There are few things in beauty I am as devoted to as facial rollers. Not only can the right facial tools have the potential to lift and sculpt the face, but they can also give the appearance of a tighter complexion and more defined face structure. As a true self-care devotee, I’ve tried a lot (and I mean a lot) of facial rollers, from jade rollers to ice rollers and even clear quarts rollers, but nothing — and I mean nothing — comes close to the ReFa S Carat Ray.
This platinum facial roller is top of the line and designed to help visibly tighten and rejuvenate the skin that tends to sink around the eyes and mouth, creating a firmer, more contoured appearance.
Wondering how this platinum facial roller works? For starters, all ReFa tools boost lymphatic drainage, promising to boost circulation while sculpting, contouring, and de-puffing. In particular, the double drainage rollers on the ReFa S Carat Ray replicate the deep kneading technique used by professional estheticians to help refine, firm, and tone the skin’s appearance while relaxing muscular tension in the face and body. Nothing was overlooked with the construction of this amazing tool, the surface of the rollers is even coated in platinum to minimize irritation and extend their use over time. Also, did I mention the S Carat Ray is also waterproof and safe to use in the bathtub, shower, or jacuzz? Just wow.
But I have a confession: I already own about 5 fancy jade and crystal rollers and gua sha tools, and they’re all collecting dust on my vanity tray. So, do I really need this ReFa S Carat Ray? My answer after trying the tool for over a week is Abso-beautilutely!
Shopping for your bestie can be challenging. You want to get her something thoughtful and smart, yet useful. That’s why it’s so much easier when you know what your friend loves. If your friend is a yogi, there are endless gift ideas available. From clothing to equipment, yogis appreciate having the tools to improve asana and quiet the mind.
We’ve rounded up some of the best yoga products on Amazon. If you find some gifts for yourself as well, that’s just a bonus. Scroll through to shop 34 high-quality yoga gifts.
The Venom 2 Back by Hyperice is the most advanced heat and massage wrap on the market. It’s designed with HyperHeat technology for consistent, even heating, the yogi in your life will love the targeted heat and vibration massage experience that supports warmup and recovery.
Trigger Point foam rollers are used by virtually every massage therapist. They’re your savior after any workout, and they’ll last for a while thanks to the quality materials used.
Practice yoga with the help of the unique “AlignForMe” system on the LIFORME yoga mat, which has been designed to guide and align yogis of all shapes and sizes. It’s a great way to gradually improve your technique.
Slipping is a major cause of injury, especially in Hot Yoga. These Shandali towels are made with a “web-grip” silicone preventing any slipping and sliding.
Our body functions so much better when it’s hydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. The Brimma Fruit Infuser bottle is both leak-proof and shatter-proof.
The HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket is the ultimate gift for any yogi craving an at-homespa experience. Think of it as an at-home, portable version of an infrared sauna. The infrared sauna has been linked to several health benefits including more energy, glowing skin, decreased muscle soreness, and reduced stress and anxiety.
These workout cards are perfect for beginners as depict 47 of the most important yoga poses and breathing exercises. The illustrations include alignment cues, so they’re super easy to follow.
With the MRO yoga knee pad cushion, the yogi in your life can more easily work on improving their balance, alignment, and range of motion to finally achieve those poses.
Instead of buying a mat holder in the form of a bag, why not buy a belt strap? Simply attach your yoga mat using the straps and sling it over your shoulder.
This mat cleaning spray is non-toxic and easy to use. Just spray your mat and wipe it down. The all-natural fragrance is relaxing and therapeutic, which you might find calming.
This yoga dice set contains seven wooden dice – one for each chakra. Each one represents a different pose, so all you have to do is roll and start a unique and relaxing yoga session.
Identifying the source of your brittle hair and breakouts can be a long and arduous process. You try everything: Changing eating habits, switching skin and hair products, and exercising more.
Surprisingly, however, when it comes to finding a culprit for dull and unhealthy hair and skin, we recently learned that it could be as simple as improving the quality of the water we are showering with by putting in a showerhead filter or changing your showerhead.
As it turns out our dry hair and acne breakouts can actually be a result of showering with unfiltered water (yes, really!) To understand the problem better, we sat down with Jessica Sorrentino from salon Nine Zero One in Los Angeles for her expert advice on the damaging effects of bad water — and the simple trick to solve it.
“If you live in an on older building or house, it’s very likely that the water your showering in is ‘hard water,’ meaning it contains mineral sediments and oxidizers that can seriously affect the health or your hair skin. Poor filtration also causes a buildup of chlorine, which can be extremely damaging, stripping your hair and skin of its natural oils. This means we’re often left with dry skin, breakouts, and brittle hair.” Sorrentino adds that ‘hard water’ also cause color-treated hair to get brassy — not to mention it’s notorious for clogging pores.
So not only can this hard water ruin your hair and skin health, but it can also cost you a lot of money in return visits to salons and products. The solution, is filtering these harsh minerals with a powerful shower head filter.
Your skin is in constant contact with water while bathing, which can cause stress and damage over time, says the team at ReFa, a leader in the beauty tools space. After researching the effects of water on the skin, ReFa has developed a new kind of shower head that generates vast quantities of two types of bubbles for the ultimate in gentle cleansing: ultrafine bubbles and microbubbles. With a choice of delicate spray patterns, the ReFa FINE BUBBLE S embraces your skin with soft comfort– hydrating the skin and turning bath time into beauty time.
If adding a shower filter is all we need to do for better skin and hair, count us in! And psst—it’s actually a pretty easy transition, we promise.
Tried and tested — Here are Amazon’s best-selling showerhead filters to try now. Plus keep reading for answers to some of the most common questions about showerhead filters.
Made in Japan, the ReFa FINE BUBBLE S showerhead uses double-cavitation technology that makes ultra fine bubbles and microbubbles to unclog pores without irritating the skin. With four separate spray patterns to choose from, the ReFa FINE BUBBLE S can be customized to meet a variety of skin needs: removing impurities from a particular area, warming your whole body, or saturating your skin with hydration. When used in Mist Mode, the ReFa Fine Bubble S shower head can not only help you get your best clean, but it will also reduce your water usage by up to 65% when compared to a traditional shower head. Also, the simple one-step attachment makes installation easy. It’s a win-win-win.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (408 customer reviews)
Scroll through for answers to some of the most common questions about shower filters.
WILL I NEED TO HIRE SOMEONE TO INSTALL IT?
Most showerhead filters are easy to install yourself. Simply unscrew your showerhead, screw in the showerhead filter. You can then screw back on your regular showerhead and you’re good to go!
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO CHANGE FILTERS?
How often you need to replace your filter will depend on your usage. It depends on how many people in your household and how often you use the shower. For example, if you have a family of six, it is probably worth changing your filter once every two months. However, if it’s just yourself, you can probably get away with replacing your filter perhaps once every six months.
HOW LONG UNTIL I START SEEING RESULTS?
With a good shower head filter, you’ll see results straight away. You’ll start noticing a more improved look and feel of your hair and skin almost immediately.
What does it mean to be successful? Is it securing your first round of funding for a business you’ve wanted to build for years? Or is it climbing the corporate ladder? Or perhaps, is it making it as a freelancer?
Thankfully, these days “success“ isn’t defined as just one thing. That said, there is one common denominator we’ve noticed among the women who do reach the top: tenacity.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from successful women we’ve interviewed over the past few years, it’s that you don’t reach success unless you set. While grit, dedication, and confidence are traits that all successful women share, we need to also establish habits and get sponsors for ourselves if we want to triumph in our careers.
Keep reading for 5 habits of the most successful female leaders.
1. Successful Women Go After Their Dreams Now
Success isn’t handed to us on a silver platter. As great as that would be, real life doesn’t usually work that way. Even the most successful women didn’t get from point A to Z in one night, so why should we? To achieve our goals, we have to put in the work necessary to reap the results. Whether you want to start your own business, get another degree, or cultivate a new passion, the time is now. The beginning is the most difficult part of the journey, so congratulate yourself for doing just that.
The key to accomplishing your goals is not just visualizing them but also writing them down and investing towards achieving them.
2. Successful Women Invest In Their Futures
Ellevest, the tech-enabled investment and planning company built by, for, and with women put out a report last year that explores how women and men feel about money, power, equality, and their opportunities to get ahead. In the study, Ellevest asked 2,000 American professional women and men about everything from gender pay and investing gaps to the role that their values play in their personal and professional lives. Key findings:
Investing and financial security:
Only 55% of women are aware of the gender investing gap (how much they invest versus their male counterparts), and they still greatly underestimate how much the gap costs them over the course of their lives.
The #1 confidence booster for women is saving and investing (63% of women ranked it over things like salary and education).
The full report can be found on the Ellevest website here.New to investing? You can speak with an expert financial advisor at Ellevest on topics ranging from how to get rid of debt to tips on how to start investing as a beginner. Plus, start as small as you’d like – there’s no minimum deposit for Ellevest Digital, meaning you can start investing with as little as $5.
We all make mistakes, big and small. And there is nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, mistakes fuel our wisdom and give us the chance to gauge what doesn’t serve us.
Through our mistakes, we understand what kind of life we want for ourselves. Instead of wallowing in shame, regret, and self-pity, successful women grow from their mistakes and appreciate them for what they are worth. They find treasure in the depths of their disappointments. The lesson here: don’t be afraid of failure, as your wrong turns may be the precursor you need before your biggest success catches up with you.
4. Successful Women Have a Positive Mindset
Every minute that we spend immersed in negativity is a minute that we could be using to better some element of our lives. Dwelling in negative thinking is something that is easy to slip into when we face obstacles in our paths or when it takes longer than anticipated to achieve the desired result.
You aren’t alone in your struggles even though you may feel like you are singled out. Successful women also experience moments of uncertainty, frustration, and disappointment and aren’t immune to gloomy days, but they don’t allow themselves to sink into despair and let their inner critic take the front seat. Instead, female leaders acknowledge their challenges and exemplify a positive, encouraging mindset instead.
Fear be a total buzz-kill, right? This four letter word shouldn’t be underestimated, as it can stand between us and our success. That’s why it is imperative that we make peace with a fear. Studies show that we Millennial women have a lot of money power—when it comes to spending, that is. But when it comes to building wealth, like saving and investing in the future? Not so much. Why? Because of fear.
To figure that out, SoFi teamed up with Levo to survey 2050 millennial women on their behaviors and motivations around money and found that a good majority of Millennial women have extra money each month, after paying bills but aren’t investing for the reason above: fear.
Fear is a normal evolutionary mechanism that we humans have developed to keep us safe, but it is vital that we separate actual danger from a mentally constructed apprehension that isn’t a threat. Timed to Equal Pay Day 2018, the co-branded study, titled “How Millennial Women Invest” shows that while millennial women are financially responsible with their budgets — with 70% of us reviewing our bank accounts once a week or more frequently and 53% of us have an emergency fund, 56% of us who have the money to invest do not do so because fear is holding us back—and this is a problem.
Really successful women face their fears head-on, not giving them the chance to stand in their way of triumph. Stop putting it off.
Here’s the truth: Collagen is having a very special moment. You may have first heard about collagen when plumping your lips with injections first became a thing. But the benefits of collagen go well beyond the world of aesthetics. Whether in the form of a pill, powder or liquid, collagen supplements can make significant improvements to the appearance of your skin, as well as the strength and vitality of hair and nails.
Here’s what we know about collagen at Style Salute HQ, plus how adding collagen supplements to your diet can help will make your skin look glowy and fresh, your nails and bones strong, and your joints pain-free.
What is collagen
So, what exactly is collagen? Collagen is the superglue that holds your body together–literally. It’s a protein in our body that is found almost everywhere: skin, tendons, ligaments, bone, cartilage, blood vessels, teeth–everywhere. Over time, our collagen production decreases, and our supply starts depleting over time. And when collagen production starts to diminish, so does our skin elasticity. It’s a lack of skin elasticity that leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and cellulite. It can also cause slower muscle recovery and a decrease in mobility in our tendons and joints.
To prevent these aging effects of time, people turn to daily collagen supplements, which promise to boost the body and skin. The problem here is that there’s no agreed-upon answer when it comes to the efficacy of these supplements.
The benefits of collagen
Studies have shown that supplements could help keep your skin tighter, your muscles stronger, and your bones more resilient. This leads to a gradual tightening of the skin.
Users of collagen supplements swear by them, while others are skeptical that oral supplements can’t do anything for the skin. So while there’s no definite good-or-bad answer to the “should I take collagen” question, there are, in fact, many experts who find these supplements to be an effective and helpful boost to the vitality of your skin.
We’re all about skin health, so why not try something that has the potential to improve our skin?
What’s the deal with supplements
Dietary supplements aren’t exactly new news (we’ve been fans for a while). The supplement market in the U.S. is currently worth $133 billion, according to Zion Market Research, and there’s been a resurgence in recent years of new start-ups like Ritual and Care/Of which now deliver personalized vitamin assortments to your doorstep. There are also formulas with more holistic ambitions, focused on wellness and beauty.
Plastic surgeons are even recommending collagen supplements as a part of a healthy post-surgery routine, in order to help speed recovery as well as improve overall wellbeing. “I often recommend my patients take collagen supplements post-surgery as the extra boost helps deliver an increased level of protein than what they may be able to produce from food intake alone,” says Dr. Farhad Ardeshirpour, a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon at the helm of Ardesh Facial Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills. “After surgery, your body needs protein to repair tissue, slow muscle catabolism, and decrease inflammation.”
The best collagen supplements
Thankfully, these supplements are an ultra-convenient way to improve your hair and skin health. Most supplements are hydrolyzed, which means that the collagen has been broken down into smaller fragments, making it easier for the body to absorb. If plumping your face with injections isn’t for you, keep scrolling for some alternatives.
Whether in the form of pills, gummies, or powders, collagen supplements are a great addition to your diet.
Keep scrolling for the best collagen supplements of 2020 according to Amazon reviewers!
The Collagen Peptides Powder by Sports Research contains hydrolyzed type I and type III collagen. Add the powder to water, or mix it in with your oatmeal, yoghurt or smoothies. It’s certified by the Paleo & Keto Foundation and non-GMO verified by the IGEN program. It’s also unflavoured and gluten-free.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (6,709 customer reviews)
Vital Proteins is a well-known name in the wellness world. Their collagen powder is pasture-raised, grass-fed, non-GMO and kosher, and it’s soluble in cold and hot liquids. Pro tip: mix it in with your morning coffee or tea.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (3,490 customer reviews)
Health Logics Joint and Skin Care Supplements has been shown to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and reduce skin dryness. A recent study also demonstrated that BioCell Collagen aids musculoskeletal tissue during sports activity, making it a highly effective performance recovery supplement too.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (527customer reviews)
Great Lakes’ collagen is made from hydrolysate beef gelatine, which helps to regulate the body’s metabolism. It’s a great source of amino acids that help support healthy bones, teeth, hair and nails.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (5,286 customer reviews)
NeoCell’s Super Collagen powder contains a combination of type I and II hydrolysed collagen peptides that work to keep your skin, hair and nails healthy. It has about 6,600mg of both collagen types per serving. Dissolve one scoop of the unflavoured powder into your favorite beverage and make sure to consume it daily to see optimal results.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (3,053 customer reviews)
Ancient Nutrition’s Multi Collagen formula features five collagen types, including types I, II, III, V and X from four different sources. It’s a high-quality blend of hydrolysed bovine, chicken, fish and eggshell collagen peptides. It’s also keto friendly, high in protein and low in calories.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (1,634 customer ratings)
Youtheory’s formula is made of collagen peptides advanced with vitamin C to fight the signs of ageing. Take this supplement daily to revitalise skin, hair, nails, tendons and ligaments.
Amazon Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (1,191 customer ratings)
It can be hard to find a vegetarian-friendly collagen supplement that actually does the job. That’s where ForestLeaf comes in. Their Advanced Collagen supplement is non-GMO and free from dairy, gluten, eggs and nuts.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (607 customer reviews)
Bulletproof’s Unflavoured Collagen Protein contains more collagen than bone broth and is sourced from pasture-raised cows. The formula is all natural and doesn’t contain any dairy, egg, sugar, corn, yeast, wheat, soy, gluten or preservatives.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (676 customer reviews)
WellPath’s collagen powder is formulated with five nutrient-rich sources of natural collagen peptides that help keep your joints agile. Offering more benefits than single-type collagen, RENEW is a blend of types I, II, III, V and X collagen peptides that are sourced from grass-fed bovine, wild caught fish, cage-free chickens and eggshell membrane.
Amazon Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars (759 customer reviews)
Primal Kitchen’s Collagen Fuel is paleo and keto friendly. It doesn’t contain any gluten, grain, dairy, whey or soy. The yummy vanilla coconut flavour is perfect for smoothies and shakes, and it also works great as a coffee creamer.
Amazon Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (164 customer reviews)
HUM Collagen Love contains a unique skin repair and protection blend with Collagen I and III essential for healthy, younger looking skin. Combining in a powerful formula with chondroitin sulfate and moisturizing hyaluronic acid, this restorative blend supports elasticity and firmness in all the right places.
Get some HUM Collagen lovin’ to provide natural restoration and protection for your skin.*
Amazon Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars (12 customer reviews)
Zint’s collagen peptides dissolve easily in any liquid, making it ideal for smoothies or your coffee. Sourced from non-GMO, grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle, Zint is paleo-friendly and kosher certified.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars (2,221 customer ratings)
These extra strength Collagen Gummies by MAV Nutrition are designed for those who want to improve the appearance of their hair, skin and nails without the struggle of having to swallow pills. Each serving provides 50mg of hydrolysed type I and III collagen and also includes vitamin C, E and biotin.
Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (549 customer reviews)
This Marine Collagen is sourced from wild-caught deep-sea fish from Canada. Fish skin is naturally rich in collagen and helps to support skin tone and elasticity. It also nourishes hair follicles for new growth.
Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (455 customer reviews)
BioSil is an advanced collagen generator: Beautify your hair, skin and nails and protect your healthy bones and joints with a natural collagen generator in an easy-to-take capsule. Formulated with a patented and vegan silicon and choline complex to help improve beauty protein levels without the use of beef, chicken or fish collagen
Amazon Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,258 customer reviews)
Looking for more? Here are more beauty and wellness topics for you…
As any woman who works in an office knows, putting together a new outfit for every day of the week is quite the challenge. What professional woman has the time to sort through her wardrobe day after day to put together an appropriate (yet comfortable and stylish) work outfit? You could do what former art director Matilda Kahl did and wear the same outfit to work every single day, but that’s not the likely choice for all of us. That’s exactly why we love the dress with tights and boots outfit combination.
Wearing a dress with tights and boots is a simple, classic, and comfortable outfit combination that’s ideal for anyone who likes to stay warm in the office, while also looking stylish and appropriate. When worn with sleek tights and timeless over-the-knee boots or heeled ankle boots, even a flirty shift dress can become office-appropriate.
So what are a few easy ways to pull off this classic combination?
Keep scrolling for a few of our favorite ways to pull off this outfit combination, then shop dresses to help you get the look.
For a polished yet comfortable office look, we love a pleated midi with an oversized sweater and suede boots. To see more trendy and fashionable dresses like this, visit MD Boutiques Online. Their boutique offers a selection of freshly designed clothes made to fit.
Hey, we get it: Stripes are kinda scary. As much as we love the pattern (I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a good nautical top!?), wearing it in the most flattering way possible can be a bit of a challenge. It’s common belief that if you want to appear slimmer than you actually are, you should wear your stripes vertical. However, as it turns out this rule is actually fundamentally wrong (gasp!) and will make you look heavier than you are (double gasp!)
As an article on Psychology Today explains, “When two people are the same size, a person wearing a horizontal-striped dress (as opposed to vertical striped dress) appears to be the thinner of the two.” Crazy, but it’s true. In fact, the article points to the fact that in order for the two people to appear to be the same size, the person wearing the horizontal stripes would have to be “six percent wider than the person dressed in vertically-striped clothing.” Why? Well, that’s a little bit tougher to explain but the illusion was discovered in 1925 by Hermann von Helmholtz who believed that a “filled out area looks longer than an unfilled area of the same size.” Thus, a figure with “horizontal stripes looks filled and hence longer from bottom up.” Don’t worry, it’s confusing for us too. All you need to know is that wearing horizontal stripes will give the illusion of a slimmer silhouette. Need we say more?
Keep scrolling to learn more about the formula for always looking slim in a stripes!
TIP 1: WEAR A DRESS WITH A HORIZONTAL STRIPE PATTERN
The road to financial independence starts with paying off any debts you might’ve acquired. Debt can curb you from reaching your other financial goals, so it’s essential to tackle it early on. Having debt can be really uncomfortable, but not all debt is created equal. Carrying student loan debt can be part of a healthy financial plan if you graduated from school and increased that earnings potential. Plus, interest on student loans is tax-deductible up to the IRS-set limit.
So when you’re trying to prioritize debt vs investing, our friends at Ellevest can help with their advice on how to typically tackle debt vs. investing.
If you have a 401(k) employer match, invest enough to max it out
The two most popular practices for debt repayment include the “avalanche method” and the “snowball method”. Both can speed-up payoffs. It’s also worth looking into a balance transfer credit card.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR CREDIT SCORE
Maintaining good credit is crucial for your
financial wellbeing. A high credit score is especially helpful when saving and
borrowing for a new home or car.
If possible, avoid using your credit card where you
can. If you do end up using it, make sure to pay off your card every month.
Doing so will show creditors that you are responsible and will repay any loan
promptly
START BUDGETING
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: START BUDGETING. The caps lock might seem aggressive, but we can’t stress how valuable budgeting can be. Here at Style Salute, we love the 50/30/20 rule for budgeting newbies. Hailed by Elizabeth Warren and Amelia Warren Tyagi, the rule is a highly effective approach to achieving your financial goals. It’s simple: 50% of your after-tax income goes towards your needs (rent, food, etc.), 30% goes towards your wants (hello, new shoes), and 20% goes towards your savings, debt repayments, and investments.
Once you have an adequate budget in order, be sure to review it on a monthly or quarterly basis, tweaking it accordingly.
Figuring out how much to save in an emergency fund can be tricky, but experts suggest saving three to six months’ worth of expenses in a saving account that you can access quickly. Avoid keeping your emergency fund in your checking account. Instead, stash it in an FDIC-insured account, as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures these assets. We recommend Ellevest for this, and you can sign up in less than 10 minutes.
Fiduciaries like Ellevest have a duty to put your needs first. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Non-fiduciaries need only to recommend products that are “suitable” — even if they’re not the lowest-cost or most ideal for you. That’s why you want to know about the fiduciary rule and ask any potential advisors if they follow that standard.
Employment can come with significant insurance perks, including health insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance. They’re all there for you to take advantage of, but you’ll need to spend some time to assess which plans best suit your needs. For example, life insurance is perhaps more pertinent if you have financial dependents.
Another form of insurance that’s frequently overlooked
is renters insurance. After graduation, chances are you’re renting a property.
People make the mistake of thinking that their landlord’s insurance will cover
their belongings in case of an emergency. This is not the case, so it’s
imperative you stay protected by getting your own insurance. Renters insurance
also provides liability coverage, which primarily protects you from any
detrimental lawsuits.
CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS
If your employer offers to match your contributions to your retirement plan, you should accept and maximize the match. When you’re young, it’s advisable to contribute to an employer-sponsored Roth 401(k) or Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) if they are available to you. Any contribution to a Roth account is made using after-tax dollars. Subsequently, when you do retire, you can take out the contributions tax-free.
You can learn more about your investment options here.
Fiduciaries like Ellevest have a duty to put your needs first. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Non-fiduciaries need only to recommend products that are “suitable” — even if they’re not the lowest-cost or most ideal for you. That’s why you want to know about the fiduciary rule and ask any potential advisors if they follow that standard.
It plumps up your skin and smoothes fine lines. All it takes is 20 minutes. Cue: castor oil.
Plenty of people tell us that castor oil is great for our hair—and like we’ve mentioned before, it’s all true. Castor oil carries ricinoleic acid and omega 6 essential fatty acids, which help accelerate blood circulation to the scalp, hence promoting hair growth.
Once I saw the amazing results from incorporating castor oil into my own hair routine, I began trolling the internet in search of more information on the product and looked up all the ways to use castor oil for beauty purposes. I’m happy to report there’s quite a few uses and benefits to using the product.
While it’s most common use is for beauty, it also has some health benefits including joint pain and sore muscle relief and laxative effects.
Keep scrolling to read more about castor oil and all of its amazing perks.
1. Helps Wound Healing
PHOTO: IntoTheGloss
Castor oil helps heal wounds by stimulating the growth of new tissue, reducing dryness and preventing the buildup of dead skin cells.
When you apply castor oil to wounds, it creates a moist environment that promotes healing and prevents sores from drying out. It helps to heal by stimulating tissue growth so that a barrier can be formed between the wound and the environment, decreasing the risk of infection.
It also reduces dryness and cornification, the buildup of dead skin cells that can delay wound healing.
Studies have shown that when castor oil is applied topically, it reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
The pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory qualities of castor oil may be particularly helpful to those with an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.
Heating the oil and massaging it into your scalp will improve circulation to the hair follicles. You can also use this method on different areas of hair growth, such as your eyebrows or eyelashes to help them grow longer and fuller. Castor oil is packed full of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants that help promote a protein called keratin.
It’s safe to use everyday and will not promote hair growth in unwanted areas such as your arms or legs. Applying castor oil to the scalp can also help prevent and heal dandruff and create smoother, shinier hair.
Reducing Inflammation is thought to be a factor in the development and severity of acne, so applying castor oil to the skin may help reduce inflammation-related symptoms.
Most people are familiar with the discomfort of constipation. For years, castor oil was shunned because it wasn’t safe for any level of consumption, but thankfully now due to the oil extracting process, the toxins can now be removed, making it safe for use.
If you suffer from any degree of constipation, instead of turning to laxative pills and powders right away, try using castor oil. By mixing one teaspoon into orange juice or another fruit juice to mask the flavor, the castor oil will speed up digestion and cleanse the system.
Be careful not to ingest more than one teaspoon, because it can create problems such as nausea, vomiting, and loose bowels.
Castor oil has antifungal properties and may help fight off Candida, keeping the mouth healthy.
Castor oil may also help treat denture-related stomatitis, a painful condition thought to be caused by Candida overgrowth. This is a common issue in elderly people who wear dentures.
The ricinoleic acid in castor oil has antibacterial properties that can be used for treating infections ranging from acne to athlete’s foot. While some people are wary to apply oils to acne prone skin, castor oil will help clear the skin, rather than clog it. It will decrease the inflammation and hydrate and soothe problem areas. The anti-inflammatory components can also help with sunburn relief.
Castor oilcan be used to treat more severe infections as well. Even when only applied topically, it increases white blood cell count, which are the blood cells that fight off infections and kill fungi and viruses. For most infections including athlete’s foot, all you need to do is warm up the castor oil and apply it to the affected area. You can wrap the area to ensure it doesn’t make a mess.
A lot of people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner. Dry or damaged hair can especially benefit from an intense moisturizer like castor oil.
According to Healthline, applying fats like castor oil to the hair on a regular basis helps lubricate the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and decreasing the chance of breakage.
Castor oil may also benefit people who experience dandruff, a common scalp condition characterized by dry, flaky skin on the head.
Castor oil is one of the best natural remedies when it comes to treating backache. If you want to get rid of any pain and stiffness, try rubbing castor oil on your back.
Helen Sanders is the chief editor at HealthAmbition.com. Established in 2012, Health Ambition has grown rapidly in recent years. Our goal is to provide easy-to-understand health and nutrition advice that makes a real impact. We pride ourselves on making sure our actionable advice can be followed by regular people with busy lives.
What was life like before Amazon? We can’t recall shopping in those days, but there was a time where we didn’t have our online shop. And yes, somehow, we got through it. Nowadays, Amazon has become everyone’s one-stop-shop for—including must-have fashion buys. So, while you might associate the mega-retailer with books, tech, toiletries, and everyday necessities, WWD reports that Amazon’s apparel category is growing by leaps and bounds.
With this in mind, I tapped my fellow editors to see what fashion items they’re currently adding to their carts as well as what they love to buy regularly on Amazon, and leggings topped everyone’s list. Amazon has every type of leggings that you could possibly need in life, including picks from some of your favorite athleisure brands such as Alo Yoga, Lululemon, and Adidas.
From staple active leggings to trending tights that can be worn by everyone, Amazon is a goldmine for athleisure fashion items. But finding the best pieces takes time, patience, and dedication in order to spot the best picks. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and scoured the site to bring you the coolest pieces that we hear at Style Salute HQ (and shoppers) all agree are amazing.
Some are simple black leggings, some have mesh—but all of them have the approval of thousands of shoppers just like you.
Self-care is an absolute must for everyone. But how do you do that when you’re caring for not one, but two lives? When it comes to advice available to expecting mothers, there’s a lot to consider. Between best-selling parenting books, multivitamins for women, well-meaning family and friends, and even strangers on the street choosing what advice to follow is a lot. Just sifting through the sheer amount of information that comes your way can be a stressful task. Coupled with all the stress a pregnancy can bring, it’s paramount that expecting mothers also take care of themselves by practicing self-care.
That being said, developing a foundation for emotional self-management, conflict management, and communication has been shown to help reduce maternal stress and depression, among other long-term benefits.
Here, we unpack 10 self-care tips for expecting mothers.
Eating in bed is okay
Yes, you’re required to stay active and move around, but sometimes it’s okay to stay in bed. Morning sickness can be a nuisance to deal with and eating in bed can actually counteract that. Keep a stash of healthy snacks nearby that you can eat every time your blood sugar drops. You can also try ginger capsules for morning sickness. However, it’s best to have your doctor sign off on that.
Instead of going through the process alone, it’s always helpful to have a bunch of women around you who know exactly what you’re going through. Support groups are also useful to prepare you for the labor pains and what to do post-partum.
Even with prenatal classes and your doctor’s advice, going through labor is still an emotional rollercoaster. Slow down and still your mind, and find tools to cope with the emotional turmoil. Sounds, music, visualization techniques can all be helpful.
Your pregnancy may be a ticket for you to gain weight, but try to eat healthy as much as possible. Add 200 calories a day post second trimester and eat frequently. Make sure your food is rich in fiber and low in sugar and salt.
It’s disconcerting to gain weight and see your body change, but it’s supposed to happen. Don’t starve yourselves or cut out calories in an attempt to stay the same.
Listen to your doctors and take all the vitamins they prescribe. Not only is this important for the baby, but it is also essential for you too. Pregnacare is one of the vitamins that you should take. It prevents low birth weight and pregnancy complications.
Low impact activities like yoga and stretching can help you stay positive and release endorphins. However, before you attempt high-impact activities, you should consult your doctor. Contact sports should be avoided at all costs.
Pamper yourself with a massage, whether at a local spa or in the comfort of your own home. Try and look for a masseuse that’s specially trained in prenatal massages.
Pregnancy is different for everyone. If you don’t feel as cheery as you’re “supposed” to be, it’s okay. Not every expecting mother is going to be happy, glowing and full of joy. Sometimes it’s stressful, full of panic attacks and anxiety. So, don’t feel any undue pressure on yourselves for not being perfect.
I like my lashes dark, dramatic, and brushing against the lenses of my glasses, which is why mascara will always be a staple in my beauty bag. I’m sure many of you agree since the appeal of long, flirty eyelashes is practically universal.
Many of my friends have tried all kinds of lash extension and curling procedures. While I’m an avid fan of the results, I’m fairly fainthearted when it comes to experimenting with my own lashes. I’ve always had an irrational fear that falsies will rip off any real hair.
False eyelashes are one of the few things in life that bring us lots of joy, as well as a dash of dread. Until recently, our options for false lashes are limited to the “dip lashes in pungent, white glue, stick them close to your lashes… and pray” method This works about 50% of the time and is not a technique we would recommend. Luckily, today we have a few more options.
Enhancing Natural Lashes
What I’ve tried recently are countless eyelash growth serums that claim to enhance your natural lashes. Some of my all-time favorites include RevitaLash (I swear by this product, and I end up having to use it sporadically because my lashes reach crazy lengths) and Hairgenics Lavish Lash. Castor oil is another great, natural conditioner.
When looking for some extra glam, I still like to use false eyelashes, but no girl wants that crippling anxiety that they bring. Well, our cries have been heard, which is why magnetic lashes are gaining significant traction in the beauty community.
In fact, magnetic lashes are so popular that we’re seeing them pop up everywhere from Ulta and Sephora aisles to drugstores — and according to this year’s Google Year in Search 2018, the top three beauty searches in the U.S. were all about eyelashes. And how to apply magnetic lashes came in at the number one beauty search query.
What are magnetic lashes?
This innovative lash format uses a sandwiching technique. One strip goes under the natural lashes, and the second fits along the top of lashes. The tiny magnets at the base of each strip help them snap together when they are aligned at the lashline. And to remove them, you just pull the false lashes apart — no oil cleansers or wipes are needed. They’re reusable, budget-friendly (around $7 a pair), and don’t require any messy glue.
Katy Stoka, inventor of One Two Lash, the world’s first magnetic eyelash, designed her product as a foolproof way to apply and sport false lashes. Ask any girl and she’ll tell you this invention is nothing short of genius. Not only do magnetic lashes eliminate the mess caused by lash glue, but they’re actually better for the environment. They also last much longer than your run-of-the-mill strip lashes and come in a multitude of styles for different occasions.
Curious how they work? Keep reading for your step-by-step guide to applying and maintaining magnetic eyelashes.
How magnetic eyelashes work
When it comes to regular falsies, you’d apply a single strip of lashes on your lash line using some glue. With magnetic eyelashes, you’ll have two separate strips that have small magnets attached to the center. One of the strips will sit on top of your lashes and the other one will go underneath, fastening together through your natural lashes.
We’re not going to lie; applying magnetic eyelashes can be excruciatingly annoying at first, but practice makes perfect. To start with, take the top lashes and place them over your eyelashes, as close to the lash line as possible. Next, take the bottom lashes and place them underneath your top lashes. The magnets should snap together, securing your lashes in place.
If you need to adjust them, gently pull the corners of the lashes to reposition them. You can use magnetic eyelashes with or without mascara.
With any kind of false eyelashes, whether it’s strip or magnetic, it can sometimes be challenging to get them to fit your eye shape properly. A simple hack is to trim the lashes. To do so, use a pair of scissors to cut the top and bottom lashes in half. You can then apply them as usual, starting with one half of the top lash and one half of the bottom lash. Trimming your lashes will prevent the corners and the middle section from pointing upwards, and it provides a firmer hold.
With proper care, you’ll find that your magnetic eyelashes will last you a very long time. When removing the lasshes, make sure your hands are clean and dry. Once they’re off, gently wipe them down with a damp cotton pad to remove any residue from mascara or other eye makeup. Most magnetic lashes come in a little storage case, so always pop them back in there to keep them safe.
One Two Cosmetic lashes are a forerunner, and you can get over fifty uses from just one pair. Other industry favorites include Ardell’s Double Up Lashes and the Venus Visage 3-D lashes that only cover two-thirds of your lash line so your outer corners have an extra whimsical flutter. For a more natural look, LASH’D UP lashes are a great option, and the start-up is a supporter of children affected by cancer.
Anyone who’s ever walked into a cool apartment can share the slightly jealous sentiment of wanting to get the same look and vibe in their own home. But when the time finally comes to remodel, those dreams can soon start to feel impossible. Contractor bills and neverending choices can be overwhelming to say the least.
So how do you get that cool look in your own home without breaking the bank? Mariam Esfahani, realtor and design and development expert, is often referred to as the “queen of chic,” and she says the key to a stylish and cool home is to give the house lots of personality. “Your home should have a lot of your own personality and only then can it be interesting to others,” Esfahani tells Style Salute. In other words, your home should be a vessel of your personality, creativity and lifestyle.
If you feel your home is no longer reflecting you, what should you do? A micro-remodel, of course.
Though you can’t change your home overnight, a micro remodel is always possible, and lucky for us, Esfahani was kind enough to share some helpful hacks on how to style a chic, sophisticated, and polished home. Scroll through to hear it all.
Find a style that works with your home
Be practical when choosing how you’ll decorate your home or a particular room in your house. “Your home should fit with the type of lifestyle you live,” says Esfahani. “Don’t go for ultra-clean and modern if you have kids running around. You want to create an environment that everyone can enjoy.”
Design is a beautiful way to tell a story. “I think it’s important to have your home reflect your own personal style,” says Esfahani. “What do you want your guests to know about you?”
Different décor styles have different feels. Some are simple, while others have unconventional structures. Knowing your décor style allows you to make a home that is designed cohesively. Esfahani tells us that there are many styles to choose from like minimalist, eclectic, transitional, mid-century and coastal. “Right now, I’ve been seeing a lot more minimalist design as well as coastal,” says Esfahani.
Remodeling does have the potential to get expensive, but you don’t necessarily have to go the distance to have a stylish home. “Some great resources for design on a budget are Ballard Designs, Joss & Main and Wayfair for furniture and occasional pieces,” says Esfahani. “The Demolition Depot and Etsy are also great for vintage finds and World Market, Z Gallerie and Home Goods are good for affordable accent pieces. I’m also loving a lot of items available at H&M Home!”
Don’t let a small space get you down. There are creative ways you can open it up to avoid feeling cramped or cluttered. “White ceilings and high hung curtains can really create the illusion of a higher ceiling while layering lighting creates dimension,” says Esfahani. Also, if you have a small space, Esfahani advises to avoid large furniture and to keep it away from the walls as it almost always makes a space feel smaller.
“Don’t be afraid to mix pieces together,” says Esfahani. “Not everything has to have a set or be the exact same color. For example, placing significant antique pieces in a minimal contemporary space mixes classic with modern. Just don’t overdo it. A home can go from charming to cluttered very fast.”
Integrity matters when it comes to being liked so does making other people feel respected, understood, and seen, according to Forbes.
There are always those people – the ones that everyone is drawn to no matter their social connections and status. They radiate with charm and confidence and they have a certain je ne sais quoi. Encountering people like this can leave you wondering what they have that you don’t. You could spend days analyzing what car they drive, what they wear and how many friends they have but you’d miss the mark every time. The big difference? According to Forbes, “irresistible people’s self-worth comes from within.” They aren’t made by what they have, but by what they keep.
People who are irresistible aren’t special or have something that you don’t. They’ve simply created powerful habits for success. They think about other people more than they think about themselves, and they focus more on other people than themselves.
Are you ready to finally crack the code and become that the most-liked person in the room too? Follow these 11 habits of irresistible people and get ready to say “hello” to a new more stylish, smarter, irresistible you.
1. They Treat Everyone With Respect
In the words of Aretha Franklin, R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Someone who’s irresistible treats everyone with respect–consistently. It’s not something they put on as a ruse to impress. They’re respectful all the time; regardless if it’s someone they’ve known for years or someone they just met. Respect is a powerful habit of success.
The Golden Rule—treat others as you want to be treated—has one big flaw: it assumes that all people want to be treated the same way. It doesn’t take into account that people are motivated by vastly different things. One person loves public recognition, while another loathes being the center of attention.
The Platinum Rule—treat others as they want to be treated—corrects that. Irresistible people are great at reading other people; they get people, and they adjust their behavior and style to make others feel at ease too.
Irresistible people create genuine connections with others through focus. Focus isn’t just staring at the person in front of you and nodding. They’re present. They’re listening. They’re fully engaged. There aren’t moments where their attention is turned to their phones and they’re not worrying about themselves when they talk. All their focus is on the people they’re with.
Irresistible people don’t take over the conversation with stories about how smart and successful they are. We all hate that. An irresistible person doesn’t spend time trying to prove how great they are through bragging and elaborate stories. They’re comfortable with who they are and what they bring to the table.
6. They Recognize The Difference Between Fact And Opinion
Fact: a thing that is indisputably the case
Opinion: a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge
You see the two definitions above? An irresistible person understands that they’re not the same thing. When a topic comes up and they give their opinion, they don’t present the information as if every word that comes out of their mouth is the gospel truth.
You won’t find a fake individual here. With an irresistible person what you see is what you get. No one has to spend time trying to figure them out. This draws people to them because they can be trusted.
Integrity is such an important characteristic to have and it’s sometimes hard to find. Those who are irresistible do the right thing regardless of the consequences or whether someone is watching or not.
It may have come from the musical Annie, but someone got it right: you’re never fully dressed without a smile. Smiling is contagious and when others see one, they’ll smile too making the encounter a pleasant one. People go back to people that make them feel good. Be that person.
The goal is to be presentable, not obsessed. An irresistible person puts in the effort to not walk around looking a mess, but they don’t spend all of their time making sure they look perfect. Remember, the focus is on people and the moment, not miscellaneous things.
Irresistible people recognize that life can’t be perfect, but they don’t spend time focusing on that. They live it to the fullest and find the little things that make life great.
Bringing it all together
People who are irresistible aren’t gifted or special. They simply have certain appealing qualities and good habits that anyone can adopt as their own.
They think about other people more than they think about themselves. They make other people feel liked, respected, understood, and seen.
The takeaway: the more you focus on others, the more irresistible you’ll be.
This story is part of Style Salute’s Empowering Women and Workplaces initiative. Style Salute, a media company dedicated to helping women live a smarter and more stylish life, scouts experts from all over the world to help readers tackle big decision-making moments by giving them the information they need to make informed and empowered choices whether that in civic engagement, finance, career, health, wellness and more.
Another habit that makes you feel irresistible to yourself? Organizing your $$$. Not sure where to start?
Don’t get all flustered. Our friends at Ellevest know a lot about how to handle that cash money. Their digital service uses an algorithm specifically designed for women’s incomes and life cycles to figure out the best investing strategy for you. Plus Style Salute readers get a little something extra to start you off. Learn more here.
She’s baaack! The holidays are upon us which means it’s time for our favorite #girlboss to partner with our preferred online shopping platform. Oprah’s Favorite Things has become one of Amazon’s best gift guides for the holidays. It makes shopping for every family member and friend a breeze. Not only will the gift you buy be thoughtful, but you can be sure it’s high quality and given the best stamp of approval of all.
There are gifts for your friends, family, and colleagues at all different price points. The fact that you can have it shipped to you with one-click on Amazon just sweetens the deal.
Ahead, 25 of our favorite Oprah-approved gifts for everyone on your list.
“These are the most comfortable and warm sweatpants I’ve ever owned. I literally have made them my relaxing and sleeping choice since it is so cold early in the season.”
“I absolutely love these slippers! I have a super high arch in my foot and these slippers support it perfectly while cupping my heal. I’m about to order my 3rd pair of these slippers.”
“This multi-purpose Buddy Pouch connects to any waistband via patented magnetic technology. It’s as simple as inserting the back flap of the pouch, aligning with the front flap and locking into place – no belt required!”
“When your feet have to be outside, this puffy pair is bliss. Waterproof, insulated and lined with fleece, they keep you cozy and dry (even in the harshest weather).”
“Royal Collagen Peptides from Bruno MD is a “5 IN 1” scientific marvel that helps rebuild and replenish skin, collagen, and bones with nature’s most potent ingredients!“
“These slippers aren’t just for shuffling around—with an orthotic footbed, they’re bound to put a spring in your step. I slipped them on and thought I was walking on cloud fluff.” – Oprah
“Lined up on a kitchen shelf, these soy wax candles in rosemary, lavender, olive, geranium, and juniper make days merry and bright in winter, and the pots become perfect planters in spring.” – Oprah
“Four RFID-protected card slots, two separate inside compartments, and a detachable crossbody strap, all in one cute little vegan leather bag, can mean only one thing: Gayle King, my purse-loving BFF, bought these for everybody she knows!”- Oprah
“The words you see below are the ones I want my girls at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy to use to describe themselves. Now they can wear a delicate reminder right on their wrist.” – Oprah
“I’ve survived enough Chicago winters to know that this collection of a dozen sheer glosses is a great gift for friends who are looking to keep their lips luscious from first frost until spring showers.” – Oprah
“Certain presents get used up in a flash, but this four-drawer box of 24 formaldehyde-free nail polishes will help you sparkle, shimmer, and shine all year long.” – Oprah
“The botanicals, extracts, and goat’s milk in these hydrating triple-milled bars—in fig leaf, ylang-ylang and tuberose, apricot and honey tea, and honeyed grapefruit—come from a farm in upstate New York, not a lab in I-don’t-know-where.” – Oprah
“Here’s my Crayola theory: Why limit yourself to primary colors if you can give that 64-pack with the magenta and burnt sienna? Just imagine opening this tin of 12 hand creams from the South of France—now that’s a Crayola moment!” – Oprah
“It’s a panic button, it’s a GPS tracker, it’s a line to local law enforcement—it’s the Katana Arc, a security system that attaches to your phone and can help fend off danger if, God forbid, you ever find yourself in a scary situation.” – Oprah
“I can’t explain the mechanics behind this plugless charging pad, but I can tell you it will look lovely on your nightstand. In fact, one of these leather-bound miracle devices in white has my name all over it.”– Oprah
“There’s nothing better than discovering your roots—and that goes for fur babies, too. This test reveals a dog’s genetic age and info, as well as breed breakdown, from a small sample of slobber. Incredible!”– Oprah
“Each of these X5 car chargers with an extra-long cord can simultaneously boost up five devices, from phones to tablets. Translation: Both front and backseat drivers can get some juice without coming to blows.” – Oprah
This Thanksgiving I’m thankful for a bomb career, my mom’s yummy pumpkin pie, and most of all, Style Salute’s holiday fashion guidance. For many of us, Thanksgiving is the first big appearance we will make to family and friends for months, and maybe even years. So it makes sense that we put some serious thought into our Thanksgiving outfit. Don’t you think the pilgrims and Native Americans wanted to impress each other when they gathered at the first Thanksgiving feast?
When it comes to Thanksgiving Day outfits, I have to tell you that not all outfits will work. Some of us love wearing fitted clothes, some like body-hugging clothes, but for this holiday, the best idea is to keep your outfit cozy, chic, and thoughtful. That said, we know that finding the perfect outfit to wear is the ultimate challenge especially since many of us will be dining outdoors to address any COVID-19 safety guidelines. A long day filled with plenty of second helping make comfort definitely a priority when it comes to dressing but you still want to look cute the whole day and night. Thankfully, the world of bloggers and It girls on Instagram can offer us lots of inspiration; and they rarely disappoint.
In case you were looking for some Thanksgiving outfit ideas, I’ve rounded up some of the best looks from my favorite bloggers and It girls. From Arielle Charnas to Pernille Teisbaek and more, just keep scrolling to see and shop the looks that made the cut.
2. Short A-Line Skirt + Grey Top + Leather Jacket + Scarf
Barbora’s outfit is perfect for a family stroll through the crisp autumn weather. Her black leather jacket, black skirt, and scarf will keep you cozy and stylish.
3. Statement Sleeves + Fuzzy Vest + Corduroy Pants
You certainly will make a statement amongst your relatives when you take Carly’s advice for the perfect trendy Thanksgiving outfit. We are in love with her statement sleeves, comfy vest, and fabulous corduroy pants.
Pernille’s outfit says there’s no better way to ring in the holidays and sweater weather than with your favorite oversized sweater,flared jeans, and boot heels.
Lorna has the ultimate cozy yet stylish Thanksgiving outfit with an oversized sweater, camel coat and boots. Her leather bag is essential for carrying leftovers home.
Petra’s look here is sophisticated enough to impress your boss and co-workers at the Thanksgiving park potluck or your first family Thanksgiving picnic style.
Welcome to our Dear Mariam column, where each month Dr. Mariam Esfahani, Marriage & Family Therapist and founder of Beach Cities Counseling and Therapeutic Services, will help navigate tricky relationship dilemmas. Come back each month for relationships secrets, dating advice, and secrets to making love and dating less crazy and more fun.
Working as a marriage & family therapist for the past 10+ years, I thought l had heard (and seen) it all. Recently, however, so much has evolved that a whole new set of problems and issues can now plague our relationships.
Now there are virtually hundreds of ways to connect, hook up, snap, date, like, comment, swipe, and poke— and all of them can cause discourse in our relationships. Throughout this evolution, one thing has remained the same for healthy relationships, and that is that communication is key. This brings us to the topic at hand: 10 things to avoid when texting your significant other.
We’ve all adapted to the convenience of sending a quick text to our partners to convey a thought or need we have, but while it may make it convenient to get a quick point across, texting can also be the source of what causes the most strife, conflict, and tension in our relationships. And when you’re in a new relationship or trying to keep an older relationship stable, texting might end up ruining your relationship, if you text too much and say too much.
With all that being said, ahead are some things to avoid when texting.
1. Avoid Dismissive Texts Like “K,” “NVM,” and “Whatevs”
Sending a dismissive text conveys insincerity and clouds the text in an unfriendly and apathetic tone, which is never desirable. If you feel annoyed, don’t put it in texts, it reads a lot worse to the receiver.
While everyone knows it’s grammatically correct to end a sentence with a period, a recent study from psychologist Danielle Gunraj, reveals that people perceived texts punctuated with a period at the end as “insincere,” compared to those written without a period. Bottom line, be casual and keep texting as short messages, not formal notes.
3. Whatever You Do, Do Not Start Or Continue A Text Fight.
Your non-verbal communication is just as important as your verbal so it’s always best to save discussions for when you can be face to face. This way your partner gets a full understanding of how you really feel.
Although this may help spice up the relationship, do you really know where your partner is and know with 100% certainty that they will be the only one seeing the pic? If the answer is yes then by all means sext away, but if there is even a 1% chance that someone else may see it, I would recommend not doing it so as to avoid future embarrassment or awkward run-ins
Cliffhanger texts can leave your partner feeling annoyed and frustrated, and you never want that. So instead of texting half-messages, call or show up IRL and tell them how it is.
No matter how upset, annoyed, frustrated, and sad you may be, always respond with something as simple as, “I need some time” or “I’m not ready to discuss this right now”. Silence can unnecessarily escalate an already tense situation.
We’ve learned (perhaps the hard way) that we shouldn’t put anything in writing that can come back to work against us. The same goes for text messages so think about what you’re sending…do you really want to be trying to communicate a point only to have your partner screen shot or bring up a text you sent 8 months ago that shows you saying otherwise?
Texting is meant to be a communication tool, but if you text the same thing day after day, after some time, it can get very boring. It’s best to avoid creating a predictable texting pattern when you send texts to your partner.
Sometimes, it can be hard to buy jewelry, especially when confronted with different variations of gold. Of course, solid gold will forever be the ideal choice in terms of quality and overall appeal, but our budgets might not always agree. As a result, gold-filled or gold-plated jewelry has become a popular and affordable option when looking to mix and match daily pieces.
On the hunt for a new piece of jewelry and need some help understanding the difference between gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry? We’re here to make your shopping life easier. We put together what you need to know about each piece of jewelry and what you need to know when it comes to selecting a gold-filled versus a gold-plated piece of jewelry.
Keep reading for the breakdown, plus feel free to shop some of our current favorites as well.
What is gold-filled?
Commercial jewelry is often marketed as gold when actually, they tend to be gold-filled. Gold-filled items have the same high-quality look of solid gold, but they’re not 100% pure, thus making them cheaper. Anyone who can wear gold can wear gold filled jewelry without having to worry about an allergic reaction.
In the melding process, a different core metal is used as a base material, such as brass, sterling silver or nickel. A gold sheet is then mechanically bonded to the base by applying heat.
The technique used to make gold-plated jewelry is slightly different. Electricity or chemicals deposit and bond a very thin layer of gold over another metal, like copper.
Since the gold layer is much thinner in gold-plated jewelry, it’s much more affordable. However, such pieces tend to tarnish with frequent wear.
What is the best way to tell the difference between gold-filled, gold-plated and solid gold jewelry?
Solid gold jewellery is typically stamped with a karat number only. For example, an 18-karat necklace or ring will have a stamp that says “18K”, “18kt” or “18KP”.
Gold-filled pieces also come with a karat marking, but they have additional letters and numbers stamped to show they’re not solid gold. “GF” is the most commonly used stamp on gold-filled jewellery, but you can also find the letters “RGP” (rolled gold plate).
What is the best way to care for gold-filled and gold-plated jewelry?
Since gold-filled jewelry is pretty durable, its upkeep is relatively easy. Get into the habit of taking off your jewelry at night, and storing them in soft cloth bags to prevent scratches. Also, avoid wearing them in water. If you do happen to get them wet, be sure to dry them immediately with a soft absorbent cloth.
Similarly, gold-plated jewelry should not be worn in the water. Steer clear of pools or hot tubs, as the chemicals will tarnish them much quicker. The same goes for lotions or perfumes, so always put on your gold-plated jewelry after your cosmetic products have fully absorbed into the skin.
Conventional jewelry-cleaning solutions may be too abrasive, so use warm soapy water to clean your gold-plated jewelry. Then, dry them with a soft cloth.
Tax refunds are nothing to sneeze at: last year, taxpayers received $3,000 back on average, but if you’re someone who absolutely must plan ahead or hates surprises, you can use this calculatorto estimate your tax return. So what if I told you that you could actually grow your tax return into something much bigger than that (think: potentially life-changing), with quite a few ways to do it?
Whether you choose to put your tax return all in the same place or you choose to allocate your return in different ways, financial experts weigh in on how you can use your tax return smartly — so, there’s no need to be unsure of what to do with your tax return this year. I’ll walk you through five of those ways below.
Keep scrolling to find out more.
1. Pay Off Any High-Interest Debt
Ever have nightmares about your credit card debt and student loans? You’re not alone. Even though your tax return may not be able to cover all of your debt, it can certainly take some of that useless weight off of your shoulders so you can save your paychecks for something even better. Think of it as the government’s small gift of appreciation to you. LendKey can help you pay off your student loans by connecting you with community-based lenders so that you can enjoy lower rates, helping to pay off your student loans faster.
Don’t want to spend all of your money on paying off your debt? You don’t have to. Put a little bit of your return towards your debt and use the rest to invest for the future at the same time. Because why wouldn’t you want to have all of your bases covered?
2. Establish an Emergency Fund
Don’t have spare change in case your car breaks down? Set up an emergency fund beforehand so that you have something to dip into when life goes awry. A good rule of thumb is to set aside three months worth of pay as a cushion. Having an emergency fund doesn’t mean you’re a pessimist, it simply means that you’re being smart and practical with your money. Future You will thank you for not making a stressful time even more stressful!
In case stashing the cash under your mattress isn’t cutting it, you can set up an emergency fund with Ellevest. Best of all, they offer super low-interest rates and don’t charge a management fee because they firmly believe in the importance of having an emergency fund. Get started here.
3. Contribute to Your 401(k)
It’s easy to put off, but if you work for a company that will match 401(k) contributions, take advantage of it. It’s basically free money.
Even if your dream retirement party is a long ways away from now, it’s never too early to start building up your 401(k). If you can at all possibly contribute the maximum $18,500 per year, you totally should. Why? Because not only does it decrease your taxable income (aka, the government can’t take as much money from you as it could), but if you contribute up to your employer match (if you have one), that means even more free money for you.
If you’ve switched jobs and are going bonkers trying to juggle all of your 401(k) rollovers, give yourself a break and start a roll over with Ellevest. Their dashboard will conveniently organize all of your retirement accounts in one place, even if your career has been all over the place.
4. Contribute to Your IRA
Every dollar that you contribute to an IRA is a dollar off from your taxable income. Contribute that money you have now — this will lower next year’s tax bill, and your contributions will have an extra year to grow.
What’s the difference between a 401(k) and an IRA, you ask?
Anyone can have an IRA, whether or not you have a 401(k) through work. There are two popular types of IRAs: a regular IRA and a Roth IRA. With a regular IRA, you can contribute up to $5,500 per year and you won’t be taxed on that money until you withdraw it. As you probably guessed, with a Roth IRA, you pay taxes on what you contribute upfront and don’t have to worry about paying taxes on that money ever again.
Like with 401(k)s, you can transfer your IRAs to Ellevest and start investing towards your dream retirement today. Who doesn’t like the sound of making a one-time investment and watching it grow (and keep growing)?
5. Start Other Investments
Investing may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have it to be. With digital investment companies, like Ellevest and Wealthsimple, the whole investment process is automated, meaning you can easily start investing and keep track of your money all on one dashboard.
Now more than ever, investing has emerged as an important and empowering tool for women seeking financial freedom. Sallie Krawcheck, CEO, and founder of Ellevesthas said time and again that despite having more financial power than ever, women are not putting their money in the markets — and it’s costing them a lot. As she said in a recent interview, “The gender investing gap costs professional women tens of thousands, hundreds of thousand — in some cases, millions — of dollars over the course of their lives.”
It shouldn’t be a surprise that women are different from men when it comes to money. Women still earn less in the same jobs as their male colleagues. In 2018, female full-time workers earned, on average, 80.5 cents for every dollar earned by men. That wage gap is even broader for women of color.
To make the problem women, women are more likely to have gaps in their careers and income due to having children and taking care of elders.
These factors cause women to have less money saved for retirement… while at the same time we live longer and have larger retirement-age medical bills.
Clearly, women need something other than the traditional financial advice if they’re going to catch up to men with their investments.
How Does Ellevest Work?
When signing up, clients enter their income, money goals, education, job, family responsibilities and other info. Ellevest then builds an investment portfolio based on salary projections, and other variables to give you advice on how to accomplish each goal.
Clients can change their goals themselves, and Ellevest will adjust their portfolios to match and with the clients’ individual goal timelines and risk tolerance in mind. In addition, Ellevest is an FDIC-registered fiduciary, so its advisors are legally obligated to keep your best interest first.
The best part? You can create your Ellevest financial plan for free, come back to it, modify it, or share it with your girlfriends and family, whether you invest with Ellevest or not. And, while many traditional advisors charge upwards of $1,000 for a financial plan. Ellevest is working to close the gender investing gap, so they charge nothing for theirs.
And, while you might think you need the fortune to invest, companies like Ellevest, allow you to get started with as little as $5. Get started here.*
Although there are risks that come with investing your money, there is also the potential for rewards — namely, helping you grow your money so you can meet your financial goals faster than if you had, say, put your money away in a basic savings account. So start today, even if you put away 2% of your income into a 401(k) or an IRA. Your future self will thank you.
Questions? We’re here to help. Leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you!
Disclosures: We’re excited to be teaming up with the team at Ellevest to start this conversation about women and money. We may receive compensation if you become an Ellevest client.
When it comes to polished style, there’s no one we look to for inspiration more than Kate Middleton. So, when a particular item becomes a staple in the Duchesses’ wardrobe, we know it must be good.
Kate’s been spotted in different brands of nude tights, but her favorite, according to Jessica Paster is, “Wolford’s Naked 8 Pantyhose ($33), of course! They look like you’re bare. Plus, when you were them, your legs glisten in the sheer material, hiding any blemishes, spider veins, and spots. I tried them and they are incredibly lightweight and soft and smoothed out my natural skin tone with no added bulk to my legs. Now, I know why Kate’s legs are always so flawless. If you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly version, I also love the Falke 12 Denier Ultra-Transparent Shimmer Tights ($18).”
Below, see Middleton’s latest iridescent look ⏤ plus, shop the Wolford Naked 8 pantyhose and more affordable options too.
If you’re like a lot of women, it’s been a while since you’ve asked for a raise — or perhaps you’ve never asked. Surprisingly, given how much most of us want more money and many of us deserve to be making more, many women never ask for a higher salary because they feel nervous about initiating the conversation, or they’re worried about sounding entitled or greedy.
But asking for a raise is a very normal part of having a job. You shouldn’t feel guilty. If you avoid doing it out of discomfort, you’re potentially giving up a significant amount of money — just to avoid a conversation that could be as short as five minutes. Asking for a raise can be an intimidating prospect, we get it. But there are steps you can take to get better and more comfortable making the big ask.
Why You Should Ask for a Raise
You should ask for that raise because data shows that if you ask for it, you have a pretty good chance of getting it, regardless of where you are in your career.
It’s true: A recent study by the Ellevate Network found that seventy-five percent of respondents received a pay bump when they requested it. The annual Ellevate Impact Survey surveyed the Ellevate community of hundreds of professional women who are leading the charge in their fields or making their way up the ranks — and the results showed that younger professionals had a 68% success rate when asking for a raise, and mid-career professionals were the most successful with an 80% success rate.
Now, exactly how many of those women do you think got a salary decrease? Zero. You read that right: zero. Seventy-five percent got a raise and zero got a decrease. So the lesson here is: Ask.
This is great news, right? Right! But, it means nothing if we aren’t asking for that raise, and surprisingly, the fact is women aren’t asking. While the average rate of success of women asking for a raise is 75%, according to the same survey, only 37% of respondents reported asking for a raise in 2015.
So, really, getting that raise you so badly want is really just a matter of building up the courage to make that ask, and knowing you’re work and how to negotiate to get what you want.
Now that we know the facts, you’re ready to go in and ask for that raise you deserve. Here’s your 7-step strategy for exactly how to ask for more money at work.
1. Believe In Yourself
First and foremost, you need to be prepared to be your own best advocate and believe (truly believe) you deserve the raise. Having confidence in yourself will attract your boss to believe what you already know: that you deserve more for your efforts. Without it, your insecurities in requesting a raise might show through.
Interestingly, men are more likely than women to ask for a raise. And as a result, many women are leaving money on the table. “Unfortunately, for a whole bunch of different reasons we do so at significantly lower rates,” says Sallie Krawcheck, the CEO of Ellevest, a women-led digital investing platform.
Think about it this way: If you don’t believe in yourself, why should your company? However, you can’t just call in confidence the morning of the big day. It takes practice and your words should be ingrained in your daily habits. Start with some simple mantras to remind yourself of your irreplaceability. After a while, the idea will resonate and stick and if you believe in yourself, they will too.
2. Keep A Record of Your Work
You might think it will be easy to remember your professional accomplishments when the time comes, but it’s safer to keep track now than to be sorry later. Log your triumphs as they occur, whether it’s week by week or at the end of each day. Start a journal or simply log bullet points in your calendar. Maybe share them in an email with your team each week. All these notes will serve as evidence when you need it most.
3. Do Your Research & Determine What You’re Worth
There’s a myriad of online resources that can help you check whether a raise would be reasonable, and how much that raise should logically be. Try starting with favorites like Glassdoor, Fairygodboss and PayScale. This resource will assist you in comparing average salaries of the job you have, as well as the job you want. Much of the time, salary is based more on how well you stand up and negotiate for yourself rather than your seniority and skillset.
4. Discuss With Those You Trust
Share your findings with people you trust in your company, as well as with a senior mentor and your partner at home. Get feedback from your inner circle on all sides and don’t shy away from topics that might seem inappropriate — like your salary. While you don’t want to let other people make up your mind, it never hurts to hear their advice and diverse viewpoints and use them as added perspectives.
5. Deliver Your Pitch with Confidence
While the pitch is important, your work ethic is what ultimately decides your reward. Don’t sit idly by as the work days drag on. Motivate yourself and stay focused. If you find yourself consistently slacking at the office, you might not be in the right place. Find the role that’s best for you because once you do, you will stay passionate and engaged.
6. Educate Yourself and Be Prepared
It’s important to go into the meeting ready to refute crazy claims. The gender pay gap is real and surprisingly enough, some people still choose not to believe it. Be armed and ready with this information so you can cite your evidence when the time comes. If your boss tries to argue that women choose lower-paying jobs or (even worse) that women have less ambition, present your boss with the facts. One crazy statistic? In 2015, female full-time, year-round workers made 80 cents to the dollar when compared to equivalent male counterparts, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. That’s a 20 percent gap!
7. Practice Your Negotiation Skills
When it’s finally time to deliver your pitch, make sure you’re ready. Rehearse every part of your speech. Having the right words planned will make the whole process a lot easier, especially if you tend to get nervous. If we have the knowledge, the science actually shows that we negotiate better than men.
BONUS: Don’t wait for the raise to start investing. (Seriously.)
According to Sallie Krawcheck, co-founder, and CEO of Ellevest, an innovative digital investment platform for women, you could be making more money tomorrow (like a lot more) if you just start investing today. The reason is pretty self-explanatory — by investing your money steadily today, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the power of compounding.
“So yes, absolutely ask for the frickin’ raise. But also invest the money you make already,” says Krawcheck.
We hear from a lot of women that they think they need to be a financial expert before they get started investing. You don’t. You only really need to know six basic things. That’s right: Six basic things before you get started. Here they are.
For when you don’t have a retirement fund…
Don’t sound the alarm – yet. Ellevest can get you set up in less than 10 minutes so you can reach all of your money goals. Sans judgment, finance jargon, and trust issues. Crisis averted. Get into it here.*
You’ve just walked out of the salon with the color that you love. So, the question now is: how do you maintain the hair color and shine after you’ve left the salon?
Brianna Colette, hair expert and stylist at Nine Zero One Salon in West Hollywood, says the key to softer hair is being knowledgeable about what products you use and making sure you use hair masks. Brianna, whose celebrity clients include Lea Michelle, Michelle Monaghan, Katie Aselton, and Katy Perry, shared exclusively with Style Salute, “I’ve noticed that clients have the best intentions when it comes to taking care of their color and they use masks but not always the right ones for color-treated hair.” She continued, “Ideally you want to use a deep conditioning hair mask only once a week–and for maximum results, you should be using a clarifying shampoo first to make sure you are cleansing the hair of any residue or waxes or product buildup which can inhibit the mask.”
You need to use a clarifying shampoo because some of your favorite hair masks and even conditioners — might actually be causing your hair color to fade because of the ingredients in them. “Silicone, for example, is a key ingredient in many hair masks that can damage your hair cuticle to the core — and what’s frightening is it isn’t always listed as “silicone” on the ingredients list.” Brianna continues, “Common names for silicones are Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Amodimethicone, Dimethiconol and Cyclomethicone so if you see any of these ingredients, beware.”
“Your hair cuticles are like a shield,” says Brianna. “When your hair is healthy, all the scales close and create a nice strand of hair. Color molecules are trapped in the cortex of the hair, and when your hair is healthy and shiny, and not scaly, you are less likely to lose color molecules,” explains Brianna. “When your hair is dry and getting beat up by blow dryers, the scale of your cuticle opens, and you’re damaging your hair cuticles. A conditioning mask is PH balanced to not only close the scales of the cuticle but also keep it naturally healthy because the scales want to stay closed.”
Keep reading to shop the best brass-fighting masks out there.
There are all sorts of face masks buzzing in the beauty market, but the one phenomenon we just can’t get enough of is the 24K gold mask.
In the year of self-love and self-care, face masks fall into that love yourself category of beauty we can’t help but get enough of. In the midst of your busy life, it might sound like a laborious task to set aside time and lather your face with a mask. But what if it gave you plumped, glowing, and hydrated skin? 24K gold masks deliver exactly these immediate results.
After our favorite Victoria’s Secret Angels posted golden selfies before strutting down the 2016 runway, we decided to do some gold mining of our own. As it turns out, when you slather your face in gold, the results are magical.
Beyond the fact that you are literally putting “gold” on your face, these metallic masks have everything needed to make you feel regal. The ions in the gold trigger your skin cells to work wonders with antioxidants the can stimulate the production of new skin cells. Another skin-loving addition is collagen, which helps keep your complexion hydrated and soft. But sometimes you just want something reliable, effective, fun, and affordable.
Amazon is full of amazing cult-favorite 24 K gold masks, both well-known and niche. But with so many products to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to start. That’s where we come in. We combed the site for effective and fun gold masks, and our search was fruitful, to say the least. In addition to being fun and effective, these 16 items are also quite affordable. Keep scrolling if you’re ready to revamp your skincare regimen on the cheap.
Treat your skin to one of these gold gems for the ultimate glow-up.
This luxurious Shangpree Gold Mask works to reduce pigmentation dark spots and blotchy patches. It also helps to remove any impurities and congestion, leaving you with a clear and bright complexion.
Amazon Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars (2 customer reviews)
Majestic Pure’s 24K Gold Facial Mask contains vitamin E that helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It’s particularly great for those with dry skin.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
These 24K Gold Eye Masks will keep your eyes refreshed and awake. It helps treat dark circles and under-eye puffiness thanks to its mixture of collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and calming rose essential oils.
Amazon Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (149 customer reviews)
The Adofect 6PCS 24K Gold Gel Collagen mask is formulated with pure gold and natural bio-ingredients to deliver a more youthful and dewy look. This is a luxurious and natural skin treatment that helps stimulate cellular regrowth and reduce the signs of aging.
Amazon Rating: 3.6 out of 5 stars (438 customer reviews)
These under-eye masks by Felico are perfect for an at-home spa session. This powerhouse combination of hyaluronic acid, collagen, refreshing vitamin c serum, 24k gold work together to calm and soothe, improve elasticity, reducing dark circles.
Amazon Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (63 customer reviews)
This 24K Gold Active Face Mask is a powder mask that helps to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin. It moisturises and repairs, making the skin soft, smooth and lustrous.
Amazon Rating: 3.7 out of 5 stars (60 customer reviews)
Combat dry and dull skin with these 24K Gold Eye Treatment Masks by LA PURE. They help to expel harmful toxins while hydrating your skin, increasing blood circulation and improving cellular metabolism.
Amazon Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (993 customer reviews)
Give your under-eyes some extra TLC with these 24K Gold Collagen Treatments Eye Mask. The nano-gold particles work to enhance firmness and elasticity, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and crow’s feet around the eyes.
Amazon Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (3,129 customer reviews)
First Botany Cosmeceuticals’ 24K Gold Scrub for Face and Body is a multi-functional scrub that works to eliminate dead skin cells. It’s gentle enough for everyday use.
BioMiracle’s 24K Gold & Ginseng Anti-Aging and Revitalizing Hydrogel Maskfocuses primarily on anti-aging, lifting, revitalizing and moisturizing. It’s specifically designed for fast skin rejuvenation, and it’s perfect for rehydrating tired-looking skin.
Amazon Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars (1 customer review)
These sheets from YonBo are edible. Yes, you read that right. Ultra-fine particles improve the skin’s metabolism and permeability, while also balancing pH levels. What’s more, you can use these sheets in the kitchen to add some extra luxe appeal to your sweet treats.
Amazon Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars (71 customer reviews)
Thailand’s Gold Foil Mask Sheet Spa 24K Gold is made from a special gold foil that has been evaporated and then set again. You can apply it directly to the skin using your fingers or a brush.
Craving more beauty secrets? Check these stories out:
If you listened to your parents’ growing up, you know money doesn’t grow on trees. Buuut… it can grow in your bank account. That’s why saving and investing should be at the very top of your financial to-do list.
Invest, invest, and invest. You’ve probably heard this advice a million times now. You could be really tempted to start investing but you have a big problem – you have very little money!
Is that really a problem? Actually, it isn’t.
“There’s a rampant myth that you need to be rich to start investing,” says Sallie Krawcheck, a former Wall Street executive, is a founder and the C.E.O. of Ellevest, an investing platform that helps women reach their financial goals. “The truth is you don’t need to have a lot of cash to start investing. You can start with as little as $5, $20, $50 or $100 and grow your money from there.”
Keep reading for 5 smart ways to start investing with little money.
1. Start by learning how to save
Even if you’re thinking, ‘I don’t have a lot of money right now,’ you need to save for future you.
You’re right. Saving and investing are two different things. But they are closely connected. Basically, you first have to save in order to have enough money to invest. And just like you don’t need a lot of cash to start saving, you don’t need to put so much pressure on yourself trying to save.
You’ve probably have heard about some people being able to put 20 or 40 percent of their paycheck in their savings account. It’s nice to have the same goal but if it’s your first time saving, you don’t have to. Rather, start with the traditional cookie jar approach. Yes! Put those extra coins into a jar or a piggy bank if you insist. Or perhaps in an envelope or shoebox. That $10 you save weekly could grow to $520 in one year.
Even better than the cookie jar approach, you could put that $5 or $10 a week or month into an investment account with a digital investment platform like Ellevest, where your money could grow thanks to the power of compounding.
Compound interest allows any interest earned to then accrue interest on itself, so over time a small amount of money invested earlier will earn more than a large amount of money invested later. That’s why it’s so much easier to end up a millionaire if you start putting away cash in your 20s. Here’s an example of how compounding works:
Say you invest $100 today and earn 10 percent on it in the coming year; that’s $10, which means you then have $110. If you earn that same 10 percent return the next year, you earn it on the $110. So you earn $11, not $10. Do it again, and the same 10 percent return earns you $12. And so on and so on. And over time, it adds up to a lot.
An important financial lesson that many fail to understand: It’s never too early to begin investing.
If you’re saving for the future, you’re on the right track. But where you put that money matters just as much as how much you’re able to put away each month. In other words, where you allocate your funds has a significant impact on your ability to save and invest.
There are many other forms of investment other than mutual funds, and it’s up to you to decide which ones are most appealing to you and would help you reach your financial goals faster. Be aware of where your money goes to identify patterns that you need to change or continue. Learn to be smarter with how you utilize and manage debts as well. For example, instead of using online personal loans to buy a new gadget, you could use it to invest in a small business, like a home-based, DIY accessory or a small online clothing shop.
You will greatly benefit from finding someone who has the expertise to help you manage and grow your investments, such as Ellevest.
In the past, finance and investing were seen as “things men do.”Today, the market is answering the call for portfolio management platforms specifically created for women. A new entrant into this female-focused automated investing—or robo-advisory—arena is Ellevest, co-founded by Sallie Krawcheck, a former Wall Street CEO and finance industry veteran whom Fortune Magazine labeled as “The Last Honest Analyst.”
5. So, how does Ellevest differ from its competitors?
Most robo-advisors have a limited number of available investment portfolios. If your preferences don’t fit in with their pre-created portfolios, you’re out of luck. Ellevest solves that problem by presenting hundreds of distinctive portfolios, customized for the individual investor.
Most automated investment platforms start out with a risk tolerance questionnaire to determine your ideal mix between stock and bond-type investments. The Ellevest approach examines your goals, their timeline and then designs the investment portfolio to meet those financial goals and “aspirations.” Additionally, users can select single or multiple goals and change them as needed. Included in the goal-based focus is a percentage likelihood of meeting that goal—70% is the minimum.
Another differentiating feature of Ellevest is the breadth of its fund choices. Today Ellevest offers 21 funds. Ellevest scrutinized the ETF universe to come up with funds that have low fees, high liquidity, tax efficiency, and ones that closely follow their stated benchmark. See here for how Ellevest works, and what this robo-advisor offers to investors. (For further reading, see: Robo Investing for Beginners).
You’ve heard of ‘mutual funds’ a million times. But what are they really and what makes mutual funds a good form of investment?
Think of them as baskets of investments in the form of securities such as stocks and bonds. Mutual funds are operated by professional money managers. Once you sign up for a mutual fund, you become a shareholder who participates proportionally in the gains or losses of the fund. On average, mutual funds require an investment between $500 and $5,000. However, there is an investment platform that allows you to invest as little as $5. So, having little money should not be an excuse to delay investing.
As you’ve realized by now, there are many ways to start investing with little money. Now, all you’ve got to do is to make the decision. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Do it for your future.
Maximize your payroll deductions.
An easy way to save is to maximize your payroll deductions. Say, for example, you earn $1,000 per week at work. You could have a specific amount directly deposited into a separate savings account before you even receive your paycheck. The fact that the whole process is automatic makes it convenient and assures you that you have set aside money for your investment goals.
Invest in mutual funds.
You’ve heard of ‘mutual funds’ a million times. But what are they really and what makes mutual funds a good form of investment? Think of them as baskets of investments in the form of securities such as stocks and bonds. Mutual funds are operated by professional money managers. Once you sign up for a mutual fund, you become a shareholder who participates proportionally in the gains or losses of the fund. On average, mutual funds require an investment between $500 and $5,000. However, there are mutual fund companies that allow you to invest as little as $50 as long as you sign up for automatic monthly investments.
Having less money should not be an excuse to delay investing. As you’ve realized by now, there are many ways to start investing with little money. Now, all you’ve got to do is to make the decision. Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. Do it for your future.
Bottom Line
It can be fun spending money. It can be even more fun watching your savings grow. You’ll thank us later.
Style Salute’s all about helping you live your best life. Investing in yourself is the best advice we can offer you to make sure you will always live that life. Because compounding. We got you a discount off your first order. Get it here.* when you don’t have a retirement fund…
Lidia Staron has been working as a writer, editor and literary coach for 5 years. She contributes articles about the role of finance in the strategic planning and decision-making process. You can find really professional insights into her writings.
Disclosures: We’re excited to be working with Ellevest to start this conversation about women and money. We receive compensation if you become an Ellevest client.
Questions? We’re here to help. Leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you!
Maybe it’s just us, but somehow no matter what products we use (and no matter how long we devote to the process), we somehow cannot get our blowout to look anywhere as good as when we visit a professional blow dry bar—until now that is.
Meet the ceramic round brush from Drybar. This revolutionary round brush has NanoIonicTM technology in the barrel that heats up dramatically during your blow-dry sessions, helping to set curls and create moveable volume. Pretty genius, huh (we think so)? The built-in NanoIonicTM technology makes it so that our brush can act as our curling iron. And, did we mention the bristles on this brush reduce frizz and add shine? We seriously love everything about this revolutionary beauty tool, and after you try it, we promise, you will too.
Drybar’s “magic” brush comes in three different sizes — keep reading for how-to-use tutorials and to shop the brush that’s right for you!
The Drybar ‘Full Pint’ Medium Round Ceramic Brush creates loose curls and waves in medium to long hair while helping straighten and add volume to shorter and medium styles.
According to Drybar, this is how to use the brush for the best results:
For loose curls and waves: Use vertically throughout the hair.
For volume at the roots: Use horizontally at the crown.
For straightening: Use horizontally throughout the hair.
Hair Types: Great for medium to long hair and for straightening short to medium hair.
The Drybar ‘Double Pint’ Large Round Ceramic Brushcreates loose curls and waves in medium to long hair while helping straighten and add volume to shorter and medium styles. According to Drybar, this brush is best for creating loose curls and waves in medium to long hair. An ergonomic, lightweight design also eases muscle fatigue and strain during styling while a streamlined, one-piece handle eliminates hair catching and pulling.
According to Drybar, this is how to use the brush for the best results:
For loose curls and waves: use vertically throughout the hair.
For volume at the roots: use horizontally at the crown.
For straightening: use horizontally throughout the hair.
This is the ultimate blowout brush. It’s a hairbrush that combines the hot air of a blow-dryer with the structure of a round brush. The Double Shot Blow-Dryer Brush is one of the best tools to create a smooth, shiny blowout with tons of volume in one quick and simple step.
How to use: After shampooing, thoroughly towel-dry your hair to remove excess water. Brush out your hair using a detangling comb or a brush and separate into large sections. Place The Double Shot underneath each section and work it slowly from roots to ends until the section is dry and smooth. For volume at the roots, use horizontally at the crown. It can also be used on dry hair to create a smooth, finished look. Please note that if you have extra-thick or long hair, it may be necessary to rough-dry hair with a regular blow-dryer before using The Double Shot.
We’re also loving the Drybar‘Hold Me’ Hair Clips (4-Pack). These sweet and effective hair clips are great for sectioning your hair as you blowdry. The alligator jaw design securely holds a large amount of hair out of your way so you can style with ease.
According to Drybar, this is the best way to use the clips for damp styling and for wet styling:
For damp styling: use the lower arm as a comb to create vertical sections in hair and clip. This makes blow-drying more effective and efficient.
For dry styling: use the lower arm to create horizontal sections below the part in dry hair and clip.
These low-maintenance rollers by Drybar lift just where you want it at the crown of your head. The secret is in the gentle self-grip material that provides a strong hold while preventing damage to hair. Two sizes allow for customizable volume on any length hair.
How to use: Create a three-inch section at the crown of the head and comb through so it’s smooth and free of tangles. Starting from the ends, roll the hair toward the base of the section, away from the face. Leave in for 10-15 minutes. For best results, use rollers when hair is still warm from a blow-out. Remove the rollers and tousle hair to break up the shape. Set with hairspray and ta-da! Blowout and go!
Want to keep that beautiful blow-out in the morning. You need the Drybar’s ‘The Morning After’ Shower Cap. Protect your style and extend your look for a few extra days with this terry-cloth cap that keeps out moisture and protects during bathing and showering. Plus, it’s a generous size holds all volumes of hair.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and for many of us, also the most expensive. Sure, we all want to go to every party in a great new outfit and buy our family and friends gifts that will make them smile from ear to ear. But to avoid the stack of January credit card statements that make us wince, we need to create a holiday budget — and stick to it.
We’re not here to lecture you about how much to spend — or not spend. However, it is an important time to remember the 50/30/20 rule. Check out this article if you’re unfamiliar with it.
So how does the 50/30/20 rule work? Here’s the short version:
50% of your after-tax salary should go to personal needs (the bills you have to pay every month), 30% to personal wants (some fun money, including gifts), and 20% to investing and savings (to build a better tomorrow for Future You).
But what if you spend 40% of your income in December on “personal wants” because of gifts? It’s OK — not every month has to be exactly the same, so long as you find a way to normalize your spending in the long term. Plus, if you allocate just 20% to wants in January, or 25% in both January and February, you’ll be back on track in no time. It’s all about balance.
In a planning mood? See how an investment plan could help you manage your finances. Ellevest is one way to do it. You can get a personalized portfolio in under 10 min. And it’s made by women, for women.
An Example of the 50/30/20 Plan:
Let’s say your total take-home pay each month is $4,000. Using the 50/30/20 rule, you can spend no more than $2,000 on your personal needs per month. You probably can’t afford rent or a mortgage payment that’s $1,500-a-month, at least not unless your utilities, credit card payments, insurance premiums, car payments and other necessities of life don’t exceed $500 a month.
Your goal here is to fit all these expenses into 50 percent of your take-home after-tax income.
You can spend $1,200 a month on your having fun based on that $4,000 you’re bringing home each month. And don’t worry if you’re coming up short here and you need more this month for holiday spending, you can consider doing without a few things and shifting some of this money to your “personal needs.” Remember, you still need 20 percent left over so you can save and invest according to the 50/30/20 plan.
PS: Our friends at Ellevest know a lot about how to handle money. Their digital service uses an algorithm specifically designed for women’s incomes and life cycles to figure out the best saving and investing strategy for you. Sign up now.*
Next steps…
So, now that you have $800 left, that last 20 percent. You know what to do with it. Save for an emergency, start investing, and plan for your future. Here’s one way to do it. You can get a personalized portfolio in under 10 min. And it’s made by women, for women. Your move. Get started here.*
Ready to find out how much you’re spending (and saving)? Save the budget graphic below as a reminder.
Debt. You don’t know how it happened (or maybe you do), but suddenly it feels like you’re knee-deep in it. Whatever the amount, being in debt can be a horrible, stomach-wrenching feeling but remember: not all debt is created equal. And while it’s not something to be ashamed of (we all have some form of debt at some point in our lives), it is something that you can — and absolutely should — control.
So, don’t get discouraged, and don’t write it off as a hopeless burden you’re always going to have to deal with. Paying off your debt is absolutely within reach if you follow a few basic rules. The most important thing is to establish a balance and a healthy financial routine.
A common situation many of us are facing right now is deciding between paying off debt or investing. When you have debt, it’s easy to think that you should throw every spare penny you have at it.
So wait … so what is the best thing to do with your spare change: pay off debt or invest?
Should I Pay Off Debt or Invest? (Or Both?)
The answer: It Depends.
Both paying off debt and investing for the future are essential elements of a healthy financial life. Yet, these two tasks seem to battle head-to-head when it comes to prioritizing their importance. Is it best to get out of debt as soon as possible, or to simply pay the minimum amount on your loans and put any extra cash toward growing your savings? Here are some things to consider when determining the best decision for your funds.
Theoretically, the most intelligent course of action when deciding between paying off your debt and investing should compare two variables:
The rate of after-tax interest you are paying on your debt
The after-tax rate of return you expect to earn on your investment
When to invest and when to pay off debt instead
Here’s what our friends at Ellevest usually recommend:
First: Each month, aim to put at least 20% of your take-home pay toward Future You. That would include debt payments above the minimums, saving, and/or investing. (Although if you have a lot of debt or big financial goals, and you can swing it, it might be good to do more than 20%.)
For any debt with interest rates above 5% (ish … more on a possible gray area below), focus on paying it off. Use that “Future You” part of your budget, and if you have money just sitting in a savings account, throw that at your high-interest debt, too. (.)
Next: Once you’re free of those killer interest rates, switch focus and put that extra paper toward building an emergency fund of three to six months’ worth of take-home pay. (Don’t stop paying the minimum payments on any lower-interest rate debts, though. Missing minimums can do damage to your credit report.)
Then: When you only have debts with interest rates of less than 5% and have built up your emergency cushion, turn your entire focus to investing.
So, why not pay those debts off, too? Here’s why:
It’s all about interest rates
Credit card debt hurts: That piece of plastic can come with interest rates of 14% to 24.99%. On the other hand, some federal student loans’ interest rates can be as low as 3% to 4%. So that’s a pretty big range.
As for investment returns, that’s historically fallen somewhere in the middle. Part of the reason waiting to invest could cost you so much is that over the last 90 or so years, the stock market has had a long-term positive return — an annual average of 9.5%. (Some years it’s more, some years it’s less, and some years it’s negative, but that’s the historical trend over the long term.)
This is what the debt-vs-investing decision is all about
You want to focus on paying off debt if it’s likely to cost you more in interest than you might otherwise earn through investing. And you want to focus on investing if you think it’s likely to earn you more than you’d otherwise pay in interest.
This is what the debt-vs-investing decision is all about. You want to focus on paying off debt if it’s likely to cost you more in interest than you might otherwise earn through investing. And you want to focus on investing if you think it’s likely to earn you more than you’d otherwise pay in interest.
“A reasonable, conservative benchmark to draw the line between these two is around 5%,” advises Ellevest co-founder and CEO Sallie Krawcheck. “So that’s why we usually recommend that if the interest rate is more than 5%, pay it off. If it’s less, stick to the minimum payments and invest the extra instead.”
At the end of the day, any money you’re putting toward debt or investing is a step in the right direction. So let the math tell you which one to focus on first … and either way, know you’re doing Future You a favor.
Now, if you’ve got debt, you want a plan that helps you pay as little as possible in interest and fees. Here’s an explainer of how to do it from Ellevest:
1. Write Down All Your Expenses
Before you do anything, you need to figure out where you are spending your money. Get a money diary and start documenting all your expenses. You can even do it over Excel or go back to your credit card statements. Whatever your method, know where your money is going.
You may be thinking “I know what I’m spending my money on,” but in reality, writing it down (even digitally) will help you get a better sense of where you can cut back and start saving more money. These expenses include everything from Netflix to student loans, groceries, and clothing. Get it done.
2. Pay Off Your “Bad Debt”
First things first: not all debt is bad debt. Some debt can be “good,” but most of it it is “bad.” So, how can you tell what is “good debt” and what is “bad debt?” One form of potentially good debt can be student loan debt. Think about it: you getting a great education can lead to a higher-paying job, which can increase your earnings over time. Plus, student loan rates can be as low as 3.4% (possibly higher, depending on when the loan was taken out). You may also be able to deduct student loan interest payments of up to $2,500, depending on your income level, which reduces the annual cost of the loan. Call your provider to see if you qualify.
Another form of “good debt” can be a mortgage if you’re a homeowner. This is considered good because, well, you have a home, which if the value of the home goes up over time, can also be a form of investment. Interest rates on mortgages can be low (like 4%) and the interest payments can be tax-deductible — which, again, can make this kind of debt less expensive. So, you see, some debt can be “good,” but much of it is “bad.” And too much debt…when you’re drowning in it…is always bad.
Ok, so that’s the “good debt.” Now, let’s get to “bad debt.” One type of debt that is never ever good? Credit card debt. You already know a monster credit card bill isn’t a good thing. Carrying it over time is even worse. This is because when your credit card debt has really high-interest rates, you pay even more money over the life of your debt.
“If you have credit card debt, pay it off now. Do not go. Do not collect $200,” says Krawcheck. Credit cards can have an interest rate anywhere from 12.0% to 22.6%, which is definitely not a favorable number. With a single swipe of our credit cards, we can have whatever we desire but resist the urge to spend until you pay off your previous credit debt. The good news is that while you may be drowning in “bad debt”, you certainly don’t have to carry it over into 2018. Pay off credit cards in full now…or as soon as you possibly can.
3. Make Sure You’re Paying Your Student Loans Wisely
The new loan payment and interest rate will be based on your credit score, so having great credit could mean substantially lower payments (i.e. money back to you). It’s a pain—we know it—but, it’s so worth it. Check to refinance rates with LendKey today.
Yes, it takes some time to refinance your loans, but trust us, it’s worth it.
The benefits of refinancing include: Possibly having a lower interest rate and payment on your new loan and getting a single bill for all of your loans.
4. Pause the Emergency Fund to Pay Off Bad Debt
You already know a monster credit card bill isn’t a good thing. Carrying it over time is even worse. Cut it down quickly and aggressively before investing in an emergency fund. While it’s safe and reassuring to have an Emergency Fund, the present situation is an emergency in itself. You will be happy you subtracted some money from your Emergency Fund now to pay off credit card debt, or any debt.
It’s better to use some of this money now while your debt interest rate is slightly lower, rather than years down the line.
5. Go for the Highest Rate
First, calculate how much money you can set aside monthly toward paying off your debt. Next, make a list of the debt that needs most attention to that which can wait for a little.
Focusing on the debt that has the highest interest rate is critical, so as to put a halt on it ASAP. Once you knock that one of the lists, move onto the next. There’s nothing more rewarding than penciling off debt after debt.
6. Talk With Your Lender
Give your credit lender a call and see if there is anything they can work out to your advantage. Discuss the possibilities of reducing your interest rate or waiving late fees to give you a little jump start. They may or may not be up for the favor, but asking every three to six months does not do any harm.
87 Make a Balance Transfer
Believe it or not, there are credit card companies that charge 0% if you transfer your money to their card. Go ahead and transfer your money, but the trick is not to make any purchases at the time. Instead, focus on lowering the balance outstanding, which will help to knock down your credit card balance. Doing this will reduce your interest rate, but remember you can’t depend on it to fix everything.
8. Cut Out Nonessentials
If you want to get rid of debt, you have to start trimming your spending — by a lot.
That lunch you bought over break? Nonessential. Cable. Yoga? Spotify. All nonessential — you don’t need these luxuries and getting rid of them will really help you to chip away at that ugly debt. It’s time to cut these nonessentials out of your life. You can always add them back on once you’re debt free and can afford to pay them off.
You worked all year for it, so don’t let it go to waste. Check out the best ways to spend your holiday bonus to put that extra ca-ching to good use.
At Ellevest, they’re all about getting you to realize your biggest goals — whether that be planning for retirement, saving for that Aussie vacation, or starting a family. So with Ellevest, you’ll hear the phrase “goals-based investing.” Basically, what this means is that their investment objective is to help you reach your goals. That’s very different from trying to outperform some market index. Makes sense. Doesn’t it?
Your hair should make you feel confident and sexy – whatever your age. But finding the best hairstyle for you can often be difficult, especially for older women with shorter hair.
Growing older and having shorter doesn’t mean you have to start playing it safe with style and beauty trends. When it comes to hair, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ve been clinging to the same hair-do for years. While that’s not always a bad thing (let’s face it, most of us are creatures of habit), it could end up aging you.
That said, trying out a new haircut isn’t as daunting or dramatic as it sounds. Johnny Ramirez of the Ramirez Tran Salon in Los Angeles has spent years perfecting his trademark “lived-in”, “low-maintenance” look, which got everyone online talking. With his personalized application procedure, you can rest easy knowing you’re in safe, professional hands.
If you’re thinking of shaking things up, we’ve compiled 35 short hairstyles for older women that we think look incredible.
1. The Layered Bob with Side Bangs
Photo: Pinterest
This Real Housewife of Beverly Hills is famous for a myriad of things, including her hair. Lisa Rinna’s favored shag haircut features short, feathery layers to soften the angles of her face.
Embrace your natural curls like Julia Garner. The short permed hair doesn’t have to be super voluminous. Garner, the Ozark star looks fantastic with these textured curls, swept away in a side-part. The pros at the Ramirez Tran salon are famous for cutting and coloring your hair in such a way that it’ll still look tip-top without any styling.
Short hair doesn’t have to be synonymous with “boring”. Opt for a dramatic parting, like Vera Farmiga, for instant old Hollywood glam.
If you’re wanting healthier hair and skin (and who doesn’t?), the answer could be as simple as changing your water filter. If you’re building or home is older, it’s very likely that the pipes are old and because of this soluble minerals, heavy metals, and chlorine creep into the drains and cause damage to your hair and skin in a variety of ways. Untreated shower water can cause dryness, change in texture, change in hair color, and even hair loss. Wanting to give their clients the best results treatments, the teams at Nine Zero One Salon created their own shower filter, Raindrops901.
Raindrops™ custom formulated 6 step filtration process combats hard water and removes up to 99% of the minerals, heavy metals, and chlorine in your shower water. This shower filter will be your hair, skin, and health’s best friend.
In 2013, the New York Times called the trimmed hair of Karlie Klos the “cut of the year” and now it’s back. Vogue called this look the Chop, others have named it the Karlie.
Jamie Lee Curtis is someone who’s refreshingly okay with her grey hair. She’s often seen sporting a silvery pixie cut that’s well suited for medium to thick hair.
Perennial cool-girl, Zoe Kravitz, looks incredible with their sharp, black pixie-cut. It’s a perfect style for those looking to highlight delicate facial features.
Deep side-parts and sweeping bangs, à la Scarlett Johansson, are both casual yet dramatic. It’s the kind of style that’ll never make you regret cutting your hair short.
Maria Borges made history when she waltzed down the Victoria’s Secret Runway sporting her natural hair. While we don’t have a runway per se, we’re adopting her principle into our everyday lives.
Tyra Banks’ hairstyle is an ideal way to add some funkiness to your everyday attire. The gorgeous hazel color complements her eyes perfectly, and the wispy cut creates a super-cool faux-hawk.
Hoda Kotb’s signature do is features sleek face-framing layers and honey blonde highlights that always adds a summertime vibe. If you’re thinking of changing your hair color, there really is no one quite like Johnny Ramirez to advise you on your perfect look.
We couldn’t do a piece on short hair and not include Anna Wintour’s iconic blunt bob with bangs. This short hairstyles for older women look means serious business and is perfect for older women.
If you’re feeling gutsy, opt for a deep side part bob, like Robin Wright. Her haircut made a fierce impression while she took on the role of Clare Underwood in Netflix’s highly popular House of Cards.
Photo: Pinterest
Sarah Paulson looks divine in a super short bob that’s deeply parted to one side. It’s a prime balance between elegant and edgy.
Beachy waves don’t have to be reserved for longer hairstyles. Take a cue from Michelle Pfieffer, and incorporate some soft curls for an easy, effortless look.
Keira Knightley would look great with any hairstyle, but we’re especially loving this razor cut bob. Keep the back slightly stacked to make the angles appear even sharper.
Alexa Chung’s shaggy do has the perfect blend of texture, layering and bluntness. We think it’s a great example of the “lived-in” look that Jonny Ramirez is renowned for.
Short bobs are the best way to slim down a fuller face and draw attention to the eyes. We love Anne Hathaway’s slightly textured, slightly angular bob for this exact reason.
A-line bobs, like the one Emily Stone opted for, suit almost any face shape and hair type. It’s a timeless haircut that you can keep fresh by experimenting with layers and bangs.
This simple pixie cut that Dannii Minogue wears is ideal for those with a round, oval or heart-shaped face.
35. The Asymmetrical Side Sweep Pixie
Photo: Pinterest
If you’re feeling gutsy, opt for a deep side part asymmetrical pixie cut, like Robin Wright. Her haircut made a fierce impression while she took on the role of Clare Underwood in Netflix’s highly popular House of Cards.
Ah life. It can get distracting. There’s work, relationships, exercising, side-hustling, personal interests, and hopefully some sleeping
If somehow “organizing your money” didn’t rank at the top-of-priorities last year, roger that.
Why?
Because, this one “to-do” is important—if not more important—than all the others. And, at some point, we all just need to buckle down and tackle it.
But “really, really important” doesn’t have to mean “really, really confusing” or “really, really hard to do.” In fact, I’m happy to report that organizing your money isn’t hard at all. In fact, budgeting, saving, and ramping up your planning and investing for retirement in 2019 can be a lot easier than you think.
Here, our partner Ellevest—an easy online investing tool that uses algorithms tailored to your salary, gender, and lifespan (aka your real life) shares some tips for how to stop procrastinating and start organizing our personal finances better today.
Let’s get started.
1. Stick to a budget.
First, take out your monthly bank statements and divide your after-tax income among needs, wants, savings and debt repayment, using the 50/30/20 budget as a guide. It’s a high-level, flexible budgeting framework that can help you control where your money’s going without having to count every penny.
50% of your income should go to living expenses and essentials. This includes your rent, utilities, and things like groceries and – transportation for work.
30% of your income should be used for flexible spending. This is everything you buy that you want but don’t necessarily need (like money spent on movies and travel).
20% of your income should go to financial goals, meaning your savings, investments, and debt-reduction payments (if you have debt, such as credit card payments).
Don’t think you have enough money to invest 20 percent? That’s OK. With a Robo-advisor like Ellevest, there’s no minimum to get started, so you can start wherever you are. (Seriously — start with $1, $5, or $500 … all good.) Future You will thank you for getting started today.
The goal is to eventually be setting aside 20% of every paycheck to Future You. Follow this rule of thumb, says founder of Ellevest, Sallie Krawcheck, and you’ll be set for financial success over the course of your life.
In a planning mood? See how an investment plan could help you manage your finances.You can get a personalized portfolio in under 10 min. And it’s made by women, for women.
2. Set your money goals.
Wondering what your money goals should even be at your age? You’re not alone. Check out Ellevest’s roundup of the money moves to make in your 20s.
Investing isn’t just for retirement. Making smaller, more flexible investments can help you connect to everyday short-term goals like starting a family or paying off debt or buying a house.
At Ellevest, they’re all about getting you to realize your biggest goals — whether that be planning for retirement, saving for that Aussie vacation, or starting a family. So with Ellevest, you’ll hear the phrase “goals-based investing.” Basically, what this means is that their investment objective is to help you reach your goals. That’s very different from trying to outperform some market index. Makes sense. Doesn’t it?
If you want to build up an emergency fund, great news — Ellevest has a goal for that. Here’s how much you need to save and what you should do with those savings. Don’t have an emergency fund set up yet? Ellevest can help you set one up for free and help you reach all of your money goals. Sans judgment, finance jargon, and trust issues. Get into it here.*
Ready to open your investing account? Follow the link below and you’ll be taken to Ellevest for more information.
Buy low! Sell high! We’ve all heard those not-so-useful investing clichés, usually in cartoonish depictions of Wall Street. While market timing — knowing when the market will be “low” or “high” — is considered to be the holy grail of investing, timing the marketing is nearly impossible to do for the average person. Very, very, very few people can time the market well, and even fewer can do it consistently. Instead, regular investing over time in every type of market climate is the best way to “play” the long game.
So just do it, honestly. Being financially ready could be a lot closer than you think, and it’s the one gap you can start closing in minutes.
7. Make investing a habit.
And six, make investing a habit. Sure, it’s easy to wait, but make it a habit. Invest a little or a little more out of every paycheck, whatever works for you and your budget. And that’s why Ellevest has no minimum account size.
And, if you have an old 401(k) or two from a past life just hanging out, don’t worry. It happens. There are a lot of moving variables when you get a new job, and it’s easy to let a former employer’s 401(k) get lost in the shuffle. The good news is that you can probably still roll it over — either into your current 401(k) or an IRA — even if it’s been hanging out for a while. Not sure what that involves? Here’s an explainer for you.
Disclosures: We’re excited to be working with Ellevest to start this conversation about women and money. We receive compensation if you become an Ellevest client.
Halloween is coming up and you know what that means: time to be creative and slay.
Halloween is all about wearing a costume that has people wishing they had thought of it first. Whether it’s a new spin on a classic idea like being a nurse or a completely unexpected one like going as the twin emoji, this holiday is your chance to let your creativity (or your wild side) shine.
Before you rush off to online stores to buy the best costume ever made, let me drop a major key your way. Having an amazing costume does NOT require you to break the bank. You can look stylish with ideas that are under $50. Not sure how that can be possible?
To help you navigate, we’ve rounded up the 10 best Halloween finds of 2019 –all from Amazon.
1. Alice from Closer
We all love Natalie Portman, especially in this film. Take it up a notch by dressing as her character, Alice, from Closer.
Have fun this year with some Boop. Everyone loves saying her name so people will be calling it all night long. All you really need is a strapless red dress, gold hoop earrings, and a black wig!
It’s easy to put investing off. It will be easier to start when you get that raise (which you probably will). It will be easier to start when you have more time (which you probably won’t). Or when you feel like you’ve learned enough about what it even means. But, it’s 2019 and it’s time to bring your ambition to your resolutions. It’s time to start investing.
The good news: You really don’t need to know as much as you think. A lot of women think they need to be a financial expert before they get started investing. You don’t. You only really need to know five basic things before you get started. That’s right: five basic things to know about investing before you get started.
But here’s the thing: Every single day you wait to invest could cost you about $100. Yep … a Benjamin. Every day.
In a planning mood? See how an investment plan could help you manage your finances. Ellevest is one way to do it. You can get a personalized portfolio in under 10 min. And it’s made by women, for women.
At Ellevest, they advise investing in low-cost exchange-traded funds, otherwise known as ETFs, where possible. And for a digital adviser, the management fee, the amount that adviser charges you, should be well below 1%. Ellevest’s are below that. So, don’t be afraid to ask how much you’ll be charged.
How do you start? Easy. You head to their website (here you go!), fill out a short questionnaire. Then, Ellevest suggests personalized investment portfolios that you can edit and set up with recurring deposits — so you don’t even miss the money.
In your investing quest, you may also encounter broker-dealers. Broker-dealers may also be called “financial advisors,” but they are not investment advisors or fiduciaries. They are not legally obligated to tell you when they have an interest in the security they are recommending for you. Yup, so the person you are hoping is watching out for your best interest is actually acting in their best interest. So, make sure to ask.
It can be fun spending money. It can be even more fun watching your savings grow. You’ll thank us later.
For when you don’t have a retirement fund…
Don’t sound the alarm – yet. Ellevest can get you set up in less than 10 minutes so you can reach all of your money goals. Sans judgment, finance jargon, and trust issues. Crisis averted. Get into it here.*
Once in a while, the fashion and beauty world is lucky enough to stumble upon a product that totally changes the game. When it comes to shampoos, it seems that the options are unlimited but none have really stood out quite as much— and been as much of a game-changer as the Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt from Paris-based hair color expert: Christophe Robin.
Robin’s line of hair care is all-around phenomenal. In an exclusive interview with Style Salute, he explained that his products are exceptional because “they are made by colorists, not by your hairstylist.” Additionally, Robin tells us that his products “are caring products.”That means they are made with natural ingredients and are very simple.” Robin goes on to explain: “I test the product in my salon on people I’ve to know for over twenty years.
When we do a formulation I am really sure about it and I never change it. Some companies change a formulation after two years, due to costs or availability—but I am very proud of my products and they are truly artisanal. No one is pushing my and forcing me to do products, my clients asked for something they could take home—so I thought, why not open it to more than just my clients and let anyone take it home. The Cleansing Mask with Lemon ($50) is very simple but it is working.”
Curious about the philosophy behind the shampoo? Read on to find out more and to shop for the product!
The idea behind Christophe Robin’s Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt was first conceived twenty years ago and it was an instant success. The non-detergent formula helps restore the pH balance of hair, restoring a natural gloss and bounce to color-treated hair. Lemon Zest extracts also clean hair and scalp and helps to rebalance pH, while soothing Chamomile and St. John’s wort extracts prevent loss of artificial pigment.
This stellar shampoo is also in line with the “No-Poo” hair care philosophy—and offers benefits for colored hair that go beyond just the simple cleanse that most shampoos have. As Robin said, “You have to have shampoos with a slightly pH acidic to lock the cuticle and lock the pigment inside your hair.” Robin went on to mention that his products “are meant to maintain hair color thanks to their pH and thanks to their ingredients which are all vegetable.” Colored hair, in particular, needs extra care and this shampoo “deeply nourishes the hair fibers.” This means your hair color will last longer and re-energize the bounce, volume, and gloss your hair had pre-color.
If we’ve piqued your interest in this super shampoo and you’re ready to invest in better hair care we’ve got some tips on how to use the product. To reap all of the benefits, Robin recommends applying the product—and working it in damp hair, follow these directions:
How to use: Cleansing Purifying Scrub
Let the treatment set 5 to 20 minutes, add water and lather until a foam forms while massaging your head. Finally, rinse hair. “Rinsing thoroughly may be the most important part of the process”, Robin tells us. “Rinse your shampoos very VERY well… people never rinse enough so it leaves a coat around the hair that weights it down and your scalp can’t breathe. After one day or two, it gets greasy and you have to wash it again,” explains Robin. “If you are crunched for time and don’t have time for the full 5-20 minute pre-lather treatment, this versatile product offers an alternative: Dilute the mask with water, lather onto your hair, repeat several times, and then thoroughly rinse. If your hair is damaged and in some extra TLC, you can leave the product in your hair for 15-60 minutes before lathering and rinsing.”
From the versatile benefits to the artisanal, natural ingredients, Christophe Robin outdid himself with this exceptional product. It is no wonder Cleansing Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt is our go-to shampoo for colored hair. If you are looking to improve the texture of your hair or keep your color looking radiant weeks after the salon trip, this shampoo is a must-have. Go ahead — treat yourself and re-vamp your shampooing ritual!
Have you ever fallen in love with a pair of boots, only to buy them and later discover that, while stylish, they didn’t quite flatter you the way you’d expected they would? Well, you’re not alone.
“How do I wear my ankle boots?” is one of the most frequently Googled fashion questions year after year and seeing that so many of you are curious as to the best way to style your booties, we thought we’d chime in and tell you one universally flattering style trick every fashion girl swears to buy.
Ready?
Give your ankles a little breathing room.
Also known as “ankle cleavage“, this simple styling trick is the most flattering way to style your booties. Here’s my breakdown of how to do it right: If you are planning on styling your booties with cuffed jeans or a flowy dress, forgo socks. For some, the idea of not wearing socks doesn’t sit well. In this case, try to wear low-cut footie socks that you can’t see. And for an elongating effect, try cuffing your jeans. When rolling up your jeans, make sure you roll up at the hem in a way that it looks undone and not too perfect. Whether you are on the taller side or shorter, this styling trick will give you the model-like long legs you want.
Now that you know how to wear your ankle boots, scroll through to shop our favorites.
Find one person on the planet that doesn’t want a healthier smile (or who knows how to get rid of stains for good), and send them my way. It’s a nearly impossible task. Teeth stains and plaque are one thing we can all relate to. It’s our job as beauty editors to find the answers to help you get your best smile possible.
Let’s get started.
The Problem
Blame it on the morning coffee, late-night wine, or our chocolate habits, but we all have dental problems. And anyone who has had the experience of trying to get rid of teeth stains and plaque knows that the amount of care and money that goes into it can be hefty.
And, aside from the requisite brushing every morning and evening and occasional dental cleaning, we likely don’t give a whole lot of thought to our oral care routines. But, that is just plain wrong. If you’re a woman that cares about your beauty routine, your dental health is an integral part of this. Clean, healthy teeth yield long-lasting benefits.
But we get it, life gets busy — and sometimes, we all end up settling for the “easiest” solution and not the one that’s best for us. To help us take control of our oral health once and for all, we tapped Dr. Sam Zaker, D.D.S., owner of Smile Emporium in San Pedro, to get the lowdown on the best daily dental care routine.
The Solution
First things first, we asked Dr. Zaker, are electric toothbrushes really better than manual ones? “Put shortly,” says Dr. Zaker, “Yes, they are a whole lot better.” This is because when you brush with an electric toothbrush, you can clean better between teeth, sweep away more plaque, and the right electric toothbrush can help you take better care of your gums — all at the push of a button,” says Dr. Zaker. “A manual toothbrush can also damage the teeth if used incorrectly (too much scrubbing, mainly), that why everyone needs an electric toothbrush, but if you’re anything like a lot of my patients, that bulky electric toothbrush you bought at Costco years ago is likely collecting dust somewhere on your bathroom counter, needs a battery update and/or a needs a new head.”
What the solution then? “An electric toothbrush that fits your needs and makes the routine a bit more exciting,” says Dr. Zaker. “And if you are in search of an electric toothbrush to use in lieu of your manual one or that clunky old electric toothbrush you have, meet quip, a new company that’s taking oral health care into its own hands by offering sleek electric toothbrushes with mail-order heads — so you’re not relying on an ugly, dirty, old tool.
The Benefits
“As a dentist, I think what quip is offering is an amazing service. If you’re running to work, then yoga or the gym, home, and dinner, you’re not going to remember to order your toothpaste supplies and refills for your toothbrush. But, with a quip electric toothbrush, you can schedule your refills to arrive every 3 months — so you can simplify and improve your dental routine without really changing your routine,” Zaker shares.
Right off the bat, the grand appeal is that the quip electric toothbrush is also a lot sleeker, more slender and—let’s be completely honest—just so much prettier than its present company of electric brushes. And starting at $40 (with subscription) for an electronic toothbrush, it’s one of the less expensive electric toothbrush options on the market. What’s more, each toothbrush comes with a case that makes it perfect for travel.
“This is a total winner for all of us dentists because when done correctly, the benefits of brushing your teeth with an electric toothbrush makes the visits to your dentist less expensive and less painful,” says Dr. Zaker. “I especially love that there are many ways to go about choosing your quip plan. You can include toothpaste or replacement heads or travel mounts in your order — and you can pay a little more upfront so quip sends you refills every three months.
If you are ordering for you and a significant other (or the whole family), quip also has group-set options for buying two or four brushes per package, depending on how many you need. “My wife and I both have one, and we’re obsessed,” says Zaker. “We’re always traveling from dental conferences to home and back to the office so we love how that quip is small and packable and we love that our replacement heads arrive on time every three months so we don’t have to schedule when to change the heads. Plus, the vibrating timer and affordable head delivery service make the whole experience fun and effortless.” Ready. Groupset. Go… straight to your sink to try out your new brush.
Keep scrolling to check out quip’s latest electric toothbrush.
Sign up for a refill plan subscription at getquip.com/refills. They can opt for the $5 plan of only a brush head plus battery, or the $10 plan which includes brush head, battery, and toothpaste. Refills ship every 3 months, and ship for free. Any plan can be canceled at any time, free of charge. Purchase a brush head or toothpaste individually without a refill plan at the bottom of www.getquip.com/store. The brush head is still $5, and the brush head + toothpaste is $10. However, this only ship once, and the customer must pay for shipping.
You’ve packed your swimsuit, have your floppy hat, and just bought a pair those sunnies you’ve wanted all year — now you’re totally ready to board for that much-needed vacation you’ve been waiting for. But, stop right there. Did you pack your sunscreen?
With the UV rays at ultimate highs this summer, sunscreen should be the fist thing you pack for a getaway. To find you the best out there, we did our research and fund your new, all-in-one sunscreen to keep your skin looking younger and more radiant. With SPF 50, DNA Enzyme Complex, Anti-Pollution Shield Technology, and antioxidants to protect your skin all day long, Elizabeth Arden’s PREVAGE® City Smart SPF50 Hydrating Shield, is the ultimate MVS (most valuable sunscreen) this summer.
If you’re a gal who loves to spend time outside, then PREVAGE City Smart Broad Spectrumis designed to protect your skin from environmental stresses like UV rays, pollution and free radicals. This hydrating SPF50 provides broad spectrum protection without making your skin feel greasy. (Bonus: It’s also infused with DNA Enzyme ComplexTM to limit the effects of aging and strengthen your skin and protects against both UVA and UVB rays),
This lightweight formula glides on smoothly and the slight tint evens your complexion for an overall glow. No more streaky white lines. It has a light scent and doesn’t leave your skin looking oily or greasy even after a long day out in the sun.
If you’re beauty splurging on anything the summer, make it this. Scroll down to shop our choice for MVS (most valuable sunscreen). Plus, take a peek at a few of the runner ups.
So, you’ve made the big decision. No, not the one to get a new job or get married, but to do teeth whitening. Good move, my friend.
It’s no secret that in today’s world, white teeth imply health, success, and vibrancy. Your smile is the first impression you give people, and to be honest, it’s the best accessory you can wear.
If you feel good about the way your teeth look, you’ll smile bigger which creates an image of happiness. Who doesn’t want that? My name is Dr. Desiree Yazdan and I am a cosmetic dentist in Newport Beach, CA.
I’ve become an expert in the field of dentistry. In southern Orange County, the norm is for my patients, especially women, to have teeth whiter than the whites of their eyes. Having women come to me with the desire to have their smiles be bright and healthy has made me become creative on how I can get them to achieve their goals safely and effectively. If you’re thinking of whitening your teeth, there are a few things you should know before doing it.
Keep scrolling for my advice on how to prepare for doing a whitening treatment. Plus, shop the best whitening mouthwashes for a brighter, healthier smile!
Teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, or a compound that breaks down into hydrogen peroxide, like carbamide peroxide. They are designed to remove surface staining and debris. They all work through the same mechanism of action, but the strength of hydrogen peroxide varies in each of these products.
The products in a drug store, such as Crest whitening strips, range between one and five percent, bleaching gel that you pick up at your dental office to take home usually is about 14 percent, and a professional teeth whitening treatment inside of a dental office is usually 25 percent. So you could see from the strength of the whitening product alone, the most effective method would be to have your teeth whitening professionally inside a dental office.
Teeth whitening does not damage your teeth. As long as the products are being used properly, they are incredibly safe. The active ingredients temporarily open pores in your teeth and lift out the stains. After each whitening session, the teeth naturally rehydrate and the pores close.
It takes 48 hours for the pores of your teeth to close after any teeth whitening procedure. That means you should stay away from food and drinks that are known to cause staining. Examples include coffee, tea, and that glass of red wine you’ve probably been craving!
Sensitivity is normal and everyone has a different level of sensitivity after the treatment. Since your teeth are unique to you, it’s impossible to predict the degree of sensitivity and pain. Some people can become very sensitive, while others experience no discomfort at all.
Just remember that it’s normal to have sensitivity after any teeth whitening procedure. Additionally, the sensitivity should not last more than 48 hours. There are some ways to help reduce this sensitivity. Some treatments include a desensitizing gel like amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), which can be applied before and after the whitening procedure. If you are whitening your teeth at home, you can rinse with a fluoride rinse before and after your treatment.
A commonly used on is ACT, and you can pick it up at any drug store. You can use toothpaste that has fluoride in it for 1-2 weeks prior to your treatment to help reduce sensitivity. A well known fluoridated toothpaste that can be picked up at any drug store is sensodyne. And, if all else fails and your teeth are sensitive, try taking some advil.
If you are pregnant or nursing you should not have your teeth whitened Although there has no evidence that teeth whitening procedures can cause fetal damage, if you are pregnant or nursing, I recommend steering away from teeth whitening procedures.
It may be tempting to whitening your teeth when your pregnant or nursing, but it’s always better to be safe.
Whitening does not last forever. It doesn’t matter how much you invest in a teeth whitening procedure, it’s only a matter of time before your teeth will be ready for a touch-up. If you are constantly eating and drinking foods that cause staining to your teeth, then the effects of the whitening treatment will go away much more quickly.
Some tips to remember if you are a heavy coffee or tea drinker would be to drink your coffee or tea with a straw. This way there will be less staining molecules that come into contact with your teeth. Or, drink your coffee or tea iced. Iced drinks are typically more diluted, which means less staining molecules on your pearl whites!
Crowns, fillings, and veneers don’t whiten. Before you invest in any teeth whitening products or procedures, be sure that you don’t have a mouth full of crowns, veneers and fillings. These types of restorations don’t change colors. If you notice that your restorations are stained, let your dentist know because the stains can usually be polished out. But adding bleaching products onto the surface of those restorations will not remove the staining.
A professional teeth whitening treatment inside a dental office is better than any over the counter product. It’s not just about the prescription strength bleach you get inside the dental office that makes it the best, it also has to do with the way the bleach is delivered. For starters, when you have your teeth whitening inside a dental office, your tissues are isolated from the bleach. If you didn’t know, the bleach products can burn your tissues.
So isolating the tissues greatly reduces the risk of damage from the bleach. Additionally, the bleach that’s applied won’t be contaminated by your saliva, which will mean that your results will be more effective. When you use bleach trays at home, or white strips, often times your saliva gets in the way and dilutes the bleach, causing the effects of the whitening to be even less significant. Always remember that when it comes to your teeth, the difference is in the details.
Just like computer hacks, there are hacks to prolong the effects of whitening. I’m not talking about the old tricks of brushing your teeth with a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. That’s definitely not recommend because that can actually damage your enamel due to the abrasive nature of baking soda combined with the acid of the lemon juice.
There is no roadmap to have whitening last forever, but there are a few guidelines you can follow to upkeep your treatment. For example, make sure you brush and floss your teeth regularly, get your teeth cleaned professionally every 3-6 months, rinse with water after you eat or drink teeth staining foods (i.e. coffee, tea, ketchup etc.) And please, if you smoke — quit. Stains caused by cigarettes are almost impossible to remove.
Another, often overlooked tool to whitening maintenance is to use an electric toothbrush. A manual toothbrush can damage the teeth if used incorrectly (too much scrubbing, mainly). This is where an electric toothbrush comes in. An electric toothbrush like Quip can clean your teeth a million times better than a regular toothbrush.
Beware of kiosks at malls and local shopping centers that offer teeth whitening procedures. Staff running these kiosks often have no healthcare training and no license. Yet, they are dispensing chemicals that could permanently affect your teeth and gums.
They do this by having the consumers themselves place the products in their own mouths, thereby never entering the mouth and claiming to not be performing a dental procedure. The staff members do not have the appropriate knowledge of teeth, they don’t have the appropriate training and understanding to work with these products, nor can they follow up if there are any issues after the procedure. Bottom line: be wise — it is your mouth.
With all this said, there are few dental procedures that bring instant gratification the way teeth whitening does. That’s why it’s so popular. If you are interested in having a brighter, whiter smile I encourage you to do your own research and see what teeth whitening methods are right for you. For more information, you can check out my website at www.DrYazdan.com or find me on Instagram, @DrYazdan. I’m on Instagram a lot and am always sharing the best tips and tricks for your health.
As much as we all love following the latest trends, it’s easy to find ourselves wearing the most flattering pair of yoga pants and a tank while running errands. We do this for one simple reason: the combo of cuteness and comfort.
So you can imagine our excitement when we started following the latest sneaker trend this fall. Sleek kicks can really tie an outfit together. It’s clear you can rock these kicks with cute dresses, leggings, jeans, workwear and of course, workout attire. Bonus: you’ll be able to get more steps in and feel like a #bossbabe doing it
This trend has caught on like wildfire. Bloggers, celebs, and working women all over can agree that the comfort you will feel in sneakers will have you exuding confidence. Comfort, cuteness, and confidence. This trifecta trend is worth following.
Scroll below for the coolest ways to wear white sneakers this season and to shop our favorite picks that are trending for fall.
Travel-Friendly
Let’s be honest, it’s no fun wearing stilettos to the airport. Sneakers are perfect for traveling and exploring new destinations, while still taking on trend photos for the ‘gram.
Worn with a Dress or Skirt
The best way to dress up your favorite kicks? A perfect dress with trendy accessories.
Worn to Work
Who says you can’t wear sneakers to work? When worn well, white sneakers can elevate almost every look.
Weekend Look
Sweats, tousled hair, and stylish sneakers make for a cozy fall outfit.
Daydreaming about the the warmer months ahead? You’re not alone. There’s so much to love about the summer season: Warm days and far-off destinations — and of course, what’s not to love about daylight savings time. But here at Style Salute, it goes without saying that planning our summer wardrobe is what we look forward to most.
There are already some big items about to hit the fashion scene that we have our eyes on, so if you want to get an early start on summer’s biggest pieces (and we know you do), look no further. We’re breaking them down here. From the shoe trend that everyone’s talking about to the new It bag that’s replacing the mini bag, these are the summer fashion trends to get a start on now.
Scroll down to them now.
1. A Wrap Mini Dress
It’s worked its way through countless runways and has prided itself as a tasteful means of adding flair to any outfit.
Summer is all about fun items, and nothing embodies that more than delicate flowy tops with ruffle details. Prepare to see these on every fashion girl.
Let’s first be honest here: Adulting is hard. From work to exercise, cooking and cleaning, running errands and managing relationships, adult is tough. While it’s an obvious statement to say that being an adult is challenging, there’s one aspect of grown-up world that can be particularly challenging: personal finance.
Even after going to college and taking finance classes, you may still feel uncertain about what all those financial terms (and there’s a lot of them) actually mean. Unfortunately, this uncertainty could mean missing out on the potential to grow your money.
Don’t worry — you don’t need to know everything to be successful with your money — just the basics. And we’re here to help. We know that your finances doesn’t come with a technical-support hotline, so we put together a glossary of 32 money 101 terms you need to know.
Whether you’re confused about what mutual funds are or not sure how compound interest works, this cheat sheet will help you get up to speed!
Banking and Credit Terms
1. Compound Interest
Think of it as “interest on interest.” When you’re investing or saving, this is the interest that you earn on the amount you deposit, plus any interest you’ve accumulated over time. When you’re borrowing, it’s the interest that is charged on the original amount you are loaned, as well as the interest charges that are added to your outstanding balance over time.
2. FICO Score
A number used by banks and other financial institutions to measure a borrower’s creditworthiness. FICO is an acronym for the Fair Isaac Corporation, a company that came up with the methodology for calculating a credit score based on several factors, including payment history, length of credit history and total amount owed. FICO scores range from 300 to 850, and the higher the score, the better. People with scores below 650 may have a harder time securing credit at a favorable interest rate.
3. Minimum Balance
This is the balance required to keep an account open and earning interest, without paying any fees.
4. Net Worth
This can simply be defined as the difference between your assets and liabilities. You can calculate your net worth by adding up all of the money or investments you have (including the current market value of your home and car), as well as the balances in any checking, savings, retirement or other investment accounts. After you have this number, subtract all of your debt, including your credit card balances, mortgage balance, and any other loans. The resulting number is your net worth number.
In banking terms, interest rates are the amount the bank pays you in interest (percentage) for having your money there.
7. Overdraft
If you have never experienced this, you are one smart cookie. Overdrafting happens when you spend more money than is available in your checking account. Many banks charge a hefty fee for this or automatically deduct money from your banking credit card if you have one. Watch out for this.
Investing Terms
8. Asset Allocation
The process by which you choose what proportion of your portfolio you’d like to dedicate to various asset classes, based on your goals, personal risk tolerance and time horizon. Stocks, bonds and cash or cash alternatives (like certificates of deposit) make up the three major types of asset classes, and each of these reacts differently to market cycles and economic conditions. Stocks, for example, have the potential to provide growth over time, but may also be more volatile. Bonds tend to have slower growth but are generally perceived to have less risk. A common investment strategy is to diversify your portfolio across multiple asset classes in order to spread out risk while taking advantage of growth.
9. Stocks
In the simplest terms, stocks are part owners of a publicly traded company. Also called equities or shares, stocks give you ownership in a company. When you buy stocks, you become a company shareholder, giving you a claim on part of that company’s assets and earnings.
10. Bonds
Commonly referred to as fixed-income securities, bonds are essentially investments in debt. These are often considered safer than stocks. In short, they are a debt instrument— like an “I owe you” — and often a set percentage interest rate is paid back to you. When you buy a bond, you’re lending money to an entity, typically the government or a corporation, for a specified period of time at a fixed interest rate (also called a coupon). You then receive periodic interest payments over time and get back the loaned amount at the bond’s maturity date. Bond prices tend to move in the opposite direction of interest rates — that is, when interest rates rise, bond prices typically fall.
An important financial lesson that many fail to understand: It’s never too early to begin investing.
There’s a rampant myth that you need to be rich to start investing. The truth is you don’t need to have a lot of cash to start investing. You can start with as little as $5, $20, $50 or $100 and grow your money from there. The key to building wealth is to be consistent and to automate your deposits. Don’t know how much to start with? The 50/30/20 budget can help you figure it out.
This is the increase in the value of an asset or investment — like real estate or stock — above its original purchase price. The gain, however, is only on paper until the asset is actually sold. A capital loss, by contrast, is a decrease in the asset’s or investment’s value. For tax purpose, you pay taxes on both short-term capital gains (a year or less) and long-term capital gains (more than a year) when you sell an investment.
12. Rebalancing
This is the process of buying or selling investments over time so you can maintain your desired asset allocation. For example, if your target allocation is 60% stocks, 20% bonds and 20% cash, and the stock market has performed particularly well over the past year, your allocation may now have shifted to 70% stocks, 10% bonds and 20% cash. If you wanted to return to that 60/20/20 asset allocation, you’d have to sell some stocks and buy some bonds.
13. Diversification
This is having money in investments that are not correlated with each other. Examples of ways to diversify include stocks in different companies, sectors, or regions of the world; bonds, real estate, commodities, and even cash.
14. Mutual Funds
Essentially, these are actively managed baskets of securities (stocks/bonds). A mutual fund might have 500 different stocks with an active manager working to get the best return.
15. S&P 500
Short for the “Standard & Poor’s 500 Index.” The company was so named when the Standard Statistics Co. merged with Poor’s Publishing in 1941. The index (a measurement that looks at a set of stocks and tracks their performance) includes the 500 US companies with the largest total value (market capitalization). So when you hear “The S&P 500 is up 4%,” that means that the values of the 500 biggest companies in the country have gone up by a (weighted) average of 4%.
You can’t invest in a stock market index directly, but you can invest in a fund that’s built to look like one. And because they include so many companies from lots of different industries, that strategy can add diversification to your investment portfolio.
16. ETFs
Unlike mutual funds, ETFs are a passively managed basket of securities. Instead of paying a fund manager to buy and sell, ETFs are just a basket of securities that track a specific index. A well-known example of an index is the S&P 500.
17. Defined-Benefit Plans
These are employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as pensions, in which the employer promises a specified retirement benefit based on a formula that may include an employee’s earnings history, length of employment and age. The employee may or may not be required to contribute anything to the plan. Defined-benefit plans high costs which is why many companies no longer offer this type of benefit.
18. Defined-Contribution Plans
A retirement plan companies may offer as a job benefit, which lets employees contribute some of their own money into an account for retirement. The employer may also choose to match a certain amount of those contributions. The 401(k) and 403(b) are the most common forms of defined-contribution plans. The money that goes into these accounts also typically provide a tax benefit, as long as you don’t make withdrawals prior to retirement age (age 59½ or older).
19. Executive Compensation
These packages are typically negotiated individually and spelled out in employment contracts. The pay and benefits package provided to senior executives, which is usually different from what’s offered to the typical employee. Executive compensation often includes a base salary, bonuses, incentives based on the company’s earnings (such as stock options), income guarantees in the event of a sale or public stock offering, and a guaranteed severance package.<
Retirement Savings Terms
20. Roth IRA
This is a retirement account funded with after-tax dollars. This means the funds were taxed in the year the money was earned and contributed, so it will grow tax-free.
21. Roth 401(k)
Like a Roth IRA, this retirement account is funded after-tax dollars and grows tax-free, but is sponsored by your employer who often matches a percentage of your contribution.
22. Traditional IRA
At retirement account funded with pre-tax dollars and will grow tax-deferred until it is distributed during retirement.
A minimum amount that must be withdrawn from an IRA and 401 Ks (not Roth) once you’ve reached the age of 70 ½. Once you withdraw your money in retirement, you are taxed. This is mandated by the IRS.
25. Contribution Limit
This is the maximum amount of new money you can put into a retirement account in a given tax year.
For tax purposes, credits reduce how much you pay dollar for dollar.
27. Deductions
These reduce the amount of income you have to claim on your income taxes. Examples of deductions include student loan interest, mortgage interest, retirement account contributions, and charity donations.
28. Withholding
This is how much of your income you set aside for the state and federal government taxes each year. This should be based on how many allowances you have. It’s best to set up your monthly withholding to come out of your paycheck, so that, come April, you’re not surprised with a giant amount owed.
29. AGI
Short for adjusted gross income, AGI is calculated as your gross income (e.g., what you earn from your job, a pension or from interest on investments) minus certain IRS-specified deductions. The way to calculate your AGI is from your Form 1040 when you file your taxes. Your AGI serves as the basis for helping to determine your taxable income as well as whether you qualify for certain credits or deductions.
30. Dependent
A person who is financially dependent on your income, typically a child or an adult relative you may support. You may be able to claim certain tax credits or deductions for these dependents on your taxes.
31. Itemized Deduction
A qualified expense that the IRS allows you to subtract from your AGI that helps further reduces your taxable income. Itemized deductions can include mortgage interest you paid, medical and dental costs, or gifts to charity. Itemized deductions must be noted on IRS form Schedule A.
32. Standard Deduction
A standard amount that can be used to reduce your taxable income if you decide not to itemize your deductions. Your standard deduction is based on your tax-filing status, and it’s the government’s way of ensuring that at least some of your income is not subject to tax.
When I set my resolutions last January, taking control of my career and my money was top of my list. But here we are again, New Year 2020 is coming up, and I’ve barely taken the steps to get there. As 2020 approaches, I’m ready to take control and woman up—and you should too.
On average, women are less likely to negotiate than our male counterparts. Why? According to Sallie Krawcheck, CEO, and co-founder of Ellevest, a female-focused investment platform, it’s because we often lack confidence or guidance. “Aside from leaving money on the table, that hesitation is a reason—at least in part—that the gender wage gap still exists.” But we want to change that statistic. To help you take control of your future, we’re uncovering tips that will help you manage your career and your future. Ready to take it head-on?
Krawcheck, who held executive roles at both Bank of America and Citigroup before co-founding Ellevest, says the first (and biggest) mistake women make in their careers is not negotiating because “we take whatever first offer we’re given, assuming that’s the final offer,” she says. In other words, we tend to assume that once we’re given an initial salary offer, that’s it. Done deal.
When in reality, it’s just a jumping off point to start negotiations (thanks, Cher!). Yes, it’s scary. But you know what’s even scarier? Working alongside a man who makes more than you for the same job just because he was smart enough to speak up and ask for more.
But you need to be prepared and know the right way to ask for the raise. Style Salute is here to help. We sat down with Krawcheck to find out everything you need to negotiate that first job offer, from salary-comparison research to how to resist the urge to talk too much.
Ahead we outline the key learnings we’ve learned from chatting with Krawchek.
If you’re negotiating your pay for a new job: Ask for more than the salary they offered you. That’s right–whatever offer they give you, you can (and should) ask for more. This is the best time to negotiate and don’t be afraid to do it. Your boss is used to it, and they expect it. Think about it: they want you. They just offered you a job! So, muster up the strength and ask.
How much more should you ask for? Krawcheck suggests negotiating an increase of 5% to 10%on the initial salary offer. Picking an exact number rather than a range is more specific and indicates you’re serious. “And, while you’re at it, negotiate for more than just money,” says Krawcheck.
If your employer won’t budge on the increase in salary, try negotiating for something else. “How about repaying your student loan debt? More vacation time? Working from a remote location one day a week? That’s like money in the bank too. Try it.” Remember, this is the best time to do it.
Bottom line, ask for more. Also, it can be fun spending that money. It can be even more fun watching your savings grow. You’ll thank us later.
Negotiating for a raise means defending your worth. Show your boss you’re more eligible than any other employee (including your male counterpart). The intention is to state your value to the company.
Remind your boss of your superb qualifications with a list of tasks, accomplishments, contributions, and any statistical growth you contributed to the company. Exuding confidence will add assurance to your statement.
Similar to the first initial interview with your boss, come prepared to be grilled. Instead of panicking on the spot, contemplate possible scenarios and points of discussion. Consider persuasive counter-arguments that will surprise your boss and force him to reconsider any doubt. This means researching the market for statistics that will back up your stance.
After you make the ask, let the silence hang in the room.
“One of the most important tactics to an effective negotiation is learning to become comfortable with occasional bouts of awkward silence,” says Katie Donovan, the founder of Equal Pay Negotiations, a consultancy that helps women get the pay they deserve. Learn to become comfortable with occasional bouts of awkward silence, Donovan says. One of the most important tactics to an effective negotiation is learning.
Women tend to avoid negotiation because doing so can present a socially awkward situation (silence)—a phenomenon called the “social cost of negotiation.” But, we shouldn’t be afraid. “One of the most important tactics to an effective negotiation is learning to become comfortable with occasional bouts of awkward silence,” says Katie Donovan, the founder of Equal Pay Negotiations, a consultancy that helps women get the pay they deserve. Learn to become comfortable with occasional bouts of awkward silence, Donovan says. One of the most important tactics to an effective negotiation is learning.
So, stop selling against yourself. “Ask a question, then be quiet and give the other person a chance to respond.” Let them break the silence, which will prevent you from saying anything you will regret.
As the saying goes, “Practice, practice, practice–and then practice some more.” Practice negotiation with a family member, your friend, a roommate–anyone. “The key is to remain calm and avoiding any sort of an emotional appeal,” says Krawcheck. In other words: Focus on your value to the company, or how you’ll make the company better—not for personal reasons. And have your number ready.
You can play both you and your boss, or maybe even cast your bestie as your boss. In both scenarios, creating and acting out the possible scenarios will reduce jitters and keep you confident when you’re ready to go in for the meeting.
Questions? We’re here to help. Leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you!
Disclosures: We’re excited to be working with the team at Ellevest to start this conversation about women and money. We may receive compensation if you become an Ellevest client.
With spring being all about new beginnings, there’s no better time to get your wardrobe in check. If you’re looking for a little incentive to clean out your closet, we’re here to give you a great one: some of your favorite brands offer recycling programs!
At Style Salute, we always try to put sustainability at the core of everything we do.
Being the eco-style detectives we are, not only do we share what brands have sustainable and eco-friendly practices, but we are also always on the hunt for how we can help you be more eco-conscious about your decisions. Today, we’re letting you in on the forward-thinking brands that offer sweet reward-based recycling programs for your used clothing.
Let’s face it: throwing away clothes is not smart. Many of the products and possessions we throw away contain bad chemicals that can be detrimental to the environment. Luckily, many of our favorite retailers are enhancing their corporate social responsibility by ensuring a hassle-free recycling process.
How? It’s all about recycling, and we’re super into it.
Here’s how it works: you wear your clothes, you love clothes, and when you’re tired of the clothes, you get a sweet reward. (read: big discounts!)
Intrigued? Keep reading to discover five retailers that reward you for recycling your old clothing.
1. The North Face
Being an outdoor gear specialist, it’s only natural that The North Face puts all its recycled clothing towards nature conservation. It’s Clothes The Loop Program encourages people to drop off unwanted clothing and footwear (any condition, any brand) at one of their stores and in return, you get a $10 reward coupon toward your next purchase of $100 or more at The North Face.
Levi’s will recycle virtually any clothing and shoes from any brand. Any consumer who brings an item of clothing to recycle will receive a voucher for 20 percent off a single, regular-priced Levi’s item in-store. I:CO, Levi’s clothing collection partner, will ensure that the discarded garments and footwear are re-worn, repurposed or recycled, leaving nothing to waste.
Known to be one of the most sustainable brands in the industry, H&M’s garment collecting initiative makes a hugely positive impact. Here’s how it works: you can drop off your unwanted garments (no matter what brand and what condition) in all H&M stores across the globe, and in return H&M will give you a coupon to use toward your next purchase.
Skincare brand, Kiehl’s, now provides their customers perks for recycling their used or finished products. Simply bring back an empty container of any full-size Kiehl’s product to any Kieh’s retail counter and you’ll receive a stamp card. Each time you come in with an empty container, you’ll get a stamp, and for every ten stamps you earn, you’ll be able to select a complimentary Kiehl’s Travel Collection product.
Athletic wear is a clothing go-to that is here to stay. Just as fitted leggings can be dressed up and worn daily, biker shorts can be worn to workout in, run errands, or grab brunch in. Sure, you can wear these during your favorite spin class, but they are so much more. They not show off your gorgeous legs, and are totally on trend. Even celebs like Bella Hadid, Emil Ratajkowski, and Hailey Baldwin have all been spotted wearing the trend out and about. ALO’s high-waisted biker shorts are one example of a sculpting short that are functional AND chic.
Bella Hadid was recently spotted ALO’s cult favorite high-waisted biker shorts walking down the streets of NYC. Her outfit is simple, comfortable, polished, and so very stylish. It’s one of those outfits that are easy enough for weekend errands but chic enough that you can also head to brunch and later hit the yoga studio. In our minds, that’s an ideal weekend look
Keep scrolling to see and shop Hadid’s most recent weekend look featuring the essential ALO high-waisted biker shorts, and shop more biker shorts from Amazon cashmere wraps that are perfect for workouts and weekends.
Once you’ve decided whether to pay off student debt or invest, what’s the best way to do it? Here’s Ellevest Chief Product Officer Alex Stried’s advice.
You know those weeks when it feels like you’re just spending money every single day? We hear you — it’s kind of like that happy hour you so badly want to attend after work.
You got out early. You had a tough day and you just want to see your girls. But giving up that happy hour drink and appetizer ($15 per night out x 10 workdays a month = $150) can make a big difference at the end of the month.
We’re all managing multiple financial goals throughout our lives, so how can we save and invest, and still enjoy the life we’re living now? One of the easiest, most effective ways to organize your finances is by using the “50/30/20 rule” for spending and saving. Senator Elizabeth Warren created the 50/30/20/rule for spending and saving when co-authoring a personal finance book with her daughter, Amelia Warren Tyagi: All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan.
So how does the 50/30/20 plan work?
The rule is a simple, accessible way to understanding how to best spend and save your money.
By organizing your expenses into three main spending categories, the 50/30/20 rule can help you budget, while helping you get closer to reaching your financial goals.
Keep reading to learn the simple four step guide you need to start using the 50/20/rule in your own life.
PHOTO: The Balance
Step One: Calculate Your After-Tax Income
Step One: Calculate Your After-Tax Income
You’re going to make it a habit to budget a little each month, but how much exactly? “The best way is to take out your monthly bank statements and divide your after-tax income among needs, wants, savings and debt repayment,” says Sallie Krawcheck, CEO, and co-founder of Ellevest, a digital financial advisory for women. Your after-tax income is what remains of your paycheck after taxes are taken out, for example, local tax, state tax, income tax, Medicare, and Social Security.
If you have a steady paycheck, your after-tax income should be easy to find out. Simply, look at your paystubs. And if retirement contributions, or any other deductions are taken out of your paycheck, add them back in.
If you’re self-employed, your after-tax income equals your gross income less your business expenses, for example the cost of your laptop or office supplies or airfare, as well as the amount you set aside for taxes. If you’re self-employed, you’re responsible for remitting your own quarterly estimated tax payments to the government because you don’t have an employer to take care of it for you.
In a planning mood? See how an investment plan could help you manage your finances. Ellevest is one way to do it. You can get a personalized portfolio in under 10 min. And it’s made by women, for women.
Step Two: Cap Your Needs to 50 Percent of Your After-Tax Income
Congratulations! Now that you’ve figured out your monthly after-tax income, think about your monthly financial responsibilities. How much do you spend on “needs” each month, such as like groceries, housing, utilities, health insurance, car payment, and car insurance? According to Warren and Tyagi and their 50/30/20 rule, the amount that you spend on these things should be at 50 percent of your after-tax income.
Of course, it’s not easy to know what true “needs”are. Basically, think of this as thing you can’t live without. For instance, if you don’t pay your car you’ll probably run into troubles, so that would be considered a need. You also need to pay rent, eat, and you probably can’t live electricity. In other words, any payment that you can’t forgo paying can be considered a “need,” according to the Warren and Tyagi.
Step Three: Limit Your “Wants” to 30 Percent
Easier said than done, but you can do it. Can you put 30 percent of your money toward your wants? This is everything you buy that you want but don’t necessarily need think new rooftop cocktails, Netflix accounts, a trip to Tulum, salon haircuts, and sushi restaurants.
Wants are the basic niceties of life that you enjoy. You may be spending more on “wants” than you think. For example, if it’s summer, you may need a bathing suit, but you don’t need a department store bathing suit, if you can get one at a discount stores. Thinking about what your needs are is a great opportunity to reflect on the expenses in your life. This way, you’ll know what you’re spending on versus what you should actually be spending.
Yes, the rules are tricky to master for your own life, but if you think about it, they make sense. Bottom line: It can be fun spending money. It can be even more fun watching your savings grow.
Ellevest is an easy online investing tool using algorithms tailored to your salary, gender, and lifespan (aka your real life).
Step Four: Spend 20 Percent on Savings, Debt Repayments and Investing
Almost there… so now you’ve accounted for the first 80% of your income — with 50% going to needs and 30% to wants. What’s left is 20%. This last portion should be set aside for savings, additional debt repayments, and investing, depending on your circumstances.
First, focus on saving money in an emergency fund, then put money towards your retirement and paying down debt (including student loans, balance transfers, or car loans). Do you have all of those things under control? Now, you can start saving this money toward other future goals like starting a business, buying a home, or just investing in Future You!
While 20% may seem small compared to the others, if you’re using it wisely, then this amount can add up quickly thanks to the power of compounding returns on your investments.
Ready to start investing in your goals?
Our friends at Ellevest know a lot about how to handle that cash money. Their digital service uses an algorithm specifically designed for women’s incomes and life cycles to figure out the best investing strategy for you.
The platform is well-designed, easy-to-use, and speaks to our unique financial needs — whether that be planning for retirement, that Aussie vacation, or starting a family. The best part? The advisors at Ellevest are incredibly knowledgeable and will help you every step of the way. Another big bonus? Ellevest has no minimum so you can start with as little as $5 today. Plus Style Salute readers get a little something extra to start you off. Learn more here.
Let’s say your total take-home pay each month is $3,000. Using the 50-30-20 rule, you have a $1,500 limit to spend on your needs per month. This means your rent needs to be well under $1200. This is unless your car payment, utilities, credit card payments, insurance premiums, and other necessities of life don’t exceed $300 a month.
If you’re in a situation where you pay more for rent (own your home or locked into a lease), what you can do to change that? Relocating is one option. You can also take another look at your “needs” to see if there’s a way that you can reduce anything these. Maybe shop for more affordable car insurance or transfer the balance on that credit card to one with a lower interest rate so your minimum payment drops.
Ultimately, you goal is to be able to fit all these expenses into 50 percent of your take-home after-tax income.
You can spend $900 a month on your “wants” based on that $3,000. If you’re over budget here, take a step back and look at your life, look at your choices. Stop to think about the recurring costs that and whether there are cheaper alternatives that could work for you. Anything from your car payment, housing situation, and making coffee instead of buying it. By changing up your daily habits, you could save hundreds of dollars a month. That’s a fact.
Remember, you still need 20 percent left over so you can save. pay down your debts, and invest towards Future You. Now you have $600 left, that last 20 percent. You know what to do with it. Pay down on debt, save for an emergency, and plan for your future.
What If I Have No Self-Control?
Put yourself on autopilot.
Automation is the easiest way to save. When you choose to invest — whether it’s a dollar amount or a percentage of your pay — the money goes into your account before it’s taxed and before you even get a chance to think about spending it. You can replicate that process for an IRA or other investment account by setting up automatic monthly payments through your bank. Doing this removes the temptation of spending instead of saving.
So yeah, retirement may seem a far way off — but there was a time when the age you are now was also unthinkable.
Disclosures: We’re excited to be working with Ellevest to start this conversation about women and money. We receive compensation if you become an Ellevest client.
I recently did a thing. I took a leap of faith and left a comfortable corporate career to start my own business. After 10 years of working in HR at tech companies in Los Angeles, I decided to venture out and work directly with smaller, emerging companies to help them figure out their people strategies. I’m a few months in and have a growing list of clients and pretty steady income. Does it sound like I’m living that ‘Girl Boss’ dream? I am! Sort of.
The entrepreneur life offers so many benefits like defining my own schedule and working on projects I am passionate about. At the same, time it also comes with a lot of uncertainty, especially around finances.
Taking this story all the way back to when I received my first official ‘big girl’ job, I had my dad take a look at my offer letter. I was thrilled the company wanted to pay me anything. It was 2009 and not many people my age had jobs. My dad pointed out, as dads do, that they also offered a great benefits package and a matching 401(k). I knew benefits were important because I had been charged over $200 after a trip urgent care for strep throat without coverage but I had no idea what a 401(k) was. My dad tried to talk me through compounding interest and tax shelters but he may as well have been speaking Japanese. I didn’t care, I was employed!
In an effort to end the lecture and to continue my employment celebration at happy hour, I agreed to sign up for whatever a 401(k) was to make my dad happy.
I should reiterate how poor I was during this phase of my life. I had graduated 6 months earlier after the market had crashed. All of the money I had saved from my job in college was depleted and oatmeal from my company’s kitchen was my breakfast, lunch and sometimes dinner. Now, because I promised my dad, I was supposed to just give away a very much needed portion of my paycheck every month? I hated it and after seeing my first post-tax paycheck, I dropped my contribution down to the minimum amount.
Then a funny thing happened, I started receiving emails from my 401(k) provider that shared my savings balance. The balance was higher than the minuscule amount I had been putting away thanks to my company’s match and the recovering economy. It finally clicked, a401(k) was basically like getting free money.
You put in a little, you get much more back. I was hooked and started increasing my contributions little by little over the years until I was able to get to the max amount. My work in HR allowed me the opportunity to manage my company’s 401(k) program, and I became a walking billboard on the importance of a 401(k), especially starting early in your career. Dad was so proud.
I now very much care about compounding interests and tax shelters. That said, being my own boss is amazing, but it also means I no longer have access to a company 401(k) or savings plan (aka no more free money) and I’m not the only one in this position. Self-employment is on the rise and it is estimated that by 2020 almost 42 million Americans will be working independently. I figured there have to be savings options for people like me, who work in nontraditional jobs. Turns out, there are many!
Here are a few plans that I learned about. If you are a newly minted entrepreneur or your company doesn’t offer a 401(k), check them out.
1. Traditional or Roth IRA (or both)?
So you’ve decided to look into an IRA. Should you use a traditional or a Roth IRA? (What about using both?) Here’s what you need to know about …
A Traditional or Roth IRA are both great options for those just starting to invest in their savings or for someone saving less than $6,000 a year. If you are leaving your job that offered a 401(k), you can roll over your savings into this account. If you are 50 years or older, IRA’s offer a “catch up” that allows you to contribute $7,000 a year. There are tax deductions available for a traditional IRA but no immediate tax deductions on Roth IRA’s. After retirement, withdrawals are tax-free. The Roth IRA does have an income limit, of $137,000 for 2019.
If you’re looking for straightforward guidance on which type of account to use, I have good news: In less than 10 minutes, you can create a retirement account with Ellevest. They’ll use the info you give them about your income to see if you’re eligible for a Roth. Then, they estimate your retirement forecast with a Roth IRA versus a traditional IRA and then recommend the account type with the higher forecast. (They use the tax brackets that exist today, but there’s always a chance the laws could change.)
If you’re looking for straightforward guidance on which type of account to use, I have good news: In less than 10 minutes, you can create a retirement account with Ellevest. They’ll use the info you give them about your income to see if you’re eligible for a Roth. Then, they estimate your retirement forecast with a Roth IRA versus a traditional IRA and then recommend the account type with the higher forecast. (They use the tax brackets that exist today, but there’s always a chance the laws could change.)
Also called the one-participant 401(k) or Individual 401(k), a solo 401(k) is the same as a traditional 401(k) offered by an employer to its employees. Translation: You can contribute to your plan as both the employer and employee.
Your contributions are pre-tax, so you’ll end up paying taxes when you withdraw your money later. As an employee, you can contribute a maximum of $19,000 annually ($25,000 if you’re 50 or older). As an employer, you can throw in 25% of your business’ earnings, though you’ll have to do some math to figure out your deduction limit.
In a planning mood? See how a retirement plan could help you manage your future. Ellevest is one way to do it. You can get a personalized portfolio in under 10 min. And it’s made by women, for women.
If you operate as a team of one or boss of me, there’s a super special type of retirement account you should know about. It’s called a SEP IRA. Short for Simplified Employee Pension IRA, a SEP IRA works in a similar way to a traditional IRA. It’s a tax-deferred account, so any investment earnings grow tax-free until you withdraw your money, and your contributions are tax-deductible.
So, what is it exactly?
411 on SEP IRAs
With a SEP IRA, you can contribute 25% of your earnings, up to a maximum of $56,000 annually for the 2019 tax year. Compare that to the annual $6,000 contribution limit on traditional IRAs, and it’s crystal-clear why SEP IRAs are kind of a big deal. Even 401(k)s can’t touch SEP IRAs here — they have a $19,000 contribution limit (not including employer contributions).
And let’s say freelancing is treating you well (extremely well, really) and you want to max out your SEP IRA this year. Here’s what the math looks like: Divide $56,000 by 12, and you get $4,667.
Bonus: You can contribute to a SEP IRA while still contributing the annual maximum to a or an employer-sponsored plan through a second job. If you want to open a traditional or Roth IRA in addition to your SEP IRA, you can do that too.
Leaving the stability of the corporate world can be scary but savings doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of options available to help you save for your future, regardless of your employment situation.
Ready to attack this retirement thing and check it off the”to-do” list? Get started today. Ellevest creates personalized investment portfolios in under 10 minutes based on your finances and a gender-specific salary curve.
It can be financially hard — ok, completely terrifying — to quit your job and reliable paycheck to start your own thing. This is where your emergency fund comes in handy because it can make the occasional lag time between projects less nerve-racking. And I can’t stress this enough: By factoring retirement savings into your rate, you’ll make it easier to save because you’ve already earmarked some money for your retirement account(s).
Nervous about keeping yourself on track with your retirement savings or think it sounds too involved, set up automatic deposits for your retirement account(s). At Ellevest, you can set up bi-monthly, monthly, and quarterly deposits to your IRA, making it easy to build up your retirement savings without even thinking about it.
But what if your income is really variable? Doesn’t that make planning for the future difficult?
Maybe, yes. But, when it comes to retirement, every little bit counts…especially the sooner you start. You can thank compounding — which gives you the opportunity to earn returns on your contributions, and even more returns on those returns — for that.
So rather than focusing on a specific dollar amount, perhaps shoot for a fixed percentage of each paycheck. It’s less stressful than trying to stretch a smaller paycheck. Plus, you’re still getting into the habit of saving regularly for retirement.
Generally, it’s recommended putting 20% of your income toward investing for long-term goals, including retirement; but if 10%, or even 5%, is what’s realistic right now, stick with that and work your way up as your rate rises.
The right time to take your money out of the bank and invest is almost always “now,” so that the power of compounding can begin to work its “magic.”
Whichever account type (or types) you decide to go with, one thing is for sure: When it comes to investing for retirement, the most important thing is that you do it — often and regularly.
Because let’s be honest here: You like working for yourself. I know I like working for myself. That’s why I took the plunge by launching my own thing.
But I know I shouldn’t forget that I’m working for Retired Me too. If you don’t do the same, you may have to work longer than you want, instead of spending your retirement years poolside with whatever cocktail (or mocktail, if that’s what you prefer).
For when you a great idea for a business, but you don’t want to deal with all the admin work…
While success comes in many different respects, be it a career, personal or social, there’s one common denominator among successful women — and that is they all have good financial habits that keep them on track achieving their goals. After all, what helps us get what we want, be it a dream vacation, home, or business? Yep, you guessed it: money.
Whether you’re in the early stages of your career or have been saving up for a while, it’s never too late to get into financial control. After all, research from Ellevest, a digital investing platform made with women in mind, shows that money is the #1 confidence booster for women — and who doesn’t want a constant confidence boost?
Get the life you want by establishing these five financial habits.
Being debt-free before you start pursuing your other financial goals is like starting off with a clean slate. Credit card debt and student loans are things we’d prefer to put off paying towards because it’s really not an easy thing to do, but it’s the first major step in taking control of your financial future. We all have to start somewhere. A good way to do this is to at least establish a steady income so that you can pay off your debts and have a little spare change to treat yourself here and there too. Make sure you’re aren’t selling yourself short at work, and that your employer isn’t selling you short either. Negotiate for that raise (more on how to that here) or compensation package that you deserve and that will get you closer to your goals.
Paying off your bad debts can be an intimidating prospect we get it. But the truth is you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help, and not just because nerves might interfere with you, — but also because data proves that you’re likely to accomplish getting rid of that debt if you write it down. Now to the good debt. Good debt like student debt does not necessarily need to be paid right away, in part because investing your money in a diversified, low-cost investment portfolio is likely to earn you a greater return than the interest on that debt will cost you over time. Still, you should check periodically for ways to lower your student payments. For example, if you have student loans, putting them on autopay, which can help you save 0.25% from most lenders (a fun little tip we learned). And look at sites like Lendkey to refinance.
So, in review: Consider keeping “good debt” (like student loans) that costs you less than 4% a year outstanding and investing your money in a diversified portfolio instead.
Try it now: New to investing? This can help. You can speak with an expert financial advisor at Ellevest on topics ranging from how to get rid of debt to tips to investing.
2. Don’t Just Save — Invest
Sallie Krawcheck, Ellevest’s CEO, says, “Investing regularly is how you can become an experienced investor (and improve your chances of reaching your goals).”
Women aren’t missing out on big returns because they’re making risky investments. In fact, women are missing out because they aren’t even investing at all. Studies show that women are better investors than men, so why leave it to them to do the investing for us? By not investing your money and just stashing it in savings, you’re actually missing out on making an additional $100 every single day. Don’t wait on taking the leap! If you need a little help divvying up your paycheck, follow this rule: set aside 50 percent for needs, 30 percent for wants, and 20 percent to invest towards your biggest goals, be it a house or a dream vacation.
Try it now: Have questions about investing? Get a personalized financial plan in just 15 minutes and have expert advice at your fingertips.
Think you need a lot to invest? You really don’t – all it takes it $1 to make your first investment.
3. Set Up an Emergency Fund
Life happens — and you never know just when a natural disaster will strike, your car will break down, or if going that extra mile at spin class will turn into a visit to the emergency room. Your money is your power, and having money stashed away for those less-than-desirable moments in life will help you breathe easy during difficult times. Set aside whatever you can towards your emergency fund while also building your wealth by investing.
Try it: Open up an account with Ellevest and get enjoy 0% investment fees on your emergency fund.
4. Schedule a Call With a Financial Advisor
Even a go-getter like you doesn’t have all of the answers all of the time. That’s totally okay — after all, every successful woman has an entourage. Having a reliable financial advisor can help you navigate through sticky situations and answer your most burning financial questions. Whether you need help mapping out your financial future or want guidance on how to save up for a specific goal, your financial advisor will be able to help you through every major decision you make with your money. You don’t have to be a Wall Street expert yourself to start building up your wealth!
We often think retirement is so far away, and that hopefully, everything will fall into place financially by then. What successful women know is that the path to a carefree retirement starts right now. The moment that you start your first job, set aside some time to set up and understand your 401k. If your employer offers a 401k match, take advantage of it (hey, it’s basically free money!). Once you’ve maxed out your 401k, look into setting up an IRA. There are different kinds of IRAs out there, so make sure to do your research on what’s the best option for you. Future You will thank you for it!
Pay yourself first: Your new golden rule for 2019. Make sure a cut of every paycheck goes straight to your retirement or savings account and does not pass go. Pay yourself first and you’ll retire like a boss later. Pssst… here are some other budgeting ideas.
Questions? We’re here to help. Leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you!
Disclosures: We’re excited to be teaming up with the team at Ellevest to start this conversation about women and money. We may receive compensation if you become an Ellevest client.
There’s a long tradition of financial advice for women that boils down to giving up frivolous expenses — starting with fancy coffee. Ellevest’s Sallie Krawcheck tells us why it’s wrong.
Schmoozing at office parties, wrapping presents galore and cooking a feast for twenty, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. But, with the new year approaching, there’s no better holiday gift to yourself than spending time to prepare mentally to successfully conquer 2019. Successful women enjoy the holidays with family and friends but they also make sure maximize their time, improving themselves from a professional (and ultimately personal) perspective. Subsequently, after they return from the holiday break they’re more prepared, productive, and confident.
The moment it strikes midnight on January 1, 2018, its completely up to you to decide how you will step into the New Year. That said, don’t wait until 11:55 PM to hastily jot down your list of ambitions on your cocktail napkin. You know you want to be smarter, strengthen your skills, and get closer to achieving your big goals this year, but what’s the game plan?
As we speak, the most successful women amongst us are already planning their who, what, and where for the next twelve months. They are taking advantage of every free moment this Holiday season (don’t worry they still have time to watch ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas) to plan their future. They’ve mastered juggling drinking plenty of eggnog and shopping all the holiday sales while making sure to prioritize on the top of their wish list time to recharge and refocus for the sprint ahead.
So even though, it’s appealing to spend the entire break cozy by the fireplace and munching on gingerbread cookie, let this be your time where you outline your financial future.
Keep reading for the 5 things successful women do during the holidays to keep it 100 throughout the year.
Reflect on the Year
Reflect on how you rocked 2018, and what it will take to jump to the next level in 2018. We are present at the time of a job promotion, demanding project, or peer conflict, but don’t truly take advantage of these golden moments and the signs they offer. Everything you did this year, in one way or another, can offer directional advice toward your 2018. What worked in your favor and what were the many lessons that you learned? Take an hour a day for self-medication and reflection on last year’s performance, which will help you develop clear intentions for this new year.
Create a Goal List
Now that you’re ready to move past 2017 and go full blast into the coming year, jot down your goals. Of course, we can envision our goals, but referring to a physical list of our plans will keep us on target. You definitely don’t have to write down every single aim in the coming weeks, but having a steady list will give you the motivation to keep it growing throughout the year.
Add a new goal every day, such as being on top of your budgeting, promote your business, pick up a side hustle, or even set you to alarm an hour earlier to squeeze in some extra work.
In a planning mood? See how an investment plan could help you manage your finances. Ellevest is one way to do it. You can get a personalized portfolio in under 10 min. And it’s made by women, for women.
Learn A New Skill
When do you have time on your hands to just do you? When you’re not baking cookies or visiting the city, set aside time to for a new talent or skill you’ve been eager to explore. You know what we’re talking about — that resume ‘skill’ you’re so ‘proficient’ in? Why don’t you actually become proficient in it? For example, increase your value by familiarizing yourself with a new application, blogging, creating content on Photoshop, studying a new language, or maybe popping into a few dance classes to relieve stress.
Who knows? You might discover a skill you never knew you had, which will end up influencing your 2018 in ways you never imagined. Get it done here.
Skillshare, a learning platform that brings online classes taught by the world’s best practitioners is your place. It’s personalized and on-demand, learning in design, photography, and allows you to discover new opportunities.
Read Inspirational and Motivational Books
The time is now to dive into an empowering book, analyze research, or gain knowledge in a podcast. Reading and listening are two of the best things you can do to educate and feed wisdom to your mind. Entering into a new year and holding high expectations for yourself can be intimidating and daunting.
But this content will inspire you to remain positively focused on your dreams and career plans. Whether your traveling on the plane or snuggling up in bed, always have some form of inspiring content at your fingertips. Check out our list of must-reads by badass female authors.
Track Their Money Habits
The key here is to use a money tracking method that you’re most comfortable with—an online website, a spreadsheet, pen, and paper, or an app. We don’t think there’s a perfect budgeting app out there. But a lot of people love the online money management company, Mint. It’ll help you categorize all your expenses, track your financial goals, and give you a heads up when you’re about to overspend. Use it every all the time—fill it out so you know where you stand.
Getting out of high-interest debt from credit cards is typically the goal to tackle first, especially credit card debt, followed by building an emergency fund.
Next, look at other lower-interest debt, such as student loans, and see how you can make it more affordable. Refinancing can make these loans more manageable by reducing the amount of interest you pay. LendKey can connect you with low-interest loans from a network of community leaders. Apply and Save.
Once you’ve got your finances (including your emergency fund and plan to pay off your debt) under control, the next step is…
Ensure Their Savings Account Is Making Them Money
Accruing interest on the money you already have is one of the easiest things you can do to make money and secure a comfortable retirement. With the holidays giving them more time to evaluate, successful women do their research when it comes to making sure their money is working for them.
How to get started now: Choosing the right retirement and investment account to fit your needs can be challenging, each one has its own rates and fees to take into consideration. If you’re ready to get started now, here’s one way to do it. You can get a personalized portfolio in under 10 minutes. And its made by women, for women, with portfolios that allow you to invest in companies that support women.
Evaluating Their 2018 Setting a New Budget for 2019 and
Sallie Krawcheck, CEO of Ellevest, highly encourages choosing to invest. It’s something you can choose to take action no matter the time of year, but there’s no point in waiting until 2018 to get your investing plan in line.
You have the time during the holidays to thoughtfully explore the ins and outs of investing. If you start investing now you’ll be steps ahead on the path to securing a stronger 2018, but most importantly, a stronger financial future. When you’re ready to invest, Sallie and her team at Ellevest are ready to lead you through your personal investment plan.
ay yourself first: Your new resolution for 2019. Make sure a cut of every paycheck goes straight to your retirement or savings account and does not pass go.
It plumps up your skin and smoothes fine lines. All it takes is 20 minutes. Cue: castor oil.
Made by extracting oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil that people have used for thousands of years.
Castor oil has a number of medicinal, industrial and pharmaceutical uses.
Castor oil has many benefits. We’re talking hair serum, lip balm, sleep aid, double-duty mascara (yes, really)—and more. It’s commonly used as an additive in foods, skin care products, and medications, as well as an industrial lubricant and biodiesel fuel component.
In short, it really is uh-mazing.
Keep scrolling to discover why and how castor oil should be a part of your daily routine.
Why It Works: Castor oil carries ricinoleic acid and omega 6 essential fatty acids, which help accelerate blood circulation to the scalp, hence promoting hair growth. These antiviral properties also help to fight scalp infections such as bald patches and dandruff. The dense oil also fights oxidative stress which is a common cause of hair loss with Vitamin E a natural anti-oxidant.
Applied topically, castor oil can help your hair grow longer, faster, and shinier in a natural way.
How To Use It: To use, apply the oil to damp but not wet hair, and let sit for several hours. For best results, use a shower cap or towel to the treatment set into your hair. Before shampooing, we recommend massaging either beer or a whisked egg onto scalp to help break up the oil. This is as messy as it sounds, but trust us⏤it’s worth it.
Why It Works: Castor oil carries ricinoleic acid and omega 6 essential fatty acids, which help accelerate blood circulation to the scalp, hence promoting hair growth. These antiviral properties also help to fight scalp infections such as bald patches and dandruff. The dense oil also fights oxidative stress which is a common cause of hair loss with Vitamin E a natural anti-oxidant. Applied topically, castor oil can help your hair grow longer, faster, and shinier in a natural way.
How To Use It: To use, apply the oil to damp but not wet hair, and let sit for several hours. For best results, use a shower cap or towel to the treatment set into your hair. Before shampooing, we recommend massaging either beer or a whisked egg onto scalp to help break up the oil. This is as messy as it sounds, but trust us⏤it’s worth it.
Why It Works: Applied topically, castor oil can help you maintain your hair color for a longer time. The high concentration omega 9 will not only moisturize your hair, but keep color-processed hair color from fading.
How To Use It: Massage into scalp as described above, and let sit on your hair for several hours. Within, 1-2 washes, you’ll notice shinier hair and more pronounced color in just one or two rinses.
Why It Works: Stop flyaways for good with castor oil. Using castor oil as a hair mask 1-2 x per week smoothes and strengthens hair for a glossy finish that’s always natural.
How To Use It: Apply to your hair and let sit for a few hours before washing for a salon-worthy blowout or fuzz-free curls.
Why It Works: Keep your face moisturized and reduce blemishes, acne, pimples, scars, and fine lines simply by using castor oil (yes, really!) . The fatty acids in castor oil assist in the production of elastin and collagen (read: anti-ageing), leaving you with more glowing, youthful looking skin.
How To Use It: For best results, apply on the face or body and with a little pressure and massage into your skin with circular motions. This helps loosen the tight skin and promotes the production of beauty-boosting collagen.We recommend incorporating this into your evening routine.
Why It Helps: Castor oil comprises anti-inflammatory properties that work to lessen inflammation and redness on the skin, as well as ease any itchiness associated with razor burns. It also helps lighten scars due to its antioxidants that heal the skin.
How To Use It: Gently apply the oil on the affected area and massage gently into skin.
Why It Works: The key to thicker, beautifully defined lashes is castor oil. Enriched with a lot of nutrients and a strengthening complex to promote vitality, castor oil has natural microfibers that attach to eyelash hairs and instantly extend the look of each lash. The easy-to-use wand effortlessly combs and separates with each stroke.
How To Use It: The best time to apply castor oil is a couple of hours before bed time. While it is perfectly fine to use them during day time, there is a big advantage in applying the treatment at night as this allows more time to saturate and start the process which aids in growing eyelashes. A lot of care must be taken so as to avoid them from getting in contact with the eyes⏤ and in case you do get some oil in your eyes, you have to wash your eyes immediately. To avoid getting the oil in your eyes, we recommend using a tiny amount on wand to apply the oil.
Why It Works: It is not clear how exactly castor oil induces sleep, but trust us⏤it works. Maybe it’s the weight of the oil or the smell, but whatever it is, you’ll have a good nights rest.
How It Works: If you have difficulty falling asleep, dab a small amount of castor oil on your eyelids before bedtime. Fair disclosure: be prepared for a longer than usual sleep. Rub a small amount of the oil into the hairline or around the eyes before sleeping. Let it absorb and wake up refreshed.
Busy women are always looking for everyday life hacks. Current events, budgeting tips, and career advice are just a few of the topics that professional women seek help with, and theSkimm offers a perfect solution.
If you have heard of theSkimm, you are aware of the smart and straight-to-the-point news they offer via email. Most recently, they’ve grown their audience through a captivating yet short-and-sweet podcast called Skimm This.
It covers the days biggest stories, and why you should know about them. If you haven’t yet downloaded these, I recommend you do so now.
With the success of both outlets, this June, theSkimm launch their debut book: How To Skimm Your Life (Ballantine Books).
How to Skimm Your Life
PHOTO: THESKIMM
In the same voice that “Skimm’rs“ (theSkimm‘s dedicated readers) know and love, the book breaks down some of the least desirable aspects of adulting. Think: investing, career development, global politics, renting or buying a home, and more.
Carly and Danielle hope that the tour and book will help their readers better get a grasp on big decisions in their lives: “Our goal with this book is to empower readers to take action on important decisions you make as an adult,” said Zakin and Weisberg . “We are so excited to travel the country, sharing our own experiences in the hopes that attendees walk away learning something they can apply in their own lives.”
Plus, to coincide with the book’s June 10 launch, theSkimm co-founders and CEOs, Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg, will head out on a national book tour, covering 10 cities across the country. The duo will also host “nights out,” ticketed conversations during which Carly and Danielle will share their own story of entrepreneurship and success, plus tips and tricks for everything from starting to invest, negotiating a better salary, how to get into the know and more.
Ready for early retirement of sipping Aperol Spritz in Positano all day, every day? First, you need to save and invest in it.
When it comes to personal finance, we have a lot of Qs. And our friends at Ellevest have a lot of answers. Ellevest financial advisor Rachel Sanborn answers some of the biggest questions from our community to help us all get on track to create smart financial habits.
Here are 7 big questions to ask your financial advisor.
1. Are you a fiduciary?
Standards are a good thing to have. And a fiduciary is a person who acts on behalf of another person, or persons to manage their money. … Money managers, financial advisors, bankers, accountants, executors, board members, and corporate officers can all be considered fiduciaries. But, unfortunately, the financial industry doesn’t always follow the same standards when it comes to providing investment advice to clients. That said, you should always ask any financial advisor your interviewing, “Are you a fiduciary?”
Fiduciaries like Ellevest have a duty to put your needs first. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Non-fiduciaries need only to recommend products that are “suitable” — even if they’re not the lowest-cost or most ideal for you. That’s why you want to know about the fiduciary rule and ask any potential advisors if they follow that standard.
“Just like a romantic relationship, it’s important to ensure you and your financial advisor have the same investment philosophy. Here’s why: You have to believe in what they’re doing to stick with it. For example, at Ellevest, they have a goal-based investment philosophy — IOW, they’re all about getting you to your goals…because in their view, that’s all that matters. So with them, you’ll hear the term “goals-based investing.”
While this question sounds obvious, it’s important to get to the bottom of it from the start.
It’s essential to figure out how much money you should have saved for emergencies, and how much you should start investing. Women tend to hold so much of their assets in cash — 71%, while men hold only 60%. And when you leave your savings in cash, you may miss out on market gains that could be earned over time, and even worse — inflation actually lessens your purchasing power.
So, you have to start talking. And it’s not all that bad. Here’s a scenario: say you have been setting aside your bonuses at work to save for a house. But you’re not quite ready to buy the house, and you don’t know what to do with that cash until you are. That’s where a financial planner comes in. A financial advisor can look at the numbers and your goals and say, “You’ve got 12 months’ worth of expenses in cash.
Let’s keep 3-6 months of your salary in cash, and consider investing the rest toward goals like starting a family, retirement or that new home.
Retirement is one of those financial goals that everyone has. Your financial planner understands this very well. This question will open up an important conversation about how much money you will need to retire the way you want, and how you will get there (along with meeting your other financial goals).
So a financial advisor could go through an exercise in which a client will imagine her future self. For when you want to make the most of that paycheck…Invest it. And if you’re not sure where to start, you can sign up with a digital investment platform. Ellevest is one way to do it. You can get a personalized portfolio in under 10 min. And it’s made by women, for women, with portfolios that allow you to invest in companies that support women (if you choose).
In just 10 minutes, they can help you figure out how much you should be saving now so you can sit back, relax, and go OOO for good. Try it here.*
5. Should I focus on paying down my non-revolving debt (student loan, car loan, mortgage, etc) before investing (beyond my 401(k))? How and when should I start paying off my student loan debt?
There’s a different answer for everyone. It can depend on the kind of debt: There’s good debt and bad debt.
So, the best place to start is to look at the type of debt and the associated interest rates. Paying off debt with higher interest rates and payments that are not tax-deductible, such as credit cards and auto loans (and anything with interest rates over 10%), should be prioritized first. For debt with lower interest rates and/or payments that are tax-deductible, such as student loans or mortgages, you can consider paying the minimum and investing the difference. Overall, the best strategy will depend on your personal situation.
A good financial advisor will look at the current interest rate on the debt vs. long-term investing rates of return (historically 5-10% on average, depending on the mix of stocks and bonds), as well any tax implications.
It can often be more than just financial math, though; it’s really part psychology, too. If the debt is weighing heavily on you and the interest rate on it is pretty close to potential investment rates of return, you should prioritize paying it off first.
Remember: It’s all about YOU.
It’s your financial goals. Your future. People always say that they don’t want to turn financial planning sessions into counseling sessions, but you can’t separate money from emotion.
Looking for a financial planner? Ellevest’s team of Certified Financial Planners can help. The platform aims to serve women’s needs better than any other existing system by using algorithms tailored to your salary, gender, and lifespan (aka your real life).
6. How should I manage old 401(k) plans (from prior jobs), when should one roll them over or start an IRA? Is there an easy way to find any and all accounts we have?
When it comes to managing old employer-sponsored plans, the best approach will depend on your personal situation. Leaving your 401(k) invested “as-is” is an option, but there are several other benefits to rolling over your 401(k) into an IRA.
Before we get into it, it’s important to keep in mind that having all of your accounts in one place can be an effective way to ensure you are staying on top of your financial goals. That said, if you have other retirement savings or accounts elsewhere, it’s probably a good idea to consider rolling your 401(k) over into an IRA with your chosen provider. Second, in addition to allowing you to see your entire retirement savings picture in one place, rolling over into an IRA can provide other important benefits.
Benefits include keeping your retirement savings in a tax-advantaged account, and providing more flexibility to select from a wider range of investments than most employer-sponsored plans typically offer.
If a rollover is right for you, the best time to initiate it will depend on your unique circumstances and priorities. However, in order to take advantage of these key benefits, you may want to explore this option sooner rather than later.
When it comes to locating any and all accounts from old employer-sponsored plans, it’s more straightforward than you think. Because companies are required to mail any abandoned funds to the account owner’s last known address and turn over any unclaimed funds to the state, this process has become a lot easier. Using online resources, like those provided by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, is a good place to start. Robo-advisors like Ellevest, Betterment and Wealthfront can also help you track down all your old plans and roll them over.
The Bottom Line: Get invested now. If you have a 401(k) or multiple 401(k) plans or IRA just sitting there, and you want to get it to a place where you can track it, how about starting now? Ellevest can help.
7. What’s the difference between financial planners and financial advisors, and at what stage of life should I talk to one?
Put simply, a financial advisor refers to anyone who helps clients manage their money. It can be thought of as an umbrella term that includes different types of financial advisors, such as financial planners.
The decision to use a financial advisor, and finding the advisor that is right for you, is highly personal and depends on your unique needs, preferences, and behaviors. Robo-advisors are great for those new to investing.
When looking for a financial advisor, it’s important to find someone you can trust. Although trust is built over time, there are a few things you can look for to help you determine if you’ll be able to establish trust with an advisor. A good place to start is by determining whether the advisor is a fiduciary (go back to Q1), which means they are required to put your best interests first. Understanding the fee structure of the advisor is also key in determining that there are no conflicts of interest. From there, you can then ask questions to determine whether the advisor’s investment philosophy aligns with your unique needs and long-term goals.
8. When Should I Start Saving for Retirement?
It’s important to know that the earlier you start saving for retirement, the less you’ll have to save in the future, so it’s important to start as soon as possible. So, start with your first paycheck. What if I haven’t started saving? Start right now. It’s not too late to begin to invest. A dollar invested in your 20s is worth much more than your 40s, which is worth much more than your 60s. It’s never too early and it’s never too late.
9. What resources are available for those of us who aren’t ready to talk to an advisor or planner?
Lucky for us, there are now many different resources that can be used to better understand your personal finances and investing. A good place to start is on the Ellevest website, which provides investing information for individuals at all stages of the investing journey.
In theory, budgeting money seems like a no-brainer: You organize your expenses so that you can know what to spend where what to save, and what to invest for future you.
Why wouldn’t you do it?
Unfortunately, the reality of everyday life means that the majority of women put off budgeting.
We get it. It’s not fun. And worse, it’s confusing.
If you’re new to budgeting, we’ve done the hard part for you. We asked Sallie Krawcheck, co-founder and CEO of Ellevest, a digital financial advisory for women, to explain how it works, and how you can put it into practice.
No more excuses — Here’s how to create a budget you can stick to.
Step 1: Calculate Your Net Monthly Income
Sometimes, a starting point can really come in handy. Think back to fun runs in school. Or the instruction manual on a new kettle…kind of. Or when it comes to figuring out how much money you’ll need to buy a home in a few years. Or launch your startup. Or retire in the best way possible. The average American spends nearly $1,000 on holiday shopping. For most people, that’s a big chunk — if not all — of what’s left over after you pay your monthly bills. That means, you need to know what you make so you can know what you can afford to spend.
No matter what strategy you are using, calculating your net monthly income is going to be your starting point… your first step. Your net monthly income is the amount of money you are paid after taxes, health insurance, and employer-based contributions to a 401(k) is taken out. It’s important to know how much your monthly take-home pay is. If need be, look back at pay stubs. If you are married and have shared finances with your partner, this is a good time to calculate the net pay between both of you.
Keep in mind that if you are paid bi-weekly, you get 26 paychecks a year rather than 24, so you will have slightly more than 2 paychecks for each month.
To calculate the exact amount, take the two extra paychecks together and divide the sum by 12 months. Then add this to your 2-paycheck-a-month calculation. For example, if you are paid $1,500 every two weeks, that is $3,000 for four weeks. You would take the extra 2 paychecks for the year ($3000) and divide that by 12 ($250). In this instance, your net monthly pay would be $3250.
Now that you know exactly how much you are earning, you can calculate your fixed spending (or the amount that is often the same month to month). Rent (or mortgage), car payments, car insurance, groceries, gas, student loan payments, property taxes, etc. fall into this category. The easy part about this is that these expenses are mostly fixed.
For those of you who swear you’re going to start saving one day… how about starting today? The Digit app analyzes your paycheck and spending habits and automatically sets aside the perfect amount every day, based on what you can afford. Genius
Step 3: Estimate Your Discretionary Spending
Now that the essential spending is out of the way, you can budget your discretionary spending. This is your “wants” spending. Basically, this is anything you spend money on that isn’t a basic necessity. Here you should spend about 30% of your net income.
In our example, $3,250 calculates to about $975 a month of “fun” spending. This will not be as easy to budget as each category changes from month to month, but that is totally okay. Just keep track of your spending, and know that if you plan to buy a new pair of boots for the winter one month, you may not be able to head to happy hour quite as many times.
Step 4: Track Your Money Habits
The key here is to use a money tracking method that you’re most comfortable with—an online website, a spreadsheet, pen, and paper, or an app. We don’t think there’s a perfect budgeting app out there. But a lot of people love the online money management company, Mint. It’ll help you categorize all your expenses, track your financial goals, and give you a heads up when you’re about to overspend. Use it every all the time—fill it out so you know where you stand.
Getting out of high-interest debt from credit cards is typically the goal to tackle first, especially credit card debt, followed by building an emergency fund.
Next, look at other lower-interest debt, such as student loans, and see how you can make it more affordable. Refinancing can make these loans more manageable by reducing the amount of interest you pay. LendKey can connect you with low-interest loans from a network of community leaders. Apply and Save.
Once you’ve got your finances (including your emergency fund and plan to pay off your debt) under control, the next step is…
Step 5: Start Investing in Your Life Goals
Taking control of your financial life is all about progress, not perfection. So, now that you’ve spent about 80% of your income, you should have about 20% to work with. This is where you can save and invest money to work toward financial goals. Your “life goals” are things like launching that business, buying the house on your vision board, or just building up your personal wealth. (We happen to love that one.)
Some of the worst financial advice Krawcheck says she’s ever is that it’s okay to put off saving for retirement — and other life goals — until she’s older and would earn more.
“Wrong. Wrong. Wrong,” says Krawhckeck. “Instead, you should aim to save 20% of your salary from your very first paycheck. This may sound like a lot — particularly because so many people save nothing. But years of research shows that people who save at this level are much better equipped to ride the ups and downs of the economy — and life — than others. If you can’t save 20%, how about 15%, 10%, or 5%? Start at 5% and gradually increase it. It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing to have an impact.
The reason you should start saving for retirement today (really yesterday), is because of the power of compound interest, explained here. Compound interest allows any interest earned to then accrue interest on itself, so over time a small amount of money invested earlier will earn more than a large amount of money invested later.
Here’s an example of compounding:
Say you invest $100 today and earn 10% on it in the coming year; that’s $10, which means you then have $110. If you earn that same 10% return the next year, you earn it on the $110. So you earn $11, not $10. Do it again, and the same 10% return earns you $12. And so on and so on. And over time, it adds up to… a lot. And well, outstrips any benefit of “waiting to invest.” That’s why it’s so much easier to end up a millionaire if you start putting away cash in your 20s.
So, start with your first paycheck. And what if you haven’t started saving yet? Start right now. It’s not too late to begin to invest. A dollar invested in your 20s is worth much more than your 40s, which is worth much more than your 60s. It’s never too early and it’s never too late.
Great news: You’re done! Now that you’ve categorized expenses and started to create your financial goals, you should have a core budget to put into place. Now, ask yourself that question again: How confident do you feel about your financial future? After these five steps, you might find you have a very different response.
Ready to start investing? Get started investing in minutes with Ellevest, a company designed by women, for women with no minimum to start.
Disclosures: We’re excited to be working with Ellevest to start this conversation about women and money. We receive compensation if you become an Ellevest client.
Questions? We’re here to help. Leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you!
Are you a yogi? Runner? Die-hard Soul Cycler, right?
Women today are healthier than ever. We know what’s best for our bodies — we know what foods we should eat and how many hours of sleep we require. And we (mostly) manage to do it. But health isn’t just about staving off the flu or getting rid of a few extra pounds — a healthy lifestyle helps us live longer, too.
Here’s the key question: If you’re taking action to live a longer, healthier life, but you’re not getting yourself financially prepared for that long life, what’s the point? If you’re preparing to live both long and well, you need to manage your money for the long-term — a.k.a. investing.
I know, I hear you: investing is kind of risky, right?
When you leave your cash in a savings account, you may miss out on market gains that could be earned over time. And as an added risk: inflation will lessen your purchasing power over time. The $25,000 you saved today for retirement will likely be worth considerably less in 20 years if it’s not properly invested. Let’s say you’ve worked hard and now earn an $85,000 salary per year, and you’re saving 20% of your income in a plain old bank account. Ellevest, a digital financial advisory for women, estimates you will lose out on $1.1 million or more over the next 40 years.
If, instead, you invest that same 20% of your annual salary into a diversified investment portfolio, you have a very high probability of retiring well. Sure, there will be market fluctuations, but you may actually benefit from living longer because of the compounding returnson your investments.
Why Wellness and Wealth Go Together
There are lots of reasons why people get sick. Maybe their bodies are buckling under stress. Maybe they don’t have time for exercise or to see a doctor. Maybe they weren’t blessed with great genes. But one possible reason for poor health, which is often overlooked, is a low net worth.
We know money can’t buy happiness. Nor can it buy love, world peace or immortality. Sure, having money is great, but it isn’t the solution to every problem. What we do know, though, is that it does a decent job keeping people healthy.
There is an undeniable connection between health and wealth, and it isn’t just about having access to the best doctors. Even in nations that have universal healthcare, such as in England, the highest socioeconomic classes fare better, health-wisethan the lowest socioeconomic classes. There could be any number of reasons for the discrepancy: The top socioeconomic classes may live in cleaner environments, keep more nutritious diets, have time for exercise and/or preventive medical care, and access to better schools — all of which could contribute to longer, healthier lives. And of course, another possible reason for the health gap: Financial stress.
Not only does money play a key role in where we live, the type of work we pursue, or who we marry — it can also determine how long we live or how well we live. Since women have often historically existed as financial dependents, it’s a particularly worrisome matter for us. It’s difficult to take control of your health if you don’t have control of your wealth.
One Thing You Need To Be Wealthy (Hint: It’s not rich parents.)
When you think about it physical and financial health do their own sort of compounding — when one gets better, so does the other—so why not maximize both?
In some ways, maintaining health and wealth requires a similar skill set. You need to be disciplined to stay both healthy and wealthy. Preventive medical care is expensive and inconvenient. But it’s also necessary to maintain your health. You need to know, for example, if your iron levels are low and if so, what to do about it. And you will probably want to have that suspicious mole examined or removed before it turns into melanoma. One day, our healthcare may be streamlined through artificial intelligence, but until then, we need to do our part.
Similarly, financial discipline rarely comes easily or naturally, especially when the cards are stacked against you. Some of the old rules of personal finance seem laughable in this economic environment. Conventional wisdom used to hold that college grads should only spend 30% of their salary on rent. It’s hard to imagine any major city (with real job growth) where recent grads won’t spend 50% of their salarieson rent. Still, financial discipline isn’t just about buying pinching pennies. In order to grow your wealth today, you can’t just adhere to a budget— you have to make every saved dollar work for you.
Today, fewer women are getting married orhaving children. And although they are outpacing men in higher education, they still get paid less and, on average, live longer than men. That means women have to get over their reluctance to take financial risks and educate themselves about investing. It’s no longer a nicety, it’s a necessity.
The Importance of Investing for Women
That’s one reason why I want to confront the issue of financial empowerment head-on in Style Salute. American women have successfully avoided candid discussions about money for decades. We go into great detail about our childbirth experiences or a great date, but credit card debt? That’s a topic that probably doesn’t come up a lot, even between the closest of girlfriends. Still, nothing will change if we don’t talk about money openly.
When we think about financial empowerment, we’re not just talking about being able to afford the trip to Tulum — no judgment if that’s your goal — more importantly, we’re talking about taking control of every facet of our lives. Because although money buys you freedom and leisure, it also helps determine your health. The first step to feeling better is to eliminate financial insecurity — that means we need to start investing now and take a more active role in managing and planning our finances.
The Bottom Line:
Although there are risks that come with investing your money, there is also the potential for rewards — namely, helping you grow your money so you can meet your financial goals faster than if you had, say, put your money away in a basic savings account. So start today, even if you put away 2% of your income into a 401(k) or an IRA. Your future self will thank you.
Disclosures: We’re excited to be working with Ellevest to start this conversation about women and money. We receive compensation if you become an Ellevest client.
Questions? We’re here to help. Leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you!
On my first day of university, I walked into my empty dorm room, plopped down my bags and before putting my sheets on my bed or unpacking my clothes, I pulled out a print of Monet’s water lilies and tacked it above my bed. Whenever I got too stressed out and needed to calm down, looking at the print always took me to a serene place.
The power of art is not to be under appreciated and while visiting a gallery or museum is an exceptionally beautiful experience, turning your home into a personal showroom is even better. Having a great piece of art can transform a room from stale to stellar—however, choosing the right piece is a meaningful and personal struggle. While selecting art for your home is largely based on personal preference, as with most decor, there are some guidelines we recommend following to maximize your space’s potential. If you’re looking for ways you can decorate your home with art, we’re here to help.
Keep reading for our tips for choosing art for your home, plus shop 15 original affordable art prints we love under $200.
Rule 1
The dollar sign does not dictate value. You can get a great piece of art for a price without spending a months worth of salary. If you like the art and it speaks to you, it’s valuable.
The style of the room should match the art. Ergo, if your room is filled with antiques, consider a Victorian-style painting with an antique frame. If you have a modern flair to your home, it may be wise to invest in pop art with a sleek frame.
Color is key. When selecting art for a particular room, make sure the art pieces incorporates at least two or three colors that are dominant in the room.
Where art is placed is important. Art should typically be hung so that the center of the painting is at eye level
While rules are good to follow, they should be considered guidelines only— so get creative as you want. Before running of to your closest art dealer to shop some wall art, scroll down for my curated list of pieces. I know you’re busy so I went ahead and separated them in the four major categories of art: abstract, animals, figure and nature – so you can select which type of art is most fitting for you! Extra bonus: most of these are free shipping.
Calling all leggings lovers! Um, that’s all of us, right? This year it’s been all about transitional dressing–and for us girls, a flattering pair of leggings that can be worn anywhere is key. So it’s really no surprise that the best leggings are constantly selling out.
One, in particular, that we all seem to want is Lorna Jane’s Sammie Core 7/8 Tights Casual Pants. These leggings have sold out three times on the site making them one of the brand’s best-selling pieces. It’s no secret that we want what we can’t have but seriously these leggings are so good that if you try them on, there’s no way you won’t be wearing them home. Seriously. Lucky for us, Amazon just restocked the leggings—but if you want them, hurry because chances are they will be out of stock in no time.
Looking for more great pieces? One of the best places to shop for athleisure and leggings specifically is Amazon. From staple leggings (that don’t cost $120!) to the best sports bra , Amazon is a goldmine for unique and well-fit fashion items that won’t break the bank. Plus, those reviews can help filter the ones you want. But finding these pieces takes time, patience, and dedication in order to spot the chicest treasures among—simply put—the piles of stuff. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and searched high and low to bring you the best leggings that we here at Style Salute HQ all unanimously agree are amazing. Whether you’re interested in getting the best leggings for working out or leggings for work, you’ll find something you love!
Scroll down to shop the mega-popular Lorna Jane leggings below, and if you’re on the hunt for more, go on to shop some more of our favorite leggings from Amazon.
These Beyond Yoga leggings are extremely soft and has a four-way stretch. The ankle length also adds extra warmth and comfort in the cold winter months.
As die-hard beauty junkies, we understand the cost of having great skin. And sometimes, that cost is extremely expensive. While there’s no better feeling than buying, unwrapping and applying expensive skincare products, it’s impossible not to ask the question: Is the high price tag really worth it?
In an effort to banish buyer’s remorse forever, we turn to Los Angeles-based esthetician and owner of Gregory Dylan Beauty to find out (once and for all) what products we should splurge on and which products to save on. With 20 years of experience in the skincare and beauty business, it’s safe to say Dylan is an expert when it comes to skincare.
Keep reading to find out which steps of your skincare regimen are worth the splurge.
“If you love it, buy it,” Dylan says. “If it works, regardless of the price, go ahead and get it if it’s doing the right job for your skin.” But, he also advises that you don’t have to break the bank on your facial cleanser to see results. “It has a pretty basic job and it doesn’t stay on your skin, so if you’re on a budget, I would move that $50 balance to another part of your skincare routine,” he says. “The most important thing with a cleanser is that it cleanses without leaving your skin too tight and dry.” Dylan recommends Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser ($24) as a great budget-friendly option. “It’s effective and not too harsh,” he says. “I love to use it with my Clarisonic and get a little extra exfoliation.”
Dylan recommends straying away from drugstore toners, which are often loaded with alcohol and are extremely drying on the skin. However, he also doesn’t advise spending more than $30 on this skincare step. “Unless it has a specific ingredient your skin needs, don’t overspend in this area,” he cautions. “The ingredients evaporate and aren’t going to sink in, so just like a cleanser that you rinse off, toners aren’t super heavy-hitting products. There are better places to invest your money.” He suggests Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion ($23). “I only use it once a day as needed for a bump of salicylic acid, which helps prevent congestion on the skin.”
