9 Ways To Make Extra Income Online

More and more, people are finding different ways to either increase or supplement their income especially with current financial uncertainties. With a lot of people securing jobs that are either remote or location independent, there is now a level of flexibility that has made it easier to leverage your wifi connection to make some extra money. Whether you're looking to supplement your income or start a new career, there are a variety of ways to make money online. Here are some of the most popular methods:

1. Freelancing: Freelancing involves providing services such as writing, designing, coding, or social media management to clients online. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com connect freelancers with clients and offer a wide range of job opportunities. I recently hired a VA on Upwork to help me with a few admin tasks and pay her weekly. In the past I have used said platform as well as Fiverr to hire for several small jobs.

2. Affiliate marketing: Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services through an affiliate link and earning a commission on any resulting sales. Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and Commission Junction are popular affiliate marketing platforms. You can then promote these on your social media or website.

3. Sell products online: You can sell products online through platforms such as Amazon, eBay, Etsy or your own website. You can either sell products you create yourself, or source products from wholesalers and sell them for a profit.

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4. Online tutoring: If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can offer online tutoring services through platforms such as Tutor.com, Chegg, or Wyzant.

5. Virtual bookkeeping: If you have experience in bookkeeping or accounting, you can offer virtual bookkeeping services through platforms like Bookminders, Belay Solutions, or AccountingDepartment.com.

6. Online content creation: If you are creative or have a talent for creating content such as videos, blogs, or podcasts, you can monetize your content through platforms like YouTube, Patreon, Instagram, TikTok or Substack.

7. Online coaching: If you have expertise in a particular area, such as fitness, nutrition, or business, you can offer online coaching services through platforms like Coach.me, Teachable or Udemy.

8. Online market trading: Online market trading involves buying and selling stocks, currencies, or commodities through online trading platforms like eToro, Robinhood, or TD Ameritrade.

9. Online surveys: There are many companies that pay individuals to take online surveys. While the pay is typically low, it's an easy way to make some extra cash in your spare time. Some popular survey sites include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research.

Making extra money online is easier than ever thanks to the plethora of opportunities available. Whether you're looking to earn a little extra cash or start a new career, there's a way to make money online that's right for you.

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Exploring the Future of Digital Money: Trends, Technologies, and the Role of Financial Development

This is a guest post by Katie Pierce

Digital money is revolutionizing the way we use and think about our finances. As a result, the use of this innovative currency is growing at an unprecedented rate. A recent report by the World Bank estimated that there are currently around 1.7 billion unbanked adults worldwide. Digital money could change this by providing them with access to financial services, reducing the costs of financial transactions, increasing efficiency, and enhancing security.

And today is a pivotal point in history as we witness how its future is shaping up. In this blog post, we’ll unpack the factors that are making a critical impact on the trajectory of digital money.

Trends

While there are countless possibilities for how technology might define the future of digital money, some clear trends are beginning to emerge. 

1. Real-time payments

One key direction in the development of digital money is the shift toward “real-time” payments. This means that transactions can be completed almost instantaneously. As a result, people no longer have to wait days or weeks for a bank transfer to go through. 

Such real-time payments offer consumers convenience. In the past, they had to plan ahead when making purchases or transferring funds—but not anymore! Today, they can conduct their transactions in a micro-fraction of the time that they used to spend on previous financial arrangements. 

2. Open banking

Yet another important development is open banking. This refers to a system where banks allow customers to share their financial data with third parties, such as app developers or payment service providers. 

Open banking can make managing finances easier by enabling users to access all their accounts from one place. This results in the quicker completion of transactions. Thus, both individuals and businesses alike can enjoy incredible convenience, with the new technology facilitating faster and more secure payments for goods and services. 

3. The rise of cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have gained popularity in recent years and are now widely used for online transactions. However, cryptocurrencies face regulatory challenges, and their use is still relatively limited.

4. Mobile money transfers 

Another significant trend in digital money is the increasing use of mobile wallets and mobile banking transactions. Mobile payment systems, like Apple Pay and Google Wallet, are increasingly becoming mainstream. Alongside this are the development of technological innovations that enable heightened convenience and security in their use. Mobile payments are thus expected to continue to grow, with the global mobile payment market projected to reach $494.5 billion by 2030.

Technologies

Several technologies are driving the growth of digital money, such as:

1. Blockchain technology

Blockchain technology, which underlies cryptocurrencies, is one of the technological waves that aren’t likely to break anytime soon. Blockchain is a distributed ledger system where transactions can be recorded securely and transparently. It can disrupt the financial industry by delivering benefits like improved efficiency, more cost-effective dealings, and bolstered security. 

In fact, this cutting-edge technology has been hailed as a way to reduce risks associated with digital payments. However, as digital money becomes more popular, developing more advanced safeguards against fraud and other potential risks will be essential. 

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI or artificial intelligence is also a major catalyst (if not the primary one!) in the shift towards digital money. It refers to the ability of machines to perform tasks that typically require human mental processes, such as image perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. With computer algorithms, this technology can learn and improve from experience and perform tasks that could only be previously performed by humans.

Today, AI is being used to automate financial transactions. These include fraud detection, risk assessment, and customer service improvement. AI systems are also being used to develop personalized financial products and services, such as robo-advisors, that provide low-cost investment advice to consumers.

The impact of financial development 

The role of financial development in shaping the future of digital money can’t be ignored as it makes the following possible:

1. Financial inclusion

One way financial development can support the growth of digital money is by promoting economic inclusion. This refers to the provision of affordable and accessible commercial and banking services to underserved populations. Through digital money, customers can now easily send and receive money regardless of where they live and their financial status. And this can go a long way in enhancing their social mobility and giving them access to more opportunities. 

2. Regulation

Governments around the world are investing in policies designed to facilitate innovation in the payments sector while still protecting consumer interests. One fine example is their initiatives that support safe and secure offshore banking jurisdictions that enable individuals and companies to enjoy lower taxes outside their own country base. Also, regulatory changes, such as open banking, have already had a major impact on how businesses operate. 

Yet there is still a ton of work to be done before we reach a truly seamless and secure global payments system. Regulatory devices must be flexible enough to accommodate new technologies and equally robust to prevent financial instability and protect consumers.

The bottom line

While the future of digital money has many exciting possibilities, it also presents some serious considerations regarding financial stability and consumer protection. Through advances in technology and supportive government policies, we can ensure that the global payment system is secure and accessible for all. So, let’s do the work and wait with bated breath as digital money continues to evolve and, hopefully, become a greatly beneficial instrument for future generations. 

For more tech-savvy insights, news, and information, visit the blog of The UnOrthoDoc today!

Meet Katie Pierce

Katie Pierce is a teacher-slash-writer who loves telling stories to an audience, whether it’s bored adults in front of a computer screen or a bunch of hyperactive 4-year-olds. Writing keeps her sane (most of the time) and allows her to enjoy some quiet time in the evening before she walks into a room of screaming kids (all of whom she loves dearly) the next morning

Financial Foundation: Get Good With Money

In my book club so far this year we’ve read two books on money and they were very different. The first one, Die With Zero tells us to spend our money, throw caution to the wind and live! while the second book, The Psychology of Money tells us a different story - that one should prepare for life’s lemons, save, invest then save some more as life will inevitably through us curveballs. Both books offered great insight and are the inspiration behind this blog post.

While both books are different in their messaging, there still lies fundamental basics that both authors agree on: You must get good with money.

In my opinion, we cannot begin to even get good with money if we don’t have the basics down. This might be a refresher to some and a reminder to others. After this post, grab your daily budgeting sheets (or grab them here), pull up your online banking platform and get to work.

Here are 5 things to get started on the right path:

1. Have a PLAN

Create a roadmap for your finances. What are your financial goals and what will you do to achieve them? Perhaps you would like to earn more money this year? Realistically, how much would that be? How would you go about achieving this? Break your goals down into bite-sized action steps and work diligently to reach them. Put a timeline on each goal to keep yourself accountable. Make a plan for all the things that will require money. Consider hiring a financial planner/advisor that can give you personalized recommendations and keep you on a timeline. 

2. Create and Commit to a Budget

I know I know, we don’t really like budgeting, It’s boring but it must be done. This will take some discipline. Consider adopting and applying the the 50-30-20 rule. Essentially this means, 50 percent of your money each month should go to essentials like bills and housing, 20 percent should go towards your financial goals like savings, saving for retirement and paying off debt/student loans, and 30 percent should go towards wants like vacation, entertainment, etc. Personally I dedicate 30% to financial goals and 20% for miscellaneous things like vacation and entertainment. Of course your budget sometimes need a little wiggle room and things do change so adjust along the way but for the most part try to stick to this plan. Automate it so that you don't have to think about it.

3. Start/Fund Your Retirement Account

It is really important that you get on this early! It is vital that you prioritize creating and contributing to a retirement fund and take advantage of compounding interest. Compounding interest will do a lot of the hard work for you if you start early. Here are the contribution limits or 2023. Try to maximize your contributions and take advantage of any match system your job has to offer. Speak with your accountant about the tax benefits of each type of account.

4. Keep an Emergency Fund

Make sure you have at least three (3) to nine (9) months of funds saved up for a rainy day.  If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that we need to be prepared for anything and that life will inevitably through us curveballs. Your emergency fund is where part of the 20 percent savings portion of your budget should go, and it's there in case you lose your job, become ill, or encounter an unexpected expense. Keep this money in a separate savings account at a separate bank from your checking account and forego a debit card for that account. Also, automate your contributions.  Ask your employer to direct debit a portion of your salary into your emergency fund account. You can also consider placing the funds into an account with high yield interest. Personally I use Ally and have been for years, but there are quite a bit of online banks with high yield interest accounts like Synchrony Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, UFB etc.

5. Tackle your debt.

All debt are not created equal. It is unreasonable to tell anyone to get rid of all debt, especially if you live in the US where the financial system runs on you having debt. However, there are some debt that’s considered “bad debt” like credit card debt because it grows pretty quickly and doesn't help you in the long term. Interest rates are usually high and can take a very long to pay off. Unless of course, you stay on top of it and pay the full balance each month. On the contrary, some may argue that student loans are a form of “good debt” because it's an investment into your future earning potential. Put as much money as you can towards credit card bills first starting with the ones with the highest interest. Once that's paid off, prioritize the next highest interest debt, and so forth. Also consider automating the contribution to your debt payment so that you never have to worry about a missed or late payment.

These are the very basics. As with anything, there must be a solid foundation. Once this foundation is built, you can now go on to build on your money making/diversifying prowess. Get these planner sheets to keep you organized to stay on top of your money goals and if you love books join my book club.

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7 Things I Learned From Creating a 7-Figure Business

When I first started out in business, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. After years of hard work and dedication, I am proud to say that in 2022 I have achieved 7-figure success. It was quite possibly one of the most challenging yet rewarding goals I have accomplished yet. I spent the last week in 2022 completely spent and exhausted with much time to reflect. From this journey, I have learned a great deal about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and millionaire. In this blog post, I will share seven key things that I have learned from creating a 7-figure business. I will provide tips on mindset, personal, professional, and financial development that have helped me reach my goals. . Here are 7 lessons I learned on the way to 7-figures:

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Side Hustle: 5 Ways to Increase Your Skillset with Skillshare

Personal development is an important topic to me and one of the ways I work on myself is making sure that I hone my existing skills and gain new ones. I love learning! Here’s the thing about diversifying your skills - you become an asset. You become an asset to your place of employment and also to yourself. When you know how to do many things your skills become transferrable which could mean an increase in salary. It could also mean a new way for you to make extra money on the side.

If you’re in that boat where you are looking to increase your skillset and make some extra money on the side then I am going to recommend to you Skillshare. Skillshare is a great platform for both learning new skills and teaching them to others. With a membership, you can access thousands of courses, tutorials, and workshops to enhance your existing knowledge, while also having the opportunity to become an instructor and start earning money. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five different ways to increase your skillset with Skillshare, so you can start a successful side hustle.

1. Join Skillshare

   With a Skillshare membership, you join a growing community of millions of passionate learners and start acquiring skills you need to reach your goals. All you need to do to get started is create an account on the platform. It is subscription-based and offers classes from the world’s best instructors in topics ranging from design, marketing, photography, blogging and business. Each class includes short video lessons, projects and resources to help you build your skills and potentially unlock a new source of passive income.

   With my link you can get a Skillshare membership this month for 30% off it’s original price.

2. Take Classes

   Once you have signed up and become a member, you want to start taking classes. Find topics that you are interested in and just have fun with it. They have over 27,000 classes in their library, you can explore different topics and find what interests you. If you have a skill you already know, you can take courses to deepen your knowledge or even teach that skill yourself.

   You don’t even have to sign up for classes right away. Browse the library and save classes that look interesting to watch later. That way, you can get an idea of the types of classes available and decide which ones will be the most beneficial to your career.

   Taking classes on Skillshare should be fun. Don’t feel pressured to sign up for a course that doesn’t interest you just because it’s popular. It’s important to take the time to explore and find something that speaks to your passions. You will get the most out of the experience if you choose something that excites you. I am a skillshare member and it has helped me over the years to learn about various things related to blogging and social media. What I have learned on skillshare has been invaluable.

3. Teach a Class

   As you gain proficiency in new skills, you can take the next step to become an instructor on Skillshare and start teaching others. Teaching classes on Skillshare provides a great opportunity to earn passive income, while also giving you the chance to learn even more new skills. Plus, you’ll get the satisfaction of helping others acquire knowledge and become more proficient in areas they’re interested in.

   Setting up an account to become an instructor is easy and straightforward. You simply sign up as a teacher, and then create classes by uploading pre-recorded video lectures. You’ll also need to provide students with helpful resources and give them timely feedback.

   Once you’ve published your classes, Skillshare takes care of the promotion for you and shares your class with the millions of potential students on its platform. You can even choose to make your class free or premium so that you can earn money for your hard work.

4. Promote Your Classes

   Even though Skillshare will promote your classes for you, you may want to share your classes with people on different platforms for a wider reach. To share your classes directly on skillshare, just share your class link with fellow teachers and students in the comment section of a course or via direct messages. I encourage you to also share your classes directly on social media like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other platforms that may be relevant to your target audience.

   When creating content to promote your classes, make sure to highlight the topics covered in the course and emphasize the practical application of what students will learn. You can also create short videos and tutorials to show off your teaching style. Lastly, if you’re a part of any online communities or forums, you can share your classes there as well.

   Promoting your classes is one of the best ways to make more money from Skillshare. When you reach more people, you’ll have more potential students and more chances to earn money. With this strategy, you’ll be able to start making passive income in no time while also giving others the opportunity to learn new skills.

5. Earn Money

   By teaching your own classes on Skillshare, you can earn a passive income from your creative endeavors. After your classes have been published, Skillshare pays you for each student enrolled in them. The best part is that you don’t have to be constantly monitoring your classes since you get paid even after the course has finished. So why not give Skillshare a try and start earning money from your creative side hustle?

   If you would like to give Skillshare a try, sign up for a membership and use this link to get 30% off the original price.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide for Him, Her & Your Little

It has taken me some time but it’s finally here, this year’s Valentine’s day gift guide! I know this is a fav on the blog and you’ve been waiting with bated breath, lol. This time I am putting a little something together for everyone. This gift guide is for him, her and your little one and, newsflash you do not have to get the cliché chocolates, roses and a card (come back and thank me later). Nothing against that stuff, I myself love a great box of chocolates. But, you can switch it up a bit and do things differently.

In my household we are big on gifts, it’s kind of one of our love languages. So I have created a gift guide that my household would love and I I hope you find something you like as well.

1. Lipstick (Christian Louboutin) - Lipstick is easy, simple and makes a great gift. I love lipstick and I have found that a great shade of red suits me very well. Now, your lipstick doesn’t have to be designer but I love the ones from Louboutin because it’s not only a lipstick but the tube can be worn as a necklace as well. It comes with a nice satin string that you can lace through the top of the tube, tie it around your neck and voila, a great statement piece. Worth the price tag, in my opinion. If you don’t care about that then my favorite reds are Wanted by my good friend Kami over at Kami Cosmetics and Feels So Grand by Mac Cosmetics.

2. David Yurman Bracelets - I have a love for Yurman classic pieces, if you haven’t figured that out by now. They are so sophisticated. I love that they look amazing when you mix, match or layer several styles. I personally love pieces from the cable classic collection. These stack well with the oval link bracelet. My husband wears this cable cuff and this spiritual bead bracelet all the time and has them in different colors that he switches out based on the color in his outfit.

3. Unisex Kids Pajamas - Include your little one in your Valentine’s day celebrations. They don’t require much. As a matter of fact, if you have a toddler like myself they don’t even know what valentine’s day is. A cute gift - PJs! I got Braxton this really cute and fun xoxo pajama set. I don’t know if he loves it or not but this is what he will be sleeping in come V-day.

4. Nail Polish (Gucci) - Similar to lipstick, such an easy and simple gift to buy your wife, mom or girlfriend. She will always have use for it - if she’s into getting her nails done (honestly, who isn’t?). Again, doesn’t have to be designer but these from Gucci really pop!

5. Mama/Daddy is My Valentine sweatshirt - Get these cute sweatshirts for your little one, whether for a boy or girl. This can be worn anytime, not just on V-day. I bought these recently and they are currently en-route to my home.

6. Paris Baccarat Rouge 540 - Can’t quite think of anything? my go-to will always be perfume (or cologne for men). This is one of my favs right now and it makes a superb gift. My husband’s fav at the moment is Bleu by Chanel. Smells amazing!

7. Vinglace Wine Chiller - You know I love a good bottle of wine. I actually subscribe to this wine club called Sparkle-ist where I am sent three bottles of sparkling wine every month. I love this portable wine chiller that helps keep my bottles chilled especially when I transport them to friends houses or to the park.

8. Cozyearth Pajamas - If you’ve been reading my blogs for a while, you know of my love for all things cozyearth. They have the softest, most luxurious and breathable fabrics. I almost have everything in their entire collection. I love everything I own from them including these pajamas. You cannot go wrong with anything they make. I love them so much I give this coupon code to all my family and friends for 40% off their stuff (shh I use it for myself too) code: DR.UNORTHODOC40

9. Electric Toothbrush - The dentist in me will not allow any gift guide to be complete without oral care goodies. Give Hubby, dad or your boyfriend the gift of good oral hygiene. Any electric toothbrush and water flosser is great, just check my resources page for all my favs but these black ones from Burst are really cool.

10. Foreo Iris - I got this for myself late last year and I really like it. It is Ophthalmologist approved as an effective & safe eye care treatment and combines ancient Asian lymphatic-drainage techniques with alternating T-Sonic technology, to refresh & depuff tired eyes, while gently massaging and soothing the eye contour.

11. Venus Fleur Roses - Yes, yes flowers do make the list because honestly, nothing says Valentine’s day like a bunch of long stemmed roses. I love these from venus fleur because they last over a year! Literally the gift that keeps on giving.

12. Caraway Pots & Pans - I am obsessed with my caraway pans. I bought this set along with the container set for myself around black Friday and it has been one of my best purchases. I love the quality, the non-stick feature and best of all the beautiful colors. With the success of the sales over the holidays they have chosen to keep the sale price for a little longer so run, don’t walk!

13. Candles - Such a no-brainer and always a simple yet thoughtful gift. Everyone loves candles, why not treat your loved one with the gift of fragrance to set the mood this holiday season. You can purchase any, but of course I am going to endorse my very own that are made of 100% soy and hand made by yours truly.

14. Date Night Ideas - Never run out of date night ideas with this scratch off card game. This is currently in my cart. Can’t wait to see what ideas they have!

There you have it, 14 amazing and fun gift ideas for the 14th of February - V-day! I hope you see something you love for yourself or will gift to someone. Come back, DM on socials or email me and tell me which ones you enjoyed the most. Happy shopping!

Step by Step Guide on How To Set Up an LLC

So you’ve decided to take that next big step and start a business or side hustle. You have your idea, business plan and everything else in place but now need to make your business legitimate. Many small business owners decide to set up an LLC for the liability protection it provides. An LLC, or limited liability company, exists separately from its owners , and the owners are, therefore not personally responsible for business debts.

To form an LLC, you'll need to file paperwork with the state where your business is located. Every state has its own rules and procedures, but there are several steps you'll need to follow to get your LLC up and running, no matter where you live.

Step 1: Choose a name for your LLC

Get creative and choose a business name that will stand out and be memorable. Keep in mind however that most states do not allow two different business entities to have the same name. So do your research and make sure your business name is not already taken. You can't, for example, have "Lilly’s Pup Treats, LLC" and "Lilly’s Pup Treats, Inc.," even if they're located in different cities.

Do a google search and check with the US patent and trademark office to see if your proposed LLC name is available. Choosing a unique name can help avoid confusion and trademark infringement claims. Also consider whether a domain name is available that matches your business name, you will want everything to be as cohesive as possible.

If the name you've selected is available, but you aren't ready to file your LLC documents right away, you may want to consider reserving the name. Nearly every state allows you to reserve a name by filing a form and paying a name reservation fee. The length of the reservation period, filing fees, and renewal policies vary from state to state.

Step 2: Choose a registered agent

Almost every state requires LLCs to name a registered agent. A registered agent is a person who agrees to receive official documents (lawsuits, subpoenas, etc) on behalf of the LLC and to pass them along to the appropriate person at the LLC. You, the officer can be the registered agent or you can assign someone like your accountant that role if he/she set your business up for you. Some companies, like legal zoom provide registered agent services for a fee.

Step 3: File organizational paperwork with your state

You will need to file articles of organization that list things such as:

• The name and address of the LLC

• The length of its existence, if not perpetual

• The name and address of the registered agent

• The purpose for which the LLC was formed

The paperwork usually must be signed by the person forming the LLC, and in some states, the registered agent must also sign. The filing fee varies from state to state

Step 4: Prepare an LLC operating agreement

The operating agreement typically isn't filed with the state and and is usually not required by state laws. However, it is an essential way for business owners to define their rights and responsibilities and minimize future disagreements. An LLC operating agreement is a roadmap that describes how your LLC will run. Common provisions in this agreement include the statement of intent, its business purpose, the time period during which it will operate, how it will be taxed, new LLC member admissions, and member capital contributions.

Step 5: Determine licenses needed

After the LLC's formation documents are filed and approved, the state will issue a certificate or other document confirming that your LLC now exists. Once you've received the certificate, you can determine whether or not you will need specific permits or licenses—like a zoning permit or liquor license, that your business may need.

Step 6: Get an EIN

The next step is to get your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Your EIN kind of like a Social Security Number for your business. Not only is it unique to your business, but it's crucial for particular business necessities like banking, taxes, and even hiring employees.

Step 7: Register to do business in other states (optional)

If your LLC does business in more than one state, you may need to register to do business in other states. To do this, you'll need to fill out and submit paperwork that's similar to the paperwork you filed when you formed your LLC. You'll also need a registered agent in each state where you are authorized to do business.

An LLC is a popular and flexible business option that works well for many small business owners.  LLCs are typically pretty easy to set up and maintain.

If you’re looking to set up an LLC and would like a trusted and reputable firm to take this off your hands, become a member of my exclusive community - The Climb and get access to all my resources

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How I Make Close to $25,000 from Blogging

Blogging has been a long time hobby of mine. I have been blogging since around 2008 and each of my blogs have always served as sort of a diary of my experiences, lessons learned and things picked up along the way. One great thing that has always come from it, is the help that it offers to people who read it - whether it is inspiration, a lesson from an experience of mine, a how-to guide, an industry contact or something more tangible. My inbox is filled with people thanking me for helping them in some way or another - this to me is quite fulfilling.

I do believe that if I were to give up working as an Orthodontist, one thing that would replace it is blogging. Many people do not know this or wouldn’t believe, but I am a true introvert. I am forced to have extroverted tendencies/personality because of the nature of my career and the way I have used my platforms (i.e social media), but my preferred method of communicating will always be in written form. Seriously, text me instead of calling.

What I hadn’t set out to do was actually make money from my blog. If this is something you have been wondering about I have written a few articles on how to start a blog and how to monetize the blog. I have also written articles on different kinds of side hustles - I have many ideas when it comes to this - and what I do know how to do is turn a hobby into a business. I have done this with my candle company, have helped numerous people get their side business off the ground and have written an e-book as a guide on how someone like you can do it too. I have written several articles on making money from a blog but I never went full throttle down that path myself. I simply welcomed a few opportunities that landed in my inbox with the added bonus of making an income from my monthly operations on this site.

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In 2022 I made roughly $25,000 from my blog. I consider the income from my blog as passive income. The income came from affiliate links throughout my articles and resources page, my digital products and a few sponsored posts.

One of my goals for 2023 is to increase my blog income by actively pursuing opportunities to make money with it. If I am being honest, I want to see what might happen if I actually try, and thinking long-term I want to see if I can turn this blog into a viable business. This way, I will not only gain another source of income but also (potentially) recession-proof my income. As an Orthodontist, my income is not recession-proof. If, God forbid, we should have another pandemic or the economy takes a nose dive, my current income would also be on that trajectory.

Here are my blog income sources for 2022:

• Affiliate Links - $9045.42

• Digital Products - $4800.50

• Sponsored Posts - $10,150.00

  $ 23,995.92

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23 Goals for 2023

“Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.” — Leon Joseph Cardinal Suenens

I really enjoy goal setting. It is one of my key methods of self improvement yearly.

Time and time again, research shows that you are more likely to achieve your goals when you write them down. In that same breath, it is important that when you’re thinking about setting goals, you set yourself up for success. That means having a method of planning that allows you to track your progress in the right way, stay motivated, and encourages you to be both consistent and disciplined. For as long as I can remember, I’ve kept a planner where all tasks, meetings, outings and goals (big, small, daily, weekly, monthly, etc) live. I highly recommend downloading the 2023 goal planner from my shop. I personally use this and update it every year. You can download it for free by signing up for my newsletter.

This year I’m writing my goals down as it corresponds with the year! I heard this pretty cool idea on the GenTwenty podcast and thought I’d give it a whirl so here goes…these are my 23 goals for 2023:

1. Read at least 23 books in 2023

2. Commit to working out 2-3 times per week

3. Run a 10K

4. Maintain a 7-figure practice/business

5. Re-commit to date night with my husband once per week

6. Schedule a CEO day once per month

7. Go to church at least one Sunday per month

8. Complete the Wharton Masters Business of Orthodontics-AAO Program

9. Be more active on the Board of the DC Dental Society

10. Drink more water (4-6 cups/day)

11. Increase my blogging & candle company Income

12. Do one family/kid friendly activity per week(end)

13. Spend 1000 hours outdoors

14. Try a new restaurant every month

15. Find ways to give back to my community

16. Do continuing education (CEs) once per month

17. One spa day per month (self care)

18. Book at least four trips and two “real” vacations

19. Gain a new skill

20. Get more sleep

21. Pay off debt

22. Learn one new recipe every month

23. Shop with more small businesses

Now that I’ve written this on the blog, you get to be my accountability partner. I will do one check-in mid year to update my progress and another at the end of the year. What are your 2023 goals?

Retirement Planning for Young Professionals in 2023

2023 RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

If you’ve been a reader here for a while you know that financial development is one of my favorite topics, especially when it comes to retirement planning. It is never too early (or late) to start saving towards your retirement! The past several years have made saving and investing a bit challenging but if I had any advice for a place to park what little money you may have left over for investing, it would be in a retirement account.

It is no secret at all that we are heading into a recession, if we are not already in the middle of one. The US government is trying to tighten up to decrease spending across all boards to combat our current inflation crisis. This could mean higher prices for goods and services which will trigger less spending but we could also see a smaller amount left over on our paychecks. It is imperative now more than ever to dump whatever money you may have into a safe place like a retirement fund. Now is not the time for gambling and high risk, in my opinion.

When speaking of saving for retirement, it is very important to have some knowledge of compounding interest to fully understand the benefits of starting early. This post will cover some retirement basics, contribution limits and what to do with extra money should you find yourself so lucky.

I must remind you that retirement planning is a long term investment. In most cases you will not be able to access these funds until around age 59 1/2 without severe ramifications (taxes + penalties). So, if you are investing and need to access your funds sooner than this, you may have to think of other types of investments. Take a look at other investment vehicles here, here and here.

There are many different accounts and plans available and choosing the right one is very important as they each have different benefits and advantages, especially when it comes to tax planning. Here are a few to help you get started:

Simple IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees)

For the year 2023, participants can make employee contributions of up to a maximum of $15,500 per year if you are under 50 years old and $19,000 if you are older than 50. This is a retirement plan that is usually available to self-employed individuals, however both employee and employer contribute to this account. Contributions are non tax deductible.

Traditional IRA

Anyone can open a traditional IRA account - but honestly, if you are a dentist or physician (like most of my colleagues are), then there really is no use for this type of account. During residency you have the option to open a Roth IRA (more on that below) because your lower salary allows you to stay within the income restrictions. Later as you start your career and your salary increases you will most likely surpass the income caps and will have the ability to deduct your traditional IRA contributions. However, it’s worth understanding as it forms the framework for all other types of retirement accounts. A Traditional IRA is set up by you (not an employer) and the maximum contribution to this type of account is $6,500 if you’re under 50 years old and $7,500 if you’re older. The contributions are tax deductible and grows tax-free.  If you withdraw the money prior to age 59 1/2, there will be ramifications of a 10% tax (penalty) as well as any income tax which would be owed on the money.  After age 59 1/2, you just have to pay the income tax based on your tax bracket at that time.  At age 70, you will be required to start withdrawing part of the money each year, the “Required Minimum Distribution (RMD).”  This is age based and starts out at about 3.6% and increases to about 8.8% at age 90.  

Roth IRA

I absolutely love a Roth IRA. However, there is a contribution income limit. If you make more than $153K (single) or $228K (married), you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA. However, there are ways to get around that with Roth IRA conversions, which we will discuss in a subsequent post. Anyone with earned income can open a Roth IRA and contribute up to $6500 per year. If you’re over 50, those limits are raised to $7500 per year.

The reason I love a Roth IRA is because you contribute with after-tax money, but it is never taxed again!  You don’t pay taxes on capital gains and dividends as the money grows, and it comes out tax-free in retirement.  You generally can’t access the money before age 59 1/2, but unlike a 401K or Traditional IRA there are no required minimum distributions beginning at age 70.

401K

If you are an employee of a company and your employer offers a 401K retirement plan, there’s absolutely no reason why you should not be participating. It is even more important that you participate if said company is offering a match. A match is basically free money! Do not leave free money laying on the table. The contribution maximum for the year 2023 is $22,500 and the great thing about a 401K is that you are investing pre-tax dollars. The not-so great thing is that when you go to retrieve your money (after age 59 1/2), you will be taxed on this (unlike with a Roth IRA).

If you're an Independent Contractor (not a W2 employee), you’re considered to be “running your own business.” In this case, you can also make an employer contribution of 20% of your net income up to $55,000.

SEP IRA (Simplified Employee Pension)

If you have your own practice, a SEP IRA may be a good option. This allows you to contribute 25% of your business profit or $66,000 per year, whichever is less. The contributions are tax deductible, and investments grow tax deferred until retirement.

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF WITH SOME EXTRA CASH, HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH IT:

Fund a Traditional Brokerage Account

Traditional brokerage accounts don't offer any sort of tax benefit for the money you put in, unlike IRAs and 401Ks. However, they offer flexibility in that you can withdraw funds at any time and for any reason. If you decide to retire early, like my husband did, you can use the money in your brokerage account to pay your living expenses. There are no income limits associated with funding a brokerage account.

Fund a Health Savings Account

HSAs are funded with pre-tax dollars, like traditional IRAs and 401(k)s. Withdrawals can be taken at any time, and they're tax-free as long as they're used to pay for qualified medical expenses. Any money not used immediately can be invested, just like in an IRA or 401(k). If withdrawals are taken for non-medical purposes, they will be subject to a 20% penalty.

However, once the contributor reaches the age of 65 funds can be accessed for any reason without being penalized. At that point, your HSA can serve as a general retirement savings account.

This is not a comprehensive list of retirement vehicles but certainly a great place to start. Everyone, as early as possible, should start contributing to one of the above. Speak with your financial planner or accountant for more clarification about which plan is best for you. If you need more info on this visit, the IRS website. Hope this helps in getting started.

Books I Read in 2022

I am an avid reader! I love a good book. Losing yourself in a book to me is the ultimate relaxation, not only that but there are a host of benefits to reading:

• Increases knowledge

• Exercises your brain

• Improves your focus

• Improves your memory

• Entertainment

• Improves your ability to empathize

• Improves your communication skills

• Reduces stress

• Improves your mental health

• Live longer, etc

This year I managed to read 26 books, 12 of which I read together with my book club. I must admit that my time is very different now being a mom and business/practice owner, and while I would have preferred to read all 26 physical books, quite a bit of them were the audio version (thanks audible!) Nevertheless I got it done, still reaped the benefits and developed a newfound love for audiobooks. They are the truth! You can still carry on with your day, do several things and still “read,” it’s amazing. Here’s a round-up of the 26 books I read in 2022 and if one of your goals for 2023 is to read more books, join my book club.

I hope to see you in the book club!

Everything You Need To Know About Web3

This is a guest post by Bash Sarmiento

Because I have spoken about cryptocurrencies and NFTs before, I thought it a good idea to impart some knowledge on the future of the internet, i.e Web3.

Web3 is the next era of the internet, where users are in control of their data and applications. Many businesses and tech experts have been predicting its rise for years, and it is finally starting to become a reality! If you want to learn more about Web3, check out our guide to everything you need to know.

What is Web3?  

To begin learning about this new technology, you must first answer the question: What is Web3? 

Simply put, it is a decentralized platform that runs on blockchain technology that provides a secure and transparent way for users to interact with each other. In particular, Web3 allows users to interact with decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. 

A DApp runs on the Ethereum blockchain. It is like a traditional web application but is powered by smart contracts - self-executing contracts that run on the blockchain. They can ease transactions between users securely and transparently. For instance, a smart contract could be used to manage a rental agreement between two parties.

Now that you know the basics of Web3, take a closer look at some of its key features.

Key Features of Web3 

One of the most important features of Web3 is that it is decentralized. This means that it is not controlled by any central authority, such as a government or a corporation. Instead, it is powered by the Ethereum blockchain, which is a global network of computers that anyone can join. 

Another key feature of Web3 is that it is secure. All data and transactions on the Ethereum blockchain are encrypted and stored in a public ledger. This makes it almost impossible for anyone to tamper with the data or make fraudulent transactions. 

Lastly, Web3 is transparent. Because all data and transactions are stored on the blockchain, anyone can view them. This makes it easy to track down any potential problems or fraud. 

What is the difference between Web2 and Web3? 

Now that you know what Web3 is, you might be wondering how it differs from its predecessor, Web2. The main difference is that while Web2 is centralized, meaning that there is a single point of control, Web3 is decentralized. There is no single entity that can control or manipulate the network. 

Another key difference is that while Web2 runs on central servers, Web3 runs on a decentralized platform. Finally, while Web2 apps are mostly closed-source, meaning that only the developers can see and change the code, Web3 apps are open-source. This means that anyone can view and contribute to the code, making it more transparent. 

How is Web3 used?

Albeit a relatively new technology, Web3 already has many applications. And with its vast potential, there will likely be even more applications for this technology in the future. 

• Web3 Wallets - A Web3 wallet is a crypto wallet that allows you to store and manage your Ether and other Ethereum-based tokens. It also allows you to interact with DApps on the Ethereum blockchain. 

• Decentralized Exchanges - On decentralized exchanges, users can trade cryptocurrency without the need for a central authority.

• Identity Management - Web3 can be used to build decentralized applications that manage user identity securely and transparently.

• Supply Chain Management - DApps can also track the movement of goods and materials through the supply chain.

• Voting - Applications that allow users to vote on decisions made by a group or organization can also apply Web3 technology to facilitate the process and secure each vote.

• Insurance Contracts - Decentralized insurance contracts can be developed by using Web3. With this type of contract, users can insure themselves against risks such as theft, fraud, or natural disasters. 

• Web3 Bounties - Web3 bounties are a way to incentivize users to complete tasks. Bounties are often used by developers to find bugs in their code or to improve the usability of their applications. These can be used to post and manage bounties for tasks such as bug fixes, security audits, or product development.

What are the risks of using Web3?

As with any new technology, there are some risks associated with using Web3. These include the risk of technical vulnerabilities and the risk of fraud or theft. However, these risks can be mitigated by taking proper security precautions and by using trusted platforms and services.

The Future of Web3

The goal of Web3 is to create a more democratic, open, and secure internet for everyone, and the future of Web3 is bright. It has the potential to revolutionize the way that people interact with the internet and can be used to build a new generation of decentralized applications. 

Additionally, because it is based on the Ethereum blockchain, it is highly scalable and can be used to power large-scale applications. Although it is still in its early stages, there are already several projects and businesses applying Web3 to various areas such as social media, finance, and gaming.

Meet Bash Sarmiento

Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management and traveling are translated in his works.

Find him on Instagram and LinkedIn

6 Trends That Will Affect The Future Of Advertising

This is a guest post bu Bash Sarmiento

The advertising sector constantly evolves along with time passing, especially with the emergence of new technologies and innovative trends. These inventions transformed how marketers operate, from creating content to fulfilling their responsibilities. For instance, the internet and social media have become the most effective platform for businesses to advertise their products and interact with customers today. Regardless, this is just the beginning of the bright and promising future of advertising. With the current and emerging trends, how companies see and utilize advertising will change in the coming years. 

In this article, we'll discuss these trends that will affect the future of advertising. Make sure to keep reading; you might be one step ahead of your competitors after adapting them to your marketing strategy today.

Trends That Will Affect The Future of Advertising

Enhanced Customer Targeting with Big Data Analytics

Most marketers are aware of the tremendous potential of big data analysis. Data alone has always been essential in coming up with strategic marketing decisions. But with big data, more information is being collected and utilized for your operations. 

One of the most impressive uses of big data in advertising is customer targeting. It is the process of connecting to your target audience through having insights about them. Using the data-driven approach, you will get to know your audience and think of ways to optimize your campaigns based on their wants and needs. 

However, you must be aware that since big data can get extraordinary volume and variety of unstructured data, it can be overwhelming. Therefore, you have to learn how to leverage the most crucial information easily to be able to make your customer targeting effective.And if you want to advertise your products well, make sure to measure the results. Take into account what is working, what isn't, and how you can improve.

Personalized Consumer Experience

Every consumer has a unique set of tastes and preferences. Therefore, it only makes sense to consider these particular inclinations in your digital marketing strategies. With big data, you can gain insights into their preferences and behavioral patterns. From there, you can personalize your content for them and improve their experience.When you target your ads to a specific audience, use ad copy, images, and even video clips that appeal directly to the interests of those consumers. All of these will result in a better experience for them.

Integrated Online-Offline Advertising 

During the pandemic, physical stores with little online presence have struggled, and most of them unfortunately closed. On the other hand, many digital brands have thrived during those times up until today. People have been purchasing a lot online because of the convenience of not getting out of the house. But that doesn't mean that physical stores have already gone out of style. Of course, many consumers still prefer physical stores. Therefore, you'd instead adjust your marketing strategy to meet the current trends in this age of digitalization.

Along with your usual advertising strategies in person, like hosting events, you can use the internet and social media to promote the business. Leverage all digital marketing channels as much as possible, especially mobile-friendly ones. These could help you gain more customers. 

Moreover, you can utilize VR and AR technologies to enhance your customer's shopping experience. Right now, Ikea already has an AR app that allows users to see furniture items, while other fashion brands have launched apps that enables shoppers to try on clothing virtually. Many brands are hopping through this trend—and soon, it will revolutionize the future of advertising.

Story-Driven Visual Content 

When it comes to digital marketing, content visualization is always the best. The rise of smart speakers and voice search today has precedent "readable content." In fact, according to research, visual content is preferred by people over plain text.

But nowadays, visualization alone will not be enough anymore. You should also be aware of the essential elements of brand storytelling. Modern consumers prefer relatable video content. In other words, they are looking for content that goes beyond product advertising. So, create a cohesive campaign that tells a realistic narrative. Add images, infographics, and videos to your texts to capture the hearts of your consumers.

Social Media Optimization (SMO)

If people aren't on their phones to text, they're most likely scrolling through their social media platforms. In light of this, it is best to leverage those platforms to grow your online presence, promote your products, and connect with your customers. 

Know that SMO works just like Search Engine Marketing (SEM), which includes search engine optimization (SEO) and paid media. They have the same goal to increase visibility and generate traffic. The only difference is SEM works on search engines like Google and Bing, while SMO is, of course, focused on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, etc.

The plan is to direct the public to your website, where more information is acquired. Therefore, similarly to SEM, you must create unique and engaging content to make this possible and do paid marketing for enhanced visibility.

Brand Transparency

With many businesses emerging today, consumers are becoming more discerning about the brands they support. That said, being transparent about how you operate will help you set your company apart. You can create advertisements and video content about your operations and how the brand supports different causes when you hop into this trend.

Final Thoughts

The advertising sector is ever-changing and complicated. The only way to succeed is to stay relevant and adapt to all these changes. With our article that covers the trends that will influence advertising in the future, you'll be able to transition swiftly and may succeed in the industry in the coming years.

Meet Bash Sarmiento

Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management and traveling are translated in his works.

Find him on Instagram and LinkedIn

2022 Ultimate Gift Guide

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! I love this time of year, everything gets merry and bright, people are generally nicer and there is that holiday cheer to put us in a great mood. I personally love it because of the gift giving (and receiving) and glorious vacation! I. cannot. wait. for vacation! I am on a somewhat mini vacay as I type this - It is the day after thanksgiving, there’s no work and the house is quiet. So, I have decided to put together a gift guide since they have been so popular on the blog - you all generally like them and find them helpful. So here goes, I hope you find something for yourself, a friend or a loved one.

1. Sparkle-ist Wine Club - This is a great gift for any wine lover you know, or even for yourself. I personally am a sparkle-ist club member and love it! I receive 3 amazing bottles of wine every month from small wineries all over the world. The owner, Lieven is from right here in Washington, DC but as he puts it - he’s a Belgian-born DJ turned bar owner turned fitness entrepreneur, and DC transplant. He is an amazing small business owner and person. That coupled with the fact that you won’t find these bottles in your local grocer or wine and spirits store makes them extra special.

2. Thumbprint Brandy Snifters - For a couple, dad, husband, boyfriend or male co-worker these set of 2 brandy glasses make an amazing gift and they are Tiffany, darling! So classy.

3. Set of 2 Stem Coupes - So dainty and elegant, these stem coupes make beautiful additions to your wine/champagne flute collection. Plus, they pair very well with the wine club membership above.

4. Candles - Such a no-brainer and always a simple yet thoughtful gift. Everyone loves candles, why not treat your loved one with the gift of fragrance to set the mood this holiday season.

5. Caraway Cookware - These make great gifts for the moms or daughters in your life, or for yourself. I got these myself this past Black Friday as my pots and pots were in need of serious overhaul. They have the most fun colors.

6. Cozy Earth Pajamas - If you’ve been reading my blogs for a while, you know of my love for all thing cozyearth. They have the softest, most luxurious and breathable fabrics. I almost have everything in their entire collection. You cannot go wrong with anything they make. I love them so much I give this coupon code to all my family and friends for 40% off their stuff (shh I use it for myself too) code: DR.UNORTHODOC40

7. Yves Saint Laurent Crossbody Bag - Accessories are my favorite statement pieces. I am a jeans and t-shirt with a nice blazer type of girl and a nice purse, jewelry and shoes always tops it off. Make the investment in a nice purse. This is a good one. Pair it with the card wallet too!

8. Cube Molds & Sphere Tray - Great for hubby, dad or a guy friend. I make a mean old fashioned or makers and ginger, hubby loves when I use these in his glass.

9. Designer Sunglasses - Gift me a pair of sunnies any day. They make such a great gift for your bff, sister, mom, dad, hubby, aunt or cousin. Get her chic, fun, classy designer eyewear or cool, sexy sunglasses for him and they’ll love you forever.

10. David Yurman Bracelets - I have a love for Yurman classic pieces, if you haven’t figured that out by now. They are so sophisticated. I love that they look amazing when you mix, match or layer several styles. I personally love pieces from the cable classic collection. These stack well with the oval link bracelet. My husband wears this cable cuff and this spiritual bead bracelet all the time and has them in different colors that he switches out based on the color in his outfit.

11. Square Valet Tray - The Square Valet Tray is a gorgeous addition to any entry table, desk, or vanity. Simply drop your keys or watch in it at the end of the day and trust they will be there when you head out in the morning. Perfect to add to your travel set, this valet tray organizer unsnaps and lays flat so you can easily pack it without bulking up your luggage.

12. Paris Baccarat Rouge 540 - Can’t quite think of anything? my go-to will always be perfume (or cologne for men). This is one of my favs right now and it makes a superb gift. My husband’s fav at the moment is Bleu by Chanel. Smells amazing.

13. 2023 Goal Planner - The gift that keeps on giving all 2023 long! Can be gifted to anyone on your list that is goal oriented and loves writing all their dreams and aspirations down.

14. Men’s Manicure Set - The Men's Manicure Set comes with the accessories he always needs, at home or on the road. Includes cuticle cleaner, small and large nail clippers, scissors, nail file, tweezers. Stainless steel construction. Genuine leather case. Case in brown.

15. Molekule Air Purifier - It’s cold and flue season and the cooties are out in full force. get this air purifier for your home (or office) and have peace of mind that your indoor air is free of all allergens. It’s PECO technology destroys SARS-CoV-2 by over 99% in under 1 hour. I have the air pro in my orthodontics practice. Works like a charm.

16. Foreo ISSA 3 - You knew it was coming, no gift guide is complete without oral care goodies. Gifting great oral hygiene habits is always a great idea.

17. Foreo Luna Mini3 - Self care anyone? I love this brand and have a few of their beauty products. I recently purchased this facial cleanser as i enjoy their gentle but powerful T-Sonic pulsations that deeply cleanse the face and prevent skin problems.

18. Foreo Iris - I got this for myself too recently. It is Ophthalmologist approved as an effective & safe eye care treatment and combines ancient Asian lymphatic-drainage techniques with alternating T-Sonic technology, to refresh & depuff tired eyes, while gently massaging and soothing the eye contour.

There you have it, 18 amazing gift ideas this season. I hope you see something you love for yourself or will gift to someone. Happy holidays! and happy shopping friends. Shop early this year, try to beat the holiday rush and avoid shipping delays.

Electric Toothbrush Round-Up

The holidays are among us and it is a time of year that is for togetherness, family, spreading holiday cheer and gift giving! I have started a tradition of putting together gift guides this time of year. In 2021 these were among the most popular posts on the blog so I am back again with the guides this year. Seeing that I am an Orthodontist, no gift guide of mine is complete without oral care goodies and it just so happens that some of my favorite oral care brands are having major sales this holiday season. I have rounded up a few electric toothbrush options for you and linked them below. Not only are the items up to 50% off but you can save additionally with my coupon codes. Click through for the savings. They make great stocking stuffers!

• Goby - I love Goby’s electric toothbrushes and even carry them in my practice. Every new patient gets a goodie bag with oral care goodies along side a brand new Goby toothbrush. This holiday they are having a great sale on their brush kits. 15% off 2 brush kits, 20% off 3 brush kits. In addition to that you can take an extra $10 off your order with code: UNORTHODOC10. They make great Christmas gifts.

• Foreo - If you missed it, I gave a detailed review of Foreo’s ISSA collection here. It is a swedish beauty brand that has made their way into oral care - they really are a self-care brand in my opinion. Having their products is like taking the spa home with you - all their products are luxurious, high-end, high quality, promotes taking care of your body and are backed by science and technology. I had the pleasure trying their entire line of oral care products, their ISSA collection. The ISSA 3 for adults, the ISSA kids for children ages 5-12yrs and the ISSA baby for ages 0-4yrs. They are having up to 50% off their entire line this holiday season. They make great, luxurious gifts! This link gets you the deals.

• Quip - If you’ve known me for a while you know I really like quip toothbrushes and their super stylish and sleek designs. Quip is a travel essential for me. I keep the quip toiletry bag with quip goodies including an electric toothbrush, tooth paste, floss pick, and mouth wash in my suitcase! They are having 50% off site wide on their toothbrushes.

• Burst - I personally love the rose gold burst products and the sleek design of their toothbrush and water flosser. I recommend these to my patients all the time! They have this really nice berry color that you can only get when you use a code. They are having 50% off right now but you can get an extra $10 off when you use code: SSNQED at checkout.

• Bitvae - Budget friendly electric toothbrush! Bitvae’s electric toothbrush is designed to improve our customers' oral health with smart products accessible to all. The price point is the best in the industry. Use code: 30patrice for 30% off the already low price.

I just love the holidays for all the gift giving and receiving! Did I tell you I gave quip kits as wedding favors? (along with some other really nice things). True story. The dentist in me had to do it.

Happy shopping!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission when you click the links.

Foreo ISSA Collection: Luxury For Your Mouth

As a dentist (Orthodontist), I get very excited when I am introduced to any new and revolutionary dental product. Every now and then oral care brands send me items to try, have my patients try and give my feedback. One of these said companies is Foreo (pronounced for-ray-oh).

Foreo is a swedish beauty brand that has made their way into oral care - they really are a self-care brand in my opinion. Having their products is like taking the spa home with you - all their products are luxurious, high-end, high quality, promotes taking care of your body and are backed by science and technology.

I had the pleasure trying their entire line of oral care products, their ISSA collection. The ISSA 3 for adults, the ISSA kids for children ages 5-12yrs and the ISSA baby for ages 0-4yrs. I have been using them for roughly 6 months now and gave my husband, my 10yr old niece and my 16 month old baby each an age appropriate Foreo toothbrush to try as well.

I will go over the key features of each then give my feedback and a surprise at the end so be sure to read all the way through:

FOREO ISSA 3

The ISSA3 is the version for adults. There is also a mini version, which is small and compact and easily fits in your pocket. I like the ISSA mini3 for travel. I throw it in my toiletry bag and take it on-the-go when I am on the road. Key features:

• Manual toothbrush with electric toothbrush benefits

• Sonic pulse technology

• Hybrid wave brush head for teeth, cheeks and tongue

• USB charge that lasts up to 365 days

• Medical grade silicone

• PBT polymer bristles

• 16 speeds/intensities

• Waterproof

TOOTHBRUSH SPECIFICS & IMPRESSIONS

●  4-IN-1 COMPLETE ORAL CARE FOR TEETH, GUMS, CHEEKS & TONGUE

The ISSA3 is designed with an innovative hybrid brush head that offers an invigorating tooth clean and gentle gum massage, as well as a tongue and cheek cleaner on the back. This toothbrush has clinically proven to reduce plaque and improve overall oral health by 140%.

●  16 SPEEDS OF SONIC PULSE TECHNOLOGY

The sonic pulse technology offers 16 speeds/intensities. Basically this means that the toothbrush is offering an effective clean as you manually move it across all the surfaces of your teeth. This makes the ISSA3 the most personalized brushing experience on the market.

●  NATURAL MANUAL GESTURE, ELECTRIC BRUSH RESULTS

Unlike other electric toothbrushes on the market,  ISSA3 does not require you to change your brushing style, it just makes it better, healthier and more effective - so you get all the benefits of an electric toothbrush without any of the extra effort.

●  ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS

In a continued effort to be more eco-friendly, ISSA3 is USB rechargeable, and its innovative Hybrid Wave brush head lasts for up to 6 months before it needs to be replaced (twice as long as other electric toothbrush heads on the market). If you have sensitive teeth, you’ll be happy to know you can also use an ISSA Sensitive brush head made of 100% medical-grade silicone, which lasts up to 1 whole year!

●  SMART SWEDISH DESIGN

The combination of medical grade silicone and PBT polymer bristles makes the Issa3 10,000 times more hygienic than nylon bristled brushes. It is 100% waterproof and free of BPA & phthalates for health and safety. It lasts up to 365 days on a single USB charge, with a travel lock and case for ease on-the-go; and features a built-in timer, and a brush head that lasts up to 6 months before it needs to be replaced for ultimate convenience.

PRICE POINT

The Issa 3 ranges from $139-$189 USD $79-$99 when you use this link to access and take advantage of their Black Friday Sale!

FOREO ISSA KIDS

The ISSA Kids is the version for children between the ages of 5-12yrs old, the period when they are exfoliating teeth (changing from baby teeth to adult teeth) and becoming more independent brushers.

• Designed for kids ages 5-12yrs old

• Sonic pulse technology

• Hybrid wave brush head for teeth, gums and cheeks

• USB charge that lasts up to 265 days

• Medical grade silicone

• 16 speeds/intensities

• Built-in Timer

• Glee and Glum Smile helpers

TOOTHBRUSH SPECIFICS & IMPRESSIONS

• HYBRID BRUSH HEAD & COMPLETE 360° CLEAN

While the toothbrush bristles clan the teeth, the concentric ridges on the back of the brush head clean cheeks and tongue, for a full mouth-clean. Each replaceable brush head lasts up to 6 months.

• SONIC PULSE TECHNOLOGY & BACTERIA-RESISTANT SILICONE

The kids version gives 9,000 pulsations per minute for gentle cleaning and gum massage and is made of ultra-hygienic, medical-grade silicone that is up to 10,000x more hygienic than nylon bristles. 

• LIGHT INDICATORS & EASY CHARGING

Because kids need all the help they can get when it comes to brushing, the indicator light flashes to indicate when to move to a new quadrant of the mouth & when to charge. The toothbrush is charged via USB which makes it convenient to charge anytime, anywhere.

• GREAT HELP FOR PARENTS

ISSA kids is an ideal toothbrush for children aged five and over, rewarding great brushing habits. Along with a built-in timer, it features “Glee” (happy) and “Glum” (sad) face symbols. “Glee” smile symbol comes to life after two minutes of brushing and “Glum” sad face symbol indicates that the little brusher has not brushed for 12 hours. This is an amazing feature to encourage good brushing habits.

PRICE POINT

The cost of the Issa kids is $129 USD $69 during their Black Friday Sale, use this link to access.

FOREO ISSA BABY

The ISSA baby is the baby version and is fantastic for little brushers ages 0-4yrs.

• Designed for kids ages 0-4yrs old

• Sonic pulse technology

• Hybrid wave brush head

• USB charge that lasts up to 240 days

• Medical grade silicone

• 16 speeds/intensities

• Built-in Timer

• Glee and Glum smile helpers

TOOTHBRUSH SPECIFICS & IMPRESSIONS

• SAFE SWEDISH DESIGN

The ISSA baby gives 6,000 delicate pulsations per minute for gentle cleaning  and gum massage; this is gentle enough for even the most sensitive teeth and gum. The indicator light flashes to indicate when to move to a new quadrant of the mouth & when to charge. The long-lasting battery lasts up to 240 days per single charge

• GREAT HELP FOR PARENTS

Thanks to Smile Helpers and two smart Brushing Modes, ISSA baby makes teaching children to brush – fun. ISSA baby is safe and effective: this is the only electric toothbrush for babies to combine silicone bristles with gentle sonic pulsations.

• BEFORE AND AFTER THE 1ST TOOTH

Kids 0-6 months: even before any teeth appear, using ISSA baby will reduce bacteria in the mouth by clearing away food fragments and residue while soothing baby's teething pain.

Kids 6 months through 4 years old: precise cleaning of baby teeth by covering each tooth separately from all angles, while gently massaging sensitive gums to soothe irritation.

PRICE POINT

The cost of the Issa baby is $109 USD $59.95 during their Black Friday Sale when you use this link.

THE VERDICT

I am very impressed with the ISSA Collection for it’s innovation. There is nothing like it on the market. A few of my favorite features are the use of medical grade silicone which makes the toothbrush hygienic, the fact that is is waterproof so that it can be used in the shower, the fact that the brush head only needs changing twice per year and of course, the “Glee and Glum” light up feature for helping kids with healthy brushing habits.

Using the ISSA 3 has not personally changed my brushing habits but has afforded a much better clean than a manual toothbrush due to the sonic pulsations. My niece who’s ben using the ISSA kids loves the fun, vibrant color of her toothbrush, the Glee and Glum smile helper feature and the pulsations. She says it reminds her of getting a cleaning at the dentist. My 16 month old is infatuated with the gentle pulsations and gum massage which I believe is soothing to him as he teethes. It introduces him to an interesting sensation that he has not experienced before. I believe that the pulsations of the ISSA baby toothbrush will help little ones get used to the vibration of the dental hand-piece that will help with alleviating any of the dental anxiety that kids sometimes experience when going to the dentist.

SURPRISE SALE!

I mentioned in the beginning that the ISSA brand is very high end, high quality and is considered a beauty luxury brand. I have several of their products, not only toothbrushes and I enjoy using them for my skincare and self care needs. Because they are so luxurious they make amazing gifts, I know I am grabbing a few items for friends this holiday season. For a limited time they are offering up to 50% off their devices for Black Friday! This is a pretty big deal since their products rarely go on sale. If you’ve been eyeing something from their line, now would be a great time to grab them. Visit the FOREO site using this link to access the sale. This special pricing ends December 4th, 2022.

Leading an “UnOrthoDoc” Life and How You Can Too

You probably landed on my blog or have been a long time reader and wondered, what does she even mean by The UnOrthoDoc? UnOrthoDoc is a word I totally made up that became sort of my personal brand. By my definition, it is (n) someone who does not subscribe to stereotypes of what he/she should be, do or look like (adj): Contrary to what is usual; different. It is a play on words, taken from the word Unorthodox meaning to be different. It does help that I am an Orthodontist (Ortho); a doctor (doc). But, you do not have to be a doctor at all to embody this. Therefore, by definition, you may also be UnOrthoDoc. You’re part of the club, sis, Grab your t-shirt!

After I explain what it means to be UnOrthoDoc, this usually leads to the follow-up question: What’s an UnOrthoDoc life(style)? Simply put, it is creating and designing a life that YOU love. Sometimes, that can look different than the one that is expected of you.

The more you can live a life that feels right, instead if the one you feel is expected, the happier you will be.

Yes, I am an Orthodontist. This is my career, the one that took me 10 years of school and plenty of student loans to accomplish. This is my 9-5. I have my own Orthodontic practice in downtown Washington,DC where I create/perfect smiles 3, sometimes 4 days per week. As much as I love doing this, and as much satisfaction it gives me to watch someone’s self esteem improve over time, it is not the only thing I love. I am not only an Orthodontist. It is simply what I have been formerly trained to do.

I consider myself multi-passionate. In doing Orthodontics I have developed an affinity for aesthetics that go beyond just perfectly aligned teeth but one that extends to facial aesthetics and thus I have expanded my expertise to that space creating a quasi-med spa with my husband as an adjunct to my Orthodontics practice. I co-founded a dental non-profit with the mission to provide dental services for individuals without access to care, and although I am no longer part of that organization my values remain the same and so I have chosen to focus those efforts on my home country, Jamaica. I love writing and have had several blogs since 2008. I love educating my readers, sharing knowledge, experiences, tips and information that I come across that would help you as much as it helps me and I love that it comes with the added perk of a little extra income each month. I enjoy creating divinely scented candles and have been doing this since 2012. The process is very therapeutic and I really love coming up with new scents every month. I may even develop different or new loves and passions in the future (because as we know, things do change and it is okay to change your mind). However, all these endeavors, which happens to be businesses of their own feeds a different part of me.

If I am being totally honest, there are periods where I feel a pull more towards one over the other. There are periods where I prefer to be blogging over aligning teeth, smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines over writing and there are times where all I want to do is concoct fragrances and make graphics for social media on canva. It’s just like that. Our passions typically tend to be on the creative side and does not usually pay the bills, unfortunately and you are lucky to find this combination. So here’s my first advice:

1. Build a career around what you’re good at, while pursuing your passion(s) on the side. Once the income from your passion exceeds the income you get from your day job, that’s when you can decide to pursue your passion (if that’s what you want). Until then, keep working at it.

I have been asked before, “If you weren’t an Orthodontist what would you do/be?” My answer is why do I have to choose? I can be an Orthodontist, blogger, chandler and anything I decide to do. If my blogging income were to surpass my income from Orthodontics I would consider slowing down in my Orthodontics practice and devote more time to blogging. I love it! It is a great marriage of creativity, writing, and helping. My answer almost always leaves people confused. “Why would you be doing this when you’re an Orthodontist? a doctor?! It makes no sense,” “why would she chase pennies for blogging when she makes real money being an Orthodontist?” are some of the things I overhear. We have been conditioned to equate success with money. Money is a tool. Money pays the bills. If money weren’t in the equation I would do Orthodontics in half the amount of time I do it now and for people who are in need. This brings me to my next set of advice:

2. Find your purpose - I understand this sounds cliché, but hear me out. Your purpose fuels and fulfills you and this is very different from your goals. Nowadays everyone is busy accomplishing. Everyone is setting goals and achieving them, always aiming higher - myself included. You may have goals of buying a house or starting a business but purpose takes those goals to a higher level. In my opinion, there are two things that prevent us from finding our purpose:

• Our need for stability and certainty: The need for stability and predictability is one of our deepest human needs. Routines help us conserve mental energy, and staying in our comfort zones can keep us from feeling anxious and getting hurt – emotionally and physically. But it also prevents growth. It keeps us in unfulfilling jobs and unhealthy relationships, and thus prevents us from finding purpose.

• Limiting Beliefs: The stories we tell ourselves about who we are can either hold us back or propel us toward fulfillment. Limiting beliefs – that we can’t do certain things, that we’re not good enough, that nobody will take us seriously, that this or that thing is what we are supposed to do or what is expected of us, that we don’t deserve to be happy – lead to limiting behaviors like fear of failure and self-sabotage. Believing that we have no limitations in life gives us the confidence to find our purpose.

3. Be honest with yourself about what you want your life to be, look and feel like: We all tell ourselves stories. They explain our emotions. They give meaning to our lives. They tell us how to react to certain situations and give us patterns to fall back on when we’re not sure what to do. But are we telling ourselves the whole story? Are we being honest with ourselves? If something feels “off” in our life – our relationship is losing passion, we’re not excited about our career or we feel busy but not productive – we may need to learn how to be honest with ourselves. Here’s how:

• Be vulnerable: There is nothing more courageous than allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. Absolute courage and vulnerability is one of the Five Disciplines of Love– and that includes self-love. Be willing to face fears head on.

• Reflect on your decisions: Taking time out each day to reflect can not only help us be honest with ourselves, but can make us feel more fulfilled and grateful. Try writing in a journal at the end of each day, answering questions like, what did I do right today? What can I do better tomorrow? How did my actions help me reach my ultimate goals – or prevent me from reaching them? When we write down our thoughts, it’s much harder to lie to ourselves.

• Picture your future: Dreaming of our ideal future can often provide more clarity on what we really want. When we are 90 years old and sitting in our rocking chair, what will be our biggest regret in life? What will give us the most fulfillment? When we frame our life this way, we begin to see what really matters to us.

• Develop self awareness: Have you ever told someone, “You know me better than I know myself”? It may be true. Others see things in us that we aren’t able to see, but if we’re willing to ask for outside opinions, we can become more self-aware. When we become aware of our own patterns – when we know why we are the way we are – we can finally begin to be honest with ourselves.

4. Be intentional about living that life: Intentional living is a lifestyle that encourages us to define our priorities, get clear on what we want from life and live each day in alignment with these priorities. In simple terms, living intentionally means deciding what we want from life and going for it! Instead of chasing our tails and struggling with life in the fast lane, we’re seeking out a life of purpose, direction, clarity, peace and joy instead. A life on our terms instead of a life dictated to us by our schedule or To Do list.

5. Ignore the haters: People dislike others who are different from them, or those who are more successful than them.

I hope this resonated with you. Consider supporting my blog by visiting the shop and making a purchase, like a journal or planner and don’t forget to grab your t-shirt. You are in the club now, afterall. At the very least, share this article with someone you think may resonate with it too.

How To Smash Your Goals in 2023

The last several years taught us a lot about uncertainty, to the point where now we probably have gotten used to plans changing on a whim or at least a bit more comfortable with variability. Nevertheless, the beginning of a new year is a hopeful time. It is often a time where we daydream and envision our ideal future and motivate ourselves to turn our vision of this future into reality by reaching and smashing our goals.

My method of goal setting remains the same, but I wanted to add a few specifics this time around:

1.START WITH A YEAR REVIEW 

I know this might seem like a lot of work, but it’s worth your time. Don’t stress, just be honest with yourself. If you had a planner last year, just look back through the months and assess everything without judgment. The easiest way to do this review is by answering these 5 questions: 

1. Identify 3 to 5 things that made you proud from 2022

2. If you set goals for 2022, how far did you get?

3. Identify what worked well, what didn’t work and why

4. Are there things you would like to improve, start or stop doing?

5. What are some of the lessons you learned last year that you want to keep moving forward?

2. PRIORITIZE YOUR GOALS

Now that you’ve done your year review, identify the top priority areas that you want to work on whether it is career, finances, health, relationships, etc. It could be all of the above, but pinpoint specific things in each category to work on. Remember, this is not about anyone else but YOU. This is personal.

3. WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN

A sure way to make things happen is to write it down. It sounds strange, but there is enormous power in putting things down on paper, and according to research you become 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams when it’s written. I always keep a physical (paper) planner even though I use the planner on my smartphone as well.

4. BUILD A SYSTEM AROUND ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS

This is where we sometimes lose focus. We may know what goal(s) we want to accomplish but before putting action steps into place they are intentions. Right now the steps in how to accomplish your goals might be blurry, let’s turn them into action:

5. MAKE YOUR GOALS S.M.A.R.T.E.R

So how exactly do you set intentions that you will actually stick to? Be SMART about it. But this year, I want us to be SMARTER.

Before you set a goal, first figure out your “why.” By figuring out and articulating the reason you want to achieve something you are more likely to remain motivated to stick to it.

S - Small and Specific: What do you want to do? Break your goals into smaller, more specific ones. For example, if your goal is to eat healthier in 2022, be more specific by making it about adding 1 fresh fruit or vegetable and a bottle of water per day for the month of January.

M - Measurable : How will you track your progress? All your goals must be measurable, that means you should be able to describe the physical manifestation of the outcome of your goal. Example, losing 2lbs per week by adding one fruit or vegetable and a bottle of water to our diet each day.

A - Attainable: How will you do it? Is your goal attainable? Can you realistically achieve your goal? Another great way to stay on track is to find an accountability partner. Example, someone who will check in to make sure you had your fruit/vegetable each day or someone who will ensure you meal prep.

R - Relevant: Is this relevant to your life right now? Is this goal relevant to you or even realistic? Ensure you’re not setting a goal that you really don’t care about and hence not realistic. Example, I dislike running. If I make it a goal of mine to incorporate running 1 mile/day I know I will fail. Instead, I ensure I get my cardio in by getting on the elliptical, peloton or taking a Zumba class.

T - Timely: When do you want to do it? Make a tentative plan for everything you do. Don’t just make it a goal to exercise once per day. You know your schedule, you know if you’re a morning or late night person. Instead of saying you will work out once per day, say you will work out at 5:30am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 1 hour before work.

E - Evaluate: How is it going? If you’re not tracking your progress how will you know what’s the cause of you not getting those killer abs? At the end of the month, go back through your planner and see if you stuck to the plan to reach your goal. 1. Did you meal prep every week for the past month? 2. Did you in fact incorporate 1 fruit/vegetable and a bottle of water to your diet each day for the month? Did you work out 3 times per week for the month? It’s okay if you missed a day or two (you’re a work in progress).

R - Readjust: How can you make it better? If you missed the mark in some areas last month =, you can make adjustments to improve next month. 3 days per week at 5:30am didn’t work for you? Maybe try Monday morning at 6am before work, Wednesday evening at 6pm after work and Saturday afternoon. Readjust until you hit your sweet spot.

6. TRACK YOUR PROGRESS, REFLECT AND RE-CALIBRATE

Resist the urge to freestyle your goals and actually check your progress as you go along. At the end each month, take time out to analyze what you have achieved, what you failed to achieve and how to improve on this (last 2 steps above). Journaling as you go along and circling back at the end of each month can really help you to stay on track.

7. ADJUST TO LIFE’S LEMONS

Life gets in the way and can derail you. Things such as illness, family commitments, work, life emergencies etc can impact your goals. Take note of these things and adjust as you proceed. 

8. ASK FOR HELP

Lastly, get an accountability partner. Have a friend or loved one you can lean on  for moral support and encouragement, you will need it from time to time. If you need specific help, reach out to those who can offer any guidance or assistance. The internet and social media is a great way to make connections.

Bonus: Be your own D**n Cheerleader and eliminate self doubt. Figure out what keeps you motivated and inspired. I love quotes! I keep them everywhere - my phone’s wallpaper, sticky notes around the house, on my desk at work, on the bathroom mirror, etc. I listen to music, books and podcasts that are uplifting. I tolerate no negativity and try to stay away from it at all costs.

Remember, a goal without a plan is just a wish. By breaking down your goals into bite-sized, manageable actions and writing them down, setting goals and intentions for the new year that you can actually stick to becomes a much easier process.

Grab a planner, a journal and let’s get ready to smash our 2023 goals! Remember, a sure way to make things happen is to write it down.

A Guide To Setting SMART Goals

Sometimes we set goals and then fall short, that’s okay. Everyone fails from time to time – it’s part of life’s journey. But if you find yourself consistently not reaching or giving up on your goals, it’s time to find a new way to set your intentions.

The value of setting goals in life cannot be overstated. We need to feel like we’re working toward a goal to ultimately feel fulfilled and joyful in life. But are all goals created equal? Not necessarily. The outcomes you want ultimately point to the quality of the objectives you’re setting for yourself – and if you’re not using SMART goals, you could be holding yourself back

MAKE YOUR GOALS S.M.A.R.T

So how exactly do you set intentions that you will actually stick to? Be SMART about it.

Before you set a goal, first figure out your “why.” By figuring out and articulating the reason you want to achieve something you are more likely to remain motivated to stick to it, rather than it being something you think you should do.

S - Small and Specific: Break your goals into smaller, more specific ones. For example, if your goal is to eat healthier in 2023, be more specific by making it about adding 1 fresh fruit or vegetable and a bottle of water per day for the month of January. Do you want to make more money this year? Saying you “want to earn more” is too vague. Instead, pick a number for how much money you want to earn. Is it $150,000 per year, $500,000 or even $1 million? Set a clear number to track your progress against. Having a specific goal is helpful in two ways: you can better visualize your outcome – imagine all those zeroes in your bank account – and you will know without a doubt when you’ve achieved it.

M - Measurable : All your goals must be measurable, that means you should be able to describe the physical manifestation of the outcome of your goal. Example, losing 2lbs per week by adding one fruit or vegetable and a bottle of water to our diet each day. Or, in the case of making $150,000 per year you can check the numbers as the year goes on to see if you’re reaching the goal.

A - Attainable and Accountability: Is your goal attainable? Can you realistically achieve your goal? Another great way to stay on track is to find an accountability partner. Example, someone who will check in to make sure you had your fruit/vegetable each day or someone who will ensure you meal prep. If it’s to make $150,000 do you have the potential to even earn that income (switching jobs, salary increase, unique skills, side hustles, etc). When you create a goal that’s too lofty, it can seem impossible. You may be overwhelmed and eventually give up.

R - Relevant and Realistic: Is this goal relevant to you or even realistic? Ensure you’re not setting a goal that you really don’t care about and hence not realistic. Example, I dislike running. If i make it a goal of mine to incorporate running 1 mile/day I know I will fail. Instead, I ensure I get my cardio in by getting on the elliptical, bike or taking a Zumba class. Realistic goals are those that you are willing and able to work toward that can be achieved by improving your current habits.

T - Timely: Make a tentative plan for everything you do. Don’t just make it a goal to exercise once per day. You know your schedule, you know if you’re a morning or late night person. Instead of saying you will work out once per day, say you will work out at 5:30 each morning for 1 hour before work/school. Do you think you can start earning your desired salary in six months, one year or two years? Having a clear time frame is essential for checking your progress along the way to reaching your goal.

Because of their effectiveness, SMART goals are commonly used in business, but you can also use them in your personal life, from creating fulfilling relationships to mastering a new skill. No matter which area of your life you want to improve, this tested strategy saves you the wasted time of not knowing precisely what you want or how to get it. SMART goals can help you “ladder up” to the bigger goals you set when you identify your purpose. Being purposeful and living with intention is what SMART goals are all about.

HOW TO ACHIEVE SMART GOALS

Now that we’ve answered the question “what is a SMART goal?” let’s look at a few tips for achieving them.

START SMALL

Instead of tackling your most urgent or loftiest goal pick something small to start with.

WRITE IT DOWN

According to a study conducted at the Dominican University in California, those who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. It doesn’t matter whether you write your SMART goals in a journal, enter them into an app or type them into a Word document. Just make sure they are documented.

CHECK-IN REGULARLY

How long will it take you to reach your SMART goals? How do you know if you’re falling off track? Regular check-ins allow you to evaluate your progress and course-correct when necessary.

DON’T LET FEAR HOLD YOU BACK

If you’re not making the progress you’d like, take a look at what’s holding you back. Are you hesitant because your goal or approach is unreasonable, or are you reticent because of a deep-seated fear of failure? Finding the source of your hesitation is critical, since overcoming our fears is pivotal to goal mastery as well as personal and professional development.

CELEBRATE EVERY WIN

When you celebrate wins – even the small ones – your brain gets a boost of dopamine that reenergizes and refocuses you. If you’re working on professional SMART goals, celebrate small wins with your team. Not only will this help you to continue to press forward but it will also inspire your team to do the same. Personal successes? Celebrate with your friends or family. After you’ve celebrated, get right back on track so you can work toward celebrating the next win.

How To Set Short-Term Financial Goals for Yourself

This is a guest post by Bash Sarmiento

Your lifestyle and risk tolerance with money is different from everyone else’s. How you approach your finances is entirely unique. Regardless of how you spend and save money, it’s helpful to establish short-term financial goals if you want to achieve financial security. 

Without short-term financial goals, you have less guidance in handling your day-to-day finances. You may end up overspending and taking on debt, putting your long-term financial goals in stagnation. In a nutshell, short-term goals are the result after you break down your long-term financial goals, making them easier to achieve.

What are short-term financial goals?

Short-term financial goals are goals that you can achieve in a relatively short time frame. Ideally, a short-term goal can be achieved within three years. These goals can contribute to your progress towards long-term goals such as retirement and paying off a mortgage. Examples of the most common short-term financial goals are paying off credit card debt, saving for a vacation, and saving for an expensive gadget.

Follow the SMART criteria

Standing for specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and time-bound, SMART is a criterion created to guide people in establishing goals and objectives. By following the SMART criteria, you can set clear goals that have specific steps towards their achievement and a definite indication of success. 

For instance, a goal not following SMART will just say “save money”, not indicating what the money is being saved for and how much should be saved at a given time. On the other hand, a SMART goal will say “Save $50 USD per month to afford a week-long vacation next year”. 

Short-term financial goals for everyone

How you set short-term financial goals should center on following the SMART criteria. The following are examples of SMART goals that everyone can set for themselves.

• Start saving for an emergency fund

Nobody wants disasters and tragedies, but life is unpredictable and the only thing we can control is how prepared we are. This is why everybody needs a safety net, a pool of money you can take from in times of emergency. Building an emergency fund should be at the top of your short-term financial goals.

Your emergency fund's size depends on your income and risk tolerance. The more you earn, the bigger your emergency funds should be. The general rule in building an emergency fund is “out of sight and out of mind”, meaning you should automate depositing into it and only access it during emergencies.

• Track your spending

It’s hard to set short-term financial goals if you don’t know how much exactly are you spending in a given time. Having no sense of your spending habits is synonymous to being cavalier with your finances. You will be prone to overspending and it will be a lot harder to save money. 

To start tracking your spending, you can choose from the best budgeting apps available today. Most of these applications link together all your accounts and place your credit and debit card transactions under budgeting categories. On the other hand, you can track your spending manually by gathering receipts and billing statements and organizing them in an electronic spreadsheet or on paper.

Once you’ve got a good grasp of your spending, you can set a realistic budget that can help you make better spending decisions. It can be a weekly or monthly budget, just make sure you aren’t setting it too low or too high.

• Improve your financial literacy

Among the biggest roadblocks to financial wellness is the lack of financial literacy. Many people get overwhelmed by financial jargon they don’t understand so they fail to take control of their finances. By improving your financial literacy, you will gain the competence and confidence to manage, save, and invest your money. Financial literacy enables you to implement strategies such as taking personal loans to save money or open opportunities like investing in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

There is no shortage of resources for improving your financial literacy. You can subscribe to financial newsletters, listen to podcasts, read finance books, or hire a financial expert. Whichever you prefer will work if you open yourself up to learning.

• Reduce spending

Once you’ve tracked your spending and become financially literate, you will better understand your expenses and determine which ones are unnecessary. Reducing your spending is a great way to make ends meet and help increase how much you can save every month. In times of inflation, furlough, job loss, or other setbacks, it will be critical to prioritize your spending in order to keep expenses to a minimum. 

• Pay off debts one at a time

Among most people’s long-term financial goals is to be debt-free, and the best way of achieving that is to pay off debts one at a time. If you have multiple debts, focus on paying one before moving on to the other. You can approach paying off debt in two ways:

1. Snowball Method, in which you pay off smaller debts first so you can see your progress. 

2. The Avalance Method, in which you prioritize debts with higher interest rates so you can avoid paying compounding interest and save money.

Conclusion

Short-term financial goals are the building blocks of your long-term financial goals, and by extension, your long-term life goals. You’ll have no trouble finding financial advice on the internet and once you’re financially literate, you’ll be mostly fine on your own. However, what your short-term financial goals should be will depend on your circumstances and priorities. Always remember that how you handle your finances is unique and you shouldn’t go out of your way to imitate others.

Meet Bash Sarmiento

Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management and traveling are translated in his works.

Find him on Instagram and LinkedIn