Advise & Conquer

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  • What to Wear to Work

    What to Wear to Work

    At my first job I wore a suit to the interview, and on my first day of work. My manager then came in and told me that nobody wears suits, and I could go with a dress shirt and dress pants. After that I stuck with the attire he suggested, but it was crucial to make sure I did not show up looking like a slob on my first day.

    If the attire for your interview, or your job, are not specified, I always suggest that you err on the side of caution. It’s definitely better to be overdressed than underdressed. I’d recommend that you wear your best suit and make sure everything is clean and pressed. Your first impression is crucial to how the interviewer remembers you, and how those around the office will view you. If you overdress they’ll do as my boss did and tell you to dress down the next day, and nothing will be lost. If however you dress too informally, you will be viewed as lazy, or not caring about the job. Don’t be that guy that wears a polo when you should’ve worn a suit. Just don’t do it.

  • How to Make an Old Fashioned

    How to Make an Old Fashioned

    To make an old fashioned you’ll want to start with an “old fashioned” or “lowball” glass. The ingredients can vary a bit based on personal preference, but here is a common version that I use.

    What you’ll need

    • 2 oz. rye or bourbon
    • 3 dashes bitters, Angostura is a very common brand
    • 1 Sugar Cube or 1 tsp simple syrup or ½ tsp loose sugar
    • 1 large square or spherical ice cube
    • Slice of orange peel (optional)
    • 1 old fashioned glass

    What you’ll do

    1. Add  the sugar or simple syrup to the glass.
    2. Add the 3 dashes of bitters.
    3. Crush the bitters into the sugar with a muddler or spoon.
    4. Add the ice cube.
    5. Pour the bourbon or rye.
    6. Stir your drink. The more you stir, the more the ice melts, so don’t overdo it.
    7. Garnish with an orange slice. (Optional)
    8. Drink up!
  • Podcast Review: The Pitch

    Podcast Review: The Pitch

    The Pitch is essentially the podcast version of Shark Tank. I was skeptical when I learned about this podcast because I thought it would lose a lot without the visuals. However, they’ve really figured out how to describe the products or companies without the visuals. The narrator does a great job of painting a picture of the room as well, so you can feel like you’re there. The investors and companies are all real, just like on Shark Tank, so it’s exciting to listen to these entrepreneurs discuss their passions, and fight for massive investments. Additionally, as someone who likes to think about side hustles and inventions, I find this podcast very beneficial. The unique businesses they feature help me be creative, while the investor comments teach me about what they look for in companies and ideas.

  • 401Ks vs. IRAs

    401Ks vs. IRAs

    A 401k is a retirement plan set up by your employer. You redirect a percentage of your salary to this plan on either a pre-tax or post-tax basis. Many companies offer a match where they will add the same amount to your 401k as you add. This money is also invested for you so it will increase even more over time, before you touch it at retirement.

    An IRA is an Individual Retirement Account, which is similar to a savings account with certain tax breaks in order to incentivise saving for retirement. These are typically opened up on your own, or by a small business, rather than a larger employer, like the 401k. These are typically set up through investment firms that will choose a combination of stocks, bonds and other assets in which to invest your money.

    Traditional IRAs mean you invest money before it’s taxed, and all taxes are deferred until you take the money out at retirement. You don’t have to pay taxes as you earn interest, which allows your account to grow quickly.

    SIMPLE IRA stands for Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees. It’s basically a traditional IRA that include a company match of your investments.

    SEP IRAs are like traditional IRAs but to open one you need to own a business with at least one employee, or have freelance income. Contributions are tax-deductible, and go into an account for their employee, but the employee is not allowed to contribute.

    Roth IRAs use money after it’s already been taxed, so you don’t pay any taxes as you make money or when you take it out at retirement.

  • Health Value of Jump Roping

    Health Value of Jump Roping

    Jump roping is one of my favorite exercises. It is very intense, so it burns calories quickly, while improving your quickness and agility. They’re very inexpensive, so pretty much anyone can get access, even if you don’t belong to a gym, or they don’t have one. Also, jump ropes are so small and lightweight that you can easily throw it in a suitcase or gym bag, or hide it in your closet when you have guests.