Job Hunting for 50+

Does your age shut you out? Looking for a job? For those in the 50+ age bracket, you may have found that the economy in 2008 may have affected you too. You may have taken an early retirement or was let go. You were possibly in your 40’s or early 50’s at the time, well experienced in your field and thought that it would be fairly easy to move on in the work force. You may have found that finding steady employment has been more than a daunting task.

Then too, there’s a perception that people over 50 or 60 will be just passing through as a transition into retirement. Employers are reluctant to hire someone they think will be out the door in a year or so.

The fact is that compared to their younger colleagues, workers with a few decades of experience under their belt are typically better problem-solvers and people -managers and have honed leadership skills over time. I know that I am preaching to the choir, but you need to show that to potential employers.

Here are several strategies that can help you fight back against stereotyping and discriminating against individuals or groups on the basis of their age.

new life in retirement — Take a new direction in your best years

1. Ask for help and advice

Networking is just one letter off from not working. In this era of online resumes, it’s all about who you know that can get you in the chair for a face-to-face interview. When companies are looking for new employees, they rely on employee referrals. In 2011, employee referrals accounted for 28% of new hires, followed by job boards 20.1%, career pages on company web site.

You need to pick up the phone and call everybody that you know, ever knew, ever worked with and every employer that you ever worked. That’s the way to get an interview. You need to establish personal connection to the company.

2. Brainstorm

Call or sit down with a spouse, friends, neighbors, church friends and ask for help. Write down the names of previous employers and former colleagues, immediate and extended family. Don’t be embarrassed to call family members when you’re out of work. Get over it. Call friends, people in your place of worship, athletic club, volunteer organizations, parents of children’s friends.

If there is a particular industry you’re hoping for, join an association affiliated with it and seek out volunteer opportunities. Attend industry and professional meetings and conferences.

College and university placement offices are there to help no matter how long ago you graduated. Seek out career centers operated by your area colleges or lacal lgovernment agencies offering career counseling, workshops on resume writing, job fairs and retraining programs.

Don’t be timid. You have to take the risk of picking up the phone and having someone to say no, and maybe. No matter how good your resume might be, unless it helps you get a face-to-face interviews with hiring managers, your efforts are wasted.

3. Market your age as a plus

It’s all in marketing. Brand yourself. You are responsible for your own image. Workers 50+ tend to be self-starters, know how to get the job done, and don’t need as much handholding as those with less experience. A great benefit to being older is that you have a good deal of knowledge and leadership ability. So pitch your age as a plus. You need to be able to articulate your value.

4. Roll with the latest technology.

If you don’t have core technical skills, check out your local libraries, community colleges and other venues where training is offered.

Take the time to get savvy with the following:

Smartphones
E-mail
Computers
Social networking
Video interviews
Web navigation skills
Employer web sites and Google alerts
Learn the latest resume tricks
Fine tune your interview skills
Don’t be a know-it-all with a chip in your shoulder
Look your best and make sure that you are styled
Practice positivity

There are opportunities available for those needing extra money. Depending on work experience, here are are a few to consider. couple over 50

Librarian Assistant/Aide
Alumni Event Planning
Bookkeeper
Personal and Home-Care Aide
Handy Jack / Handy Jill (odd jobs)
Medical Assistant
Project – Based Consultant
Blogger
Personal Assistant
Athletic Coach / Umpire / Referee
Teacher’s Aide
Tour Jobs
Convention Center Jobs
Pet Groomer
Wal-Mart Greeter
Limo Driver
Shuttle Bus Driver on Campus
Tax Preparer
Tutor
Park Service Employee
Nursery Worker
Pet Sitter
Amusement Parks
Athletic Event Ticket Services
Call Center Representative
Restaurant Greeter
Hairdresser
Car Transporter
Travel Nurse
Cruise Liners has a full array of jobs and some hire couples
Realtor

Great Holiday Jobs

Santa Claus
Retail Sales Cashier
Retail Salesperson
Product Demonstrator
Holiday Decorator
Package Delivery

Landing a holiday job:

Stop by for a face-to-face
Offer future help
Be flexible
Network
Go where they know you
Don’t wait for a help-wanted sign

Great Snowbird Jobs

Resort Hospitality Worker
Resort Services Worker
Disney “Cast Member”
Second Home Property Manager/Concierge
Hairdresser
Spring Training Staff for Major League teams
Car Transporter
Travel Nurse
Cruise Liners has a full array of jobs and some hire couples

Work at Home Jobs

Translator-Interpreter
Legal Mediator
Graphic Designer
Writer/Editor
Blogger
Grant/Proposal Writer
Virtual Customer Service Representative
Virtual Assistant
Online Tutor
Crafter
Direct Sales such as Mary Kay Cosmetics, The Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Avon, Cutco, Stanley Home Products and Silpada.

Retired Teachers

Personal Trainer/Physical Conditioner
University Bookstore Retail Specialist
Adjunct Professor/Instructor/Lecturer/Visiting Professor
Retired and tutoring
Substitute Teacher
Career Center Counselor
Market and Survey Researchers

Nonprofit Jobs

Administrative Assistant
Volunteer Manager to bring awareness to the non-profit’s cause
Marketing/Communications Manager
Fundraiser

Soul-search for the issues that you care about. What skills do you have to help move into the sector. Research the nonprofit world and understand what you can do for the specific field you’re getting into. Volunteering first can give you an insider’s view and networking contacts that may lead to a job.

Consider taking a course to fill in any holes in your background. Credentials help in the nonprofit world.

Find work that keeps you happy and healthy….and pays the bills.

We find that many people in or nearly in their retirement years are using credit and credit cards to supplement their income, thus causing debt that can not be recovered from. We at reScore Solutions may be able to help. Call us today for a free credit report evaluation. If we can’t help you, we have a pipeline of professions in many industries that may be able to save your home, save your credit and assist in other avenues. 205-352-3448

Additional information regarding this blog can be found in the book: AARP Great Jobs For Everyone 50+ By Kerry Hannon

I DO and Bad Credit

January 30, 2016February 6, 2016 Gale Kirkpatrick al, Alabama Bridal Magazine, Alabama Weddings Magazine, avaidan credit union, bham, Birmingham AL Brides, Birmingham Bridal Fair, Buying a house with bad credit, credit repair birmingham al, Credit repair in Alabama Birmingham, Getting married and bad credit, low fico score, Modern Brides with bad credit, Renting a house with bad credit, Saving and spending, shopping for mortgage, Southern Bride, Wedding dresses Homewood Al, Weddings in Florida and Alabama auto loans, bankruptcy attorney in alabama, Best credit repair in Alabama., Birmingham, credit cards, Credit repair, How to get approved for a credit card, How to improve credit scores, Jeremiah Castille Foundation, John Kirkpatrick realtor Birmingham, Keller Williams realtor, Mortgage for home, Shopping for a mortgage

It’s been so exciting planning the Special Day! You had a beautiful wedding, the guest celebrated with you, the cake was eaten, the limo whisk you off for the beginning of a relaxing honeymoon, but wait…what about your credit!

After the honeymoon the real fun begins-starting your life together. From a financial standpoint, that involves exciting stuff like buying a home and trading in your sports car for a minivan (okay, maybe not everyone thinks minivans are exciting).

Your FICO scores are a big part of many of your financial decisions now that you are a couple. Here are a few important facts regarding your FICO scores.

You both have individual FICO scores. You do not have a joint score.
When applying for a loan and stating both incomes, the lender will only look at your individual scores when evaluating your loan application.
Joint accounts, such as credit cards or auto loans will affect both of your scores

When applying for a home loan lenders look at the three FICO scores from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion and your middle score is the score that your approval is based on.

Let’s say that Bob and Sue are married.

Bob has poor credit and Sue has good credit.
Bob makes more money than Sue.
Sue’s income qualifies for a 100K home and Bob’s income qualifies for 300K home, but they want to purchase a home for 375K.
Bob would not qualify for a loan because of his low scores.
Sue’s credit would qualify her for any home providing that her income is sufficient, but all that she can purchase is a 100K home.
Sue can NOT use his just his credit and just her scores.
Bob can not use just her credit and just his income.

So what can Bob and Sue do so that they can purchase the home of their dreams?

Call reScore Solutions! We can evaluate Bob’s credit reports at no charge and identify the accounts, collections and overall credit to be repaired, deleted or paid. We can save you money using our techniques in getting your credit scores lender-ready.

Watch video by clicking link below and see how Bob get’s started on getting his credit back on track.

http://www.kirkpatrickassoc.com/Services.html

Marriage and credit score myths.

Our credit reports will merge together when we get married. NO
Marriage will lower my credit scores. NO
When I change my last name my credit history will be erased or deleted. NO
My spouses poor credit will hurt my credit scores. NO
I will automatically become a joint user or authorized user of my spouse’s accounts. NO
You will be responsible for your spouse’s previous debt. NO
Being unemployed while raising children will damage my credit score. NO
Having a good job improves my credit score.
My spouse filed Bankruptcy and now my credit will be ruined too. NO
Since we are married, any loans or accounts that we get must be a joint account. NO
Whew!! I don’t have to worry about my spouse’s credit. NO. This will affect you when you want to purchase a home or other large purchase that both incomes will be needed to qualify. If you are a co-signor on any accounts or loans with your spouse, you are equally responsible for those obligations as your significant other. Any mishaps, such as a missed payment, will reflect poorly on both of your credit reports.

So while you were reading the credit score myths, Bob’s credit was repaired and his credit scores are improved.

Being that Bob’s credit is repaired they can now buy the home that they need. Bob and Sue are now happy and recommend reScore Solutions to their friends and lived happily ever after.

7 Ways To Deal With Bad Credit When Renting

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house for rent bham al — Renting a home with bad credit

Bad credit can trigger all sorts of issues when trying to get a mortgage, purchase a car or get a credit card. But even if you’re just looking for an apartment or house to rent, your credit history can pose problems.

Most landlords check credit reports of potential renters to determine the probability of receiving the rent payments. This can pose a problem when you may have a repossession, charge-offs, foreclosure, late payments or a Bankruptcy listed on your credit report. When your credit is damaged, you may have a tough time qualifying for that home or apartment that you and your family need.

At reScore Solutions, we understand that many people have fallen on hard times due to job loss, health problems, or having to close a business. Bad credit can happen even when we do our best to pay our bills on time.

Call us so for a free no-obligation credit report evaluation. While you are trying to get your life back on track, we can get your credit scores back up and running.

We specialize in getting your credit reports lender-ready so that you will be approved for a home. Understanding the ins and outs of lending we know what it takes to get your credit reports repaired and credit scores to the specification of your lender.

Raise your credit scores to qualify for loans and credit cards.

What should you do if your credit history is less-than-stellar? Here are seven ways you can overcome your bad credit and still get that rental you’re looking for:

1. Be honest and show that you have been making progress.

Sometimes bad credit isn’t a reflection of poor money management. Be upfront with a potential landlord before your credit is pulled. Don’t make excuses and blame others. Landlords have heard all of the blame games. If you are able to show a valid reason why your bills were not paid on time, such as divorce, health, job loss; but also show that it was a temporary situation and show how you have been able to get back on your financial feet, you may have a better chance of getting approved.

2. Find a guarantor or co-signer

Ask a trusted friend or relative with good credit to co-sign the rental application with you. While you may be the only one living in the home or apartment, your co-signer will be financially responsible if you do not pay your rent. This may give the potential landlord the extra security that he needs to feel comfortable with renting to you.

Of course, you really don’t want your co-signer having to pay your rent, so be sure that you not over obligate yourself to a rent amount that you can’t comfortably afford.

3. Pay in advance or increase your security deposit

Bad credit and especially a consistent bad credit history makes a landlord nervous because it indicates that your actions in the past may be repeated, such as defaulting on the rent payments or not paying on time. By paying a month or more in advance or offering a two-month security deposit, you can possibly alleviate their concerns. Not only does this show your commitment, it also provides them with extra cash that can cover some of the losses and damages, should you skip out on the rent. (Which, of course, you won’t.)

4. Get a roommate

Willing to share your space such as kitchen, living room? If so, a roommate may be a great solution. If the landlord will allow just one person to sign the lease, see if your roommate is willing to sign it solo. (Alternately, try to move-in with a roommate who’s mid-lease.) This way, the person on the lease is the one with more solid credit.

The other benefit to having a roommate is sharing the utilities. Saving money will help you to pay down your debts and helping to repair your credit.

5. Show solid income and offer to pay via direct deposit

Even if your credit is a little weak, your landlord may feel better if you can show that you have history with a full-time job with good pay.

When applying for an apartment, have proof of income ready, such as recent pay stubs, tax returns and a letter from your employer verifying your employment status and income. Offering to have your rent automatically deducted from your bank account can also help.

6. Be willing to pay a little more

Some landlords, even if you are renting from a property management company may charge additional “risk” fees for shaky credit and poor credit scores. You may want to step up and pay more if you really love the home or have to move in a hurry.

If you are dealing with an individual, you may want to negotiate to pay a higher amount so that your application is not denied.

pay more for renting with bad credit.jpg — Lower credit scores mean higher interest and rental payments.

7. Letters of recommendation

Just as your would provide a letter of recommendation for a job, provide one for a potential landlord too. Ask for letters from current and previous employers, current and previous landlords, and even past roommates who can vouch for your character. Even if your previous landlords were only for short-term arrangements, their endorsement can hold weight.

Your Credit Score that 3-Digit Number

January 16, 2016September 17, 2018 Gale Kirkpatrick Uncategorized

If you know what a FICO score is then you may have wondered how credit scoring came into being. How did that one little number become so important in our lives?

Lenders have been using credit scoring for years. By the end of the 1970’s, most major lenders used some kind of credit-scoring formulas to decide whether or not to accept or reject applications.

Credit scoring was introduced by two pioneers in the field: an engineer Bill Fair and mathematician Earl Isaac. Together they founded the firm Fair Isaac in 1956. Over the years they convinced lenders that mathematical formulas could do a better job predicting whether an applicant would default than even the most experienced loan officers.

By relying on formulas it would eliminate the possibility of human bias. Formulas wouldn’t turn down a potentially good credit risk because an applicant was the “wrong” race, religion or gender. It wouldn’t accept an applicant because they were a friend.

Credit scoring was also fast. Because of fast computers it would take minutes rather than days or weeks.

Early on, each company had their own credi scoring formula tailored to the amount of risk it wanted to take. Also the history with various types of borrowers, and the kind of people it attracted as customers. Although the factors varied, it took into account the applicant’s income, occupation, length of time with employer, length of time at address and information regarding accounts listed on the credit report. These calculations took place behind the scenes, invisible to the consumer and understood by a small amount of experts and loan executives.

Being that qualifying for an auto loan may be considered and weighed differently, that led to credit scores that are based on the biggest lending databases of all-those that are held at the major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Fair Isaac developed the first credit bureau-based scoring system in the mid 1980’s, and the plan quickly caught on.

Instead of basing their calculations on any single lender’s experience, this type of scoring factored in the behavior of literally millions of borrowers. The score was based on consumer’s history of paying bills, the number of types of accounts, and how much available credit customer was using, and other factors.

The credit-scoring model was useful for more than just accepting or rejecting applicants. Some lenders decided to accept higher-risk applicants but to charge them more in interest and possible fees. Lenders also use scores to screen vast numbers of people to find potential future customers. Instead of waiting on people to apply, lenders could send out reams of preapproved offers to likely prospects.

Consumer credit exploded in the 1990’s. Lenders felt more confident about making loans to wider groups of people. Here are a few examples of how available credit expanded during this time:

The total volume of consumer loans – credit cards, auto loans, and other non mortgage debt more than doubled between 1990 and 2000, to $1.7 trillion.
The amount of credit card debt outstanding rose nearly three-fold between 1990 and 2002, from $173 billion to $661 billion.
Home equity lending soared from $261 billion in 1993 to more than $1 trillion 10 years later.

Credit scoring got a huge boost in 1995 when the country’s two biggest mortgage-finance agencies, Fannie Mae and Frddie Mac, recommended lenders use FICO credit scores. Because Fannie Mae and Feddie Mac purchased more than two-thirds of the mortgages made, their recommendations carried enormous weight in the home loan industry.

Consumers may not understand the credit scoring system and find it to be a giant maze of never ending information, but at ReScore Solutions, Gale Kirkpatrick understands it as much as it can be understood. They work with each client to get credit reports lender-ready. That means that when clients follow the “plan”, clients will be approved. Home ownership is possible, even starting with the worst credit scores.

Most clients begin with scores in the 400’s and 500’s. Knowing the correct steps to take is the secret ingredient. They are experienced in debt negotiations, which saves clients hundreds to thousands of dollars. Through debt validation thousands of dollars can be saved on having 3rd party debt collections removed from credit reports- forever.

Credit reports have mistatkes — ReScore Solutions is a Kirkpatrick & Associates, LLC provides free credit report review.

If you need help with credit repair or student loan debt contact them today. ReScore also provides debt relief from credit card and unsecured loans. Business owner? ReScore offers business credit building and funding for your business.

Credit report evaluations are absolutely free.

205 649-1964

3595 Grandview Pkwy. Suite 250, Birmingham, Alabama 35243

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Month: January 2016