What's The Path To Six Figures? Here's How To Level Up
When it comes to earning a living, we all know that there's a wage gap for Black women. And while we can acknowledge disappointing realities, we can also consider our hopes and still work toward making a dream of financial freedom a reality. There is a specific price tag on certain lifestyles, and even if a soft life is what you're into, it'll cost you.
Many of us simply want to earn enough to pay our bills, make sure our families are thriving, and retire peacefully. With the way this economy has been going, the price of simple survival keeps going up and up. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center report, 40 percent of Black adults in the U.S. say "an annual income of $100,000 or more is enough to lead the kind of life they want." So how do you level up from a five-figure salary to six figures?
First, let's address mindset: If you want to earn more, you have to think from a space of abundance, patience, and strategy, not one of fear, scarcity, and inaction. Take it from entrepreneur Chris Bible, who, when sharing her experience with a six-figure mindset shift, told xoNecole, "Most importantly, I had to embrace that I was worthy and capable of reaching a certain level of success and that it could be done all on my own." This is a powerful first step: Affirming and making a commitment to recognizing you are worthy and capable of reaching a financial goal.
Now let's get to a few ways to get to six figures:
1. Invest in higher education or additional training.
Research has shown that those who have earned bachelor's degrees or higher earn more than those who do not, and the top six-figure jobs require advanced degrees. That's not to say you can't earn six figures without going to college, but it's definitely one sure-fire six-figure path for many.
If you already have a bachelor's degree, consider going for a master's or higher. Find out what advanced skills or credentials are required to get a higher-paying job within your field.
Sometimes, you can get certifications or specialized training to do jobs that aren't necessarily what you went to college for but can enhance what you already offer as a professional, so be sure to look into those, especially if you work in the medical, tech, financial services, or psychological industries.
2. Apply for a new job and negotiate higher pay at the start.
Job hopping doesn't have the stigma attached to it that it used to, and for some, it's the best way to earn more. One good example of this is Chinneah El-Amin, founder of Flynanced. She worked in tech and banking, according to CNBC, and, in her 20s, went from being a senior project analyst (with an offer for $68,000 that she negotiated up to $72,000) to technical project manager (with an offer of $186,000 and she negotiated a signing bonus of $29,000).
True, El-Amin worked in industries that could pay that type of money, but again, if your desire is to earn six figures, the industry you're in (and whether you might want to transition for finance's sake) is something to consider.
Either way, negotiate no matter what, especially if you're a mid- or senior-level professional who has the experience, talent, training, and acumen to lean on.
Just because a company claims a salary is "the best" or "industry standard" doesn't mean you shouldn't negotiate. The worst you could get is a "no," or even better: You find that the company isn't one you want to invest years of your life working for at all, since they don't put dollars behind the most valuable asset in the world: Human capital.
3. Start a lucrative side hustle.
This one is a given. Side hustles are always promoted in stories like this, but you just can't get away from facts. Some side hustles can add more than $4000 to your monthly income if done just part-time, especially if you're savvy with tech, social media, or digital marketing. Other lucrative side hustles include offering services or products via e-commerce, personal fitness and/or wellness, mobile notary, and travel agents.
4. Sell your expertise and talents via speaking, digital products, or consulting.
This is yet another way to earn six figures and even transition out of a 9-to-5. If you have a gift for communications, public relations, marketing, or teaching, you can create workbooks, audiobooks, art, tutorials, and courses for download. (This couple started making six figures after selling patterns for doll clothes, for example.) If you're not great with actually creating and marketing the concept, take it to a freelance professional to bring it to life and market it for you. Take a few courses, research the best platforms (and their fees), and invest in a reputable tutorial on how to create and market digital products on social.
Another great way to add to your current salary is to get paid for speaking engagements or consulting gigs at schools, organizational retreats, churches, or conferences. Get a speaking or consulting mentor, join a networking organization, pursue more training to prepare you for success, and tap into your personal and professional communities to find out where you can serve through speaking.
5. Bonus: Invest, invest, invest.
Technically, this isn't really tied to your salary, but investing can help you add to your overall bottom line and prep for financial freedom in the future. I can't say this enough: At a minimum, be sure you're tapped into your company's 401K and that you know whether they're matching your investment or not. Let it grow, and avoid withdrawing from it if you can. If you're not into the idea of investing with your company's retirement options (or your company doesn't offer any), consider your options for an IRA (individual retirement account).
Above that, start investing via an online platform or open a brokerage account. (Here are a few good beginner-friendly options). Be inspired by women like Tiffany James, who turned a $10,000 stock market investment into a million-dollar portfolio. True, investing in stocks can be risky, but there are opportunities to add to your wealth if this is something you're willing to be patient and diligent about.
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Tubi has been gaining popularity due to its free sign-up and a vast selection of series and films. According to Deadline, the FAST (free ad-streaming television) service has seen a 14.7% growth from May and now has similar numbers to Disney+. So while many people have joked about Tubi having low-budget movies, the numbers don't lie.
In fact, I was one of those people who didn't get the appeal of Tubi, but the more I watched it, the more I enjoyed the content. They have some of our favorite TV series, such as Scandal and Star, as well as big films like the Fast and Furious franchise and cult classic Love & Basketball.
Tubi even has its own original movies and series that are just as entertaining. But while Tubi is on the come up, some of the low-budget movies and hood movies are still a must-watch. From Tubi originals to the hood movies, we've put together a list of shows and movies to add to your watchlist.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an original Tubi movie that stars Hailey Kilgore (Juke from Power Book III: Raising Kanan), Damon Wayans, and Pam Grier. It's a love story gone awry after a robbery turns deadly, and a young couple faces many challenges to make it out alive.
The Dirty D
The Dirty D is one of the first things I watched on Tubi, as many people highly recommended it. It's a series set in a Detroit club, and it has all the drama you can think of. Murder, drug dealing, cheating, greed, and more.
Black Men Don't Cheat
In this film, a young woman grapples with the death of her husband while also discovering his secret life, which puts her in danger.
Mother May I
This movie fully captivates the overbearing mother. However, the ending will shock you as she goes a little too far.
The Stepdaughter
When a young girl moves in with her dad and his new wife, a series of unfortunate events occurs. This Tubi original will keep your attention with every turn.
These Men For Everybody
These Men For Everybody is a film that highlights the tangled web of friendships and relationships and how you can't trust anybody.
Best Friend
What happens when your best friend is obsessed with you? This movie, which stars Serayah and Marques Houston, answers this very question and takes us on a ride in the process.
What's Done After Dark
What's Done After Dark shows us that everything isn't always what it seems. The twist at the end is a real doozy.
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