How does one decide to transition out of Corporate America and work from home? For some, that is an easy question to answer. There are a few people out there who are able to make this decision easily, maybe because the company they work for offers telecommuting as an option.
For some of us, we have to think long and hard about making the switch to working from home. What work will I do? How will I manage my time? What about daycare? Will I need start-up funds to get going? How will we manage our household budget during the period of transition. These are not easy questions, but with some careful planning, it is something anyone can accomplish.
The first step is to take stock of your skills. What is it that you know how to do? What is it that you want to do? Are these the same? Is what you want to do something that would be cost effective to start?
For me, the what I know how to do is the easy part. I have many years experience effectively managing offices. What I want to do is maybe a little more difficult to obtain... can I afford to start my own boutique? That is how Ervin Administrative Services was born. My skills and expertise led me to investigate a need. Turns out, many small businesses have a high need for my skills and cannot afford to hire a full time Admin. This is where I come in.
Now that we have taken stock of skills and wants, we have to move on to making a plan. The household budget was the next step for us. How would we shave costs in order to make things work while the new business was growing legs. Once we calculated what I was spending to work outside the home (this included daycare, gas and eating out/coffee) we realized that we didn't need to make up that much income. This made the decision that there would be no more daycare and I would run my business around the kids. A bit of a juggling act, but one that is possible. We also looked for other areas we could save in- such as changing our cable subscription and phone plans, planning our meals a week at a time to save grocery store runs (because a milk run always ends up with more than milk!), swapping daycare with another family and switching to an online movie rental service like Netflix instead of going out.
I also started an Independent Business Ownership with AmeriPlan USA to supplement my income. So now, I am in essence working two home based businesses and putting in less hours than I was working in Corporate America.
Today, I am able to effectively manage my clients, make a nice income and have plenty of time for my family. I am blessed that this is a reality for our family. My future plans still include expanding my business opportunities and I am saving toward that as I don't believe going into debt is a good way to begin working for oneself!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Why Should You Work At Home With Our Company
Our Company is a 16 year old, debt free company. Our Independent Business Owners can work from home using the internet and their home phone line. There is no cold calling, inventory or parties to hold! All training is provided! Our company provides benefits for the entire household, a 401K Plan and AD&D.
www.JamieWorksAtHome.com
Our Company offers two great options to make money from home. We train you for both and you can decide which opportunity makes sense to you. Secure your financial future by building an income that will last a life time.
www.JamieWorksAtHome.com
We are looking for people who want to make a REALISTIC income from the comfort of their home with no cold calling. THIS IS NOT A GET RICH QUICK SCHEME... You have to work your business to unlock the potential. You must want your own company. A company that will provide benefits for your entire household, a 401K Plan and a company that pays daily. You need to be comfortable on the computer and the phone. If this is you, please let me know. I am ready to help you build a great career!
Request an interview at www.JamieWorksAtHome.com
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Why You Should Have a Home Based Business
"Home-based businesses are gaining in popularity in America. This is especially true now because the IRS has recently re-instituted the home business tax deduction, which allows home business owners to deduct up to $5000 per year in business expenses off of their income tax. This means that you can start a home business and not make a dime with it and still be able to come away with an extra $5000 in your pocket at the end of year!
"A home based business is the best tax shelter left in America"
Sandy Botkin (IRS Attorney & Tax Reduction Institute Chairman)
Always consult a PRO-Active Advocate of home-based business deductions when choosing your cpa or accountant for the current year update that you are filing for.
The IRS requires written documentation to qualify for the deductions. NOW is the time to start keeping your receipts!
Where applicable, here is his list of potential deductions for your business:
Your Broker (IBO) Your initial starting broker kit is a deductible expense that actually starts your business. (Use your Credit/Debit Account documents to document the investment, or your canceled check, etc.)
Your Marketing tools . In order to understand and market your business, you need to use the company brochures and promotional material as well as the training material, etc...
Your Monthly Fees. The monthly broker fees, the monthly website charges, etc... are deductible business expenses. Since many of the benefits from using our plans come in the short and long-term, we must become a "product of our product", and by using the plan allows us to have our own testimonies and increases our belief and confidence in the value we offer our members.
Your Home Office. Create one area in your house to do your AmeriPlan Business from. It can be out of a closet, a desk in the corner of a room, a full room, or an office created out of some of your garage space, the only requirement is that it be used exclusively for business. If your desk is in the TV room, you can’t deduct the whole room, just the area that you actually work in. The percentage of the house used for business calculates the part of the following that you can deduct from your taxes: (Document with receipts.)
Rent (If you own your home with the bank, the interest, taxes, etc. are applied elsewhere)
Electrical Bill
Sewer Bill
Insurance (not deductible at all, unless you have a home business!
Cleaning Service (as long as they clean where you office is too!
Garbage service
Water Bill
House Repairs
Landscaping (if people come to your house on business)
Personal Training Expenses. (Document with receipts)
AmeriPlanÒ University
Seminars Attended
Books
Cassette / CD programs
Series tapes/CDs
Training Conference calls
Advertising Expenses.
Like AmeriPlanÒ Gear? It all has the logo, and is thus advertising expense.
Giving a gift? If AmeriPlanÒ product, or AmeriPlanÒ Gear, treat as Advertising.
Newspaper ads
County Fair / expo booth fees.
Flyers
Product Samples
Company Literature
Reproduction costs (photocopies, etc.)
Labor Expenses paid to your children for Business related work. Keep track of what is done, and how much paid; pay by check, canceled check is proof. NO SSN OR INCOME TAXES need to be paid on your children!
Emptying the Garbage
Mowing Lawn, other Landscaping
Cleaning your office.
Filing.
Computer work (Most kids are better at computers than we are!)
Envelope stuffing/postcard stamping, other mailing tasks.
Other business related items.
Business Travel.
Convention Travel to pre-arranged presentations.
Going to visit your sister?
Put an ad in their local paper two-three weeks before, coordinate several appointments, and your trip is deductible (within some limits). Is your spouse going? Are they working with you in the business, and will they be at the appointments? Their trip is deductible too!
Air fare, train fare, and car mileage.
All "fees" related to travel – parking, tolls, security, etc.
Meals while on the trip (subject to limitations).
Entertainment expenses (subject to some rules and limitations)
Out of area training.
Office Expenses.
Paper clips, printer paper and toner, light bulbs, pens, pencils, highlighters.
White boards, easels, presentation flip charts
Furnishings (Chairs, desks, lamps, carpet, etc.)
Equipment (Computers, printers, fax machines, PDAs, phones, etc.)
Phone bill (If you only have one phone, only the long distance calls related to business, the IRS believes that one line is a ‘necessity’ and will not allow that as a deduction).
Special services on your phone bill (Three-way calling, call waiting, voice mail)
Second line used for business. (Document business usage by adding to your business card/stationery)
Cell Phone. (Document business usage by adding to your business card/stationery)
ISP account and e-mail. (Document business usage by adding to your business card/stationery). (Document fees by printing billing)
Data processing costs for business report.
Postage for business mailings.
Business Meals. When you do a presentation at a restaurant/coffee shop, pick up your receipt! This is a deductible expense (50%)
Celebration Expenses. Giving a party to celebrate? Make it a business event. Invite your business associates/prospects and deduct the entire cost! (Make sure you celebrate your business!) Document via receipts and invitation list, have attendees sign a "guest book" to document who attended.
In-home expenses.
Baby Sitters
Product cases (for carrying display product in/out of house)
Demonstration supplies.
Assistants (use your children, if old enough)
Food provided (100%).
Snacks/Tea/Coffee(100%)
Mileage to/from presentations, training events, Product Launches, etc. Document with mileage log.
Taxes are a VERY complex issue, & no widespread communication like this would be complete without the "boiler plate" disclaimer:
All of the above information is advisory and educational. It MAY NOT apply to you and your circumstances in any given year. If you have any questions about your specific situation, consult a qualified Tax Professional.
Finally, YOU know your personal situation better than anyone will from a 45-minute interview at tax time. Use a program such as TurboTax to "do" your taxes prior to meeting with a tax professional. Or, like me, simply do them yourself with this program and skip the professional fees if you are comfortable in that regard.
If you have your taxes "done" each year by a professional, the time spent organizing your paperwork for a computer tax program will:
Reduce your fees, because the accountant will save time by not having to organize them for you.
Raise your knowledge level so you can give your accountant all he/she needs to qualify you for ALL the deductions you deserve.
Allow you to better evaluate your accountant’s services, as they relate to your situation.
Improve your filing system to reduce your time and fees even more for next year!
Congress GIVES us these deductions to ENCOURAGE small businesses!"
"A home based business is the best tax shelter left in America"
Sandy Botkin (IRS Attorney & Tax Reduction Institute Chairman)
Always consult a PRO-Active Advocate of home-based business deductions when choosing your cpa or accountant for the current year update that you are filing for.
The IRS requires written documentation to qualify for the deductions. NOW is the time to start keeping your receipts!
Where applicable, here is his list of potential deductions for your business:
Your Broker (IBO) Your initial starting broker kit is a deductible expense that actually starts your business. (Use your Credit/Debit Account documents to document the investment, or your canceled check, etc.)
Your Marketing tools . In order to understand and market your business, you need to use the company brochures and promotional material as well as the training material, etc...
Your Monthly Fees. The monthly broker fees, the monthly website charges, etc... are deductible business expenses. Since many of the benefits from using our plans come in the short and long-term, we must become a "product of our product", and by using the plan allows us to have our own testimonies and increases our belief and confidence in the value we offer our members.
Your Home Office. Create one area in your house to do your AmeriPlan Business from. It can be out of a closet, a desk in the corner of a room, a full room, or an office created out of some of your garage space, the only requirement is that it be used exclusively for business. If your desk is in the TV room, you can’t deduct the whole room, just the area that you actually work in. The percentage of the house used for business calculates the part of the following that you can deduct from your taxes: (Document with receipts.)
Rent (If you own your home with the bank, the interest, taxes, etc. are applied elsewhere)
Electrical Bill
Sewer Bill
Insurance (not deductible at all, unless you have a home business!
Cleaning Service (as long as they clean where you office is too!
Garbage service
Water Bill
House Repairs
Landscaping (if people come to your house on business)
Personal Training Expenses. (Document with receipts)
AmeriPlanÒ University
Seminars Attended
Books
Cassette / CD programs
Series tapes/CDs
Training Conference calls
Advertising Expenses.
Like AmeriPlanÒ Gear? It all has the logo, and is thus advertising expense.
Giving a gift? If AmeriPlanÒ product, or AmeriPlanÒ Gear, treat as Advertising.
Newspaper ads
County Fair / expo booth fees.
Flyers
Product Samples
Company Literature
Reproduction costs (photocopies, etc.)
Labor Expenses paid to your children for Business related work. Keep track of what is done, and how much paid; pay by check, canceled check is proof. NO SSN OR INCOME TAXES need to be paid on your children!
Emptying the Garbage
Mowing Lawn, other Landscaping
Cleaning your office.
Filing.
Computer work (Most kids are better at computers than we are!)
Envelope stuffing/postcard stamping, other mailing tasks.
Other business related items.
Business Travel.
Convention Travel to pre-arranged presentations.
Going to visit your sister?
Put an ad in their local paper two-three weeks before, coordinate several appointments, and your trip is deductible (within some limits). Is your spouse going? Are they working with you in the business, and will they be at the appointments? Their trip is deductible too!
Air fare, train fare, and car mileage.
All "fees" related to travel – parking, tolls, security, etc.
Meals while on the trip (subject to limitations).
Entertainment expenses (subject to some rules and limitations)
Out of area training.
Office Expenses.
Paper clips, printer paper and toner, light bulbs, pens, pencils, highlighters.
White boards, easels, presentation flip charts
Furnishings (Chairs, desks, lamps, carpet, etc.)
Equipment (Computers, printers, fax machines, PDAs, phones, etc.)
Phone bill (If you only have one phone, only the long distance calls related to business, the IRS believes that one line is a ‘necessity’ and will not allow that as a deduction).
Special services on your phone bill (Three-way calling, call waiting, voice mail)
Second line used for business. (Document business usage by adding to your business card/stationery)
Cell Phone. (Document business usage by adding to your business card/stationery)
ISP account and e-mail. (Document business usage by adding to your business card/stationery). (Document fees by printing billing)
Data processing costs for business report.
Postage for business mailings.
Business Meals. When you do a presentation at a restaurant/coffee shop, pick up your receipt! This is a deductible expense (50%)
Celebration Expenses. Giving a party to celebrate? Make it a business event. Invite your business associates/prospects and deduct the entire cost! (Make sure you celebrate your business!) Document via receipts and invitation list, have attendees sign a "guest book" to document who attended.
In-home expenses.
Baby Sitters
Product cases (for carrying display product in/out of house)
Demonstration supplies.
Assistants (use your children, if old enough)
Food provided (100%).
Snacks/Tea/Coffee(100%)
Mileage to/from presentations, training events, Product Launches, etc. Document with mileage log.
Taxes are a VERY complex issue, & no widespread communication like this would be complete without the "boiler plate" disclaimer:
All of the above information is advisory and educational. It MAY NOT apply to you and your circumstances in any given year. If you have any questions about your specific situation, consult a qualified Tax Professional.
Finally, YOU know your personal situation better than anyone will from a 45-minute interview at tax time. Use a program such as TurboTax to "do" your taxes prior to meeting with a tax professional. Or, like me, simply do them yourself with this program and skip the professional fees if you are comfortable in that regard.
If you have your taxes "done" each year by a professional, the time spent organizing your paperwork for a computer tax program will:
Reduce your fees, because the accountant will save time by not having to organize them for you.
Raise your knowledge level so you can give your accountant all he/she needs to qualify you for ALL the deductions you deserve.
Allow you to better evaluate your accountant’s services, as they relate to your situation.
Improve your filing system to reduce your time and fees even more for next year!
Congress GIVES us these deductions to ENCOURAGE small businesses!"
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Spring Break... BREAK!
Our family took all Spring Break off... we enjoyed our time together. We took a trip to THE GREAT WOLF Lodge in Grand Mound, WA and we LOVED it.
Because I work from home, I was able to continue some work from the trip... but I didn't let it interfere. I returned a couple phone calls in the evenings... I proudly displayed my work at home and dental/health plan magnets on our truck for the entire week... I handed out business cards to the wait staff and housekeeping staff... just like I would anywhere and I checked my email a couple times. My kids didn't even notice that I was "working". That's just one more reason I love my job!
You can join me! Visit: www.jamieworksathome.com If you want to start saving BIG on your health and dental costs (including prescriptions) visit my plan site... www.HappySmiles4U.com.
It only takes a minute and could change your life!
Because I work from home, I was able to continue some work from the trip... but I didn't let it interfere. I returned a couple phone calls in the evenings... I proudly displayed my work at home and dental/health plan magnets on our truck for the entire week... I handed out business cards to the wait staff and housekeeping staff... just like I would anywhere and I checked my email a couple times. My kids didn't even notice that I was "working". That's just one more reason I love my job!
You can join me! Visit: www.jamieworksathome.com If you want to start saving BIG on your health and dental costs (including prescriptions) visit my plan site... www.HappySmiles4U.com.
It only takes a minute and could change your life!
Friday, March 21, 2008
10 Reasons I Love my Non-J.O.B.
1. It's a MONTH by MONTH brokership... so I am not obligated to stay with the company if I decide its no longer working out for me.
2. All training is provided... FREE as part of my brokership. I can call my upline at any time for any reason and know they are willing to help!
3. My business is a TRUE WORK AT HOME business... I do not need to maintain a separate phone line, I work my business around my family and my life!
4. I receive tax benefits GALORE for running my own home based business.
5. Helping others! I help people save on health, dental, prescriptions, vision... more! And I help other people find their freedom working at home, LIKE ME! It's a win-win.
6. Start up fees are only $25 during the month of MARCH... this provides the entire IBO kit.
7. I own this business, I can will it to my spouse and/or children.
8. Residual income... I get paid for what I did this month... EVERY month.
9. Working on my time.
10. I work with an established, 16 year old DEBT FREE company. It's a WONDERFUL company... providing a much needed service. (Did I mention... NO INVENTORY?)
2. All training is provided... FREE as part of my brokership. I can call my upline at any time for any reason and know they are willing to help!
3. My business is a TRUE WORK AT HOME business... I do not need to maintain a separate phone line, I work my business around my family and my life!
4. I receive tax benefits GALORE for running my own home based business.
5. Helping others! I help people save on health, dental, prescriptions, vision... more! And I help other people find their freedom working at home, LIKE ME! It's a win-win.
6. Start up fees are only $25 during the month of MARCH... this provides the entire IBO kit.
7. I own this business, I can will it to my spouse and/or children.
8. Residual income... I get paid for what I did this month... EVERY month.
9. Working on my time.
10. I work with an established, 16 year old DEBT FREE company. It's a WONDERFUL company... providing a much needed service. (Did I mention... NO INVENTORY?)
Monday, March 17, 2008
Blessings
Working from home has proved to be such an amazing blessing for our family. Once upon a time, I was a stay at home Mom. Then while expecting my third child, I became a single Mother. When baby was 6 months old I was forced to work. I was devastated. Being home with my children was the MOST important thing for me. I didn’t have children so someone else could raise them. Sometimes, life throws us curveballs and we have no choice but to run with it. I continued to work outside of my home for two and a half years while my children were in daycare. One day right after my youngest child turned 3 I came across a wonderful opportunity that has changed our lives.
Now, I am an Independent Business Owner who provides much needed Health and Dental plans to uninsured and underinsured Americans. I also have the opportunity to help others find their freedom at home as well!
My days used to start at 4 am when I headed off to my Corporate America job and then rushed home to juggle the kids afternoon, dinner, homework, errands, etc… Now my days start at 6:30 in my jammies while I make the kids breakfast (Today we had eggs and sausage… ON A WEEKDAY morning). I take a shower WHENEVER I want to throughout the day. I spend my time with my youngest child… we have 3 hours of quality time together in the morning now before my five year old arrives home from Kindergarten. Then the two youngest and I get a couple hours together before the big kids get home. It is such a blessing to have this time with my kids, to be able to do arts, playdates in the park, work on MY TIME. It’s such an honor to be there for school parties and field trips and to not worry about sick days. Now if my kids are sick, I’m here. There is no longer a boss breathing down my neck, not understanding what it means to be a parent.
Knowing that I am helping others gives me a wonderful sense of personal satisfaction. I am not selling products. Instead, I am providing a service, one that is needed by many American families. Each time I help another person learn to do what I am doing, it fulfills me! There is no greater blessing than doing something you LOVE and being there for your family at the same time. Knowing that a six figure income can be a reality within a couple years is an awesome incentive as well… but for me that isn’t the motivation. I want to help people. Being successful while doing what I love is the best experience I can have.
Now, I am an Independent Business Owner who provides much needed Health and Dental plans to uninsured and underinsured Americans. I also have the opportunity to help others find their freedom at home as well!
My days used to start at 4 am when I headed off to my Corporate America job and then rushed home to juggle the kids afternoon, dinner, homework, errands, etc… Now my days start at 6:30 in my jammies while I make the kids breakfast (Today we had eggs and sausage… ON A WEEKDAY morning). I take a shower WHENEVER I want to throughout the day. I spend my time with my youngest child… we have 3 hours of quality time together in the morning now before my five year old arrives home from Kindergarten. Then the two youngest and I get a couple hours together before the big kids get home. It is such a blessing to have this time with my kids, to be able to do arts, playdates in the park, work on MY TIME. It’s such an honor to be there for school parties and field trips and to not worry about sick days. Now if my kids are sick, I’m here. There is no longer a boss breathing down my neck, not understanding what it means to be a parent.
Knowing that I am helping others gives me a wonderful sense of personal satisfaction. I am not selling products. Instead, I am providing a service, one that is needed by many American families. Each time I help another person learn to do what I am doing, it fulfills me! There is no greater blessing than doing something you LOVE and being there for your family at the same time. Knowing that a six figure income can be a reality within a couple years is an awesome incentive as well… but for me that isn’t the motivation. I want to help people. Being successful while doing what I love is the best experience I can have.
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