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.

Tweens Teens and Credit Cards

July 30, 2015 Gale Kirkpatrick al, bham, credit, credit cards, credit repair birmingham al, credit rights, finance, Lisa Crouse Gulf Shores Alabama, Prepaid debit cards or credit cards, Preparing your teen for credit, Teaching children good credit habits, Teens and money management Best credit repair in Alabama., Best customer service, credit cards, Credit repair done right, How to get approved for a credit card, interest rates and debt

Is your teen ready for a credit or debit card? Financial education should begin as a very young age. Don’t wait for your child to go away to college to learn about money management, credit and budgeting. He or she should have a good concept about this before they pack their bags. By all means, don’t arm your children with credit cards and no idea on how to handle it. Understanding how credit works will help them avoid the trap of revolving credit. Credit card companies are in the business of making money and keeping you in debt.

What to teach your teen:

What is a credit score.
How does credit affect me.
How do I keep tabs on my credit.
How do I protect my credit.
How to stay out of debt.
Don’t charge for items that you don’t have the money to pay for.
Don’t buy what you don’t need. Credit means debt. Debt means money that you will have to pay someone until you pay it off.
Help your child learn to save for what they want. This is important to start at a very early age.
Teach and assist your child to set a standard for automatic saving. Like 1/3 allowance and 1/2 of all birthday gifts.

Teaching your tween and teen responsible credit and budgeting.

As our children are growing up it is imperative that we teach them to be responsible with their finances. Your teenager is more mobile and you may find that it’s important that they have access to funds in case of emergency or otherwise. There are options and a parent needs to consider if their child is responsible enough to be in control of a credit or debit card. Let’s look over some of the different options to help in making a decision.

1. Prepaid cards are a hybrid breed. Just because it is called a prepaid credit card and works like a credit card does not make it a credit card. These are cards that are reloadable and works like a debit card. You choose the amount that you want to load on the card, use it like a debit card and it deducts the amount from your balance. You can then reload and continue to use. Being that these cards are associated with major credit card networks, American Express, Visa, Mastercard, these prepaid cards can be used anywhere the major credit cards can be used, whether it’s to purchase groceries, shopping at the mall, paying bills, or online shopping. This card is ideal for tweens and teens. No worry for over-drafting checking accounts or being accessed over-the-limit fees with credit cards. Prepaid cards are an alternative to banks. There are millions of people that do not want to use banks or traditional credit. Although these cards are not connected to a checking account, it still allows you to things that require a credit card, such as rent a car or book a hotel room. With many teens with a part-time job, cards even come with a checking and routing number so that a teen could have their check directly deposited onto the card. Many prepaid cards offer features to be able to access funds at an ATM. You also have the option of loading their allowance on the card. Prepaid fees. Be prepared to be charged with fees with a prepaid card. Each prepaid card comes with it’s own fee structure. Be sure and find a card that best fits your needs. You are protected. Prepaid cards offer the same theft and loss protection that major credit cards offer. Which makes this a pretty safe bet.

Children and credit cards. How to stay out of debt.

2. Store card / major credit card. While credit cards have a credit limit and you are able to use the card until the limit is exhausted. Credit card companies may extend additional credit at a cost of an over-the-limit fee. Eve with a credit card, it is important to keep tabs on your spending. With interest rates charges it may become very difficult to get out of debt. No one wants to head off to college in credit card debt and parents should not be left to clean up their teens out of control spending. Choosing between a store card or credit card may be a challenge when trusting your tween or teen to spend sensible and not send you soaring into uneeded debt. If you feel that your teen has not shown financial responsibility with their money and allowance, then you may want to rethink handing them a card to carry on a full-time basis. You may choose to allow them to use the major credit card on a temporary basis and for particular purposes and allowing the to view the invoices and pay the payments. Also educated them to understand the reality of charging and paying with money they earn from their job or allowance. Although there are fees for reloadable prepaid cards, there are over-the-limit fees for many credit cards. Just being charged one $39 over-the-limit fee is a large amount compared to prepaid card fees.

Teens learn from their parents money management. By gradually graduating their freedom to using your credit cards you will be able to build good spending habits and trust.

So while there are differences in choosing a card, education and holding your teen responsible for their spending is the answer.

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