Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Frugal Living in Tough Economic Times

I grew up in a frugal household. It was the '70s, afterall.

Gas prices weren't as high as they are now, but there was a gas shortage, and this led to all kinds of economic concerns and woes. Plus, let's face it - if you lived back then, you know as well as I do that we just didn't eat then like we do now.

Fast forward to year 2008, and we are all getting slammed from many different directions. Maybe you were a two-income household that is now a one-income household, courtesy of these tough economic times. Perhaps you were one of the many unfortunate borrowers who took out one of the adjustable rate mortgages over the past few years (thinking that you could refinance into a fixed rate, into an even lower rate a few years down the road), but now, you cannot because your home or condo isn't worth what you borrowed, and you find yourself "upside down" in a big way.

So, your mortgage payments have gone up, your husband or wife or significant other has been "downsized" from his/her job, and everything from gas to groceries to your HOA has been increased. What do you do?

I have started this blog because I meet all of the above criteria, and I am somehow getting by. I thought I'd tell everyone what we are doing, in the event that it will help someone.

The tips I offer are not healthy or health-conscious nor are they always pleasant to implement, but they have saved us time and time again.

But you've already cut your expenses every which way you could, you say? Stick around. You might be amazed.

When you have no choices left, and all of the challenging conditions are beyond your control, the only thing that you can do is tighten your belts even more so. Pinch that last penny even more.

So, have a seat, grab another cup of coffee or your favorite drink and hang out for a bit. And don't forget to check back regularly because I have all kinds of tips on how to cut your current costs and save money.
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An up and coming business with very little overhead

Have you considered grass painting?

As seen in Fortune and Inc. Magazines

Anyone here been out of work for quite some time and trying to find a way to start your own business so that you can get back to work and getting some income? I have been thinking that maybe it is the best and quickest way to earning money once more. Not to mention that perhaps in this day and age, it is best to be dependent on no employer. After some extensive research, I have learned that grass painting is an up and coming business and very cheap to get started. You just need to know the "ins and outs" of the business. I did an online search to see what is available to those wanting to start their own lawn painting business, and frankly, I was disappointed at the lack of resources. To be even more frank, I was surprised by advertisers who seem to be offering a lawn painting business in a box, for lack of a better term, and at a huge upfront investment to the entrepreneur. It is not wise to put so much money out up front at the beginning of any business.

There is an ebook available that can get you started for much less than anyone else is offering to get a lawn painting business started, and there is already a 2nd edition available. In the 2nd edition of "How to Start a Lawn Painting Business" ebook, the following topics are covered:

  • How to formulate a business plan and how to reach your personal/professional goals;
  • What equipment you need, where to get the equipment, and how to use the equipment;
  • How to market your business, to include building a website, online marketing, search engine optimization, "on foot" marketing, how / where to purchase marketing materials, sample marketing flyers, and who your likely customers are;
  • How to prepare estimates, a sample price sheet, where to get your information from, and how to deal with your customers (recommendations for payments, billing, etc.);
  • Common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid;
  • List of best resources (many of which are free) with hyperlinks included so that you can click on the resource and be immediately directed to the recommended vendor, website building company, etc.
  • How to set up your home office with specific administrative instructions, and much, much more!

Learn how to get your copy here.