Parafiks - A Personal Finance

9 Ways to Effectively Balance School and Work

More and more people are choosing to attend college while working. Whether you’re moving straight from high school into higher education or returning to school as an adult, balancing school and work is essential to your success.

Managing a part-time or full-time job alongside college can be challenging. Many students handle both responsibilities well, but others struggle. Poor balance can lead to stress, lower grades, rushed or low-quality work, and burnout.

College should be a period of growth and opportunity, not a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. The good news is that there are practical strategies to help you graduate while maintaining a job.

The other day I was watching a documentary on MTV and saw a man who was constantly on his phone or laptop. His work-life balance was non-existent. His dependence on being online and working was so severe that he and his girlfriend sought therapy to address his addiction to work and constant connectivity. He claimed … Read more

How I Earned Money Blogging From Home in April: My Exact Income Breakdown

Welcome to the April business report. Here I share how I earned money online while traveling full-time last month. Read on for an update on what happened, what I learned, and what’s coming next.

If you’re new to Making Sense of Cents, you might wonder why I publish a business report every month.

This began as an “extra income” report when I tracked side income in addition to my day job earnings. I left my financial analyst job in October 2013, and now these monthly reports cover the various ways I earn a living through my business.

What is estate planning? Over the years I’ve received many questions about wills and estate planning. In reality, most adults over 18 should have at least part of an estate plan in place. Recently I asked readers what they wanted to know about estate planning. Common questions included: What is estate planning and why is … Read more

Pay Off Student Loans Faster: Smart Strategies to Save Time and Money

Want to learn how to pay off student loans fast? Here’s how I paid off $40,000 in student loans in just seven months and practical steps you can apply to speed up your own repayment. In July 2013 I finished paying off about $40,000 in student loan debt. It still feels surreal. For years I … Read more

Top 16 Pregnancy-Friendly Jobs for Expecting Mothers

Are you looking for the best jobs for pregnant women? Pregnancy is an important and often joyful time, but it can also bring financial and logistical concerns. Fortunately, many flexible, low-stress, and remote work options allow expecting mothers to earn income while prioritizing their health and comfort. Finding the right job while pregnant doesn’t have … Read more

How to Grow $10,000 into $100,000: Proven Investment Strategies

Do you want to learn how to turn $10,000 into $100,000? Turning $10,000 into $100,000 may sound ambitious, but with a clear plan, patience, and the right strategy, it is achievable. Whether you want to earn extra income, build a full-time business, or grow your capital through investing, there are practical paths to pursue. Best … Read more

Paid Off $100,000 in 40 Months: A Military Marriage’s Debt Strategy

Hello! Today I’m sharing an inspiring debt payoff story from Nolan Martin. Nolan, a military officer, paid off $100,000 in debt in just 40 months. Below is his account.

Fresh out of college and newly married, my wife Erin and I were eager to begin our life together. We entered marriage carrying significant debt. I took on a “career starter” loan of $35,000, and Erin had over $40,000 in student loans. Add in the usual expenses that come with starting a life together—a car, a house, and pets—and by February 1, 2012, we had accumulated more than $100,000 in debt.

The reality of our situation hit when we reviewed our accounts after buying our first house. Seeing a bank summary that read, “You Owe $297,000,” forced us to acknowledge the scale of the problem and the need for major changes.

On that day, Erin and I committed to living debt-free and to making the sacrifices necessary to reach that goal.

February was an extremely busy month. The post I published recently, My Average Day As A Self-Employed Person, described a much calmer routine than the hectic schedule I faced during the last two weeks of February. My business income is finally growing consistently In February 2014 I earned $15,474 in business income before expenses. For … Read more

From Student Loans to $5M: My Journey With Blogging, Money & Freedom

This year marks 14 years of blogging for me. Each year I reflect on the blog and business I’ve built. Here’s what I’ve learned after earning more than $5,000,000 and working online for over a decade. Over a decade ago I launched this blog with no real plan. I was a twenty-something buried in student … Read more