Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2019-12-11T12:33:54

(BPT) – Starting a small business requires a lot of hard work and commitment, with no guarantee of success. Thanks to the internet and the rise of e-commerce, small businesses today can capitalize on opportunities using tech tools that didn’t exist a couple of decades ago. This has opened up possibilities for businesses of all sizes, whether they’re home-based solo ventures or have employees and a storefront.

What are the secrets to small business success when it comes to selling online? Three entrepreneurs who won Amazon’s first-ever Small Business Spotlight Awards share their tips.

1. Always have sharply defined goals

Natasha McCrary, founder of 1818 Farms and winner of Amazon’s Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year award, says that clarifying her goals has helped her business grow.

McCrary began her Mooresville, Alabama-based business as a family project in 2012, but it evolved quickly into a booming business. Her inspiration came from a commitment to simple products that really work. After the launch of Amazon Handmade, she listed her handcrafted bath and lifestyle products in Amazon’s stores. Her business now has 12 employees, and has doubled its Amazon sales year-over-year. She says selling on Amazon Handmade provided credibility to her product line.

“If you realize that something isn’t allowing you to achieve a goal, don’t be afraid to make changes,” McCrary adds. “Think long term when building your brand and customer loyalty.”

2. Invest in high quality product photography

McCrary explains that businesses selling products online must prioritize how consumers first see the product to grow sales, so spending money on the best quality product photography you can get is worth the investment. “Quality photographs are invaluable in e-commerce and connecting to the customer,” she concludes.

3. Stick with it

“For other entrepreneurs, I’d say don’t give up! It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” observes Small Business Owner of the Year winner, nutpods owner Madeline Haydon.

Haydon’s business began to fill a personal need — wanting a dairy-free, sugar-free, creamy and delicious cup of coffee. She started making nutpods plant-based coffee creamer in her home kitchen, and soon friends and family were asking for it.

She raised capital with a Kickstarter campaign in 2013, then joined Amazon to boost sales.

“Seller Central provides an excellent suite of do-it-yourself tools to establish and grow our business leveraging Amazon’s customer-centric tools. From acquiring new customers to converting our biggest fans to subscribe and save programs, being an Amazon Seller has allowed us to stay nimble but grow big.”

4. Use social media to get the word out

Mikey Ahdoot and his co-founders, winners of the Small Business Owner Under 30 of the Year award, started Habit Nest, which creates journals to help people build better habits quickly and effectively. They use social media to boost product visibility.

“Run Facebook and Instagram ads at $5 a day, see what’s profitable, then scales those ads from there,” Ahdoot recommends.

Habit Nest began with each co-founder investing a small amount, followed by a Kickstarter campaign. They spend a lot of time personally interacting with customers, building real relationships that have led to a powerful following. Since listing products in Amazon’s stores, the company has seen 300% year-over-year growth.

5. Build your business on something you care about

What all these entrepreneurs have in common is that they began by creating a product that was meaningful to each of them. Because the award winners started with ideas that were personally significant, it drove them to keep going, and to create the best possible products they could.

Ahdoot adds that it’s crucial for success to create “a unique product you love.” That individual commitment to their product was a big part of what fueled their success, keeping the entrepreneurs motivated and helping attract interest and loyalty from investors and customers alike.

More than half of the items sold in Amazon’s online stores come from small and medium-sized businesses. And, on average, U.S.-based small and medium-sized businesses sell over 4,000 items per minute in Amazon’s stores.

Customers can support these and other small businesses selling in Amazon’s stores this holiday season by shopping for gifts from its first-ever Small Business Gift Guide.

2019-12-11T19:31:00

(BPT) – Holiday travel can be an exciting experience, but one that’s often plagued with frustration and exhaustion. What if you forget where you parked? What happens when you can’t plug in all your gear and it dies? What if you get stuck at airport security and miss your flight?

While there is no surefire trick for seamless travel, there are some things you can do to help prevent problems and eliminate stress. Consider these five smart strategies — including one great gift idea — to upgrade your travel game:

Take pictures

Your smartphone’s camera is for more than just selfies. It can be a wonderful way to document often-forgotten information so you can proactively save yourself a big headache. For example, take pics of your itinerary so if internet is down, you still have access to the information directly on your phone. Get in the habit of taking pictures of your parking spots and hotel rooms as well so that if you forget this information, you have a picture to quickly remind you.

Pack smart

Seasoned travelers tend to stick to carry-on luggage when flying to skip checking bags and therefore save time. When packing a carry-on, bring the necessities and maximize versatile clothing that can be used in more than one way. While the choice is yours, many travelers swear by the rolling method for packing clothing rather than folding to save space and prevent wrinkles. Finally, if you’re staying at a place for more than a few days, plan on using the hotel’s dry-cleaning service, which is likely still cheaper than paying for a checked bag to bring more clothing.

Maximize outlets

Today’s family travel utilizes lots of technology that needs to be plugged in or charged. When you’re stuck in an airport or hotel, there might just be one plug, which is extremely limiting. Grab a gadget that solves this dilemma: the Anker PowerPort Strip PD 2 Mini. This palm-sized portable power strip has two AC outlets, two USB-A charging ports and one high-speed USB-C Power Delivery port for phones, tablets and more. Featuring a compact square design, it has a slimmer plug than other power strips for maximum space-saving while traveling, plus it’s compatible with different voltage standards, so it can be used internationally with no worries. For more information, visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WLBZFDH.

Sail through airports

Frequent flyers know that airports can be congested and slow even when you least expect them to be. If you fly often domestically, consider investing in TSA Precheck to keep you flowing through checkpoints with ease. It costs $85 but is good for five years so many travelers find it worthwhile. If you travel internationally, invest in Global Entry, which provides similar benefits plus expedited processing at Customs and Border Protection for $100.

Be loyal

Not only does loyalty to certain brands help you rack up membership points, it reduces stress because you know what to expect. You’ll generally understand the process for getting what you need after you arrive at your destination. So try to fly, rent a car and book accommodations from the same companies as much as possible.

2019-12-09T09:01:01

(BPT) – Careers in the video game industry are highly desirable, and for good reason. Working for a video game company can be rewarding, and equally important, turns a favorite pastime into an exciting career. However, for tween and teen girl gamers, the prospect of one day working in the video game industry may seem daunting. While 46% of the U.S. gamer population is female, women account for only 22% of video game developers.

Women are taking the reins developing, designing and marketing video games. Lisa Wackenhuth Svanström, a 3D Artist at Star Stable Entertainment, a multiplayer game full of horses, magic and adventure, offers career advice to young women who may want a career in the video game industry:

1. What inspired you to build a career in the video game industry?

I am a life-long gamer, artist and digital creator and now, my official title at Star Stable is 3D Artist. Working for a company like this allows me to unite my interests and skills to create magic for girl gamers around the world. The artistic process of designing the 3D horses inspires me the most. It is so rewarding to have an idea in my mind, sketch out a new design and work with all the visuals such as 3D models, characters, textures, environments, props and ultimately release the final product for horse-loving girls who play our game every day.

2. What are the types of jobs for women in the development studio?

To build a game, artists (3D, 2D, VFX and animators), designers and programmers need to work closely together from start to finish. Artists work on the overall creative vision. Designers work with the mechanics and features. Then, programmers use their coding knowledge to bring it all to life. We work with producers to make sure that all tasks associated with the development process are completed on time and tracking with the overall vision of the project. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, developers focused on mobile and virtual/mixed reality are in high demand, as are tech animators, who use a combination of creative and animation skills to solve issues related to art production.

3. What other types of jobs do women have in the industry outside the development studio?

I have built my career in game art, but it takes dozens of people with specific skillsets for a video game company to succeed. Community managers interact with players daily to ensure they are having a positive experience with the game and make sure fan feedback is implemented. We also have women running the business at the executive level and as product managers and business developers. There are multiple opportunities, inside and out of the development studio, so you must embrace your skills and interests to find which career path you would enjoy most.

4. What are the most important skills needed to succeed?

I recommend that budding video game developers find a network, get to know different game engines, become familiar with 2D and 3D software, and try new games all the time. Then, become a specialist in the aspect that interests you the most. Developing specific skills is important but developing into a well-rounded person with a broad view of the world is equally important. It is also good to dive into sports, learn the arts, take a computer class or explore theater. Never stop learning and challenging yourself.

5. What advice do you have for young girls who want a career in video games?

A career in the video game industry, perhaps born out of a hobby or passion, is legitimate and can be profitable too. Today, there are dedicated game developing programs at universities. And, whether a teen dreaming of a future career, a university student or already in a career, finding a role model is key. I am fortunate to work with smart, talented women across all disciplines in the business of video games, each of whom bring something different to the table. Seek opinions from colleagues or bosses who have different work than yours — find a marketer, back-end programmer or member of the executive team and learn from them.

It’s also important to find a company that embraces women in all roles and embodies a culture of inclusivity and accessibility — the Star Stable team is more than 50% women. Finally, give back. If every woman who is part of the 22% proactively mentors other young women, imagine the next generation who will one day grow up to become our colleagues!

2019-12-09T08:01:00

(BPT) – Read on for the top five collision types in 10 states with high military presence, and five safe driving tips to help you avoid these costly accidents.

2019-12-04T07:53:00

(BPT) – Sponsored ad content from Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc.

The new year is just around the corner and it’s never too early to think about your 2020 goals — and for many, this means prioritizing finances. Taking the time to focus on your goals and determine what’s important to you financially is the best way to set yourself up for success, but actually following through can be difficult. These easy financial exercises from Vanderbilt Mortgage will help you reach your goals in the new decade.

1. Outline your plan

If you don’t already have one, establish your plan. Write down short-term financial goals, such as creating a monthly budget, and long-term goals, such as paying off a debt or buying a home. Defining these goals will help as you set your budget for the next year.

2. Create a monthly budget

Gather pay statements, bills and bank statements to get started. You can write down all this information or use a budget tool. Start by calculating your monthly income, which includes not only the amount you may get from a regular paycheck, but also any money you get in government aid, child support or pensions. The next step is to look at your bills and bank statements to find out exactly what you spend in various categories of expenses such as utilities, auto, medical, personal, insurance, etc. This accurate information will empower you to take control of your spending.

3. Set a savings goal

Saving is another important aspect of financial health. Whether you’re using a general savings account, adding to an emergency fund, or setting aside funds for a new home, saving for larger financial goals helps you prepare and gives you peace of mind no matter where life takes you. If you’re new to saving, start small. Simply skipping your daily latte from the coffee shop a few times a week can add up quickly.

4. Stick to it

The statistics on how many people actually follow through and keep their New Year’s resolutions are rather bleak, but sticking with your financial goals will pay off. Stay on track by monitoring your progress each week. As you get closer to your goals, excitement will build and you’ll be motivated to keep budgeting and saving.

Vanderbilt Mortgage offers helpful online resources whether you are looking to purchase a new home or keep your current home in great shape. “Here at Vanderbilt, we want to use our years of experience to help current and future homeowners.” Said Eric Hamilton, President of Vanderbilt Mortgage, “Providing educational materials for every step of homeownership is one of the ways Vanderbilt is with customers every step of the way.”

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), MT Lic. #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking.

2019-12-02T07:03:00

(BPT) – Although they’re widely used and an important part of our lives, most people find credit scores confusing. Often, consumers have a lack of accurate information about how and why credit reports and scores are used by lenders. Credit reports and scores allow banks and creditors to determine their risk in lending money to you, whether for a mortgage, car or other loan. Your credit history shows how likely you are to handle your debt responsibly — and pay it back in a timely manner.

Here are some common beliefs about credit scores, and the reality behind them.

MYTH #1: To boost your credit score quickly, leave a balance on credit cards.

FACT: Carrying a balance every month will not build your credit score any faster. What impacts your credit score more is the length of time you’ve held the credit accounts, a low balance and on-time payments. Since carrying a balance means paying interest, it’s better for you to keep balances low or at zero.

MYTH #2: Not using credit cards is the best way to improve your credit score.

FACT: It’s a good idea to keep all of your credit cards active by engaging in a small amount of activity every month or two, and then paying your bills on time. This will improve your history of on-time payments, and will keep more available open credit. Credit scores are often improved by having no more than 30% of your available credit in use at any given time.

MYTH #3: People have only one credit score.

FACT: Many scoring models are used, and they weigh items in your credit history differently. Some scoring models scan your credit report at one point in time, giving a snapshot that’s limited in understanding your overall credit picture. VantageScore 4.0, which is one of the models often used by lenders, is different because it takes advantage of trended credit data newly available from all three national credit reporting companies (CRCs). By capturing the trajectory of borrowing and payment behaviors, trended credit data provides a more precise, holistic view of consumer habits.

MYTH #4: Closing an unused credit card will boost your score.

FACT: It’s better for your credit score to have credit accounts open longer, and having more credit available to you improves your credit utilization ratio.

MYTH #5: Anytime someone checks your credit, the score goes down.

FACT: There is a grain of truth in this myth. If you check your own credit score, however, your score will not go down. When a creditor or lender checks your score, it’s called a “hard inquiry.” One or two hard inquiries won’t affect your score negatively, but several inquiries show you are actively looking for credit, which will lower your score. However, the VantageScore model uses a 14-day rolling window, so all inquiries within that window are considered as one inquiry, regardless of the type of account. It is assumed you’re shopping around for a rate, not necessarily opening up multiple lines of credit.

MYTH #6: If you get married, your credit score is joined with your spouse’s.

FACT: Your spouse’s credit is joined to yours only in this way: if you have joint credit card, loan or mortgage accounts, or if you co-sign a loan for one another, the payment history and available credit on any joint account will show up on both of your credit reports. Any account in just your name or your spouse’s will only show up on that person’s credit report.

MYTH #7: The credit score you check is the same credit score lenders use.

FACT: Lenders may use different models to assess your credit report, depending on the purpose and type of loan or credit. The score you might access to check your own score is not likely the same score a lender might use, and that score might have updated. Use the scores you access online as directional indications of your creditworthiness but understand that ultimately a lender has access to many different scores and information to arrive at a decision.

MYTH #8: Having a “bad” credit score means never being approved for a loan

FACT: While having a lower credit score could mean being turned down for a loan or credit, it’s also possible that you may be approved — but for less desirable terms, such as being charged a higher interest rate or having to pay a security deposit, depending on the type of loan.

Now that we’ve cleared the air on common credit score myths, take the next step and learn how to improve it. Don’t worry! If your score isn’t where you want it to be, it’s never too late to work on it as a personal goal. Listen to The VantageScore Podcast for an intimate conversation with the leaders in the credit industry and understand the landscape of the past, present and future of credit.

2019-11-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – The holiday season is a time to celebrate and spread joy, but while you’re focused on merrymaking, cybercriminals are primed to turn your good times into their good fortune. With a mix of tactics, there’s a lot you should be aware of this season to keep your personal information and finances safe.

Top scams of 2019

What scams are at the top of cybercriminals’ go-to lists? Nearly half (48%) of Americans have been a victim of or know someone who has been a victim of robocalling in 2019, according to a recent McAfee survey, A Christmas Carol: Scam Edition, making it the worst scam of the year.

While cybercriminal activity continues to grow in sophistication, tried-and-true tricks of the past continue to steal from well-meaning Americans. Survey respondents reported being targeted with email phishing (41%) and text phishing (35%). These, along with robocalling, are the top three prominent scams of the year. Together, they are taking a financial toll, with 74% of respondents losing more than $100 and almost a third (30%) losing more than $500.

Scams poised to increase this holiday season

Retail risks: While traditional scams like robocalling continue to pay off for criminals, that doesn’t mean they aren’t trying more sophisticated methods as well. The growing trend of personal online accounts for retailers is a big opportunity for thieves. In fact, more than 2.2 billion stolen account credentials were made available on the cybercriminal underground over the course of Q1 2019.

App information: As people use their devices and apps for everyday tasks like holiday shopping and movie streaming, they are sharing more personal information than ever before. By targeting popular consumer apps, cybercriminals are able to collect and store key data that can be used for malicious activity in the future.

Fake gift cards: A new trend that is poised to take off this holiday season is phony gift cards, which people are purchasing only to realize there is no money on the card they are providing to loved ones. The survey found that not even half (43%) of respondents are aware of bogus gift cards, meaning it’s something to be keenly aware of this season.

How to stay safe this holiday season

Numerous threats new and old mean that the 2019 holidays could be the most dangerous yet. However, with a little proactive effort, you can help ensure you keep your holiday merry and bright and protect yourself from scams.

Step 1: Never reuse passwords
If cybercriminals hack your one password, they can use it to access multiple accounts. Use unique passwords for each account you create and update passwords regularly.

Step 2: Click with care
If you see an offer in an email that seems too good to be true, it just might be. Instead of clicking on a link in an email, check directly with the source to verify an offer or shipment.

Step 3: Browse with confidence
Use comprehensive security protection, like McAfee Total Protection, to protect devices against malware, phishing attacks and other threats. It includes McAfee WebAdvisor, which identifies malicious websites so you can shop online with confidence.

Step 4: Protect personal information
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so consider a proactive solution like McAfee Identity Theft Protection that provides personal and financial monitoring and recovery tools to help keep identities secure.

2019-11-18T17:43:00

(BPT) – How do I plan for a comfortable retirement? This question is top of mind for many Americans. Yet how to afford that dream retirement remains a mystery to most. According to The Employee Benefit Research Institute’s 2019 Retirement Confidence Survey, only 42% of working-age people have tried to calculate just how much they need to save to live comfortably in retirement.

But “how much money you need to retire” is not the only question you should be asking — and not even the initial one. There are a few key questions you should consider first to help determine what “retirement” means to you, which will help paint a clearer picture of that magic savings number. Before you pull out your calculator, consider these questions:

1. Have you considered a “second act” career in retirement? According to a recent Charles Schwab survey, more than 40% of people within five years of retirement said they want to continue working in retirement. Whether you’re scaling back hours at your current job, planning to embark on a new career, or pursuing a passion project, this has some palpable advantages when it comes to retirement planning. Along with the benefits of staying active, by continuing to earn a paycheck, you mitigate the need to deplete existing savings.
2. Would you rather take “mini-retirements” and postpone long-term retirement? While most people still envision retirement as a point later in life when they stop working altogether, the idea of taking time off from work for extended periods — to travel, raise a family or simply take a break — at various life milestones is becoming more common. If this sounds appealing, it will require some diligent planning and saving along the way and will impact the way you think about saving for a traditional retirement down the road.
3. How important is it to leave a financial legacy? Ask yourself, would you rather spend every penny or leave money to family, friends or a charity after you’re gone? This answer will impact your financial decisions in retirement. Estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy — most people should create a basic estate plan, including a will that outlines how you would like your assets to be distributed.
4. Do you and your spouse or partner have the same retirement lifestyle vision? If you are in a relationship, it’s a good idea to get on the same page when it comes to retirement. Do you want to be active? Are you planning to stay in your current home or retire elsewhere? These questions will not only help determine how much you need to save, but also can inform whether you will merge your finances or keep some separate to meet differing goals.
5. Do you have a plan for funding your retirement once you decide to tap your savings? You’ve spent most of your life saving, so before flipping the switch, make sure you have a plan in place for how to make those savings last. To do this, consider consulting a professional to create a retirement income plan and start with the basics:
   • Choose the right mix of conservative and aggressive investments to provide diversified sources of return.
   • Determine how much you need to withdraw on an annual or monthly basis.
   • Learn about products and services designed to help manage and deliver retirement income.

For help thinking through these questions, you can visit a Charles Schwab branch. Schwab has also created a card game called “The Next Chapter” with more retirement questions to explore.

Disclosures

Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned here may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decision.

The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal or investment planning advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends that you consult with a qualified tax advisor, CPA, financial planner or investment manager.

(1019-9WZD)

2019-11-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – Most people would like to follow their life’s passions when exploring ways to supplement their incomes, but it can be hard to find those meaningful outlets — and earn any income at the same time. For one dog lover in Stratford, Connecticut, her tremendous love and affection for the dogs in her life led her to a side job she hadn’t anticipated.

Five years ago, Monica Kolbusz was coping with the anxiety, distress and considerable expense of caring for her beloved Pomeranian, Sheila. Her dog was battling lung cancer, Lyme disease and a tumor on her paw. They were in and out of the vet’s office for countless appointments, surgeries, a special prescription diet and medication. While the vet bills piled up and she continued to spend more time and energy providing the love and attention her aging furry family member needed, her friend came up with a great suggestion. She said that maybe Kolbusz could use her years of experience caring for dogs to become a dog sitter, to earn some cash to help pay for Sheila’s mounting medical expenses.

Kolbusz decided it was a great idea to use her love for and experience with special needs dogs to work part-time, on her own schedule. She signed up to become a dog sitter on Rover.com, a network of over 300,000 dog walkers and sitters across 32,000 U.S. cities for both dogs and cats. Before long, she became sought after by clients for her ability to care for dogs who needed special attention, including senior dogs, dogs with medical needs and even puppies — because they demand a lot from their humans, including plenty of attention and exercise. Some clients needed help with boarding pets while they were away on vacation, while others wanted someone to come into their home to provide daily walks, short visits for feeding and attention, or hours of care per day. For busy people who can’t always give their furry companions as much attention as they would like, Rover is a trusted solution that helps match pet parents with experienced and dedicated walkers or sitters in their area. And for Kolbusz, it meant setting her own flexible schedule as well as her own rates. The extra income Kolbusz receives by providing services on Rover allows her to financially be able to adopt rescue dogs that have medical needs or require a special diet without having the stress of not being able to care for them.

Before long, Kolbusz realized that being a dog sitter was very satisfying, since she was able to use her genuine love for dogs in a way that really helped their human families. She began to expand her home-based work to include volunteering at a rescue agency, so she could foster dogs along with her own canine companions and the Rover clients’ dogs that she was caring for — which provided a bonus she didn’t expect.

Caring for clients’ dogs in her home, along with her current rescued Pomeranians named Jimmy Choo and Misiu, also helped to socialize the rescue dogs she was fostering. Having the experience of being around other dogs as they were receiving expert care and attention from Kolbusz helped the entire household learn how to get along well. This work continues to build her own confidence in the skill, talent and passion she has for helping senior and special needs dogs to thrive. One of the unexpected benefits she found through her work as a dog sitter was rescuing dogs, like her current Pomeranian, which is something she plans to continue to do as she gets future furry family members.

Sitters on Rover include a wide range of individuals who love dogs and cats, ranging from college students and stay-at-home parents to retirees and more. Many, like Kolbusz, specialize in a particular area or type of care clients may need for their pets.

If you want to explore a part-time opportunity where you can share your love of animals, check out Rover.com/become-a-sitter/.

2019-11-13T08:49:00

(BPT) – As time and technology reshape the workforce, most professionals are not in the position to choose one career or one track and stick with it until retirement. Nursing offers relevant, future-focused opportunities for people of all ages and levels of experience, from those re-entering the workforce or making a career change, to registered nurses pursuing further education. Below, you’ll find for four key reasons students are pursuing licensure or a degree in nursing (RN to BSN and beyond), shared by Dr. Bonnie Stegman of Maryville University.

1. Satisfaction

If you are interested in making a direct impact on the lives of individuals and communities, you should consider nursing. It’s a rewarding career, according to nurses themselves — 83% say they are satisfied with their career choice. Many find the job fulfilling on a personal level as caring for others is a hallmark of the profession. Nurses provide a great deal of personal contact and engagement with patients, a traditional role that has only become more important in today’s often-hectic healthcare environment. At the same time, nursing is an exciting and expanding field with new areas of focus and settings in which to practice. You have more options than ever before to pursue your individual interests and work at the cutting edge of healthcare.

2. Wide-ranging opportunities

Nursing often is associated with foundational healthcare settings such as primary care practices, hospitals or nursing homes. However, nursing offers many different paths to build and develop the specific track that’s right for you. It includes many different specialties, including areas relevant to our aging population, such as gerontology (focused on elderly patients) and genetics (patients with or at risk of hereditary diseases). You also can specialize in public health, working in nonprofit organizations, community health centers or governmental agencies. Across specialties and settings, you also can build on your experience caring for patients and transition into other areas, serving as an administrator or an educator, for example.

3. Flexibility

The array of options and opportunities available within nursing means that you can pick what best fits your needs and preferences. For example, if family responsibilities mean you need to keep a 9-to-5, Monday-Friday schedule, some primary care or specialty practices can accommodate that. Through telehealth, you can provide patient care and education remotely, potentially creating opportunities across geographic areas and time zones. If you’re open to moving around, you might find work as a traveling nurse to be an interesting — and usually well paid — choice. And, this flexibility means you can adapt and shift your focus as you move through different stages and phases of life.

4. Demand and compensation

Nurses are in high demand nationwide, a trend that shows no sign of slowing. That means you can expect competitive salaries and benefits. You’ll even find that employers are getting creative in how they recruit and incentivize new hires. Mercy Children’s Hospital in St. Louis created a seasonal staffing option, where nurses can opt to work a full-time schedule from September to June, then take time off in the summer months while retaining their benefits — and a guaranteed job in the fall. It’s a valuable offering for anyone with childcare considerations. Other employers are providing financial incentives such as signing bonuses and tuition reimbursement. It’s an environment ripe with opportunity.

Make it happen

Once you decide to pursue your licensure or earn a nursing degree, you have a variety of educational options. It all starts with finding a program that offers a realistic path for your existing schedule and responsibilities.

Online programs typically are designed for flexibility. The online nursing offerings at Maryville University, for example, include an RN to BSN program with multiple start dates throughout the year that can be completed 100% online to help students balance work and school commitments. You also can find flexible options in on-campus programs as well. In addition to programs for full-time and transfer students, Maryville’s on-campus nursing options include a part-time evening and weekend program designed for working adults.

As our population ages, career options in healthcare are predicted to expand and grow. Nursing is worth considering — a resilient and wide-ranging career field with significant opportunities, now and in the future.