Hello Again. Here’s a Project Update (Ta Da!)

The interesting thing about my quiet time on this blog is that I’ve been posting so much for other sites. How dare I leave my own little corner of the world dustier than it used to be?

So I’m back to catalogue a bit of what I’ve been up to during these changing times. And I’ll add, dear reader, that I hope you’ve been okay. It’s important to set boundaries with our time, and to care for ourselves, and no one needs to channel superheroes. So my blog falling away is a result of me following my own philosophy. (On a side note, did I also just channel Lady Whistledown?)

Okay, now here we go…

Editorial updates

I’ve been doing lots of reporting and writing.

For instance, I’ve done stories for Men’s Health on the ways people can be attracted to each other. For example, romantic and sexual attraction often are discussed, but people also can feel non-sexual physical attraction, intellectual attraction, and aesthetic attraction. Check out my author page on menshealth.com to read this series, and more content, and see answers to frequently asked questions.

I’ve also done as-told-to stories on interesting people for AARP The Magazine, including this one on a veterinarian who treats the pets of unhoused people.

When it comes to personal finance, I’ve reported on everything from the facts about investment banking (for Insider) to what to know about Bitcoin IRAs for Insider (yes, this is a thing). Feel free to read these articles via my author page at Insider.

And my “Market Mindset With Leslie Quander” podcast has been airing and features some guest interviews. There I spotlight the mindset of investing and considerations for meeting your goals, along with market news. Watch episodes on Gokhshtein Media’s YouTube page (or some via my media page here), or recent streamed episodes via my Twitter. (Edit: As of August 2022, this show has concluded.)

Social media and speaking

I have a fairly new TikTok account, and I’m thankful to have reached millions of viewers. Because if I can help anyone remember life’s lovely moments, or that mindset matters, or that they’re not stuck, or that people do care, that’s meaningful. (I’m @lesliequander everywhere, in case you want to follow along.)

I also spoke on a fun panel at the 2021 conference of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, giving the inside scoop on things that irritate editors. Because, look, there are things you need to know to stand out in a good way.

By the way, I have more to say about mindset, wealth-building, the pursuit of dreams, and best practices for breaking into media outlets. So, if you’re interested, check out my speaking page to learn how to request to book me as a speaker, moderator, or host.

Consulting life

Right now, I’m loving my consulting life. (Learn more about what I do.) At the end of 2021, I decided to leave my consulting post at Sisters From AARP, where I worked as senior editor and reported stories; edited writers; advised on brand strategy, product development, and communications; and developed and hosted live social media events. (That’s not even the whole list!) I’m glad to have been able to contribute. You can see my stories, including tips on how to move forward after divorce, how to cope with failure (I may post more on this actually), and various personal finance items as well as celeb and author interviews on my author page.

I’ll wind down here and will conclude with this: The quiet times in certain settings definitely have their place. After all, we don’t have to share everything.

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Wealth Mindset: 3 Tips for Self-Care (Video)

Sometimes we need to slow down and recharge. Because if we want a wealth mindset and life of abundance, self-care is key. And we don’t need expensive activities to do it—which is a good thing for our wallets! 

Feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel for tips on creating wealth and establishing a wealth mindset—and a mindset of contentment.

Lately, I’ve been juggling various projects and deadlines, including reporting and writing, editing, social media management (including hosting live events and co-moderating rooms on Clubhouse), and more. And this work encouraged me to think about self-care and its importance. I was tired for a minute there, ya’ll. And it’s harder to meet our goals when we’re not operating at full strength.

But taking time for self-care—whether it’s going for a walk, praying, watching a favorite TV show, or something else—helps us to recharge and be better prepared for the road ahead.

Note: The activity examples I shared above are free. We don’t have to spend money for self-care, though if that’s your thing (say, if you like manicures or fine food), and you’ve met your other financial goals, that’s an option, too.

To this point, I recently posted a video on my YouTube channel to share three timely tips for self-care that I’ve learned through my wellness reporting, research, and personal experiences. Because if we’re feeling overwhelmed, we don’t need to push ourselves beyond our limits. We don’t have to finish everything right now. And it’s okay—and even good—to slow down. Or make time for another activity that brings us joy.

For more tips, including a major thing to know to find a self-care practice that works for you (go to the 1:51 time stamp!), plus how to fit this time into our busy lives, please watch the YouTube video.

And feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel for tips on creating wealth and establishing a wealth mindset—and a mindset of contentment.

Also feel free to follow me on Instagram, where I discuss this topic in a follow-up post.

During these sometimes tiring times, self-care really can support our journeys into wealth and abundance. So I’ll conclude this post with a question: Will you join me in taking time for yourself this week? I’m confident we can do it—even for just a few minutes. 💫

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Video: How I’ve Saved Thousands of Dollars—and Built a Freedom Fund

I get questions on money since I often write about it. So I wanted to share more on my savings savings strategy, as promised in a previous post. It’s my secret to stashing cash for lots of things—though not as secret since I shared in a story I wrote for Business Insider. ⁠

Unfortunately, many things are different now with this pandemic, including our ability to make money in some cases. But I’ve been able to seek out and find new sources of income this year. And still save and invest money in the process.

If you have questions about how to make money as a professional writer, also check out my related YouTube video, where I share five key things to know.

So, if we’re lucky enough to be working or to find other ways to get income, this mind and money trick can be a way to save for education, debt reduction, an emergency fund, investing, a “freedom fund,” and more.

In fact, I’ve saved thousands of dollars like this. We can do it. Even with $20, $50, or $100 at a time.

Please watch, share, and subscribe to my channel. Then consider: Do you view money as a tool? I do. And do you have a plan for how to save money (and potentially invest) in the coming months?

Finally, if you have questions about how to make money as a professional writer, check out my related YouTube video, where I share five key things to know.

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Video: You CAN Make Money as a Writer—5 Truths

Want to make money as a writer? You can. You just have to know the truth about common myths, and then push forward to get there. 

Some background: If you’ve visited my site before you know my writing has reached tens of millions of readers over my career. And I’ve worked as a freelance writer, magazine editor, staff writer and editor, and more. 

During this time, I’ve seen similar questions from people who want to get started writing or get better at it. And I’ve often seen writers make the same mistakes. So in this video, I present five myths about professional writing—and share the truth about each one.

If you want to get paid to write for a career, or even for a side hustle as we work more from home, this video is for you. 

Watch for the facts about how you can get started—or get better!—writing for magazines, websites, and more. And info on how you can make money in the writing business. 

Then feel free to like or share this video, and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Or comment or email me if you have any questions about professional writing or want a free consult for my coaching program.

And stay tuned—I’ll be sharing more videos with you!

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Video: 7 Ways to Fight Loneliness

Did you know feeling lonely can affect your health? It’s been linked with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diminished sleep quality, and more, even after controlling for various other factors, reports University of Chicago Medicine.

And with social distancing in effect, we can really feel lonely. ⁣

I reported on this topic for Sisters From AARP, where I’m a freelance contributing editor— and again, just recently, on my YouTube channel.

In this new video, I reveal seven ways to grow your relationships and feel more connected. Right now. ⁣(Even if you watch this video after distancing has been lifted in your area, the tips still can apply.)

Please watch and share. And feel free to subscribe to my channel.

How are you feeling as we physically distance? ⁣I hope this info helps you or someone you know. ?

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Video: How to Stay Calm in the Stock Market

Emotions are understandably high now as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. These days, the stock market is up and down, employment situations are becoming more shaky, and times can be hard as we physically distance. But if we can keep our emotions out of investing, that change can help us in that arena at least.

I’v been busy writing and editing the last few weeks, with a major focus on wellness and personal finance. As we continue to deal with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and watch the news from home, things can be difficult. Which is why I’ve been making an effort to deliver positive news as I can.

With all of the writing I’ve been doing on personal finance, including a story on six things to know about investing for Sisters From AARP (where I’m a freelance contributing editor), as well as my articles for Business Insider (where I’m a contributor, too) it seemed like an appropriate time to do a quick video message, too.

Please watch the video to see more on why we shouldn’t panic about investments now (including our retirement accounts and others), even though we’re in turbulent times. I think points two and three—on keeping emotions out of investing and understanding that the market will turn around—are especially key to remember.

Sending you all my best during this time.

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