What Helped Me Succeed in My Career

Posted on July 11, 2022July 23, 2022 by Jennifer Brazer

First, ask yourself, “What precisely do I mean by “creating a career“?”

Regrettably, society still views a career as attaining leadership. However, this is another lie perpetrated by the “successful success” producers. A specialist in a specific field can earn as much as, if not more, than his boss. A specialist can also have as much power as his director.

Any professional limiting their expertise to simply people evaluation will be in high demand by giant corporations. They’re searching for someone who knows how to use various evaluation tools, when to use them, and how to develop approaches for different departments and sectors.

The other pole is HR Generalist. Such a person knows a little about each direction and can gain the necessary expertise depending on the task. It is a tasty morsel for many companies, significantly growing ones. For example, I got to HRBP (HR Business Partner. – Ed.) because of my vast expertise in many projects.

You’re aware, however, because you’re not perfect. Anything you do has the potential for improvement, and you’re always searching for innovative ways to improve as someone who is dedicated and driven to advancement. We’re here to help you out! These are eight things that, if we had to estimate, you could have been doing even better. It would be best if you listened to the experts to improve your profession while keeping up with the latest directions so that you do not become obsolete.

Learn to manage your time

Employees rarely miss deadlines, and we regard our days as productive. You may, however, find yourself spending much time on a job than you’d want or being sidetracked and remaining at work later than usual. Additionally, you lack a “formal” time strategic plan, making it harder for you to maintain constant focus and productivity.

Try to stay organized

Compared to your desk companion, who has a mound of rubbish infringing on your space, yours is tidy. Even though your email and desktops aren’t very frightening to look at, important messages can get lost in the shuffle, to-do items can get forgotten, and files might become difficult to retrieve.

When it comes to your inbox, you might want to experiment with using filters to segregate different types of messages. Alternatively, you might take advantage of Gmail’s new features to stay on top of all of it.

What about the desktop on your computer? Take a glance at these simple tweaks to help you get the most out of your computer.

Lastly, if you do not have one already, invest in an elevated planner to help you keep track of everything.

Try to have some meetings

Your debates are frequently fruitful. However, you’re not used to the 30-minute planning session or the one-on-one where you feel a little lost.

A meeting agenda can help you keep on track throughout your sessions. The capacity to communicate with somebody who is frequently late could save you from having to sit through extra-long sessions. Finally, organize before time to make your presentation as efficient as possible.

Instead of holding a meeting, consider sending an email—this might swiftly convert unsuccessful meetings into significant next steps.

Team working with a coworker

So, your colleagues get along well in general. But now and then, you get into a quarrel with them or must cope with them procrastinating with something, and would not even we all prefer to mitigate the risks?

To address any issue swiftly and professionally, practice how you’ll reply to a rude or lethargic coworker. Also, if you want to raise respect from people for you, use one of these tactics.

At work with the boss

You’re courteous, if not pleasant, with your employer. On the other hand, you are constantly seeking methods to gain their favor.

Users don’t get regular meetings with the boss. You must (here’s how to set one up) if you need to be on the identical page all the time. Through this 15-minute regimen, these four secret habits are sure to impress even the toughest supervisors. The top employees ask their bosses these types of queries daily. Dealing with the boss has several advantages, one of which is the opportunity to gain experience that most of us are uninformed about. Working with a boss is a rare opportunity for young people, which is why most motivational speakers advise them to work for a startup entity.

About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.

Making Money With Social Media

Posted on July 11, 2022January 6, 2023 by Jennifer Brazer

Negotiate a Sponsorship

You can negotiate a sponsorship for your social media accounts. Sponsorships are often an effective way to generate money on social media. However, they may be challenging and may require a lot of work from you to maintain the brand image that the sponsor wants. You will also need to meet specific criteria, such as having many followers or being highly active on your account. To attract sponsors, you must know what kinds of companies might want to use your page as an advertising platform. For example, suppose you have content related to arts and crafts. In that case, companies selling art supplies might be interested in sponsoring your page, or if you have content related to fashion, then fashion brands may be interested in sponsoring it too! The opportunities are countless.

Sell your Product or Service

Sell your product or service directly on social media. Social media platforms are perfect for selling directly to customers who are already interested in what you have to offer, which means they’re more likely to buy from you than through a traditional ad campaign. You can also use social media to build trust with potential customers.

Adding an online store or shop button at the bottom of posts is easy so that people can purchase items directly from within the post. Furthermore, you can also create ads promoting specific products and link them up with a landing page where visitors can buy things.

Become an Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketing is a popular way to make money on social media. If you have a blog or website, you can become an affiliate marketer by promoting products related to your content through special links.

This kind of marketing has many advantages:

It’s easy to get started
It’s flexible
It offers the potential for high earnings

It also works well with most types of sites; whether you’re selling physical products like books or digital downloads like e-books and courses, there are plenty of options out there for you to choose from.

Here are some tips for becoming an effective affiliate marketer:

Choose products that are relevant to your audience.
Take time choosing which platforms work best for promoting these kinds of offers (e-commerce sites like Amazon Prime will probably yield better results than Facebook ads since fewer people click on ads)
Don’t forget about networks – these offer another way for affiliates with large audiences (like YouTube channels) to reach potential customers who might never hear about them!

Sponsorship and Brand Deals

When you create content for your target audience, you’re likely to get a lot of requests to use your content in a sponsored post or campaign. The most common way to make money on social media is by selling the rights to your content or offering a sponsorship deal.

If someone is interested in sponsoring your work, they usually want something related to their business. You can offer them the opportunity to have their name or logo featured in an article or website if it’s connected to your topic.

When it comes time for negotiations, start high and work down from there. If you’re not willing to negotiate, you might miss out on some great opportunities!

Being an Influencer

Being an influencer is a fantastic way to make money on social media. This can help you to build up a large audience who are ready and willing to buy from you. It would help if you also made a good impression on people, who will be more likely to trust and follow you. You’ll need to be an expert in your niche and give people what they want.

Influencers have many followers and can influence others to buy products or services. There are different influencers, including celebrities, athletes, and models. Some people decide to start as an influencer because they think it would be fun; however, some do it because they want more money than they could get from another job. The key is to find out what type of content gets the most views and then try to create that content.

If you’re looking for ways to earn money with social media posts for your business or blog, there are several ways in which you can go about it:

Sponsored posts – this is when a brand pays you for advertising their product on your page or in your video
Content creation – if you’re interested in creating videos or other types of content, this is an excellent opportunity! You can earn money from companies who want someone who knows how

If you have Enough Followers, you can make Money on Social Media

To make money on social media, you must have a large following. The more people who follow your social media accounts, the more impact your posts will have and the easier it will be for companies to sponsor events and products. A large audience also gives you credibility when selling yourself or your product or service as an influencer in a particular niche.

Social media is a community, and as such, it needs to be treated as one. People come to your page because they want to see something that interests them. If you’re trying to sell them something, ensure you’re doing it in a way that respects their time and attention.

How do Rich People Invest?

Posted on July 10, 2022July 22, 2022 by Jennifer Brazer

Once upon a time, now-successful investors were also researching the techniques of great investors.

If you are reading this article, this illustrates that you are willing to ‘learn’ and maximize your potential. So, let me convey greetings to you since you have stepped the first ladder toward a prosperous career.

Investment is a nonlinear equation- unpredictable. Many individuals avoid this path due to insufficient knowledge when this route can transform your life depending on how you utilize it. In this article, you will learn valuable lessons from affluent personalities excerpted from ‘The next millionaire next door. Thanks to our brilliant investors for revealing their insights and practical approach to encourage people with no experience or some expertise on how to invest intelligently.

‘Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing’- Warren buffet.

In Chapter 7 of this book, Sarah Stanley Fallow begins by highlighting the critical attribute of economically successful people (which is relevant here since building wealth requires distinctive traits).

Economic success is accomplished by learning how to manage resources effectively. This concept comprises how to allocate their income, time, energy, and money in a conducive manner to build wealth for the long term.

But what sets them apart from the crowd?

Economically successful people are contrarians. They do not follow the crowd. Instead, they think and act differently compared to others regarding making purchases, spending, living habits, and investing. The author elaborates on the attribute by stating; that they are savers and investors in a population of hyper-consumption. They intently analyze their investments and make educated and intelligent decisions on using available resources to invest and grow.

Here are the characteristics of wealthy and successful investors:

When attempting to walk on the path of mega-rich investors, it’s fundamental to study their behavioral patterns while investing. As enlightened by the author, the following are the traits.

Primarily who is precisely a ‘successful investor’? A person who can invest regardless of market fluctuations and is comfortable with investments associated with higher risks.

Risk personality: When the outcome is unknown, the wealthy investor has the potential to make investment decisions comfortably without knowing the certainty of the future returns.
Preference for high-risk: Investors with a greater risk tendency have the remarkable opportunity to gain higher profits.
Confidence: There is a fine line between confidence and overconfidence. Many investors are tricked into this trap and conduct ill-advised decisions owing to overconfidence. Additionally, in the investment arena, overconfidence is detrimental and leads to irrelevant choices. Conversely, a successful investor has a conscientious balance between self-confidence and self-efficacy.
Extensive knowledge of how an investment works: Individuals who are well-informed on how investment works make better investment decisions. Furthermore, the prodigious wealth accumulators contribute a significant time from their occupied routine into feeding their brains with investment knowledge regardless of the age group they are ardent learners.
Composure: This trait refers to the capacity to firmly hold onto hope when the market experiences downturns. Successful investors react calmly and courageously in this adverse situation and make better decisions.

Investors should remember that excitement and expenses are their enemies. And if they insist on trying to time their participation in equities, they should be fearful when others are greedy and greedy only when others are fearful- Warren Buffett.

Below are the different qualities of wealthy investors we gathered by conducting a survey.

They invest diversely: prodigious investors are broad-minded and invest diversely. It’s prevalent among the masses that the best investments are either stocks or bonds when the reality is distinct. Successful investors understand the value of land, gold, and private and commercial real estate, and real estate is a significant asset in their portfolio to stabilize the market’s volatility. But they do not overlook the potential of illiquid assets and frequently invest in them.
They never put their eggs in the same basket: a diverse portfolio is the heart of wealthy investors. They allocate their assets in different investments rather than investing in one place and losing all the money at once due to a market crash.
They practice well-balanced risk management: Risks are inevitable in the investment industry; you can’t eradicate them but rather minimize them. In addition, affluent investors hold onto long-term strategies by religiously practicing a disciplined approach.
They are mindful of tax: Most high-net-worth investors emphasize tax-conscious investment. It’s fundamental to minimize the impact of taxes when ensuring higher returns. Moreover, poor tax management leads to sacrificing large portions of your profits.
Affluent investors pursue impact investing: In the latter years, the proportion of high-net-worth investors seeking impact investing has tripled. More investors benefit from organizations that generate an adequate return alongside social or environmental impact.

It may sound surprising but rich investors are prone to knowledge and are financially literate. They devise financial strategies; Investing is an excellent method to build wealth, but the underlying factor that makes it more profitable is the strategy you follow. They focus on increasing their cash flow and reducing irrelevant expenses. Furthermore, one common approach in mega-rich investors’ practice is to stash a few dollars into savings.

How Can a Manager Pay Off Debt on a Budget?

Posted on July 10, 2022July 22, 2022 by Jennifer Brazer

On average, a manager’s monthly salary in the United States is $3,547. According to ZipRecruiter, the highest income for a manager is $5,958, and the lowest is $1,375. The issue here is that low-income workers borrow money from various financial institutions to meet their requirements. Of course, rent, utility bills, transportation, and groceries may take half of your paycheck. And if you have a family, not being able to offer a comfortable living for them may be pretty discouraging. Although, loans or credit cards are quite a good option. But unfortunately, the rising inflation has erratically and negatively influenced the interest rates. This adverse situation has been exacerbating for low-income earners. Amid the gloominess, debts seem appealing to them, and they are willing to take the risk; however, most of them fail to pay the monthly payments. This article is written to provide a helpful tool and solve your problems.

Determine your debt

Without planning and strategy, you cannot attain success. The first step to managing debt is figuring out how much you owe. Prepare a debt chart and mention the total amount. Though this idea intimidates you, since nobody wants to face a mirror in times of despair, you need to be very clear and strong-minded to combat adversities. Muster up the courage and initiate the rewarding journey by assessing the ocean’s depth. How would you control the situation if you haven’t learned about its profoundness? Regardless, once compelled to act upon this, be specific while jotting down the obligations.

Set up a budget

The essential factors in effective budgeting are tracking your spending, listing expenses, stashing money for savings, and managing debts. When attempting to clear off the debt, it’s fundamental to realize where your money is going and the source of income. Once rectified, it allows you to analyze the current financial standing actively and explore ways to supplement or improve it.

Cut off your expenses

You may not have irrelevant expenses at this stage due to low income. However, there can be few places where you could waste your hard-earned money. For instance, subscriptions, impulsive buying (non-essential purchases)

Identifying strategies to reduce spending to get out of debt is vital. It may be challenging at first, but after you’ve gotten used to the concept of living within your means and making sacrifices, you won’t regret the money you used to spend on needless goods.

Get creative

Most people on a tight budget have turned to freelance to monetize their creative abilities. Online teaching, content writing, graphic design, editing, data entry, and so on are just a few examples. This industry is diverse and offers a wide range of options. You can charge per hour or article while tutoring. Many job postings on the internet ask for part-time freelancers who can help their company.

Furthermore, an important thing to keep in mind when confronted with a life difficulty is “your determination to work hard.” It takes time to change the state of your life; it requires a lot of effort. And when you attain your objective and reflect, you’ll be glad you struggled to achieve it through your hard work. However, if you start making more money, use it to pay off your debt.

Turn opposite from the path to new debt

If your expenses exceed your income, they may be challenging to manage, and the temptation to take on more debt to cover them may entice you. Be aware of this trap and remind yourself that you are already working to pay off your present debt. Furthermore, avoid payday loans deliberately as much as possible. They’re the worst! Credit checks are eliminated to attract low-income individuals, but they are substituted with triple-digit APRs and short payback terms.

Lastly, determine your debt consolidation and debt relief alternatives

If the interest continues to mount, you may want to consider debt consolidation first, followed by debt relief as a last choice.

How does debt consolidation work?

Debt consolidation is a form of personal loan that settles off your existing debts and consolidates them into a single payment to your lending institution. Your debt consolidation loan’s interest rate should preferably be relatively low than some or all your current obligations, enabling the loan to be more practical and accessible over time.

How does debt relief function?

Debt reduction, also termed “debt forgiveness,” operates by the respective organizations claiming to be able to make a deal with lenders in your place to reduce the amount you owe. They frequently advise you to stop paying repayments entirely before doing so, as a tactic of using power to persuade the lender to take some amount rather than none. Although this method has the potential to succeed, it will have a detrimental effect on your credit history. Consequently, debt relief and forgiveness should only be used as a last resort.

Car Payment Calculator Explained

Posted on July 10, 2022December 15, 2025 by Jennifer Brazer

Find Your Ideal Car Payment:
Use Our Calculator Today!

A car payment calculator instantly shows your monthly auto loan payment based on the vehicle price, down payment, interest rate, and loan term you enter. This powerful tool takes the guesswork out of car buying by calculating your exact monthly obligation before you commit to any loan, helping you stay within budget and avoid costly surprises at the dealership.

I’ve spent over 20 years as CEO of Complete Controller, working with businesses and families across every industry to master their finances. One thing I’ve learned: the biggest financial mistakes happen when people skip the math and rely on emotion. That’s why I’m passionate about sharing tools like our car payment calculator—because seeing your real monthly payment, total interest costs, and loan payoff date transforms a stressful decision into a strategic one. In this article, you’ll discover exactly how to use a payment calculator to find your perfect car payment, negotiate better loan terms, and avoid the hidden traps that catch even savvy buyers.

What is a car payment calculator and how does it help you get the best deal?

A car payment calculator estimates your monthly auto loan payment by processing your vehicle price, down payment, trade-in value, interest rate, and loan term
Input your specific numbers to see monthly payments, total interest paid, and your loan payoff date displayed instantly
Adjust variables like down payment or loan length to find a payment that fits your budget without overextending
Compare different vehicles, interest rates, and loan offers side-by-side before visiting any dealership
Calculate the true cost of ownership including taxes, fees, and total interest to make informed decisions

How Our Car Payment Calculator Works—Step-by-Step Guide

Start by entering the vehicle’s negotiated price for new cars or the seller’s asking price for used vehicles. This base price forms the foundation of your loan calculation. Next, input your down payment amount—the cash you’ll pay upfront. A larger down payment directly reduces your loan amount and monthly payment.

Add your trade-in details if you’re exchanging your current vehicle. Enter both the trade-in’s value and any remaining loan balance you owe. The difference between these numbers reduces what you’ll need to finance for your new car.

Now input your interest rate and choose your loan term. Your rate depends on your credit score, with prime borrowers securing rates as low as 5.27% while subprime borrowers may face 15.97% or higher. Select a term between 24 and 84 months, keeping in mind that shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but significantly less interest paid overall.

Finally, include your local sales tax rate plus any dealer fees, title costs, and registration charges. These often-forgotten expenses can add thousands to your total loan amount.

What you see in your results

Your estimated monthly payment broken down clearly
Total interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan
Complete amortization schedule showing principal versus interest each month
Your exact loan payoff date and total amount owed
Side-by-side comparisons when you adjust any variable

The Real Cost of Your Car: Beyond the Monthly Payment

Monthly payments tell only part of the story. The American Automobile Association’s 2025 study reveals that total car ownership costs average $11,577 annually—nearly $965 per month—when you factor in fuel, insurance, maintenance, registration, depreciation, and financing. Your loan payment typically represents just 35-40% of these total costs.

Current market data shows the average new car payment reached $749 monthly in Q2 2025, while used car payments averaged $529. Shockingly, 17.57% of new car buyers now pay over $1,000 monthly, highlighting the importance of careful budgeting before you shop.

Interest charges can devastate your budget over time. A $35,000 loan at 9% APR costs $6,807 in total interest over 48 months, but stretch that same loan to 84 months and you’ll pay $12,302 in interest—nearly double. That’s an extra $5,495 paid simply for the convenience of a lower monthly payment.

Beyond loan costs, factor in insurance premiums, which vary dramatically by vehicle type and your driving history. Maintenance costs escalate as warranties expire. Registration and inspection fees recur annually. Most importantly, depreciation silently erodes your investment, with new cars losing 20% of their value the moment you drive off the lot.

Secrets to Securing the Best Car Loan for Your Situation

Smart buyers prequalify with at least three lenders before stepping foot in a dealership. Your credit score dramatically impacts your rate—superprime borrowers with scores above 781 qualify for rates around 5.27%, while deep subprime borrowers below 500 face rates near 15.97%. This difference translates to thousands in extra interest over your loan’s life.

Small adjustments create major savings. Adding just $1,000 to your down payment or securing a rate 0.5% lower can save hundreds or thousands long-term. Use your calculator results to test different scenarios and find your optimization sweet spot.

Resist the temptation of extended loan terms. While 72- and 84-month loans offer attractively low monthly payments, they trap you in interest charges and often leave you owing more than your car’s worth. Stick to 48- or 60-month terms whenever possible.

Why trade-in math matters: Avoiding negative equity

Record numbers of car owners face negative equity. In Q3 2025, 28.1% of trade-ins were underwater, with owners owing an average of $6,905 more than their vehicle’s value. Nearly one in four owed over $10,000 more than their car was worth. Rolling negative equity into a new loan creates a dangerous cycle that proper calculator use helps you avoid.

Negotiate every aspect of your deal. Dealer fees, add-on products, and extended warranties often carry inflated prices. Armed with your calculator results, you can push back on unnecessary charges and focus on the numbers that matter.

A Real-World Example: Turning Uncertainty Into Financial Clarity

The Gonzalez family wanted a reliable SUV but worried about stretching their budget. Using an online car payment calculator, they entered a $32,000 vehicle price, $6,000 down payment, 6% APR, and 60-month term. The calculator showed $504 monthly with $5,122 in total interest.

By testing different scenarios, they discovered that increasing their down payment by just $2,000 dropped their payment to $470 monthly and reduced total interest to $4,613—saving over $500. They also compared a 72-month loan, which lowered payments to $397 but increased total interest to $6,784.

Armed with these insights, the Gonzalez family walked into the dealership with confidence. They negotiated a better rate, avoided surprise add-ons, and chose the 60-month term with the larger down payment. Their preparation transformed a potentially stressful experience into a strategic win.

Unlocking More Value: What Most Car Payment Calculators Miss

Standard calculators often overlook critical factors that impact your true monthly cost. Taxes, title fees, registration, and dealer charges can all be financed, potentially adding $50-100 to your monthly payment. Our comprehensive approach includes these often-hidden expenses.

Biweekly payments represent a powerful savings strategy most calculators ignore. By paying half your monthly amount every two weeks, you make 26 half-payments annually—equivalent to 13 full payments instead of 12. This simple change can shave years off your loan and save thousands in interest.

Lease versus buy comparisons require specialized calculations. Monthly lease payments typically run lower than loan payments, but end-of-lease costs, mileage restrictions, and lack of ownership must factor into your decision. Use separate calculators for each option to make fair comparisons.

Business owners and self-employed professionals face unique considerations. Work vehicles may qualify for tax deductions that effectively reduce your after-tax payment. Factor in potential write-offs and consult with a financial advisor to maximize these benefits.

Your Personalized Roadmap: From Calculator to Confident Car Ownership

Calculate multiple scenarios using different prices, down payments, and loan terms
Research current interest rates from banks, credit unions, and online lenders
Get prequalified with your top three lender choices before shopping
Factor in insurance quotes, maintenance estimates, and fuel costs
Set your absolute maximum payment based on 10% of take-home pay
Print your calculator results to reference during negotiations
Avoid common pitfalls like excessive loan terms or skipping the fine print

Build an emergency cushion into your budget before signing any loan documents. Life changes, job transitions, and unexpected repairs happen. Base your affordability calculation on realistic scenarios, not best-case assumptions.

Final Thoughts

Twenty years of helping families and businesses manage their finances has taught me that knowledge truly is power—especially when making major purchases. Using a car payment calculator transforms car buying from an emotional rollercoaster into a strategic decision you control. By calculating your true costs upfront, comparing scenarios, and walking into negotiations prepared, you protect your financial future while getting the vehicle you need.

Take action today. Run your numbers, test different scenarios, and discover what car payment truly fits your budget. When you’re ready to integrate this smart financial planning into your broader business or personal finance strategy, the experts at Complete Controller stand ready to help. Visit Complete Controller to discover how we help entrepreneurs and families take control of their financial futures.

Frequently Asked Questions About car payment calculator

What information do I need for a car payment calculator?

You’ll need the vehicle price, down payment amount, trade-in value (if applicable), estimated interest rate based on your credit score, desired loan term in months, and your local tax rate plus any dealer fees or charges.

How does my credit score affect my car loan payment?

Your credit score directly determines your interest rate, which significantly impacts your monthly payment and total loan cost. Excellent credit (781-850) typically qualifies for rates around 5.27%, while poor credit (300-500) faces rates near 15.97%, potentially adding thousands in interest charges.

Can I use a car payment calculator for leasing?

Standard loan calculators won’t accurately estimate lease payments due to different calculation methods involving residual values, money factors, and lease terms. Use a dedicated lease calculator for accurate lease payment estimates.

Why does the loan term matter?

Loan term length creates a trade-off between monthly payment size and total interest paid. Shorter terms like 48 months mean higher monthly payments but save thousands in interest compared to 72- or 84-month loans, which lower monthly costs but dramatically increase total interest paid.

Should I include taxes and fees in my estimate?

Absolutely include all taxes, dealer fees, registration, and title costs in your calculation. These charges often total $2,000-4,000 and can increase your monthly payment by $50-100 if financed, significantly impacting your budget if overlooked.

Sources

“Auto Loan Calculator: Estimate Your Car Payment.” NerdWallet, 2025.
“Auto Loan Calculator – Monthly Car Loan Payment Calculator.” Edmunds, 2025.
“Auto Lease Payment Calculator.” Edmunds, 2025.
“Auto Loan Calculator – A Car Payment Calculator from Kelley Blue Book.” KBB, 2025.
“Estimate Your Car Payment: A Simple Guide.” Auto Fanatics, 2024.
“Auto Loan and Car Payment Calculator.” Autotrader, 2025.
“Auto Loan Calculator.” Bankrate, 2025.
“Auto Loan Calculator.” Calculator.net, 2025.
“Car Financing Calculator: A Complete Breakdown.” Auto Web Expo, 2025.
“Car Payment Calculator.” CarPaymentCalculator.net, 2025.

Jennifer Brazer Founder/CEO

Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.

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How to Deal With Money Scams

Posted on July 9, 2022July 21, 2022 by Jennifer Brazer

Money scams are, unfortunately, all too common

Beware of fake checks, lottery, and other schemes designed to steal your money. Unfortunately, these scams are all too common and can be challenging to spot. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the most common scams and know how to protect yourself.

If you receive a check in the mail that you didn’t expect, don’t deposit it. It could be a fake. Walk away if you’re asked to pay taxes or fees to collect a lottery prize. It’s a scam. And if someone you don’t know asks you to wire them money, be very wary. It’s likely a scammer trying to steal your hard-earned cash.

By familiarizing yourself with these and other common scams, you can help keep your money safe.

Understand what types of scams are out there

Being informed regarding the scams prevalent in the market is an essential step to combating these drastic activities! According to USA.gov, there are some common types of scams.

Banking Scams
Telephone Scams
Census-Related Fraud
Government Grant Scams
Investment Scams
Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams
Charity Scams
Pyramid Schemes
Ponzi Schemes
Ticket Scams

Be vigilant about who you give your information to

A common practice among fraudsters is to wear a mask of any employee associated with a reputable organization and collect your personal information such as social security, bank account, credit card numbers, etc. Remember that no organization that is functional and authentic will never call to ask for this sensitive information on the phone! Furthermore, they may use fake email, text messages, or links. We highly advise you not to open these links, or else the scammers can get access to your username, password, and even debit/credit card pin!

How do you avoid them?

As soon as feasible, implement two-factor authentication; Keep in mind that no trustworthy organization would ever request your confidential info by email, text, or a call that isn’t coming from them.

Never transfer or make payments for someone else using your account.

Avoid scams that promise quick or simple money, especially if they come from an unexpected source.

You should not call caller ID numbers or numbers they gave you. Instead, get in touch with them through a reputable website. Or try finding their phone number. It’s still advised to avoid clicking on any links even if you receive an email or text message from a firm you do business with and you believe it to be authentic.

Scammers are those who demand money from you or demand that you divulge personal information. Defy the urge to act right now. Genuine companies will offer you some time to think things over.

Learn the tricks that con artists use to get you to pay. Never send money to someone who demands you use a gift card or a fund transfer facility. Additionally, never deposit a cheque and then transfer money back to a recipient.

Know how to spot a scam

Before clicking any links or opening any attachments, be vigilant for fakes. Scammers may quickly generate false papers using information readily available online, such as firm logos and website visuals. While some documents may seem exactly like the actual thing, others may include red flags like poor grammar or forced phrasing.

Be careful with online transactions

Scammers often use online transactions to steal money from the victim. The most common scams involve fake websites that look like regular sites but secretly redirect you to where your personal information is collected. Other scams include emails, phone calls, and text messages that claim to be from a bank or other organization asking for personal data like your account number and password.

The best way to protect yourself is to use antivirus software on your computer and close an eye on any.

Deal With Work Stress

Posted on July 9, 2022November 19, 2024 by Jennifer Brazer

What is Stress?

The term ‘stress’ is commonly recognized in the corporate world and is an inevitable part of an employee’s life. Initially, the concept of stress was not well understood and was generally viewed as ‘pressure from the environment.’ However, thanks to the contributions of Hans Selye, often referred to as the ‘father of stress research,’ the term has been more thoroughly explored. Selye defined stress as a ‘nonspecific response of the body to any demand.’ This definition has helped illuminate our understanding of stress, which is now globally recognized as a feeling of emotional or physical tension.

Why did I provide you with this brief introduction to stress? Understanding the nature of any problem is essential before we can fully grasp its intensity. I hope you now have a clearer understanding of stress.

Stress can manifest both mentally and physically, leading to an individual’s inability to cope with various situations. In both cases, the body undergoes stressful responses that can result in negative consequences, particularly for employees, including health issues and decreased performance.

What Causes Stress?

After conducting thorough research, we arrived at a reasonable conclusion. Participants from various multinational companies shared the following reasons for experiencing stress at work. One common element among all respondents was the belief that stress is an unavoidable part of working life; it is something everyone will inevitably face.

In which circumstances do you undergo stress?

Noises such as the cram-full scenarios of Telephone calls
Workload
Overcrowded workplace
Lack of time management skills
Family issues
Incapability to meet the expectations of the employer
Biased preferences
Conflicts among employees and managers
Ignorance is not providing promised incentives or other employee benefits
Or a combination of all sources

Based on the reasons mentioned above, the causes range from personal problems to work obstacles. Regardless, stress is unavoidable and leads to severe impairments in health and performance.

How Can I Know if I’m Under Stress?

To diagnose the symptoms of stress, you need to understand the three joint angles of stress:

Emotional
Behavioral
Cognitive

Stress can be effectively recognized from an emotional perspective, as it often emerges through feelings of anguish and frustration. By paying attention to our emotional responses, we can better understand what triggers our stress. On a behavioral level, observing changes in interactions with family, friends, and society can provide insight into how stress impacts our daily routines. Recognizing these shifts allows us to address them proactively.

Furthermore, cognitive aspects of stress can be assessed through mental performance evaluations, including memory tests, decision-making tasks, and problem-solving exercises. By identifying these cognitive challenges, we can work on strategies to enhance our mental resilience. A frequently mentioned consequence of stress is a lack of sleep, highlighting the importance of prioritizing rest and self-care to manage stress effectively. Overall, acknowledging these signs of stress provides an opportunity for personal growth and improved well-being.

How Can I Deal With It?

We heard your question! Let’s unravel the most basic, effective, practical, and promising stress management strategies shared by employees in multinational companies with overflowing work.

Time Management: a fantastic way to regulate our stress levels. Furthermore, embracing time management skills in every aspect of our lives is essential to facilitate it. This activity can be fruitful if you actively pursue it. For instance, numerous time management apps are available that encourage you and assist in adopting this rewarding habit. Once embraced, this habit will dramatically transform your life for the better.

Meditation engenders short-term stress relief, reduces stress levels, which results in long-term stress management, and instills mindfulness. Consider developing a mantra that you can follow while doing your ritual meditation.

Develop your progressive muscles. You can begin by taking a few slow, deep breaths to master.

Daily self-affirmation: Create a habit of speaking to yourself positively and creatively organize leisure time to feed your soul. This habit has benefited me; it has certainly been tried and tested!
Yoga: Studies have shown that frequent yoga practitioners have improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased well-being.
Gratitude journaling: Write down three things each day for which you are thankful. This can help you make being appreciative a routine.
Destructive activities: Quit consuming nicotine and tobacco products.
Relaxing methods: Learn and practice relaxing techniques. Furthermore, everyday relaxation helps to regulate stress and shield the body from its negative consequences.
Reduce stressful factors: Minimize stressors that cause them. According to psychology, your stress level will increase the more closely you interact with the stress-inducing element.
Prioritize: Everyone goes through demanding life challenges only achievable if you begin prioritizing your tasks, maintaining your pace, and allocating some time to recharge.
Analyze your principles and adhere to them: No matter how hectic your life is, you will feel better the more your actions align with your ideals.

When Selecting Your Activities, Consider Your Values

Learn to say no: It’s acceptable to decline requests for your time and energy that will put you under excessive stress. Moreover, it’s not always necessary for you to live up to others’ expectations.

Focus on the areas you can influence and practice letting go of the things you have no control over.

Remember your strengths while you’re feeling overburdened.

Have a Healthy Sense of Self-Esteem

Consider drinking green tea instead of caffeinated beverages or energy drinks. High caffeine intake can lead to a temporary increase in blood pressure. Green tea contains less than half the caffeine found in coffee and is rich in healthy antioxidants. Additionally, it includes the amino acid theanine, which helps to calm the nervous system.

How to Enjoy Summer Without Breaking The Bank?

Posted on July 9, 2022July 21, 2022 by Jennifer Brazer

It is your sign to take your kids out and enjoy the warm month with a chilled mint margarita. The essence of summers is unmatchable; though the heat indexes may be hateful, the opportunities to hang out are infinite, too, in budget! Let’s dive into the exciting activities.

We, as humans, often overlook the importance of nature. Just a simple outdoor activity can untangle our minds from stress and allow us to breathe fresh air under nature’s canopy. Common yet exciting summer activity is packing your bags, preparing food, getting a mat, and getting in the car to the nearest park. Bring in some fruits, snacks, and sodas with a book or any hobby you prefer, and you are all set!

In addition, if you have children, it’s even more fascinating to take them out and teach them the significance of outdoor fun in the era of mobile addiction.

A dose of freshness is necessary amidst the work stress. It can be easily attained if you plan to hike in the countryside. And if you own a car, fortunately, gather your friends and drive away to the location. However, if you are not informed on selecting a hiking location, consider searching for ‘hikes near your city’ and choose among the available options for a refreshing experience.

A perfect evening immersed in the history of influential personalities is indeed a soul satisfaction. However, certain museums do charge a little more, but there are specific days when you are blessed with a discount. So, keep your eyes on the deal and take a fantastic trip to the museum to explore the insightful past.

A botanical garden can fulfill the purpose if you seek a gateway to a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of life. Many cities are home to beautiful botanical gardens allowing a haven filled with plants, sculptures, and fountain displays. Find the nearest park and plan a trip to the most relaxing experience.

An adult-sized inflatable pool is a terrific way to stay fresh in the summer. It’s compact, straightforward, and free of sand and seaweed. Set up an above-ground pool in your garden during the warmest days of the year.

An ice cream maker is a delightful way to enjoy delicious treats daily. You may create your ice cream or organize an ice cream social.

Gather a group of 10 to 30 people and play a series of outdoor activities designed to foster healthy competition. Water balloons throw tug of war and relay races. If you have a few extra bucks, purchase elegant bandanas for each team to designate team color. However, medals are not required as at the actual Olympics.

Taking a camping excursion in your backyard is massively cost-effective and a great deal of enjoyment.

Summer is a great time to watch the movies, but tickets may be costly. For a movie-popcorn goer’s and movie gift card, benefit from free family days or discounted movie chain gift cards at theatres around the United States.

At-home movie marathon: Have a themed movie night at home! Organize an outdoor movie night on your lawn if you’re feeling adventurous!

Kids may take free build-it workshops at Home Depot and other area companies. Adults may also participate in free seminars to build a DIY project or decorate a home using materials provided by Home Depot and other places throughout the country.

A bicycling and camping trip is a great inexpensive holiday. Our region includes several lengthy bike paths where you may cycle and camp for a weekend excursion. Find some in your region or ask a buddy to enlighten you on good tracks.

Every week, designate one day as a fun theme day. Friday is “service day,” which entails volunteering at local shelters, food pantries, and other charitable organizations. Every Thursday is arts and crafts day, introducing a new craft each week. On Saturdays, a new park hosts an “outdoor adventure day.”

Take a day trip to a nearby town with a fascinating history and learn everything about it by visiting local and regional monuments. Visit a local flea market or farmers’ market; they frequently provide free live music for anyone who wishes to enjoy it.

Although most cell phones include a GPS app these days, it is essential. Geocaching is a GPS treasure hunt in the real world. It’s a place where you may find concealed containers throughout your neighborhood.

How to Get Your Student Loans Forgiven?

Posted on July 8, 2022July 21, 2022 by Jennifer Brazer

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

You could be eligible for loan forgiveness if you work in a public service job. This program, called Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), forgives student loans after ten years of payments for borrowers employed full-time by a qualified employer. To qualify, you must make 120 monthly payments on your federal loan and agree to have them serviced by FedLoan Servicing or Great Lakes Educational Loan Services.

If your employer does not participate with PSLF but does offer other repayment options, see Step 2 below for tips on how to apply those income-driven plans (IDRs) to your loan balance.

Income-Driven Repayment Plan Forgiveness

Income-driven repayment plans are great if you want to reduce your monthly payments or have them forgiven after a certain amount of time. To be eligible, you must demonstrate financial hardship, including low income and high debt. The government will also consider other factors such as family size and state of residence.

After applying for an income-driven repayment plan, you’ll receive a new payment based on your financial situation and the amount owed on your student loans. Suppose this is below what you currently pay per month. In that case, it could help reduce the total amount of interest that accrues over time – thus increasing how much get forgiven if eligible under an income-driven repayment plan (IDR). You can check with each lender for information regarding eligibility requirements for their IDRs.

In addition to those who qualify through their annual income level, there are different groups of people who might become eligible:

Some employers offer generous benefit packages that include contributions toward tuition costs; these may put employees into higher income brackets than they otherwise would be in when considering eligibility for IDRs such as PAYE or REPAYE.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness

If you work in a low-income classroom, you may be able to get your student loans forgiven. The federal government has created a program for teachers called Teacher Loan Forgiveness. If you qualify for this program, you can have up to $17,500 wiped off your loans after making 120 qualifying payments on those loans.

While it’s essential to know how much money you’ll save by paying off your debt more quickly or securing loan forgiveness programs like the ones mentioned above, other benefits come along with paying down debt quicker:

Knowing exactly when and how much each payment will cost means being able to better budget for expenses
Having fewer accounts open means less confusion about where money is coming from or going

Perkins Loan Cancellation and Discharge

Perkins Loan Cancellation and Discharge is a program that cancels the remaining debt of a borrower after a certain period. Your financial situation will determine the amount of repayment, but you can apply for this before completing your degree to see if it will be helpful.

Make sure you qualify and understand how the process works

Before considering what kind of loan forgiveness program you might be eligible for, you must understand the process.

When trying to qualify for any student loan forgiveness program, there are a few things to keep in mind:

How much do you owe? The first step is determining how much money you currently owe on your student loans. You can find it by logging into nelnet.com and clicking “View Your Account.” Then enter the appropriate information (Social Security Number, date of birth), so Nelnet can pull up your records.

What are the requirements? The next step is to understand each program’s available programs and qualifications. You should also know if there are benefits beyond just having your debt forgiven, avoiding penalties, or paying off interest rates for a certain period before getting rid of them altogether through forgiveness options such as Pay as You Earn (PAYE) plans or Income-Based Repayment (IBR).

To conclude, it is fundamental to understand that these programs are not free money. It is money you have borrowed, and you must qualify for the forgiveness program to get the benefits. The application process can be complicated and take years. Therefore, it is essential to review the requirements of each program before applying carefully. If your goal is to pay off your student loans as quickly as possible, this may be the right option. You should also consider if there are other ways you could reduce your loan payments or build up savings so that you don’t need this type of assistance in the future.

How to Handle Your Irregular Expenses?

Posted on July 8, 2022July 21, 2022 by Jennifer Brazer

Make a budget and stick to it

Making a budget may not sound like the most exciting way to spend your time, but it is a crucial part of managing your finances. A budget can help you track spending, stick to your financial goals, and make the most of your money.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when creating a budget. First, be realistic in your assumptions. It is essential to estimate your income and expenses accurately. Second, include all your costs, even those that may seem minor. It is also necessary to be flexible in your budgeting. If you are overspending in one area, adjust to ensure that you can still meet your overall financial goals.

By following these tips, you can create a budget that will work for you and help you improve your financial situation.

Keep track of what you spend

It’s essential to keep track of your spending to make informed decisions about your finances. Several ways to track your spending include budgeting apps, tracking your bank account, and using a spreadsheet.

Budgeting apps can be a great way to track your spending, as they often offer features that make it easy to see where your money is going. Tracking your bank account is another option, though it can be more challenging to get a complete picture of your spending. Finally, you can use a spreadsheet to track your spending manually. It can be a more time-consuming option, but it can be helpful to see all your spending in one place.

Regardless of your choice, keeping track of your spending is crucial to staying on top of your finances.

Find out where your money goes each month by tracking your spending for at least two months before making any significant changes to how much you spend. It will allow you time to see what areas need improvement and allow for trial-and-error and adjustments.

Practice sound money habits

One of the essential things you can do for your financial well-being is to develop good money habits. Unfortunately, many people develop bad money habits that can lead to financial hardship.

Everyday bad money habits include impulse buying, failing to save, and not tracking expenses. If you want to improve your financial health, it’s essential to break these habits and develop good money habits in their place.

A few good money habits to develop include creating a budget, tracking your spending, and setting aside money for savings and emergencies. By following these simple tips, you can take control of your finances and improve your financial health.

If you don’t have any savings, start one now

Saving money is not easy for most people. But it’s essential to start saving as soon as possible so that you can reach your financial goals in life. If you want to buy a car or house in the future and have no savings, then it will take more than just one paycheck to achieve this goal. The longer it takes to save up enough money for your purposes, the less likely those goals will happen because other things will arise, such as emergencies, unexpected expenses, etc.

An emergency fund is essential so that when these situations arise, they won’t put an undue strain on your budgeting system and cause stress on top of the already tricky circumstances at hand – especially if they’re unexpected!

It would help if you were financially responsible for your life

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to underestimate the importance of being financially responsible. Many people think that being one means saving money and being frugal. But being economically accountable is about much more than that.

It means being in control of your money. It entails knowing where your money is going, your expenses, and your goals. It encourages you to make intelligent decisions with your money to achieve your financial goals. And it means being prepared for the unexpected.

If you want to be successful in life, you need to be financially responsible. There is no way around it. Take the time to learn about personal finance and make intelligent decisions with your money.

Furthermore, unpaid bills can cause stress and anxiety, especially if it’s your fault. You should be able to take care of your financial obligations to avoid the stress caused by unpaid bills.

The tips below will help you become financially responsible for your life:

Have a budget in place. If you have a plan, you can accomplish your objectives more quickly than working without any strategy or rules. Keeping track of your financial situation also makes it easier to put measures in place in case something goes wrong, such as when unanticipated costs arise that weren’t budgeted for, so these situations don’t occur as frequently.

It would help if you made budgets based on actual spending patterns rather than previous behavior since circumstances might change over time, such as when paying off debt, necessitating new ones. Make sure these new budgets are realistic and demanding enough to hold you accountable.

To conclude, there are a few things that you can do to deal with your irregular expenses in a way that won’t cause financial havoc:

Try to anticipate these expenses by setting aside monthly money in a dedicated account. This way, you’ll have the money when you need it and won’t have to scramble to come up with it.
Take a close look at your expenses to see if there are any that you can eliminate or reduce.
Your future self will thank you for all these efforts.