was the way she invested herself in those around her. She spotted hidden talent in college students when her peers overlooked them. She took intentional time from her busy schedule to mentor her employees, giving us the language to frame our vocational aspirations and dreams. As she guided us in our quest to hone our own versions of success, she seemed to achieve more of it herself. This leader was a refreshing voice in a “me-first” world. There’s another […]

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So You Want to Be Your Own Boss? 4 Things You Should Know

So You Want to Be Your Own Boss? 4 Things You Should Know

You want to own your own business, become the boss with a goal of finding success and independence from another’s day-to-day expectations. From Shark Tank to house flipping, from launching your Etsy product line to joining a multi-level marketing company, there seem to be a million ways to gain that independence. I have heard the phrase often and excitedly stated: “I’m going to land a business.” Having owned several businesses, I can say there absolutely is a level of independence and control to be found in being your own boss. But if you think “the buck stops here” is merely a phrase of importance, you miss the reality that it is also one of responsibility. There is so much more to being

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How Self-Awareness Will Make You Successful

How Self-Awareness Will Make You Successful

“What do you want, Jen?” I thought it was a dumb question. I didn’t have time to think about what I wanted. I was leading a rapidly growing organization, overseeing a multi-million dollar building project, and writing my first book. There was no time to think about what I wanted. There was barely time to do everything I needed to do! My husband’s question triggered an avalanche of emotions that took me months of counseling to crawl out of. What emerged was a realization of how disconnected I had become from myself. I was lacking self-awareness and it was impacting every area of my life. Emotional intelligence expert and psychologist, Daniel Goleman, defines self-awareness as, “having a deep understanding of one’s emotions,

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This is How Two Women at GM are Crushing Stereotypes

This Is How Two Women at GM are Crushing Stereotypes

On September 1, Dhivya Suryadevara will take over as General Motors’ very first female Chief Financial Officer in the company’s 110-year history. She will supersede Chuck Stevens whom has been with the company since 1978 and has held the current CFO position since 2010. Not only will she hold a position never before seen by a woman there, but she follows CEO Mary Barra onto a short list of dual female CEO/CFO’s within the corporate world (the other being the Hershey company). A Woman of International and Domestic Grit Dhivya Suryadevara is not lacking in her experience with GM. Arriving at the North American Fortune 500 company in 2005, she was soon recognized as Forbes top 40 under 40 in 2015—a major

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5 Things Everyone Should Buy at the Dollar Tree

5 Things Everyone Should Buy at the Dollar Tree

As the head of the household for a family of six, I find myself constantly having to buy something! Regardless of its size, many families rely on sticking to a budget. Planning and couponing are not always an option due to a number of factors including availability and time management. It’s a never-ending battle. A few months back, I walked into a Dollar Tree and it quickly became one of my favorite stores. I was surprised by how many items I so often need are available at this store for a steal; an even better bargain than you’d find at some of the most popular retailers. Below are some of my absolute favorite products to buy at Dollar Tree without worrying about

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5 Lessons Every Woman in the Workplace Should Learn

5 Lessons Every Woman in the Workplace Should Learn

There is an education needed for every woman in the workplace—one that has nothing to do with their chosen career. It rests heavily on real-life instruction and will help you to avoid becoming ensnared in those “Oh dear, what should I do now?” moments that happen in almost every workplace. Here are 5 lessons every working woman needs to learn: 1. The Side-Hug The key to successfully maneuvering the side hug (when you see the inappropriate full-frontal hugger heading your way) is to wait until he gets about five feet in front of you, then quickly pivot 90 degrees to your right. He will run into your shoulder or elbow, the most uncomfortable parts of a woman’s body. 2. Dodging the Gossip

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7-Tips-for-Saving-on-Back-to-School-Shopping 2017

7 Tips for Saving on Back-to-School Shopping

Summer vacations are coming to an end and the school year is almost here. Now that we’ve all got that summer glow, it’s time to start the back-to-school preparations. We know that simply the thought of it can be overwhelming—especially the financial side—and we understand why. It’s expensive! In fact, an article from nbcnews.com states that parents are spending on average about $1,000 on back-to-school supplies, “nearly the same as the average U.S. monthly mortgage payment.” Yikes! Parents, we feel for you. So, we’ve compiled 7 tips to help you keep some of your cash inside your wallet. 1. Take inventory and recycle. Go through the backpacks that have been sitting stagnant in your kids’ closets all summer. Check closets, bedrooms, and office spaces

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8 Ways to Take the Fear Out of Networking

8 Ways to Take the Fear Out of Networking

For many executives and business owners, networking is a non-negotiable part of marketing and generating leads. When you are passionate about what you do, it can be a key way to spread the word about how your products or services can help others grow their own businesses. If you’re an extrovert, you probably get a little jolt of adrenaline over the endless possibilities for meeting interesting new people and the challenge of persuading some of them to give you their business. But for busy working moms, young career starters, introverts, and exhausted over-achievers, just hearing the word “networking” can make you long to curl up in a ball under your desk. It’s intimidating and draining to constantly generate productive small talk. The

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3 Simple Changes to Save Money Right Now

3 Simple Changes to Save Money Right Now

I am a spender. I’m not proud of this fact, but it’s true. I have never learned the fine art of budgeting or saving or, if I’m honest, managing my money at all. This was not because my parents failed, mind you; I vividly remember my father sitting me down and forcing me to learn how to balance a checkbook and lecturing me on the importance of a savings account. I’m sure if we got into the finer arguments about nature versus nurture, we would discern that it’s because I’m naturally impulsive, more of a right-brained creative thinker than a logical left-brainer, and just all-around less careful than I should be when it comes to finances. Which is why it’s so perfect

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How to Be Prepared Financially in Case of a Tragic Loss

How to Be Prepared Financially in Case of a Tragic Loss

I have a sweet friend who lost her husband very unexpectedly. In the midst of the shock and grief, figuring out their personal finances caused tremendous stress because she had no idea where their financial records were kept. Her sons spent days digging through paperwork and unlocking her husband’s computer to find his will, trust, life insurance and retirement policies, and bank account records. Her husband also handled all the finances for his 83-year-old mother, making the task doubly stressful and concerning. I have girlfriends, also, who haven’t a clue as to what retirement accounts their husbands have invested in, how much life insurance they have, or even the balance in their bank accounts. I’m guilty as well! I pay some of

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Five Ways to Make Your Job Sweeter

This Is How to Enjoy Your Work More

Lots of women love their jobs. That is truly something to be celebrated! But many women are in transition, working one place to gain skills for something better, or struggling in a position that doesn’t fit their gifts and talents because they need a job to pay the bills now. There are some things you can’t change about a difficult workplace, like boring assignments, a grumpy boss, or difficult coworkers. All you can do is make the best of it. Below are five ideas to care for your heart at work…and perhaps help pave the way for something better. And if you’re one of those women who love your job already, these ideas might make it even sweeter! Give praise to others

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This is What Every Business Owner Should Know

This Is What Every Business Owner Should Know

When I left to begin my world travels, I knew I’d be bringing my small business along with me. I packed my laptop, its charger, and…me! That’s the moment I became scared. As I sat on our sailboat bobbing in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, it hit me: I have to depend on me, my skillset, my work ethic, my organization, me! There was no paycheck pending, no work in the pipeline, no one to tell me what project to prioritize. I would have to do that for myself. Popping my laptop open, I established some entrepreneurial goals. Below are a few practical ways I’m able to boost my output and success. Perhaps they will work for you, too! Create a schedule

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This Is How to Work Hard and Still Be a Great Mom

This Is How to Work Hard and Still Be a Great Mom

It is possible to be a successful working mom and to still be a good mom. I have been the stay-at-home mom, but I am currently the mom who works full-time. Let me tell you, both are hard work and it is true: a mother’s work is never done. We are always on call. Here is how I have been able to get things done and still be present for my family when I am home. Planning is key! I have always been the person who must write everything down. It helps me to process and focus. If I know what I have coming up with work events, appointments, and meetings then I can compare and plan. I make sure I am

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3-Places-to-Visit-in-the-Winter-and-Why

Simple Ways to Save Money on Your Summer Vacation

Who doesn’t love a good ol’ summer vacation? Maybe a road trip, trek to the beach or the mountains, or jaunt to visit grandma and grandpa. Maybe somewhere you’ve never been before or somewhere you go every year when the weather gets warm. As a kid, there is something magical about the day that school lets out and the possibilities for the coming months are endless. As an adult, things usually look a little different and summer vacations come with a bit more planning, scheduling, and budgeting. But, just because you’re breaking away from the routine, you don’t necessarily have to break the bank! Just in time for your summer getaway, here are 3 tips to save you money on your vacation:

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How to Declutter the Chaos in Your Home and Get Organized

I am one of those crazy-productive, ultra-organized people you love to hate. Yep, I was born that way. But I was also born with an analytical mind and a heart to teach and lead others. As I approached my 40th birthday in January 2012, my life was the most UN-organized, UN-productive, and UN-planned it had ever been. I couldn’t find a thing in my house, and my family finances and family members’ health were all spiraling out of control. I did what any sane person would do… I quit my job. OK, maybe not so sane. Everything was falling apart anyway. And I couldn’t control anything around me. Except my space. And it was a hot mess! In the middle of January

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What This Lawyer Thinks Every Woman Should Know

Court cases are all around us. Literally millions upon millions are filed each year in the United States.1 They can be anything from a traffic citation to a divorce to personal injury to domestic violence and everything in between. Before I attended law school, I couldn’t comprehend the vast reaches the law has on each and every one of our lives. Honestly, I am still surprised when issues come up that require research into something you never thought you’d need to know; I’ll never forget when a male colleague of mine had to research the fair market value of hair weaves to assist a victim of theft. And, perhaps, unfortunately, many of us will find ourselves party to a case in one

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How to Handle Workplace Criticism with Grit and Grace

How to Handle Workplace Criticism with Grit and Grace

“Every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration. Constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought.” -Margaret Chase Smith, the first woman to serve in both houses of US Congress Constructive criticism is one of those things we love to hate. We know that in order to grow and improve we must continually use the lens of those we trust and respect to sharpen us every day. However, when we receive it, that criticism can cut deep into our core and leave us shaken and unsure. But it’s not the criticism that counts, is it? It’s what we do with it. It’s not supposed to just hurt our feelings and then die. The importance is in the work we

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