Get Out of Debt!

One of the things that I've found as a single work at home mom is that as long as you're in debt, you can't get ahead. You're so busy paying the minimum on all your debts, that there isn't any left over for savings. The old adage is true. The rich just get richer, because they're not being hit with finance charges and late fees, and the poor get poorer, because they are being hit with finance charges and late fees. It's like trying to climb to the top of a mountain, and the mountain top keeps growing taller and taller. So when I find something I think is useful in helping people beat their debt, I will post it here.

I recently found this debt reduction planner on CNNMoney.com that I think is simple, straightforward, and easy to use. You enter your debt total, interest rate, your monthly payments, and you can see exactly how long it will take to pay off your debts. You can also find out how increasing your monthly payments incrementally will help you to get the debts paid off sooner. As you pay off one debt, take the money that you would have spent on that monthly payment, and apply it to the next debt. Harder than it sounds, I know. But you've got to start somewhere.

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How to Start Your Own Online Book Business: Chapter Two

Okay, here it is. I published Chapter One of How to Start Your Own Online Book Business last week, and promised future installments for those interested. I recounted how I fell into the online used book business. So I guess the next, and most important, thing to cover is: where to get your inventory.

Well, the used book business is not like the new book business. You don't order inventory from a publisher. (Although those who run a new online book business do.) Part of the reason there's money to be made in this business is the ratio of low cost of goods to high sale price.

A book you pay a quarter for today can be sold for $10, $20, $30 tomorrow. It happens. That doesn't mean that every book will sell for those kinds of prices. Some will go for much less ( a few dollars), some for a lot more (a hundred dollars). I paid $1 for a book once, then turned around and sold it for $110. But that's the exception.

My inventory came from yard sales, library sales, Goodwill, The Salvation Army Thrift Store, and other places where used books are sold. Sometimes I'd buy a box of paperbacks for $5 at a yard sale, then turn around that afternoon and sell them individually, making $100 in the process.

But there is a learning curve. In the beginning, you'll buy a book, and it will sit on the shelf collecting dust for a year. It's only as you sell over a period of time that you learn what sells and what doesn't. You learn from your mistakes.

And for that reason, it's best to do as I did, and start small. Start with an inventory of 10 to 20 books, list them, see which ones sell, and then go out and buy more of the titles that did sell, and more of the genre that sold well. Chapter Three coming soon...

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Great Web Site for Frugal Moms

If you haven't visited Moneysavers.com a site dedicated to helping moms save money, then you're missing the boat. It's got articles, tips, coupons, a forum, family finance resources. It's motto: Moms Living Well for Less. I like it! As my daughters would say, "High Five!"

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Busy Kids Mean Productive Mommies

One of the most difficult things about working from home is keeping your kids busy, so that you can get your job done. Now if your kids are older, like mine, you make it clear you're not to be disturbed, close the door, and you're good. But if your kids are younger, you have to be a little more inventive. If you don't keep small children busy, there's a very real potential for disaster. But there are some things you can do to increase the probability that you'll actually get some work done.

The first - and by far, the easiest - hire someone for a few hours each day to help out with the kids. Young teens, especially those who aren't old enough to get a real job yet, love this kind of opportunity to make some extra cash. You'll still be nearby for the real emergencies. But your helper can feed them a snack, play a game with them, help with homework.

If this is not an option, either because you can't afford it or because of a lack of potential candidates, make your children a busy box. Put in art supplies, games, books, things that will keep them occupied while you work. Remember to alternate the items in the box, so they don't get bored with it. For small children who still need to be within eyesight, lay out a blanket in the corner of the room, give them the box, and get to work.

It's really important to make it clear to children, once they're old enough to understand, that what you're doing is important, that you're not just playing around on the computer or phone. Give your children a signal, so they know when you're done by turning off the computer, stretching, giving them a big hug. This lets them know mom is available now. This will help them to recognize the difference between your fun mom mode and your work mom mode. It also teaches them to be patient. Because they know when you're done, they'll have your complete attention.

Work at Home Resource: This is a great web site with printable activities to keep your kids busy: Printables for Kids

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I Love These! Flower Garden Mats

My mom bought a flower mat one summer when I was a small child, and rolled it out in the backyard. It's one of my fondest memories of childhood. Every day we would run outside to see what surprise had popped up. Yankee Gardener has a great looking one!

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