Uncategorized Archives - Bluegrass Career Services

07Aug

Starting Out Strong: Practical Strategies for Young Adults to Secure Their Finances and Well-being


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Venturing into the world as a young adult is an exciting yet challenging journey. With newfound independence comes the responsibility of protecting both your personal well-being and financial stability. From avoiding common pitfalls to adopting smart money habits, ensuring your safety and safeguarding your wallet are crucial steps. This guide offers practical advice and actionable tips to help you navigate this transition smoothly, empowering you to make informed decisions and secure a bright future.

Beware of High-Interest Credit Cards
One of the first things you might consider is applying for a credit card. However, it’s important to avoid high-interest credit cards, as these can quickly accumulate debt that becomes difficult to pay off. Instead, look for cards with low interest rates and favorable terms. Using credit cards responsibly can help you build a good credit history, but always make sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and maintain financial stability.

Create an Emergency Fund
Life is unpredictable, and having an emergency fund can provide a crucial financial cushion during tough times. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses. This fund will help you handle unexpected events such as job loss, medical emergencies, or car repairs without resorting to high-interest loans or credit cards. Start by setting aside a small amount each month and gradually increase your savings to build a robust emergency fund.

Monitor Your Credit
Protecting yourself from identity theft is crucial in today’s digital age. Using a credit monitoring service can help you keep track of your credit report and alert you to any suspicious activities. These services monitor your credit activity and notify you of any changes or potential fraud, allowing for prompt action. Early detection of identity theft can prevent significant damage to your financial health and credit score, ensuring your financial stability and security.

Protect Your Personal Information
Guarding your personal information is more important than ever. Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, online unless absolutely necessary. Be cautious about the details you share on social media, and always verify the legitimacy of websites before entering personal data. Additionally, regularly updating your privacy settings can help safeguard your information. These practices can help prevent identity theft and keep your personal information secure and private.

Boost Your Earning Power with Education
Enhancing your qualifications by pursuing further education can significantly boost your long-term earning potential. This is especially true in fields where advanced degrees open doors to leadership roles and specialized positions. For instance, a nurse can expand their career options and increase their income by obtaining a healthcare administration master’s degree, which deepens both their medical knowledge and managerial skills. The flexibility of online programs also allows individuals to balance full-time work with their academic pursuits, making it a convenient way to continue professional development.

Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
Creating strong passwords and using two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters for your passwords, and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Additionally, regularly updating your passwords can further protect your accounts. Two-factor authentication requires an additional step to verify your identity, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.

Stay Safe on Public WiFi
Public WiFi networks are convenient but can be risky. Hackers often target these networks to steal personal information. When using public WiFi, avoid accessing sensitive information such as online banking or shopping sites, as these are particularly vulnerable. If you must use public WiFi, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data and protect your privacy. Regularly updating your device’s security settings can also help safeguard your information from potential threats.

Embarking on adulthood involves many important financial decisions.
Adopting smart financial habits and making informed choices can significantly
impact your future stability and success. Taking these steps now will help you
avoid common pitfalls and provide the resources needed to achieve your
goals. Building a solid financial foundation ensures you have the stability and
flexibility to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities with confidence.

25Aug

A Guide To Help You Prepare for Career Relocation in Phases

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Moving can be a stressful time for anyone. However, moving to a new city and starting over come with unique stressors. The key to finding the right job and the right place to live starts with creating a well-organized plan. These five phases from Employment Solutions will help you better prepare for this major life transition.

Phase 1: Find the Right Job
The first step in relocating is securing a job where you intend to move. Take your time with this phase and start as far in advance as possible. Before seeking a position, make sure you create a resume that will stand out to employers. You can start by using a free online resume builder and choose a professional design. Then you incorporate your own copy and imagery. Remember to keep it simple and direct, and talk to an employment solutions company that can help place you in a position that best suits your skills.

Phase 2: Find Your New Neighborhood
Once you have a job in place, you’ll need a place to live. The two primary considerations are affordability and location. Start by researching average home prices in different areas to figure out what neighborhood best suits your budget. Do you plan to buy or rent? For example, research shows that the average cost of rent in Lexington, KY, ranges from as low as $450 a month to as high as $2,400 a month. When scouting a place to live, consider the proximity to your new job, the availability of shopping and entertainment, and nearby public transportation options if you do not own a bike or vehicle.

Phase 3: Start Packing
The packing phase is the most tedious. If you can, try to start packing at least two or three months in advance, depending on the size of your home. Starting early allows you to stay organized by slowly packing each room. Label boxes by room and make piles for items you intend to sell, throw away, or donate. If you have items you cannot take with you but want to keep, look into renting a storage unit. Be sure to compare prices because many offer the first month free.

Phase 4: Hire Professionals To Help
Relieve yourself of the cumbersome parts of relocating by hiring professionals to help you. Start with a local realtor, especially if you plan to buy. A good real estate agent can take your list of wants and needs and find a home that meets your qualifications within your budget. When the time comes to move, consider paying a moving company to move everything for you. Instead of dealing with the laborious part of loading, transporting, and unloading, you can focus on more important things, like adjusting to your new city and preparing for your first day at your new job.

Phase 5: Take Some Time for Self-Care
The final phase is something you should actually consider throughout the entire process. Self-care is important during any major milestone in life. When you feel overwhelmed, take the time to relax. Try some breathing techniques or go for a walk outside. Self-care is a personal experience. Therefore, do whatever helps you recharge.

Careful preparation is the key to a smooth transition when you decide to make a career relocation. Focus on using a stellar resume to land the perfect job, find an affordable place to live, pack early, work with professionals and focus on self-care. As you navigate these phases, remember to stay flexible. Things can go wrong, but if you keep a cool head, you’ll get through it. Just step right back into the plan and move forward.

15Jul

Career Prospects for Young People With Disabilities

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Career Prospects for Young People With Disabilities

If you want to know what options a person with a disability has for finding employment or beginning their own business, the answer may well be, exactly the same choices that a person without disabilities might have. After all, being able to design your workspace to accommodate your disability is one of the biggest advantages of starting your own business. And having a degree in a field that allows work from home, in an environment already built for accommodation, means the opportunities are nearly limitless.

Degrees Offering the Most Lucrative Careers

Indeed lists the top ten highest-paying careers that college students may wish to pursue. Of those ten, the top three are, Information Technology, Engineering, and at number one, Computer Science, with salaries starting at $70,000 per year. With a background in math, those students go on to learn to modify and apply several programming languages, build websites, code, and sort data. Computer science majors also learn about logic, architecture and systems, data structures, AI, and computer theory. The possibilities and opportunities are boundless. Engineering can be a broad science encompassing electrical, mechanical, chemical, and industrial. The fastest-growing areas in engineering right now are computers and natural energy. Most Information Technology majors specialize in subsets like web design, communication, cyber security, data management, and software development. These are all highly lucrative careers now and in the foreseeable future. All of these careers can be perfectly suited to working from home or any workplace with good accessibility for those with disabilities. When looking for a degree program, consider earning an online degree. By earning an information technology degree online, you’ll be able to work at your own pace, and online degrees are typically more affordable than in-person learning.

The Job Search

Step one in landing that perfect entry-level job is to have a compelling and professional resume. Be sure to include your latest accomplishments, experience, and any skills that can differentiate you from other candidates. This is true also if you’re seeking an internship. Paid and unpaid interns can find the kind of experience and connections that can put them ahead of other candidates when pursuing the most competitive job openings. LinkedIn is the largest professional network on the internet. It’s a great way to search for jobs and internships, network with other professionals, and learn career skills. When creating your LinkedIn profile, include a professional photo, and make sure your profile is complete. Keep your posts positive and specific and respond to inquiries right away. The only time you need to discuss your disability is if it will impact how you will do or work safely in the job for which you are applying. Since many disabilities are “silent,” it’s still a good idea to discuss yours with your employer at some point in order for them to provide the kind of support you need.

Computer Science and IT as Small Businesses

The opportunities to create your own business with your degree in IT, Computer Science, or Engineering are plentiful. If someone is skilled in programming and coding, then software development is a way to earn top dollars. Although there are several DIY website makers, many businesses, especially the larger ones, hire professional web developers to create for them. It can be quite lucrative, especially if you’re contracted to maintain and update the site regularly. Becoming an IT consultant is another way to use your degree to create your own business. From project management to security consulting, many companies large and small are contracting with outside consultants to manage those systems for them. One way to stay on top of all the latest technologies is to attend IT/Tech conferences where you’ll not only learn the latest advances in the industry, but you’ll grow your network as well. Anyone, regardless of abilities, can have a great career as long as their education is sound and their commitment to excellence is present. Current and ongoing technologies are opening new doors every day, it only takes passing through them to succeed.

Gloria Martinez, Author, Womenled.org

Employment Solutions provides enriching programs to help individuals become successfully employed. Learn more about our career services!

18May

How to open a bank account if recently moved to the US

How to Open a Bank Account
If You Recently Moved to the US

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How to Open a Bank Account If You Recently Moved to the US

A bank account will help you establish a solid foundation for your financial growth. If you’re a U.S. citizen, opening a bank account is an easy process. However, an immigrant will require following different conditions to get approved for a bank account.

You will need to provide different identification to open a bank account. Under the Patriot Act, credit unions, banks, and other financial institutions must confirm the identity of a person who wants to open a bank account. This requirement was imposed by federal lawmakers in 2001 to deal with the funding of terrorist activities.

While applying for a checking account at a credit union or bank in the U.S., the institution will verify your date of birth, name, ID number, and address. For non-U.S. citizens, the requirements may not be identical to those of citizens. Keep in mind that while some institutions will allow a non-U.S. citizen to open a bank account, not all institutions will extend this ability to you.

Requirements for Opening a Bank Account

Before you can open a bank account, you must meet a few conditions. If you’re an immigrant and want to get started building yourself financially, ensure you meet these requirements:

Contact information like address, phone number, and name
Some forms of government-issued ID, like a passport or a valid driver’s license.
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security number. For a non-resident without a Social Security number, you will need an ITIN.
A utility bill with your current address
A cash deposit (typically from $25 – $100)

These requirements are not constant throughout the U.S., as they vary from state to state. In any situation, you must be at least 18 years old to get a bank account. If you’re an immigrant with a legal right to be in the U.S., you need a few key requirements, including a U.S. address and ITIN.

In most cases, you cannot open an account online unless you’re a U.S. citizen. Instead, you must visit a branch for the bank to open the account.

When you get your bank account, the next step is establishing yourself financially. This means getting a job or starting a business. Despite being an immigrant, you can make money and build a portfolio. One of the options is embracing freelancing.

Before you begin your freelancing career, you should designate a workspace, determine the tools and software needed, and research the best way to find work. There are many job boards you can join to search for your next gigs. You can also use services like Employment Solutions to help you with job training and interview skills.

Alternatives for Identification

Credit unions and banks typically accept different forms of ID if you’re a non-US resident. For example, people who don’t have a Social Security Number can obtain ITINs, which they can use to open a bank account. The IRS offers the nine-digit ITINs, which are only available to some non-resident and resident aliens.

How to Apply for ITIN

To get an ITIN, you should follow a few steps:

Fill out the W-7 application form, which you should submit to the IRS with completed tax returns.
Submit documents to verify your identity and status as an immigrant. For this verification process, the IRS accepts 13 documents.

If you’re an immigrant and can’t qualify for a bank account in the U.S., you can try a bank in your home country. Some foreign banks have a relationship with banks in the U.S., so if your bank is one of these, it’s one of the options you can use while in the U.S.

Conclusion

Opening a bank account gives you the opportunity to establish yourself financially. You can manage your savings and also get approved for a loan. Financial institutions may use software with a loan API to verify details about you. These can provide details on various liabilities. As an immigrant, check if you have the right documentation to apply for a bank account. Follow these steps to get started.

This article is brought to you by Employment Solutions, home to a variety of programs providing education, hands on experience, opportunities for enrichment, health and fitness, arts, community inclusion and therapeutic services. Employment Solutions believes that all work is honorable and that work builds self-respect. In addition, Employment Solutions helps people who are disabled or otherwise disadvantaged live as independently as possible while also engaging in satisfying personal pursuits. For more information, please visit our website or contact us today!

14Mar

Running for Office as a
Person With a Disability

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Running for Office as a Person With a Disability: Tips for a Successful Campaign Launch

If you’re running for a political office, you’re likely already poised to create great change within your community. But, the desire to make the world a better place isn’t the only thing that you need. Keep reading for tips that can help you make your campaign a success as a new politician and a person with a disability.

Today, Employment Solutions shares a few simple steps you can take as you enter into the world of politics.

Define your platform.

First things first, you need to establish your platform. This is just a political term that describes your goals, aspirations, and position on matters pertinent to the role that you want to play in your local government. For example, you might run as a local community leader to help bring equality on the playground to children with disabilities.

Make sure you’re qualified.

Next, make sure that you are legally and pragmatically qualified for the position that you’re running for. This might include knowing that you live in the proper zone or having the right education to tackle issues upon which you built your platform. If you think you need a stronger set of credentials, plan to go back to school to earn your doctorate or other higher degree. This can set you apart from others while giving you the knowledge you need to fulfill your future duties. Tip: Take classes online so that you don’t have to step away from your life and the community to learn what you need to know.

Gather the troops.

Even if you’re just running for a local alderman seat, you need volunteers and supporters. Start with your family and friends, but don’t be afraid to reach out via social media or to other political groups in your area that align with your platform.

Prepare yourself emotionally.

Being thrust into the public eye after leading a private life is difficult, and it can cause significant stress. The pressures are great, and even some of the most famous celebrities have succumbed to the pressure and stepped away from the limelight. Remember, everything you do from the day you start your campaign becomes the public’s business.

Practice public speaking.

Speaking of the public, you also have to get really comfortable talking in front of a crowd. No matter how self-confident you are, it’s not uncommon to freeze up once you get the mic in your hand. CNBC offers a few suggestions on how to refine your public speaking ability, including greeting your listeners and simply sharing how you feel.

Keep extensive records.

No matter where you live, if you’re running for a political office, you will be required to maintain extensive records and file reports. In most states, you are legally obligated to report all expenditures, contributions, and loans taken out in the name of your office. Depending on where you live and what office you’re running for, you may have to keep more extensive records, and it might be in your best interest to hire a campaign manager or an accountant from the very beginning.

Running for a political office, even a small community seat, is challenging and rewarding all the same time. As a person with a disability, you can put yourself in the unique position to advocate for change for people of all abilities. While this is not meant to be a comprehensive checklist of things you can do for success, each tip above can help you get started on the right foot.

Employment Solutions is committed to providing opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged people so they can live self-sufficient and full lives. Visit our site to learn how we can help!

25Jan

Tips for Launching a Small
Business For People With Disabilities

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Tips for Launching a Small Business For People With Disabilities

Getting a job can be difficult if you’re disabled. Inadequate accessibility features, inflexible work arrangements, the disability pay gap, and lack of confidence from employers are just a few of the challenges people with disabilities face in the traditional workplace. Starting a business is a great way to leave that all behind and pave your own path!

Thanks to technology and the internet, business ownership has never been more attainable. The ability to build a business plan, register your business online, obtain your employer identification number (EIN), and set up a website has never been more accessible than it is today.

People with disabilities have the power to launch a lucrative business from the comfort of home, minimizing obstacles and capitalizing on their most valuable skills.

Here’s how to get started!

Go Back to School

While you don’t need any form of education to start a business, going back to school and earning a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or an Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree will ensure you have all the skills you need. You’ll learn key skills including human capital management, marketing, accounting, and strategic planning. Whether you decide to go to a traditional university or consider going to school online, explore how each school or online program will be able to accommodate you. Many people have found remote learning to be perfect for their disability.

Others find traditional learning more enriching. An online program can offer the flexibility to learn on your own time and with the tools that make your life easier, but other students with disabilities respond better to a campus where proper accommodations are made, and they can interact with teachers and other students.

Whatever path you take (if you decide upon this route), don’t forget to explore scholarships to help lessen the sting of tuition.

Consider Home-Based Business Ideas

Like learning from home, launching a business from home offers greater flexibility to people with disabilities. There is no shortage of great home-based business ideas! You could try dropshipping, produce your own products to sell, or work with established companies to sell their products for a commission. Or you could start a freelancing business offering your skills to clients on a project-by-project basis. If you want to take it a step further, you can launch a service-based industry and hire people to work for you remotely. Getting disability insurance to protect you and any employees you end up hiring is a good idea, too.

Try to pick a business idea that you believe in. Using your personal experiences as a jumping-off point is a great way to develop impactful business ideas. Think about the things you struggle with, whether related to your disability or not, and try to come up with a solution that would help others in your position.

If you’re operating on a tight budget, look for free tools that can help. For example, instead of hiring a web designer, you can use a free website builder to create a functional and engaging site. You can also employ a logo design maker to create a memorable logo that enhances your brand. Choose from thousands of logo templates which you can then resize and customize using your own copy, font, and color scheme.

Conduct Market Research

Before moving forward with your business idea, take the time to do some market research. People aren’t going to fall in love with your business just because you think what you’re offering has value. Make sure your target audience can also see the value in your product or service. To get started with market research, Bplans recommends identifying your ideal customers and talking to them.

Social media is a fantastic resource for finding people to talk to about your idea. Use social listening tools to narrow in on a specific audience segment and find people who are talking about the problem you’re trying to solve. You can then message these people to find out what they think about your solution!

Take Advantage of Funding Programs

Affordability is another benefit of starting a home-based business. While you won’t have to cover the overhead costs of a physical store, you might need some funding to invest in a new product, purchase supplies, or hire employees.

Thankfully, as business.com notes, small business owners with disabilities can access special funding programs through government groups and private organizations. Get in touch with your local Small Business Development Center to learn about available grants and loan programs, or explore the Benefits Finder at Benefits.gov, the portal of the U.S. government that connects people and businesses to programs and resources at the federal and state level that might help them.

Make Time for Self-Care

It’s easy to neglect self-care when you’re lost in the excitement of launching a new business. But taking care of yourself is essential for your long-term success. Prolonged stress will lead to burnout. As you work to get your business off the ground, schedule time for relaxation, hobbies, and socialization. Do things that get you away from the computer and thinking about something other than your business, at least for a few minutes!

If you want to be an entrepreneur, don’t let anything stop you. Running a home-based business is a great way to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. There are so many tools, resources, and people out there to help you get to where you want to be!

Bluegrass Career Services helps those with disabilities find meaningful employment and live independently. To learn more, drop us a line at 859-272-4855!

10Nov

How Women Can Get Ahead
At Work And Shake Things Up

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How Women Can Get Ahead At Work And Shake Things Up

Women often have a hard time getting ahead at work, either because they don’t feel they are being challenged enough or because discrimination is preventing them from advancing. If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, it’s possible to shake things up a little and find a way to push through those feelings to discover the career you want and deserve.

Don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from branching out and trying new things; you never know what you’re capable of until you push yourself! Here are some of the best tips on how to do just that, presented by Employment Solutions.

Consider Starting Your Own Business

If you’re truly feeling stuck at your current job and can’t see yourself getting ahead, maybe it’s time you consider striking out on your own and starting your own business. It’s scary at first, but being able to do what you really want to do — and make money from it — is completely liberating and empowering. If you’re creative, you can use your skills to open up a Shopify store and sell handmade items, or put your people skills to good use and try your hand at real estate.

The first step is to identify your idea and how it helps your target audience. You’ll need a name that is catchy and not convoluted, and you’ll need a budget that balances practicality and promise. And last but not least, you should consider forming an LLC.

An LLC, or limited liability company, is designed to protect your personal assets. It also has other advantages, like tax perks and being easy to establish. You can DIY your LLC by using an online service such Zenbusiness.com that provides fast LLC formation, and then you’ll be ready to start courting clients.

It’s important to remember that if you decide to hire employees to help with your job, you’ll need to set up payroll. What is payroll? Well, in short, it’s the way that you issue payment to your workers, whether they’re employees or freelancers. It also involves filing/paying your payroll taxes and making sure the proper deductions are taken out of your employees’ paychecks. Thankfully, there are services and software available that can help you keep your payroll on track.

Start a Blog

You might think it’s impossible to start a blog and get it noticed these days, when it seems like everyone already has a blog of their own, but if you’re passionate and knowledgeable about a subject, it’s the perfect medium to connect to like-minded individuals and do some networking. Start simple and work your way up, adding advertising on your page to monetize it, and promote your writing on social media to gain more followers.

Go Back to School

If you’ve always wanted to learn a new language or are ready to take your skills to the next level, consider going back to school. There’s no time like the present to expand your horizons and learn something new, and if you decide you like it, you’ll have something new to put on your résumé or LinkedIn profile.

Challenge Yourself

Don’t be afraid to talk to your boss about taking on extra tasks or why you were passed over for a promotion; confronting your superiors and letting them know you have the skills and fortitude to work hard is actually a good thing, as it shows them that you’re made of stern stuff. Don’t hesitate to come in early, stay late, and volunteer for more responsibilities.

Be Direct

Be open and direct in your communications at work. Show your boss and coworkers that you are professional and know how to get things done and you’ll be more apt to get noticed when promotion time rolls around. It might be helpful to take a class on communications and brush up on your listening skills, as well as learn how to give and receive criticism.

To get ahead, sometimes women have to take the road less traveled. However, this drive and determination can help advance your career in ways you never thought possible. So, keep pushing forward, and don’t let anyone stand in your way.

For over 30 years Employment Solutions, a non-profit organization, has provided opportunities to help people to become self-sufficient and live meaningful lives in the community.