Business

AtHome America – House Party Consultant

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Is AtHome America Right For You As A House Party Consultant? AtHome America was founded by two sisters, Lisa Brandau and Becky Wright. The company began under the name ‘The Country Peddlers’. The company started in 1982 after searching all over the country for different stores in the country for various home decor accessories. Both sisters loved home décor products, which guided them on their journey to opening their first store.

The Country Peddlers store was filled with various home décor items such as candles, picture frames, tableware, storage products, vases, baskets, and cookware to name a few. They have items priced for everyone from $3.99 to $99.99. These are good quality and attractive home decor products.

AtHome America is a fast growing company which led to them opening a second and third store. With the growth and start of direct sales, which offered home-based business opportunities, the two sisters sold their stores and their new business venture began to expand in 1991. In 2002, Becky and Lisa decided to change the name of their company to ‘At Home America’. As their direct sales grew and their product line expanded, they had so much to offer everyone that they decided to change the name.

Joining this business is quite inexpensive as you can purchase their starter kit for $1 which contains $500 worth of product and $100 worth of supplies. You can purchase the Startup Kit for $1 plus shipping and handling and sales tax with three $300 home showings or $1,000 in sales in your first 35 days. If you do this, you’ll also receive a $100 gift certificate. You will also receive 25% in commissions from the beginning.

You can start building your downline by recruiting into their startup programs as a consultant. The company will offer free products and discounts depending on the sales you receive at house parties. Let people in your program know what they can earn by hosting an in-home program or as consultants. As your downline grows, you will be able to benefit from residual income.

AtHome America with a heavy heart worked with Extreme Home Makeover and donated thousands of dollars to help families in need. This is not only a good, fast-growing company with a lot to offer, it also has a big heart. This company offers a fundraising program for organizations such as religious groups, girl scouts, sports teams, schools, and many more. The fundraising group will be selling jar candles in 6 different scents. The group will receive 50% of the $10 sale price of each and every jar candle sold. AtHome America has online catalogs so people can shop from home. If you want to organize a book party instead of a house party or a show, it is also available for you.

AtHome America is a solid, good quality business to own as a home based business. Therefore, you may want to consider being a home party consultant for a continuously growing company like this. Consider working from home, whether it’s AtHome America or another online business that fits into your life.

Home Kitchen

Fireplace surrounds used as wall art

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Marble and granite are becoming clear choices for fireplace surrounds for many homeowners. There are many ways that natural stone can be used to make a fireplace a central feature of the room. Retrofitting a fireplace with brick veneer can add class and elegance to an otherwise dull setting.

As fireplaces have evolved throughout recent history, so have the ways homeowners choose to present them. A fireplace is no longer just for burning wood and providing warmth for the family. Modern homes often have gas logs or combustion chambers that burn other types of fuel. Much of the clutter that was once part of the fireplace is no longer relevant, and people want their fireplaces to be attractive focal points.

There are two basic options for installing a stone frame in the home. If the chimney already exists, the usual action is to use individual tiles to cover whatever material is on the face. If it is new construction, the builder may order a frame around the opening. Either installation will produce an excellent finish for any fireplace.

prefabricated envelope

One of the attractions of prefabricated units is how quickly they are installed. A special order can usually be shipped within a couple of weeks. These usually have a floor, the front and a shelf even so that the pieces are joined by sections and joined in a very short time.

These types of frames are good for fireplaces in framed walls where there is no brick or other siding sticking out from the front. Also, they work better for fireplaces that sit on the ground than those with raised hearths. Dimensions are given to the manufacturer when the order is placed so the frame will not need modification when it arrives. What makes this an attractive option is the wide variety of designs and colors available.

There’s almost no end to the different decor designs you can create with these frames, whether you want Oriental, Greek, French Provincial, Early American, or something else. Beauty comes at a price, and pre-built units can cost several thousand dollars depending on how ornate and complicated they are.

built on site

For those who have traditionally built fireplaces, the most logical solution is often to hire a tile company to renovate an existing fireplace. It is still possible to incorporate pilasters and carved designs into the hand-set stones, and somehow more options are available when creating an environment.

The stones can be placed in a very simple way where each one is the same size and the sides and corners line up with each other. In a more creative design, the stones can be of different sizes and the medallions can be placed in strategic areas. Stones can also be placed diagonally instead of horizontally.

For those who still like the traditional wooden shelf, it looks great with natural stone. Some homeowners choose to mix the type of stones that are used, preferring the harder granite in the home and marble in the vertical areas. Travertine and slate are other commonly selected options.

Smooth face stone is most often chosen in formal style settings. It looks neat and presents true wall art for the fireplace. Rough or rough stone is not used as much as it used to be, but it makes an excellent accompaniment to a lodge or cabin.

create your own

If you decide to transform your fireplace into a work of art, it is highly recommended that you have a complete plan in place before work begins. There are so many style and color variations, and decisions need to be made before ordering the material.

You can ask your friends for suggestions before you meet with your contractor, and it’s always good to hear the contractor’s thoughts on the possibilities. Look at all the options, including the width of the frame. You may just want to highlight one area or opt for an entire wall of natural stone.

It’s always a good idea to look at other fireplaces that have been made similar to how you want yours to finish. Many contractors have a portfolio of other work so you can make decisions based on the work done.

Auto

Why You Should Consider Following The Focus Puller

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If you are a professional videographer or filmmaker then it is important that you consider purchasing a ‘follow focus system’ for your DSLR. It goes without saying that this system is important and the reason behind it is that DSLR cameras are not capable enough. And this is where the question arises… Why do you need a follow focus system?

The need for this system

There is no denying the fact that the math of the approach is quite complex. Using your hands to make adjustments will definitely degrade the quality value of your video. These things are fine if you are shooting a documentary film because there are limited people and they can forgive such minor technical errors.

Speaking of feature films, you need to measure every scene and a good quality follow focus helps ensure every shot is of the highest quality.

Nothing ruins a video more than soft focus and that’s why the follow focus system is there to help you achieve the best results.

What is the role of a follow-up approach?

With regards to the exceptions, almost every follow-up focuses on a large number of gears, which are manipulated by a circular knob.

All professional camera lenses are equipped with a gear on the focus barrel that helps to match the pitch size of the gear. If you’re working with stationary lenses then you need to use gears that can attach to your lenses and guess what, they can do the same thing.

When you line up the gears on follow focus, you just turn the knob on follow focus. The main advantage of using a follow focus has to do with precision and that is what we all want. The series of gears help give you finer control over focus, which would ultimately help decrease the likelihood of losing your focus pulls entirely.

Tips for staying focused

Once you’ve set up a follow focus, now all you need to do is start following focus. And at the same time, you should also follow the advice.

At the same time, you should also follow the advice.

1. Create Brands:

If you see clearly, there is an outer white plastic circle around the knob that is usually used to set focus marks, which is general practice in narrative settings. Make sure you get your hands on some dry erase markers because now you have to make marks. If you’re working on a rehearsal project, you can even clear markers to set focus marks for a given shot.

2. Practice:

No matter how you are interacting with your system, always keep in mind that you should try to practice your extraction several times. Also, get your hand and wrist used to where the near focus and infinity are. Attracting focus is a skill and the more you practice, the more successful you will be.

3. Don’t fret:

If you look at movies closely, you’ll be surprised how many times you see a shot slightly out of focus, or sometimes out of focus. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t follow the action though, but if you’re constantly restless about the action, you’ll end up looking like an amateur.

Digital Marketing

Typography and the use of stylized fonts

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“[Typography is] the art of printing from movable type, including expert planning of typeface and size, composition, and layout, to create a balanced and attractive whole” (Google Online Dictionary).

Movable type had to be set by hand for more than 400 years before typewriters and computers. It wasn’t until the late 1800s that automated typesetting became available. It is clear that Gutenberg’s mobile typesetting had a huge impact on communication around the world.

Typography has advanced to the point where an artist can choose from a wide variety of fonts for written communication or design elements. Typography is everywhere; it is seen in artistic designs used for publications and is found in functional computer products such as telephones, remote controls, and microwaves.

Since current software can convert typography to “outlines” like in Illustrator; o In Flash, fonts can be “separated”; this was also a breakthrough for typography, because the internet recognizes *digitally converted fonts* as illustrations and not typography. The digital conversion of typography into illustrations is important for today’s technology, because artistic or unknown fonts (not digitally transformed into illustrations) do not have to be converted to default fonts on end users’ computers.

Since decorative typography creates shapes in designs, it can be arranged to be a focal point or used to create texture. When decorative typography becomes the focal point, it goes far beyond what graphics can do in visual communication. In most circumstances, graphic designs play second to decorative typography, especially in layouts, because decorative typography becomes part of the written communication. Generally speaking, the written word is easier to understand when compared to graphic elements and editorial illustrations; and most of the time, the graphs are usually not as accurate as we want them to be. Although a picture is worth a thousand words, there are bound to be misinterpretations of graphics compared to direct written communication.

When stylized fonts harmonize with the intended meaning behind them, they can deliver a stronger punch to what is being communicated. Stylized fonts can clarify or confuse the meaning of the written word, so be careful with the choice of fonts in your designs. Without a doubt, the art of typography is an art in itself! (revised 02/13/2006)

Relationship

Six things you can do to help your child learn to read

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As a parent trying to raise a child in this digital age, you are anxious to find out if your child will acquire the ability to read and become hooked on books, just as they did in their childhood. If he is losing sleep over his son’s reading habit and wants to help him improve his literacy skills, then he has come to the right place. Here are six things he can do to help your child learn to read.

Lead by example

As tempting as it may be to glance at your own devices and check your social media accounts for the latest news, the first thing you should do to help your child learn to read is to stay as far away from your smartphone or tablet as you are. . You can walk around your child and pick up a book instead. It is imperative that parents lead by example when they want their child to acquire the habit of reading.

Help a child choose their own books

When you have a preschooler on hand, be sure to visit your local library or bookstore and help them choose their own books. A young child is likely to be attracted to books with bright colors. The great thing about children’s books these days is that they come in the form of board books with tactile and textural tools, making them especially appealing to a young child.

Set aside some reading time

Ideally, story time is right before bed. But if you can’t tuck her into bed every night, don’t worry about the ritual aspect of it all! Just set aside 10-15 minutes in a day when you spend your time reading or reading with your child. A young child is more likely to become distracted after a 10-15 minute period, so don’t force anything beyond this time period.

Encourage your child to choose a favorite

Of all the books you read to a child, chances are they have a favorite that they keep coming back to. It can be frustrating for you as a parent to read the same book over and over again, but by looking at the words and pictures over and over, your child is forming an association. After a point, you may even know the words that follow. Keep it up with her.

using phonetics

Kindergarten teachers around the world believe that learning phonics is the best way to start reading. To help your child successfully, learn how to teach phonics. Once a child learns phonics, scanning words becomes easier. It is only a matter of time until he begins to read intuitively.

Create sight words

While phonics is great for helping your child, not all words can be broken down phonetically. For a child who has just started school, it might be a good idea to make a “high-frequency words” chart and place it in a space that is frequently accessed. Review these words with her whenever you can find time.

Health Fitness

The Essential PCOS Cleanse for Weight Loss

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Start the New Year off with a cleanse! As a woman with PCOS, a PCOS cleanse can be very beneficial. By cleansing, you are detoxifying your body, which can help promote and enhance weight loss along with decreasing PCOS symptoms.

A PCOS cleanup has many advantages:

  • Eliminates toxins and chemicals from your body
  • Improve and increase your energy
  • Reduces cravings for sugar and salt
  • Promotes balance in your body.
  • Weight loss begins!

Devote the first two to three weeks of the new year to the PCOS cleanse, which consists of lots of fruits and vegetables. An effective cleanse will not include alcohol, caffeine, meat, or dairy products. Three times a day, before each meal, you will mix one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a quarter cup of drinking water. Apple cider vinegar has countless health and wellness benefits; It is especially effective in aiding in proper digestion, weight loss, and promoting clear, healthy-looking skin.

A PCOS cleanse should consist of foods that are natural, with no added sugar, no preservatives, and no additives. If you are going to eat peanut butter, it should be organic, as it has less sugar and does not contain hydrogenated oil or high fructose corn syrup. Keep your meals small and simple so your body can digest them easily. During the cleanse, your protein shouldn’t come from meat, but from nuts, beans, or occasionally eggs.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Cleanse Sample Day:

Breakfast: peanut butter apple with apple cider vinegar drink

Snack: ½ avocado

Lunch: Mixed Green Salad with lemon juice (no creamy dressings) with apple cider vinegar drink

Snack: Small handful of raw walnuts

Dinner: Asian Stir Fry Vegetables (bok choy, Swiss chard, sprouts) with apple cider vinegar drink

Being overweight with PCOS can increase the severity of your symptoms. If you are trying to conceive, it can also make it more difficult. By losing just 5% of your body weight, you are dramatically increasing the chance of being able to conceive naturally. A PCOS cleanse can help you achieve that goal along with boosting your weight loss, if you need to lose more weight to get into a healthy range, a cleanse is a great foundation.

The first two to four days of this PCOS cleanse can be the most difficult, as your body may be experiencing caffeine or sugar withdrawal, which could lead to a headache. After the first few days, you’ll start to have more energy, sleep better, and start losing weight! Commit to sticking with the PCOS cleanse for at least fourteen days, preferably twenty-one to see optimal results before moving on to a healthy PCOS diet.

Legal Law

Leadership for Lawyers, Second Edition

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This book answers the important question posed by US Judge James Barr. The question is:

I am delving into whether there is support for the hypothesis that leadership skills developed and implemented by individual lawyers (even when not serving in lawyer organizations) can significantly impact and influence an entire legal community in areas such as (1) standards improved ethical and civility standards and performance, (2) more effective assimilation of new lawyers into the legal community, and (3) better relations between the court and the bar. In other words, I am at least curious as to whether the development of leadership skills by individual lawyers can have a positive impact on the quality of advocacy in a legal community, even when working outside the institutional context (i.e., the organization of lawyers).

This book answers Judge Barr’s question in the affirmative.

The second edition of Leadership for Lawyers was published in December 2007. It convincingly demonstrates that leadership (and therefore leadership development training and coaching) offers solutions to many of the problems and challenges you face. the profession, including high levels of lawyer and client dissatisfaction. , increasing economic pressures on law firms, growing incivility, and outdated law firm governance practices. Rubenstein, who has been a trial lawyer for more than twenty-five years, understands the challenges well and clearly explains how the profession will benefit from widespread leadership development.

The basic premise of Leadership for Lawyers is that “when lawyers and all those who work in the legal profession begin to understand the basic theories of leadership and are better trained in the field of leadership development, they will become better leaders, provide better and it will create better law firms and legal organizations. As a consequence, it will improve the reputation of lawyers and the legal profession as a whole.” The thesis is exhaustively examined and demonstrated throughout the book.

Rubenstein devotes some space to leadership theory and the relationship between ethics, natural law, and leadership, as well as how leadership development for lawyers might be structured. Recognizing that leadership theory is such a vast subject that it would be impossible to cover the field in a single book, attorneys who read the sections on “Behavioral Styles of Leadership” and “Ninety Brand of Leadership” will gain insight into leadership theory. , but it is not a firm base. The bibliography, however, includes a number of classic leadership books that will provide a deeper understanding of how leaders can be developed.

In particular, Rubenstein makes a significant contribution to the theory by proposing the “leader’s leader” theory of leadership: “Follower leaders are primarily problem solvers. Leaders’ leaders establish platforms and seek to create an environment for that followers can act as leaders themselves, solve their own problems, and make excellent decisions consistent with the platform that the leader of leaders establishes.” This theory, which Rubenstein traces back to the Bok from exodus, you should especially talk to lawyers. It also illustrates the multiple levels of leadership that are present in the profession and that leadership depends on action and attitude, not simply on a title.

I don’t agree with everything the book says, of course. The chapter titled Women, Leadership and the Legal Profession, written by Laura Rothacker, is a nice addition to the discussion of women in law in general, but one sentence in it literally (embarrassed to admit it) had me screaming out loud in frustration and anger. That sentence is: “Women should be aware that the focus on billable hours represents an institutional form of discrimination against their achievement of success and leadership roles.” I’ll talk about this somewhere else one of these days. Even that statement, however, does not dampen my enthusiasm for Leadership for Lawyers, though it did prompt me to read more critically than I otherwise might have.

Leadership for Lawyers is an important book for lawyers looking for ways to grow themselves and other lawyers because it conclusively establishes why leadership matters to lawyers. It should be required reading for law firm managing partners and professional development partners and highly recommended reading for other lawyers and law students who aspire to succeed in and for the profession and their clients. I highly recommend it.

Pets

How to start a pet transport business

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Pet transportation services are necessary as the number of pets in the US has grown tremendously in recent decades. According to the US Demographics and Pet Ownership Reference Book, there are an estimated 60 million dogs and 70 million cats in American households today. Apart from that, it has been recorded that households that have pets spent 36% more in 2001 compared to 1996. With this, having a business that caters to the pet market, including a pet transport service, has a lot of potential for healthy growth.

This is due to the fact that many Americans move across the country annually and therefore would also require pet transportation services to move their pets. On a smaller scale, pet transportation services can also serve local residents who require these services to transport their pets to and from the vet, within a local area, or even to the crematorium for pets that have died.

Startup Costs and Funding Sources:

Starting a pet transportation business really depends on the scale you want your business to be. If you want to start on a smaller scale, all you really need is probably a van that has been modified to be safe and suitable for transporting animals. Of course, you’ll need to set up an office or operate from home with just a phone, email and a fax machine. All of this will set you back less than $20,000.

On a larger scale, especially when you’re considering cross-border transportation, you’ll probably need to invest in a larger truck that can accommodate a few pets at the same time. Apart from that, the interior of the truck must be suitable, safe and clean for pets, with adequate ventilation and cleaning facilities. For this business to be viable, you may need to quickly expand it to include sales agent offices in various locations. In this way, you can increase turnover to increase profitability. All of these can cost you between $200,000 and $500,000 in initial start-up costs.

Financing can be obtained from investors who may be interested in the potential of such a business. Other than that, lending institutions like banks can be contacted to get a loan for the business. As with any business start-up, an impressive business plan should be developed for potential investors and financiers, outlining the potential growth as well as estimated annual costs and revenues of the business.

Pricing guidelines for the service:

The pricing strategy for a pet transportation service business fluctuates based on the fixed and variable cost of the business, as well as the nature of the service provided. Local transportation services can start with a minimum charge of $20 to $40 for the first 20 miles and an additional $10 for every 10 miles after that.

For interstate or intercity transportation, the distance between origin and destination will be the main determinant of price. With this, prices can range from $100 and up, also depending on the size of the animal and the carrier.

Advertising and marketing:

Since you are targeting pet owners, the best marketing approach would be to advertise in places where pet owners would go. Reading material for pet owners, as well as events attended by the same target group. It would be a good idea to place flyers in pet stores and probably reward pet stores with commissions for every customer they refer to you. It would be helpful to advertise in pet magazines or get an article about your services. Of course, classified ads in the yellow pages are a must for customers to easily locate you.

Other channels of promotion would be participation as a vendor in shows or dog shows. Doing this will help increase awareness of the existence of the business. Also, working with associations like the American Kennel Association would create and improve visibility for pet breeders and pet store owners. Especially when you participate in events organized by these associations.

Launching a website and allowing potential customers to get instant price estimates from your website would also be a great idea.

Essential Equipment

This business requires a fair amount of equipment, the most important of which would be the vehicle used to transport the animals. Aside from that, other equipment such as crates, kennels, and carriers may be required as some customers do not have these items with them. The size and use of these cages must be in accordance with the guidelines established by the Independent Pet and Animal Transport Association (IPATA).

It will be necessary to employ handlers and drivers to care for the animals while they are in transit. Other required equipment would be built-in sinks inside the vehicle to facilitate cleaning and water refills.

Recommended Training, Experience, or Skills Required:

Extensive training is not required for a pet transportation service business. However, it is necessary to involve good and responsible drivers and animal handlers. It would be best if you have a background and experience in handling animals during the trip so that you can train your staff and ensure that they are handling the animals in the right way. Aside from that, your staff should also know what to do if they run into problems while traveling, and should also be equipped with the latest information on the location of the kennel and the vet in case of emergencies.

Aside from that, the business owner must be knowledgeable about all the legal requirements related to pet transportation. For example, there are IPATA guidelines on the size of boxes and wire boxes that are required by law. In addition, all pets must be accompanied by an interstate travel certificate certified by a veterinarian.

Income Potential:

The earning potential of this business depends on how big the business grows. A larger company with multiple offices and destinations will be able to maintain a higher volume of sales. With this, the pet transport business will be able to generate at least a six-figure income every year.

Target market:

Pet owners, pet stores and animal breeders.

Success Tips:

A pet transportation business requires investment and a passion for animal welfare for it to be successful. Since it is also a niche market, a lot of marketing and advertising needs to be invested in the business to create awareness of the services.

Real Estate

3 Secrets to Profiting from Foreclosures

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Property foreclosure is a legal process carried out by the lender when the borrower defaults on the loan. The law allows lenders to get their money back by giving them the right to sell assets, which borrowers use as collateral. Instead of wallowing in the loss of your assets, you should look for ways to profit from foreclosures. Here are some tricks to help you with this:

1. Bid at a foreclosure auction

One way to make sure you’re not broke after losing your property to foreclosure is by participating in the auction. While you will still have to shell out money to reclaim the property you originally owned, you won’t have to pay as much as you did initially. But remember, no information about the property is given apart from its legal description. In addition, you must pay in cash, and there is no contingency provision for financing.

2. Buy directly an REO

REO or Real Estate Owned properties may be targeted for profit from foreclosed properties. Since lenders often want to get REOs off their books as quickly as possible, they may give buyers favorable terms of sale, such as low or no closing costs, below-market interest rates, and low down payments. Also, when the property needs repairs, lenders are willing to accept offers at a discount price. To find the perfect REO for you, you can follow up after foreclosure sales or contact a real estate agent.

3. Target struggling homeowners

Another easy way to profit from property foreclosures is to actively seek out a borrower whose property is being foreclosed on. There are many reasons borrowers may miss loan payments, including personal crisis, business losses, and job loss. You can help them save their credit history and some equity, while also securing a bargain for yourself and making a profit. But keep in mind that people facing foreclosure will not be in the best of moods, so you’ll need to treat them patiently.

In today’s turbulent real estate market, foreclosures are becoming quite common. But don’t worry and remember, buying from a motivated seller in foreclosure, an auction or a lender is sure to get you great results. Some smart strategies and a detailed understanding of the loan market will help you make a profit in this industry.

Shopping Product Reviews

Tips to save money while self-employed

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• If you are leaving a regular salary or wage job, make sure you have 6 months to a year of living expenses, including at least $1,000 for an emergency fund.

• Modify your monthly and annual budgets. If you currently don’t have any income from your freelance or business jobs, you absolutely have to cut costs somewhere. If you have a partner or spouse, review your budget together and develop personal and combined financial plans. If you live alone and can’t afford to live alone in your current residence, find a roommate or find a cheaper place to live, and then create a new financial plan.

• If you are receiving any type of income during self-employment (inheritance, retirement pensions, disability payments, part-time work, etc.), prioritize mortgage/rent payments, utility bills, insurance, and utility bills. food. Any leftover should be put into your savings account so you don’t spend the rest.

• If possible, pay a year (or two) of rent or mortgage in advance. If finances become tight, at least you’ll have a roof over your head. Also, look for cheaper and smaller houses, townhouses or apartments, if necessary.

• If you are a renter, look for rental insurance. If you lose something due to fire, theft, or flood, your items can be replaced.

• If you haven’t already done so, cut out unnecessary expenses such as cable/satellite television, landline service, extra cell phones of any kind, and magazine subscriptions. However, if you need any of these services, weigh what you need versus what you want and shop for cheaper brands or cheaper packages.

• Do not unnecessarily increase electricity/gas/oil and water/sewer costs. You want to show due diligence in how you use your home utilities.

• Sell your vehicle(s) if you can. Use public transportation, walk or bike to your destinations.

• If you must have a credit card, have one and only one with a low credit limit (less than $2,000, preferably less than $1,000). Use the credit card only for large expenses, such as reserving hotel/motel rooms. Always pay your balances in full and on time every month.

• Use cash (preferred) or debit cards for your grocery, entertainment, and clothing purchases. You’ll know your items will be paid for in full with no interest (or other bills) accruing. Plus, buying items in bulk like toilet paper, paper towels, and non-perishable food will save you money and travel time. When shopping for perishable foods, buy only what you need right now or freeze for future use.

• Don’t make impulsive purchases. Shop with a list and budget for that day’s shopping trip. Avoid buying items like lottery and raffle tickets, vending machine items, fundraising group items, and fast food at gas stations or convenience stores (All of these items cost much more than you can make at home or at normal grocery stores. Also, gambling is just gambling and since you usually have limited funds to start your self-employment, you don’t want to waste your money anyway).

• If you’re married or living with a domestic partner, use a joint checking account to pay your utility bills and other household expenses. If you’re single and living alone, use a separate checking account to pay your bills and household expenses. Ideally, you want to keep these transactions separate so you know your bills will be paid in full and on time.

• If you’re married or living with a domestic partner, use separate personal checking and savings accounts for purchases. If you wish to pool funds, in any way, either for business expenses or to bequeath funds upon the death of a partner/spouse, obtain all relevant information with exact details in writing and have a lawyer notarize. You want to make sure that in the event of a divorce/separation you receive what is yours.

• Avoid lending money to anyone unless you absolutely and positively know that the person(s) you are lending money to will pay you back. You need to be clear with people when you lend them money that a loan is not a gift.

• Collect the change you receive from purchases or find it lost on the street, at bus stops, under your sofa, etc… Put the coins in rolls and then cash them or deposit them in your savings account.

• Collect small denomination bills like $1.00 or $5.00 and accumulate until you really need them or deposit them in your savings.

• If you have a substantial amount of savings (>$10,000) and are especially between the ages of 20 and 55, you may want to invest that money in mutual funds to develop a form of passive income to build your own Retirement.

• Hold a yard or garage sale to get people to buy items from you that they no longer need. You will give people things they may need/want and you will earn extra money.

• Sell any souvenirs or collectibles in person or online.

• Borrow material from the library instead of buying new material from bookstores. Also, search online blogs to get the information you need.

• Be sure to maintain your health and attend annual physicals as much as possible. Self-employed health insurance options are available at reasonable prices.

• Limit eating and/or drinking outings to only 1 or 2 times a week or every other week. Preparing, cooking and baking your own meals and snacks costs a mere fraction of the services you pay people to provide meals for you.

• Challenge yourself. See how many days or weeks you can go without spending money on anything except the absolute essentials. Better yet, see if you can eliminate shopping at the malls or online.