For many who want to expand their business, learn new ways to improve, or network, you'll need to travel. With expenses rising, you'll want to save as much as possible. Here are a few tips:
1. If you are traveling close to a friend, ask if you can bunk on their couch. Make sure to compensate them for the extra utilities they will use while hosting. If they won't accept money, try taking them out to dinner or mailing a care package after you return home.
2. Check websites for hotel deals. Priceline, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, and Hotwire are just a few of the many sites you can book a hotel for less with. Groupon and LivingSocial also have some great deals on hotels, dining, and other traveling goodies. Do your homework and find the best deal.
3. To fly or to drive, that is the question. With gas prices rising, it might be cheaper to fly. www.drivingrouteplanner.com will help you pick out the route and give you the mileage to calculate how much it'll cost.
4. Keep track of all receipts so you can inform your accountant of travel expenses. The more you save, the better your net profit will be. Meals and entertainment only use 50% of what spent so keep that in mind.
5. Try to avoid busy traveling times such as holidays and spring break. All expenses will be higher. By using the slower traveling times, you'll save money and not have to deal with congestion in the hotels and airports.
I could go on and on about traveling but these are my top five tips. Happy travels!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Selling My First Home...and Hoping to Come Out on Top!
Many people tell you in life to try out new things and learn from them. Since I moved to Kansas City this summer, I tried the landlord business and rented out my first home. I did everything you're supposed to do: background check, previous landlord reference, made sure the home was clean and prepared for new tenants, and asked friends/family to keep an eye on the property in case of damage or trash. I rented to a young family with two children and all seemed well at the lease signing. Yes, I did create a legally binding lease to help ensure a constant twelve month income to supplement my mortgage. I spelled out all the terms and penalties for breaking a part of the lease and they understood. I got a call in November from the tenants saying they needed to move out immediately due to family problems. Since they signed a twelve month lease, I told them this was not going to happen without an approved subleaser. They vocalized that they understood but at the end of 2012, they were gone.
Despite my disappointment in the conversations with the tenants, I was glad to have that headache overwith and was ready to find a new tenant. When I checked out my home a couple weeks after they moved, it was heartbreaking. There was trash and disgusting furniture left in the home as well as some damage that I wasn't expecting. I had to purchase three doors, hard cleaning products, and some plumbing equipment. I had planned on remodeling the smaller bathroom anyway so this seemed like a great opportunity to get it done.
After assessing all the work that needed done before another tenant could move in, I had decided to put my home on the market and release the tie to my small town. In order to sell it, however, there would need to be some sweat and money. After purchasing the doors, my father and I went to see how we can get the bathroom updated. He seems optimistic and he knows his stuff after repairing older homes my whole life so I know I'm in good hands. I had originally wanted to expose all the hardwood in the home, but the condition is uncertain so we're going to keep the hardwood exposed in the bedrooms, and clean the carpets with a freshening aspect to keep it warm and inviting. Since the carpet is in great condition, there's no need to add more dollars with resurfacing hardwood.
Once all the minor upgrades are complete, then I can contact my real estate agent (who sold this home to me almost three years ago) and hope for a quick sell. I'm definitely going to research ways to keep my value of the home up with the least amount of cost. As long as I break even and get my money back from what I put into it, I'll be one happy camper. Here's hoping!
Despite my disappointment in the conversations with the tenants, I was glad to have that headache overwith and was ready to find a new tenant. When I checked out my home a couple weeks after they moved, it was heartbreaking. There was trash and disgusting furniture left in the home as well as some damage that I wasn't expecting. I had to purchase three doors, hard cleaning products, and some plumbing equipment. I had planned on remodeling the smaller bathroom anyway so this seemed like a great opportunity to get it done.
After assessing all the work that needed done before another tenant could move in, I had decided to put my home on the market and release the tie to my small town. In order to sell it, however, there would need to be some sweat and money. After purchasing the doors, my father and I went to see how we can get the bathroom updated. He seems optimistic and he knows his stuff after repairing older homes my whole life so I know I'm in good hands. I had originally wanted to expose all the hardwood in the home, but the condition is uncertain so we're going to keep the hardwood exposed in the bedrooms, and clean the carpets with a freshening aspect to keep it warm and inviting. Since the carpet is in great condition, there's no need to add more dollars with resurfacing hardwood.
Once all the minor upgrades are complete, then I can contact my real estate agent (who sold this home to me almost three years ago) and hope for a quick sell. I'm definitely going to research ways to keep my value of the home up with the least amount of cost. As long as I break even and get my money back from what I put into it, I'll be one happy camper. Here's hoping!
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Welcome 2013! The year of decisions
Even though I didn't make it to midnight, 2013 was heard all around the world. 2012 brought lots of change in my life so 2013 is going to mean decisions. Instead of resolutions, I make goals. First one is to reduce debt, especially revolving debt with high interest rates. Second one is to build equity. My current rental home is in need of updating and I'll be making extra payments to reduce the loan amount. Third one is to build savings. Emergency savings is the first goal followed by a fun savings for vacations and personal luxuries. Last one is travel. Since I'll be focusing a lot on reducing debt, I want to get my passport and make a couple small trips to enjoy 2013. One of which is a trip to El Paso to see a friend. Since I couldn't go to North Carolina in December (due to medical debt), I'm going to make that happen in 2013 for sure.
Bring it on!
Bring it on!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Re-Introducing a Previous Business Venture
My first business adventure only lasted 9 months due to health obstacles, but now I'm preparing to bring it back! That's right! I'm prepping for a comeback! I learned a lot about running a business the first time so I feel like I'm more prepared. Here are some tips for re-introducing an old idea:
1. Do your homework...better. - The first time I was pinching pennies to get up and running and I got way too caught up too fast. This time, I'm taking a couple YEARS to gain the promotional products I'll need, legal paperwork, permissions, advertising, and basic office necessities. By slowly purchasing these products out of pocket, I eliminate so much need for financing and become more prepared. It's tough for a start-up to get financing these days so by gaining more assets out of pocket, developing a GREAT business plan, and spending more time to gain investors, I can become more successful.
2. Use past social media to gain attention - I had a Twitter account devoted to my previous endeavor so I reconnected with it by announcing that I'm working on a comeback. This will tell your loyal followers that the service/product they loved so much will be coming back better than ever. What better way to start word of mouth advertising??
3. Be prepared for failure...again. - Since I didn't have luck the first time, there's a good chance that something will happen to lower my luck this time. So the smart thing to do for any entrepreneur is to have a back-up plan in case the business isn't as successful as you plan. For my situation, I have been maintaining a home-based consulting business that enhances my income. By using that income to build an emergency savings account equivalent of six months home operating expenses, I can be prepared for job hunting if my business goes belly-up. Always have a back-up plan or you'll just give yourself unnecessary stress.
4. Shop around - Just because one company has some great deals, doesn't mean another won't have a better one. Shop around for the best deals you can find to keep your comeback cost-effective and with great quality. If you have to pay more for a service, then make sure it'll give you a better quality to increase sales. Sometimes we have to pay more in order to gain more. If you find a great deal on Craigslist, BEWARE! I know it sounds crazy, but not everyone is out to give you a great deal. Use extreme caution when buying from an individual. Some businesses sell various items you'll need when they go out of business. This can be a great opportunity but make sure the quality will last. No sense in buying cheap if you'll have to purchase it again in a year.
5. Advertise, advertise, advertise!!! - What's the key to having people know you're back? Marketing! Talk to local businesses that'll be affected by your return and look for support. In my instance, I have a sober driving business that'll need support from all the drinking establishments. So before I start, I'll need to visit with the bar/restaurant/hotel owners to gain support and maybe even investors. Use specific promotional items to get your business out there. In my case, key chains with the sober driving phone number will be the most effective form of marketing. Make sure you know how to get your word out in the most effective way. A small radio ad would be effective as well. Radio gets your business out there for a reasonable price.
6. Be enthusiastic - Who's going to buy your service/product if you don't appear to be 150% behind it?? Make sure when you talk about your comeback to investors/consumers, that you're so excited you could explode.
I hope your comeback is successful and your business thrives in enhancing our economy. New business means new jobs! Keep up the good work!
1. Do your homework...better. - The first time I was pinching pennies to get up and running and I got way too caught up too fast. This time, I'm taking a couple YEARS to gain the promotional products I'll need, legal paperwork, permissions, advertising, and basic office necessities. By slowly purchasing these products out of pocket, I eliminate so much need for financing and become more prepared. It's tough for a start-up to get financing these days so by gaining more assets out of pocket, developing a GREAT business plan, and spending more time to gain investors, I can become more successful.
2. Use past social media to gain attention - I had a Twitter account devoted to my previous endeavor so I reconnected with it by announcing that I'm working on a comeback. This will tell your loyal followers that the service/product they loved so much will be coming back better than ever. What better way to start word of mouth advertising??
3. Be prepared for failure...again. - Since I didn't have luck the first time, there's a good chance that something will happen to lower my luck this time. So the smart thing to do for any entrepreneur is to have a back-up plan in case the business isn't as successful as you plan. For my situation, I have been maintaining a home-based consulting business that enhances my income. By using that income to build an emergency savings account equivalent of six months home operating expenses, I can be prepared for job hunting if my business goes belly-up. Always have a back-up plan or you'll just give yourself unnecessary stress.
4. Shop around - Just because one company has some great deals, doesn't mean another won't have a better one. Shop around for the best deals you can find to keep your comeback cost-effective and with great quality. If you have to pay more for a service, then make sure it'll give you a better quality to increase sales. Sometimes we have to pay more in order to gain more. If you find a great deal on Craigslist, BEWARE! I know it sounds crazy, but not everyone is out to give you a great deal. Use extreme caution when buying from an individual. Some businesses sell various items you'll need when they go out of business. This can be a great opportunity but make sure the quality will last. No sense in buying cheap if you'll have to purchase it again in a year.
5. Advertise, advertise, advertise!!! - What's the key to having people know you're back? Marketing! Talk to local businesses that'll be affected by your return and look for support. In my instance, I have a sober driving business that'll need support from all the drinking establishments. So before I start, I'll need to visit with the bar/restaurant/hotel owners to gain support and maybe even investors. Use specific promotional items to get your business out there. In my case, key chains with the sober driving phone number will be the most effective form of marketing. Make sure you know how to get your word out in the most effective way. A small radio ad would be effective as well. Radio gets your business out there for a reasonable price.
6. Be enthusiastic - Who's going to buy your service/product if you don't appear to be 150% behind it?? Make sure when you talk about your comeback to investors/consumers, that you're so excited you could explode.
I hope your comeback is successful and your business thrives in enhancing our economy. New business means new jobs! Keep up the good work!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Christmas on a limited budget
If you're like me, bills keep piling up and you haven't gotten any extra for Christmas. My medical bills are the problem. Luckily, I have a very understanding family. If you're like me and need some low cost or no cost Christmas ideas, here you go!
1. Create a coupon for a service or future event for your someone special. It could be a dinner on you in February or taking down all the Christmas decor plus cleaning. Any little help is appreciated from those who matter.
2. Check out creative sites like Pinterest for some craft ideas you can get at all dollar store. Maybe even a good food dish to bring unexpectedly.
3. If you have a long distance relative like I do, plan to visit before Christmas or at a close later date and take them out to dinner. Just being there is a great gift. If you arrive before Christmas, you can serve as a cheap delivery service back to the family. It'll save both parties a lot of money in shipping.
4. Sometimes you just have to say, "I cannot afford gifts at this time, but I can give you what I planned next month." There's no shame in admitting you are having troubles. It might even inspire your friends and family to help you out instead of giving a gift.
5. White Elephant gifts are good ideas among friends. Instead of spending a ton on each other, gift wrap a movie or decor item you have in your home that you'd want them to have. Sometimes it's gag gifts that make memories or sentimental gifts that mean so much.
Whatever you do this holiday season, don't stress. It's not about the gifts, it's about the coming together and being there for each other. Good luck!
1. Create a coupon for a service or future event for your someone special. It could be a dinner on you in February or taking down all the Christmas decor plus cleaning. Any little help is appreciated from those who matter.
2. Check out creative sites like Pinterest for some craft ideas you can get at all dollar store. Maybe even a good food dish to bring unexpectedly.
3. If you have a long distance relative like I do, plan to visit before Christmas or at a close later date and take them out to dinner. Just being there is a great gift. If you arrive before Christmas, you can serve as a cheap delivery service back to the family. It'll save both parties a lot of money in shipping.
4. Sometimes you just have to say, "I cannot afford gifts at this time, but I can give you what I planned next month." There's no shame in admitting you are having troubles. It might even inspire your friends and family to help you out instead of giving a gift.
5. White Elephant gifts are good ideas among friends. Instead of spending a ton on each other, gift wrap a movie or decor item you have in your home that you'd want them to have. Sometimes it's gag gifts that make memories or sentimental gifts that mean so much.
Whatever you do this holiday season, don't stress. It's not about the gifts, it's about the coming together and being there for each other. Good luck!
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Halfway across the country in $300
In about four weeks, I'm headed out of the Midwest and out to the East coast in North Carolina. My sister lives out there and I figured an early Christmas visit would be great! Here's the catch: I can only afford $300 to spend on the trip. Since a friend of mine lives in Nashville, and it happens to be on the way back, I'm making it a very worthwhile vacation. So here's how it's going to work.
I calculated how many miles (and I'm over estimating to make sure I don't bust the budget), which comes to about 1900 roundtrip. My car gets an average of 30 miles to the gallon for all-highway travel. This gives me 63 1/3 gallons to fill up on. If I calculate $4 per gallon (like I said I'm over estimating to make sure the budget stays on track), then my fuel budget comes to $253.33. As far as food goes, I'm bringing some non-perishable snacks and things to make sandwiches. When I see my sister, we plan on going to our favorite (and expensive) restaurant so I'm putting a strict cash budget of $30 that night. So besides the fuel and expensive restaurant, that leaves $16.67 for snacks and food on the road.
Can I do it? I think so! My tasks until it's time to go is to go ahead and stock up on snacks and sandwich materials so I don't have to dig into the vacation budget. I always have a separate food budget each month. Remember to use cash instead of plastic to stay on track. Plastic gets you into trouble!
Stay tuned to see if this mission goes accomplished!
I calculated how many miles (and I'm over estimating to make sure I don't bust the budget), which comes to about 1900 roundtrip. My car gets an average of 30 miles to the gallon for all-highway travel. This gives me 63 1/3 gallons to fill up on. If I calculate $4 per gallon (like I said I'm over estimating to make sure the budget stays on track), then my fuel budget comes to $253.33. As far as food goes, I'm bringing some non-perishable snacks and things to make sandwiches. When I see my sister, we plan on going to our favorite (and expensive) restaurant so I'm putting a strict cash budget of $30 that night. So besides the fuel and expensive restaurant, that leaves $16.67 for snacks and food on the road.
Can I do it? I think so! My tasks until it's time to go is to go ahead and stock up on snacks and sandwich materials so I don't have to dig into the vacation budget. I always have a separate food budget each month. Remember to use cash instead of plastic to stay on track. Plastic gets you into trouble!
Stay tuned to see if this mission goes accomplished!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Journey to Self-Publishing
We all have dreams of our creativity being shared with the masses. I've never been much of a writer, more about music, but when your passionate about something you should go for it. I am currently passionate about writing a cookbook about a diet my doctor put me on. I suffer from chronic headaches and there are many foods that trigger migraine attacks. When I searched online for cookbooks pertaining to this specific diet (and my doctor added another type of food than what is normally prescribed), I found two that weren't exactly what I was looking for. Any serial entrepreneur knows that means it's time to bring in that resource. So I'm on the journey to publishing!
How will I get my idea published? I can work my tail off, generate the best cookbook I can, and present it to thousands of publishers...or I can self-publish. I've grabbed some resources to learn how to become my own publisher. First step, creating my publishing entity. Publishing companies should have a similar name to the books being published. Second step, create ways to spread your published works to the masses. Since mine is directed toward my medical condition, I will be purchasing a domain name and creating a website to share my recipes and experiences with my headaches. Since this has become such a common occurance, I can use social media masses and friends to promote my site. Advertising will fund the site and spread more topics to the masses. By promoting the cookbook and site with my current doctor and other headache clinics, I can better ensure success.
The key is finding a niche and rolling with it. If you have a passion and it's unique, then you need to work hard and spread the word! Good luck!
How will I get my idea published? I can work my tail off, generate the best cookbook I can, and present it to thousands of publishers...or I can self-publish. I've grabbed some resources to learn how to become my own publisher. First step, creating my publishing entity. Publishing companies should have a similar name to the books being published. Second step, create ways to spread your published works to the masses. Since mine is directed toward my medical condition, I will be purchasing a domain name and creating a website to share my recipes and experiences with my headaches. Since this has become such a common occurance, I can use social media masses and friends to promote my site. Advertising will fund the site and spread more topics to the masses. By promoting the cookbook and site with my current doctor and other headache clinics, I can better ensure success.
The key is finding a niche and rolling with it. If you have a passion and it's unique, then you need to work hard and spread the word! Good luck!
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