Ken Rusk

What Does a Plumber Do and How Much Do They Make?

If you’re looking for a recession-proof career, consider becoming a plumber. After all, people will always need toilets that flush and pipes that don’t leak. And while plumbers need to go through training and apprenticeship to be licensed in most states, they don't need a college degree, making it an attractive career path for people already handy around the house.

But what does a plumber actually do, and how much money do they make? Here’s what you need to know: Read More »

Reduce Turnover, Keep Your Best Employees, and Build A Great Business

Think about your current job. Do you actually like being there? What perks or benefits are the biggest draw? Healthcare? Paid sick time and vacation?  Likely, the perks are important, but another huge factor can make or break work culture and affect turnover: employers' interest in their employees.

Employees respond when businesses make it a priority to respect them and show interest in their lives, and employers who go above and beyond to invest time and care into their employees very quickly discover that the extra effort is well worth it.  Read More »

Trade Jobs That Pay 6 Figures

14 Six Figure Jobs That Don't Require A Degree

Think you need a college degree to earn a decent wage? Think again. As I write about in Blue Collar Cash, there are plenty of six figure jobs in the blue-collar field that don’t require four-year degrees and tens of thousands of dollars of debt. 

Indeed, whether you want to work with your hands, in hospitality, or in the aviation industry, there are great jobs that pay 6 figures with just a high school diploma. Many of them are also recession-proof, meaning employees are protected from the macroeconomic environment. Read More »

The 7 Highest Paying Trade Jobs That Are in Demand Now

Are you thinking about your career and college, but you’re just not seeing how these two pieces fit together? You’re not alone! Deciding on a career path can be exciting, but society pressures you to go to college even if it’s not a fit. Fortunately, plenty of trade jobs are in demand right now just waiting for anyone willing to get in and get their hands dirty!

If you’re looking to forge your own path, trade jobs will always be in demand, pay well, and don't require a college degree. Indeed, the number of jobs that pay $80,000 or more going unfilled while kids accumulate debt for degrees is scary. It's also exactly why I wrote Blue Collar Cash. Read More »

Top 5 Blue Collar Jobs (by job opening) – October 2020

In August and September 2020, multiple reports came out indicating a deep need for blue-collar workers - even amid the pandemic. The need for hands-on workers is there, as many blue-collar jobs are recession-proof. Thus, these positions continue to provide excellent stability, compensation, and a life of happiness!

As of October 15th, bluecollarcrossing.com had 456,270 blue-collar jobs listed, with over 30,000 posted within the last week. The five jobs with the most openings available are:
Read More »

How To Spend Your Paycheck For The Ideal Budget

People hear the word "budget" and start to panic. Usually, this is because they're either stressed about their budget or, worse, don't have one. But I'm going to let you in on a little secret:

Budgeting doesn't have to be scary. In fact, it can open you up to a more beautiful life of sustainable financial health. Money and time are valuable resources and spending them wisely will make you happier. Budgeting is a great way to lay out your priorities and to help you determine how to spend your money AND time.  Read More »

Achieve Your Goals By Taking the Path to Freedom

Where do you envision yourself in five to ten years? In your mind’s eye, where does your path lead?

As I convey in my book Blue Collar Cash, there’s nothing I’m more obsessed with than paths. After all, in the literal sense, I’ve been digging them around foundations for the majority of my life while working in construction. I even spend my free time on all kinds of paths: trails, back roads, and golf courses. Nothing gives me more hope, more clarity, or more inspiration than continuing on a path that I’m certain will lead me to a wonderful destination. Read More »

How To Succeed As An Entrepreneur

When you hear the word “entrepreneurship,” you may think of white collar professions at large corporations or tech companies. If so, you’re missing more than half the equation. The boundaries of entrepreneurship do not exist, and blue collar entrepreneurship can be quite lucrative.

Blue collar entrepreneurship can certainly take the form of creating new machines that make industrial or home improvement processes easier. It frequently takes the form of a plumber or carpenter creating his own company. In fact, entrepreneurs can gain tremendous rewards by creating a self-owned business around their blue collar skills. The pathway is generally safer than in other types of entrepreneurship, too, because there is always demand for trade skills. For instance, finding business as a plumber is more realistic than finding buyers for a new app! Read More »