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Mar 22, 2019    |       11 comments

The Next Phase for Sea Cadet

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I have hinted at the fact that Sea Cadet’s next chapter is planned out (and will include health insurance!) As he finishes his Advanced EMT certification and tests for the national registry this July, he wasn’t quite ready to make the leap into more schooling or commit to a career somewhere.

He was presented with the opportunity to work for a county about an hour from us and they would pay for his Paramedics school. I thought that was the direction he was going to go, but they required a 5 year commitment and he wasn’t ready for that.

But I think we, and by we, I mean HE has made a fantastic choice for the next year of his life…He will be serving with FEMA Corps beginning August 6th! And I couldn’t be more proud.

Why FEMA Corps?

It is the perfect combination of professional development for my service oriented son (EMT and Volunteer Firefighter) and financially stabilizing opportunity. They will cover his living expenses and provide healthcare as well as a bi-weekly allowance.

After he serves he will be eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award which will help him continue his education. His ultimate goal is to become a PA, but I believe he’s going to go a round about way to get there as he has so many other interests. And I fully support him trying everything!

We are planning now for this next phase of his life from the financial standpoint. He will not have any education debt, but we do have to deal with the latest medical emergency bills. And he will still have a phone bill and car insurance, so we are brainstorming on how to minimize all of this and save for it now since his income will be minimal.

Have you or did anyone you know serve with AmeriCorps or the Peace Corp? How was their experience? Any guiding words here?

Mar 18, 2019    |       27 comments

Side Hustle in Full Effect

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As previously mentioned, after a year of waiting, I was hired as a substitute teacher. (I applied last Spring when Gymnast and Princess started at the public schools.) At the time, I didn’t know many details.

The Financial Details

Well, I have officially started! It pays $75 per day for one off substituting. And I’ve already booked 4 days.

I’ll get paid at the end of every month. As expected, I can take or leave assignments as they fit in my schedule. It’s perfect for where I’m at with my business.

Last week, I taught chorus and theater at the high school. This week, I’m teaching 6th grade at the middle school and then cosmetology at the high school. This means I’ll net an $300 extra at the end of April. (Possibly more if I pick up more days over the next few weeks.) Score!

My first day of substitute teaching selfie – do I look like a teacher?

What’s really nice is that I can use the “planning” period and lunch to check in on my own work, and the schools get out at 2:45pm so I’ve got several hours of work time at the end of every day without staying up too late. (Not to mention, many of my clients are on the west coast so the timing is perfect to get in touch with them.)

Another great advantage is that it will help with my taxes as I requested additional taxes be taken out so I’m not behind next year. Woot, woot!

Looking Forward

I do think I will stick with the middle school and high school, as I don’t think I have the personality or energy level for younger kids. But I’m super stoked about this additional stream of income for the next couple of months. (And I’ll be automatically eligible to substitute next school year as well.)

Since we are living reasonably well off my business income, this “extra” will be budgeted for debt and savings only. And I do know I owe you a new budget and plan. I will get some time on those next week. This week…I’m booked solid with work! (This is such a wonderful feeling!)

 

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