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Saluting Success

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Saluting Success: How Veterans Can Thrive as Entrepreneurs

As veterans transition from military to civilian life, many seek the independence and fulfillment that comes from starting a small business or pursuing a work-from-home career. With unique skills, discipline, and leadership acquired through service, veterans are well-equipped to tackle entrepreneurship challenges. This article from Vets Help Center provides practical steps and resources to help veterans capitalize on their capabilities, whether they’re launching a company or finding a remote role that fits their lifestyle.

Identifying Your Niche

Choosing the right business or job involves aligning your military expertise with market needs. Start by evaluating your interests and skills, then research potential industries and job roles that are compatible.

  • Leverage Military Skills: Consider how military-developed skills can translate into civilian roles. Leadership, project management, and strategic planning are highly valued.
  • Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to identify demand in areas you’re interested in using tools like Google Trends.
  • Consult Other Veterans: Reach out to veteran groups or networks to see what others have done post-service.
  • Consider Franchising: Many franchisors offer special discounts for veterans, providing a structured system similar to the military.

Enhancing Skills Through Education and Training

Continual learning and skill development are crucial in adapting to the civilian workforce or running a successful business.

  • Cybersecurity Degree: Consider the impact of a cybersecurity degree on employment, boosting your chances in a high-demand field with good pay and an openness to remote work lifestyles.
  • Vocational Training: Look into vocational training programs that certify you in practical fields such as HVAC or plumbing.
  • Online Learning Platforms: Websites like Coursera or Udemy offer courses on everything from marketing to web development.

Setting Up Your Business or Workspace

Whether launching a business or setting up a home office, having the right environment and tools is essential.

  • Create a Dedicated Workspace: Establish a specific area in your home dedicated to work to maintain professionalism.
  • Utilize Technology: Invest in reliable technology, including a good computer and high-speed internet.
  • Financial Management: Use software like QuickBooks for financial tracking or consider hiring a part-time accountant.
  • Legal and Administrative Setup: Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations through resources like the S. Small Business Administration.

Marketing Your Business or Skills

Effective marketing is crucial to attract clients or employers. Here’s how you can market yourself effectively:

  • Social Media Presence: Build a professional presence on social media platforms, tailored to reflect your business or professional persona.
  • Networking: Continuously expand your network through online platforms and local community events.
  • Content Marketing: If applicable, start a blog related to your business field to establish authority and improve online visibility.
  • Branding: Develop a strong brand that reflects your values and professionalism.

Managing Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital, especially when working from home or running your own business.

  • Set Regular Hours: Keep to a regular schedule to manage time effectively and separate work from personal time.
  • Take Breaks: Regular breaks – like those structured by the Pomodoro Technique – can improve productivity and mental health.
  • Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine to boost mood and energy levels, positively impacting your work.
  • Family Time and Boundaries: Set much-needed boundaries with family during work hours and prioritize family time outside of work.

For veterans embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship or remote work, leveraging military-honed skills, continuing education, and utilizing veteran-specific resources can make the transition smoother. The discipline and skills learned in service are invaluable assets in navigating this new chapter, opening doors to fulfilling and successful civilian careers.

Vets Help Center is here to give veterans the support they deserve. We’d love to hear from you!

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hellomood.co

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100% Federally Legal THC from Small U.S. Farms

Discreet Delivery ✦ No Med Card Required ✦ Trusted by 600k+ people

“At Mood, we deeply respect the service and sacrifices made by our veterans. We understand the profound impact events experienced during service can have on mental health. Witnessing the struggle that so many of our brave servicemen and servicewomen navigate daily deepens our dedication to this cause. It is our heartfelt passion to reach out, lend a hand, and make a tangible positive difference in the lives of veterans.”
 
Mental Health Advocate

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PTSD and Sleep

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Guide to Sleep and PTSD

https://purple.com/blog/ptsd-and-sleep

The guide covers:

  • What PTSD is and how it impacts sleep
  • Common sleep disturbances associated with PTSD, such as insomnia or night terrors
  • Strategies for addressing PTSD-related sleep issues
  • How to improve sleep hygiene and create a safe sleeping environment
  • Tips for partners of people with PTSD 

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Drug and Alcohol Detox Centers Directory

DetoxRehabs.net was founded on one simple principle: connect individuals suffering from addiction, and their families, with the best detox and inpatient treatment program possible.

Active addiction takes an incredible toll on the individual suffering and everyone around them. During a time of crisis, it’s critical to find a treatment program that will best suit the personal struggling’s individual needs.

If you are new to the process, the first step is making a phone call and being honest during an intake assessment. While some individuals may need to medically detox at a detox center, others may be able to go straight into a residential alcohol and drug rehab center. A reputable intake specialist will be able to determine what level of care an individual needs and will create a treatment plan that fits both your needs and budget.

https://www.detoxrehabs.net/

 

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A Guide to Housing Benefits for Veterans

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Veteran’s United reports that 58% of all veterans are currently planning to buy homes in the next five years. Buying a home is a big step in life, and can sometimes be prohibitively expensive. Our article shares resources that could lower costs of living and secure a dream house at an affordable rate for veterans and their families. The full article is available here:

A Guide to Housing Benefits for Veterans

https://www.propertytaxfunding.com/blog/veteran-housing-benefits-guide

 

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Top Strategies for Veterans Purchasing a Home

Posted on | by Kelli Brewer | Leave a Comment on Top Strategies for Veterans Purchasing a Home

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant purchases you will ever make. If you are a veteran planning to take this step, consider these strategies brought to you by the Vets Help Center to prepare you for the process and inform you of veteran-exclusive options that can save you money.

 

Examine Your Finances

Doing your financial homework before you begin house shopping can save you time and disappointment. Start by getting a free credit check. Your score can impact your likelihood of getting approved for a loan, as well as the loan terms you may be offered.

 

If you discover that your credit score is not optimal, there are strategies to improve it. First, report any errors in your report. Next, prioritize paying each bill by its due date. To make sure you aren’t late with payments, employ strategies such as autopay from your bank or alerts on your computer.

 

It’s also important to improve your debt to credit ratio by paying off as much of your current debt as possible. If you don’t have the means to do this, you can approach it from the other direction by asking your credit card company to increase your credit line. When your credit increases while your debt remains constant, your credit score improves.

 

Determine Your Price Range

To set a reasonable price range for your new home, examine current income and expenditures. Then, calculate your projected monthly payments for different loan amounts, taking into account additional expenses such as utilities, property taxes, insurance, and homeowners association fees.

 

Consider Your Loan Options

Homebuyers have several loan options to choose from, including:

  • Conventional adjustable-rate mortgages
  • FHA loans
  • USDA loans
  • VA loans

 

Many veterans opt for a VA loan, which is available to active duty and veteran members of the U.S. military and their families. These are excellent options for qualified individuals because they offer generous terms that aren’t available with other loan types. A VA 30-year fixed mortgage loan, for example, eliminates the need for a down payment and offers low interest rates. The interest for these rates, however, are typically for single-family residences, and they are subject to change. 

 

In addition to determining the best loan for your situation, you should also compare offers from several financial institutions. Because details such as interest rates, loan terms, APRs, and other fees can vary, it’s wise to shop around for the best deal. Also, apply for a loan pre-approval because it puts you in a better position for negotiating.

 

Use a Real Estate Company

Contact a real estate company early in the search process and let them know your budget, the type of home and neighborhood you are seeking, and which items on your wish list are must-haves. These professionals can educate you on the housing market:

  • What can you expect to get within your price range?
  • What is the best time of year to purchase?
  • How does location influence pricing?
  • Which neighborhoods are most desirable?
  • What amenities and services do the neighborhoods offer?

 

Once you find the perfect home, your agent can use your pre-approval to move quickly, negotiate the price and closing costs, and set a closing date. At the closing, both sides sign all the necessary paperwork, and then you officially become the owner of a new home!

 

If you are looking forward to purchasing a new home, make sure you are fully prepared. By following several simple strategies, you can increase your confidence and be better positioned for the house-hunting process.

Image via Pixabay

 

 

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6 Gestures to Show Veterans and Active Duty Military Your Support and Appreciation

Posted on | by Kelli Brewer | Leave a Comment on 6 Gestures to Show Veterans and Active Duty Military Your Support and Appreciation

6 Gestures to Show Veterans and Active Duty Military Your Support and Appreciation

 

Are you looking for ways to support the veterans and active duty military in your community? The members of the United State Armed Forces and those who have served have sacrificed so much for our freedom and security. So, it makes sense to show your respect and gratitude for that sacrifice. You may already remember the military and veterans in your prayers, but how else can you support the people who have given so much? Well, you can start with one of these actions recommended by Vets Help Center, to show your appreciation and help veterans in need. 

 

Pursue a New Career in Social Work 

 

If you really want to go the extra mile for veterans, you can think about working toward a Master of Social Work. Several universities offer online programs which also require about 900 to 1,200 hours of field work to fully complete. Once completed, you can use your degree to help veterans and soldiers with anxiety and depression or assist with major transitions in their life, such as separating from service or adjusting to life with a new family. 

 

Help Senior Veterans Access Healthcare 

 

It’s no secret that figuring out the VA healthcare system can be a challenge, but when Medicare is mixed in, veterans can become completely lost. It’s difficult for senior veterans to access the healthcare they need, but you can make it easier by offering your help to a vet who is struggling. You can help them make sense of their options (advantages and disadvantages to enrolling, late enrollment fees, etc.), and help them choose the coverage that will provide the care they deserve. One option is having them sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan. Advantage plans have additional benefits for dental and vision care and prescription drugs. 

 

Donate to Charities Dedicated to Veterans

 

Sometimes, it’s easier to donate cash rather than time to help veterans in need, and that’s okay. Every little bit helps when it comes to improving the lives of those who have served and are still serving our country. There are several reputable charities you can donate to, but be on the lookout for scams involving veteran causes. Even seemingly supportive organizations may not use those donations correctly, so be sure to research charities online before donating.

 

Send a Care Package to Deployed Soldiers 

 

When active duty service members are deployed overseas, they often lack access to the comforts of home. You can provide that comfort by sending a care package to a deployed loved one or friend, and then packing it with items they can actually use. Non-perishable snacks, lightweight books, and toiletry kits are always a good choice, but adding more personal reminders of home are always appreciated too. Don’t know anyone who is deployed? You can send a care package or letter to a soldier through groups like Soldier’s Angels. 

 

Invite a Service Member Over for Memorial Day 

 

Care packages are a great way to help soldiers who are thousands of miles from home. To help the active duty service members in your own community, think about inviting them over for your Memorial Day celebrations. Although this is a day to honor fallen heroes, providing a home-cooked meal for a soldier or veteran is always a gesture that will be appreciated. Just be sure to keep your celebrations thoughtful since many service members have lost friends, loved ones, and fellow soldiers in combat. 

 

Thank Service Members and Veterans for Their Service 

 

Making a difference in the lives of America’s true heroes can take action, but know that your words matter as well. So, if you see a man or woman in uniform or meet a veteran, be sure to offer your thanks for their service. It’s such a simple gesture that will be so greatly appreciated by the recipient of your kind words. Better yet, back up your words with a thoughtful gesture, such as paying for a meal or coffee for veterans and service members in uniform or taking a veteran out to get a free meal on Veterans Day. 

 

We owe a debt to the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms. You can repay that debt with something as simple as a “thanks” or as grand as a career in social work to help veterans who need it most. So, show your support in a way that feels right to you. 

 

Looking for more information about assisting veterans? Head over to Vets Help Center for helpful links, articles, and videos.

 

Photo Credit: Pexels

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Know Your Tools!

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SKILLSAW: A portable cutting tool used to make boards too short.

BELT SANDER: An electric sanding tool commonly used to convert minor touch-up jobs into major refinishing jobs.

WIRE WHEEL: Cleans paint off bolts and then throws them somewhere under the workbench with the speed of light. Also removes fingerprints and hard-earned calluses from fingers in about the time it takes you to say, ‘Oh shit’. Will easily wind a tee shirt off your back.

DRILL PRESS: A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar stock out of your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your beer across the room, denting the freshly-painted project which you had carefully set in the corner where nothing could get to it.

CHANNEL LOCKS: Used to round off bolt heads. Sometimes used in the creation of blood-blisters.

HACK SAW: One of a family of cutting tools built on the Ouija board principle. It transforms human energy into a crooked, unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt to influence its course, the more dismal your future becomes.

VISE GRIPS: Generally used after pliers to completely round off bolt heads. If nothing else is available, they can also be used to transfer intense welding heat to the palm of your hand.

OXYACETYLENE TORCH: Used almost entirely for igniting various flammable objects in your shop and creating a fire. Also handy for igniting the grease inside the wheel hub out of which you want to remove a bearing race.

TABLE SAW: A large stationary power tool commonly used to launch wood projectiles for testing wall integrity. Very effective for digit removal!!

HYDRAULIC FLOOR JACK: Used for lowering an automobile to the ground after you have installed your new brake shoes, trapping the jack handle firmly under the bumper.

BAND SAW: A large stationary power saw primarily used by most shops to cut large pieces into smaller pieces that more easily fit into the trash after you cut on the inside of the line instead of the outside edge. Also excels at amputations.

TWO-TON ENGINE HOIST: A tool for testing the maximum tensile strength of all the crap you forgot to disconnect.

PHILLIPS SCREWDRIVER: Normally used to stab the vacuum seals under lids or for opening old-style paper-and-tin oil cans and splashing oil on your shirt; but can also be used, as the name implies, to strip out Phillips screw heads.

STRAIGHT SCREWDRIVER: A tool for opening paint cans. Sometimes used to convert common slotted screws into non-removable screws and butchering your palms.

PRY BAR: A tool used to crumple the metal surrounding that clip or bracket you needed to remove in order to replace a 50 cent part.

PVC PIPE CUTTER: A tool used to make plastic pipe too short.

HAMMER: Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a kind of divining rod to locate the most expensive parts adjacent the object we are trying to hit. Also very effective at fingernail removal.

UTILITY KNIFE: Used to open and slice through the contents of cardboard cartons delivered to your front door. Works particularly well on contents such as seats, vinyl records, liquids in plastic bottles, collector magazines, refund checks, and rubber or plastic parts. Especially useful for slicing work clothes, but only while in use. These can also be used to initiate a trip to the emergency room so a doctor can sew up the damage.

SON OF A BITCH TOOL: Any handy tool that you grab and throw across the garage while yelling ‘Son of a bitch’ at the top of your lungs. It is also, most often, the next tool that you will need.

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