New Hire? Read the Fine Print

July 26, 2022

On the first day of any new job, you spend your first hours filling out employee paperwork. You’re excited and happy about your new job and looking forward to getting some money coming in. You’re anxious to get started so you rush through paperwork. After all, you know what your salary will be, what benefits are available and what hours you’ll work, why bother reading the fine print?

For the sake of your short-term financial security, you should read the fine print. You and maybe your family are depending on your paycheck to pay bills, and you won’t get unemployment anymore. You finish your first week and expect a paycheck. If you’ve signed up for automatic deposit, you look at your bank account online. If you chose getting a check, you expect to pick one up after working a week. You will probably be disappointed.

Somewhere in the fine print you didn’t read on the first day is the payroll schedule. First of all, the payroll schedule tells you how often you get paid and what days are included in each paycheck. The paperwork probably also let you know when the next company pay day will be and how long it will take to receive your first check.

According to an article by Indeed:

“When starting a new job, there may be a slight delay in seeing your first paycheck. This can sometimes happen because of a lag between your first workday and the company's next pay period. However, knowing when to expect your first paycheck can help you plan your budget.”

Let’s say, for example, you start your job on Monday, July 25, 2022, and you get paid every two weeks. That doesn’t necessarily mean that on Friday, August 5th, you get paid two weeks salary. It takes some time for the payroll department to get you set up in the system. That may cause a few days delay and you may not get anything on the first official pay day.

Some companies pay every week, some every two weeks, and others twice a month on the 1^st and the 15^th. If your company pays twice per month, your first paycheck on August 1^st might be for a few days work or nothing at all depending on the payroll setup lag.

Your employer’s policy might be to pay you several days to a week after the end of a pay period, too. Each state has laws about how much of a delay is allowed. On rare occasion, you may wait several weeks or even a month for your first check. You will eventually get everything you’ve earned but if you have bills to pay(who doesn’t) and have invested money in a uniform or other work necessities, not getting paid when you expect could cause personal financial insecurity. I’ve even seen people get frustrated enough by the situation to quit a great job.

Read all your paperwork and fill in forms carefully, when starting your new job. There’s more information to know than your salary and work schedule. Understand the pay schedule, and if you aren’t clear, ask your employer about when your first check will come, so you and your family can plan ahead.

Today’s Decisions affect your tomorrows and your paycheck.

Mentally Ready to Drive Safely

July 25, 2022

Mentally Ready to Drive Safely!

Many Americans are still making summer road trips or driving to vacations spots despite high gas prices. As you pack luggage, map your route, and make other preparations for your car trip, be sure to make some mental preparations, too. Everyone’s feeling stress due to high prices so keep that in mind for yourself as well as for other drivers. According to an article by LYTX.com, anger is one of the five causes for aggressive driving. Don’t drive while feeling angry, frustrated, or anxious and watch out for those who do.

I have found recently that many drivers have become frustrated with gas prices as well as traffic. Let’s face it, the roads haven’t been this crowded in a long time and you may find, as I have, that there are more people on the road who drive aggressively or distractedly. During my own recent travels, I have constantly been cut off by other drivers. I know that happens occasionally, but it seems like it happens much more often lately. Also, sometimes people race just to get to the next stoplight., Why?

Always Drive Defensively

Prepare yourself to drive responsibly and deal with impatient or inattentive drivers. Defensive driving is more important these days. DMV.org has some tips on how to drive defensively.

Look ahead and expect the unexpected.

Control your own speed.

Maintain a safe following distance.

Mentally prepare for the reactions of other drivers.

Drive safely for current weather and road conditions.

Remain alert and avoid distraction.

Before starting your drive, remind yourself to relax and enjoy the drive rather than worrying about keeping a schedule. Drive with a benevolent attitude towards fellow drivers but prepare to react quickly and safely when another driver cuts you off or does something else dangerous and unexpected. I’m always surprised to see that so many drivers seem angry or frustrated while driving. When you see people driving aggressively or distractedly, know how to react responsibly.

Avoid Road Rage

First, take an extra moment to calm yourself and collect y our thoughts when dealing with these aggressive drivers. Don’t take matters into your own hands. Don’t vent your anger and frustration by rolling down your window to exchange words or give that driver the bird!

You never want to find yourself in a physical altercation with any drivers whatsoever! AAA goes so far as advising against locking eyes with the other driver. Keep your distance and keep yourself and your family safe.

When to Report to the Police

If the incident warrants it, like someone is driving recklessly, or you suspect someone might be driving drunk, take down the car’s license plate and report the incident. You can call authorities if the situation is urgent or go on the local police department’s website to report it.

Let the justice system handle the problem. I learned a long time ago that nobody can outrun a radio. You may get some comfort from knowing that, sooner or later, that driver will have justice served. You can read more about this in my book Rent A Cop Reboot.

Today’s decisions will affect your tomorrows!

Mass Shooting Outside Chicago, Not Again!

July 12, 2022

If you reacted like I did, you thought “Not again!” Everyone’s tired of hearing about yet another mass shooting. Although the police responded quickly to the shooting in the Chicago suburbs on July 4th, the shooter still got of 70 rounds from a long gun and defenseless people died while participating in what should have been a safe, family-friendly, community event. What can you do to protect your family?

Summer Fun in the Sun!

July 05, 2022

Schools out for summer, it’s hot, and everyone wants to get to the pool or beach for some fun. Kids love to jump in and splash, but are they safe? Ensure your family’s safety this summer with swim lessons and water safety tips.

Ready For A Summer Road Trip?

May 31, 2022

If you haven’t already taken a family vacation, take one. It doesn’t have to be long or far from home. Jump in the vehicle and go! BUT, make sure you have a plan, and your plan considers your safety.

Road Rage!

May 24, 2022

Memorial Day Weekend is coming up. If that means you’re planning to hit the road, I hope you’re also planning to leave your rage at home. An angry driver is a dangerous driver.

Stay In The Vehicle!

May 10, 2022

Going to be on the road a little more this summer? Even crossing town to hang with friends and family is something more people are doing as the days get longer and warmer. Obey traffic laws so you’re much less likely to get stopped by law enforcement. But if they do stop you, STAY IN THE VEHICLE.