| > | | | | less at thecash register. But what happens to the |
| One of the most difficult aspects of starting a | | | | money they "save"? |
| newbusiness is the cost involved. Most people | | | | They just spend it on something else! |
| start abusiness because they need to EARN | | | | The RIGHT way to use coupons is... |
| money, andfinances are often tight. | | | | BEFORE going to the store, put the money you |
| Here are some strategies you can use to cover | | | | will save withyour coupons into a jar (if you have |
| yourbusiness costs from the very beginning... | | | | just one coupon for |
| #1. Talk to people! | | | | 30 cents then put 30 cents in your jar; if you |
| I know this seems scary, but it is a great way to | | | | have severalcoupons adding up to $3.45 then put |
| coveryour monthly business costs quickly. | | | | $3.45 in your jar). |
| When you rely solely on automation to contact | | | | NOW you can go to the store and use your |
| yourcustomers and prospects, it usually takes | | | | coupons, and youwill truly have SAVED the |
| 60-90 days to | | | | money. The money you save canthen be used to |
| BEGIN to see results. This is quite normal for any | | | | help cover your monthly business costs. |
| typeof new business but, when it's YOUR | | | | 5. Pay attention to where your money goes! |
| business, 60-90 dayscan seem like a VERY long | | | | - How many of us run off to work every day |
| time. | | | | without timeenough to pack a lunch, so we end |
| By talking to a few friends and/or family | | | | up spending money oneating lunch at a |
| members -- peoplewho respect you and with | | | | restaurant? I know I did...often. Iwas spending at |
| whom you have credibility -- youmay find | | | | least $25 per week (that's $100-$125 amonth!) on |
| someone who is interested in giving your | | | | eating lunches out...by myself...on workdays. |
| productor opportunity a try. | | | | Instead of trying to make time in the morning to |
| Often, just by talking to people, you can earn | | | | pack alunch, why not pack a lunch the night |
| back yourinvestment -- or even make a profit -- | | | | before? And, if youhave a microwave available at |
| the first monthyou're in business! | | | | work, you can even packsomething to heat up so |
| #2. Increase the tax deductions on your W-4 | | | | you don't feel tempted to |
| form! | | | | "go out" for a hot lunch. |
| Almost everyone who starts a home business | | | | - How much money do you spend on sodas? As |
| works afull-time job. But, did you know... | | | | with everythingelse, it costs more to buy one |
| As a home business owner, many items that | | | | soda than it does for asix-pack or a 2-liter bottle. |
| used to bepersonal expenses are now business | | | | Why not buy soda in largequantities, and bring |
| expenses. This means youcan write off many of | | | | several servings to work with you. |
| these expenses as tax deductions! | | | | Or, to REALLY save money, instead of drinking |
| Instead of waiting till the end of the year to file | | | | soda, whynot switch to iced tea or crystal light. |
| yourtaxes and get a refund, you can increase the | | | | You can make alarge batch at home and then |
| amount oftake-home pay in your paycheck | | | | bring it to work in a jug. |
| simply by increasing thenumber of deductions on | | | | - Are you a coffee drinker? Instead of paying for |
| your W-4 form. (As a result, lessmoney will be | | | | yourcoffee by the cup, why not invest in a large |
| taken out of your paycheck for taxes.) | | | | thermos andbring your coffee to work with you. |
| IMPORTANT: Before making changes to your | | | | - Are you addicted to sweets like me? Instead of |
| W-4 form or filingyour tax returns, be sure to | | | | spendingthe money on candy bars and other |
| talk with an accountant. | | | | snacks from machines orin convenience stores, |
| #3. Save your change every day in a jar! | | | | why not bake a batch of cookies orbrownies. |
| This sounds simple, but you'd be surprised at the | | | | You'll save money, and you'll havebetter-tasting |
| number ofpeople who don't take advantage of | | | | snacks. |
| this easy strategy. | | | | Or, if you prefer a candy bar, purchase them in |
| Most people spend loose change without even | | | | largepacks at the grocery store and bring them |
| thinking aboutit...on coffee, candy bars, | | | | to work withyou -- it'll still be cheaper than paying |
| newspapers, etc. | | | | for each candybar separately. |
| Instead of paying for miscellaneous items with | | | | And, these are just a FEW of the ways you can |
| change, paywith paper money. At the end of | | | | save money...allowing you to easily find the money |
| each day, put all yourloose change in a jar. The | | | | to invest in yourbusiness. |
| average person is able toaccumulate $20-$40 | | | | If you implement even a couple of the strategies |
| month in coins this way. This money canthen be | | | | in thisarticle, you'll be able to save enough money |
| used to help cover your monthly business costs. | | | | so that thecost of starting your business doesn't |
| #4. Use coupons the RIGHT way! | | | | put a financialstrain on your monthly budget. |
| When most people use coupons, they simply pay | | | | |