Home Business Hotline
Taking Advantage

Hi there, future self-bossers!

One of the email questions I see time and time again is "I want to start a home business, but I know it's hard work. What are the advantages of being self-employed?"

There are many fantastic benefits available to the self-employed - both monetary and lifestyle. If you work an "outside" job, how many of these benefits would you like to experience?

1. Save money on wardrobe expenses. You can "dress up" when you need to - you don't have to do it every day.
   
   
2. Save commuting expenses. I had a friend that spent over $50 a week on gas alone - that's $200 a month! That $200 a month can provide great "seed money" for a fledgling business.
   
   
3. More flexible schedule. Tired of being told when you can leave work or go on vacation? The self-bosser decides when it's convenient to take a break - and can leave without anyone's permission.
   
   
4. Tax benefits. Self-employed people are eligible to deduct business- related expenses. Talk to your CPA for more details.
   
   
5. "Job" satisfaction. Self-bossers get to create their own career. Always wanted to consult - go for it! Is there an aspiring writer in you dying to be noticed? Write away! Entrepreneurs get to do what they love when they want - and that's the biggest benefit of all!

Heather Martin is a writer and owner of SuccessWorks, a home- based business consulting firm, and has helped many people be successful self-bossers. For more information, or to get personalized home-business help, email Heather at SuccessWks@aol.com. Please mention that you're a Dollar Stretcher reader.

Do you have a time or money saving idea that wasn't included in this article? Please send it to tips @stretcher.com. We get the best ideas from our readers!

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