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How 401(k)s are Rolled Over

Published

3 years ago

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401(k) plan

Your 401(k) will require a decision no matter what your situation is. If the account remains untouched, you can keep it. You can then move them into another account or roll them over. Be aware of the costs and benefits of your choices.

Portability of 401(k) plans

Over the course of their careers, many people change jobs. The good news is that you can transfer a 401(k). When you switch jobs before retirement, i can typically Find my 401k with Social Security number in several ways:

  • Leaving the group health plan of your old employer;
  • Transferring money from your previous employer’s plan to your new employer is possible;
  • Rolling over the money into an individual retirement account (IRA) is possible
  • Calculate the cash value of your account.

All of these options will not affect your old 401(k) since neither your own contributions nor those of your employer will be lost permanently. Your tax-deferred money can be withdrawn once it is tax-deferred. The option of completing a transaction and considering your options is still available to you. It is a legal requirement that you have a 401(k) if you change jobs. Within 30 days, a decision must be made.

Not Rolling Over

Your account can be cashed out simply, but at a high cost. ost. Any tax owed is prepaid by your employer withholding 20 percent from your paycheck. Your payout will also be considered an early withdrawal by the IRS in addition to federal, state, and local taxes, so you will owe a penalty of 10 percent. Your account value could be spent on that to the tune of over half.

A plan that provides reasonable fees and good returns might be worth leaving if you have no use for it. It isn’t necessary to give up your right to transfer your 401(k) or IRA at a later date. As long as the money remains in the 401(k), no more contributions will be made and no borrowing will take place. The fees may also be higher for non-active employees.

401(k) plan assets over $1,000 can be cashed out by your employer (minus 20 percent withholding); assets below $1,000 will be transferred to an IRA.

Change in job, new plans

A 401(k) simplifies retirement planning since all of your retirement savings are in one account. Tracking the performance of your assets, for example, will allow you to see how they are performing.

The new plan of your employer should be evaluated before you roll over your assets. The new plan should include your preferred investment options. Also make sure the accompanying fees aren’t excessive. You may consider a rollover into an IRA instead of your new employer’s 401(k) plan if you’re unhappy with it.

Depending on the company, you may also need to wait until your next enrollment period, or even until you’ve been employed full-time for a full year, before transferring your assets.

Moving Forward

You will need to do the following if you are doing a straight rollover: If the 401(k) plan of your new employer is the same as your former employer’s, you will need to do the following:

  • 401(k) rollovers are handled by the new administrator. You may need to decide what investments you wish to make before completing the rollover. If you wish, you can invest the entire amount at once.
  • Your former employer’s retirement plan may have required you to obtain specific forms for moving your funds.
  • Provide your former account administrator with a check or ask them to send it directly to your new plan provider.

Contributions Invested

Any of the options your custodian offers you for investing your retirement money. If you continue to earn income, the IRA contribution limit set by Congress continues to apply. See Contribution Limits for the current contribution amount. In any case, you cannot contribute more than you earn in a year.

Check out the unclaimed property databases

If a retirement plan is terminated, a company can do more with unclaimed money, regardless of how much is left in the account.

The state’s unclaimed property fund may allow you to claim the money you lost by investing it in your IRA, depositing it with a bank, or leaving it at a bank. You can conduct a multistate search of state unclaimed property divisions using missingmoney.com, a website maintained by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators.

When the plan administrator withdraws your savings and transfers them to a bank or state, a portion of your savings is withheld for payment to the IRS. Basically, we are cashing out (or distributing), so these transfers are taxed and penalized. There is a tendency for 401(k) plans to withhold some of the balance for taxes. Income should be reported to the IRS using the Form 1099-R. Those who don’t may end up owing the IRS money.

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Miscellaneous

How to Start Coding from Zero Level with No Prior Experience

Published

1 week ago

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May 10, 2025

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How To Start Coding From Zero Level

In today’s digital age, coding is more than just a technical skill — it’s a gateway to innovation, creativity, and lucrative career opportunities. Whether you’re looking to build a website, create a mobile app, automate tasks, or even land a job in tech, learning to code can be your ticket to achieving those goals. But where do you begin if you have absolutely no background in programming? This blog will guide you step-by-step on how to start coding from zero level, even if you’ve never written a line of code before.

Why Learning to Code Matters in 2025

Technology is evolving at lightning speed. In 2025, more industries than ever — from finance to fashion — rely on software and data. Here’s why learning to code is a smart move:

  • Job Security & Demand: Software developers, data analysts, and AI specialists are among the most sought-after professionals globally.

  • Creative Freedom: You can build your own games, websites, or tools tailored to your needs.

  • Freelance & Remote Work: Coding opens doors to work-from-anywhere opportunities.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: Programming sharpens logical thinking and analytical skills that are useful in any career.

Common Myths About Learning to Code

Before diving in, let’s debunk a few misconceptions:

  • “I’m not good at math.” You don’t need to be a math genius. Basic logic and problem-solving are more important.

  • “I’m too old to start.” Coding has no age limit. Many people start learning in their 30s, 40s, or even 60s.

  • “It’s too hard for beginners.” Like any skill, it takes time and effort, but it’s completely learnable with the right guidance.

Step 1: Shift Your Mindset

The first step in how to start coding from zero level is believing that you can do it. Coding is not an innate talent — it’s a learned skill. Here’s how to develop a coding-friendly mindset:

  • Embrace failure as part of the learning process.

  • Stay curious and be open to experimenting.

  • Celebrate small wins (like writing your first “Hello, World!”).

Step 2: Choose the Right Programming Language

There are hundreds of programming languages, but as a beginner, you should start with one that is beginner-friendly and widely used. Here are the top picks:

  • Python: Great for beginners due to its simple syntax. Widely used in web development, data science, and automation.

  • JavaScript: Ideal if you’re interested in web development.

  • Scratch: A visual programming language for absolute beginners and younger learners.

  • HTML/CSS: Not programming languages in the strictest sense, but essential for web development.

👉 Tip: Start with Python if you’re unsure. It’s versatile, and many educational platforms offer Python-based beginner courses.

Step 3: Set Up Your Coding Environment

Setting up your coding environment can be as simple or complex as you like. For beginners:

Install a Code Editor

Use a free and user-friendly code editor:

  • Visual Studio Code (VS Code)

  • Sublime Text

  • Atom

Use Online Platforms

If you don’t want to install anything initially, use online environments:

  • Replit (replit.com)

  • Google Colab (for Python)

  • CodePen (for HTML/CSS/JS)

Step 4: Use Beginner-Friendly Learning Resources

You don’t need to attend a 4-year college program to learn to code. Use these accessible, high-quality resources:

Free Platforms:

  • freeCodeCamp.org

  • CS50 by Harvard (edX)

  • Khan Academy

  • W3Schools

Paid but Affordable:

  • Udemy (watch for discounts)

  • Coursera (many free options available)

  • Codecademy

YouTube Channels:

  • Programming with Mosh

  • The Net Ninja

  • Traversy Media

Choose a platform that matches your learning style — video tutorials, interactive coding challenges, or reading material.

Step 5: Practice with Mini Projects

The key to mastering coding is practice. Watching tutorials isn’t enough. Start creating your own simple projects, such as:

  • A calculator

  • A to-do list app

  • A personal portfolio website

  • A quiz game

  • A random joke generator

These projects will help reinforce concepts and build confidence.

👉 Pro Tip: Try rebuilding something you use every day. It helps you understand real-world applications of code.

Step 6: Join Coding Communities

Learning doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Surrounding yourself with like-minded learners can accelerate your progress. Here’s where to find your tribe:

  • Reddit: r/learnprogramming

  • Stack Overflow: Ask questions, read answers.

  • Discord & Slack Communities: Many coding bootcamps and groups offer access.

  • Meetup.com: Find local coding events or online sessions.

These communities are great for motivation, debugging help, and networking.

Step 7: Understand the Fundamentals of Computer Science

You don’t need a computer science degree, but understanding the basics will give you a solid foundation. Focus on:

  • Data structures: Arrays, lists, stacks, and queues.

  • Algorithms: Sorting, searching, loops, and recursion.

  • Memory management: How computers allocate and store data.

  • Logic and control flow: If-else conditions, loops, and switches.

Plenty of free resources explain these concepts simply. Try “Grokking Algorithms” or MIT’s OpenCourseWare.

Step 8: Build a Portfolio

Once you’ve completed a few projects, start organizing your work into a portfolio. This is especially important if you plan to:

  • Apply for internships or jobs

  • Freelance

  • Join hackathons or tech competitions

Your portfolio should include:

  • A brief bio

  • Links to your projects (hosted on GitHub or live on Netlify/Heroku)

  • Screenshots and descriptions of each project

  • Your resume (optional)

Step 9: Stay Consistent and Keep Learning

Consistency beats intensity. Even 30 minutes a day is enough to build your skills over time. Here’s how to stay on track:

  • Set a schedule and stick to it.

  • Break big topics into manageable pieces.

  • Use apps like Habitica or Notion to track progress.

  • Revisit and improve old projects.

As you gain confidence, you can explore advanced topics like APIs, databases, cloud computing, and machine learning.

Bonus: Tools and Platforms to Explore

  • GitHub: To store and share your code.

  • StackBlitz: Browser-based code editor for web projects.

  • LeetCode & HackerRank: Great for practicing coding challenges.

  • Notion or Trello: Organize your learning journey and projects.

  • Google Sheets: Track your daily learning goals and progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn coding from scratch?

With consistent effort (1-2 hours daily), you can become proficient in basic coding within 3 to 6 months.

Do I need a powerful computer to start coding?

No. Most beginner coding tasks can be done on a basic laptop or even online platforms like Replit.

Should I learn coding on my own or join a bootcamp?

Both are valid options. Self-learning offers flexibility, while bootcamps provide structure and mentorship. Choose what fits your lifestyle and budget.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to start coding from zero level may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. With the right mindset, resources, and community, anyone can become a proficient coder — regardless of age, background, or prior experience.

Remember, coding is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll make mistakes, get stuck, and feel frustrated at times — but that’s all part of the process. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and never stop building.

Whether you dream of building apps, launching your own tech startup, or simply understanding the digital world around you, there’s no better time than now to take the first step.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and explore how to start coding from zero level today — your future self will thank you.

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Miscellaneous

Why Great Output Doesn’t Always Mean Great Performance

Published

3 weeks ago

on

April 25, 2025

By

how to monitor remote work

Remote teams often look successful on paper – tasks checked off, projects completed, boxes ticked. But what happens when all that visible output isn’t backed by consistent, high-quality performance? It’s a gap that’s easy to miss and tough to correct once it starts affecting the entire flow of work.

This article explores what separates great output from excellent performance and how you can guide your team toward meaningful, lasting results. A monitoring tool helps you understand how to monitor remote work effectively, giving you the visibility to spot patterns, support your team more effectively, and build habits that lead to lasting performance.

When Output Shines but Performance Slips

It’s easy to assume that everything is fine as long as deadlines are met, but not all output tells the full story. In remote environments, things can look good on the surface, but real problems grow underneath.

Here are four ways output can give a false sense of progress:

  • Rushed Delivery Over Thoughtful Execution: Tasks are done on time, but corners are cut. Quality drops, and rework becomes the norm.
  • Lack of Proactive Communication: Team members stay quiet unless asked. Ideas stay siloed, and collaboration feels forced or reactive.
  • Overwork Disguised as Commitment: Some teammates seem all-in, but they’re really stuck in a cycle of doing too much for too long without a break.
  • Results Without Clarity: Goals are being hit, but no one can clearly explain how or whether those goals still align with the bigger picture.

How to Move from Activity to Real Impact

High-performing teams don’t just look productive. They consistently deliver solid work in a way that’s built to last. That happens when the right habits, systems, and leadership support performance.

Here’s how to shift from surface-level success to deeper, more reliable performance:

Prioritize How Work Gets Done, Not Just When

Deadlines are important, but consistent performance depends on the process behind the delivery. Encourage your team to break down their tasks and stay intentional about how they approach each one. Focus on structure over speed.

Promote short daily planning sessions to clarify priorities and reduce last-minute scrambles. Once a big task wraps up, take a few minutes to look back on what worked well and what could use a tweak next time.

Reinforce the idea that quality and clarity take precedence over rushing through a checklist. When your team works with that mindset, output becomes more reliable and less reactive.

Hybrid and remote employee monitoring software supports this shift by showing how time is used across tasks, making it easier to guide workflow improvements.

Make Proactive Check-Ins Part of the Culture

Set a weekly rhythm for short, focused syncs where each person can share what they’re working on and flag anything that needs input. Keep the structure simple and repeatable so it becomes part of the routine.

Use these moments to clarify expectations, reinforce priorities, and encourage open communication. Make space for quiet voices to speak up and for team members to support each other rather than just report to you. Proactive check-ins build trust and create space for small problems to be addressed early.

Remote work monitoring software adds helpful context to daily workflows, making your conversations more focused and easier to act on.

Look for Patterns, Not Just Hours

High output driven by long hours often signals burnout, not high performance. Start tracking consistency over time rather than daily spikes in effort. If someone regularly works late or logs excessive hours, it’s time to pause and reassess. Look at what’s causing the overload and whether the workload can be shared or restructured.

Set the tone by recognizing well-paced, high-quality work rather than non-stop availability. Reinforce healthy work habits like taking real breaks and ending the day at a reasonable time. Build a culture where smart effort matters more than long hours.

Remote workforce monitoring software helps identify these trends early, showing where energy is drained and where a more balanced workflow can be encouraged.

Link Every Task to a Purpose

Tasks carry more weight when there’s a clear reason behind them. Don’t assume everyone sees how their work fits into the bigger picture, so make it part of your regular conversations. Connect each task to what the team is working toward so it feels less like busywork and more like progress.

Review progress in the context of broader objectives, not just completed checklists. When your team understands the impact of their tasks, motivation tends to rise and distractions fall away. It also makes it easier to prioritize and adjust work when plans shift.

A monitoring tool like Insightful (ex Workpuls) makes it easier to see where time is actually going across projects, whether your team is remote, in the office, or somewhere in between. It helps you align everyday work with what really matters.

Strengthen Real Performance with Smart Tools

To manage all this, you need more than just gut instinct. That’s where a monitoring tool can make the difference. It doesn’t just show what is getting done, it shows how.

Here’s how this type of tool supports great performance:

  • Real-Time Workflow View: Helps you catch distractions and time drains early, so small issues don’t turn into bigger problems.
  • Work Insights: Give you a clear view into daily progress, showing where momentum is building and where things need a nudge to stay on track.
  • Behavioral Trends: Reveal where burnout might be creeping in, so you can act before it affects morale or performance.
  • Data-Driven Conversations: Give you the insight to coach better, step in when someone’s stuck, and spotlight the ones quietly doing great work.

Conclusion

Visibility, clarity, and accountability aren’t just nice to have. They’re the foundation of a team that performs at its best, day in and day out. The right habits, backed by a solid monitoring tool, make it easier to stop just ticking boxes and start building real, lasting momentum.

Great output might get you through the quarter, but great performance is what carries a team through change, pressure, and growth. It’s what turns one win into a repeatable system that lifts everyone.

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Miscellaneous

How to Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree: Unleashing Your Creative Journey

Published

4 weeks ago

on

April 22, 2025

By

How to Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree

In a world that increasingly values creativity and visual communication, the demand for skilled graphic designers is on the rise. Traditionally, a degree was seen as a prerequisite for entering the field, but times have changed. Today, many successful graphic designers have forged their paths without a formal education. In this article, we will explore the steps and strategies to Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree, focusing on unlocking your creativity and building a strong portfolio.

The Changing Landscape of Graphic Design:

If you are looking for How to Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree then you must know that Graphic design is a dynamic field that has evolved significantly in the digital age. The advent of powerful design software, online platforms, and a growing emphasis on practical skills over formal education has democratized the field. Companies are now placing greater importance on a candidate’s portfolio and practical abilities rather than a degree.

Embracing Your Creativity:

Understand the Basics of Design: Before diving into the digital realm, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental principles of design. Learn about color theory, typography, composition, and balance. Numerous online resources, tutorials, and books can provide a solid foundation.

Explore Various Design Styles: Exposure to different design styles helps you identify your preferences and strengths. Experiment with minimalist design, bold and vibrant styles, and everything in between. This exploration phase will contribute to your unique design voice.

Building Your Skill Set:

Master Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard software is essential. Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, is widely used in the field. There are various online courses, YouTube tutorials, and community forums where you can learn these tools at your own pace.

Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Graphic design is a field that constantly evolves. Follow design blogs, subscribe to design magazines, and participate in online forums to stay informed about the latest trends and emerging technologies.

Creating a Strong Portfolio:

Start with Personal Projects: Initiate personal design projects to showcase your skills. This could be designing a logo for a fictional company, creating social media graphics, or even redesigning existing material to demonstrate improvement. Personal projects allow you to express your creativity freely.

Freelance Opportunities: If you want to know How to Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree then you must Engage in freelance work to gain practical experience and build your portfolio. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer opportunities to work on real projects and establish a client base. Positive reviews and completed projects enhance your credibility.

Networking and Online Presence:

Build an Online Portfolio: To Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree you must create a professional website showcasing your portfolio. Platforms like Behance and Dribbble are also excellent for displaying your work and connecting with other designers. A well-curated online presence makes you more visible to potential clients and employers.

Engage in Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to share your work, connect with other designers, and stay engaged with the design community. Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn are powerful tools for networking and getting your work noticed.

Continuous Learning:

Online Courses and Certifications: If you want to know How to Become a Graphic Designer Without a Degree then you must know that while a formal degree may not be necessary, but ongoing education is crucial. Enroll in online courses or pursue certifications in specialized areas like UX/UI design, motion graphics, or branding. Continuous learning not only enhances your skills but also demonstrates your commitment to professional development.

Seek Feedback and Critique: Join design communities where you can receive constructive feedback on your work. Critique helps you identify areas for improvement and refine your design sensibilities.

Overcoming Challenges:

Develop a Strong Work Ethic: Success in graphic design, like any field, requires dedication and hard work. Develop a strong work ethic, meet deadlines, and prioritize client satisfaction. Consistency and reliability contribute significantly to building a successful career.

Learn from Setbacks: Understand that setbacks are a natural part of any creative journey. Learn from criticism, adapt to changes, and view challenges as opportunities for growth. Resilience is a valuable trait in the ever-evolving field of graphic design.

Conclusion:

Becoming a graphic designer without a degree is not only possible but increasingly common in today’s creative landscape. By embracing your creativity, building a diverse skill set, and actively participating in the design community, you can forge a successful career path. Remember, a strong portfolio, continuous learning, and effective networking are key components of a thriving career in graphic design. So, unleash your creativity, stay curious, and embark on your journey to becoming a self-taught graphic designer.

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