When asked about their biggest money mistakes, most people talk about mistakes made with the money they’ve already earned. Generally, the mistakes are along the lines of “I should have starting saving sooner,” “I should’nt have cosigned for my boyfriend,” and “I didn’t diversify.” However, I think the biggest money mistakes happen before you earn your first paycheck.

There is no doubt that resume mistakes can cost you a job. In fact, according to Accountemps, three out of four executives interviewed said just one or two typos in a resume would remove applicants from consideration for a job. (See some real life resume mistakes at Resumania.com.)

While typos, spelling errors, and word misuse rank high on most recruiters’ list of top mistakes, there are many other resume mistakes that can decrease your chances of getting a job. Here is a list of the top 10 resume mistakes from Monster.com.

1. Typos and grammatical errors
2. Lack of specifics
3. Attempting one size fits all
4. Highlighting duties instead of accomplishments
5. Going on too long or cutting things too short
6. A bad objective
7. No action verbs
8. Leaving off important information
9. Visually too busy
10. Incorrect contact information

Even if your resume is perfect, there are also some resume delivery mistakes to avoid. For example, NPR reports that it is not a good idea to have a husband-and-wife email address.

One way to prevent common resume mistakes is to have several friends or family members edit your resume before sending. Even better, consider finding a mentor to guide your job hunt. The bottom line is that an error-free resume is well worth the time and effort. After all, you can’t make money mistakes if you don’t have any money.

A job loss or income reduction can be devastating. If you are facing a financial hardship, it is time for planning, not panic.

Step 1: Assess the Situation
One key to success with any financial plan is to be realistic. Start by figuring out where you stand today. To help you assess your financial situation, pull a copy of your credit reports. To obtain your free copies, visit AnnualCreditReport.com or call 877-322-8228. Try to realistically determine how long your income will be reduced. Be conservative in your estimate; in this case, it is better to be over-prepared.

Step 2: Analyze Available Resources
Now that you have a clear understanding of your current financial obligations, it is time to analyze your available resources. Once you have identified potential resources, determine which are most beneficial to tap. This could vary greatly depending on the length of time you expect your income to be reduced. In addition to your savings, you may have several available resources:

• Borrow from yourself. While cashing your IRA is not desirable, you can take a short-term loan with no penalties.
• Take a good look around you. Most likely, there are many things in and around your home that you could sell for cash. Remember, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.
• Seek temporary employment. Secure a temporary job to help you through this set-back, even if it is not in your field of expertise.
• Consider all existing resources. Research all sources of cash. For example, you may have a life insurance policy with a cash value. Collect on monies lent to family and friends.
• Seek assistance. Contact your local city offices about benefits such as unemployment pay, food vouchers, and utility discount programs. You can also seek assistance from your local church or United Way.

Step 3: Set Priorities
If the results of your financial review indicate that you cannot realistically meet all of your obligations, you may have to set some priorities. The following is an example of how you might prioritize your financial obligations:

• First priority debts likely include your rent or mortgage, tax liabilities, insurance premiums, auto loans, and utilities.
• Second priority debts may include secured loans through finance companies.
• Third priority lenders may include retailers, hospitals, doctors, and credit cards issuers.

Remember, each person will have their own unique list of priorities. Realize that just because a category of debt is listed as a third priority, does not mean it isn’t important. It simply means you need to contact the higher priority creditors first.

Step 4: Create a Plan
Changed financial circumstances call for a changed financial plan. Considering your assets, income, and your priority obligations, create a plan that is realistic and flexible. Elements of your financial plan should include:

• Cost-cutting strategies. Analyze your current expenses carefully. Sit down with your family and discuss ways to cut costs.
• A debt repayment plan. Considering your priorities, determine a reasonable monthly amount to pay each of your creditors.
• A commitment to financial recovery. Be determined to make smart financial decisions for your future. For example, do not replace income with credit card cash advances that could haunt you for years to come.

Remember that your plan needs to be realistic and flexible to work. Setting your goals too high will only cause you unnecessary frustration. Keep simple but accurate and complete records and don’t forget to predict future needs and problems.

Step 5: Contact Your Creditors
Once you have a plan, communicate with each of your creditors explaining your situation and how you plan to repay your debt. The best way to contact your creditors is in writing; after you have written your letters:

• Maintain accurate files. Before mailing your letters, make copies to keep for your files. If you must negotiate over the phone, keep detailed notes including the representative’s name, title, and phone number. Follow-up any phone conversations in writing.
• Stay organized. Keep everything in one place. Write a summary list of your financial plan for quick reference. Revisit the plan regularly to make sure you are on-track.
• Be prepared for calls. After sending your letters, you can expect some of your creditors to call with additional questions. If they do, be honest and courteous.
• Keep your end of the bargain. If you are unable to make agreed upon payments, contact your creditors immediately to renegotiate.

For more, check out one of our free Webinars.  There’s a When the Income Decreases, But the Bills Don’t class tomorrow night.

The majority of small business owners think the current economic downturn is threatening their ability to survive or is at least “significantly” affecting their business. Since marketing budgets are among the first to be cut during tough economic times, this could leave many small business owners with little or no money to promote their products and services. Unfortunately, this reality creates a real catch-22; most experts believe that a good marketing strategy is one key to a small businesses’ success.

The good news is that there are many ways to promote your business on a budget. For example, Peter Kim compiled a list of 22 social media marketing tools for Mashable.com. In addition to online opportunities, there are many old-school ways to promote your business. While they may not be glamorous, they are time-tested and free (or cheap) to try.

1. Know something other’s don’t and be recognized as a resource in your community
2. Be willing to share your knowledge freely
3. Educate others through a public workshop
4. Attend community meetings
5. Take a reporter to lunch
6. Volunteer for a local charity
7. Join a committee
8. Give clients/customers extra business cards
9. Participate in a fair/event
10. Visit your office neighbors
11. Ask clients/customers to tell a friend
12. Wear your company shirt proudly
13. Sponsor a youth sports team
14. Send out a press release
15. Send a thank you card—yes, in the mail
16. Support your clients/customers when they solicit donations for charities they support
17. Join your local Chamber of Commerce
18. Hand deliver a check to a vendor
19. Be a guest speaker at a/your child’s class
20. Write an editorial piece about a current topic and send it to the local paper
21. Call a call-in radio show
22. Call and thank a board member or regular client/customer for their commitment
23. Dress and act professionally
24. Check the signage for your building, is it sufficient?
25. Know our competition and know why you are better
26. Attend professional group meetings & network (Rotary, Toastmasters)
27. Smile, even when you’re on the phone… they’ll be able to tell
28. Always carry brochures with you—you can’t give them out if you don’t have them

Have other “vintage” ideas to share? Please leave them in the comment’s section!