Turning 59½ might not be a milestone you throw a big party for—but in the world of retirement planning, it’s a big deal. Why? Because this is the age when the IRS finally gives you penalty-free access to the retirement savings you’ve been building for decades.

But just because you can tap into your funds doesn’t mean you should—at least not without a strategy. Understanding what happens when you turn 59½—and what opportunities it unlocks—can make a big difference in how prepared and confident you feel about your retirement future.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• At 59½, you can withdraw retirement funds without the 10% penalty.
• This milestone opens the door to tax strategies like Roth conversions and in-service rollovers.
• Different account types have different rules—know what applies to yours.
• Acting during this window can help reduce taxes, boost income, and prevent mistakes.
• A financial pro can help you make the most of this window before RMDs begin.

Why 59½ Matters More Than You Think

The 59½ retirement rule is more than just being able to access your retirement account penalty free.

While most people know this rule ends the 10% penalty on IRA and 401(k) withdrawals, few realize it also unlocks powerful planning strategies—like Roth conversions, in-service rollovers, and early income structuring.

So, how does the 59½ rule work in practice? In short: it opens the door to greater flexibility. You’re no longer penalized for taking withdrawals, giving you a unique window to manage taxes, shift assets, and start building your income strategy—on your terms.

This window of opportunity won’t last forever. Once Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) kick in at age 73, your flexibility shrinks. That’s why 59½ is the ideal time to start optimizing your retirement plan.

What Changes at 59½

When thinking about retirement, at 59½, the rules—and your options—start to change in meaningful ways.

This is the age where the rules around your retirement savings start to loosen up, giving you more freedom and flexibility.

Here’s what happens when you turn 59½ retirement-wise:

✅ Penalty-Free Withdrawals Begin

You can now withdraw from IRAs, 401(k)s, and other qualified retirement accounts without the 10% early withdrawal penalty. While income taxes still apply to traditional accounts, this opens up flexibility for funding early retirement or managing income gaps.

🔄 In-Service Rollovers May Be Allowed

If you’re still working, some employer plans allow you to roll over funds from your 401(k) into an IRA without quitting your job. This gives you more control, broader investment options, and better alignment with your retirement goals.

🔁 Roth Conversion Opportunities Expand

59½ is a prime time to consider Roth IRA conversions. Strategic conversions—especially in lower-income years—can help reduce your future tax burden and create a pool of tax-free income for your golden years.

🔓 Income Strategy Becomes Real

Whether you’re gearing up to retire or just testing the waters, 59½ marks the moment you can start shaping your income strategy the way you want.

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What You Can Do at 59½ (And Should Seriously Consider)

Now that the door is open, what you do with that new flexibility matters even more.

The 59½ retirement rule isn’t just about accessing your money penalty free—it’s about making smart, strategic decisions that can set the tone for the rest of your retirement.

Here are a few high-impact moves to consider:

• Create a Tax-Smart Withdrawal Plan – Just because you can take money out doesn’t mean you should do it all at once. Think about how withdrawals now might affect your tax bracket, Medicare premiums, and long-term income sustainability.
• Start Strategic Roth Conversions – Use this window—before RMDs begin at age 73—to convert funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. This can reduce future tax burdens and help you grow tax-free income.
• Consolidate or Reposition Retirement Accounts – With in-service rollovers or IRA transfers, now is a great time to consolidate accounts, reduce fees, and align your investments with your retirement timeline.
• Consider Guaranteed Income Options – If you’re worried about running out of money or market swings, this is the time to look at tools like annuities that can turn part of your savings into predictable monthly income.
• Plan for Healthcare – If you retire before age 65, make sure you factor in healthcare costs and how withdrawals may affect your eligibility for ACA subsidies.
• Work With a Financial Pro to Build Your Retirement Game Plan – The years between 59½ and 73 are a golden window for tax planning, income mapping, and legacy building. A professional can help you spot opportunities—like implementing a guardrail strategy to balance income needs and market risk—and avoid costly missteps.

Don’t Miss Your 59½ Window

You’ve unlocked new options—but knowing which moves are right for you takes a solid strategy.

Book Your Free Consultation With a Financial Pro

Key Considerations: Account-Specific Rules and Nuances

Not all retirement accounts follow the exact same playbook. Knowing the unique rules for each type of account can help you avoid mistakes and take full advantage of the 59½ retirement rule.

401(k) and 403(b) Plans

• Penalty-free withdrawals allowed after age 59½
• Still working? You may qualify for in-service rollovers to an IRA
• Retired at 55 or older? You might qualify for the Rule of 55
• Withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income

Traditional IRAs

• Withdrawals after 59½ are penalty-free
• Still taxed as ordinary income
• Ideal for Roth conversions during low-income years
• No employer restrictions—you already have full control

Roth IRAs

• Contributions can be withdrawn tax- and penalty-free anytime
• To withdraw earnings tax-free at 59½, the account must be open at least 5 years
• If the 5-year rule isn’t met, earnings may still be taxed—even after 59½

SEP-IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs

• Follow the same rules as traditional IRAs after age 59½
• SIMPLE IRA exception: If you withdraw within 2 years of opening, the penalty is 25%—even after 59½
• After that 2-year mark, standard rules apply

If you’re comparing your options, it’s worth exploring the distinctions between a SEP IRA vs. Traditional IRA to see which best aligns with your retirement strategy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at 59½

Even with new flexibility, it’s easy to go off course. Here are common pitfalls to watch for:

• Withdrawing too much, too soon
• Neglecting long-term growth opportunities
• Failing to coordinate withdrawals with Social Security or Medicare planning
• Ignoring Roth conversion windows that could save thousands in future taxes
• Underestimating healthcare costs as you age
• Not consulting with a professional before taking action

Retirement planning after 59½ requires ongoing attention as your situation evolves. Review your withdrawal strategy annually, considering changes in tax laws, investment performance, health status, and personal goals.

Want to make the most of your options at 59½?

Schedule a free consultation and learn how to build a tax-efficient, income-secure retirement plan tailored to your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to start withdrawing money at 59½?

No. 59½ is simply the age when the 10% early withdrawal penalty goes away. You’re not required to take money out until Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin at age 73 (for most people). This age just gives you more flexibility and planning opportunities.

Will I still pay taxes on withdrawals after 59½?

Yes, if you’re withdrawing from traditional accounts like a 401(k) or Traditional IRA, those funds are still taxed as ordinary income. However, withdrawals from a Roth IRA may be tax-free if the account has been open for at least five years.

What should I do first when I turn 59½?

Start by reviewing your current accounts, income needs, and long-term goals. From there, consider talking to a financial professional who can help you create a withdrawal plan, explore Roth conversions, and optimize your tax strategy.

Is $1 million enough to retire at 59½?

That depends on your lifestyle, expected longevity, healthcare costs, and income strategy. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on whether $1 million is enough to retire—and how to make it work for your unique goals.

Are there exceptions to the 59½ retirement rule?

Yes. While 59½ is the standard age to avoid the 10% early withdrawal penalty, there are several exceptions that may allow penalty-free withdrawals before that age. These include:

• Disability
• Substantially equal periodic payments (SEPP rule)
• Qualified education expenses
• First-time home purchase (up to $10,000 from an IRA)
• Unreimbursed medical expenses over 7.5% of AGI
• Health insurance premiums while unemployed
• The Rule of 55 (for workplace plans if you separate from your employer at 55 or older)

These exceptions often still require you to pay income tax, but waive the early withdrawal penalty. Always consult a tax advisor before proceeding.

A healthy routine might be the key to success; here’s how Marie Kondo, Oprah, and Barack Obama do mornings

How you spend the first few hours of your morning can set the tone for the rest of your day. Morning routines inevitably lead to efficiency, since they remove the decision-making step, saving you time and energy. Some of the world’s most admired, creative, and successful people rely on their own morning routines to ensure their days are as productive and fruitful as can be. If you resist your morning wake-up call and hit snooze, you might take a tip or two from the routines below to create a better habit.

10 morning routines highly successful people swear by

1. Commit to a ritual

Light a candle, hug your partner, wash your face—whatever you do in the morning, make it a ritual that marks the start of a new day and a fresh start. American dancer Twyla Tharp is a big believer in rituals for both creativity and accountability. In her book The Creative Habit, she writes about her morning routine, which consists of waking up at 5:30 a.m., dressing for her workout, and then hailing a cab to go to the gym.

“The ritual is not the stretching and weight training I put my body through each morning at the gym; the ritual is the cab. The moment I tell the driver where to go, I have completed the ritual,” Tharp writes. “It’s a simple act, but doing it the same way each morning habitualizes it—makes it repeatable, easy to do. It reduces the chance that I would skip it or do it differently. It is one more item in my arsenal of routines, and one less thing to think about.”

Marie Kondo, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, also has her own ritual. “When I get up, I open all the windows to let fresh air in and then burn incense,” she writes on her blog. “I strive to keep my home comfortable and filled with clear energy throughout the day, so starting my morning with these rituals keeps me on track.”

2. Clear your head

There are plenty of reasons successful people incorporate meditation into their morning routine: The practice can help control anxiety and stress, and it can also boost self-awareness and the ability to concentrate. It’s no wonder so many leaders have incorporated the art of mindfulness into their days. Jen Rubio, co-founder of Away, starts her day with meditation before she does a workout. Arianna Huffington, whose Thrive Global office is located in a headquarters by WeWork space in New York City, practices 20 to 30 minutes of mindfulness in the morning, and she does it deliberately before checking email or touching technology. And before his six-mile run, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey takes 30 minutes to meditate. 

3. Sweat

Vogue’s editor in chief Anna Wintour starts her morning with an hour-long tennis match, and it’s a very smart move. A study from the University of Bristol found that daily exercisers were more likely to have more energy and a more positive outlook compared to those who didn’t participate in a sweat session. Building exercise into your morning can earn you mental clarity that lasts throughout the day. “Exercise leads to the secretion of neurotransmitters that promote mental clarity and an improved attention span,” says exercise psychologist Jasmin Theard. “You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as well as rejuvenated and recharged.”Former president Barack Obama made exercise part of his presidential schedule when he was in the White House, lifting weights and doing cardio before he made his way to the Oval Office.

Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments, incorporates all kinds of movement into her mornings. Her exercise may include running, weight lifting, swimming, or cycling, which is always followed by a bath. “My bath time is essential personal time,” she tells CNBC. “I take a bath every morning, and use the time to decompress and relax. When I’m running outside on cold days in Chicago, I run faster on the return leg, thinking about my bath.”

4. Practice gratitude

This may come as a surprise, but after she burns incense in her home, Marie Kondo doesn’t get into a meticulous folding session. Instead, she practices gratitude. “I say a prayer of thanksgiving for my family and team members’ health, and I renew my resolve to do as much as I can that day,” she writes. Writing out her daily to-do’s only comes after this practice. 

Wealth is not measured by dollars and cents, but by the love we make, the laughter we enjoy, the meals we share, the dreams we experience, and the hopes we create.Oprah Winfrey

Oprah’s morning routine also involves appreciation. After brushing her teeth and walking her dogs, she reads five cards from her 365 Gathered Truths box, according to Harper’s Bazaar. An item on her 2014 “Favorite Things” list, this box shares pieces of wisdom meant to inspire. “It’s a beautiful way to start the day,” Oprah told Bazaar. An example of a message you might pluck from the box? “Wealth is not measured by dollars and cents, but by the love we make, the laughter we enjoy, the meals we share, the dreams we experience, and the hopes we create.”

5. Rise with the sun (or even before it)

A 2008 study published in The Journal of General Psychology found that early risers tend to procrastinate less than night owls with a later alarm clock. It makes sense then that many successful people throughout history have identified as early birds: Apple CEO Tim Cook, for example, emerges from underneath the covers at 3:45 a.m. to go through email before his five o’clock appointment with the gym. Virgin Group founder and chairperson Richard Branson rises at a bit less of an ungodly hour—around 5 a.m.—to exercise and spend some time with his family. 

“I have always been an early riser,” he writes on a Virgin blog. “Over my 50 years in business, I have learned that if I rise early, I can achieve so much more in a day, and therefore in life.” Branson adds, “I find the period of quiet, before most of the world logs on, to be a great time to catch up on news and reply to emails. These early hours give me the opportunity to start each day with a fresh and organized slate.”

6. Read a book

Many people know that reading before bed can help calm the mind and prepare the body for sleep. What you hear less about are the benefits of adding reading to your morning routine. Rather than scrolling through social media in the morning, consider reading a book or an article instead. You get all the benefits of reading first thing in the morning. One study from the University of Sussex found that just six minutes of reading can reduce stress by up to 68 percent. There’s also a wealth of evidence that reading can boost cognitive activity in the brain, which is a great way to prime yourself for the challenges of the day. It’s no surprise that people like Bill Gates and Barack Obama start their days by reading.

7. Journal

The act of writing has surprising power. A study conducted in New Zealand found that people who dedicated 20 minutes daily to expressive writing three days in a row after a medically necessary biopsy healed faster than a control group. Why not start your day with journaling? Other studies have shown that the practice helps reduce stress and anxiety, improve job performance, and helps people process troubling experiences. It’s easy to see why people such as Warren Buffett, Richard Branson, and Arianna Huffington swear by this practice. 

Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments, incorporates all kinds of movement into her mornings. Her exercise may include running, weight lifting, swimming, or cycling, which is always followed by a bath. “My bath time is essential personal time,” she tells CNBC. “I take a bath every morning, and use the time to decompress and relax. When I’m running outside on cold days in Chicago, I run faster on the return leg, thinking about my bath.”

8. Drink water

It might sound trivial, but adding a simple glass of water to your morning routine can make a huge difference. Hydration is a critical aspect of health. Water removes waste from the body, regulates your body temperature, lubricates and cushions your joints, and protects sensitive tissues. Our bodies can become dehydrated overnight, so water in the morning helps rehydrate. A morning glass of water has also been shown to reduce calorie intake during the day, improve mental performance during the day, improve the look and health of your skin, and even jump-start your metabolism. 

It’s no wonder that celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Beyoncé have all touted the benefits of drinking water. In a 2014 interview with Marie Claire, Cameron Diaz spelled it out: “Every night, before I go to sleep, I fill up a big glass bottle with water and put it on my bathroom counter. First thing in the morning, right after I brush my teeth, I drink it, […] I feel it immediately. I go from being a wilted plant to one that has just been rejuvenated by the rain.” 

9. Eat a real breakfast

The right breakfast can help power you through the day. While the science behind the benefits of breakfast is less clear than the science behind the benefits of water, many successful people have made breakfast a key part of their morning routine. Kelly Ripa keeps it simple with coffee, yogurt, and granola, while Barack Obama prefers a fuller breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and wheat toast. 

If you’re short on time, a smoothie is a great option. In 2020 Reese Witherspoon shared her go-to green smoothie recipe that she has had every morning for the last nine years. John Mackey, the founder of Whole Foods, also has a favorite green smoothie for breakfast. Others, like Idris Elba, keep it simple with toast. Whether simple or elaborate, finding your preferred breakfast routine can be a great start to the day.

10. Make a to-do list

Planning out the day and making a list of what needs to be done can help prepare your mind for the day ahead. To-do lists may not be for everyone, but successful people like Michelle Obama and Richard Branson are big believers in taking the time to meticulously plan out what needs to get done each day. One key benefit of list-making that both these leaders cite is blocking out time to plan and take care of yourself. Branson once wrote, “Far too many people get weighed down in doing, and never take the time to think and feel.”

Related articles

Financial decisions can carry a scary amount of weight. The wrong financial choices can negatively impact your credit score, your interest rate when borrowing money, and even determine if you’ll get approved for a loan. Other financial mistakes can determine the size of your nest egg and when you’ll be able to retire. But, treating your finances with too much caution can also cause you to miss out on new financial opportunities. It’s a tricky conundrum that makes it hard to know which choice is the right one.

If you don’t feel secure in your own financial knowledge it can be tempting to just follow along with what someone else with a larger platform is confidently saying online. And we all know the internet is overflowing with people giving financial advice—but some of it is neither sound nor applicable. So, we asked finance experts to clear up some of the biggest misconceptions and falsehoods about money on the internet.

“You need a 20 percent down payment and great credit to purchase a house.”

The idea that you need a 20 percent down payment on a house has been passed on and on—but many experts say it’s time to retire that belief. “People are often shocked when I tell them that yes, they can buy a house with 3 percent down,” says Jennifer Beeston, SVP of mortgage lending at Guaranteed Rate in San Francisco, California. “You do not need 20 percent down; I repeat you do not need 20 percent down.” She recommends chatting with a mortgage expert to discover the various low down payment options that can help you purchase a home.

Candice Williams, realtor at Coldwell Banker in Houston, Texas, agrees, and adds, “People believe that they need to come up with 20 percent of the purchase price, and they think they need a high credit score to purchase a home.” And as a result, she says that many would-be homeowners are missing out on this experience due to incorrect information.

“There are a variety of loan options,” Williams says. For example, the FHA, Federal Housing Administration, will accept a 3.5 percent minimum down payment and a credit score in the 580 range. “There are also many homebuyer grants to help buyers on the national, state, and local level, and this money doesn’t have to be repaid,” she adds.

In addition, Beeston says she often hears from potential buyers who think they need a car loan to qualify for a mortgage. “Generally, these people have seen a credit ‘expert’ video in which that individual has said in order to buy a house you have to show multiple tradelines and an auto loan is one tradeline you need,” she says. But this is “100 percent incorrect,” Beeston says, and you don’t need to have an auto loan on your credit to qualify for a mortgage.

“You need to buy a house to get ahead.”

Homeownership may be the American Dream for some people, but according to Jay Zigmont, PhD, CFP, founder of Childfree Wealth in Water Valley, Mississippi, you shouldn’t let the internet make you feel like you’re losing out if you don’t own a home. “Buying a house is one way to get exposure to real estate, but it does not fit everyone,” he says.  In fact, if you tend to move around frequently, he says it’s more than okay to rent. “It is even okay to rent in the long term if you don’t enjoy homeownership or it isn’t right for you.”  So, instead of doing what everyone else recommends, Zigmont recommends thinking long and hard about the decision to own a house.

“You need to have X amount of money by the age of Y.”

While there are plenty of articles declaring that you need to have a certain amount of money by age 40, 50, etc., Zigmont warns these rules of thumb may not fit you.  “For example, most of these benchmarks or general rules assume you will have kids, but if you are living a childfree life, these benchmarks won’t fit.” Instead, he recommends measuring your own progress, financial plans and goals. “Make progress each year, and don’t worry about how you compare to others.”

“You need to be wealthy to start investing.”

A lot of investing advice on the internet is geared toward high income earners. But you don’t have to be wealthy to start investing, according to Dr. Kortney Ziegler, founder and CEO of Well-Money.com, and a Stanford University Humanities Fellow. “The truth is that anyone can start investing, regardless of their income level—and you don’t need a lot of money either.” Ziegler says you can start investing as little as $5 to $10 per week.  “From small acorns do mighty oaks grow, and regularly investing small fixed sums of money delivers impressive results over time.”

“Married couples should combine finances.”

You may have read articles advising couples to keep their financial accounts separate and other articles advising them to combine their money. According to Ziegler, there is no right or wrong answer.  “Some couples prefer to keep their finances separate, while others choose to combine everything into one joint account,” they say. “What works for one couple may not work for another couple.”

“Cutting expenses is the only way to save money and create a nest egg.”

The ability to save money is probably the most important tool you can have in your financial toolbox. However, it shouldn’t be the only one. Sometimes, the question is not solely what else can you cut out, but also how you can increase the amount of money coming in, explains Cicely Jones, CEO of MPA Financials in Pleasant Grove, AL. For example, she says it may be time to go to your employer and ask for a raise if you haven’t had one in a while, or if your job performance warrants it.

Or, it may be time to seek new employment if a salary increase isn’t possible at your current job. “Complacency can keep you from moving on, but needing an increase should be an incentive, so amp up your resume, add skills, get certified, etc., so you can stand out to employers.” Another alternative: Jones also recommends getting a side hustle or part-time job as a short-term way to boost income. “Dive into a talent or craft you might have, something that you are passionate about, and see how it can earn you some extra money.”

“You don’t need a bank account—just get a prepaid card.”

Those prepaid cards advertised on the internet may seem like a convenient way to handle your finances, but don’t be fooled by those free-living lifestyle videos, warns Birmingham, Alabama-based financial expert Tae Lee, who created “Game of Fortune: Win in Wealth or Lose in Debt,” a financial literacy game. “Everyone needs a bank account for many reasons such as storing money, saving money, securing money, and having a safe place to store it.” In addition, she says that prepaid cards tend to come with activation and reloading fees—and the cards don’t help you build credit.

“Your friend’s Medicare coverage is a good plan for you.”

It’s not uncommon to get advice from people in your social media circles. However, this may not be the best source for information as it relates to Medicare, warns Ari Parker, author of, It’s Not That Complicated: The Three Medicare Decisions to Protect Your Health and Money. He says there’s no single health insurance plan that’s best for everyone. “Do you see the same doctors and take the same prescriptions as your friends? Probably not, so you probably need different plans to meet each of your unique needs,” he says.

With countless Medicare insurance plans out there, Parker recommends the 3P method to finding a plan for you:

Providers: “Make sure you note the doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals you plan to access,” Parker says, adding that some plans have limited networks that restrict your choices.

Prescriptions: “Jot down the medicines you take to stay healthy,” he says. “Prescription drugs are often a considerable household expense, but you may be able to save upwards of $1,100 by matching your prescription needs to the right plan and nearby drug store.”

Priorities: “Your health care and lifestyle are probably different than your neighbor’s,” he says. “So make sure you’re making decisions based on your personal savings goals and lifestyle choices.”

One overarching theme from all of this: Your finances are personal. So, as helpful as it can be to get advice, just make sure you’re following the path that makes the most sense for you.

What is an emergency fund?

An emergency fund is a bank account with money set aside to pay for large, unexpected expenses, such as:

• Unforeseen medical expenses.
• Home-appliance repair or replacement.
• Major car fixes.
• Unemployment.

Compare top savings accounts

Find a high-yield savings account with a great rate. Compare rates side-by-side.

Why do I need an emergency fund?

Emergency funds create a financial buffer that can keep you afloat in a time of need without having to rely on credit cards or high-interest loans. It can be especially important to have an emergency fund if you have debt, because it can help you avoid borrowing more.

According to NerdWallet’s April 2026 savings report, an emergency fund was the most commonly cited active savings goal. Nearly half of Americans surveyed, 45%, said they are actively saving money in a bank account for this purpose.

How much should I save?

The short answer: If you’re starting out, try to set aside an amount that would cover an important bill, say $500. But keep working your way up. You’ll want to max out at about half a year’s worth of expenses.

The long answer: The right amount for you depends on your financial circumstances, but a good rule of thumb is to have enough to cover three to six months’ worth of living expenses. (You might need more if you freelance or work seasonally, for example, or if your job would be hard to replace.) If you do lose your job, you could use the money to pay for necessities while you find a new one, or the funds could supplement your unemployment benefits.

Having savings can get you out of many financial scrapes. Put something away now, and build your fund over time.

Where do I put my emergency fund?

Ideally, you’d put your emergency fund into a savings account with a high interest rate and easy access. Because an emergency can strike at any time, having quick access is crucial. So it shouldn’t be tied up in a long-term investment fund. But the account should be separate from the bank account you use daily, so you’re not tempted to dip into your reserves.

A high-yield savings account is a good place for your money. It is federally insured up to $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category, per financial institution so it’s safe. (Read more on how savings accounts are federally insured through the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., or FDIC, and the National Credit Union Administration, or NCUA.) In addition, the money earns interest, and you can access your cash quickly when needed, whether through withdrawal or a funds transfer.

While a savings account is an excellent option, some people may not be able to open one immediately. If a bank closed a previous account of yours, for example, it may have reported the closure to a consumer reporting agency, such as ChexSystems. That can prevent a new bank from approving your account application. If that’s the case, you have options. You can work with the agency to resolve the outstanding issues. At the same time, consider opening a second chance checking account. After a few months building a positive banking history, you’re more likely to be able to open a solid interest-earning account.

How do I build an emergency fund?

1. Calculate the total that you want to save. Use the NerdWallet emergency savings calculator below if you need help figuring out your expenses for six months.
2. Set a monthly savings goal. Instead of focusing on one large savings goal, focus on smaller, attainable monthly goals. Reaching monthly milestones can give you positive momentum and encourage you to keep saving. This can help you keep the habit of saving regularly and make the overall task less daunting.
3. Move money into your savings account automatically. If your employer offers direct deposit, ask if they can divide your paycheck between checking and savings. That way your monthly savings goal can be taken care of without the funds touching your checking account.
4. Keep the change. Use mobile technology to save automatically each time you make a purchase. There are savings accounts and savings-focused apps that link with checking or other spending accounts to round up the purchase amounts on your transactions. The extra amount is automatically transferred to a savings account.
5. Save your tax refund. You get a shot at this once a year — and only if you expect a refund. Saving it can be an easy way to boost your emergency stash. When you file your taxes, consider having your refund deposited directly into your emergency account. Alternatively, you can consider adjusting your W-4 form so that you have less money withheld. If modifying your deductions is a good option for you, you can direct the extra cash into your emergency fund.
6. Assess and adjust contributions. Check in after a few months to see how much you’re saving, and adjust if needed. When you’ve saved up enough to cover six months of expenses, you might consider putting extra cash in investments.

When saving, draw a line between emergencies and everything else. In fact, once you’ve hit a reasonable threshold of emergency savings, it’s a good idea to begin another “rainy day” savings account for irregular but inevitable expenses, such as car maintenance and clothing. If you need help staying organized, consider opening separate savings accounts or subaccounts for different financial goals.

Everyone needs to save for the unexpected. Having something in reserve can mean the difference between weathering a short-term financial storm or going deep into debt.

Key Takeaways

• Hurricane insurance is not a separate policy but involves specific deductibles on homeowners’ insurance.
• Homeowners in states prone to hurricanes need flood and windstorm insurance coverage that can be separate or bundled together.
• Hurricane deductibles are based on a percentage of the property’s insured value and vary by state.
• Windstorm insurance may cover wind damage from various storm types, including hurricanes, tornadoes, derechos, and other high-wind storms.
• In some states, making home improvements can lower insurance premiums in hurricane-prone areas.

What Is Hurricane Insurance?

Hurricane insurance doesn’t exist as a separate type of policy. The term usually means a hurricane deductible on a homeowners insurance policy, which is the amount a homeowner pays before the insurer covers hurricane damage. This deductible, based on a state-mandated percentage of the property’s value, is common in 19 hurricane-prone states and the District of Columbia.¹

It can also mean particular types of catastrophe insurance that cover flooding or extreme winds. No state requires homeowners to have this coverage; however, mortgage providers in high-risk states such as Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Texas, and others typically require it.

Exploring Hurricane Deductibles and Their Impact

Hurricane deductibles are separate from other perils or regular homeowners insurance deductibles and are based on a percentage of the home’s value. While the other peril portions of a homeowners insurance policy deductible are a fixed dollar amount—say, $500 or $2,000—a hurricane deductible might be 2% to 5% of a home’s insured value, or $2,000 to $5,000 for every $100,000 in coverage. The deductible varies by state and the property’s exposure to possible risk.

Hurricane deductibles first developed in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew inflicted major losses on homeowners insurance companies in Florida, but they became more widespread in 2005, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Insurance companies turn to reinsurers when they’re having trouble paying large amounts of claims all at once, but even reinsurance companies struggled to cope with such enormous losses. As a result, insurance companies began requiring hurricane deductibles in 19 states and Washington, D.C. Homes in these states, which are all on the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Coast, are susceptible to hurricane damage.

A homeowner is usually required to pay a hurricane deductible if there is a named hurricane in the area. Sometimes, a severe tropical storm triggers the deductible. The hurricane deductible applies to any damage until the storm is downgraded. Again, rules vary slightly by state.

Even when a hurricane deductible doesn’t apply, a windstorm deductible might. A windstorm deductible applies to damage from any kind of high wind, such as from tornadoes, hailstorms, and hurricanes. The windstorm deductible can run slightly lower than a hurricane deductible, sometimes as low as 1% of the property’s insured value.

States Where Hurricane Deductibles Apply

The states/regions where hurricane deductibles apply are:

• Alabama
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Virginia
• Washington D.C.

Insurance Policies Covering Hurricane Damage

Homeowners should also be aware that even if they pay a hurricane deductible, gaps in their coverage might exist. Most homeowners policies don’t cover flooding caused by an outside natural event, like a hurricane. Property owners need a separate flood insurance policy to cover such water-related destruction or damage.²

Important

Most standard homeowners policies will cover some damage caused by hurricanes—mostly related to the heavy wind that, say, rips shingles off a roof or causes a tree branch to snap and crash into a window.

Also, homeowners insurance policies in some hurricane-prone states won’t pay for wind-related damage. So, if you want to protect your property, you must purchase separate windstorm insurance. In this case, all wind damage or destruction would fall under this policy instead of the traditional homeowners policy. On top of hurricane coverage, windstorm insurance applies to problems stemming from tornadoes, cyclones, and other types of high-speed winds.²

Calculating Hurricane Deductibles: Factors and Formulas

To some degree, depending on the state, insurance companies dictate the level of the hurricane deductible and where it should apply. However, insurers’ hurricane deductible plans are subject to state regulations. Rhode Island, for example, sets a cap of 5% on hurricane and windstorm deductibles.

In hurricane-prone Florida, the state requires homeowners to have the option of a $500 flat-rate hurricane deductible. Premiums may, of course, be higher than if you choose one of the other mandated options: 2%, 5%, or 10% of the insured value of the residence.

In some states, homeowners may pay lower insurance premiums if they make improvements to their home to minimize damage from a hurricane, such as installing storm shutters or hurricane-resistant laminated glass windows and doors.

Are Wind and Hurricane Insurance the Same?

A windstorm insurance policy may be different than a hurricane insurance policy. With windstorm insurance, coverage is for damage caused by wind only. While there is no specific “hurricane insurance,” this insurance may refer a a combination of a windstorm policy, flood insurance, and homeowners insurance.

Is Hurricane Insurance the Same As Flood Insurance?

Hurricane insurance and flood insurance may sometimes be considered the same. Flood insurance covers damage from flooding, which may include flooding caused by hurricanes, but could also cover damage from other causes, like a leaked pipe. Hurricane insurance is typically a combination of flood and windstorm insurance, which covers damage caused by wind, such as from hurricanes.

Are Hurricanes Usually Part of Homeowners Insurance?

You may have to get separate flood insurance and windstorm insurance to cover hurricane damage. These policies may not be part of homeowners insurance; however, some policies may include windstorm insurance. Most standard homeowners insurance won’t cover flood damage.

The Bottom Line

Hurricane insurance can be a valuable tool to protect you from financial hardship in the event your home suffers damage from a hurricane. Whether hurricane insurance is right for you will depend on several factors, including the risk that a hurricane will damage your home and your financial situation. Consider consulting a financial advisor for guidance with your specific needs.

Self-awareness is a key trait of successful leaders. These tips will help you become more self-aware and benefit your career.

What is self-awareness?

Self-awareness is the ability to monitor your emotions and reactions. It lets you know your strengths, weaknesses, triggers, motivators and other characteristics. Being self-aware means taking a deeper look at your emotions, why you feel a certain way and how your sentiments could turn into reactions.

Practicing self-awareness allows you to react better to situations or people who might set you off, which is a healthy skill to cultivate ― especially as a leader. When you’re aware of your emotions and how you handle them, you’re better equipped to process and work through them, avoiding unnecessary conflict. This ability will also help you set a good example for your team and make them more comfortable approaching you with questions or concerns. 

Even if you’re not where you want to be as a leader, developing self-awareness and acknowledging areas of leadership weakness is the first step.

How important is self-awareness in leadership and business?

Without self-awareness, leaders can appear arrogant. If you can’t be personable or know when you cross a line, how can you lead a company?

The need for self-awareness also extends to other business situations. Consider how crucial self-awareness is when giving sales pitches, trying to close deals or handling constructive criticism. If you’re unaware of how you’ll react to a situation or can’t prevent negative reactions, you could get yourself in trouble.

Self-awareness is also a crucial presentation skill. Many people get nervous when delivering presentations, speeches or even notes at a meeting. Self-awareness can help. If you use too many filler words during presentations, practice your presentation and have someone clap every time you use a word you want to avoid. If you tend to sway or pace around while presenting, limit your ability to move by sitting at the table with your client or using a podium.

Did You Know?

Coping mechanisms developed in childhood can prevent you from achieving career goals. By becoming aware of these automatic reactions, you can opt out of using them when they provide no benefit.

What are self-awareness skills?

In addition to being aware of your emotions, self-awareness involves knowing how you will react to others.

“Self-awareness keeps us grounded, attuned and focused,” Campbell wrote. “When leaders are grounded, they can be efficient and deliberate in staying on task and being attuned to those around them. Leaders who can control their minds and emotions help to guide those around them to develop their own self-knowledge and success.”

Consider the following crucial self-awareness skills:

• Empathy: When you fine-tune your self-awareness abilities, you will become more empathetic, thanks to heightened emotional intelligence.
• Adaptability: If you know how you will react, you could avoid tough situations by going on a walk or taking a few deep breaths.
• Confidence: By accepting and even embracing your flaws, needs and strengths, you will increase your ability to be vulnerable, allowing for healthier business relationships. Maintaining confidence is key to success.
• Mindfulness: When you’re self-aware, you become more mindful of the present moment, allowing yourself to take situations as they happen instead of dwelling on the past or projecting into the future.
• Patience: While your immediate reaction might be to scold an employee for a mistake or take out your frustrations on your team, self-awareness will help you practice patience, even in the face of conflict.
• Kindness: Kindness is achievable when you put aside your feelings to support another person. Even if you’re having a bad day, being self-aware and realizing your workers are also human beings with similar struggles can help you be more sympathetic.

Tip

The right leadership language can help convey patience and kindness to your team. Your words and phrases can significantly impact your team’s morale.

Tips for becoming more self-aware

Becoming more self-aware isn’t always easy but it can help you become a better leader. Here are 10 tips for improving self-awareness:

1. Keep an open mind: When you can regulate your emotional world, you can be more attuned to others’ emotions. Successful leaders must be curious about new people and all they have to offer. Keeping an open mind shows that you can be a team player and don’t need to be number one all the time. The more open you are to others, the more creative an entrepreneur you will become.
2. Be mindful of your strengths and weaknesses: Self-aware individuals know their strengths and weaknesses and can work from that space. Being mindful of your strengths and weaknesses means knowing when to reach out for assistance or delegate and when you can handle a situation on your own.
3. Stay focused: Leaders must make connections ― but you can’t do that if you’re distracted. Train yourself to focus on work for longer periods and consider other ways to improve productivity.
4. Set boundaries: Leaders must establish firm limits. Be warm toward others, but say no when necessary. Be serious about your work and passions and keep your boundaries firm to maintain the integrity of your goals and the work you put into them.
5. Know your emotional triggers: Self-aware individuals can identify their emotions as they happen. Don’t repress your emotions or deny their causes; instead, bend and flex with them and fully process them before communicating with others.
6. Embrace your intuition. Successful people learn to trust their instincts when making a business decision and take the risks associated with those choices. Your instincts are based on the survival of the fittest and the need to succeed. They will tell you what to do next, so learn to trust your intuition.
7. Practice self-discipline: Good leaders tend to be disciplined in every area of their lives. This trait provides them with the enduring focus necessary for strong leadership.
8. Consider how your actions affect others: We often act without thinking first, focusing only on our needs. While self-awareness requires acknowledging your emotions, you must also identify how you handle those feelings and how any subsequent actions impact those around you. Being more considerate of others will help you navigate difficult situations.
9. Apologize when necessary: Mistakes happen, but self-awareness will help you recognize when your slip-ups require you to apologize at work. Maybe you lashed out at your staff or have been difficult to reach lately. Whatever your mistake was, saying you’re sorry (and meaning it) and then changing your behavior is the best way to move forward.
10. Ask for feedback: While self-awareness means understanding yourself without input from others, it takes courage (and self-awareness) to ask for honest employee feedback. Doing this acknowledges your natural biases toward yourself (which we all have) and helps you gain a more objective view.

Key Takeaway

Self-awareness takes time, commitment and practice. Continuous open and honest dialog with yourself and your employees is a great way to understand your strengths and correct leadership mistakes.

Benefits of self-awareness

Improving your self-awareness may sound like leadership training jargon. However, actively working on understanding yourself and your reactions has tangible benefits that can positively impact your career and business:

• Self-awareness sets the tone at work: When your employees see you taking the time to understand your strengths, weaknesses, emotions and reactions, they’ll be inspired to follow suit. Better self-awareness from the top down can positively change company culture. Even if you’re not in a leadership position, practicing self-awareness will cause others to take notice.
• Self-awareness improves relationships: Increased self-awareness helps you control your reactions, empathize with others and communicate better ― all key elements of employee engagement. Self-awareness builds trust and openness, fostering an environment where employees and colleagues feel safe coming to you with any issue.
• Self-awareness inspires teamwork: Beyond building relationships, self-awareness skills help you to become a better team player. You’ll know which tasks to delegate and when to ask for feedback or assistance. You’ll also be better positioned to promote workplace collaboration among your staff. 
• Self-awareness makes people want to work for you: Self-awareness produces stronger, more effective leaders, creating environments where workers thrive. This positive company culture can help you attract and retain top talent. 
• Self-awareness leads to better decision-making: Leaders are tasked with making multiple decisions daily and high-stakes decisions often result in high emotions. Self-awareness helps you control those emotions so you can decide rationally. It also builds confidence ― a critical factor in assertively choosing a course of action. Plus, a self-aware leader is conscious of their implicit biases and can take those into account. 
• Self-awareness helps manage conflict: Effective communication and strong relationships reduce workplace conflict. However, tensions sometimes rise even in the best companies. Keeping a cool head and knowing when to compromise will help resolve disputes. An effectively managed disagreement isn’t always a bad thing. Healthy workplace conflicts can even be good for your business.
• Self-awareness makes you more productive: Understanding how you work, especially areas where you need improvement or help, allows you to work better. Knowing where you excel will grow your confidence, leading you to work quicker and more assertively. Delegating tasks to better-suited colleagues will free up time and make your workplace more productive. Finally, focusing on improving your weaknesses will help you grow into a stronger leader.

Examples of self-awareness in the workplace

Strong self-awareness can lead to better outcomes in the workplace. Here are a few examples of how self-awareness can positively impact typical situations.

Asking for a promotion

When asking your boss for a raise or a promotion, self-awareness will ensure you make a compelling case. 

Understanding where you excel and where you don’t will help you be honest with yourself about what positions suit you. You don’t want to waste your manager’s time ― or your own ― going for jobs you’re not qualified for.

Being confident in your strengths and transparent about your weaknesses can convince your boss that you deserve a promotion. For example, if you work in sales and want a management position, detailing your excellent numbers and strong customer relationships demonstrate that you know how to close deals. 

However, acknowledging that you could be a better team player and would like training in that area shows that you’re honest, trustworthy and committed to improving the company. 

Tip

Ask about professional development opportunities at work to demonstrate your commitment to growth and improvement.

Participating in a performance review

Whether you’re the CEO or an intern, receiving feedback during a performance review can be uncomfortable. While it would be nice to only hear positive comments, it wouldn’t be very beneficial. Critiques on what we could do better will help in the long run ― but hearing them can sting. 

Let’s say you work in information technology and have a performance review coming up. Keen self-awareness can help you get the most from the situation. By acknowledging your weaknesses, such as slower ticket resolution times for specific software platforms, you won’t be surprised when the topic arises. 

If you tend to react negatively to criticism, prepare ahead of time. Remind yourself that there are other areas in which you excel and that your boss is only making critiques to help you develop. Managing your emotions will help you digest the criticism and offer solutions, such as requesting software training. By avoiding negative emotions, you’ll build a better relationship with your superior.

Tip

Raise your self-awareness when preparing for a performance review by writing a self-assessment beforehand. It’ll help you understand your accomplishments and set goals for improvement.

Managing conflict 

Conflicts are a natural part of doing business, especially when working on a team. Still, self-awareness skills can help you resolve workplace conflicts effectively.

Imagine you’re part of the marketing team tasked with creating a new slogan for your flagship brand. You’ve come up with an idea you firmly believe in, yet your colleague has a different idea you disagree with. 

If you recognize that you tend to back down in situations of conflict, you can work actively to find ways to be more assertive in championing your idea. For example, you could find alternative ways to communicate your points or enlist a trusted co-worker to help you convince the rest of your team. 

Self-awareness leads to growth

Self-awareness is an essential trait for leadership. But knowing yourself is only the first part of the equation. You must make the effort to adapt and change accordingly, focusing on the skills and areas that will make you a stronger leader. Remember that working on self-awareness is not about becoming enlightened about who you are but, instead, growing toward who you want to become.

In the current digital era, personal information is more vulnerable than ever. 

And like Carissa Véliz, author of the bestseller “Privacy is Power”, puts it, “Through protecting our privacy, we prevent others from being empowered with knowledge about us that can be used against our interests”.

From social media platforms to online shopping, every click and interaction leaves a trail of data that can be tracked, collected, and shared, putting our Internet privacy at significant risk. 

Digital privacy is about respecting the rights of users and protecting their personal information from cybercrime or unauthorized use. 

We want to help you protect it, so in this article, we will talk about what it is, what problems you may encounter as an individual, and what types of measures exist to protect your information.

We will also cover the pros and cons of online privacy and explain why it is relevant to companies and what they can do to safeguard their customers’ and employees’ data and stay compliant with privacy regulations.

Digital privacy: overview

According to Statista, U.S. government agencies and courts submitted over 61,000 user data requests to Google between January and July 2024 alone. 

During the second half of 2024, Facebook handled approximately 324,000 requests for user data from law enforcement agencies worldwide.

These requests, justified by the need for justice and national security, prove that many tech companies, such as search engines and social media platforms, gather highly valuable and detailed information about their users. 

However, governments are not the only entities gaining access to personal data.

When your data is collected for commercial purposes or, even more concerning, for malicious intent, the risks multiply, often with little transparency or control over how that information is used.

Your browser, apps, and even smart devices quietly collect data — your clicks, location, and habits — which are often sold or shared. 

Therefore, you must consider online privacy when browsing the web, interacting on social media, or engaging with any other digital channel. 

Cyberbullying and identity or bank data theft are some of the dangers lurking in our digital connections. 

Even when personal data is meant to be safe, it can fall into the wrong hands after a data breach, so it´s crucial that companies and individuals alike take preventive measures. 

Over the past few decades, data privacy laws have been implemented worldwide to prevent the misuse of personal information. 

Organizations are required to follow these strict rules to protect customer and employee data and avoid severe repercussions such as legal action and reputational damage. 

But before going into more detail, let’s clarify what digital privacy actually means.

What is digital privacy? 

Digital privacy, also called online privacy, Internet privacy, or cyber privacy, can be defined as the right that seeks to ensure the protection and safeguarding of the personal data of users accessing a service over the Internet. 

This protection has evolved as new technologies have entered the reality of the so-called information society.  

Internet privacy must ensure that digital users can at all times know, decide, and control the treatment of their personal data collected on a website, application, or social network. 

In this way, it must be possible to guarantee that the data cannot be accessed by others without prior authorization or consent to consult, download and/or use from the legitimate owners. 

In this quest for personal data security, differential privacy is becoming increasingly relevant.

What is differential privacy?

Differential privacy is one of the tools companies can use to improve the confidentiality of their business or project, and is part of what is called Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PET). 

These technologies are based on different mathematical and computational mechanisms to extract value from data of commercial, scientific, or social interest without compromising the privacy and security of the personal data collected through information abstraction strategies. 

Why is digital privacy important?

The importance of digital privacy lies in the fact that in some places, like many states in the U.S., data collection by companies is unregulated. 

This means that companies can use, sell, or share any type of data without the user’s knowledge and without having to notify anybody of the use. 

The regulation of private data in the United States depends on each state and is characterized by federal and state laws. 

In this sense, data protection in the United States is regulated quite differently than in Europe, where there is a General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR.

Data protection laws highlight the serious risks that failure to safeguard privacy can pose to individuals, exposing them to dangers such as:  

• Identity theft. 
• Bullying or cyberbullying. 
• Introduction of viruses into their systems. 
• Use of personal images for sexting, child pornography, etc. 
• Theft of intellectual property. 

Online platforms, in particular, are vehicles for the transmission of sensitive personal information. As such, they play a critical role in maintaining privacy on the Internet.

To ensure this, personal data must be collected only under strict security conditions and used solely for legitimate and consented purposes.

As a preventive measure, users are encouraged to read about the existence of applicable data protection regulations to safeguard their personal information from unauthorized use.

Common Internet privacy issues to be aware of

Knowing the most common online privacy threats is the first step towards protecting both your confidential data and being able to protect the users of your projects.

Tracking

Tracking refers to the collection of user data by websites and online services. This data is used to improve user experience and provide personalized content. 

However, it can also be used to track user activity across multiple websites and services, creating a detailed profile of their online behavior.

Surveillance

Surveillance is monitoring user activity by governments, law enforcement agencies, or other organizations. 

It can be done through surveillance cameras, tracking software, or other monitoring tools. 

Surveillance can be used for legitimate purposes, such as preventing crime, but it can also be used to violate privacy rights.

Identity theft

Identity theft is the theft of personal information such as name, address, social security number, and credit card information. 

This information can be used to open new accounts, make purchases, or commit other forms of fraud.

Spam and misleading advertising

Spam and misleading advertising refer to unwanted messages and advertisements that are sent to users without their consent. 

These messages can contain viruses, malware, or other harmful content.

Sexting

Sexting is the sharing of sexually explicit messages or images through electronic devices. 

This can lead to privacy violations if the content is shared without consent.

Grooming

Grooming is the process of building trust with someone to exploit them later. 

This can happen online through social media, messaging apps, or other services.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is using electronic devices to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone. 

This can take many forms, including posting hurtful messages, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, or spreading rumors.

4 tips to protect your privacy in the digital age

Online privacy and security are often emphasized as critical, but we often fail to take real steps to protect our personal data. Many people unknowingly practice poor Internet hygiene, which is why it’s important to keep the following precautions in mind:

Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts

Reusing the same username and password for multiple online accounts may seem convenient, but it’s risky and leaves you vulnerable to cybercriminals. 

If a hacker gains access to your password, they can easily access your other accounts, putting your personal information and finances at risk. 

Don’t make it easy for them to steal your identity; take the time to create unique login credentials for each account.

Don’t stay logged in to websites

It’s easy to leave a website open in a browser tab or window, especially if you visit it frequently. 

However, staying logged in to a website when you’re not using it exposes you to potential attacks. 

Cybercriminals can use your logged-in session to access your account, steal your personal information, or even take over your computer. So, log out of websites to minimize the risk when you’re finished using them.

Don’t use any service without reading Terms & Conditions

It’s easy to click “I agree” without reading the fine print, but this mistake can be costly. 

Terms and conditions protect the service provider and may include clauses allowing them to collect and share your data with third-party advertisers. 

By not reading them, you could be unwittingly giving away your personal information.

So, take the time to read through the terms and conditions before agreeing to use a service.

Don’t open or download any suspicious attachments from your e-mail

Phishing involves sending fraudulent messages that mimic credible sources, and it remains a significant danger to individuals and companies.

Clicking on suspicious links or opening email attachments from unknown senders is a surefire way to infect your computer with malware. 

Malware can damage your computer, steal your personal information, and even turn your PC into a zombie that cybercriminals can control remotely. 

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How to protect your online privacy? 14 methods for safeguarding your security

In today’s digital world, the consequences of not having adequate protection can be dire. 

That’s why taking advantage of tools that ensure your digital privacy requirements are met is crucial. 

Whether you’re browsing the web, using social media, or making a purchase, the advantages of these tools are clear. 

Don’t take chances with your online security – protect yourself with the necessary measures to stay safe in the digital world.

Privacy on the Internet

There are several ways to protect your Internet privacy. Here are some of the most effective methods:

1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN is a service that encrypts your Internet connection and hides your IP address, making it difficult for third parties to track your online activity.
2. Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like “password” or “123456.”
3. Keep your WiFi network private: Avoid using public WiFi networks. Remember that if you don’t take this precaution, any IT specialist who accesses your WiFi connection will have access to all of your computer information and web interactions.
4. Keep your software and operating system up-to-date with the latest security patches.
5. Safeguard your browsers: Check that the extensions you install come from safe sources. Consider using a privacy-focused browser, such as Brave or Firefox, with privacy extensions installed, and boost your digital privacy by browsing in incognito mode.

Online privacy in social networks

Social media platforms are becoming an integral part of their users, where they feel comfortable and share all sorts of personal information. 

That’s why it’s essential to take a series of measures to protect yourself on these platforms:

1. Review your privacy settings: Check your privacy settings regularly to ensure you only share information with people you trust. Limit the information visible to the public.
2. Be mindful of what you share: Be careful about the personal information you post on social media. Avoid sharing sensitive information that cybercriminals could use.
3. Be cautious with friend requests: Only accept friend requests from people you know. Don’t add people you don’t know or trust.
4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your accounts to add an extra layer of security.

Digital privacy and security in online shopping

Protecting your privacy when shopping online is crucial to prevent identity theft and financial loss. Here are five effective methods to safeguard your personal information:

1. Use a secure connection: Always shop from a secure website with a valid SSL certificate. Look for the lock icon in the address bar to ensure your information is encrypted and protected from hackers.
2. Don’t save your credit card information: While saving your credit card information on a website may be convenient, it’s not the safest option. Instead, enter your information each time you purchase to prevent hackers from accessing your financial details.
3. Use a virtual credit card: Some credit card companies offer virtual credit cards that have a temporary card number and expiration date. This is a great option for online shopping because if the card number is stolen, it cannot be used for fraudulent activity.
4. Check your bank statements regularly: Keep track of your bank statements to ensure that no unauthorized charges have been made. If you notice any suspicious activity, contact your bank immediately to report the fraud.
5. Make sure to read the company’s privacy policy carefully. It should state what kind of personal information they collect and for what purposes. This can help you protect your online privacy and avoid potential risks. Don’t take this step lightly, as it could save you from unpleasant surprises and safeguard your sensitive data.

Now that you have a better understanding of the most common privacy issues on the Internet and the ways to protect yourself, let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of data privacy for organizations. 

Benefits of digital privacy

Organizations that make online privacy a top priority may experience the benefits listed below:

• Ensure respect for the rights and freedoms of users, who see their data only under secure and consented conditions. 
• Increase the competitiveness of services and internal processes by prioritizing the security and privacy of sensitive data. 
• Prevent information security breaches and improve document management through better data control that minimizes information leakage or malicious access.  
• Become a differentiator by ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, availability, and continuous updating of data.
• Build trust with teams, customers, and suppliers by demonstrating a clear commitment to protecting sensitive data. 
• Meet legal obligations to protect personal information and comply with digital privacy regulations within the legal framework to avoid penalties or lawsuits. 

Disadvantages of digital privacy 

Cyber privacy also comes with certain drawbacks for companies, and the most significant ones are listed below:

• Risk of gaps in privacy settings that allow individuals’ digital privacy to be compromised. 
• Complex and sometimes costly implementation, both financially and in terms of resources. 
• Difficulty in assessing the benefits of using data versus the costs of protecting it.
• Risk of limiting the effectiveness of data-driven initiatives mitigated by the privacy measures adopted.
• Possible friction in interactions with users due to the application of very restrictive and strict privacy measures. 

While digital privacy does present certain challenges, it remains crucial for companies aiming for long-term success.

Organizations that value the protection of their customers, employees, and their own data should prioritize privacy, even in the absence of legal requirements. Let’s explore how a lack of a cyber privacy strategy can affect businesses.

Implications of failing to implement a digital privacy strategy

Not having an online privacy strategy in place can lead to consequences that affect companies negatively: 

• Facing financial penalties as well as legal consequences related to criminal, civil, and employment liability for misuse of third-party data.   
• Risk of exposing trade secrets through digitally published information. 
• Impact on daily operations due to system failures, human error in data handling, etc. 
• Risk of cyberattacks if personal data is exposed. 
• Possible serious damage to a project’s image, visibility, and credibility, even threatening its very existence. 

The importance of automation in protecting online privacy

As previously discussed, companies need to develop a clear strategy to safeguard their customers´, employees’, and their very own digital privacy.

In this sense, process automation can be a great ally in helping to avoid human error in handling such sensitive data or potential security breaches. 

To achieve this, organizations can automate audit reports and regulatory requirements or use automated identity controls to manage access to their platforms, their hiring processes, or their training, creating secure and respectful environments thanks to, for example, a remote monitoring or proctoring system. 

Future of Internet privacy

The future of Internet privacy will be shaped decisively by legislation and cybersecurity. 

As data collection becomes more pervasive and sophisticated, the risks to individual rights and societal well-being grow exponentially. 

In this evolving landscape, robust legal frameworks are not just helpful but essential. 

Given the significant value of personal data, the absence of enforceable regulations creates a real risk that such information may be misused or handled irresponsibly, often with limited transparency or accountability.

Privacy legislation must go beyond basic transparency and consent; it must include strict limitations on data collection, usage, and sharing. 

Laws like the EU’s GDPR and emerging frameworks in the U.S., such as California’s CCPA, are steps in the right direction, but more comprehensive, global coordination is needed. 

As technology becomes more integrated into everyday life, thoughtful legislation will play a vital role in guiding innovation while safeguarding personal freedoms. 

At the same time, strong cybersecurity measures are essential to prevent the use of data for malicious purposes. 

Governments will need to step up their efforts to detect, deter, and prosecute cybercriminals, ensuring that the digital environment is not only private but also secure.

How To Get a Personal or Business Loan When You’re Self-Employed

Self-employed workers can face certain challenges when trying to secure funding for their personal enterprises. Inconsistent income or lack of a steady paycheck that a W-2 salary offers can make lenders more reluctant to provide funds. This, in turn, can lead lenders to require a greater amount of documentation to determine whether sole proprietors or self-employed workers can make their payments.

However, just because you’re self-employed doesn’t mean that getting a personal or business loan is impossible—you just need to know where to look. From government programs to specific banks or online marketplaces, you still have several options to explore beyond traditional lenders. We’ll take a look at some of these below.

Key Takeaways

• Self-employed workers can find financing via personal loans through online lenders, business loans, lines of credit, and credit cards.
• Most lenders will require a fair to excellent personal credit score along with bank statements and multiple years of tax returns to verify income.
• Sole proprietors with newly established businesses or those rebuilding credit may want to consider a co-signer for loans.
• SBA microloans can also be a viable option for self-employed workers and range from $500 to $50,000.

Why Getting a Loan May Be Trickier

It’s no secret that self-employed individuals may encounter more obstacles when trying to obtain a loan. Lenders can be warier because salaried employees showcase more stability with income.

In lieu of pay stubs, self-employed workers may be asked for a few other documents to prove their income. For example, some lenders will want to see at least two months’ worth of bank statements to look at your credit and debit charges and make sure you have enough funds to cover payments each month.

Other verification documents may include your individual tax return and/or IRS forms Schedule C and Schedule SE. In some cases, multiple years may even be requested. Lenders want to make sure that you not only currently have the income, but that your business is well-established enough to maintain the potential loan agreement long term.

Note

Some lenders such as fintech-focused company Upgrade won’t consider your income in their application decision if you haven’t been in business for a year or more. This means that you may need to have a stronger showing in areas such as personal credit score—otherwise, the best route could be having a co-signer.

Personal Loan Options for the Self-Employed

When it comes to funding, even those on a company’s payroll can have difficulty getting personal loans. However, these loans are attractive because they can be used for just about everything—unexpected expenses, emergencies, medical bills, debt consolidation, and home repairs, to name a few. Here are some personal loan options.

Online Lenders

Some of the best personal loan lenders, particularly those that are based online, tend to work with those who are self-employed, meaning it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a company you can trust. However, you’ll still want to make sure to apply for a loan that sets you up with the best chance of getting approved, such as a loan that fits your credit score.

Examples of online lenders that might be good matches, depending on your credit and other criteria, include:

• LightStream: For those with good to excellent credit (660+ score)
• SoFi: Good credit score, bank statement and/or tax returns required
• Upstart: Credit score of 300+, only personal income (self-employed, other wages) considered
• Upgrade: Fair to good credit score, two years of individual tax returns

Credit Cards

Credit cards are typically easier to qualify for than personal loans since you are receiving a line of credit versus a lump sum of cash. Major credit cards can grant you additional benefits, such as travel perks, exclusive offers, and discounts. Application requirements are straightforward; the bank will verify your annual net income, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio.

Payday Loans

Payday loans are designed to help borrowers in emergency situations but are not meant to be long-term financial solutions. These loans generally need to be repaid during your next pay cycle and typically cover smaller amounts between $100-$500 with limits varying by state.

Note

Payday loans can come with an exorbitant annual percentage rate (APR) as a result of high finance charges. This means you may pay a rate near 400% versus the average credit card APR of 12% to 30% for most credit cards.

Before considering payday loans, you may want to look at other loan options such as friends and family if the need is urgent. You may also want to make certain lifestyle changes in the process.

Co-signed Loans

Having a co-signer can be valuable when you are having difficulty qualifying for a personal loan. If you have just started building credit or are in the process of rebuilding it, a highly qualified co-signer may help you secure a better rate. You can typically add a co-signer such as a parent to your personal loan or credit card application, and financial institutions will verify their income and credit score, as well.

Your co-signer is also agreeing to take on your debt should you be unable to pay back the loan, and there are other consequences outlined in what is called a Notice to Co-signer.

Business Loans for the Self-Employed

If you’re a sole proprietor looking for a business loan, you have quite a few options. While your local SBA office offers loan options tailored to sole proprietors and small businesses, you can still secure funding from online lenders and other sources.

SBA Microloans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) may be one of the most ideal options for sole proprietors, self-employed workers, and independent contractors to start their business loan search.

“When people reach out to us, we usually send them out to a resource partner to get ready for financing,” said SBA lender relations specialist Frank A. Anderson in an email to The Balance. “And that resource partner or organization can help them put a business plan together and get their financials together to present to a lender to apply for a loan.”

While the SBA’s most common loan program is the 7(a), others can benefit self-employed workers in particular, including SBA microloans. These loans range in amounts from $500 to $50,000 and can be used as working capital. Another benefit of these loans is that lenders can accept credit scores in the high 500s.

Business Credit Cards and Lines of Credit

Business credit cards work like personal credit cards but are tied to business bank accounts and should only be used for business expenses. With a business credit card, you might get cash back on purchases like office supplies, internet or cable services, and gas.

A business line of credit, meanwhile, is a loan that allows you to borrow up to a certain limit and then pay interest on that amount.

Note

A line of credit is more flexible than a business loan because you can borrow what you need as long as you don’t go over your limit.

Jonathan Kelly, a New York Life insurance specialist, told The Balance via email that many small-business owners may prefer the latter. “Someone self-employed would want to use the line of credit more because it’s usually more money and you can do more with it,” he said.

How To Apply

When deciding to apply for a personal or business loan, the best step you can take is to be prepared. In general, you’ll need any of the following to apply as a self-employed worker:

• Federal tax returns for the last two years
• A Schedule C or Schedule SE form
• Bank statements

You will also want to assess your credit score beforehand. Knowing your score in advance can also help you decide if you should go into the loan application process with a co-signer to help your approval odds and potentially improve your terms.

Many homeowners aspire to one day build their dream home, but are held back by confusion over the best path forward for making their dream a reality.

Should you tear your home down and start from a blank slate, or do attempt a remodel?

It’s impossible to give a definitive answer, but a trusted and skilled architect can help you weigh your options so that you land on the ideal solution for your project.
Below are some critical factors you should bear in mind when deciding between a remodel or new construction so that you can make the decision that is right for you.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a Remodel and New Construction

1. Is the existing structure safe?

This is perhaps the most important question to ask. Structural issues may be detected through a thorough property inspection. If the existing structure is not in good condition, it may rule out the possibility of a remodel.

This is especially true in cases where the foundations or key structural members are faulty, or in cases where an older home may no longer be up to code, particularly in earthquake- or wildfire-prone areas.

2. What is your budget?

There is often a misconception that a remodel will be significantly cheaper than a full, ground-up, new construction. But an extensive remodel can sometimes near the cost of a new build.

Unless you’re keeping the majority of the existing structure, you are introducing complexity to the project which the architect and contractor must account for. For example, the demolition process would need to be much more surgical and careful.

With this in mind, it’s important to have a clear sense of what your budget is and whether or not it is appropriately aligned with the goals of your project. If your design goals are challenging enough, there are situations where new construction may start to make more sense than a remodel.

3. What is your timeframe?

Depending on the scope of the project, a remodel can be completed significantly quicker than a new construction, especially if key elements of the home (foundation, supporting walls, etc.) are reused.

For individuals whose project involves the home that they currently live in, a remodel may make more sense than new construction. For individuals who don’t plan to move into the home for a significant period of time, time can be less of a constraint.

4. How important is sustainability to you?

If environmental sustainability is important to you, reusing as much of the existing structure as possible can help reduce your project’s carbon footprint and drive it closer to net zero carbon. This can be achieved in both a remodel or a new construction.

Concrete, for example, is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions when it comes to architecture. One can reuse concrete foundations even when pursuing new construction. It may take some planning but this is a great place to reduce your carbon production.

5. What limits does your jurisdiction place on residential projects?

Most local jurisdictions place a limit on what can legally be considered a “remodel” vs new construction.

While it may seem like semantics, the distinction is important, if a project is deemed a new construction it will typically involve a more rigorous approval process which can disrupt the project’s timeline. Additionally, being deemed a new construction might trigger a tax reassessment that might potentially lead to a higher tax burden.

Usually, in order for a project to qualify as a remodel instead of a new construction, it will need to meet certain requirements.

First, it may need to fall within the same footprint (the foundation). Second, it will need to be the same number of stories, because building higher than the original structure could threaten surrounding views. Third, the home will typically need to preserve a certain percentage of the existing structure, which will typically be measured in walls. While the exact percentage will depend on local regulations, many jurisdictions require at least 50% of the structures existing walls be untouched.

An architect who is skilled in substantial remodels should be able to meet all of these requirements while still meeting the goals of your project, if it is important to you that your home be classified as a remodel instead of a new construction.

6. Is your home in a historical district?

If your home exists in a historical district or already has a historical designation, this can limit how much you are able to change or update the structure of the home. (This is typically only a concern when it comes to the exterior—not the interior—of the home.) It might, for example, limit the materials or colors that you use on the exterior portion of the home, or even the overall style of architecture.

In San Francisco, for example, if a structure is more than 50 years old it will automatically trigger a historical review. If the review determines that someone historically significant lived there in the past or that something of historic or cultural significance occurred there, it could lead to historical designation.

The Value of an Architect

If you are still unsure as to which path is the right one for you, a skilled architect, with experience in both new construction as well as significant remodeling projects, can help guide you toward the appropriate solution.

The sooner in the process that you are able to involve the architect, the better the end result will be. When you begin discussing your project, it’s important that you explain the goals, budget, and timeframe for your project, as all of these will impact which route is best for you.

In 1666, one of the most influential scientists in history was strolling through a garden when he was struck with a flash of creative brilliance that would change the world.

While standing under the shade of an apple tree, Sir Isaac Newton saw an apple fall to the ground. “Why should that apple always descend perpendicularly to the ground,” Newton wondered. “Why should it not go sideways, or upwards, but constantly to the earth’s center? Assuredly, the reason is, that the earth draws it. There must be a drawing power in matter.”

And thus, the concept of gravity was born.

The story of the falling apple has become one of the lasting and iconic examples of the creative moment. It is a symbol of the inspired genius that fills your brain during those “eureka moments” when creative conditions are just right.

What most people forget, however, is that Newton worked on his ideas about gravity for nearly twenty years until, in 1687, he published his groundbreaking book, The Principia: Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. The falling apple was merely the beginning of a train of thought that continued for decades.

Newton isn’t the only one to wrestle with a great idea for years. Creative thinking is a process for all of us. In this article, I’ll share the science of creative thinking, discuss which conditions drive creativity and which ones hinder it, and offer practical tips for becoming more creative.

Creative Thinking: Destiny or Development?

Creative thinking requires our brains to make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. Is this a skill that we are born with or one that we develop through practice? Let’s look at the research to uncover an answer.

In the 1960s, a creative performance researcher named George Land conducted a study of 1,600 five-year-olds and 98 percent of the children scored in the “highly creative” range. Dr. Land re-tested each subject during five year increments. When the same children were 10-years-old, only 30 percent scored in the highly creative range. This number dropped to 12 percent by age 15 and just 2 percent by age 25. As the children grew into adults they effectively had the creativity trained out of them. In the words of Dr. Land, “non-creative behavior is learned.”

Similar trends have been discovered by other researchers. For example, one study of 272,599 students found that although IQ scores have risen since 1990, creative thinking scores have decreased.

This is not to say that creativity is 100 percent learned. Genetics do play a role. According to psychology professor Barbara Kerr, “approximately 22 percent of the variance [in creativity] is due to the influence of genes.” This discovery was made by studying the differences in creative thinking between sets of twins.

All of this to say, claiming that “I’m just not the creative type” is a pretty weak excuse for avoiding creative thinking. Certainly, some people are primed to be more creative than others. However, nearly every person is born with some level of creative skill and the majority of our creative thinking abilities are trainable.

Now that we know creativity is a skill that can be improved, let’s talk about why—and how—practice and learning impacts your creative output.

Intelligence and Creative Thinking

What does it take to unleash your creative potential?

As I mentioned in my article on Threshold Theory, being in the top 1 percent of intelligence has no correlation with being fantastically creative. Instead, you simply have to be smart (not a genius) and then work hard, practice deliberately and put in your reps.

As long as you meet a threshold of intelligence, then brilliant creative work is well within your reach. In the words of researchers from a 2013 study, “we obtained evidence that once the intelligence threshold is met, personality factors become more predictive for creativity.”

Growth Mindset

What exactly are these “personality factors” that researchers are referring to when it comes to boosting your creative thinking?

One of the most critical components is how you view your talents internally. More specifically, your creative skills are largely determined by whether you approach the creative process with a fixed mindset or a growth mindset.

The differences between these two mindsets are described in detail in Carol Dweck’s fantastic book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success.

The basic idea is that when we use a fixed mindset we approach tasks as if our talents and abilities are fixed and unchanging. In a growth mindset, however, we believe that our abilities can be improved with effort and practice. Interestingly, we can easily nudge ourselves in one direction or another based on how we talk about and praise our efforts.

Here’s a brief summary in Dweck’s words:

“The whole self-esteem movement taught us erroneously that praising intelligence, talent, abilities would foster self-confidence, self-esteem, and everything great would follow. But we’ve found it backfires. People who are praised for talent now worry about doing the next thing, about taking on the hard task, and not looking talented, tarnishing that reputation for brilliance. So instead, they’ll stick to their comfort zone and get really defensive when they hit setbacks.

So what should we praise? The effort, the strategies, the doggedness and persistence, the grit people show, the resilience that they show in the face of obstacles, that bouncing back when things go wrong and knowing what to try next. So I think a huge part of promoting a growth mindset in the workplace is to convey those values of process, to give feedback, to reward people engaging in the process, and not just a successful outcome.”

—Carol Dweck

Embarrassment and Creativity

How can we apply the growth mindset to creativity in practical terms? In my experience, it comes down to one thing: the willingness to look bad when pursuing an activity.

As Dweck says, the growth mindset is focused more on the process than the outcome. This is easy to accept in theory, but very hard to stick to in practice. Most people don’t want to deal with the accompanying embarrassment or shame that is often required to learn a new skill.

The list of mistakes that you can never recover from is very short. I think most of us realize this on some level. We know that our lives will not be destroyed if that book we write doesn’t sell or if we get turned down by a potential date or if we forget someone’s name when we introduce them. It’s not necessarily what comes after the event that worries us. It’s the possibility of looking stupid, feeling humiliated, or dealing with embarrassment along the way that prevents us from getting started at all.

In order to fully embrace the growth mindset and enhance your creativity, you need to be willing to take action in the face of these feelings which so often deter us.

How to Be More Creative

Assuming that you are willing to do the hard work of facing your inner fears and working through failure, here are a few practical strategies for becoming more creative.

Constrain yourself. Carefully designed constraints are one of your best tools for sparking creative thinking. Dr. Seuss wrote his most famous book when he limited himself to 50 words. Soccer players develop more elaborate skill sets when they play on a smaller field. Designers can use a 3-inch by 5-inch canvas to create better large scale designs. The more we limit ourselves, the more resourceful we become.

Broaden your knowledge. One of my most successful creative strategies is to force myself to write about seemingly disparate topics and ideas. For example, I have to be creative when I use 1980s basketball strategies or ancient word processing software or zen buddhism to describe our daily behaviors. In the words of psychologist Robert Epstein, “You’ll do better in psychology and life if you broaden your knowledge.”

Sleep longer.  Sleep debt is cumulative and if you get 6 hours of sleep per night for two weeks straight, your mental and physical performance declines to the same level as if you had stayed awake for 48 hours straight. Like all cognitive functions, creative thinking is significantly impaired by sleep deprivation.

Enjoy sunshine and nature. One study tested 56 backpackers with a variety of creative thinking questions before and after a 4-day backpacking trip. The researchers found that by the end of the trip the backpackers had increased their creativity by 50 percent. This research supports the findings of other studies, which show that spending time in nature and increasing your exposure to sunlight can lead to higher levels of creativity.

Embrace positive thinking. It sounds a bit fluffy for my taste, but positive thinking can lead to significant improvements in creative thinking. Why? Positive psychology research has revealed that we tend to think more broadly when we are happy. This concept, which is known as the Broaden and Build Theory, makes it easier for us to make creative connections between ideas. Conversely, sadness and depression seems to lead to more restrictive and limited thinking.

Ship it. The honest truth is that creativity is just hard work. The single best thing you can do is choose a pace you can sustain and ship content on a consistent basis. Commit to the process and create on a schedule. The only way creativity becomes a reality is by shipping.

Final Thoughts on Creative Thinking

Creativity is a process, not an event. It’s not just a eureka moment. You have to work through mental barriers and internal blocks. You have to commit to practicing your craft deliberately. And you have to stick with the process for years, perhaps even decades like Newton did, in order to see your creative genius blossom.