Today, I actually enjoy seeking out coupons and money hacks. I eagerly check in on my monthly spreadsheets and financial trackers, and you’ll never catch me “adding to cart” without also searching for promo codes.

Now I’m here to share my favorite money tips and lessons learned with you. Because those are your hard-earned dollars after all, and you deserve to stretch them as far as they will go. (And if you’re in your 20s, check out these financial wellness tips here that my colleague Kayti wishes she’d known then!)

Budgeting Hacks For Home

1. Moving into a new space? See if you can negotiate a few bucks off your rent or ask for upgrades if the amount seems too high.

2. If you have a reliable track record as a tenant, ask a landlord if they’ll accept a lower security deposit.

3. Or, the most effective rent hack of all: Live with a roommate.

4. If you have very high electricity bills in one season and very low bills in another, reach out to your utility company to see if they offer budget plans. During a particularly cold winter in a basement apartment surrounded by concrete, our heat bill came out to nearly $400. We were able to pay closer to $120/month through a budgeting plan, rather than $400 chunks in the winter and $80 bills in the summer.

“Reach out to your utility company to see if they offer budget plans.”

5. Ask for an electricity audit from your service provider to see where the costs are adding up. A service member will examine your space and show you where energy is most used, and you can make sure they’re documenting your actual use versus estimates. (The US Department of Energy has a DIY assessment you can try, too.)

6. My parents relentlessly reminded me to turn lights and ACs off when leaving a room, to which I rolled my eyes. Now that I have to pay for it myself? I see their point. Turn off and unplug electronics—it adds up.

7. If you own your home, consider switching to renewable energy. There are often tax credits for this as well as lowered utility bills!

8. While you’re at it, think about smart devices to upgrade, like plugs, bulbs, and thermostats.

9. Live in a warm city? Keep the blinds closed in rooms you’re not using to conserve energy. Live in a cool city? Keep them open to stay warm.

10. Buy seasonal produce and avoid meat for extra savings at the grocery store.

11. Cut cable and switch to subscriptions to save money.

12. Save an extra penny by splitting subscriptions with friends or family.

13. If you have standard internet use (aka, you’re not gaming or streaming), save on your internet bill by switching to a lower upload/download rate. You likely won’t even notice the difference in your internet service.

14. Go through your bills and cancel any memberships you’re no longer using. (Cough cough, that gym you signed up for three months ago and haven’t gone to.)

15. Buy in bulk for goods you know you’ll need time and again, like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or laundry detergent.

16. Plan your meals to double up ingredients for two meals. Today’s tacos make for great frittatas tomorrow! Check out these 99 healthy dinner recipes if you need ideas.

“Take produce clippings to regenerate and grow your own.”

17. If you have a partner and share bills, refer one another for extra credit card bonuses, especially on no-fee cards.

18. Take produce clippings to regenerate and grow your own; save on buying basil or tomatoes every week!

19. Borrow books from the library if you won’t reread your books.

20. Buy secondhand books if you want to keep them.

21. The ol’ meal plan is a tried-and-true method for a reason. Stick to recipes you enjoy cooking (rather than dread), and avoid the takeout.

22. Thrift furniture and home decor on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or these apps for secondhand furniture.

23. Check the weekly ads for grocery stores near you. Compare between multiples if you can.

24. Learn some simple DIY repairs so you can fix or mend things yourself instead of calling in costly contractors or services.

25. Program your thermostat to adjust to natural weather whenever you’re not home.

26. Buy goods that can last in the freezer whenever they’re on sale.

Budgeting Hacks For Transport + Travel

27. Check for a certified pre-owned car rather than a new one. (Also, the personal finance community will suggest always owning over leasing, but you do you, boo. Everyone’s circumstances are different.)

28. Drive a lot? Look up gas apps to find the cheapest gas near you. Google Maps now has this feature, too.

29. Sign up for a gas program if you’re loyal to one place, like the Shell you pass every day on your way to work.

30. Enroll in a rebate app for gas like Upside.

“Enroll in a rebate app for gas like Upside.”

31. See if you can triple-stack those gas savings. The Points Guy has a great primer on this.

32. If you find yourself flying the same airline over and over again—hi, United at Newark Airport—look up airline credit cards. These usually come with generous sign-up bonuses once you hit a minimum spend (i.e., spend $1,000 in two months and we’ll give you 50,000 miles) for purchases you may need to make anyway.

33. If you’ve had a negative flight experience, speak up. Passengers are entitled to certain rights when they fly—though most don’t take the time to look them up—and airlines will provide flight vouchers, refunds, or coupons if your experience was particularly rough (airline policy actually mandates it). My travel bank currently has $100 from one airline due to a severe flight delay and $100 to another because both the entertainment and charging systems were broken. (If you live in the US, I recommend checking out the Department of Transportation’s Fly Rights, which outlines issues around overbooking, delayed, and canceled flights.)

34. Always search for flights, rentals, and hotels in Incognito mode. Most websites save your cookies and change the price, knowing you’re looking for a specific option. If you search on a private browser, the prices will not only stay the same but are more likely to drop. Some will even show you the in-country currencies for international destinations, so you don’t have to worry about conversation rates or fees.

35. Subscribe to flight or vacation deal websites like The Flight Deal, Skyscanner, and Scott’s Cheap Flights; you can often find last-minute steals or mistake fares if you’re flexible! In 2014, a friend and I leveraged a mistake fare from The Flight Deal from NYC to Prague, Amsterdam, and Milan for $179 one-way. These fares do happen, and it’s glorious.

36. Book a flight, car rental, or hotel stay with credit card points. Most times, it’s recommended that instead of booking through a credit card’s travel portal, you should transfer the points to a respective vendor like United Airlines or Hertz to maximize your rewards.

“If you’re looking to travel abroad on a budget, utilize a city’s day pass.”

37. Or, if you want to redeem points but aren’t traveling, leverage cash-back rewards on your statement. Some cards do an automatic percentage back for every purchase, while others offer them in incremental chunks ($25, $50, $75).

38. If you’re looking to travel abroad on a budget, utilize a city’s day pass. You can use Go City to find one in your area or Google for other smaller passes.

39. Turn on tweet notifications for The Flight Deal and similar accounts so you can see deals as soon as they go live (aka before they’re gone!).

40. Consider a home swap if you’re going on vacation, so you can save on the cost of lodging—and get free pet care if you need it.

41. Check out annual companion passes for airlines like Southwest, so you and a friend can fly together for the price of one seat.

42. Public transportation often sells monthly or weekly passes at a discount.

Budgeting Hacks For Shopping

43. Sign up for a Rakuten account to earn cash back on purchases. You can also add the Rakuten extension to your browser for pre-emptive deals. I’ve saved more than $400 to date, thanks to this app.

44. Speaking of browser extensions, add Honey, too. Honey searches the internet for the best coupon codes and promos.

45. Similarly, Fetch offers gift cards and rewards for any purchases made in stores or at restaurants. Simply upload your receipt.

46. Let things sit in your cart without purchasing and exit out. If you’re still thinking about it a day or two (or three!) later, you can always come back and check out.

47. Buy pieces for next winter or summer at the end of your current season when they’re most on clearance. It’ll be cold or warm again before you know it!

48. Ask for discounts, especially if you’re a student, veteran, or teacher. Many brands give them if you ask.

49. Check Poshmark or other secondhand apps for items currently retailing above your budget.

“Let things sit in your cart without purchasing and exit out.”

50. Find multiple uses for one product—Vaseline doesn’t just have to be for your lips.

51. Just because you have a coupon for something doesn’t mean you need to use it! Use your discretion if you truly need an object or not.

52. Use “cash envelopes” for certain parts of your budget. If the money’s gone, you’re out of money to spend that month.

53. Invest in a capsule wardrobe over time, rather than seasonal purchases that fall apart.

54. Have one retailer you love? Try buying discounted gift cards from them if you know you’ll be a repeat customer. You can do this on Raise, the Honey extension, or even in your local Facebook group.

55. Go for generic over name-brand. Most times, you’ll find the same effective ingredients or materials.

56. If you’re short like me, consider shopping in the kids’ section. Both my mother and I have purchased shoes in kids’ sizes that fit just the same but cost half the price.

57. Make some extra money by filling out surveys using sites like Swagbucks.

58. If you enjoy a product or service and can genuinely recommend it, earn referral codes by sharing about them with friends!

Budgeting Hacks To Make Your Money & Bank Work For You

59. Want to invest in the stock market or ETFs but don’t know where to start? Consider robo-advising companies like Betterment which make it easier to invest with just $10—and it helps automate and optimize your taxes. (You can also invest with your values!)

60. Or, if you’re excited to invest in real estate but don’t have thousands of dollars, check out Fundrise, where anyone can help own property starting at $10.

61. If you think you’ll owe on your taxes this year, get a proactive conversation going with a CPA to figure out ways to cut down on that bill!

“Did you know you can negotiate medical bills?”

62. Look at your credit card or bank perks for percentages off purchases with specific retailers; think 10 percent off at IKEA or $20 off $100 at your Gelson’s grocery stores.

63. Put aside at least 10 percent of your income towards savings (if not more). This can be across your emergency fund, retirement account(s), or sinking fund if you’re saving for a special occasion.

64. Max out your 401K if you have a company match.

65. If an employer-offered 401K is not an option, max out an IRA. Check the tax implications for a traditional, Roth, or even mega-backdoor IRA depending on your income.

66. Shop around and compare rates when looking for a new service. Car insurance companies, contractors, and photographers all have wide ranges, and you should find the one that is most optimized for your needs and budget.

67. Did you know you can negotiate medical bills? Ask for an itemized bill to understand each expense, and check out these negotiation strategies.

68. Are you a student? Apply for scholarships. Millions of dollars go unclaimed every year, and there’s a scholarship opportunity for just about anything—like being left-handed.

69. If your credit card has an annual fee, consider downgrading to a free card from the same bank or asking for a retention offer. A retention offer is an incentive they’ll offer you, like free miles or a reduced fee, so banks can retain you as a customer.

70. Don’t skimp on insurance. Whether for your iPhone, your newly adopted pup (congrats!), or your apartment, there’s usually a related and worthwhile insurance to think about. Emergencies happen, and even the best budgeter can be caught off-guard.

“Set up auto-pay and mark those dates on a calendar.”

71. Set up auto-pay and mark those dates on a calendar. Auto-pay ensures your most important expenses are covered no matter what, especially in an emergency. And in addition to never having to wonder if you paid rent or your phone bill, some providers will give you a discount for setting it up as well. T-Mobile, for example, gives us five dollars off our plan each month thanks to auto-pay.

72. Ask for cheaper options if services you love and consistently use are truly out of reach (i.e., NYT subscriptions can go for as low as $4/mo.).

73. Consider an ATM fee-free account or bank if you need cash on hand often.

74. Have an FSA? Use that for daily hygiene and menstrual needs. It’s tax-free!

75. If an FSA isn’t an option, but you have a high-deductible health plan, you can also try an HSA for tax-free medical needs.

76. If you have credit card debt with a high APR, consider moving your balance to a 0% APR card to avoid paying extra interest. This calculator from Affirm is helpful for seeing any loan amount, interest rate, and payments from three to 36 months.

77. Sell gently used goods or clothes you no longer use and save anything you make.

Budgeting Hacks To Shift Your Mindset

78. Consider working with a financial coach or therapist to deal with fear around money. The Financial Gym is a great place to start.

79. Make checking your budget a ritual so that it doesn’t cause you stress. Pair your check-in with your favorite wine or dessert.

80. Remember, it’s okay to say no to asks that might break the bank! The Financial Diet has great posts on setting boundaries and reframing your financial priorities.

“Remember who you are saving for.”

81. Avoid expensive social events and opt for free or low-cost hangouts instead.

82. Remember who you are saving for: Your future self, your children, your future generations. Consider it an heirloom.

83. Order water at restaurants. Drink costs can add up quickly.

84. Forgo the gym membership and use the great outdoors or a fitness subscription to work out from home.

85. If you are going out to eat, go out for lunch instead of dinner—similar portion sizes, way more affordable.

86. Did you get a raise recently? Congratulations! Use that extra money to buffer your savings.

87. Instead of splurging on expensive gifts, go the DIY route for loved ones and hone a craft you enjoy. A handmade card, cookies from scratch, or a pet portrait will be just as meaningful.

88. Download an app like You Need A Budget or Mint to understand your cash flow.

89. Follow these finance newsletters written by and for women.

90. Check out these personal finance accounts on Instagram from women.

91. My mom’s second-most important piece of tactical advice is one I will scream from the rooftops: Pay your credit card in full every month. This way, you’ll always remember to spend within your means and only carry minimum debt (read: the monthly statement balance).

92. Turn your checking account into your “cash” account and only use what’s in there instead of ever touching your savings.

“Try a no-spend day, week, or month, to avoid tempting purchases.”

93. If you only need something once or twice (like a saw or special occasion dress), consider renting or borrowing over buying.

94. Celebrating your birthday soon? (Our happiest wishes to you!) Don’t forget about birthday discounts, meals, and treats.

95. Save spare change for a “rainy day” fund. My parents did this over the years, eventually accumulating $800.

96. Don’t sleep on buy-nothing or local swap groups.

97. Try a no-spend day, week, or month, to avoid tempting purchases.

98. Keep a photo or Post-It around of what you’re saving up for as extra motivation.

99. Talk. About. Money.

Have a budget hack of your own? Share in the comments below to add to this master list! 💸

Henah Velez (she/her) is the Senior Editor at Money with Katie at Morning Brew, as well as a writer at The Good Trade. She holds a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship and is a proud Rutgers grad. Originally from NJ, Henah’s now in the Bay Area where she loves shopping small, hanging with her pets, or traveling. Say hi on Instagram!

The post 99 Budget Hacks That Make Your Money Work For You appeared first on The Good Trade.

Now, a decade later, when I think back to my younger self, I sympathize with her scrappiness—she was just trying to keep her account from hitting zero. But I also wish she would have learned and implemented a few financial wellness practices to ease money anxiety and also to set a foundation for years ahead. 

There are numerous online articles that will tell you to create a budget and start saving when you’re young—this article is not that. While good advice, less conventional tips don’t often make the list, yet they are just as important to developing a healthy relationship with money.

Looking for more budget tips? Try these 99 budget hacks to make your money work for you. 

1. Break up with your bank (and find one you love)

Let’s start with the big ole organization that keeps your money safe. Did you know you get to choose your bank?  

My mom set me up with a checking account at my parent’s bank when I was a teenager, and so that’s the bank I stuck with into adulthood. It was just fine. I never had any major issues, but I always dreaded having to call customer service or—when banking in person was still a big thing—wait in the drive-through line to deposit cash tips from the restaurant I worked at. 

But when it comes to choosing a bank, we have options! We can shop around and “date” prospects until we find a good fit. This is especially important if you’re looking for a green bank or a local entity; you don’t have to stick around just because that’s who you’ve been banking with forever. Ask questions. Test the customer service (my current bank has a short wait time and always asks about my day and the local weather). Navigate the website and apps to see if they feel seamless and like something you can easily use. The last thing you want is to feel stressed every time you need to make a deposit or pay a bill. Choose a bank that works for you.

2. Know the value of the trade 

I wish we lived in a society that regarded trade and barter more highly. Our skills are valuable and can often save us money. Do you love babysitting or watching friends’ pets? Are you experienced with writing resumes or taking headshots? Do you have a knack for DIY and home repairs? Consider trading your skills with others to save both you and them on services you’d otherwise be paying for. 

For example, trade your accountant friends a few weekends of free dog walking for help with filing your taxes. Or, instead of hiring movers, trade your willing neighbors a homecooked meal in exchange for help loading the truck.

You can also bargain books, clothes, home goods, and even your house with friends. Going on vacation in Seattle next month? Use the power of friend referrals to find someone who wants to visit your city for a few days. Swap apartments, trade cars, watch one another’s pets. This will save everyone on hotel and transportation costs, plus it offers a unique travel experience.

3. There’s a coupon code for that 

Do you remember the show “Extreme Couponing?” I used to watch it in my early 20s and always thought of the contestants clipping from piles of newspapers whenever I’d check out at the grocery store. Hello, kind cashier. I don’t have any coupons to use today. But coupons are not only reserved for dusty stacks and ad mailers. Most stores have gone digital now and have apps you can download for instant savings.

Most stores have gone digital now and have apps you can download for instant savings.

For example, Target’s Circle app has hundreds (!) of weekly coupons you can “clip,” and you even get one percent back to use off your next purchase. It’s entirely free. Even if a store doesn’t have a dedicated app for savings, web browser plugins like Rakuten and Honey make it easy to earn cashback or find a quick digital coupon (and you don’t even have to sign up to a site’s newsletter).

4. Ignore Dave Ramsey & open a credit card

Building credit is a good thing, especially if you want to buy a home in the future or take out loans. The trick is finding the best credit card (look for low APR and low annual fees), always paying it off on time, and not using it like disposable income. Only spend what you actually have in the bank, using it for purchases you would otherwise make with cash or a debit card. 

Another tip I wish I’d learned sooner: If you have a significant purchase coming up, open a new credit card with sign-on bonus rewards. For example, if you are about to spend $3,000 on a home repair or to pay a college tuition installment, find a credit card with a sign-on bonus (like cash back or air miles). Then use the card to make the payment while being sure to pay it off with the money you already have set aside—this is the key, as you’re only using funds you already have. 

Now you have a free flight for your next vacation, and you’re building your credit—all because you made a payment you were already going to make.

5. Don’t save money on the wrong end

Finally, my favorite financial tip is advice from a very dear friend.

There will be times when you have unexpected expenses or emergencies. Your car will need new tires (or you’ll just need a new car). There will be a leak in the bedroom, and you’ll discover the entire roof needs replacing. Your toddler will want to see if your work laptop can float in the bathtub. (Insert screams.)

But in other seasons, we’ll want to cut corners because it feels like a wise financial decision. So we hire the guy off Craigslist to replace the roof instead of the certified roofing company, or we purchase the cash-only beater car instead of buying through a dealership. We forget to factor in that cheaper cars often require more maintenance and can even cost more in gas depending on the age and miles-per-gallon. Our attempt to save money on the front end (or wrong end) can cost us more in the months ahead—that, and it costs us time and stress. 

If you have extra savings available, try not to cut corners for these surprise purchases. While you may spend more upfront, you’ll likely save in the long run. 

Bonus tip: It’s okay to spend money on yourself

A bonus tip to leave you with—this is one I’ve learned most recently, and sometimes it’s still a struggle. But to anyone else who needs to hear it: 

It’s okay to spend money on yourself occasionally, and it’s okay to splurge and treat yourself to a mini facial or to buy the jacket you’ve been eyeing for the last two winter seasons. Saving money is important, but so is living and enjoying the fruits of your hard labor. A nice meal out or (gasp) a $25 bottle of wine instead of browsing the usual discount aisle is encouraged. Plus, when you don’t allow for small luxuries now and then, you’re more likely to spend the money unintentionally.

Kayti Christian is the Managing Editor at The Good Trade. She has a Master’s in Nonfiction Writing from the University of London and is the creator of Feelings Not Aside, a newsletter for sensitive people.

The post 5 Financial Wellness Tips I Wish I’d Known In My 20s appeared first on The Good Trade.

It can be challenging to find tailored yet affordable clothing for the business casual environment, especially when it comes to ethically made pieces that we can feel proud wearing. But look no further! We’ve found 15 ethical workwear brands for women, ranging from durable denim workwear to business casual and formal.

Whether you’re working from home or heading to the office, these professional styles will leave a lasting impression—on Zoom or IRL!

For a full workwear upgrade, don’t forget to find some sustainable shoes. And if you need a tote or purse for your work supplies, these eco-friendly purses and handbags are sure to do the trick!

PRICING GUIDE

   $ | Typically under $50
$$ | Typically $50–$100
$$$ | Typically $100–$150
 $$$$ | Typically $150 or more

Best Overall | Best Business Casual | Best Business Professional

2. Everlane

Best For | Capsule wardrobes, trousers, blouses, accessories
Sustainability | GOTS certified organic cotton, bluesign® Systems Partner, Cradle To Cradle Gold Certification, Global Recycling Standard certification of recycled materials, no virgin plastic usage in their supply chain, goal to net zero carbon emissions by 2050
Price Range | $$$–$$$$

Everlane always tops our lists for denim and office dresses, so it’s no surpise that it’s a favorite for general workwear too. We’re looking to this brand for everything from tapered trousers to chic button downs, comfy but professional flats, and showstopping totes. We love how easy it is to see the impact of each piece right on the site, and their sustainability page that outlines all of their programs and environmental initiatives provides the kind of transparency that makes us feel good about stocking up on these chic looks.

Shop Everlane

3. ADAY

Best For | Capsule wardrobes, comfortable WFH apparel
Sustainability | Vegan & recycled fabrics, responsible & eco-friendly production, recycling program, gives back
Price Range | $$–$$$

Technical. Seasonless. Sustainable. Those are the core tenets for ADAY. We love this brand for its gorgeous workwear staples but also for the sustainably minded production processes and responsible fabrics (all cruelty-free, majority vegan, and some recycled). The company also prioritizes OEKO-TEX and Bluesign-approved partners to ensure that the chemicals used to treat the fabrics aren’t harmful to the environment.

Shop ADAY

4. ABLE

Best For | Blouses, sweaters, denim, dresses
Sustainability | Fair labor & wages, eco-friendly production, organic & GOTS certified cotton, LWG-certified & responsibly sourced leather
Price Range | $$–$$$

ABLE’s motto is to “move fashion forward.” These thoughtfully designed pieces are ethically made by women all over the world, who are paid more-than-living wages and given safe, ethical working conditions. Most apparel is made with responsibly sourced cotton blends, and we love the elevated yet simple styles you can find here—like the puff sleeve tee, fitted jackets, and perfectly slouchy sweaters.

Shop ABLE

5. People Tree

Best For | Patterned blouses, dresses, trousers
Sustainability | Fair trade certified options, eco-friendly & organic materials, GOTS-approved dyes, take-back box, gives back
Price Range | $$

UK brand People Tree has been a leader in the Fair Trade movement for years. The brand values transparency, and under each piece on the website, there’s a note about where it was made and by whom. This collection will surely have you feeling confident and comfortable—whether you choose a printed skirt, tailored slacks, or an elegant blouse!

Shop People Tree

6. Sézane

Best For | Blouses, skirts, work dresses, shoes
Sustainability | Certified B Corp, fair labor standards, natural & sustainable materials, gives back, recycled packaging, powered by renewable energy
Price Range | $$$–$$$$

Looking to spruce up your spring workwear collection with a gorgeous flowy skirt or an intricately knit blouse? Sézane may be a great fit! This Parisian brand is our go-to for sustainable staples, and we love that these garments can be styled for the office, date night, or weekend brunch. In addition to giving back, Sézane focuses on responsible and eco-friendly production.

Shop Sézane

7. Reformation

Best For | Outerwear, coats, jackets, and blazers
Sustainability | Climate Neutral Certified, Leather Working Group Certified tanneries, sustainable & regenerative fabrics, safe & fair working conditions, living wages
Price Range | $$–$$$$

Whether you’re hopping from Zoom to school pick up, or the board room to dinner with friends, the piece that can most instantly transform an outfit into a professional look is the jacket. Reformation knows that it’s this top layer that can really make all the difference. Pop one of their sustainable Tencel blazers, elegant wrap dusters, or premium recycled wool coats to tell the world that you mean business. We love that you can easily mix and match with suggested trousers to create versatile suits too.

Shop Reformation

8. Boden

Best For | Bright blouses, patterned skirts, & dresses
Sustainability | Member of the Ethical Trading Initiative, responsibly sourced & recycled fabrics, gives back
Price Range | $$–$$$$

Boden’s workwear collection comprises of bright colors and bold patterns, while being tailored to perfection. Founded over 25 years ago, the company is a longstanding member of the Ethical Trading Initiative, which requires its suppliers to meet minimum standards relating to working conditions, as set out in the ETI Base Code. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spring cardigan or bootcut pants, Boden has a wide range of pieces ideal for the business-casual workplace.

Shop Boden

9. EILEEN FISHER

Best For | Lightweight fabrics, petite sizes, cardigans
Sustainability | Certified B Corp, organic, recycled, & sustainable fibers, ethical & eco-friendly production, gives back, secondhand shop
Price Range | $$$$

Designing products that delight the spirit and simplify life is the mission behind EILEEN FISHER. Whether you’re searching for a coat, cardigan, vest, or jumpsuit, this sustainable line has investment pieces for everyone. The brand also boasts an impressive work culture and a social responsibility model. Initiatives include water and energy conservation programs, fair and ethical labor with frequent audits, and a secondhand shop.

Shop Eileen Fisher

10. Thought

Best For | Dresses, tights, work socks, cardigans
Sustainability | Natural & GOTS certified organic fabrics, gives back, slow shipping, ethical production, recycling program, plastic-free & eco-friendly packaging
Price Range | $$

Based in London, Thought is an eco-friendly and organic apparel brand, perfect for women’s work basics, including trousers, work socks, bamboo tights, and dresses. Prioritizing ethics and environmental sustainability, Thought utilizes practices like slow shipping, carefully sourced fabrics, and charitable giving. The brand also offers worldwide shipping!

Shop Thought

11. Tradlands

Best For | Button-ups, basics
Sustainability | Fair wages, sustainable practices, secondhand shop, natural materials, made in small batches
Price Range | $$

Founded by Sadie Roberts in 2012, Tradlands is on a mission to make pieces you’ll wear 50 times over, instead of just a handful. The brand creates effortless looks and garments while using a slow and sustainable process. Tradlands pieces are made with natural fibers, crafted within two trusted family-run factories. Check out its Worn Well Exchange for secondhand pieces at discounted prices.

Shop Tradlands

12. Cuyana

Best For | Classic tops, bottoms, dresses, and loungewear; neutral palettes
Sustainability | GOTS & OEKO-TEX certified organic cotton & modal, recycled materials including regenerative linen and recycled plastics, Leather Working Group Certified, family-owned factory & ethical production, Lean Closet initiative, secondhand shop
Price Range | $$–$$$$

Cuyana is a brand synonymous with premium sustainability, with a “fewer, better” philosophy that capsule wardrobe aficionados know well. Timeless, elegant, and chic is the name of their game: go here for beautiful neutral palettes, sumptuous textures, and classic silhouettes. With craftsmanship designs to stand the test of time, we love that the brand provides thorough care guides to get the most out of these investment pieces. (Check out their secondhand shop for discounted pieces!) The perfect treat yourself WFH pieces, if you ask us!

Shop Cuyana

13. Amour Vert

Best For | Dressy casual tops, bottoms, layers, and dresses; secondhand shop
Sustainability | Sustainable & upcycled fabrics (TENCEL, Cupro, Beechwood fier, silk), responsibly made in California, one tree planted with every tee purchased, recycled packaging, secondhand shop
Price Range | $$–$$$

Amour Vert is passionate about sustainability, and their use of responsible supply chains with artisan-made, pure- and low-impact materials, conscious packaging, and circularity proves it. In addition to high-quality, slow-made investment pieces, they also have a pre-loved store called ReAmour, where you can find secondhand pieces from past seasons at fair prices. Styles are just professional enough for your daily meetings without being overly stuffy or formal. We love to kick up a favorite tee a notch with some of their pleated, sustainable twill and Tencel trousers. 

Shop Amour Vert

14. Wildfang

Best For | Gender neutral & androgynous suits
Sustainability | Climate Neutral Certified, ISO certified ethical & sustainable production, gives back 1% of all revenue
Price Range | $$$

Wildfang puts a unique, statement-making spin on their genderfluid suits: from playful prints to empowering silhouettes, these are garments made for work and play. The Portland-based brand also creates a line of brightly colored denim workwear geared toward outdoor labor– office workers shouldn’t have all the fun! We love their attention to detail (pockets in everything!) and their record of giving back to causes like ProjectQ, ACLU, Planned Parenthood, Tegan & Sara Foundation, RAICES, Girls Inc, and many more.

Shop Wildfang

15. Loup

Best For | Jumpsuits, vintage-inspired workwear
Sustainability | Made in USA, small brand, repair program
Price Range | $$–$$$$

For a more casual workwear wardrobe, we love the Parisian-inspired brand Loup. The cotton rompers and dresses are perfect for spring, and we’d style the jumpsuits all year long—for work or play! All made in NYC, Loup is a small biz prioritizing curvy fits, inclusive sizing, and clothing that lasts. If your garment rips or tears, the brand will even repair it for you or reimburse your tailoring receipt.

Shop Loup

Featured image from ADAY

The post 15 Sustainable Work Clothes To Wear In The Office appeared first on The Good Trade.

As consumers, we’re passionate about knowing whether the people that make our clothes and accessories earn fair wages and work in safe, ethical conditions. Below we’ve compiled a list of our favorite brands that check those boxes—and make gorgeous eco-friendly totes, handbags, and weekenders for everyday use, summer travels, and beyond.

Some of these bags and purses are American-made while others are upcycled. The list includes vegan totes and artisan-made handbags, too! (And for secondhand designer bags, check out Vestiaire Collective!)

If you’re looking to update more of your wardrobe, check out our fair trade clothing guide, our roundup of sustainable shoe brands, and our ethically made jewelry guide!

Best Vegan | Most Affordable | Most Stylish 

1. Pixie Mood

Best For | On-trend vegan bags, wallets
Ethics | PETA approved vegan, responsibly made in Asia, biodegradable packaging, climate-positive, recycled & sustainable materials, gives back to 1% For The Planet & other causes
Price Range | $36–$130
Ships To | Currently US & Canada

Pixie Mood’s handbags are socially responsible, sustainable, and stylish. Since 2010, this brand has crafted functional and fun bags made from recycled and solvent-free vegan leather. Based out of Canada, Pixie Mood has gained worldwide recognition for its standout products—RFID-equipped wallets and cases, monogrammed pouches, and chic crossbodies. With dozens of styles and every color of the rainbow, you’ll be sporting one of these pieces for years to come.

2. Quince

Best For | Affordable leather bags
Ethics | Vegan option, virgin plastic-free packaging, BSCI & GOTS certified responsible production in Italy, compostable packaging by 2023
Price Range | $40–$130
Ships To | US

Quince makes “affordable luxury” a reality. Using certifications—like OEKO-TEX, BSCI, and GOTS—as well as sustainable packaging whenever possible, the team refuses to sacrifice ethics and sustainability for affordability. You can find Italian leather crossbody purses, belt bags, totes, and even AirPod cases and valet trays to help keep you organized all day long.

3. ABLE

Best For | Upcycled leather totes, wallets, & duffles
Ethics | Ethically made by women, sustainable practices & materials, competitive wages, Leather Working Group certified
Price Range | $40–$375
Ships To | Worldwide

ABLE understands that when we invest in women, families and communities are lifted up, too. The vast majority of its team is made up of women, including across Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico, and India; all are paid living wages, paid healthcare, and ownership within the company. When making leather goods, the material is sourced from hides that would have been otherwise discarded, using less energy than it takes to create vegan leather. We recommend ABLE for wearable, hands-free bags! When our editor *isn’t* toting a big bag, she’s wearing an ABLE crossbody (or strapping it around her waist like some sort of belt bag). 

4. Bellroy

Best For | Tech-friendly backpacks, weekenders, slings
Ethics | Certified B Corp, Leather Working Group certified, sustainable & recycled fabrics, gives back to various causes
Price Range | $39–$449
Ships To | Worldwide

Bellroy wants to improve the way people carry their everyday essentials. From wallets to weekenders—and everything in between, like totes, slings, and backpacks—the B Corp uses environmentally certified leather and nontoxic fabrics (like recycled industrial nylon and Tencel) to craft accessories that are strongly stitched and tightly woven. Simply put, they’re built to last—but the three-year warranty covers any faults in materials and workmanship just in case. 

5. Cuyana

Best For | Elegant styles, monogramming
Ethics | Recycled & OEKO-TEX certified sustainable materials, ISO, SMETA, & WRAP certified ethical production, repair & take-back program, Leather Working Group certified
Price Range | $78–$548
Ships To | Worldwide

Cuyana lives by a simple mantra: “Fewer, better.” The brand believes that style is more important than fashion, and quality trumps quantity. You’ll rarely see our editor without her caramel Easy Tote from Cuyana. (She’s always been a proponent of big bags, and is glad they’re back in style and so, so chic!) Cuyana creates artisan leather bags for the modern person, with soft neutral colors and enough space for just what you need. The brand also believes in one of our favorite concepts—the Lean Closet—and provides a free shipping label with every domestic online order, so that you can fill a box with used clothes and receive a credit. Be more intentional, sustainable, and live by “fewer, better.”

6. Sézane

Best For | Bucket bags, raffia bags
Ethics | Certified B Corp, vegetable-tanned leather, OEKO-TEX & GOTS certified organic materials, recycled packaging, powered by renewable energy, gives back via DEMAIN initiative
Price Range | $235–$415
Ships To | US

Sézane creates timeless pieces that also respect the planet and its people. This certified B Corp uses majority natural and sustainable materials, including raffia, chrome-free leather, and cotton, for its gorgeous collection of bags, wallets, and baskets. (Many can also be personalized!) Throughout production, the team’s efforts are powered by renewable energy and sent in eco-friendly packaging. To date, Sézane has gifted more than four million euros to support education and equal opportunity for children.

7. HYER GOODS

Best For | Upcycled leather
Ethics | Uses deadstock materials and factory scraps, circular resale shop, produced at a SEDEX-compliant, female-owned factory in India, plastic-free shipping, gives back monthly
Price Range | $165–$355
Ships To | Worldwide

HYER GOODS was founded by a fashion vet who was dismayed by the amount of waste in the industry. Not wanting to contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions necessary to produce leather and other materials from scratch, the brand instead creates its beautiful designs from the most sustainable materials out there—the ones that already exist! The new HYER GOODS are cut from Luxury Leftovers—the brand has combined new, state-of-the-art manufacturing with obsessive quality control and the most luxe waste yet to bring you the Best of Better Leather. And because everything is made from waste, it’s all limited edition.

As for giving back, the brand does that too! HYER GOODS gives 1% of its monthly profits to various organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety, the Malala Fund, and Transanta. We love that!

8. Angela Roi

Best For | Totes & satchels
Ethics | PETA approved vegan & sustainable materials, ethical production
Price Range | $155–$280
Ships To | US; select global stockists in Australia & the UK

Angela Roi has mastered the philosophy of timeless elegance and future-forward fashion. The brand’s vegan and recently launched cactus leather bags are ethically made by artisans who are paid fair wages in safe factories. (Curious to see how the bags are made from start to finish? Learn more about the process here.) These vegan leather totes, crossbodies, and bucket bags are simple, with organized compartments, straps, and a pebbled texture finish that’s both modern and minimalistic.

9. Nisolo

Best For | Leather clutches, totes, & weekender bags
Ethics | Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral Certified, Leather Working Group certified, ISO certified ethical production
Price Range | $50–$350
Ships To | US

Nisolo hopes for a world where consumers know where their products were made and by whom. This carbon-neutral brand provides international market access, fair trade wages, and safe working conditions for its entire team, who, in turn, create beautiful and timeless staples. This collection of handmade leather bags is crafted in Peru and Mexico and is both stylish and sturdy, so you’re sure to stand out wherever you go. We especially love Nisolo’s clutches and crossbody bags to carry our wallets and keys when we’re out and about. Make sure to treat your bag with leather spray for longevity! Read our full Nisolo bag review here.

10. GUNAS

Best For | Color-block vegan bags, satchel & pouch set
Ethics | PETA approved vegan, ethically made in South Korea, Italy, & India, upcycled & plant-based materials
Price Range | $98–$265
Ships To | Worldwide

GUNAS has been creating high fashion, cruelty-free, and vegan handbags since 2009—acting as a voice of animals in the fashion industry. The company manufactures globally in ethically run factories that are visited and checked in person by a member of the GUNAS team. You won’t find any PVC in these stylish bags, either: GUNAS strives to use upcycled, recycled, and vintage materials when possible, and the brand is constantly experimenting with new materials.

11. Baggu

Best For | Reusable market totes
Ethics | Vegan, recycled materials & FSC certified eco-friendly & biodegradable packaging, ISO certified ethical production in China, nylon recycling program, waste-reduction practices
Price Range | $12–$78
Ships To | Worldwide

Baggu’s bags probably look familiar—the design is based on the standard plastic grocery bag! Baggu hopes to reduce our dependence on single-use plastics and opt for reusable every time. We love the thoughtful attention to the materials and production (read more here). These reusable totes are cut from a continuous piece of nylon material, and then the waste is used to make handy carrying pouches. Its factories in China are audited yearly by a third party, ensuring safe, fair working conditions. You can even send your bag back to be recycled! This is our go-to bag for just about everything—grocery shopping, beach days, road trips, laundry hauls. Hot tip: It makes for the most fun (and affordable!) gift.

12. A A K S

Best For | Artisan-made woven bags
Ethics | Ethically made in Ghana by women artisans, traditional techniques, sustainable & responsibly sourced materials, carbon-neutral shipping
Price Range | $178–$318
Ships To | US

Founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, A A K S (see where the initials come from?) works with women artisans in Ghana to produce bold, bright bags we love. The woven bags are crafted with sustainably harvested raffia from local family farms, then delicately handmade using traditional techniques. The process takes almost a week per bag, and no two are exactly alike! Support sustainable jobs, special skills, and style all at once—find them online or at stockists like Anthropologie and Nordstrom.

13. ALOHAS

Best For | Unique shapes & patterns
Ethics | On-demand production model, low waste, carbon-offset shipping option, local production in Spain, Leather Working Group certified suppliers
Price Range | $110–$430
Ships To | Worldwide

Barcelona-based ALOHAS is changing our culture of overconsumption, one bag at a time. Here’s how it works: ALOHAS will pre-release of a new design at a sizable discount. If you’re interested, you’ll purchase it in pre-production so ALOHAS can plan its batch size accordingly. Once production has started in Alicante, Spain, the price goes back to its normal set price but is available only in limited quantities. From checkered satchels to pleated black bags to bicolor baskets, it’s fashion at its finest.

14. behno

Best For | Unique shapes & patterns
Ethics | Ethically made by artisans, Leather Working Group certified, gives back to various causes
Price Range | $95–$945
Ships To | Worldwide

behno (named after the Hindi word for sister – “behn”) thinks of every person involved with the luxury brand—from the maker to the buyer. The artisans who produce these gorgeous bags are given family planning support, worker benefits, and fair wages thanks to the brand’s partnership with MSA Ethos. The final designs are both whimsical and stylish, using accents like knots or sharper edges to stand out. It’s no surprise that this ethical, sustainable brand has been featured in Forbes, Vogue, and Elle.

15. Stella McCartney

Best For | Designer vegan totes & shoulder bags
Ethics | Vegan, FSC certified sustainable or recycled packaging, gives back to various causes
Price Range | $520–$2795
Ships To | Worldwide

Since Stella McCartney launched 20+ years ago, the team has never used leather, fur, or any animal byproducts in its luxury line. So while these handbags have the style and sheen of leather, they’re made with solvent-free alternatives instead (and some are woven from sustainable raffia!). Many of the handbags are styled with the recognizable Stella logo, though you can also find chain-lined totes, simple wallets, and Mickey Mouse-printed designs here, too. It’s all luxury for a lifetime.

Featured image is from Hyer Goods

The post 15 Sustainable Handbags And Purses We’re Eyeing For 2023 appeared first on The Good Trade.

Between computers for work and our phones for play, we’re often spending upwards of 12 hours a day looking at some sort of digital screen. That’s a lot for our eyes, which can dry out or bring on headaches. One potential solution is to invest in blue light glasses.

With tech emitting brighter, shorter wavelength light (aka the blue light), filtering glasses can help reduce digital eye strain, aid with sleep, and more. While the jury’s still out on if light-blocking glasses work for everyone, it may be worth picking up a pair of your own to see for yourself.

We’ve found seven eyewear brands offering blue light filters with their prescription or non-Rx glasses, all of which use sustainable materials sourced from plants or recycled plastic. With frames starting at just $50, it’s a worthwhile investment to ease your eyes’ everyday experience.

Pro Tip: If you have vision insurance, you may be able to submit a claim for reimbursement after ordering blue light glasses. Likewise, you may be able to use FSA/HSA dollars when purchasing. Check with your insurance provider’s benefits or the brand’s website to see if this is an option!

(Looking for some sunnies instead? See our guide to sustainable sunglasses!)

2. Zenni

Made In | Zenni-owned lab in Danyang, China
Frame Materials | Made from 100% post-consumer plastic, recyclable packaging, gives back to the Wyland Foundation
Our Pick | Andaman ($40)
Price Range | Starting at $40+

Zenni has been a go-to brand for buying affordable, cute eyewear online, but with their new ReMakes line, they’ve truly leveled up on the sustainability front. The Remakes by Zenni collection feature the quality styles we all know and love made from 100% recycled plastic. Shipped in a recyclable paper tube and available in sizes for the whole family, what’s not to love?

The Good Trade Partner

3. Panda

Made In | A small, vetted factory in China
Frame Materials | FSC certified bamboo & recycled lenses
Our Pick | Wesli ($189)
Price Range | Starting at $189+

What started as a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2012 is now global eyewear brand Panda. Panda’s sunglasses and blue light blocking frames are about as eco-friendly as you can get, made with natural bamboo and recycled materials. A portion of every purchase supports environmental and philanthropic initiatives, including 1% for the Planet and Optometry Giving Sight. And at just $50 a pair, they’re incredibly affordable.

4. Pela

Made In | Ethically made in China & Canada
Frame Materials | Cellulose acetate & flax straw
Our Pick | Sulu in Olive Oil ($30)
Price Range | Starting at $30+

You may be familiar with Pela—it’s been a leading sustainable brand for years! This certified B Corp and climate-neutral brand creates six blue light styles in a number of gorgeous colors (the olive oil one is swoonworthy!). The frames are biodegradable, and use a third less emissions and water usage than conventional pairs. Pela takes back frames when you’re done, and gives back to eco-friendly causes.

5. Sunski

Made In | Designed in San Francisco, CA & made at vetted factories in China
Frame Materials | Recycled plastic
Our Pick | Yuba in Clear ($58)
Price Range | Starting at $58+

Give tired eyes a break with Sunski’s affordable blue light glasses. Sunski developed its own sustainable material after seeing how few options were out there; the result is SuperLight recycled resin made from scrap plastic. Designed in the Bay area, there are eight blue light frames that will elevate any look. Before you commit, you can try on frames virtually or purchase a few, thanks to Sunski’s easy return policy.

6. Peep Eyewear

Made In | Vintage frames upcycled in the UK
Frame Materials | Varies
Our Pick | ‘80s Silhouette in Aqua (£88)
Price Range | Starting at £48+

Peep Eyewear knows you can’t get any more sustainable than upcycling. The team sources old frames that are no longer in use, breathes new life into them, and curates vintage options for the bespoke consumer. With each purchase, Peep plants one tree through Trees for Cities. For those in the UK, Peep Eyewear offers home try-ons of up to three frames at a time. Once you’re ready to purchase, ask for a blue light filtering lens to be added to your frames and see how your eyes improve.

7. Proof Eyewear

Made In | Ethically made in a family-owned factory in China
Frame Materials | Cotton-based acetate & sustainably sourced wood
Our Pick | Barber Acetate ($150)
Price Range | Starting at $75+

Proof Eyewear, headquartered out of Idaho, believes that everyone can be a global citizen. This sustainable brand uses responsibly sourced wood, cotton-based acetate, and recycled aluminum for sunwear and optical frames. Then, each frame purchase gives back to Proof’s Do Good Program helps plant five trees through the Eden Reforestation Project. Choose from any of its blue light filtering styles that will work on any face shape.

Featured image from Covry

The post 7 Sustainable Computer Glasses Protecting Our Eyes From Blue Light appeared first on The Good Trade.

During the height of the pandemic lockdowns, I deactivated or privatized all my social accounts. It was for my own good—numbing my big feelings with memes and escaping into lives I was envious of had become toxic for me. The idea of having a “good” online presence in 2020 was just too much for me to handle, while we were already coping with so much.

The only thing that remained was my work, which I fed daily from a desk tucked into the corner of my living room. Day in, and day out, I existed online only through my job and amongst strangers in anonymous video game voice chats.

But now things are starting to change; I’m out in the world again after a long hibernation, meeting humans and making IRL friends for the first time in years.

So I logged back in and dug through my accounts, like an identity archaeologist, to see what my online presence had been before the upheaval. I discovered my old Instagram posts and website no longer matched the person I was becoming. I needed to update…well, everything.

I reached out to my peers, career coaches, and recruitment experts to learn more about building an online presence that works for you instead of against you. Here’s what I’ve learned.

First, do you need an online presence?

You don’t need an online presence to be valued socially or professionally if it doesn’t align with your goals. You, as a person, remain as brilliant and delightful whether you have an Instagram or not.

However, it can be a valuable tool for meeting people, cultivating friendships, and finding new opportunities—sharing a website or TikTok page can serve the same purpose as handing over a business card. But it doesn’t need to be highly curated or have thousands of followers or subscribers to be effective!

If you choose to have an online presence and want to start using it to present yourself in the world, welcome aboard. But how do you balance intention and authenticity in a world of curated posts and deceiving filters?

“How do you balance intention and authenticity in a world of curated posts and deceiving filters?”

Get clear on your goals

Start by learning whether you’re an online person or not. Dayana Cadet, a Clarity Coach and founder of I See You, Sis, recommends asking yourself: “Who are you trying to connect with, and where do they hang out?” Maybe it’s in-person community events or online on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Discord, or Slack.

Instead of looking at the numbers, consider who you want to speak to and why. What next actions do you want friends, followers, or subscribers to take after they come across your online self? Do you want them to be inspired by you? To hire you? To challenge you? Or to feel empowered, or joyful?

Perhaps you don’t want them to take any action at all and just prefer to keep your online presence as a one-way portfolio showcase. That’s okay!

Some goals you might consider here:

• Showcasing your hobbies like design, art, writing, etc.
• Sharing your social media as a calling card after networking events
• Connecting with your friends and family only
• Building a portfolio for new work or freelance opportunities
• Giving and receiving validation from friends + strangers
• Connecting with folks outside of your friends and family who have similar life experiences
• Making people laugh
• Remaining an anonymous lurker (no harm in that! Just don’t be creepy)

Then, do a quick facelift

If your brain works like mine does, it’s easy to get caught up in all-or-nothing thinking that says everything must be done right now. (Get a professional headshot, a new URL, all the corresponding social media handles, take over the world, etc.) You don’t have to do it this way. Trust me, you’ll feel healthier and more grounded if you take this one step at a time.

Here’s a quick checklist for updating your online presence, whether it’s for work or play:

1. Update your profile picture to reflect what you currently look like. This is especially helpful if you’ve dyed or cut your hair (🙋‍♀️) or have other appearance changes you want to convey.
2. Revisit your bio! Who are you at work, outside of work, what do you like, or what do you post about most frequently? Here is a bundle of bio ideas if you’re feeling uninspired.
3. Archive photos, posts, or blog entries that don’t feel aligned with who you are now. Keep them if you’re comfortable with it!
4. Highlight your most authentic self by pinning your favorite photos, updating the date on your most well-loved blog post, or creating new content that reflects your current goals and lifestyle. (I like to think of it like this—what three things do I want folks to understand about me when they stumble across my online persona?)
5. Review your LinkedIn presence to see if it’s relevant to your goals. Especially if you’re job searching or in a people-facing job (as many of us are), at least ensure your job title, history, and profile picture are up to date.
6. Update your personal website with color schemes and copy that conveys who you are currently. If you don’t have a personal website, don’t rush it. Start with the online presence you already have, and don’t force the time and financial investment until you feel ready to do so.
7. Look over everything for red flags, especially if you’re on the job hunt. “Avoid being eye-catching in the wrong ways,” says Matt Erhard of Summit Search Group, a recruiting firm in Canada. Small or inconsistent online presences aren’t a turn-off for recruiters, but Erhard notes hiring managers may think twice “if your online content makes you seem toxic, untrustworthy, or like you’d be a liability for the company if hired.” (The same applies if you’re looking for friends or romantic partners!) 

Fit your online life into your routine, not the other way around

If you often find yourself stopping important life events or ignoring momentous occasions in favor of posting to “the ‘gram,” it might be worth examining. Are you sharing things you genuinely enjoy and believe others will too, or are you posting solely for the algorithm to do its magic work and make you look wealthier, or smarter, or sexier? (It’s okay, we’ve all done it).

To help with this, you might create a mini set of guidelines or principles for posting to social media if you have a hard time knowing what’s authentic. I’m finding words I can recite when I wonder if something is an aligned post—is this content crafty, silly, cute, joyful, or honest? If not, then maybe I can share it to my disappearing stories, or forgo a share entirely. Knowing your own guidelines can also be helpful for you when navigating what to share in moments of victory, tragedy, or other historic importance.

Ultimately, you don’t have to be an influencer or entrepreneur to curate your online presence effectively, because it’s about recognition more than growth. “It’s not about how much or how often to show up on social media,” notes Rachel Stiles, founder of Stage Creative Network (an online membership site for folks working in the theater space). Instead, it’s about “how to show up in a way that [you] actually enjoy creating a presence.” Ironically, Stiles notes, it’s this type of authenticity that the algorithms are learning to reward with better distribution.

And that visibility for who you are, my friends, is what leveling up is all about.

Emily Torres is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. Born and raised in Indiana, she studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits and cat, or gaming.

The post How To Level Up Your Online Presence (And Why You Should) appeared first on The Good Trade.

While I’m still a ways away from buying a home (woof, Santa Barbara is expensive), I’m eagerly getting into the ins and outs of home design even with renting. There’s so much out there though and it’s overwhelming. How do I know which projects to take on at a rental? Which home decor magazines and resources are most worth subscribing to? If I only have a small budget, what should I focus on first? And is it really as easy as it looks in this Instagram reel?

So I went right to the experts: What’s most important to know when it comes to maintaining and improving our space? And here’s what they shared about DIY repairs and improvements, including the tools we’ll need, skills to consider, and time to carve out—and when it’s worth turning to the professionals.

What Tools Do I Need?

Not to completely blow minds here, but yes, it’s most important to start with the basics. While we don’t need to necessarily worry about advanced tools for specific projects—such as an engraving dremel we may use once—we do want to be proactive with some basic tools in case of emergencies (like, ahem, plumbing issues).

Most of us don’t exactly enjoy spending $500 on basic tools, but investing in a nice set is worthwhile. Because buying the cheapest equipment often means we’ll spend even more time, energy, and money on completing a project to our liking.

Investing in a nice tool set is worthwhile.

For equipment we’ll only use once every few years, consider borrowing from a friend or reaching out to rental businesses like a local construction warehouse or a chain like Lowes. Renting is great for both budget and quality; most businesses will stock newer, well-maintained equipment solely for renting.

Across the board, the experts I spoke with recommended purchasing a kit that includes:

• Interchangeable screwdriver with flathead

• Adjustable wrench

• Tape measure

• Pliers

• Claw hammer

• Glue and/or duct tape

• Level

Screwdrivers, wrenches, and hammers are considered essential for any level of carpentry work, while tape measures and levels are extremely helpful in keeping proportions and sizing even.

Along with these “entry-level” tools, most pros suggested investing in a few extras, such as:

• Cordless drill

• Stud finder

• Step ladder

• Utility knife

• Saw (For heavy-duty projects like installing trim or flooring, a miter or circular saw may be a better investment, but a hand saw or hacksaw is a great place to start.)

For decorative projects, landscaping, and overall aesthetics, we’re encouraged to have a few of these tools at our disposal, depending on our needs and budget:

• Paint trays

• Brushes and rollers

• Painter’s tape

• Bleach

• Carpet cleaner or vacuum

• Mop

• Power washer

• Axe

• Hand trowel

• Lawn mower

What Skills Do I Have?

I am, shall we say, not very graceful; I don’t have great hand-eye coordination and I trip easily. So I’m probably not a great candidate for updating light fixtures, roofing repairs, or adjusting electrical wires. Instead, I’m better suited for painting, gardening, and designing. 

Similarly, our comfort (or risk) level, skill set, and expertise should guide the DIY projects we decide to move forward with. Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy, a nationwide provider of on-demand painting services, says that most external and decorative home improvements can likely be done ourselves: “Don’t be afraid to DIY what you’re comfortable with, but anything requiring expertise is worth paying a professional for.”

In my experience, I’ve definitely needed to know how to patch drywall and find studs. Additionally, changing locks and doorknobs, putting up shelves and studs, fixing window screens, and basic plumbing like unclogging a toilet or repairing a leaky faucet are helpful skills to keep in the ol’ DIY arsenal.

For more advanced projects, YouTube or TikTok videos, especially from brands like Lowes, are a handy resource. But when it comes to these step-by-step guides, Eric Phillips of Dripfina reminds us, “Don’t make the common mistake of working chronologically without checking out future steps.” Otherwise, we won’t know what’s to come and could end up giving up halfway through. Other resources he recommends are Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and local hardware store staff.

What Is My Budget?

It doesn’t matter if we’re new fixer-uppers or seasoned pros, home renovations and repairs can be extremely expensive. This means budgeting is a necessary step no matter which route we decide to take.

There’s no point in being conservative in DIY budgets […] because we’ll inevitably need wiggle room.

Phillips likes to start by breaking down projects into three ranges: under $50, $50 to $150, or $150+. On jobs under $50, he’ll get started right away, whereas jobs between $50 and $150 will receive an itemized budget. For anything above that range, he’ll consider whether it’s cheaper, easier, and more efficient to simply hire a professional. There’s no point in being conservative in DIY budgets either, he says, because we’ll inevitably need wiggle room, especially for any mistakes.

What should we include in our budget? Factor in hard costs like tools to purchase or rent, hardware like nails or screws, and the cost of materials. We can also consider the time spent on learning new skills or how many hours the entire task will take, because our time is valuable! If we find that the project would take more time than we have but we have specific materials in mind, seek out contractors who’ll happily work with what we provide.

How Much Time Do I Have?

We’ve spent the money and time, prepped with tools and step-by-step videos, and are ready to get to work. Here’s where it gets fun!

The most important tip to keep in mind here is to always budget for more time than we think we’ll need, especially if we’re new to the DIY game. Instead of starting a project at 9 PM (sorry to my husband), schedule a couple of hours at once. Go at a slow-and-steady pace, watch and rewatch videos and guides, take breaks, and budget time for potential mishaps as needed.

We can even consider starting critical projects on weekdays so that if something goes awry, we won’t have to pay more for emergency professionals over the weekend. 

Go at a slow-and-steady pace, watch and rewatch videos and guides, take breaks, and budget time for potential mishaps.

DIY projects can seem intimidating at first, but it’s so empowering to see our skills grow and our home transform. Start small, be patient, and celebrate the little wins—that’s what I’ll be doing, too, and cheering you on every step of the way.

Henah Velez (she/her) is the Senior Editor at Money with Katie at Morning Brew, as well as a writer at The Good Trade. She holds a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship and is a proud Rutgers grad. Originally from NJ, Henah’s now in the Bay Area where she loves shopping small, hanging with her pets, or traveling. Say hi on Instagram!

The post A Beginner’s Guide To DIY Repairs & Home Improvements appeared first on The Good Trade.

These seven green banks specifically are powering a greener, more equitable economy, so you can move your money and invest in a more eco-friendly future.

1. Aspiration

Ethics & Certifications | Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet, gives back, sustainable investing
Services Offered | Cash management (savings/checking), investments, retirement funds
Regional Availability | US, nationwide (online only)

No matter where you are in the United States, Aspiration is ready to serve your personal banking needs. This online-only green banking institution prides itself on being mindful and sustainable in every way. Unlike many big banks, Aspiration doesn’t invest in fossil fuel funding, so your deposits won’t go towards projects like pipelines, oil drilling, and coal mines. You also have the option to plant a tree with every purchase. And with its Aspiration Plus card—made from recycled ocean plastic—you can carbon-offset all your gas purchases and get 10 percent cashback when you buy from brands that are part of its Conscience Coalition, like TOMS.

Learn More About Aspiration

2. City First Bank

Ethics & Certifications | Certified B Corp, CDFI, gives back
Services Offered | Personal banking, business lending & checking, nonprofit banking
Regional Availability | US, nationwide; local branch in DC

City First Bank reigns supreme in the nation’s capital as the only bank focused on community development in Washington, DC. A certified B Corp and CDFI, this institution invests in under-resourced and underfunded communities with more than $1 billion in capital and tax credits, benefitting thousands of lives. And online banking has never been easier—City First offers electronic and 24-hour telephone banking, online bill pay, and a VISA debit card for ease. The same security and performance as the big banks, but with all the values of your local community bank, City First is an excellent option.

Learn More About City First Bank

3. Amalgamated Bank

Ethics & Certifications | Certified B Corp, sustainable & eco-friendly practices, gives back
Services Offered | Personal banking, small business, commercial banking, institutional investing
Regional Availability | US, nationwide; local branches in NY, DC, & CA

As the first union-owned bank in history to become a publicly traded company, Amalgamated Bank has long been a champion of workers’ rights; it now joins forces with over 1,000 unions to get what’s best for teachers, firefighters, and more. It serves nonprofits, social impact enterprises, and sustainable organizations, and also invests resources into tobacco-free funds and clean energy portfolios. Sign up for the Give-Back Checking account to donate to a participating organization of your choice. (And as a bonus, Amalgamated is powered by 100 percent renewable energy.)

Learn More About Amalgamated Bank

4. Beneficial State Bank

Ethics & Certifications | Certified B Corp, CDFI, sustainable practices, gives back
Services Offered | Personal banking, business & nonprofit services
Regional Availability | US, nationwide; local branches in CA, OR, & WA

Beneficial State Bank believes in a more equal and just world for everyone with its commitment to supporting diverse and minority-owned businesses, mission-driven structures and services, and sustainable practices. As the institution actively manages nearly a billion dollars in assets, it carries a positive track record in managing wealth. For our friends on the West coast with personal banking needs, Beneficial offers both savings and checking accounts that are available online and via mobile app. The bank also has plans to launch personal, business, and nonprofit credit cards.

Learn More About Beneficial State Bank

5. Spring Bank

Ethics & Certifications | Certified B Corp, CDFI
Services Offered | Personal banking, business lending & checking, nonprofit banking
Regional Availability | NYC-based

New York’s first Certified B Corp bank, Spring Bank is the perfect banking option for NYC dwellers. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), it financially supports low-income communities and emerging businesses to help bolster the local community. For personal banking, Spring Bank offers five kinds of high-yield savings accounts, so you can save for that dream vacation and help invest in small, local businesses. With competitive rates, many no-fee ATMs (including all CitiBank ATMs), and a mobile app, this green bank is all about putting you first.

Learn More About Spring Bank

6. Mascoma Bank

Ethics & Certifications | Certified B Corp, gives back
Services Offered | Personal & private banking, business lending & banking, financial advising
Regional Availability | Northeast US (NH, VT, ME)

If you live in northern New England, you’d be remiss not to check out Mascoma Bank. This certified B Corp is a force for positive change across the northeast. From the solar loan program to the annual 10 percent commitment to philanthropy, the customers and the funding priorities all reinvest back into the other. For over 100 years, Mascoma has been a local go-to for mortgages, business loans, and private banking, with everything in between. With dozens of options for checking, savings, and CD rates, this green bank has a thoughtful strategy in mind for all your financial needs.

Learn More About Mascoma Bank

7. Sunrise Banks

Ethics & Certifications | Certified B Corp, CDFI, gives back
Services Offered | Personal & business banking, business lending
Regional Availability | Twin Cities metro area (MN)

For three decades, Sunrise Banks has served Minneapolis and St. Paul with a focus on financial inclusion and wellness. This CDFI provides services from commercial and government lending to fintech partnerships to personal banking. And the institution matches its practices with its values; every year, it gives at least 2 percent net income in sponsorships or donations to organizations that focus on providing affordable housing, narrowing the achievement gap, and increasing diversity & inclusion. Plus, this bank offers all kinds of personal accounts, including youth savings for children, thrift savings for the budget-conscious saver, and lines of credit for your next big purchase.

Learn More About Sunrise Banks

The post The 7 Best B Corp Certified Green Banks appeared first on The Good Trade.

And that, my friends, is a recipe for mental exhaustion I cannot recommend.

I simply needed to find a new system that consistently engaged my feelings of accomplishment, delight, and novelty. One consistent recommendation was coming up across many of the videos and blog posts I was reading—and that was a new-to-me app called Notion.

Notion is a note-taking and productivity app that can be customized to fit your needs and working style. Founded in 2013 by Ivan Zhao, Chris Prucha, Jessica Lam, Simon Last, and Toby Schachman, it’s a singular dashboard where both individuals and businesses can capture thoughts, manage projects, and organize…well, anything.

“Notion is a note-taking and productivity app that can be customized to fit your needs and working style […] it’s a singular dashboard where both individuals and businesses can capture thoughts, manage projects, and organize…well, anything.”

Think of it as Google Docs, but with a more advanced linking system—like your own personal Wiki. The whole thing is built on the idea of blocks and databases that can be reconfigured into new views that help you the most. With Notion, you can do things like nest tasks into projects, click and drag items between dates, chart out a timeline, and file away those notes you no longer need but just can’t seem to get rid of. The free version, which I use, allows you to use the workspace solo, although many people run teams and even businesses on the paid plans. (Btw, this post is absolutely not sponsored, I just love this app and want the world to know!)

However, it’s not as simple as downloading the app and voila! Suddenly you’re organized. Notion is as only as useful and interesting as you make it, kind of like an old school planner. When I first started using the app, I voraciously sought out YouTubers, bloggers, and templates to optimize all the things. 

That energy started to wane, though, when I didn’t find folks making systems that I enjoyed using long-term. I finally discovered a witchy-sounding course that promised to teach me how to use Notion to create system spells—called Notion For Magical Baddies. I mean, come on. Michelle Pellizzon from Holisticism, who taught my course, noted it was designed to “get you to the place where you trust yourself, your systems, and your brain to do what it’s supposed to do.” Self-trust? Systems? Cute gifs everywhere to light up my brain? Sign me up.

2. Putting thoughts in their place. From there, I empty my inbox once every day or two so I can keep the messiness of my mind out of my day-to-day dashboard. Out of sight, out of mind is a blessing and a curse; if I see too many notes I become jumbled and directionless. But if I don’t keep my notes, I flounder and a simple project can take an hour rather than minutes.
   
   In my Notion course with Holisticism, Michelle explained emptying an inbox ideally takes less than five minutes…but I have a lot of thoughts all the time, so it takes closer to 15 or 20. I drag each item to where it needs to live in Notion. If it’s a task, I move it to my calendar, detail it with notes, dates, and important links, and place it where it needs to go using a system each week called Monday Hour One.
   
   If it’s just something I read or enjoyed and want to save for later, I’ll file it into my Second Brain database (a concept by Tiago Forte I learned about from Holisticism). And if it’s one of those miscellaneous two-minute to-dos that cross my desk, I file it away to work through during my “chaos hour” so I don’t have to see it on my list all day. Yes, chaos hour is on my calendar, and yes, it’s delightful.

3. Nesting tasks into projects—and giving them their time to shine. At the ripe age of 33, I’m learning the difference between projects and tasks (the project is leaving the house, the task is brushing my teeth, what a concept!).
   
   Writing an article like this one isn’t a single task, it’s a project that requires multiple steps. Instead of “write that Notion post” being a single to-do on my long list of daily work items, I start with the first step—like notetaking or research—and save the outline, draft, and revisions for later.
   
   Basically instead of putting a full pizza on my plate, I’m selecting it piece by piece, and saving the rest for when I’m actually hungry again. Here’s a few ideas for creating different task lists.
   
   
4. Celebrating what I’ve done. Having a central space for my accomplishments means that I can see what I’ve actually done—versus crumpling up completed post-it notes and throwing them away like a tortured writer. So my monthly and yearly reviews have become way easier! I’ve also been able to look back at places I’m doing redundant work, and can combine tasks to save time in the long run.
   
   With ADHD, it’s easy to decide that “everything is bad” or “everything is good” if you don’t have tangible proof of all the work you’ve been doing. Maybe it’s silly, but Notion has become a work diary of sorts and it helps me remember my contributions to the team. A self-worth win.
   
   
5. Tracking personal and creative goals. Most of what I’ve used Notion for has been work-related, but I’m excited about the potential it has to house my goals as a person. As someone with a squiggly brain, I live concretely in the present and very abstractly in the future, which means creating and sticking to personal projects and goals is nearly impossible for me. I’m currently building “Emily’s Guide to the Galaxy” which is a personal Notion dashboard that features my values, goals, and ideas I’d like to take action on. Lavendaire’s template and Notion tour on this topic is particularly inspiring.
   
   As an example, I was able to organize myself in a meaningful way for a two-week, five-city solo travel through Spain—as someone who has never traveled out of the USA. My Notion was there every step of the way to remind me where my Airbnbs were, sights I wanted to see, and Spanish phrases I needed to remember to not stick out…as much.

At the end of the day, I rely on Notion to let my brain do what it does best—forget. If I can create a fun and engaging system that lets me file my thoughts before they disappear, I can put less stress on my exhausted mind. And since it’s all a circular ecosystem, it means I’ll have more energy to be creative and, yes, to make more silly Notion workspaces and systems that make me happy.

“At the end of the day, I rely on Notion to let my brain do what it does best—forget.”

If you try Notion and find it’s not for you, that’s okay! I hope though that you can take a moment to look at what systems of yours are (and aren’t) working, and to explore whether there’s a new and creative approach you can take to save yourself mental and emotional strain.

If a lined and dated planner is best for you—follow that notion. Create your own systems, on your own terms. You do not have to find success the same way others have.

You’ve got this.

Emily Torres is the Editorial Director at The Good Trade. Born and raised in Indiana, she studied Creative Writing and Business at Indiana University. You can usually find her in her colorful Los Angeles apartment journaling, caring for her rabbits and cat, or gaming.

The post What Is Notion? (And How To Use It To Organize Your Brain) appeared first on The Good Trade.

When I reach the part of the story where Cinderella is crying because she’s been doing chores all day and is unable to attend the ball, I pause. Something about the evil stepmother’s method of not directly saying no yet managing to keep Cinderella at home by loading her with excessive responsibilities feels culturally familiar to me as a young mother. 

“If you finish the housework you can go to the ball.” 

While a fairytale ball is just about the opposite environment from a modern office, there are parallels between the stepmother’s method of gatekeeping and what countless mothers face as they attempt to balance career and caretaking. 

“While women may no longer be explicitly banned from most career opportunities, indistinct yet powerful barriers persist.”

While women may no longer be explicitly banned from most career opportunities, indistinct yet powerful barriers persist. One of those is the expectation of executing the full-time job of running a home, caring for children, and the thousands of details that fall under those umbrellas. The subconscious assumption that women be the primary managers of all domestic responsibilities is so strenuous that many women opt to exit the paid labor market altogether while they have young children, even if that’s not what they ever envisioned for themselves. One recent study reveals that 43 percent of highly skilled women leave the workforce after becoming mothers.

It’s not that mothers are overtly prevented from pursuing careers, but they can seemingly only do so without judgment if they’re simultaneously available 24/7 to care for their family. Delegating any portion of domestic work is easier said than done when implied—or overt—judgments come from those who equate that choice to a woman shirking what they see as her primary purpose. This creates a situation as impossible as the stepmother’s condition for Cinderella to leave the house.

“If you finish the housework you can go to the ball boardroom.”

I tuck my daughter in for her nap and continue to ruminate on the metaphor. Though only a couple of years into parenting, I feel the fatigue of this tension. Since becoming a mom, I’ve experienced a year of working full-time, over a year of part-time freelance work, and several months of focusing solely on mothering when our daughter had a significant surgery. It became clearly consistent during each of these seasons that—regardless of what the career balance between partners may be—there is always a “default parent” who shoulders the primary responsibility for childcare and household duties. 

Even the most ideologically egalitarian partnerships typically result in mothers taking on the majority of domestic work; nearly 70 percent of women report that they are responsible for both housework and childcare. I count myself lucky to have a partner who genuinely desires to share the load with me—and even we struggle to find the balance. The elusiveness of creating a truly practical “equal split” has baffled us in numerous late-night conversations. 

“For many families, there simply isn’t a choice. “

For many families, there simply isn’t a choice. Finances and childcare support systems (or the lack thereof) may clearly dictate whether or not a parent—typically the mother—stays home. I recognize that it’s a privileged position to have options. It’s a privilege to have the ability to spend endless hours with this little person who I adore. It’s a privilege to have the ability to engage in other work that brings me joy, but the choice between the two feels fraught when powerful societal forces pull from either side.

While working for a paycheck on top of parenting can be exhausting, I often feel it’s the best way for me to model for my daughter that she doesn’t have to fit into one restricted role that so many generations of women have been confined to. The opportunity for female financial independence may be the salient motivator, but it’s certainly not the only one. Beyond finances, having a meaningful career can be a significant aspect of identity. The right workplace can be the gateway to community in an increasingly isolated society. Many jobs can be creative or intellectual outlets that allow us to challenge ourselves and grow in areas that bring us joy. 

“Work outside of the home is visible in varying degrees and unlocks opportunities for praise and recognition, while domestic labor has often been described as invisible.”

Work outside of the home is visible in varying degrees and unlocks opportunities for praise and recognition, while domestic labor has often been described as invisible. The lack of feedback throughout long days can increase the burden that mothers feel. Social media and blogging allow the option for this work to be seen, but the choice to go public in those ways comes with its own complications—.e.g., privacy, judgmental comments, pressure to always showcase a perfect home. There are countless reasons that bringing visibility through digital platforms isn’t the right choice for everyone. It’s no wonder that many women feel their hard work is invisible but opt to keep it that way.

As someone who thrives on receiving recognition for my work, the private daily work of intentional parenting has been challenging. Still, there are days when it sounds appealing to simplify life and settle solely into a singular role at home, especially knowing that this choice would be praised by at least one segment of society. But, if I were to completely exit the paid labor market, would I be supporting an ideology that I disagree with? Would I inadvertently be acting as an obedient pawn of the patriarchy if I fully embraced the role of stay-at-home mom?

Then a realization strikes:

Clinging to my space in the workforce isn’t necessarily the progressive conscience-liberating solution it masquerades as. It doesn’t absolve me from participation in a suppressive system; it simply shifts my actions to participate in the parallel system of capitalism. Any labor outside of the economy (housework, caretaking, etc.) cannot be recognized as valuable in a system dependent on the fallacy of financial achievement being the ultimate goal. This creates a lose-lose situation for those seeking a path of theoretical progressive purity:

Stay at home, uphold the patriarchy. 

Pursue a career, perpetuate capitalistic values. 

Naming the inability to win at this tug-of-war game might be just what overthinking mothers like myself need. Once we accept the impossibility of escaping perceived participation in either system, we mentally free ourselves to design lives that make sense based on our unique individual situations, partnerships, and desires. 

“We internally take a bit of power back into our own hands when we refuse to let a reaction to either patriarchal expectations or capitalistic principles prompt a lifestyle pendulum swing.”

Though others may not recognize the shift, we internally take a bit of power back into our own hands when we refuse to let a reaction to either patriarchal expectations or capitalistic principles prompt a lifestyle pendulum swing. After all, a reactionary decision will simply land us on the other side of the rope yet keep us firmly trapped in a game we can never win. 

This reframing allows me to have more grace for both myself and others as we navigate the reality of our current world while aiming to create a future that shifts cultural values away from profit and hierarchical power. There are still complicated layers of familial or religious conditioning, background culture, and practical circumstances to evaluate as we each seek the balance between paychecks and parenting, but at least we can free ourselves mentally to make these decisions without the fear of being hypocritical, regardless of how it may appear to others. 

We can be feminist stay-at-home mothers teaching our children that this is one of many honorable options that they can choose from when they’re older. We can be fearless working moms who actively remind our children that our worth is not restricted to economic contribution but that we can build lives we love doing work we care about. 

“Whenever possible, I hope this generation of Cinderellas embraces the ability to choose.”

My mind wanders back to the Cinderella story. What a shame that another system of power (the king wanting a bride for his son) was her only escape from her stepmother’s grip. Whenever possible, I hope this generation of Cinderellas embraces the ability to choose if we want to be caretakers of the home on our own terms or dance in fields without ballroom walls closing in on us. No matter what we choose, we will feel the constant sting of external disapproval from multiple sources. We cannot escape the acute challenges of either lifestyle or the inner tension of our own hearts pulling us in multiple directions. 

Whether sliding into the perfect glass slipper means focusing on managing our homes, shattering glass ceilings, or a combination of both, our feet will inevitably be scarred as we attempt to walk a path that simply cannot appease the multiple forces that wish to bind us to their priorities. Still we walk onward, scars and all, hoping that our daughters might have less painful shoes to choose from. 

Ellie Hughes spent several years as a sustainable fashion blogger and leading the marketing for brands aiming to operate with ethics and the environment as their priority. She is now a freelance writer and marketing consultant living in Portland with her husband, two young daughters, and corgi.

The post How One Mother Is Reframing Her Relationship To “Work-Life Balance” appeared first on The Good Trade.