Wednesday, April 24, 2019

NBKC Bank Review – Earn Interest On Your Checking Account

Are you earning interest on your checking account? You could be. That’s just one great feature of this online bank. Here’s our full review on everything you’ll find at NBKC Bank.

NBKC Bank

's rating
8.5
NBKC Bank
Fees 9.0
Interest Rates 9.0
Additional Features 9.0
Customer Service 6.0
Mobile App 9.5

Pros

  • $5 initial deposit
  • Earn interest
  • No monthly service fees
  • High yield savings products
  • Business banking services

Cons

  • No local bank branches
  • Limited customer service
  • No personal credit card
  • International wire fees
  • High minimum investment for some CDs

Table of Contents

NBKC is a small Midwestern bank with just three local branches, looking to make a big impact in online banking, and moving steadily in that direction. They’re offering full-service banking, as well as some interesting online products, centering on their NBKC Personal Checking account.

The Personal Checking account comes with no minimum balance, no monthly account fees, and access to more than 32,000 ATMs across the country. And best of all, the account pays interest of over 1% on all balances. That’s one of the most generous personal checking account offers available anywhere.

They also offer high yield savings–also with no fees–as well as an innovative assortment of certificates of deposit. Most interesting are their 10-month and 20-month CDs that pay interest rates higher than competing online banks with CDs of comparable terms.

And as a full-service bank, they also offer business banking services that will be attractive to anyone who’s self-employed. It’ll be an opportunity to earn high interest on personal savings while also running your business through the same bank. And for what it’s worth, NBKC Bank’s business checking comes with the same no-fee arrangement as its other accounts.

NBKC Bank’s motto: Live boldly, bank simply. Is it true? Let’s take a close look.

About NBKC Bank

Also known as the National Bank of Kansas City, NBKC was founded in 1999, and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Bank has just three branches, located in Missouri and Kansas. But they operate primarily online, and offer their Personal Checking account and other banking services to customers nationwide.

In addition to the NBKC Checking Account, the Bank also offers a full range of high-yield savings products, real estate loans, small business loans, and other loans, as well as business services.

The Bank has a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, on a scale of A+ to F.

The Major Features and Benefits of NBKC

Minimum opening requirements: $5 to open your checking or money market savings account, then no minimum balance. Minimum $1,000 to open a CD (though their starter CD has only a $25 minimum).

Interest paid: NBKC Personal Checking currently pays 1.01% APY on all account balances. Personal Money Market Savings pays up to 1.77% APY, and CD rates are as high as 3.04% APY (all as of March 18, 2019).

Online Banking:  NBKC Online Banking enables you to view transactions and your account balances, to stop payments, transfer funds between accounts, and set up balance and deposit alerts on your computer.

It also allows you to link your bank account directly with Quicken or QuickBooks, giving you the ability to download transaction information to a spreadsheet.

Online Banking also comes with Online Bill Pay, so you can pay bills electronically, set up future and recurring payments, and check the status of payments at any time.

Customer Service: Available by phone, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Central time

Account debit card: NBKC Personal Checking comes with a Debit MasterCard. It can be used to make purchases, both online and at point of sale. It can also be used to access cash at ATMs.

ATM Access: NBKC participates in the MoneyPass network, which offers fee-free access to more 32,000 ATMs around the country. The Bank will also refund up to $12 per month for fees charged by out-of-network ATMs.

Account security: All account balances are protected by FDIC insurance, for up to $250,000 per depositor. Online banking comes with multi-factor authentication for extra protection. For debit card transactions, a text message may be sent to you to confirm the transaction.

NBKC Mobile Banking

The NBKC mobile banking app is available for download at The App Store for iOS (9.0 and later) devices, and is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. It is also available for Android devices (5.0 and up) through Google Play. The app is free to download.

With the app you can:

  • Enjoy nearly all the features of Online Banking
  • Make funds transfers
  • Use Online Bill Pay
  • Pay with your digital wallet, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
  • Send and receive secure messages
  • Access branch hours and location information
  • Make mobile check deposits
  • Locate surcharge free ATMs

Learn More

NBKC Personal Checking Account

NBKC Bank offers just one personal checking account, the NBKC Personal Checking account, or simply NBKC Personal Account. It’s an interest-bearing checking account with very few fees – including no monthly maintenance fee – and no “gotcha” provisions.

As noted above, the account can be opened with as little as $5, but has no ongoing minimum account balance requirement. It’s currently paying a rate of 1.01% APY, which is paid on all account balances. The account comes with both Online and Mobile Banking access, including Online Bill Pay.

NBKC Personal Checking also comes with a Debit MasterCard, good at more than 32,000 ATMs with no fees. And even if you do have fees for out-of-network ATM access, NBKC will reimburse up to $12 per month.

And as is becoming increasingly unusual with online checking accounts, NBKC Personal Checking does come with paper checks.

NBKC Personal Checking account fees: Same as for NBKC Personal Money Market Savings account – see fee section below.

NBKC Savings Products

On the savings side, NBKC Bank offers it’s Personal Money Market Savings account, and a full line up of certificates of deposit (CDs).

Personal Money Market Savings

Personal Money Market Savings can be opened with a minimum opening deposit of $5, after which there is no minimum account balance requirement. The money market account features are identical to those of the Personal Checking account. That includes a Debit MasterCard, paper checks, Online Banking, Mobile Banking, and Online Bill Pay. (But be aware money market accounts are limited to just six withdrawals per month, per Federal Regulation D.)

The account pays interest of 1.77% APY on all balances up to $1 million. It then pays 1.31% APY on balances over $1 million (as of March 18, 2019).

NBKC Personal Checking and Money Market Savings Account Fees

NBKC Personal Checking and Money Market Savings Accounts maintain a policy of no hidden fees. The fee structure looks like this:

  • No monthly service fees
  • $0 for a “nifty box of checks”
  • $0 for online banking with bill pay
  • Overdrafts and NSFs, $0
  • Stop payments, $0
  • Income domestic wire fees, $0
  • Outgoing domestic wire fees, $5
  • International wire fees, send and receive, $45

Personal IRA Savings

This is a personal savings account specifically designed for individual retirement accounts. But curiously, the interest rate paid is lower than that of the Money Market Savings Account.

The Personal IRA Savings account is currently paying 1.11% APY on balances up to $1 million, but it drops to 0.65% APY on balances over $1 million.

NBKC Bank Certificates of Deposit (CDs)

NBKC offers both personal and IRA CDs with terms ranging from three months to 60 months. The minimum investment is $1,000, but their 14 Month Special CD requires a minimum investment of $25,000.

CD rates are as follows as of March 18, 2019:

NBKC CD Options and Rates

NBKC CD Options and Rates

NBKC also offers its Add-to Starter CD/IRA CD: It has a term of 12 months, requires a minimum initial deposit if just $25, plus at least $25 recurring contributions, and is currently paying 2.12% APY. It provides an opportunity for a new or very small savers to take advantage of high interest rates with a very small investment.

Personal Non-IRA CDs: This is a special type of CD with non-typical terms. For example, they offer terms of 10, 20, and 30 months. Each requires a minimum investment of $10,000, and currently pays an interest rate of 2.85% APY.

At these rates, the 10 month and 20 month CDs look especially attractive, compared with one year and two year CDs offered by other online banks.

Personal Health Savings Account (HSA)

NBKC Personal Health Savings Account currently paying an APY of 1.11% on balances up to $1 million, and 0.65% APY on balances exceeding $1 million.

Contributions to an HSA account are tax deductible, and can be withdrawn only to cover approved medical expenses. These are primarily health insurance copayments, deductibles and co-insurance balances. For 2019 you can contribute up to $3,500 for an individual and $7,000 for a family, plus a “catch-up” contribution of $1,000 more for participants 55 and older.

HSAs are designed to work with health insurance plans that are considered “high deductible health plans” (HDHPs), defined as a minimum deductible of $1,350 for an individual or $2,700 for a family. At the opposite end, there’s also a maximum out-of-pocket limit of $6,750 for an individual and $13,500 for a family.

Learn More

NBKC Loan Products

Home Loans

NBKC is a full service mortgage lender, offering both fixed rate and adjustable rate conventional mortgages. They also offer FHA and VA loans. All loans are available for both purchase and refinance. You can be prequalified for a mortgage online, for a purchase, refinance, or an FHA or VA loan.

Conventional mortgages are available in 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, and five-year adjustable-rate mortgages. Recent rates on those programs are as follows:

NBKC Mortgage Rates Table

NBKC Mortgage Rates

Other Loan Products

NBKC also offers:

  • Home equity lines of credit (HELOC)
  • Personal loans for debt consolidation for as little a $5,000
  • CD loans
  • Construction loans
  • Auto loans in terms of 36, 48 and 60 months
  • Loans for motorcycles, boats and recreational vehicles
  • Bridge loans and lot loans

NBKC Bank Business Services

As a full service bank, NBKC offers the following business services:

  • Business checking with unlimited transactions, no monthly fee, and no minimum account balance requirement.
  • Treasury solutions, including cash management disbursement systems, fraud management, and various collections processes, including credit card processing and merchant capture systems.
  • Visa business credit cards, with rewards and access to more than 805,000 ATMs worldwide.

How to Open an Account with NBKC Bank

To open an account with NBKC Bank, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

  • Have a Social Security number
  • Have a valid driver’s license or state ID
  • Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
  • Be at least 18 years old

You’ll also need to supply your email address and mobile phone, then scan and upload your driver’s license.

NBKC Online Application Form

NBKC Online Application

You’ll then be asked to provide your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow the bank to identify you.

Once the online application has been completed and approved, you can open the account with just $5.

Learn More

FAQs

Question: Why doesn’t NBKC offer a personal credit card?

Answer: They don’t offer a personal credit card, and they don’t provide an explanation for why not. But interestingly, they provide a large number of business credit cards, including the following:

  • Visa Platinum
  • Cash Rewards Visa Platinum
  • Young Adult Visa
  • Secured Visa
  • Select Rewards Visa Platinum
  • Travel Rewards Visa Platinum
  • College Rewards Visa

Though each of the above cards is listed as a business credit card, they look an awful lot like personal credit cards. If you plan to open an NBKC Personal Checking account, and want to add a credit card, you should certainly ask if one of the above cards is available for non-business use.

Question: Are there any limits to how I can use Online Bill Pay?

Answer: The only limitation is that you cannot make payments that are court ordered, or will go to a payment center. That means you can’t use the service to pay for obligations like alimony or child support. Online bill pay can be used for virtually all other payment types.

Question: The customer service is limited to regular business hours for the checking
account, but what happens if I have a problem with my debit card?

Answer: NBKC has an after-hours debit card support phone line (800-528-2273) where you can report a lost or stolen debit card, either after hours or on weekends. It may not offer customer service in the usual sense, but it will enable you to reach a live person in a worst-case scenario, which would be the loss of your
card.

NBKC Checking Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • $5 initial deposit: This and the absence of a minimum balance requirement, make the checking and money market savings accounts perfect for new and small depositors.
  • Earn interest: Over 1% on all account checking balances balances, and even higher rates on the Money Market Savings account.
  • No monthly service fees: On either the checking or money market savings accounts.
  • No-fee extras: No fees for a box of checks, online banking with bill pay, overdrafts and NSFs, stop payments and incoming domestic wires.
  • Free ATMs: Access more than 32,000 fee-free in-network ATMs nationwide.
  • High yield savings products: The 10 and 20 month Personal Non-IRA CDs pay especially attractive rates compared to other online banks..
  • Business banking services: Full service banking plus business credit cards.
  • Loan options: Home, auto and various personal loans.

Cons:

  • No local bank branches: Other than three in the Kansas City area.
  • Limited customer service: Only available during regular business hours, which could be a limiting factor with a checking account.
  • No personal credit card: NBKC only offers business credit cards.
  • International wire fees: These are higher than the industry norm at $45.
  • High minimum investment for some CDs: The minimum investment of $10,000 on the 10-month and 20-month CDs is high for new and small investors.

Should You Open an NBKC Bank Account?

NBKC is a small, locally run bank that operates nationwide. But they have one advantage over most other online banks, and that’s that they provide the full range of banking services. That includes checking and savings accounts, as well as CDs and IRAs. But they also provide the full selection of business services, as well as all types of personal loans.

The NBKC Personal Checking account is at the very center of NBKC Bank product offerings. Not only does it pay interest in excess of 1%, but it also provides paper checks, which is becoming increasingly uncommon among online banks. As well, there are no regular fees associated with this account. That gives you a pure benefit on the interest rate, without it being reduced by a large number of fees.

The Money Market Savings account isn’t one of the highest paying savings or money market accounts available among online banks. But it does pay a very healthy interest rate, and requires a minimum balance of just $5 to open.

Among its CDs, the Personal Non-IRA 10-month and 20-month certificates are paying higher rates than comparable online bank CDs, though they do require a high minimum initial investment at $10,000.

However, perhaps to offset that high minimum balance CD, NBKC offers it’s Add-to Starter CD. This certificate can be opened with as little as $25, and pays an interest rate in excess of 2% on a 12-month term.

And if you’re self-employed, you’ve gotta love an online bank that offers full business services, in addition to high interest checking and CDs. You can open a business checking account with no transaction fees, and no limits. But that’s just the beginning, since they also provide business loans and treasury solutions, including cash management and merchant services.

If you’d like more information, or if you’d like to open an account, visit the NBKC Personal Checking website.

Topics: BankingReviews

The post NBKC Bank Review – Earn Interest On Your Checking Account appeared first on The Dough Roller.



from The Dough Roller http://bit.ly/2PqCv2y

Tuesday, April 23, 2019

3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Whirlpool Tub

Content originally published and Shared from http://perfectbath.com

Are you buying your first whirlpool bathtub? Let us help you narrow down the choices. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

Will it fit in the bathroom?
Make sure to measure your bathroom before you even look at a whirlpool, including any space you might gain taking down dividing walls or showers. “Most whirlpools come in three standard sizes,” says Morey. “Five feet, five and a half and six. But you can’t just consider the tub size — they’re all designed to be dropped into a deck, and that will take up more space, with the bare minimum adding at least a half-inch to your measurements on all sides.

“If you think you’d like to hold a lot of stuff like candles and oils near the water, you’ll also need extra space on the deck,” says Morey. “If you’re over six feet tall, you may want to forfeit deck space for more tub room.” Source: HGTV

Is your current heating system enough?
If you choose to heat your whirlpool with your existing in-home heating system, make sure it can handle the amount of water needed to fill the whirlpool. With an external system, the water in the tub will get cool quickly due to the circulating jets, so you will need to frequently refill the tub with hot water. A 50 gallon quick recovery system should be sufficient.

The other option is a self-heating system. A self-heating whirlpool comes with its own internal heating system that circulates the tub water and reheats when necessary. This is a good energy-saving option and the best way to keep your water temperature consistent. Source: DoItYourself

Which type of jet should you pick?
Choose between water jets or air jets. Water-jet whirlpool tubs force water through jets, giving more pressure and a forceful massage. In air-jet whirlpool tubs, air is forced through tiny holes for a lighter massage. A combination whirlpool tub uses both, but will be more expensive and may use more energy.

  • One drawback of water-jet and combination tubs is that you can’t use bath salts or oils, as these will damage the pumping mechanism.
  • Another water-jet and combination tub drawback is that some water stays in the jets, and mold can develop if they’re not regularly cleaned out. Source: WikiHow

We can help you figure out which brand or type of whirlpool tub will work best for your needs. Find out more when you call us today!

 

Contact:
Perfect Bath
Phone: Toll Free 1-866-843-1641
Calgary, Alberta
Email: info@perfectbath.com

The post 3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Whirlpool Tub appeared first on Perfect Bath Canada.



from Perfect Bath Canada http://bit.ly/2W6LBE4

Easy Dorm Room Recipes

By Vanessa Minehan, Dietetic Intern

1. Simple Spaghetti Squash

(Recipe and Picture from Tawnie Kroll, RDN)  https://krollskorner.com/recipes/simple-spaghetti-squash/

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 spaghetti squash Large or small,  depending on how much leftovers you want or how many you are feeding
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil

Optional:

  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 clove fresh garlic minced
  • 2 Tbsp. fresh basil
  • Crumble a turkey patty on top or any protein of your liking.
  • Add a slice of bread to increase the carbs if desired.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Cut spaghetti squash in half and place flesh side up. Lather the olive oil on the insides of the squash and sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper on it as well. Place the 2 halves faced down on a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 40 minutes, or until inside is tender. You should be able to run a fork through the flesh easily.

Alternatively
Cook in the microwave – Once the squash is cut in half and you’ve scooped out the seeds, just flip it upside down in a baking dish, fill it with about an inch of water, and microwave for 10 minutes, or until soft. Each squash may vary.

Cook both halves at ones, or save the other half for another day.

  1. While the squash is cooking, heat up your sauce in a small saucepan on the stove. Add in the basil, garlic, and oregano. I like adding more herbs to my jarred red sauce – if your sauce already has great flavor then don’t worry about adding anything!
  2. Serve spaghetti squash in a bowl or plate and top with sauce, enjoy!

2 Minute Thai Peanut Noodles 

 

(Recipe and Picture from FavFamilyRecipes.com 

https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/two-minute-thai-peanut-noodles/)

 

INGREDIENTS (with Amazon Links) 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Prepare ramen as directed on package. Drain all but about 1/4 c. of the liquid from the noodles. Add peanut butter and Sriracha sauce. Stir together until well combined. Top with peanuts and/or green onion. Boom. You’re done.

3. Black Bean Soup 

(Recipe and Picture from FavFamilyRecipes.com

https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/black-bean-soup/) 

INGREDIENTS (with Amazon Links)

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. 1. Blend together the black beans with one of the cans chicken broth. Add black bean mixture, the other can of chicken broth, and salt to a large pan. Cook on medium heat until nice and hot. (You don’t need to bring it to a boil).
  2. 2. In individual bowls, layer the rice, then the soup, then the other toppings.

4. One Bowl Microwave Scrambled Eggs 

(Recipe and photo from iheartnaptime.net

https://www.iheartnaptime.net/microwave-scrambled-eggs-one-bowl-healthy/)

Ingredients

  • 3 egg whites
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp shredded cheese
  • salt and pepper

Optional toppings: sliced avocado, green onions, salsa

Feel free to wrap this in a tortilla or as a sandwich between bread slices to create a more satiating meal.

Instructions

  1. Spray a microwave safe bowl generously with cooking spray. 
  2.  Crack egg whites and egg into the bowl. Whisk for one minutes. 
  3. Stir in shredded cheese and a dash of salt and pepper. 
  4.  Place the bowl in the microwave and microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, Watch closely so eggs don’t puff up over the edges of the bowl or explode. 
  5. Carefully remove bowl, top with any toppings and enjoy.

5. Microwave Breakfast Cookie in a Mug 

(Recipe and photo from BiggerBolderBaking.com

https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/breakfast-cookie-mug/)

Ingredients

  • ½ medium banana
  • 1 ½ tablespoons peanut butter
  • ½ tablespoon honey (or agave)
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 4 tablespoons oats (rolled or quick oats)
  • 1 tablespoon raisins (seeds or nuts)

Instructions

  1.  In a large microwavable mug mash the banana well with a fork.
  2.  Stir in the peanut butter, milk and honey and mix well together.
  3. Add in the oats and raisins and stir until combined.
  4. Microwave for 45 seconds – 1 minute or until firm to the touch on top. (Cook time is based on my 1200 watt microwave so your timing may vary)
  5. Enjoy warm!

Recipe Notes

  • You can mix this mug cake up the night before and cook it off in the microwave.
  • Cooking time will vary greatly depending on your microwave and the width and depth of the mug. 
  • The mugs I use are small, roughly 6oz (¾ /1 cup)
  • Always keep a close eye on your mug while in the microwave so it doesn’t over flow or over cook.
  • You can add in seeds or nuts also.

6. Eggs in a Nest

(Recipe and picture from Brit.Co) https://www.brit.co/microwave-brunch/?utm_campaign=pinbutton_hover) 

Ingredients

– 2 slices of bread

– 2 eggs

– Cup/cookie cutter/or anything to cut a circle from the middle of the bread

Feel free to top your toast with sliced avocado, cheese, and/or salsa.

Instructions

Using your cookie cutter, make a whole in the middle of the bread. Crack an egg into the hole. Microwave for a minute at medium power, then in 30 second intervals until the egg is cooked to your liking. Repeat with the other slice of bread and 

 

If you’d like assistance on your journey to well-being or feel that you would like to improve your relationship with food feel free to contact the Recreation Dietitian, Erin @ ekukura@ucsd.edu. For more information on services go to: https://recreation.ucsd.edu/wellness-services/nutrition/



from UCSD Recreation http://bit.ly/2VldwTr

{#TransparentTuesday} Thin Privilege

I have thin privilege.

I suppose I’ve probably written about this before, but even if so, it’s worth exploring again as my understanding of my own privilege has shifted over time.

First of all, let’s get out of the way what it means to have privilege of any kind, and why it matters that people with privilege acknowledge it.

Having thin privilege just means that a person doesn’t face specific obstacles, challenges, marginalization, or oppression as a result of their weight.

Meaning, since I’ve always been relatively thin, nobody has assumed I’m lazy or stupid based on my weight, I’ve never been passed over for a job due to my weight, I’ve never gotten shitty medical care due to my weight, I’ve always been able to find clothes in my size, and I see other people who look more or less like me represented in films and tv, etc.

That’s not to say I haven’t been presumed to be stupid, or been passed over for a job, of course. It’s just that those things didn’t happen as a result of the size of my body, whereas people living in large bodies experience those challenges and more on a regular basis, due exclusively to the size of their body.

This is where a lot of people (especially those with thin privilege) get stuck, and think…  well, fat people deserve those things, because being fat is a choice. They can always lose weight if they don’t want to struggle.

These are very normal thoughts, given the anti-fat biased culture we’re all steeped in! I used to have them too, I get it.

As a thin person, the marginalization and oppression of people living in fat bodies was completely invisible to me, and even when I started to get educated on the patterns of injustice happening daily based on the size of a person’s body, I still felt some resistance to calling it “oppression,” because I was still attached to the lie that weight is a choice, and that being thin is better than being fat.

There is so much wrong with that way of thinking, and I don’t have time or space to get into it in under 1500 words.

For the long version, go read the books Health at Every Size by Linda Bacon, Intuitive Eating by Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole, or Body of Truth by Harriet Brown.

The short version is that body diversity is real, being thin is not better than being fat, and nobody deserves to be oppressed no matter what they look like.

Some people live in fat bodies because they live unhealthy lives, yes. But others live in fat bodies due to genetics, natural body diversity, sickness or disability, medications, and (this is the biggest one) a lifetime of dieting in an attempt to lose weight.

Yes you read that right. Due to the way dieting decreases the metabolism, dieting is one of the most common causes of long term weight gain.

Thinness doesn’t equal health, and fatness doesn’t equal lack of health. Even if everyone engaged in fantastically healthy habits starting today, some people would still be fat and have large bodies. Being fat is not inherently unhealthy, problematic, or bad, and a person’s body size doesn’t mean anything about their character or moral status.

Oh, and for the record (in case you were wondering) fat-shaming causes weight gain and decreased health, not weight loss or healthiness.

But to be perfectly frank, even if fatness was automatically unhealthy, and diets worked, it still wouldn’t be ok to treat people in fat bodies as less worthy of autonomy, respect, kindness, happiness, love, or belonging.

Because everyone is worthy of those things, no matter what they look like. Nobody deserves to be bullied, shamed, violated, marginalized, treated badly, or put in danger.

And yet, these are some of the obstacles faced by fat people daily:

  • Job discrimination

  • Endless unsolicited advice, food-shaming, and body-shaming by strangers, friends, and family

  • Less effective medical treatment

  • Lack of representation in marketing and media, leading to a feeling of not belonging in our society

  • Encouragement to adopt habits which would be called “eating disorders” in a thin person (restrictive dieting and over-exercising)

  • Minimal clothes-buying options and representation in mainstream media

  • Constantly have to overcome biases people have against them, like the idea that they are lazy, stupid, weak-willed, incompetent, untrustworthy, or friendly/nurturing.

The anti-fat bias in our culture is so deeply ingrained that we don’t even notice it. The result is that, while most of us consciously recognize that it’s not ok to shame or endanger people of color, women, disabled people, or transgender people, no such understanding applies to fat people.

Otherwise liberal and compassionate people will explicitly shame, marginalize, and violate the boundaries of people based on the size of their body in a way that would no longer be acceptable for any other physical feature.

Not to mention, it’s nobody else’s business what a person does with their body! Some people smoke cigarettes, some drink too much, some overstress themselves at work, and some eat fast food. None of it is anyone’s business but their own, because we all have complete autonomy over our own bodies.

But also, a person should never have to force themselves to get closer to some false cultural “ideal” in order to be treated with kindness, autonomy, acceptance and respect.

This is why it’s so important to me that I talk about thin privilege– because we live in a world where being thin is praised, celebrated, represented, and held up as the standard for being “worthy” of things like autonomy, love, respect, and belonging.

As a naturally thin (and white, able-bodied, cis-gender, conventionally attractive) person, I have always been praised, celebrated, represented, and taught that I was worthy of things like love, respect, and belonging.

That’s not to say that I always believed I was worthy of those things, of course.

As you probably already know, many thin people still struggle with body image issues, lack of confidence, disordered eating, and body dysmorphia.

(Like I said, privilege doesn’t mean a person will be happy or have an easy life. Anecdotally I’ve even discovered that the closer a person is to the beauty/body “ideal,” the more pressure she feels to fake or achieve her way to perfection.)

But it does mean that even when I hated myself, and compared myself to women who were “more perfect” than me, society didn’t also hate me. Even when I was a nightmare to myself, society was pretty forgiving and supportive, compared to if I had been a fat woman — or, to get really intersectional for a moment — compared to if I had been a fat black woman, or a fat woman with a disability, or a fat black woman with a disability.

By acknowledging my own privilege, I am acknowledging that other people face challenges on a daily basis that they have done nothing to earn, just like how I have done nothing to earn the avoidance of those challenges.

Along with white privilege, able-bodied privilege, and beauty privilege, I have thin privilege.

It’s important to talk about this publicly, because I am a body confidence coach who fights for the rights and equality of people in marginalized bodies, all while living in a thin body.

It can sometimes be misunderstood that my thinness is a part of my message, but it’s not. It just happens to be the body I live in. A big part of my message is that being thin (or hitting any other social-status markers) doesn’t make a person happier, more fulfilled, or more confident– but it can’t be denied that it DOES come with some social advantages.

The truth is that whether I’m eating for pleasure or for health, whether I’m working out or not, I still always have a more or less thin body. This is due to a combination of factors, some of which I was born with, and some of which are the result of my behavior patterns (like the fact that I enjoy being active, and have never dieted) but none of them make me a better, more worthy, more fulfilled, or happier person.

Denying your own privilege is like taking credit for someone else’s work.

It’s like saying: yes, I earned this, and anyone else could be in the exact same situation as me if they tried hard enough.

Denying thin privilege denies the existence of body diversity, continues the myth that diets work, and blames people for their own oppression.

All just to protect our own egos.

Because that’s the thing about privilege, especially thin privilege. We’ve all been encouraged to believe that if we have it, we earned it and are better people. It can feel good to be praised and celebrated, and tempting to let yourself believe that maybe you are smarter and more hard-working and worthy of love than a person in a fat body.

It’s tempting, because it feels good, but it’s a lie. A lie that hurts a lot of people.

If you believe thinness is deserving of celebration, praise, respect, or admiration, then you automatically believe fatness is deserving of shame, disconnection, disrespect, and disgust.

If “fat” isn’t an insult, then “thin” can’t be a compliment. We can’t have it both ways.

So here’s the truth:

I live in a thin body, and that means I automatically have certain privileges that a person living in a fat body doesn’t have. I have not done anything to earn these privileges, just like people in fat bodies have not done anything to be denied them.

Thoughts?

<3
Jessi

The post {#TransparentTuesday} Thin Privilege appeared first on Jessi Kneeland.



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Work from Home Jobs – The Definitive Guide to 31 Legit Home-Based Careers

If you’re one of the many modern men or women who dream of working from home, you’re in luck! This huge list of work-from-home jobs gives you about a million (well, actually 31, to be exact) options to choose from.

work from home jobs

Table of Contents

Some of the jobs you’ll read about below are entrepreneurial in nature, while others are simply “regular” jobs that often include telecommuting benefits. And the great news is that more companies are allowing their employees to work from home at least part of the time. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics Time Use Survey showed that 23% of workers do some or all of their work at home. And as more employers see the many benefits of remote work, at least part of the time, more jobs will be available that allow workers to work from home.

I’ve divided the list into categories, though some of these jobs span or simply defy categorization. But at least this should help you skip through to jobs that might actually suit your skills and interests.

Without further ado, here are the details on 31 jobs that can make you actual money working from home:

Jobs for Word Nerds

If you’re good with words, the world is your oyster when it comes to work-from-home jobs. Whether you write in one language or speak three, these jobs give you some options for leveraging the power of words to make some cash.

1. Writer

As a freelance writer myself, I can tell you that writing is definitely a good way to make money from home–if you have the writing skills. Luckily, you don’t have to be Hemingway to write great web content or marketing materials. You just need a basic grasp of grammar, a keen eye for interesting information, and a drive to get your business going.

The pay: Content Wonk’s 2018 Freelance Writers’ Survey showed that the majority of freelancers earn between $15 and $30 an hour, on average. But 15% earn between $31 and $45 per hour, and a small percentage command $150+ per hour.

Getting started: The big money comes to those who market their blogging, journalism, or marketing skills directly to editors and businesses. To learn how to do that, check out great freelance writing blogs like Make a Living Writing (blogging/marketing), The Renegade Writer (journalism), and The Well-Fed Writer (commercial writing). These are only a handful of what’s out there!

2. Editor

Freelance editing seems similar to freelance writing, but it’s a whole different ballgame. Editors obviously have a different focus from writers–cleaning material up rather than creating it from scratch. Freelance editing is a competitive field and may require some previous experience in journalism, business editing, or another field to get you in.

However, if you have a background in a highly desirable field–like medicine or chemistry–and an eye for detail, you might become a specialized editor in that field. One writer I know has a background in chemistry and biology and went on to make big bucks as a medical editor.

The pay: PayScale puts the median freelance editor’s hourly pay at just under $25, though the top salary is more like $60 per hour.

Getting started: The best way to get high-paying work is to market yourself aggressively. Inklyo has a great article on starting as a freelance editor, and you should also check out Copyediting and The Subversive Copy Editor.

3. Translator

Fewer freelancers work as translators than writers or editors. But if you’re already fluent in multiple languages–particularly if one of those languages is English–you can likely find some high-paying translation work to tackle.

Do keep in mind, though, that a good translation is about more than just converting a document from one language into another. You also need to capture the sense and feel of the original document in a new language, which can be difficult, to say the least!

The pay: Glassdoor puts the average base salary of a freelance translator at about $55,000 per year. That’s a decent income, but hourly rates can vary greatly depending on the jobs you tackle and how efficient you are.

Getting started: This article offers good insight on getting started in freelance translating, and suggests the translator job and networking sites ProZ and Translators Cafe. Other worthwhile blogs to check out include Thoughts on Translation and Translation Tribulations.

4. Interpreter

If you’re excellent with at least two languages but don’t want to do on-paper translation, interpreting might be for you. While many interpreters are jet-setters who work for big businesses, some do work from home, interpreting conversations by phone.

One company, LanguageLine Solutions, hires work-from-home interpreters who take incoming calls and work through the phone. Sometimes phone calls are interpreted directly from one caller to the next, and other times, the content is written down and then passed on.

The pay: In 2017, the median pay for a translator, according to the BLS, was about $47,000 per year or $22 per hour. And as the world becomes more connected, these jobs are growing at a quicker pace than average.

Getting started: Obviously a grasp on at least two languages (one of which could be ASL) is essential. Most interpreters have a bachelor’s degree in one language and are a native speaker of another. Interpreting businesses often require long-term on-the-job training, as well. Blogs to check out include The Interpreter Diaries and The Professional Interpreter.

Jobs for Tech Geeks

If you’re good with computers–hardware or software or web applications or whatever–you can probably find a work from home job. These skills are in such high demand that many employers don’t care where you work from, as long as the work gets done!

5. Software developer

Software developers design all aspects of various types of software. They may work in research, design, computer programming, or project management, and they’re often directed by a programming developer.

Some software developers work full-time or part-time for a company but work from home. Others are completely freelance. Most have a specialty or two, which is necessary in the broad and ever-changing world of software. Some specialties to consider include mobile development, cloud integration, and parallel computing.

The pay: If you’re looking for a high-paying work-from-home field, this is one to check out. BLS statistics show that the median pay for software developers in 2017 was $103,560, or $49.79 per hour. Also, this field is expected to grow quickly, so expect plenty of freelance and other work-from-home opportunities as a software developer.

Getting started: Many developers start out working in a traditional job and then move to a work-from-home full-time position or a freelancing business. Blogs to check out include Joel on Software and Coding Horror.

6. Web developer

Web developers are the brains behind website design. They make designs functional and deal with codes like Java, CSS, and HTML. Programming experience is all you need to become a web developer.

Some people act as both developers and designers (see below), but specialized programming needs are making this a little less common–especially if you’re dealing with larger websites. Often times, web developers develop long-term client relationships where they continue to manage a site’s back end.

The pay: Glassdoor puts the average freelance web developer’s salary at over $93,000 per year. However, beginning developers could expect more in the $67,000 per year range, while the most experience can pull in well over $100,000 per year.

Getting started: This Coding Dojo article outlines how to start a freelance web development, including how to market yourself. Blogs to check out include the David Walsh Blog, Six Revisions, and Smashing Magazine.

7. Web designer

While a web developer works with a website’s back end, the web designer works on the pieces that consumers actually see. Designers often, but not always, come from a background of graphic design, and they work with programs like Photoshop, Gimp, and Dreamweaver to create beautiful website designs.

With the right knowledge, a web designer can often both design and develop the website. In fact, being able to do both is highly useful for a freelancer! This infographic outlines the differences between these two professions, if you’re still confused.

The pay: Glassdoor puts a freelance web designer’s average salary at about $64,500 per year, with $45,000 being on the low end. This is much less than a web developer’s salary, so if you’re good at coding, you might consider adding some to your skillset so you can do a bit of both.

Getting started: Obviously, you’ve got to have some design chops before you start a business designing web pages. Must-read blogs include You The Designer, Smashing Magazine, and Six Revisions. There are many, many more great tutorial and inspiration blogs for web designers out there! You’ll notice that many of these blogs overlap with those for freelance web developers. That’s because the skillsets also overlap, to some extent. As a designer, it’s helpful to keep an eye on what’s happening in the developer world, too. As they learn to code new things, you need to learn to design for new possibilities.

8. Database administrator/developer

Another way to put geeky skills to use is to get a job as a database administrator or developer. Loads of businesses use a database for their sales processes, and even nonprofits use them for donor and program management. If you know particular database systems like Salesforce or Freshdesk, you can make good money helping businesses implement and run their databases.

The pay: A database administrator can expect to make about $87,000 per year on average, according to BLS, and developers can make well over that if they have specific coding skills. Many companies hire full-time remote administrators for their databases.

Getting started: In this business, it’s typically a good idea to specialize in one type of database. Many database companies, such as Salesforce, offer their own internal training and certification systems that can help you learn the database and develop your skills.

Jobs for Marketers

Are you good at selling products or services? Excellent with marketing tools like social media, email, and brochures? Great at interfacing with the public and helping someone put his best foot forward? These marketing-related careers might be for you.

9. Marketing consultant

Marketing consultants often have experience in some of the other jobs listed here. But they’re less focused on the details of implementation and more focused on big-picture strategies. All businesses need to do marketing, but many don’t have a full-time marketing professional to drive their strategies and campaigns.

If you have a degree in marketing or significant real-world experience, you can command high rates to help businesses with their overall marketing plans or specific campaigns.

The pay: At the high end, marketing consultants make about $82,000 per year, according to Glassdoor. But the average base pay is $50,897.

Getting started: Obviously you’ll have to start by marketing your own business to find clients. This article from The Guardian provides one consultant’s insight on becoming a freelance marketing pro. Some top blogs to check out include Get Elastic (ecommerce), Unmarketing (relationship-building), and Heidi Cohen (direct and digital).

10. PR consultant

Larger companies often have a public relations person or even a whole department. But smaller businesses don’t have these people on staff. Instead, many keep a PR consultant on retainer to interface with the media, handle interviews, write press releases, and more. PR consultants are especially important if a business has a scandal or PR problem they need to deal with. These days, most PR consultants also touch on social media, since that’s how businesses connect with the public directly.

In short, PR consultants help manage a company’s or individual’s reputation. These professionals often come from a marketing background and need solid writing and speaking skills.

The pay: As with most other consulting positions, this type can see a lot of variance in pay. But Glassdoor puts the average salary at about $54,000 per year.

Getting started: While some PR professionals found their own home-based businesses or freelance part-time, many hold down full-time jobs where they happen to work from home. Starting a PR business may require some actual experience in the field, so you may need to start by finding a flexible job with a larger PR company to begin. Blogs to check out include Brian Solis, Spin Sucks, and Dave Fleet.

11. Social media consultant

If you’re great with LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and any other up-and-coming social media outlets, you might make a good social media consultant. While many PR and marketing professionals work with social media, these consultants are specifically geared towards social media representation–usually for businesses or big name entities.

Social media consultants typically work as freelancers, though a few large businesses do hire work-from-home social media experts to manage their media full-time.

The pay: Again, salaries can vary dramatically here depending on your skillset and job description. Glassdoor notes that social media specialists make an average of $58,000, while online community managers make about $62,000.

Getting started: Clearly, familiarity with social media is essential. But more than being familiar with social media, consultants need to know how to best leverage it as part of a business’s overall marketing plan. This article on being a social media consultant includes helpful information on what the job is really like. Top blogs to check out include Convince and Convert,  Jeff Bullas, and Social Media Examiner.

Jobs for Organized People

With today’s information, schedule, and stuff overload, many people just need help staying organized. These careers are great if you’re a neatnik who can do just that. Whether you want to manage a whole team as a project manager or work with individuals to organize schedules and spaces, there’s an option here for you.

12. Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants often specialize in one particular area of “assisting.” They help with everything from bookkeeping to research to database entries to billing to sending thank you notes for high-powered executives. I know one high-paid journalist whose assistant helps her find and schedule interviews for articles!

One great thing about being a virtual assistant is that you can leverage experience you already have to specialize (which means you can charge higher hourly rates) or you can just use your basic common sense and organizing skills to get started.

The pay: Virtual assistants don’t tend to make bank, but according to PayScale, they make about $15 per hour on average. On the lower end, they make more like $10 per hour, but those with specialized skills can make almost $30 per hour.

Getting started: This article is a  good place to begin. For more information, check out the Virtual Assistant Training Blog and GetFriday.

13. Project manager

In a day where business projects are more complicated and tech-saturated than ever, more and more companies are hiring project management professionals to help get things done. Project management is all about communication and organization, making it a good fit for many Type A personalities.

While most project managers don’t operate as freelancers, many do telecommute on a part-time or full-time basis. Since many project management tasks involve fielding emails and communicating with various employees and stakeholders, many projects can be managed solely or partially from home.

The pay: According to the Project Management Institute, the median salary of U.S. project management professionals in 2017 was $112,000.

Getting started: Typical project managers come out of other career backgrounds, including technology, construction, or communications. This article outlines the basics of becoming a project manager, and you can find out more at blogs like ProjectManagement.com, The Lazy Project Manager, and Project Management Tips.

14. Organizer

If your home is immaculate and The Container Store is your favorite place, you might have what it takes to become a professional organizer. These are usually people who help friends and family members get rid of junk and get things organized, too.

As people today contend with more and more information and stuff overload, professional organizers are in demand. While you can operate a professional organizing business out of your home, you obviously have to travel to other homes and businesses to do the work.

The pay: There aren’t many good statistics out there for the earnings of a professional organizer, but many charge $35-$50 per hour. Of course, not all the time you spend on this business will be made up of billable hours, but, still, this could become a decent full-time job for a neatnik!

Getting started: The National Association of Professional Organizers and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization both offer actual certification course for professional organizers. You don’t need to be certified, but having a shiny certification may help you land clients right out of the gate. And, of course, you might learn something new during training!

You may decide to get bonding or insurance, as well, just to protect you when you’re dealing with other people’s things. Bonding may be necessary if you want to organize for businesses.

Jobs for Artists

Artistic types have been known historically to work on their own from home, creating beautiful things for later public viewing. But with these many artistic career options, you don’t have to be a starving artist forever.

15. Illustrator

Freelance illustrators work in all sorts of mediums and do lots of different types of projects. What you do will mostly depend on your experience and your particular goals. As with other highly artistic fields, freelance illustration is not necessarily easy to break into.

However, illustration can be a part-time work-from-home job while you work full-time elsewhere. Or you could use your design skills to work in more-employable areas like graphics design and web design, while pulling in illustration jobs on the site.

The pay: PayScale puts the average wage for an illustrator at about $20 per hour, though well-known illustrators can make much more than this.

Getting started: This guide from various freelance illustrators can give you some tips on how to get started.. Sites to check out include Tom Richmond’s, Marloes de Vries’s, and Muddy Colors.

16. Videographer/video editor

If you have experience with a video camera and editing software, freelance videography might be for you. You might choose to specialize in shooting video or in editing video, or you might build your business around a bit of both.

Videographers may be hired to shoot video of weddings and other important events, and some freelance video editors even work for production companies who need an extra hand during busier periods.

The pay: Glassdoor puts the average salary for freelance videographers at just $23,000 per year, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics puts these careers in the $58,000 per year range, on average. It likely depends most on which skills you bring to the table and how experienced you are.

Getting started: Obviously, you need videography and editing skills to get started in this profession, and, as a freelancer, you also need basic marketing skills. For inspiration and to find out more about what a freelance videographer does, check out these blogs: David Perry Films, and Tubular Insights.

17. Photographer

With the rise of digital photography and ever-better consumer-grade cameras, professional photography is an increasingly competitive field. But if you have an eye for a beautiful shot and the drive to market your business, you can make a full-time living as a freelance photographer.

While many freelance photographers shoot family photos and weddings, others sell artwork photography professionally. Still others work for magazines and other major publications on a freelance basis.

The pay: The latest BLS statistics note that photographers make around $32,000 per year–or $15 per hour. However, as with other freelance professions, a photographer’s income is largely dependent on how efficiently she works and how many jobs she picks up through marketing.

Getting started: While some freelance photographers have a specialized photography degree, not all do. Some have simply taught themselves to use a DSLR camera properly and go from there. Again, though, marketing is just as important as your actual job skills. Blogs to check out include Psychology for Photographers, Photo Mint, Concentrated Photography, and The Law Tog.

18. Graphic designer

If you’re good with artistic mediums but want a bit more job security than an illustrator or fine artist, consider becoming a graphic designer. While some large companies still employ full-time designers for web and marketing work, many outsource this work to agencies or freelancers.

The great part for you is that agencies, themselves, often hire freelancers, so there’s plenty of freelance work to be had. As long as you market hard and get your name out there, you can make a decent living on your own schedule as a graphic designer.

The pay: The latest BLS statistics put graphic designer earnings around $49,000 on average, with the highest 10% earning more than $88,000.

Getting started: Though you don’t necessarily need a degree to become a graphic designer, taking some classes can help you become familiar with the latest programs and techniques. You can also choose to specialize in an area like graphic design for the web or marketing design. Blogs to read include Smashing Magazine, Design Observer, and I Love Typography.

Jobs for Entrepreneurs

While most of the jobs listed here are entrepreneurial in nature, these jobs are the most entrepreneurial (or just didn’t fit well in another category!). With drive and determination, you can turn just about anything into a business, but these options all have good potential.

19. Travel agent

If you love traveling or helping organize trips and events, this could be a great job for you. If you work as an independent travel agent, you can definitely work from home.

Most travel agents specialize in a specific type of travel, whether it’s cruises, resort stays, Disney vacations, budget travel, exotic travel, or whatever. It may help if you’re familiar with the area or type of trip you specialize in planning, so that you can give clients a real view of what to expect.

The pay: Because this is often a commission-based, entrepreneurial job, you can earn quite a bit if you work hard. But the latest BLS statistics put the median earnings for travel agents at almost $39,000, with the top 10% earning more than $62,000.

Getting started: Scams abound in the area of becoming a travel agent, as it’s often touted as a get-rich-quick scheme. There are, however, some great organizations that you can work through as an independent travel agent. Cruise Planners and Avoya are two reputable options. Another option is to learn the ropes by working with an agency before moving off to start your own business.

20. Crafter

With handmade goods in ever-higher demand, making a living as a crafter is an option for many. If you have a specific skill–whether its creating hand-stitched quilts or steampunk accessories– you can probably find someone who will buy your craft online or in person.

While it takes time and dedication to make a living as a crafter, many work-from-home individuals have managed to turn their passion into a full-time job. Just remember that besides being excellent at creating your products, you also have to know about marketing and running a business!

The pay: As with other entrepreneurial fields, your earnings here can vary dramatically. Some sellers on the popular handmade goods website Etsy make a really great full-time living from selling crafts, while others make just enough to support their crafting habit. Many of Etsy’s full-time crafters, though, say that you should expect to reinvest your business’s earnings into the business for at least the first two or three years.

Getting started: When you start a business like this one, market research is essential. You need to know who’s buying products like yours, where they’re getting them, and what they’re paying. From there, you can tailor your products to suit the market, get the word out about your business, and start selling, Blogs to check out include Craftster.org, Etsy’s blog, and Handmadeology.

21. Coach

If you’re looking to take a long-term, successful career in one specific area into a work-from-home business, consider becoming a coach. Coaches work in all sorts of fields, and the prospects for coaching are increasingly broad with the advent of new web tools.

Coaches may teach professional skills–marketing, web writing, IT development–or life skills–organization, habit formation, etc.–depending on their backgrounds.

The pay: There’s not really any “average” to be had for a nebulous field like this one. Some online, work-from-home coaches make a few bucks to pay for their morning coffee. Others make a very good full-time living. It all depends on how in-demand a coach’s services are, and how well the coach markets and sells those services.

Getting started: Becoming a coach in any particular field depends, first, on having a background in that area. Most coaches begin selling their services through a website and blog, where they attract traffic by offering excellent information in an area of interest.

22. Blogger

While many individuals start blogs as a way to talk about their favorite subjects or share family stories, it’s possible to make a part-time or full-time living as a blogger. This is a great work-from-home position, which allows you to build a business around whatever you happen to be passionate about.

Only a small percentage of bloggers consider their blog(s) to be a full-time job. However, some bloggers start out working more than 40 hours per week on their material, only to generate lots of passive income down the road.

The pay: There aren’t many statistics on what bloggers across the blogosphere make on their blog. Superstars like Darren Rowse of Problogger and Digital Photography School make well into the six figures, while more bloggers simply supplement personal or family income by working a blog on the side.

Getting started: This section on Dough Roller gives tons of information on getting started blogging. You should also check out Problogger, Copyblogger, and Jeff Goins’s blog.

23. Consultant

These days, many retirees and experts are leaving the traditional workforce to become consultants. You can consult on everything from engineering projects to training and curriculum design–whatever your specialty happens to be.

The key with consulting is that you generally need to have years of experience in the area in which you’d like to become a consultant. If your resume is loaded with high-profile projects, though, you could be well on our way to a lucrative side gig or work-from-home career.

The pay: Pay for consultants depends on what they’re consulting as. Business consultants can make $72,000 per year on average, for instance! Consultants in education-intensive areas like engineering may make even more than this, while consultants in areas like SEO and PR likely make less.

Getting started: Becoming a consultant is really as “simple” as starting your business and marketing your services. There’s obviously a lot to that, though, and one way to find out more is to check with other consultants in your niche. Moving from working for a business to consulting on your own is a big leap, so do your research before you jump.

Steady Work-at-Home Jobs

Though no job is ever a “sure thing,” these options often involve working full-time or part-time with a company, rather than working on a contract or freelance basis. If you’re looking for a job that will help pay the bills steadily, these are good options to check out.

24. Medical transcriptionist

Medical transcription was a work-from-home job before working from home was the big thing to do. Though you may not make a huge hourly wage, this job can offer serious security, since you can often be hired for a full-time telecommuting position.

Medical transcriptionists transcribe medical reports for doctor’s offices and hospitals. Their job involves interpreting information and codes just as much as copying it down, which means they do need some specialized knowledge.

The pay: The median wage for medical transcriptionists in 2017 was $32,250–or about $17 per hour.

Getting started: Though you don’t need a full degree to become a medical transcriptionist, you do need some postsecondary training–probably a certificate. As you look into certification programs, ask if the program offers job placement help. The Association for Healthcare Documentation may have some helpful information for you.

25. Call center representative

As call center technology increasingly allows representatives to work from home, this is becoming a decent work-at-home career option. While call center representatives don’t make a lot of money per hour, they also don’t need tons of training and can secure steady hourly wages working from home.

This is one area where you need to be careful to avoid scams. If any job ads ask you to pay an up-front fee to participate in the job, it’s likely a scam. Most serious call center jobs will give you access to the tools and software you need, and give you on-the-job training.

The pay: The BLS puts the average hourly wage for a call center representative at just under $16 per hour, which isn’t a bad steady job.

Getting started: Becoming a call center representative is as simple as looking through job listings and applying for jobs. You may have an easier time landing a telecommute position if you have some experience at a call center already, but this may not be necessary.

26. Paralegal

Most paralegals still work in an attorney’s office. But more attorneys are seeing the value in hiring work-from-home paralegals on an as-needed basis, or in giving their full-time staff flexible hours and telecommuting options.

Since paralegal tasks like research and document drafting are done more and more on computers, working from home is generally not too difficult. And since paralegal work takes only an associate’s degree, this is a work-from-home field you can get into easily.

The pay: BLS statistics from 2017 show that paralegals make an average of $50,410 per year, or just over $24 per hour.

Getting started: Paralegals need an associates degree to get started, so you’ll want to find a local or online program to kickstart this career. Websites to look at include the National Federation of Paralegal Associations and The Paralegal.

27. Accountant

Accountants often work from home, whether they work full-time for a business or go into business themselves. Working on a contract basis with small local business is a great way to make money while working on your own schedule.

You’ll need a degree and certification to become an accountant, depending on what type of work you decide to focus on. But once you get going, this can be a very lucrative field.

The pay: 2017 statistics from BLS show that the average accountant makes about $69,000 a year, with the top 10% earning $122,000!

Getting started: Start by getting  your degree, and then get the certification you need for your particular focus–CPA, CMA, etc. If you plan to work for yourself, be sure to learn about the marketing side of business, not just the accounting side! Check out Empower Your Business, Golden Practices for informative accountant-related reading–and to learn how to market your accounting business through a blog!

28. Insurance inspector

Insurance inspectors help investigate insurance claims for everything from home damage to car wrecks. Many insurance companies hire third-party inspections companies or independent inspectors to do this work.

Insurance inspectors can be based out of a home office, but will typically travel quite a bit for on-site inspections. This can be an interesting job, though, and a good way to get out and meet people while still working from home.

The pay: BLS statistics from 2017 show that claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and inspectors make an average of $64,690 per year.

Getting started: Some companies will require that you have a related bachelor’s degree, while others look for training from vocational schools and state-licensed training programs. You may need significant experience before you can make it as an independent, work-from-home inspector. Many companies, like SEER Insurance Inspections hire independent inspectors.

29. Home inspector

Like insurance inspectors, home inspectors can work out of a home office but will need to travel to the homes they’re inspecting in order to do their work. These individuals inspect homes for potential buyers, going through a standard checklist of items the buyers and mortgage company need to know about before the sale.

Home inspection doesn’t require a degree, but does require a certification. You’ll need to get this certification and then be prepared to market your services in order to get jobs.

The pay: One home inspector training program puts the average home inspector salary at about $58,000 per year. That’s about $450 per inspection, depending on where you live and the jobs you take.

Getting started: Again, you’ll have to have specialized training and certification for this job. American Home Inspectors Training lists the requirements by state here. Once you figure out your state’s regulations, you can figure out which courses and certifications you need.

Jobs for People Persons

If you love people and wouldn’t be happy with a work-from-home job that left you isolated, these two options are right up your alley.

30. Tutor

Here’s yet another work-from-home career that helps you leverage past experience and previous knowledge. You can tutor everything from elementary reading to college-level English and third-grade math to calculus, depending on what you’re good at.

While some tutors get their assignments through an organization, many find work through advertising and word-of-mouth. Some take students in their own homes, while others go to the students–either in their homes or in a public place like the library.

Increasingly, you can tutor online, too. Services like VIP Kid allow tutors to connect with students around the world via the web. Many of these services are specifically looking for tutors to train children in speaking and writing English.

The pay: College students and knowledgeable adults can usually charge $15-$25 an hour for tutoring services. Those with teacher training and higher-level degrees, though, could charge $40+ per hour.

Getting started: Most tutors have a particular focus–SAT prep, math, science, reading, etc.–so decide what you’re going to tutor first. If you decide to find work through a tutor search or placement service, research your options before choosing a company. Otherwise, work on marketing and getting the word out about your services locally. Blogs to read include Homework Help Today and Tutor Mentor Institute.

31. Caregiver

If you’re compassionate and love people, caregiving might be for you. Many work-from-home moms find success by creating a daycare in their own homes, while others spend evenings or overnights with local elderly people.

Depending on how you set up your business, you may actually work out of your home, or you may market from home and travel locally to actually provide caregiving services. Specialties here include infant care, nannying, babysitting, home daycare, respite care for the parents of special needs children, and elderly care.

The pay: Pay can vary dramatically in this field. The median annual wage for childcare workers in 2017 was just $23,760–but that included entry-level daycare workers, as well as daycare business owners.

Your pay will also vary depending on whether you’re working for a company or for yourself. If you work independently, all of the hourly/daily fees charged will go straight to your business, so you can definitely earn more.

Getting started: For many jobs like this, you can simply advertise your services and qualifications locally. Word-of-mouth is a great way to get started, though having a background in caregiving helps. For some caregiving jobs, like home health aide, you do need some certification. If you keep other people’s children in your home, you may also need to become certified by your state.

Next–>Multiple Income Streams: 10 Ways to Earn Extra Income

Topics: Make Money

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