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What is the best way to budget and get a job?

What are some good jobs to get when I get out of high school before college? How do I also budget for my college fund and phone and car bills? Any thoughts

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Caryn’s Answer

Great questions to guide you in transitioning from high school life! Let's kick off with simple budgeting, giving priority to all the expenses you need to handle. You can do this manually, but utilizing a spreadsheet tool like Microsoft Excel could be a significant advantage.

Consider all the financial responsibilities you have. While not all of the following may apply to you and your circumstances, they should offer a solid foundation from which to leap. For each category that applies to you, make a monthly estimate.
Transportation (bus and/or train tickets, car payments, car insurance, fuel, parking costs, estimated yearly car repairs),
Housing (rent, utilities, television, internet, gas, electricity, water, waste management),
Personal (clothing, personal care items like soaps and hair appointments),
Medical (doctor visits, medications, therapies),
Education (tuition, books, school fees),
Entertainment (online movie subscriptions, movie tickets, concerts).

After identifying all these, add them up. This gives you the minimum income you need to earn each month to meet your expenses. But don't forget about taxes; determine your income tax rate (federal, state, and sometimes city), add that percentage to 1, and multiply by the total expenses.

For instance, if your expenses are $1000/month combined, and your combined income tax rate is 20%, multiply $1000 by 1.2 to get a gross total of $1200/month required earnings. If you can work part-time, say 20 hours/week (80 hours/month), you'll need to earn $15/hour to cover your expenses. If this isn't possible, you'll need to delve into the challenging task of cutting down your expenses, such as reducing entertainment costs, finding a cheaper place to live, or getting a roommate. There are numerous ways to reduce expenses, though not all may be pleasant.

When it comes to job hunting, technology has opened up numerous avenues. Before graduating from high school, try to consult with a guidance counselor about job opportunities and resources they might have; many part-time jobs you secure in high school can continue even after you graduate and start college.

Some industries, particularly restaurants, still advertise job openings on-site. However, for many jobs, having a computer and internet access makes the process easier. If you don't have these, most libraries offer them for free. A librarian should be able to guide you on how to use the computer and access job sites like Indeed, where you can input the type of job you're seeking and your location to get a list of opportunities. Job centers also provide job listings and usually have computers you can use for free, as well as staff who can assist with resume writing; however, they tend to be busy, so you might not get personalized attention.

Best of luck to you during this thrilling period! Make an effort to engage with adults around you, particularly at school, before you depart.

Caryn recommends the following next steps:

Speak to a guidance counselor at school
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Alicia,

Planning Your Finances and Job Search After High School

To successfully manage your finances and land a job after high school, a well-thought-out plan is crucial. Here are some proactive steps you can take:

Set Your Goals: Begin by establishing clear financial targets. Figure out how much you need to put aside for college, phone bills, car costs, and other essentials.

Formulate a Budget: Create a comprehensive budget that lists your income and expenditures. Monitor your spending to ensure you don't exceed your budget limits.

Discover Job Prospects: Look into part-time or full-time jobs that match your abilities and passions. Some suitable entry-level positions for high school graduates include:

Retail worker
Customer support representative
Office assistant
Food industry employee
Tutor
Front desk attendant

Enhance Your Resume: Customize your resume to emphasize relevant skills and experiences. Think about volunteering or joining internships to acquire valuable work experience.

Connect with Others: Connect with family, friends, teachers, and community members for job suggestions and endorsements. Participate in job fairs and networking events to broaden your professional circle.

Apply Thoughtfully: Send out well-prepared job applications that highlight your skills and eagerness for the role. Follow up on applications to show your continued interest in the position.

Put Aside for College and Expenses: Dedicate a part of your income towards your college fund. Think about opening a separate savings account specifically for education costs.

Handle Phone and Car Expenses: To budget for phone and car expenses, estimate the monthly costs and include them in your budget. Explore ways to cut costs, like choosing a less expensive phone plan or sharing rides to save on fuel.

Pursue Financial Aid: Look into scholarship opportunities, grants, and student loans to support your college education. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to check your eligibility for financial help.

Regularly Check Your Budget: Frequently review and modify your budget as necessary based on changes in income or expenses.

By adhering to these steps, you can effectively manage your college fund, phone bills, car costs, and secure a job after high school.

Top 3 Credible Sources Used:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers extensive data on job prospects, wages, and educational prerequisites for various professions.

College Board: The College Board provides useful resources on financial aid options, scholarships, and advice for saving for college.

CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop offers information on career discovery, training programs, job search tools, and budgeting resources.

GOD BLESS YOU!
JC.
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Andrew’s Answer

Excellent question! I have found that researching "best part time job with tuition aid" to provide a list of National employers like Target and Chipotle. But also consider local or regional employers that offer similar benefits. How great would it be to work part-time and a business near your home or school that will pay for some of your tuition and/or books, while you earn money to pay for phone, car and dept. You should ask to see a manager at local businesses that are looking for good people like you and they can work with you with flexible hours. Many students don't take advantage of the programs at their current jobs. If you are working already, ask your manager if your company offers tuition assistance. Good luck!
Thank you comment icon Andrew's response is excellent - this is how my mother actually paid for school when she started. After she earned her Associates degree she was able to get a job at the college and all of the courses for her Bachelors degree were 100% covered! Caryn Conklin, MBA
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Jerome’s Answer

Look into your high schools alumni association. You may be able to join and find individuals who can connect you with entry level roles. That, or you can talk with teachers or your guidance counselor for help.

Regarding budgeting, I’d encourage you to write out your bills and what you need to make to get by. I’d offer you want some savings for sure, but I’d prioritize paying for college as you go if possible. The amount of student loans that can get racked up could make post-college life tuff.
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