How Student Loan Consolidation Positively Impacted My Credit Score
Many of us have student loan debt, and if you’re a dentist or physician your student loan amount may be pretty significant. Figuring out how exactly to go about tackling them can be quite daunting; from knowing the different repayment options and which is best for you, to knowing whether to consolidate or refinance or even making the decision to take your time paying or pay down aggressively.
Paradise Found: Turks & Caicos Islands
Turks & Caicos is one of the most beautiful Caribbean Islands I’ve visited! (besides Jamaica, of course - I’m biased). It’s surrounded by the largest sand banks in the world which allows for crystal clear, turquoise blue water. It is scenic, quiet and a lot less touristy than other surrounding islands. It is truly paradise!
Refinance or Consolidate your Student Loans?
As young professionals, many of us left or will be leaving school with student loan debt. As our grace periods wear off and we enter repayment a lot of us find ourselves scouring the internet or asking friends and colleagues how they are going about tackling their student loans. It can be daunting going through the options - some of us have loans from undergraduate school and/ or graduate school. Some of us may have taken out private student loans, federal loans or a combination. Either way, we need to know the options for repaying these loans.
An Orthodontist Can Boost Your Self Esteem!
People who are happy with the the way they look are typically more confident and have higher self esteem than those who are not. The way our teeth look and the appearance of our smile can have a pretty significant impact on the way we view ourselves. This is where an Orthodontist comes in. Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that has a focus on the alignment of teeth.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Set New Year Intentions (Goals) that You Will Actually Stick To
A new year is upon us, which means it’s time to reflect on the past year and bid the last 12 months adieu. With 2019 comes the promise of a fresh start whether it be personal or professional. But, how many of us get really excited for a new year and set lofty goals only for them to fall by the wayside in mid-January? Setting new year resolution for goals has been a long time tradition but statistics show that only about 10% of people actually stick to their new year resolutions past the month of January - that’s pretty low, but we can change that.
Retirement Planning for Young Professionals
It is never too early to start saving towards retirement. As the new year approaches everyone is setting their goals and intention for the coming months. A main focus for many of us will be our money management and long term goals(retirement planning). It is imperative to have some knowledge of compounding interest to fully understand the benefits of starting early. In this post I will cover some basics of retirement planning and hopefully compel every young professional to start saving towards retirement(if you haven’t already).
Tanzania: Dental Helping Hands
Our latest mission took us to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where Dr. Patrick Christopher (Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery resident and President of our non-profit Organization) and a team of other surgeons and volunteers performed life saving and life altering surgeries for individuals who were in dire need.
Best Money/Finance Podcasts for Young Professionals
On the path to becoming a professional regardless of the field you’re in, the focus has been getting to the place where we finally start our careers. Nobody taught us anything money or finance related. We lacked knowledge regarding taxes, refinancing/consolidating student loans, insurances, retirement, and investing.
Professional Teeth Whitening At Home
White teeth are always in style! Everyone wants a sparkly white smile and if you read my previous post you will know that there are many culprits out there that may diminish the whiteness of your teeth over time. Some of those culprits include coffee, tea, red wine, sodas, curry, turmeric, cigarette smoke to name just a few.
White Teeth Are Always In Style
We all want sparkly white teeth! Your smile is often times the first thing someone notices when they look at you so it makes sense to want to keep your teeth in tip top shape. However, there are some culprits that may prevent us from having and maintaining our pearly whites.
Go Where You are Celebrated
We spend at least 40 hours per week at work, quite literally half our lives. Life is way too short to live in a state of constant stress and misery. We hear this quote all the time - “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated.” Yet, many of us find ourselves in jobs where we’re not valued at all.
Working in an environment that you are merely tolerated will only hold you back. Instead, try to work for loyal employers who appreciate your talents and will give you opportunities to grow and develop.
How to Negotiate Your Contract, Like a Boss
Many professionals find the idea of engaging in contract negotiation intimidating. For this reason, many skip it all together and accept what they're offered, or they negotiate very minimally.
At this point, I have negotiated a few contracts to lend some insight on how to negotiate your contract to get what you want, what is fair and what you deserve.
Ghana: Dental Helping Hands
Earlier this year the DHH team was in Ghana where over 3000 patients received essential and life saving dental care.
The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment
Venice, Italy
I love Italy! I haven't been to very many cities, but of the ones I've visited Venice is my favorite. I love the fact that it is small enough to explore in just a few hours and not miss a thing. You can go cafe-hopping for coffee, wine, pizza and gelato; go shopping; sit and relax in the small squares; take a ride on a water taxi or gondola and so much more.
Turning Your Hobby or Passion Into a Business
I love my profession and honestly cannot think of any other career that I would enjoy as much. My passion lies in creating beautiful smiles and I enjoy and love my patients dearly! However, there are many other things that I love, enjoy and am passionate about.
Creating a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From
I came across a meme on Instagram that said "Create a Life You Don't Need a Vacation From" and it resonated with me quite deeply. It made me reflect on my own life and ask some really deep questions: Am I living in my purpose? Do I love what I do? If I didn't get paid for my work, would I still enjoy it? Am I living my best life?
Spring Clean Your Finances
Spring is not only a great time to put away the winter clothes and deep clean the house. It is also a good time to check in on your finances. Remember those beginning of the year goals like saving more, meal prepping and going to the gym (which by now may have tapered off)? This time of year is great to spring clean your financial goals and set yourself up for success the rest of the year.
Sudan: Dental Helping Hands
The DHH team was recently in Sudan where over 700 patients received essential and life saving dental care.
The purpose of the Dental Helping Hands (DHH) Non-Profit Organization (NPO) is to provide dental services to people who do not have access to dental care, who cannot afford it and who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment
Bucket Listing in Costa Rica
When you hear of Costa Rica, you immediately think rainforest, jungle, beaches, volcanoes and biodiversity. I couldn't wait to divulge and experience the culture, food, traditions, the jungle and to do one thing I always wanted to do: ziplane across the jungle!
What to Do with a Signing Bonus
You've worked your butt off, passed all your board and licensing exams, graduated and landed your dream job. What could be better than landing your dream job and receiving a signing bonus also? According to a 2016 research publication by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 52% of employers plan to offer signing bonuses to new graduates.