PPT: Thinking About Retirement

Photo Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/68751915@N05/6736154311/

Professional Tip Tuesday

First off, I really do like my company. However, after a whole 8 days on the job.. it's time I start thinking about retirement. So today's Professional Tip Tuesday:

Understanding 401k basics.

Figuring out a 401k plan is one heck of a beast. The truth is, I am not sure I even understand the surface of it all yet. But after some digging, I wanted to pass along some of the important info I found. This is a big topic, so I will share more on this in the future too.

Here are the big 3 factors to focus on with a 401k plan: 

1) Take it for all it is worth. 

• A good company plan will match a percentage of what you designate to your 401k. Read the fine print carefully. 
• It might read something like: "Company will match 3% of up to 6% of your income." - 
• Translation: "You can put in up to 6% of your salary and the company will match a portion of that!" 
• If you can afford it, give that full 6 percent so you can take full advantage of the company's matching policy. We are used to having a small income in college. So subtracting that small percentage out of our bi-weekly paycheck will barely phase us. Plus, this will make it so you have a lower taxable income which is just one more positive to add to the list! 

2) Do not just pick the default plan. 

• The list of the 401k plan's might be kind of overwhelming. But make sure you are checking into that default plan so you know what is right for you. Some of those autopilot plans are too good to be true! 
• Google the default option. Take a look at it's past, current, and future performance to get a good idea of what you can expect. 

3) Do MORE research.

• Something to especially look out for when picking your 401k investments are the fees. Especially with those general mutual funds - many fees are typically between .5-2% of what you are investing. That adds up quick and just loses you money. 
• A little hidden gem I found - Index Mutual Funds. There are less fees associated with Index Funds and there is less turnover. So you often will get more for your money. Here is an article on U.S. News that explains more about why this is something worth looking into! 
• BUT make sure to search your options. Like I said, just type the stocks, mutual funds, and index funds into Google and you will find a wide array of results. This will help you make a better judgment on how different investments might do over time. 

So that is what I have found so far. I think I am going to "Choose my own plan" which is an option with my 401k and split my contribution between a few different options. What experience and tips do you have for picking the best 401k plan? Comment below and that might drive the future posts on this topic! 

PTT: First Week Success

Professional Tip Tuesday

I made it through the first day.. and it wasn't too bad! If the 'real world' really consists of an occasional free lunch, more company goodies, and hanging out with your peers - I think I will be just fine. It also doesn't hurt that my start date was a Thursday. There is no better way to ease into the 8-5 grind then with a two-day work week! 

The first two days were just orientation for me. We learned about the company's history, the culture, and received our laptops (score!). But now it's time to think about how to successfully rock the first full week! So this week's Professional Tip Tuesday -


How to make the most of the first week of a new job. 

 Introduce yourself - Just go for it!

• As a newbie, you have the perfect intro! i.e. "Hi! My name is Anna. I just started last Thursday. How's it going?" 
• Whenever you get the chance, introduce yourself to people in other departments and different positions. Not only is it helpful to have a better idea of what happens across the company, but it is also beneficial for when you want to further develop your career.

After you make that initial connection - connect! Let the networking begin.

• Following a quality convo with a colleague, add them on your company's intranet site or on LinkedIn. If you can, include a short message just reminding them of something you talked about. "It was great meeting you today in the break room! Looking forward to working with you at Company!"

Ask LOTS of questions - now is the time!

• Take advantage of the fact that you are new and everyone is expecting you to have questions. You are introduced to so many great people and resources as you are training for your new position. And that comes with a lot of questions. But keep 'em coming.. The people training you want you to succeed!

These are three of the biggies for me so far.. but it's only Tuesday! I still have three more days in my work week. What tips do you have for a successful first week and first impression as a newbie? Comment with your ideas!

PTT: First Day "Do's"

Professional Tip Tuesday

The past week and a half has been fantastic. I have explored the city, talked to some locals, and (most importantly) relaxed by the pool. One of my proudest accomplishments in my new city is that I can get make it about 8 miles away from my apartment without a GPS!

Britt has definitely benefited from my apartment's pool as well.

But my last real 'summer vacation' is coming to a close. 
I will be a working girl in T-Minus: 2 Days. As much as I really want to enjoy my last few days of freedom, my mind won't stop racing as I think about my first day. So this week's Professional Tip Tuesday is:

The top 5 tips on how to be prepared for the first day of a new job.

1) The Dry-Run. Don't just rely on Google Maps the day of.. Test out the drive to work a couple of days before you start.

• Especially if you are new to town. Familiarize yourself with the route, be on the lookout for construction or delays, and give yourself less reason to worry on the first day's commute.

2) Do a little digging. What does your company do again?

• I interviewed and accepted my job offer in November 2012. Doing research before the interview is important - but it's just as crucial to be fresh on your first day. 
• Also - if you find any recent news articles about the company it can serve as an awesome conversation starter when you begin to meet your coworkers. "Oh you work on the marketing team? I just saw in the newspaper our company was voted number 3 in marketing!"

3) Be ready.. the night before. Pick out your clothes and gather anything you might need. 

What to wear, what to wear?

• Pick out your outfit and set out everything you need for your first day. This will make the morning a lot less hectic. 
• **Don't forget: What documents will you need on Day One (i.e. Drivers License, SS Card, a blank check)? If you're not sure, email your company a few days before to clarify.

4) Set two alarms. A little excessive? Nah.  

• By setting two alarms you are ensuring you won't sleep through the buzzer and wake up in a total panic with no time to spare. Especially for those of us transitioning out of vacation mode. 6:30AM might feel like the middle of the night. 
• This is also good because you will just sleep better. The safety net of two alarms allows you to rest a little easier knowing you will for sure be awake on time. 

5) Early is always better. Even with the dry run, don't push it. Plan to be at least 10-15 minutes early. 

• It's never fun to show up late. Especially on the first day. Give yourself plenty of extra time in the morning to get ready and drive to work. 
• Plus if you are early, maybe you can do a little networking and make a quick connection right away with some of your coworkers.

So those are my top 5 tips to prepare for the first day. What are your go-to strategies on the first day of a new adventure? Comment below with your ideas! 

PTT: Emailing Out New Contact Info

Professional Tip Tuesday

Emailing your network to let them know of updated contact information.

I did it! I changed my email address. But after doing so, I had way too many questions about the best way to send a quick email to my network (I tend to over think things a bit..). I spent at least an hour trying to craft the perfect short note letting everyone know about my new email address. Then I finally got smart and reached out to a former advisor for some help..

So this week's Professional Tip Tuesday is how to write a quick note to inform your network of your changing contact information! 

And a special shout out to Amanda for the helpful information :)

I have already sort of touched on this in the long-winded post about Keeping In Touch but, I thought a simpler post on the changing contact Info could be beneficial as well!

Below is a "template" idea for what you might say in your email. Get creative

1) Opener - What's changing? When is it changing? Why is it changing? 

• "One week from today I will be moving to city to begin my career at company. I start my position with company as on start date as a position title."

2) Throw in a little gratitude.

• "I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had throughout college and I am excited for this new adventure."

3) Get down to business. 

• "My new mailing address will be: 

            Name

            Street Address

            City, State, Zip

            My new personal email will be: 

            email@domain.com

I will no longer be using my old email (the email I used today), oldemail@domain.com. Please add my new address to your contact list and delete the old one."

4) Add a little personality. 

• "Also I recently started a blog about my post-graduation adventures and my journey as a young professional. If you are interested in following me through my blog, here is the website: http://optimisticallyanna.blogspot.com."
• **In this part, give the reader a little something that ties it all together. My goal with including my blog was to stand out. This is your chance to give them something memorable or engaging that will encourage them to stay connected to you. 

5) The closer.

• "Thank you for your continued support and please stay in touch!

Warmly, 

Anna" 

So that is the format I used - based on my supervisor's helpful advice. There probably isn't a right or wrong way to do it so play around and just make sure to add your own personal pizazz! Since it's a mass email, you want to make it feel as personal as possible.

I think signatures are tough too. I tried to keep it extra friendly with the "Warmly, Anna". How do you personalize a professional email? Comment below!

KCMO Day 1: Survived.

My initial reaction to this new chapter: anxiety central. 

I don't think I have been that nervous since the first day of freshman year. In fact, it felt a lot like that. Except without the safety net of it being a college town and a college campus.

My thoughts:
-KCMO is far from home. And my lovely college town.
-Apartment buildings are not the same as dorms. My neighbors aren't new to town and they don't care leave their doors open.
-Where's the all-you-can-eat cafeteria?

Also, for the first time ever I was envious of my Chicago friends and their insane driving skills. Usually when I ride with them, I hold on tight as we jet in-and-out of lanes. So all I could think was how useful it would be if I was a more aggressive driver. This Iowa gal isn't used to those 'city drivers'.

But thankfully, I wasn't completely alone. My little sister was my navigator and personal assistant. She helped me move my first load into my new place. As a reward for all of the help, we had a delicious KC barbecue dinner. And we topped that off with some frozen yogurt for dessert.

Thanks for your help, Tessa!

So the move was a little more overwhelming than I expected. But I realized this new chapter isn't just like the first day of college. At this point, I have had four years in the starting gates and I am ready for this adventure. Where's the fun in feeling completely content on day one in a new town?

I had this whole post-grad thing pegged as too easy up until now. It should be a little scary! But I am excited to start my new job, I have friends in KC, and I love what I have seen of my new home. All the pieces are there and I can't wait to see how they fall into place.

PTT: Packing Like a Pro

Professional Tip Tuesday

How to pack like a pro. 

This Professional Tip Tuesday is inspired by my move happening TODAY! That's right, folks. The day has come.

I have been packing for weeks. But this is nothing. I've moved 8 times since going to college between dorms, summer, apartments, etc. And I wish I could say it's gotten easier..

The first move - Freshman year dorm with my grandma and mom.

So if you are relocating for work - the following are my PTT Top 5 Moving Tips.

1) Pack like things together. This will make the entire moving process a whole lot easier.

2) Label each box - well!  Don't keep yourself guessing on what's inside. Make it easy to unload by marking exactly what's in each box.

3) Pack in clear totes.  OR even better.. try old comforter plastic zip ups. They are easier to squeeze in the car than a box AND you can see the contents!

4) Confirm the plans.  Call the a few days before your move to make sure you're all set. This might include your landlord, electricity, water, and cable.

5) Load the car the night before.  If your planning to hit the road bright and early, get everything ready the night before so it won't be quite as chaotic.

My final tip for this quick guide to relocating is - if you are relocating for a job save all your receipts! Just keep an envelope with any receipts that have to do with moving expenses. You and your accountant will be thanking you in April when you are filing your taxes.

What advice do you have for making a big move? Comment below!

So I'm just about packed and then it's off to my new home. Unfortunately my pup's not ready to say goodbye...

I wish Bailey would actually fit in my suitcase.