Job Seeker Newsletter – May 2025
Mastering Your Money
A Guide for Hourly Workers
Hey there,
We get it; navigating money matters when your income varies can be tough. But smart financial habits aren’t just for people with 9-to-5s. Here’s how you can take charge of your finances and build a better future – one paycheck at a time.
Budgeting with Irregular Earnings
Not all paychecks are the same size. Create a “bare bones” budget plan based on your lowest expected income. Is there anything extra? Save it or use it to cover high-expense months.
Track your income and expenses using:
- Mint – Automatically syncs with your bank and categorizes your spending.
- EveryDollar (free version) – Simple, zero-based budgeting that works great for variable income.
- Google Sheets – Try one of their free budget templates for a custom approach.
Pro Tip: Use your lowest expected weekly income as a baseline. Everything above that is a bonus you can allocate.
Understand Your Paycheck
What’s the difference between gross and net pay? What are those deductions? Understanding what comes in and what goes out helps you plan smarter.
Want to decode your paycheck? Try:
- SmartAsset Paycheck Calculator -0 Get a clearer breakdown of taxes and take-home pay.
- NerdWallet’s Paycheck Calculator – Understand deductions, benefits, and what you’re really earning.
Why Saving Matters (Even $5 at a Time)
Saving something is better than saving nothing. Start small by setting up an auto-transfer to your savings on payday. Emergency funds can be lifesavers when hours are cut or unexpected bills arise.
No fancy bank required. Use:
- Chime or Varo – Free savings accounts with features like automatic round-ups.
- Qapital (basic free plan) – Set savings rules (like saving $1 every time you grab
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
- Relying on payday loans
- Overdrafting
- Not tracking hours or overtime properly! Stay aware. Stay informed.
Looking for more resources or tips? Stay tuned – we’re here to support your goals every step of the way.
Your friends at appie
Fast Track Your Future!
Recruiter Insights with Becca
Don’t Forget the Ice Cream 🍦
Yes, saving is important. But so are sprinkles and sundaes!
When my 20-year-old daughter mapped out her summer budget, she made a savvy move: tips are for spending, the rest goes to savings. Smart, right? But also – fun.
Whether it’s ice cream, a concert ticket, or a late-night pizza, giving yourself permission to enjoy a little now can keep you motivated to save more later.
Think of it as the “treat yourself” tax. Budget for joy. Build memories, not just a bank balance.
Because no one looks back and says, “I wish I skipped that ice cream cone.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Paquette
Founder, appie
