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N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 63 Step 5: Automate Your Savings Money shouldn't be something you think about all the time. The more you automate, the more money you'll save and the less you'll stress. "Automating is key, because we tend to think of ourselves last," Manukyan says. "This way, you really are learning to pay yourself first." Consider how much you can reasonably contribute to your retirement or savings account monthly and set up your account to automatically withdraw that amount on a set date each month. NURTURING YOUR CAREER AND FINANCES As your career blossoms, evolves, and thrives, consider ways to scale your business. Maybe you hire employees or off load other tasks like cleaning the salon or social media marketing so you have more time to book services. These strategic moves ultimately increase your salary. Throughout your career, you'll also see that client retention and referrals are imperative to your success, so do whatever it takes to ensure both are great. This can look like referral programs that reward people who send you business, a slick website with all the SEO fixings that help people find you, a social media account that showcases your work, or media opportunities such as podcasts or website articles that build credibility. Finally, know that it's never too late to hunker down and get serious about your finances. This is true even if you're years into the profession. "The fundamental blocks of protection, emergency funds, debt management, and investments apply at all stages of your career and life," Manukyan says. Taking care of yourself financially provides stability over the course of a career path that can easily ebb and flow. "Don't let fear or shame manage your mindset around finance," Manukyan says. "Most of us didn't grow up knowing these things. Ask questions. You have to make empowered decisions and never stop learning." Notes 1. Qnity, "Phase 2 Report: A Career in Pro Beauty," accessed October 2023, qnityinc.com/product/phase-2-report-a-career-in-pro-beauty. 2. Tamara Jovanovic, Trafft, "Beauty & Hair Salon Industry Statistics in 2023," June 12, 2023, trafft.com/hair-salon-statistics.