6 Ways Freelancers Can Get Financial Help Right Now

May 20, 2020

Some of the hardest words to say are "I need help," especially during the times when you need help the most. While we are all trying to make sense of the "new normal," or this "adaptation phase," knowing what to do to help others is often easier than helping ourselves.

With the rise of freelancers and the gig economy, the benefits are out there if you know where to look:

GET A NEW "GUY"

If you don't have a financial advisor or you're just not jiving with yours, it's a good time to get someone you love. Financial planners and advisors are not just for the uber-wealthy. During the crisis, check out the Financial Planning Association and Foundation for Financial Planning's websites. They are offering pro-bono work.

DON'T TAKE GRANTS FOR GRANTED

If you are a freelancer or contractor, you can apply for a $10,000 grant. Go to Covid19Relief.SBA.gov to fill out the application. You will need to estimate the revenue from the last 12 months and answer some basic questions about you and your business. Reportedly the Small Business Administration wants to get these grants out quickly to help "gig workers" but it's currently unclear what the estimated timeline will be. Freelancers Union is also offering $1000 grants for freelancers.

LOOK TO THE TECH COMPANIES

Facebook and Google have launched grants and access to capital. While their sites are geared toward small businesses, you can apply for their grants and credits for their products if you were already looking to grow your business. There are also many resources being offered for free from many business-related sites like LinkedIn, Hootsuite and Shopify.

YOU CAN GO BEYOND CARES

While the CARES Act helped put an eviction freeze on mortgages that have federal backing, you can still ask for relief if you aren't a homeowner. You can send your landlord a letter explaining your circumstances and asking for a deferral for a couple of months. You can also offer to have them use your security deposit for rent. Oftentimes landlords would rather take something than nothing. If they still aren't budging, offer to pay half for the next few months.

ASK FOR MORE

Even though getting a raise or a bonus might not be a thing while we are reeling from this pandemic and tough financial times, more credit is. As you make the rounds with your bill and debt collectors to ask for a hookup in payment and/or deadlines, keep in mind that higher credit lines are always a good thing, especially if you don't need it or aren't using it all. A higher utilization score (the less of the allowable credit you use, the better), means a higher credit score. A higher credit score means lower interest rates when you need to borrow money.

GET ALL THE BENEFITS

You could qualify for relief from the government. Keep a close eye on benefits.gov for the latest. As of now, adults get $1200, children get $500 and the check amounts are lowered with higher incomes. Make sure you are registered for direct deposit on the IRS.gov website. Beware of scammers contacting you by phone, email or snail mail asking for more information. No personal information is required, it's all automatic based on your 2018 or 2019 tax return.

Getting financial help is like saving for retirement, the more vehicles the better. You don't have to be choosy about the options you take advantage of, you can go after them all. You might not get them all, but you definitely won't if you don't try.

This article originally appeared on NicoleLapin.com.

Collaboration Hacks Every Small Business Owner Should Know

Verizon

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In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Therise Edwards, founder/CEO of Teshley Solutions, an education consultancy firm that helps students and families navigate the complexities of the education system K through 12.

What is an unexpected business challenge that you faced and how did you overcome it?

I wouldn't call myself a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) expert, but I ended up having to know a lot more about it than I ever anticipated. FAFSA is what administers Pell Grants, which is what a lot of colleges base their financial aid on. I knew about the application changes, and some were excellent, but they made a series of critical errors and a lot of parents were scrambling. It was not my intent to have this as my area of focus; it just became a necessity.

What's a recent small win for your business?

Recent small wins are my collaborations. I formed partnerships with one organization that focuses on students with special needs. I hosted a webinar with the executive director of that organization. I formed a partnership with members from an insurance company on planning and paying for college. That was my first corporate sponsorship. And I've got a series of events coming out because others actually reached out to me. One of them I met through another networking platform, but I got to that platform from one of the sessions that I did with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program.

How did you start to collaborate with external partners?

Just changing my strategies and my approach, and just being more secure and more emphatic in making connections. It ends up being this continual cycle.

Is there a woman in business that you admire or that you look up to?

I have two. Leontyne Anglin, who runs a nonprofit called Beyond Expectations. She works with a small pool of students, but she just gives them enormous exposure and opportunity. She's brilliant with collaborating with individuals and businesses and really bringing the students what they need. And then the other on a bigger scale is Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary, who taught her Business Plan Bootcamp through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. She is just a dynamo. She is just so supportive of women entrepreneurs. She's awesome.

How did the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program help propel your business forward?

All of the collaborations and partnerships with the exception of one all came from joining the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. I’ve taken all of the free classes and the one on projections and pricing, something every entrepreneur struggles with, was very helpful. There have been so many of them. Sometimes you're completely ignorant in a category so you take the class and it's like, okay, that's good to have. But then sometimes you sign up for it and it's like, oh, yeah, I did know 90 percent of that, but this other 10 percent is going to be very, very helpful.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Teshley Solutions.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

Why Timothée Chalamet Abandoned “Good Friend” Austin Butler’s ‘Elvis’ Method For Bob Dylan Role

Austin Butler as Elvis, Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, and now Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan — there will never be enough biopics for me! (The real question is when are we going to get a Taylor Swift movie?). When pictures from the set of the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, hit Twitter, I had to do a double take because Timothée Chalamet looks so much like the musician I couldn't believe my eyes! You can watch the A Complete Unknown trailer here.

Timothée is going to be joined by Met Gala queen Elle Fanning, as well as Top Gun superstar Monica Barbaro. Here's everything you need to know about the movie — and our favorite Bob Dylan songs to listen to while you wait for its release.

Keep reading to see the latest updates from Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

Timothée Chalamet stars in A Complete Unknown, coming to theaters December 25, 2024.
He's joined by Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro.
The movie follows Bob Dylan's career in the 1960s as he rises to fame and later shifts from folk to rock'n'roll.

Did Timothée Chalamet take inspiration from Austin Butler’s Elvis?

Timothée Chalamet recently revealed that while he originally wanted to approach A Complete Unknown by taking direct inspiration from Bob Dylan, he quickly changed his tone...so to speak. "Somebody once said to me, you can't make a movie about a painter because it's not interesting to watch paint dry," he says in People's exclusive video. "Bob has that element because he's not one of these forward-facing musicians."

While Timmy saw Natalie Portman a sequence in Jackie "step-for-step exactly what Jackie did," and paid attention to "all this stuff that I saw my good friend Austin Butler crush it with on Elvis," he quickly realized "I gotta do none of this because this is not my style."

"Bob did not have a vocal coach," he continues. "He had two bottles of red wine and four packs of cigarettes. There's no way to impersonate that." One of my favorite things about biopics is seeing how a well-known actor portrays a recognizable figure. And you can see Timothée Chalamet's interpretation of Bob Dylan in theaters December 25!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

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We got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

I was super impressed to learn Timothée showed up and sang live for the film. "It was important for me to play and sing on set because it was in the spirit of the movie to do it live," he says in a video from People. "Many of the artists through American pop culture that had the balls to turn their back on what was expected of them, that moment started with Bob. His words are relevant; 'Times They are A Changing' ' is relevant, 'Blowin' in the Wind' is relevant."

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

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Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

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Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

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Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

H. Thompson/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Plot

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. The movie filmed around New York City in the spring of 2024, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

Amy Sussman/Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

A Complete Unknown Cast

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

A Complete Unknown Release Date

A Complete Unknown will hit theaters on December 25, 2024. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect cozy movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for VH1

Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!

What are you most excited to see in Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown? Check out our Facebook for more movie news!

This post has been updated.

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18 Best-Selling Products You Can Get For So Cheap This Prime Day

There are tons of things on sale for Prime Day this year, but you don't have to miss out on the savings if you're not necessarily planning to splurge on big-ticket items. Cleaning products and everyday essentials are going for the exact same discount as that fancy espresso machine you've been eyeing, and sometimes more! Prime Day offers the perfect chance for you to stock up on more practical purchases – from paper towels to vitamins – for less-than-typical prices. In case you need help completing your Prime Day checklist, let this post serve as the ultimate guide to the cleaning products, health + wellness essentials, and other miscellaneous home goods that are often left behind.

Cleaning Products

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Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags

$15, was $23

Taking out the trash surely isn't the most glamorous of all household chores, but it is necessary. These expertly-designed Glad bags make the task more manageable with unparalleled durability and stretch, two layers of leak protection, and a fresh Febreze scent. Stock up for 35% off during Prime Day.

Amazon

Blueland Toilet Bowl Cleaner Starter Set

$23, was $29

These plastic-free tabs make cleaning your toilet bowl as easy as 'drop and flush.' The fizzy formula dissolves to remove every type of blemish from rust and mineral deposits to limescale and hard water. You'll enjoy the 100% natural lemon-cedar fragrance after every cleaning sesh!

Amazon

Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray

$12, was $18

This powerful dish soap comes in a satisfying spray format, helping to erase hefty grease stains and food residue in a fraction of the time it'd take if you used a traditional liquid dish soap. You can use it beyond dirty dishes too: it works on kitchen counters, laundry stains, and grills.

Amazon

Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels

$4, was $5

For an "affordable and effective" clean, opt to order this cheap 2-pack of paper towel rolls that can handle everyday messes in a single tear for Prime Day.

Amazon

Clorox Free & Clear Compostable Cleaning Wipes

$14, was $18

These at-home compost-friendly Clorox wipes boast the Safer Choice stamp of approval from the EPA, so they're certifiably safe to use around kids, pets, and food. They work on a variety of surfaces to clean and disinfect whatever they come in contact with. We love using these for a quick and easy clean-up session around the kitchen and bathroom before guests come over!

Amazon

Natural Kitchen Sponges 12-Pack

$14, was $17

You won't need to do a restock on kitchen sponges for a while after snagging this handy 12-pack! They're made of plant-based fibers that not only supply a solid clean, but also prevent excess bacteria growth because of their extra-porous texture. After a sponge has reached the end of its lifespan, you can compost the white cellulose layer!

Amazon

Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets

$34, was $44

It only takes one of these 100% plastic-free detergent tablets to really freshen up a load of laundry. They're produced with enzymes proven to lift tough stains, plus the formula is completely hypoallergenic, so it's safe to use for kids' and pet laundry. This pack can tackle 120 rounds!

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Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner

$12, was $15

Though these all-purpose cleaning sprays have zero bleach, they still effectively tackle grease, grime, and soap scum with ease. They provide the powerful clean you're looking for around the kitchen, bathroom, and more – the formula is proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19. Snag the trio for only $4 a bottle during Prime Day!

Amazon

Windex Glass & Window Cleaner

$3, was $4

Windex is an absolutely undeniable staple for any cleaning lineup. It can wipe away dirt, smudges, fingerprints, and more, leaving a streak-free shine every time. Stock up for just $3 this Prime Day.

Vitamins + Supplements

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Ritual Multivitamin

$26, was $37

This vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free multivitamin formula brings a daily dose vitamins B12, D, E, and K12 along with folate, iron, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and boron. It's verified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a mark that less than 1% of multivitamins have. The capsules are also Non-GMO Project-verified, ensuring no heavy metals, major allergens, or microbes are present.

Amazon

Sugarbear Hair Vitamin Gummies

$24, was $39

These vitamin gummies claim to support healthy hair and nails through 6000 mcg of biotin, vitamins D, E, and B6, plus folate, calcium, zinc, sodium, iodine and a proprietary mix of European elderberry, inositol, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids. Each plant-based gummy has only 1 gram of sugar and 10 calories to suit a healthy routine. Most users have noticed a difference after 3 months of consistent use!

Amazon

OLLY Women's Multivitamin Gummies

$14, was $17

Another exceptional multivitamin, these OLLY gummies contain vitamins A, B, C, D, and E to help fight free radicals, support bone health, and amp up cellular energy production. There's even 500% of your daily value of biotin in each dose to encourage healthy hair, skin, and nails! They can help "fill in the gaps" of your eating habits to deliver all the nutrients your body needs on the daily.

Amazon

Lemme Matcha Superfood Energy Gummies

$24, was $30

These matcha-infused gummies give you a good boost of non-jittery energy when you need it most – think for that classic afternoon slump or post-workweek outing! They're made with organic matcha, vitamin B12, and CoQ10, a "powerful" antioxidant and coenzyme that assists in energy production. Each gummy is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, gelatin-free, and has no high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, or synthetic colors.

Amazon

Nature's Bounty Biotin

$7, was $20

For an affordable hair, skin, and nail vitamin, biotin is the way to go. In addition to the physical benefits, it can also help support a healthy nervous system and metabolism.

Amazon

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder

$34, was $42

Our favorite protein powder is on sale for Prime Day at 20% off! One serving contains 21 grams of plant-based protein, 1 gram of sugar, plus 6 grams of prebiotics and fiber and 9 essential amino acids. You can use it across shakes, smoothies, overnight oats, and even baked goods to get your protein fix. It's shoppable in 9 flavors, but our go-to is this vanilla iteration.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

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Amazon Basics 24-Pack Rechargeable AA Batteries

$19, was $24

You never know when you're gonna need some extra batteries, so make sure you have some spares handy by stocking up with this 20% off Prime Day deal! These are rechargeable, too, ensuring you never run out of energy.

Amazon

Amazon Elements Baby Wipes

$19, was $22

A whole 810 wipes for $19? Count us in. These gentle, non-flushable baby wipes are formulated without fragrances, alchohol, bronopol, dyes, parabens, and pthalates, ensuring a safe clean for your little one every time.

Amazon

Levoit Air Purifier

$80, was $100

Though t's a bit of a bigger purchase, having an air purifier like this one at home is a super smart investment, especially if you are prone to environmental allergies (or just want to keep your place smelling fresh and clean). This compact model comes complete with a HEPA-grade filter that captures smoke, dust, dander, and more up to 1,095 square feet of space.

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Renée Zellwegger & Leo Woodall Prove Age Gaps Are Sexy In 'Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy' Trailer

If you're a rom-com fan who also can't get enough of Jane Austen's books, you've probably seen the Bridget Jones movies. The story (which is loosely based on Pride & Prejudice) follows the titular Bridget Jones, a 30-something who sets out on a mission to improve herself over the course of a year while she looks for a partner. And, in true romantic movie form, she keeps a diary the whole time. Not only can we rewatch the original trilogy as many times as we want, but we're also getting a fourth movie! Here's everything we know about Bridget Jones 4.