How to Cut the cost of working

How to Cut the cost of working by Tom Bunkham While starting a new  job means you’ll have money coming in, often the cost of working can take a substantial amount of your pay check.Commuting, childcare bills, lunch  and other expenses (see:  after work drinks)  can all add up, but there are plenty of ways to help keep these costs manageable.Legal General has partnered with Rough Guides to create the Rough Guide to Work and Money, a free to download eBook filled with useful tips to help you cut the costs associated with work and  make the most of your workplace benefits.Here are three of our favourite  tips taken directly from the guide:1. CommutingCommuting isnt  just a major expense; it can also be stressful and impact on your quality of life. Here are two ways to reduce the cost of your commute:Talk to your employer about helping with a season ticket loanSome companies are able to provide you with the money to pay for your travel to work, interest-free, which you then pay back each month from your sal ary.Bear in mind that an annual ticket is usually considerably less than paying for a monthly or weekly ticket, so this is an attractive perk if your employer offers it.Talk to your employer about how they can help.Grab your bike and get cyclingProvided you don’t live miles away from your job, you might want to consider cycling to work. This is not only good for your health, it can save you money.If you don’t already own a bike for commuting, your employer may be able to help you buy one tax-free through the government’s Cyclescheme.Employers run the scheme in different ways, but essentially your employer buys a bike, you then agree to a “salary sacrifice” â€" paying back the original cost (usually less the VAT) in monthly instalments from your salary.2. LunchBring a packed lunchBuying lunch every day can add up to much more than you’d think.Think about it this way: if you spent £5 on work lunch every day, you’d spend £1,825 in a year â€" more than enough money to ta ke a trip away.If you’re looking to cut costs, think about taking in a packed lunch. If snacks and drinks are starting to add up, set yourself a strict daily budget so you know exactly how much you are spending. It might seem boring, but any savings you make can go towards something else you really want.Still not convinced? Heres how much you’re really spending on eating out at work:3. TaxDon’t be afraid to claim tax reliefDepending on what you do, you may need certain tools of the trade  to help you do your job. You may well have to cover the cost of these yourself, although you might be able to claim tax relief on any items you’ve bought for work, as long as you don’t use them in your private life as well.As an employee you can claim relief on the following:Repairing, replacing or buying small tools you need to carry out your job, such as an electric drill or nail gun.Repairing, cleaning or replacing clothing you need specifically for your job, such as boots or a uniform .Any fees or subscriptions paid to approved professional organisations, but only if they are helpful for your work, or if membership is essential in order to do your job.You can’t claim tax relief on:The initial cost of buying your work clothing.You should also be able to claim tax relief if you use your own car for busi ­ness, or for fuel when you use a company car, as well as on the cost of overnight expenses if you have to travel as part of your work.For more information, download Legal General’s free eBook, Rough Guide to Work and Money at www.roughguidefinance.com to find out more useful tips on how to minimise your workplace costs and make the most of your benefits.  For more news from Legal General, follow them on Twitter  @landg_ukDo you have any essential tips for people looking to cut back on work expenses? Share them with us below or tell us on Twitter @reedcouk.Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Pleas e enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Features Money saving tips

Technical Writing and Speaking on a Resume

Technical Writing and Speaking on a ResumeTechnical writing and speaking on a resume is not as hard as it sounds. In fact, it's actually one of the best methods of getting hired for the best technical writing jobs out there. Here are some ways you can use to help you get hired for jobs where you are qualified.The first thing you need to do when looking for a technical writing job is to focus on the different types of technical writing. There are tons of different technical writing jobs out there, but there are three different types that are commonly hired for.Technical writing is a specific form of writing that deals with computer programming, computer systems, and internet technologies. For instance, if you were to apply for a job that requires you to write an essay, technical writing would be the way to go. Technical writing is also a form of writing that you can use to either create or add to resume or CV information.Resume writing is the process of creating a written document tha t will act as your 'resume.' As you know, resume is the single most important piece of information needed when applying for any type of job. You can utilize technical writing and speaking on a resume to show potential employers why you are an ideal candidate for a technical writing job.A technical writer can also help with creating a resume that has a professional look and feel. You will also be able to see the resume through the eyes of the technical writer, which is something that may not be possible otherwise. Technical writing on a resume can also help you add information to a resume that is pertinent to your expertise, such as your job experience, educational background, and education in the field.Technical writing and speaking on a resume is an excellent way to show employers why you are an ideal candidate for a technical writing job. You can highlight your success in writing, including proofreading, editing, and proofreading a resume that you did yourself to give you a better understanding of what a resume should look like, how it should read and why.Technical writing and speaking on a resume can also be used to add a bit of humor and enthusiasm to your resume. You can talk about the experience you had in the field and talk about what it was like to be around the technology. This is a good way to show employers that you have a little bit of enthusiasm about your writing abilities and that you would be happy to write again if given the chance.Technical writing and speaking on a resume is very popular today because the majority of technical writing jobs require that you have a degree or work experience. You can go to a college or technical school and get a degree in one of the technical areas that are becoming in demand. You can even go the extra mile and get a Master's degree and then go into writing for a company, and then they can take care of the rest.

Join the Club and Get Ahead In Your Career in 2013! - Classy Career Girl

Join the Club and Get Ahead In Your Career in 2013! Today is a big deal for Classy Career Girl.  Why?  I am finally doing something that I have ALWAYS wanted to do and creating a community of professional women who want to get career advice and get ahead.Based off your survey results, most of you  want a Classy Career Girl community to get your questions answered and a livelier forum on the site.  You want a place to get advice, ask your specific questions and to help other women.Today, I am launching the Classy Career Girl Get Ahead Club to give you more of what you want.  You can learn more and sign up for the inaugural member discount today here:http://www.getunstuck.classycareergirl.com/classy-career-girls-get-ahead-club/I created the  Classy Career Girl Get Ahead Club  for all levels of young professional women…and those who are ready to make the leap to becoming one. This is my entry level of membership  and a great way to have ongoing access to me and other career experts at a very affordable rate â€"  just $10 a month!  (Yes, you read that correctly.) Twice a month, you’ll be on the phone with me  and special expert guests, as they cover professional and career success topics designed to make your career successâ€"and grow your salary.  You will also receive action worksheets, recorded calls and transcripts because I know you are a busy woman! And dont forget about your access to the exclusive CLASSY CAREER GIRL GET AHEAD Networking Forum  where you can post your goals each month, get accountability and ask Anna and the CCG community questions. Make sure you sign up before January 2nd for a special discount for inaugural club members only $1 for your first month! http://www.getunstuck.classycareergirl.com/classy-career-girls-get-ahead-club/ I cant wait to get to know you all on a more personal level and have more interaction with the readers on my blog. See you in the club! Anna P.S. Sign up soon so you can get instant access to my bonus ebook: The  What I Wish I Knew Ebook  with the hottest tips from my interviews with 27 successful women in 2012! What a great way to start the new year! Bring it on 2013! http://www.getunstuck.classycareergirl.com/classy-career-girls-get-ahead-club/