How to Politely Get Out of a Meeting

From the moment you receive an invitation, you can already predict whether the meeting will be unproductive or not. How can you decline politely?

A meeting will take more than an hour of your time, so you can see if the other party would be willing to update you over email or short phone call.

Sometimes, even well-meaning people forget that time is not infinite. A straightforward query or reminder can help. Here are other strategies that you can apply.

#1: PRIORITIZE IMPORTANT MEETINGS

Not all meetings are created equal. Just because you have been invited to one does not mean that it is essential. Start by examining which meetings are important to attend and which are not.

The most essential meetings are the ones in which decisions will be made. If your team is choosing to launch a project, you cannot make the decision over email. Meetings that will need brainstorming or sharing of opinions should be done in person or through a teleconference.

You must also attend strategic meetings, which allows you to develop a unified vision of where your organization is headed.

#2: ASK ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Make it challenging for the other party by asking the following questions upon receiving an invitation:

1. What is the exact topic?
2. What is the meeting’s duration?
3. What is the time and location?
4. Who will be in attendance?
5. What decision needs to be made at the meeting?
6. Why is my attendance crucial there?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: ENCOURAGE MEETING NOTES

Many organizations have staff meetings for information sharing. These meetings involve listening and learning about the current plans and events affecting the team. You may not have a crucial role in this meeting, but you need to stay informed.

Bring up the idea of having someone keep meeting notes during the session, so people who will not able to attend can have access to the information that was shared. Read the meeting notes instead.

#4: EXIT GRACEFULLY

If the meeting no longer pertains to you, politely ask if you can step out. It is alright to request to leave early, especially if you are busy. Message the meeting organizer to explain that you are trying to manage your time and prioritize tasks.

Meetings take up an average of 62 hours per month of employees’ time. Many professionals attempt to cope in a passive-aggressive way by showing up late to meetings or by fiddling with their gadgets.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The strategies above provide a better way to politely get out of meetings to protect your time.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Potential Benefits Of Part Time Job For Students

If you’re one of those people who do not know what a part time job is, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will be discussing what is a part time job and as a student, what benefits you’ll be reaping from any sort of part time jobs. So, let’s not waste time and dive into the main crust of this article.

What is a part-time job?

All in all, as compared to full-time employment, a person who is working part time works less than 35 hours in a week. The most important factor that comes into consideration is that part-time employees are paid on an hourly basis and are not salaried. This means that they have the option of increasing their workload and then set aside some cash.

So, a person who is working part-time will not be considered as a permanent employee of the organisation that he/she has been hired. They even might have to work during nights, weekends, and sometimes during holidays.

Benefits of Working at a part time job

If you’re a student and you’re away from home, you will need a job to fulfil your expenses, right? Well, if that is the case then getting a part time job is the best option for you. However, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a student or not, you can always get a part-time job to meet your daily expenses.

Below, we’ve compiled a profound list of some of the most compelling benefits of working at a part time job. So, grab a cup of your favourite coffee and read until the end to get the most out of it.

You’ll Have Time For Your Family

Let’s suppose that you’re working 9 – 5. When you come home, you’ll be so exhausted that you’ll have no energy for your family members. Whereas, when you’re working part-time, you can take time off during weekdays or schedule your work according to your busy routine.

You’ll Have Time For Your Education

If you’re a student, or you want to study, getting a part-time job is your best choice. Why? Well, you may have an ample amount of time for focusing on your education. However, if you have a full-time job, you might not get enough time for your studies.

You Can Pursue A Hobby

When you have a part-time job, you can rest assured that you will have more than enough free time during the week that will allow you to build other skills. You can indulge yourself in any sort of hobby, such as attending music classes, sports, gym, arts & craft, or any other endeavour.

You’ll Develop Time Management Skills

Since you will be working part time, your employer would want you to complete the tasks assigned to you on time. This will help in developing time management skills for you. Along with that you’ll also be learning as to how you need to balance work and your personal life all together.

You’ll Earn More Money

Who does not want to earn more money? One of the main reasons why people choose part-time jobs is because it helps you to save money for any sort of specific goal. Most people fail to save money with their full-time jobs, so they earn extra money by taking any sort of part-time job.

You’ll Have Energy For Other Things

Since you’re not working 9 – 5, you’ll have more time to rest. During your off-time, you can go out for a walk in the park, cook, or even watch TV. If you’re well rested, you will for sure have time to care for yourself.

You’ll Save Money From Transportation

Most of the part-time employees work from home or they’re required to visit the office a few days in a week. If you’re working fewer days in a week then you’ll also be saving money that is spent on transportation to and from work. And if you opt for public transportation, you’ll be saving on bus fares and ride-share fees.

Increases Chances For Career Advancement

Let’s face it, you’re not a permanent employee of the company. But still you’ll be working as hard as the full-time employees just to let your supervisors know that you’re working. That’s how it goes. There is a greater chance that if your supervisor likes your energy and work, you might be offered a full-time job at the same company.

Summary

Depending upon the country you’re living in, even as a part-time employee, you will be receiving some benefits. Your employer might also extend some exclusive benefit programs to you. So, indulging yourself in any sort of part time job is always better than staying at home while doing nothing.

 

 

 

 

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5 Ways to Improve Your Personal Finances

Many believe that only business owners need to have financial literacy in order to pay taxes, fulfil day to day accounting needs, etc. What they fail to recognise is that these businesses have numerous resources to support their financial needs, if it’s a large scale business or a startup they are sure to find the right MYOB pricing, or a different resource that’s well priced. However, because of this many overlook how essential financial literacy is even for individuals, and there are much fewer resources to manage personal finances, making it absolutely necessary to at least understand the basics to fulfil the individual needs. Reinstating the importance of finance in financial literacy and personal finance are both very important aspects of your life, and improving them can benefit you in many ways, such as helping you make informed decisions about how to handle your money, reducing the stress and anxiety you feel when it comes to your finances, and even helping you to earn more money in the future as a result of having more knowledge about your money. Here are five ways that you can improve your personal finances so that you can be better off financially in the future.

5 Ways To Improve Your Personal Finance

1) Calculate your net worth

Net worth is a big picture number that is an excellent starting point for your financial literacy. You can calculate it by taking your total assets and subtracting your total liabilities. When you start investing, look into how each investment affects your net worth; at a glance, you’ll see if you’re building wealth in one area while draining it in another (or if your investments are actually adding to your net worth). Also consider using personal finance apps like Mint or YNAB that track all of these numbers for you automatically—at least as an easy way to check up on yourself. They’ll help reinforce financial goals, keep you accountable, and alert you when things aren’t going so well.

2) Check your credit score

Before you set out to improve your personal finances, get a credit score. There are numerous ways to check your score, but it’s best if you do so with a reputed credit agency in your location. Remember that your score will differ at each agency, so make sure you check with a variety of places before taking any action on improving your scores. Once you have a firm grasp on where you stand with credit rating agencies and what it takes to improve those numbers, set about establishing financial literacy for yourself. A few ways you can start is by reading financial journals, books, or even listening to podcasts surrounding wealth.

3) Create a budget

Without a budget, you may be tempted to spend beyond your means and dig yourself into debt. Creating a budget and sticking to it will help you gain a greater degree of financial literacy and ultimately save you money. It’s hard, but setting up a budget is essential for anyone trying to take control of their personal finances, and it’s been a practice ever since the time of ancient Babylonians. There are plenty of great resources online (and elsewhere) that can guide you as you start or manage your first budget. A simple Google search should yield enough material for hours of work; when you’re done, not only will your finances be in better shape, but also so will your mind-set.

4) Create an emergency fund

Everyone should have an emergency fund. This is money that you can access easily in case of financial disaster, such as a job loss or illness. An emergency fund can be invaluable for keeping your finances on track when life happens. The average length of unemployment is four months, so having three months’ worth of expenses set aside in an easy-to-access account will keep you from racking up debt while looking for a new job. Many utilise their pension plans or 401Ks as emergency funds, however, having a separate account specifically to save up for emergencies can be beneficial. In a bank opening a high yield savings account can definitely help some, or maybe you need to get an insurance plan. Ultimately, your emergency fund should work for you both right now and in the long run.

5) Analyse your spending patterns

Keeping track of your spending is probably one of the most effective ways to improve your personal finances. It helps you see where you’re wasting money and gives you an idea of what sort of budget categories are most important. Once you have a grasp on your spending, it’s easier to make changes. For example, if entertainment is eating up too much of your budget, there are lots of cheap or free alternatives (think public parks) that can help save money while still providing a pleasant experience. If you’re looking for more specific advice, try searching for personal finance software or visit one of many personal finance blogs on any topic that interests you. Analysing your spending can also help you discover specific patterns about yourself such as what actually drives your spending, which can heavily impact your overall life.

In today’s world having your personal finance in check is important, especially with all the uncertainties and the rising costs of even essential products. The earlier you start in your personal finance journey, the better.

 

 

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7 Questions to Ask when Reviewing the Annual Budget

By definition, the annual budget outlines a company’s projected income and expenses for a twelve-month period. The process of making an annual budget involves balancing the company’s sources of income against its expenses.

Preparing a robust annual budget is the first step. Having the Board or other key people review it is important to your progression. You see, your annual budget will help you adjust to unexpected transitions and to determine how your company has performed.

On that note, here are seven questions to consider when reviewing the annual budget.

#1: DOES THE BUDGET REFLECT THE COMPANY’S MISSION ACCURATELY?

Assess the budget with the company’s mission in mind. Determine if the annual budget sends a signal that reflects the company’s overall intention and purpose.

#2: DOES THE SPENDING ALIGN WITH YOUR OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES?

Is your company investing in the right things or are you wasting hard-earned money? Know the returns based on your expenditures. Your annual budget must match your strategic plan.

#3: WHAT EXPENSES AND POTENTIAL INCOME ARE INVOLVED WITH UNEXPECTED EVENTS?

Unforeseen events such as the COVID-19 pandemic posed an economic toll to many businesses all over the world. If there are other unexpected events that may occur in your industry, what expenses and potential income are involved? Analyze the possibility of travel costs, advertisement fees, or medical bills.

#4: WHERE ARE THE REVENUES PROJECTED TO COME FROM?

The reliability and competitiveness of your revenue streams dictate the degree of diversification that your company needs. A diversified base for creating income allows a company to stay stable, flexible, and more protected from economic and environmental fluctuations.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#5: DOES SPENDING ON SALARIES AND COMPENSATION ACHIEVE YOUR STAFFING OBJECTIVES?

Does your compensation strategy match well with your company’s values? Identify whether the hiring manager or the Human Resources department is doing its best to keep and attract the most talented employees. Moreover, you must determine if you can afford to replace the employees who left.

#6: DOES THE BOARD REGULARLY RECEIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS THAT CONTAIN BUDGET INFORMATION?

Help the board members arrive at a robust annual budget by sending out financial statements regularly. These statements should be reviewed during board meetings to ensure that all the board members are aware of the profit-and-loss performance.

#7: WHICH POLICIES APPLY TO THE BUDGET REVISIONS?

Mid-course adjustments are common in many companies. Is your senior management allowed to make and approve these adjustments or do significant revisions require board approval? How flexible are the company’s policies on budget revisions? Perhaps, requiring board approval on significant revisions can be efficient to the internal control.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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7 Interesting Things You Can Make in a Portable Blender

When we think of blenders, we often think of smoothies. But did you know that you can make many more interesting foods with a good blender, such as baby food and cocktails?

Here are 7 ideas of what you can make with your blender, so get ready to take yours on a spin!

1. Iced Coffee

Starbucks may be great, but nothing beats your own homemade version, taste- and money-wise! Brew your coffee the night before using good quality coffee beans and leave it to cool overnight. Pour it into your blender along with ice in the morning to whip up the perfect iced coffee.

2. Milkshake

You don’t need a milkshake maker when you’ve got a blender. Use any basic milkshake recipe, add your favourite flavoured ice cream and toppings such as chocolate syrup or Oreo cookies to make a delicious shake that’ll bring all the boys to the yard. Don’t forget to finish off with whipped cream and cherry on top!

3. Baby Food

A blender that you easily bring around like the Aura Portable Blender can double up as a convenient device for pureeing baby food on the go! Make a carrot puree for a healthy, smooth snack high in vitamins and beta-carotene. Thin up the consistency by adding liquids (water, fresh breast milk, or formula). You’ll want to stick to simple, single-ingredient purees at first before trying combinations to enhance flavour and likeability.

4. Cocktails

There’s nothing quite like a bar-quality cocktail after a long work day, or mixing up a fun party drink at a picnic. Impress your friends with your own blended piña coladas and margaritas, and experiment with different fruit flavours!

5. Pudding

Whip up a silky smooth pudding in no time by mixing it up with a blender! Try recipes ranging from chocolate peanut butter banana puddings to vanilla chia seed puddings that make a great breakfast or dessert.

6. Protein Shakes

Looking to bulk up or hit the gym? Make a delicious and energy-charged protein shake with protein powder, or with natural ingredients like banana, soy milk and chia seeds. Again, the Aura Portable Blender is perfect for this since you can make your shake at the gym and drink it straight from the jar.

7. Smoothies

Lastly, we’re not forgetting the crowd favourite smoothie! You can make virtually any recipe you want and add healthy ingredients like kale, fruit or yoghurt. A smoothie not only makes a convenient filling breakfast on the go, but also helps with counting calories, weight loss goals and achieving a healthier lifestyle.

Top Recommendation: Best Portable Blender in Singapore

Ready to start making your own blended creations? It’s important to choose a blender that’s portable, powerful, and designed to handle food safely. This way, you can make everything on the go and get the most use out of your blender. We’ve personally tried and tested many blenders and our handpicked top favourite is the Aura Portable Blender which works with all the recipes above.

Photo credits: Aura Portable Blender

Our Aura Blender Review:

The Aura Portable Blender offers the best value for money. It comes in a handy travel size that fits in a bag, works wirelessly, and is rechargeable. It has a powerful motor and is incredibly fast – being the fastest portable blender currently on the market – which means it can handle any task with ease. It’s also made of lightweight & durable borosilicate glass, a safer option for food preparation compared to plastic blenders. We highly recommend this blender as it suits various budgets, performs excellently for multi-functional use, and is of very high quality.

The Aura Portable Blender comes with free delivery & returns, risk-free money-back guarantee, and 1-year warranty. To find out more, visit their website directly at the links below:

Singapore: https://aurablender.com.sg/

USA & International: https://aurablender.com

This is an independent review by Money Digest. We did not receive any sponsorship and the article does not contain any affiliate links.

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