Jessica's Friday Five: register here to save a life

Hi Reader,

I want to say a big thanks to those of you who joined me on Zoom earlier this week to brainstorm about this idea. It was so fun to chat with you and get your reactions and feedback. If you're in the US and heading into a long weekend to celebrate Dr. King's legacy, here are some ideas for how to spend Monday that will be both helpful and a balm for your spirit during tough times.

Let's get into your Friday Five!

1. 5 mins of your time could save a life: Did you know that signing up to become a potential stem cell donor requires only a simple cheek swab (that you can get in the mail for free), and that if you're ever a match to donate, it does not require surgery? For the small number of folks who one day do match with someone in need, the donation process is similar to giving blood. I learned this week that if you're over 35, there's a different organization to register with in the US (and promptly signed myself up for a swab kit!). This post ​includes links to sign up by age in the USA, Canada, and around the world. Let's all get registered, okay?​
   ​
2. Maybe try coworking: One of the members of our incredible current cohort of Joyfully Managed Worklife shared that she finds doing things with others nearby helpful for getting things done, but she often judges herself for it, saying she should just be able to get things done on her own. Here's what I shared in response: "I remember hearing about coworking platforms and being like, "how silly to have to pay for something like that" but then when one of them had a free 30 day trial I figured I'd try it. And now, like 200 or something sessions later, I have just realized it really helps. I'm literally writing to you from within one of these coworking hours right now lol. The science supports it - something about seeing others focusing seems to really help. So don't feel bad - it's just what works for human brains!" I like FLOWN (it's the one with 30 days to try for free mentioned above) if you wanna come join me. I'm in at least one session every weekday. It makes a huge difference to my productivity, and I wish I'd started years earlier.
3. Shopping with your values: I know many of us are aiming to spend less of our money with companies whose values don't align with yours. The news continues to remind us how much this matters. Friday Fiver Jenny has this spreadsheet about places to shop for various items with companies that might be more aligned with your values, and I'm so grateful she let me share it with all of you! Bookmark it.
   ​
4. Please, don't put your money in a regular savings account. Here's your annual friendly reminder from me about this - if you have more than a few hundred dollars to put aside in savings and have it in a regular savings or checking account, you're missing out on a lot of potential free money in interest (and your money is probably not even keeping up with inflation). For example, my day-to-day bank (USAA) is good for checking accounts but pays just 0.01% interest on savings accounts. Awful. So get yourself a "high-yield savings account". The one we use is Wealthfront, and they offer 4% interest on savings accounts if you sign up through someone's friend link (here's mine), and 3.25% without a friend link. That's literally 400 times more interest. Definitely worth a few minutes of your time to move your savings if you've got it.
   ​
5. If you use Google tools: If you're a Gmail and/or Google Workspace user, this blog with 10 lesser-known Google Tips I published recently is likely to give you at least one tip that'll help your work be a bit easier. Let me know if any of them is particularly helpful!

Bonus Sponsor Resource: Brooklyn Robot Foundry: Looking for a business that fits your life—and makes a real impact? Brooklyn Robot Foundry is a women-founded STEAM education franchise that brings hands-on programs to schools, camps, and communities. They provide engaging, super creative robot-building classes for kids - it's like making arts and crafts that move, light up, or do something else really cool!

Don't know anything about education or robotics? No problem! They've got it all figured out - from the curriculum to the training - so you can build a company that delivers programs kids love and parents rave about, while building meaningful partnerships within your community. Brooklyn Robot Foundry franchisees enjoy flexible schedules that work around family commitments. Or get the whole family involved! Younger kids can attend classes and camps for free, while older kids can gain real work experience in the business.

If you're interested in learning more about what it takes to open your own Brooklyn Robot Foundry franchise, reach out to them for more information. You'll get to speak with the Founder and attend virtual info sessions with current owners to hear what it's really like to run the business. → See if your market is available​

P.S. - Already have a Brooklyn Robot Foundry nearby? Check out their kids' programs - or enjoy the fun yourself with their adult team-building workshops and parties! This resource is from one of our Friday Five sponsors - thank you to them for keeping this newsletter free for readers!

Last Friday's Most-Clicked Link: The blog about 4 ways to stop identity theft.