Supporting The Community: How Companies Created Jobs And Opportunities During COVID-19

Posted on by Hassan Modjiri

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies supported their communities by creating jobs and opportunities. These efforts were crucial in helping people stay employed and providing new opportunities for those facing job losses. GS Labs discusses how companies supported their communities during this challenging time.

Job Creation Initiatives

Many companies, including healthcare and retail sectors, responded to economic challenges during the pandemic by creating jobs. Healthcare providers hired additional staff to meet increased medical service demands, while grocery stores and delivery services recruited more workers to ensure essential goods were available. These initiatives provided crucial job opportunities and maintained vital services for communities. By generating jobs during a period of widespread unemployment, these companies supported individuals and families financially, contributing to economic stability. Furthermore, these efforts stimulated local spending, supporting businesses affected by the pandemic and aiding communities in recovery and resilience.

Remote Work Opportunities

The shift to remote work during the pandemic provided companies new ways to support their communities. By offering remote job opportunities, companies ensured employee safety and expanded job access to those unable to commute. Remote work also enabled companies to diversify their workforce and promote inclusivity. Additionally, remote work reduced strain on public transport and lowered carbon emissions, aligning with sustainability goals. This shift spurred digital transformation, with companies investing in remote work technology. These changes sustained operations during the pandemic and prepared companies for future success in a digital age, fostering a flexible and resilient workforce. Remote work also allowed companies to offer job opportunities to individuals in remote or underserved areas, promoting economic growth and job creation in those communities.

Support For Small Businesses

During the pandemic, many companies acknowledged the crucial role of small businesses in their communities and provided support. This assistance included financial aid, free resources, training, and promotion through company platforms. Financial aid, such as grants or loans, helped small businesses stay operational, retain employees, and continue serving their communities. Free resources and training enabled small businesses to adapt and thrive in a changing business landscape. Additionally, by promoting small businesses, companies supported local economies, fostered community solidarity, and demonstrated their commitment to community well-being.

Skill Development Programs

During the pandemic, some companies seized the opportunity to invest in employee skill development programs. These programs enhanced employees’ skills and prepared them for evolving workforce demands. By investing in skill development, companies supported employees’ career growth and ensured their long-term success. Additionally, these programs helped employees adapt to remote work and new technologies, enhancing their resilience. Furthermore, skill development programs enabled companies to build a more agile workforce capable of responding to market changes. This investment benefited employees and boosted the company’s competitiveness and success. By prioritizing skill development, companies showed their commitment to employee well-being and community prosperity, setting the stage for a resilient future.

Community Partnerships

During the pandemic, companies collaborated with local organizations and governments to support community initiatives, such as funding food banks and supplying healthcare facilities. These partnerships addressed critical community needs and supported vulnerable populations, fostering a sense of solidarity. Moreover, partnerships allow companies to have a more significant impact by leveraging their resources and expertise to amplify community initiatives. These collaborations also strengthened relationships with communities, building trust and goodwill. Overall, these partnerships highlighted the importance of collaboration in creating positive change and supporting communities in times of crisis.

Conclusion

Companies played a vital role in supporting their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. By creating jobs, offering remote work opportunities, supporting small businesses, offering skill development programs, and forming community partnerships, companies helped create a sense of stability and hope during uncertain times. Their efforts provided immediate relief and laid the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive post-pandemic recovery.

Enhancing Professional Development: ABA Strategies For Effective Business Coaching

Posted on by Hassan Modjiri

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a scientific approach to understanding behavior, offers a systematic and evidence-based framework that can be effectively applied to business coaching practices. This can lead to improved performance and growth for individuals and organizations. Alyssa Ciarrocchi shares ABA Strategies for successful business coaching.

Understanding ABA In Business Coaching

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific discipline focusing on understanding and improving human behavior. It is based on the principle that behavior is influenced by environmental factors and can be changed by modifying these factors. In business coaching, ABA principles are used to identify and address behavior patterns that may hinder professional development.

Key ABA Strategies For Business Coaching

Setting Clear And Achievable Goals

In business coaching, setting clear and achievable goals is crucial for guiding behavior change and measuring progress. Coaches should work closely with clients to define SMART goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, a goal could be to increase sales by 20% within the next six months. By setting such goals, clients have a clear direction and can focus on achieving tangible outcomes.

Behavioral Assessments

Behavioral assessments in business coaching involve using various tools and techniques to analyze behavior patterns. These assessments can include self-assessment questionnaires, 360-degree feedback surveys, and observation of behavior in real-life situations. By conducting thorough assessments, coaches can better understand their clients’ strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, allowing them to tailor their coaching approach accordingly.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a key principle of ABA that involves rewarding desirable behaviors to increase the likelihood of them recurring in the future. In business coaching, positive reinforcement can take many forms, such as verbal praise, recognition, bonuses, or promotions. By using positive reinforcement effectively, coaches can motivate their clients to continue progressing towards their goals.

Behavioral Skills Training

Behavioral skills training is a structured approach to teaching new skills, often used in ABA to help individuals learn and master complex behaviors. In business coaching, coaches can break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and provide coaching, feedback, and practice opportunities to help clients develop and refine their skills. This approach can be particularly effective for teaching leadership and communication skills and other critical competencies needed for professional development.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Data-driven decision-making involves using objective data to evaluate progress and make informed decisions. In business coaching, coaches can track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales numbers, customer satisfaction scores, or productivity metrics to assess the impact of coaching interventions. By analyzing this data, coaches can identify trends, track progress, and adjust their coaching strategies to ensure they are effective in helping clients achieve their goals.

Benefits Of ABA Strategies In Business Coaching

Improved Performance

ABA strategies in business coaching can improve performance at both the individual and organizational levels. By targeting specific behaviors that impact performance, such as time management, communication skills, and leadership abilities, coaches can help clients enhance their effectiveness and achieve their professional goals. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, higher job satisfaction, and greater overall success for the organization.

Enhanced Motivation

One key principle of ABA is using positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors. In business coaching, this can translate to increased client motivation and engagement. By providing praise, recognition, or other rewards for progress toward goals, coaches can help clients stay motivated and focused on achieving their objectives. This can result in a more positive work environment, higher levels of job satisfaction, and improved morale among employees.

Personalized Approach

ABA strategies in business coaching allow for a personalized approach tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. Coaches can use behavioral assessments to identify specific areas for improvement and develop targeted coaching interventions to address these areas. This personalized approach ensures that coaching is relevant and effective, leading to better outcomes for clients and organizations.

Conclusion

Applying Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies in business coaching offers a systematic and evidence-based approach to enhancing professional development. By incorporating key ABA principles such as goal setting, behavioral assessments, positive reinforcement, behavioral skills training, and data-driven decision-making, coaches can help their clients achieve their full potential and drive success in their careers and organizations.

5 Ways To Get Investors For Your Real Estate Project

Posted on by Hassan Modjiri
David Ebrahimzadeh

The real estate expert, David Ebrahimzadeh has recently been looking to raise awareness among potential real estate investors about working with others to secure your investment. In the modern world, it is possible to purchase a fraction of stock to allow you to become an investor in the stock market, but you will often struggle to find a way of buying real estate without a large amount of money. There are several ways for you to expand your network and become a partner with others to achieve your dreams of real estate investment.

1. Use Social Media

The rise of social media in the last few years has been swift and taken the world of finance in many different directions. When you are looking for an investor to help you with your real estate dreams you should take a look at the chances of working with a group from one of the major social media sites. In general, we think of social media sites as not being professional, but sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook are providing groups for investors like yourself. LinkedIn may not have the sheer number of professionals spending their time on the platform, but this social media site is a powerful option for those looking for professional partners. Real estate investors play a vital role in social media because the market is moving in this direction and focusing on making new connections, according to Forbes.

2. Online Investment Platforms

In the 21st-century, we no longer need to spend our time with another person to win their trust. The online investment sector is growing all the time with investment platforms bringing together many investors from around the world. Nerdwallet explains the use of an online investment platform can be more difficult to navigate than most online investing options. You may have to have a large amount of money behind you if you wish to make your way onto many of the sites used to link investors to complete real estate deals. The SEC has strict rules for many online investment platforms that include a portfolio of investments totaling more than $1 million and an income of over $200,000 per year.

3. Real Estate Limited Partnerships

This is a more difficult way of completing your real estate investing goals, according to David Ebrahimzadeh. A real estate limited partnership brings together investors who share the risk of investing in a property. This can be a group brought together for a single group or to oversee the development of a series of buildings and properties. If you are looking for this option you will usually sign a contract for a specified number of years for which the partnership will work together. Investopedia explains the use of a Real Estate Limited Partnership will also require the payment of some form of a dividend throughout the life of the partnership.

4. Find Local Investors

If you wish to keep your real estate investment options in the local area with investors from your local area you must begin the process of networking long before the project is coming to a close. There are many ways to meet a local investor from spending time in their company with the local Chamber of Commerce an excellent place to start networking. Along with using the local business organizations as a networking opportunity, you can move into more personal space. For example, joining a country club or local gym in an affluent area will bring you into contact with people who may be willing to invest in a real estate deal.

5. Use the Warm Market

The so-called warm market is a difficult one to navigate for many real estate investors because it involves their family and friends. Many of you will look for different ways of completing your real estate investment deal without the use of funding from your family and friends but this is often an untapped market. Most people have a large number of family and friends who can be called upon to invest in a deal for a variety of reasons. This is usually known as the warm market for an investor to tap into.

The internet and social media have proven a gamechanger for many would-be real estate investors who are looking to have a positive impact on their own life and the lives of their fellow investors. By making it easier to meet and network with potential investors you will find yourself with plenty of opportunities to complete your deal positively.

Reasons to Hire a Residential Structural Engineer

Posted on by Hassan Modjiri

A Structural engineer is a specialized member of the engineering community who must have completed a large number of academic studies and completed a series of licenses. Structural engineering is a part of the construction industry that requires a professional engineers license which means the holder is an expert in their field such as Pedram Zohrevand, according to the SEAOC. There are many reasons why a structural engineer is one of the leading members of the construction industry and can make a number of improvements to any project.

1. An Important License

There are many reasons why you should consider hiring a structural engineer, but one of the main ones is the fact they have achieved one of the most difficult licenses in the sector. Chron reports a structural engineer must obtain both state and national licences to be classed as fully-qualified. After obtaining the correct level of experience and academic achievement, a structural engineer must sit through a two-day exam.

2. Get an Honest Report

When you are facing foundation issues in your home you will often find yourself inundated with offers of help from companies looking to offer their construction services. Construction Tips reports one of the main reasons structural engineers are in such high demand is their independent nature. The sole responsibility of a structural engineer is to provide an honest assessment of the foundations of a property when this is the main problem being faced.

3. A Major Alteration is Taking Place

Across the world, there are TV shows explaining how best to complete a home renovation with talk of removing walls and changing the entire layout of a home. Angie’s List explains the best option is to work with a structural engineer before deciding to tear down any walls or rearrange the layout of a building a structural report is vital.

4. Additions can be Achieved

There are many projects that need the assistance of a structural engineer, including the decision to add a room to any property. When adding a room a structural engineer can ensure the structure is fit for the purpose it is to be created for. If a new room is to be added for a person with a disability, the best option is to look to the work of a specialist such as Pedram Zohrevand. An expert such as Pedram Zohrevand will make sure the room has enough strength to work well for the owners of the property.

5. Add Another Story

Among the reasons why it is always a good idea to work with a structural engineer is if you believe you are running out of space to achieve your desired additions to your property. When a property cannot spread out anymore at ground level the best option is to move upwards. Making sure the building work is completed correctly is vital to making sure the building is up to the additional weight and structure that is to be added. A similar set of calculations will be made when a property owner is looking to convert an attic space to a living area similar work must be undertaken by a structural engineer for safety reasons.

6. Add a Deck

Another area that is often undervalued is the addition of a deck or other outdoor structure to any property. Although most of these structures can be added without worrying about building permits, it is always a good idea to get a structural engineer to conduct a report for your new structure. This report can ensure you know if you require a permit to build a deck or whether you can build your deck safely without any problems.

7. Creating a Custom Home

A custom home is often made from plans that are freely available across the internet or purchased through a specialist home building company. However, you may want to make your new home your own with different rooms or layouts that may affect the weight-bearing walls of your dream home. In cases like these, the chances are that you will need to employ a structural engineer to make sure your new home will be safe and secure for the future. Making sure your dream home is built to suit your needs and is as safe as possible to allow you to live in your new home for years to come

Bathroom Remodel Ideas That Potential Buyers Are Guaranteed to Love

Posted on by Hassan Modjiri

If you’re interested in remodeling your bathroom, then it’s a great idea to look at all the options available to you. You’ll want to make sure the bathroom’s design is comfortable, but you also likely want to make it add value to the home. There are many cost-effective ways to update a bathroom’s design, and a quality Baton Rouge remodeling company can help you build your dream bathroom at a budget price.

Improving the Bathroom’s Design

There are many creative ways to redesign a bathroom, and you’ll probably want to customize the room to meet your specific style desires. You might want to adjust the vanity, bathroom tiles or tub. Adding a walk-in tub may be a great idea. These tubs are very accessible. These are very easy to enter because the door is very wide. Some people like to save space by having them installed in a specific enclosure. Walk-in showers are also a great option. These can make the bathroom look like the one you would find in an upscale resort. Some of these showers are made purely out of glass panes. Others may have a tiny step you use to enter the shower. MaxHome in Baton Rouge can do a complete installation of these tubs in as little as 24 hours.

Creative Ideas for Smaller Bathrooms

If you have a small bathroom, then you may want to remodel it to add more space. This is a great idea if you don’t want to tear down an additional wall to make the room bigger. You may want to put a sink in the corner. Some homeowners avoid installing a shower door. You can use a single glass pane to save space in a very stylish manner. You may even want to mount the vanity high up on the wall. Replacing your bulkier bathtub with a smaller and more luxurious Kohler shower is another option.

Selecting a Specific Style

Some people like to remodel their bathrooms to make them look more inviting. This can certainly improve the value of a home. Others may prefer to give the bathroom a minimal look. This may improve the resale value because a lot of potential buyers look for very general styles when they purchase a property. Many homeowners like to add specific themes. You might want to update a bathroom with a Kohler shower or tub enclosure. You can add a new sink and wall fixtures to complete the look. You can add a matching tile and a new paint job to really make space look outstanding. The average bathroom renovation costs $19,000 so it’s important that you make choices you’re going to be happy with. If you’re looking for a bathroom remodel New Orleans, then you should check out MaxHome. This company specializes in these sorts of remodeling jobs, and the business is very reputable.

Tying the Room’s Look Together

You should always consider curtains, fixtures, and decorations. This is particularly important if you want the remodel job to impress guests. New windows or lighting can make the room brighter, and you may want to add a large mirror or plants to make the space more inviting. The choices are virtually endless, so think carefully about specific designs that interest you. A company that specializes in bathroom remodel New Orleans will advise you on the best options for your budget.

How to Prevent From Losing Your Employees to Your Competition or Clients

Posted on by Hassan Modjiri

A company is only as strong as the employees that it has employed. However, not all companies treat their employees equally. People who work for companies that are not treated properly will end up seeking employment somewhere else. Companies who are in denial about the reality of their retention rate are simply doomed to fail. You should know that your competitors are always looking to grab your top performers whenever they can. Fortunately, Robert Butchike has some tips that will help you retain your employees for the long run and prevent them from being headhunted by competitors.

Compensate Them Properly

One of the biggest reasons that employees end up leaving a company is due to the fact that they aren’t being compensated enough. You are hurting your company if you are underpaying your employees and forcing them to work more. An employee will always be looking for an opportunity to make more pay if they feel as if the work they are doing isn’t being compensated for properly. Always take time to research the market and adjust the amount you are paying accordingly. This will help retain employees at your business and help your company thrive.

Communicate More

Although people do want to be properly compensated, they also want to feel like the work that they are doing matters. Communication is one of the most important skills that any business leader can develop. A disconnect between an employee and management can cause them to lose interest or become demotivated with their work. This will cause them to start seeking employment elsewhere where their efforts will be validated. Always work on your communication skills whenever you get the chance to. This will help you build a stronger connection with your employees that will improve retention and the quality of work that they are producing.

Understanding Their Needs

Different Employees have different needs. Kids, getting sick, taking vacations, and other obligations are bound to pop up at some point or another. Being harsh on an employee for having to miss work is an incredibly detrimental thing to do. You will push them away and cause them to become distanced from the workplace if you do this. Understanding that your employees are human and have needs is one of the best ways to cultivate a positive culture at work. Let them know that you understand their needs and that you are willing to work with them whenever they need to take time off work.

Retaining Employees is Easier Than You Think

Robert Butchike knows that compassion has such a powerful impact in the world of business. Your employees are everything to your company and retaining them is a top priority for business owners. Fortunately, this guide will give you some tips that can help you retain your employees and understand the importance of their work. Good employees should not be viewed as expendable. This mindset is incredibly hurtful and can cause a company to collapse on itself. Always treat your employees with respect, and you will see how much of a difference this mindset makes in the workplace

5 Things That Affect The Lifespan of Your Roof

Posted on by Hassan Modjiri

Our roofs are constantly shielding us from elements that are outside. We are constantly faced with external threats that can damage our roof. However, there are also other factors that can affect your roofing’s integrity elsewhere. Understanding these risk factors will help you mitigate the costs that it will take in order to continuously repair your roof. Fortunately, your roofing company Tampa has some information about the risk factors that can end up hurting your roof. Let’s take a closer look at five of the most important risk factors that can affect your roof.

The Material That Your Roof is Made of

One of the most important aspects when it comes to the integrity of your roof is the material that it is made out of. While most roofing materials are meant to last for thirty years, you want to make sure that you get the best of the best. It is known that metal roofs can last the longest out of any other material. Metal roofs are the most durable and can end up lasting over fifty years if you maintain them just right. However, asphalt and tile roofs are also strong contenders in terms of durability.

Debris

Storms have a tendency to leave nothing but destruction in their wake. Property damage is one of the biggest risks that you face if there are trees and other debris around your roof. Fallen tree branches have been known to damage roofs and rack up your repair bills. You should always take a proactive approach whenever it comes to removing loose tree branches. These branches may end up falling during the storm and damage your roof. Be sure to look out for other potential hazards that can get swept up in a gust and remove them as well.

Installing Your Roof Right

It is hard to believe that some roofing companies do not install roofs properly. Improper installation can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run. This is why you want to make sure that you work with the best company around to help you get your roof properly installed. Your roofing company Tampa provides high-quality roofing installations at your convenience. They make sure to install correctly the first time to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Lack of Maintenance

Maintaining your roof is crucial. You will need to apply regular maintenance regardless if there is no visible damage. Regularly maintaining your roof will ensure that the foundation is strong and there there are no underlying problems. However, many Americans forget to schedule their roof maintenance service until it is too late. Make sure you schedule your roofing service regularly on a yearly basis to ensure that everything is working properly.

Age is a Risk Factor

Though metal roofing can last for over fifty years, you want to be conscious of the current age of your roof. This will help you determine the right time to replace whenever it is getting too old. Fortunately, roofing experts can help you determine an estimate of the roof’s lifespan for you and provide professional advice when you need to replace it.

Taking Care of Your Roof

Your roof takes a beating year-round to make sure that you are protecting against the elements. Unfortunately, we hardly think of the risk factors that can affect our roof and cause us to dish out money for costly repairs. Fortunately, this guide is designed to help you understand what to look out for when it comes to your roofing and its lifecycle

Craig Nassi on the Risks and Rewards of Buying and Selling Real Estate

Posted on by Hassan Modjiri

Buying and selling real estate is an attractive process for millions of Americans looking for extra income. They are often attracted to the field by success stories of men and women making thousands of dollars flipping properties. But for every success story, there are dozens or hundreds of individuals who lose a considerable amount of money on a bad investment. Any individual looking to make a real estate investment needs to know both potential risks and rewards before making such an important decision.


Reward: Steady income

Buying and selling real estate can lead to periods of steady income. These periods often result from the stretch in between purchases and sales. During that stretch of time, individuals can make a considerable amount of money through rental fees. These fees can bring in as much income for a considerably-sized apartment building or house as many individuals would make at a traditional job. In some cases, the work involved in bringing in rental income is minimal compared to a full-time job. Craig Nassi notes that landlords often only have to put in time and effort when there is a vacancy or a complaint from tenants.


Reward: Appreciation

One of the clearest rewards of real estate is appreciation. This reward is the primary reason why a large number of individuals engage in real estate investment. The goal of most real estate investments is to buy at a low price and sell at a higher price. The difference is the largest return that most individuals will receive from buying and selling a house or apartment building. This process is designed to bring value to a property that may have become an eyesore, increasing the value of all houses nearby. This also takes a distressed property off the hands of an individual who was not caring for it, and turns this same property into someone’s dream home.


Risk: Vacancy and lost time

Vacancy is the clearest issue associated with real estate investments. The money from rentals can be a considerable boon for investors. But there is also lost revenue from vacancies. Individuals have many incentives not to leave a property. They often have to sign a lease and put down a deposit. Still, individuals have no significant legal obligation to stay at a property if they do not want to. A person who has left will often leave a significant mess for their landlord to clean up. Every month with a vacancy is another month without rental income.

Lost time is an inevitable byproduct of vacancy. Individuals with vacancy issues have to spend a considerable amount of time listing properties and taking prospective tenants on tours. They have to clean up their property and make sure that any damage to the property is fixed in a timely manner. This process could take days or weeks and can be multiplied in a large building when there are multiple vacancies.


Risk: Total loss

There is always the possibility of a total loss when investing with real estate. Stocks and bonds are paper assets that are not tied to individual objects that can be lost, stolen, or destroyed. Real estate is a different matter entirely. Houses and other pieces of real property are vulnerable to storms, fires, and floods. There is the possibility of damage from crime or arson. Such events can be paid for with insurance in many instances but buying a property and then having insurance pay for a possible depreciated amount is not a sound investment strategy.


Conclusion

Craig Nassi believes that real estate is a rewarding area of investments that could lead to the gain of significant sums of money. But everyone who is working in the field could have a tenant leave or a natural disaster cause damage. Individuals must be careful and make sure that they are considering these pitfalls and using hedges and insurance policies to control for them. Being careful with risk is essential if anyone wants to properly invest in, collect rent from, and even flip real estate.

Jason McLaughlan Featured On Rookstool Interviews

Posted on by Hassan Modjiri
Jason-McLaughlan-Western-Fence

When Jason McLaughlan was asked about what kind of business ideas excite him, he responded with the following:

I am excited by new kinds of businesses. I believe that the sharing economy is making a huge impact on local business. Housing and rides have already been shared, and the market is ready for more great ideas to increase the sharing economy. I am also interested in businesses that offer great service to customers without compromising themselves.

Jason McLaughlan on Rookstool Interviews

You can read the full interview by visiting: https://www.rookstoolinterviews.com/jason-mclaughlan

August Funding Gives Tips for Building an Emergency Fund

Posted on by Hassan Modjiri

Building an emergency or rainy-day fund counts as one most important parts of your financial life. When you have an emergency fund, you’re less inclined to worry about what an emergency room trip or a car repair will cost you. You’ll be prepared for such an eventuality. If you have a large enough emergency fund, then you won’t even worry much about big financial stresses, like a job loss. 

Most people know that they need to create an emergency fund. However, many don’t know how to build one. In fact, one of the most common questions that a company like August Funding gets is, “How do I build my emergency fund, especially if I don’t have any extra money?” 

While the answer to this question isn’t always easy, it is simple, meaning that you may have to sacrifice a bit in order to create your emergency fund. However, if you implement the following five suggestions, you’ll be on your way to building an emergency fund that even the wettest rainy day will have a hard time washing away.


The Two Types of Emergency Funds



When reps at August Funding refer to an emergency fund, they actually can be speaking about two separate funds, a short-term fund and a long-term fund.

The short-term fund is a small amount of money – relatively speaking – that allows you to fix your broken furnace or car. That’s usually the fund that has one- to two-thousand dollars in it. This you want to keep in an account you have easy access to, like a savings account.

The long-term fund provides a cushion for a major financial disruption, like illness or job loss. In this fund, you keep three- to six-months’ worth of income stashed away. You might put this in a money market account or some other account that is a little harder (but not impossible) to liquidate on short notice. While you’re waiting for the funds to come through, you do have the option of using your short-term emergency fund. 

Any time either of these funds gets depleted, make sure that you fill them up again. 


1. Save Your Tax Return



Earmarking your next tax return for your emergency fund counts as one of the simplest steps you can take to get your rainy-day fund started. What makes this so ideal is that it can be quite a large sum of money that you’ll get all at once. It can be enough to build the foundation for a small emergency fund of $1,000 – $2,000 dollars without much effort, depending on your tax status, of course. 


2. Get a Side Gig



Financial expert Dave Ramsey suggests that those without an emergency fund look for a side hustle. This can be anything that brings in some extra cash, from dog walking to pizza delivery that will bring you a couple hundred extra dollars a month. 


3. Re-Examine Your Budget



The circumstances of your life may not yet allow for a second job. However, that doesn’t mean you’re powerless over your financial circumstances. Nerd Wallet points out that cutting expenses is also a viable option for those who want to put together an emergency fund. 

If you go this route, plan on taking a look at where you can cut costs out of your budget. Are you eating in restaurants too often? Avoiding coupon-cutting because it’s a hassle? Using your credit card without a second thought? 

Once you know where your money is going, you’ll be in a better position to start cutting away the financial fat. Any extra cash that comes from these efforts should be put into a special savings account reserved for this purpose. 


4. Have a Yard Sale



Most of us have items that take up room in our closets that we haven’t seen, used, or worn in years. Why not clear out the clutter and make some cash in the process? Go through your closets, your kids’ bedrooms, the garage, etc. and look for items that would be worth some cash to you and valuable to someone else. Sell those items and put the cash you make into your rainy-day stash.


5. Start a Change Jar



It’s amazing how your small change can add up. Just think of all of the times that your coffee bill was something like $4.71 instead of $5.00 or your grocery bill cost you $39.28 instead of $40.00. The extra change that you get from these transactions can go into your change jar if you have one. 

If you don’t, then you can look into a mobile app that allows you to save your change each time you pay something with your debit card.


Last Thoughts on Building Your Emergency Fund



Having a rainy-day fund can mean the difference between comfort and disaster when fate comes calling. However, saving for a rainy day requires consistency and discipline: The amount of money you save is almost secondary. It’s the habit of saving that makes the most difference. 

If you get into the habit of saving even when you have very little money, then it will be an ingrained habit when you finally have more money. Best of all, you’ll have the funds you need to see yourself through life’s storms because of your efforts.