Common Cents Advice

2009-04-10T05:29:00.000-07:00

If you are in a career rut, or just need to make a little bit of extra money,
Avon is a great opportunity for you.

Cosmetics make women look and feel their best and they are not willing to give them up, even in times of financial stress. This is called the "Lipstick Effect"- a term coined during the Depression.

As an Avon Representative, the "Lipstick Effect" can mean big earnings for you, even in today's economy.

I am married, the mom of 3 boys and a full time student. I know that if I worked a traditional job, my home life and school work would both suffer.

I had tried internet get rich schemes and expensive direct sales and home party plans. None of these worked out very well for me. The schemes were just that, SCHEMES. And I found it very difficult to book home parties and sell pricey products to my friends because they were in the same boat as me....busy and on a tight budget.

I began selling Avon, thinking "What have I got to lose?". It is only $10 to get started and Avon builds the website and provides plenty of training both online and in person. I really like that though I am independent as an Avon representative, I can still count on my upline and the company itself for plenty of support when I have questions or problems.

I was told that Avon practically sells itself. I don't want to give anyone unrealistic expectations. This is a business and you have to work at marketing, just like you would with any other company. But, the Avon name and the high-quality, affordable products make Avon much easier to sell than most products.

I would love to be able to share the Avon opportunity with you. Feel free to contact me at 330-779-0264 or leah.ifft@yahoo.com to learn more and start your new career with Avon.

I promise to provide honest information and assistance. I will share my experience with you and help you to reach your goals with Avon.

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative

Lowest Price Ever on ANew Clinical Skincare

2009-04-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

ANew Clinical Advance Retexturizing Peel
Peel Away Dullness and Age Damage
Regular Price: $25
Sale Price: $15

ANew Clinical Eye Lift
Diminish Upper and Under Eye Sagging
Regular Price: $28
Sale Price: $18

Thermafirm Face Lifting Cream
Get a tighter, firmer, lifted look.
Regular Price: $32
Sale Price: $22

Available at my Avon site.
Enter Code: FSANY at checkout for free shipping on any size order.

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative
www.youravon.com/lifft

Avon Bug Guard Pre-Season Sale

2009-03-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

Avon Bug Guard Early Season Sale
Half Price!
$6.99 each

SSS Bug Guard Plus IR3535 SPF 30 Cool 'n Fabulous Disappearing Color Lotion
SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus Gentle Breeze™ SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus EXPEDITION™ Pump Spray
SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus EXPEDITION™ SPF 30 Aerosol Spray
SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus PICARIDIN Pump Spray
SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus PICARIDIN Towelettes

All Bug Guard Products are Deet Free

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative
www.youravon.com/lifft

Are you in a career rut?

2009-03-23T01:37:00.000-07:00

If you are in a career rut, or just need to make a little bit of extra money,
Avon is a great opportunity for you.

I am married, the mom of 3 boys and a full time student. I know that if I worked a traditional job, my home life and school work would both suffer.

I had tried internet get rich schemes and expensive direct sales and home party plans. None of these worked out very well for me. The schemes were just that, SCHEMES. And I found it very difficult to book home parties and sell pricey products to my friends because they were in the same boat as me....busy and on a tight budget.

I began selling Avon, thinking "What have I got to lose?". It is only $10 to get started and Avon builds the website and provides plenty of training both online and in person. I really like that though I am independent as an Avon representative, I can still count on my upline and the company itself for plenty of support when I have questions or problems.

I was told that Avon practically sells itself. I don't want to give anyone unrealistic expectations. This is a business and you have to work at marketing, just like you would with any other company. But, the Avon name and the high-quality, affordable products make Avon much easier to sell than most products.

I would love to be able to share the Avon opportunity with you. Feel free to contact me at 330-779-0264 or leah.ifft@yahoo.com to learn more and start your new career with Avon.

I promise to provide honest information and assistance, not promises of wealth and complete financial freedom. I will share my experience with you and help you to reach your goals with Avon.

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative

12 Piece Kid's Bath and Body Set for $10

2009-03-16T01:08:00.000-07:00

The Big Deal: 12 Piece Bath and Body Set
A $15.88 Value for $10

This would be great to put in a little girl's Easter basket.

Set Includes:
4 Avon Kids Bath Time Body Paints
4 Spring Hand Creams
4 Pretty Petal Lip Balms

Get it from my online store today!

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative
www.youravon.com/lifft

Crazy New Use For Avon Bubble Bath

2009-03-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

Avon Bubble Bath is the Only Product that Actually Got My Couch Clean!

I was reading a list of 100 uses for Avon Bubble Bath and learned that it could be used to remove stains from carpet and upholstry.

I have 3 kids and 3 dogs and a LIGHT tan micro-fiber couch. NOT a good combination. The only reason we even dared by that couch is because all of the sales people insisted that the fabric was virtually stain proof and really easy to keep clean.

The couch was beautiful for about a week. Then I tried to clean it with the product recommended by the furniture store. It was very upsetting. I spend an hour scrubbing my beautiful couch only to have it look exactly the same as when I started....full of pet and kid stains! Truly depressing.

Yesterday, I decided to give the Avon Bubble Bath a try. I poured Avon Bubble Bath directly on the stains and then I rubbed in a circular motion with a manicure brush (because it has softer bristles than a regular scrub brush). I didn't think it had done much.

But when I looked at my couch about an hour later, after it had completely dried, I realized it was ACTUALLY CLEAN.

I was so delighted. Not only was it clean, it smelled great!

Avon Bubble Bath is available in a wide variety of sizes and scents. If you type the words "bubble bath" into the search box on my Avon site, you'll see them all. They start at just 99 cents for the mini bubble bath.

It's also nice for taking bubble baths.

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative
www.youravon.com/lifft

Avon Opportunity Meeting- Start Your New Career By The End Of The Week!

2009-03-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

Where else are you going to find a business opportunity, with a proven record of success, with a start-up cost of only $10?

No where else but Avon!

I invite you to attend the Avon opportunity meeting Thursday, 3-12-09 at Dennys Restaurant on Mahoning Ave. in Austintown, Ohio at 6:30 p.m.

Avon has a proven track record of doing well, even in a down economy.

Call me if you'd like to attend and I'll meet you there.

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative
330-779-0264
www.youravon.com/lifft

Win this jewelry gift set from Avon

2009-03-06T08:53:00.000-08:00

Avon Party and Info Session
Date: Friday, March 6th, 2009
Time: 7pm-9pm EST
Location: WAHM & WAHD Social Network

Stop by my Avon Party tonight and register as a customer on my website. Winner will be chosen at 8:45 PM tonight.

No purchase necessary, but you must register to have a chance to win.

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative

Skin So So- Big Beautiful Deal

2009-03-03T23:42:00.000-08:00

Big Beautiful Deal
Just $10
A $23 Value!

4-piece set includes:
2 Moisturizing Gels
Each, 5 fl. oz. A $10.00 value.
Gelled Body Oil
6.7 fl. oz. A $6.00 value.
Replenishing Body Lotion
12 fl. oz. A $7.00 value.

Available during Campaign 6 Only.
Shop My Online Store 24/7

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative

Online Avon Party and Information Session

2009-03-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Date: Friday, March 6th, 2009
Time: 7pm-9pm EST
Location: WAHM & WAHD Social Network

If you're already an Avon customer and want to learn about the latest sales and newest products, you'll definitely want to be there.

If you're interested in fashion, beauty and skincare, you will also want to be there.

If you have questions about selling Avon, you will want to be there too.

Best of all, there will be free shipping on all orders place through my website during the party.

There will also be prizes!

I look forward to seeing you there.

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative

Avon- "Look Beautiful for Less" Brochure Now Available Online

2009-02-27T00:16:00.000-08:00

The Look Beautiful for Less brochure is now available on my website. There are some great prices and BOGO offers.

Go to my online store and click on the "Shop by Brochure" link. You will find this and other brochures there available for browsing.

Free Shipping on orders $30 and up.

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative

Big, Beautiful Sale!

2009-02-18T23:29:00.000-08:00

Great Deals and Free Shipping! Enter code: FSANY at checkout. Have Avon products delivered right to your door.

Leah Ifft
Independent Avon Representative
Shop My Online Store

Free Advertising- Space is Limited

2009-02-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

I am re-vamping www.yourhousesmellsgreat.com since I am no longer selling Etherea Aromatics products.

I have added a Buy It From A Mom page and would like to include YOUR link.

Space is limited to one rep per direct sales company.

All I ask in return is a reciprocal link to one of my websites, preferably my Avon Site:
www.yourhousesmellsgreat.com
www.windowshoppersparadise.ecrater.com
www.youravon.com/lifft

Please use this contact form to send me your requests.

Thanks!

Leah

Avon Winter Stock-Up Sale- Up to 60% off

2009-01-31T01:17:00.000-08:00

Save up to 60% on over 150 sale items.

Makeup Specials
Skin Care Specials
Bath and Body Specials
More Special Offers

Shop my online store.

Free Shipping on all orders. Simply enter the code: FSANY at checkout.

Don't miss out on these great deals.

Etherea Aromatics

2009-01-27T04:35:00.000-08:00

Due to an issue with my supplier, I will no longer be selling Etherea Aromatics products.

YourHouseSmellsGreat.com is currently being reconstructed to serve you better.

Please visit Window Shopper's Paradise or My Avon Site for great deals and quality products.

2008-11-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

Free Traffic Bar

I just started using Free Traffic Bar this week to promote my Rev Response programs. This has dramatically increased my earnings. I am really impressed.

But, I've got dinner on the stove and am out of time...I'll be back to edit this post and give you all some more info later tonight.

Until then, do yourself a favor and try Free Traffic Bar.

2008-11-08T20:59:00.000-08:00

Whoo hoo! My Etherea Aromatics grand opening party was a success!

I just started this business about a month ago and so far have invested about $60. Tonight's earnings totaled $61.95 in cash and $25 in free Etherea Aromatics products. I can use these products myself or I can use them to build my business.

I'm so relieved to know that I've actually made my start up cost back. My next sale or party will be pure profit.

2008-11-06T16:55:00.000-08:00

Update!

I'm proud to announce that I have made my first sale and earned my first commission with Etherea Aromatics. Best of all, no waiting around to get paid or having to reach a minimum payout amount. I made the sale, collected my money and GOT PAID!

I will be holding my "grand opening" party for friends and family this weekend. Wish me luck!

If you would like to learn more about how you can begin earning money as an independent fragrance stylist with Etherea Aromatics, Click Here.

2008-10-18T06:47:00.000-07:00

I just started my own home-based business which is expanding in all areas of the country and I immediately thought about all the other moms out there who are just like me.

You probably have a desire to be financially independent, make more money, quit your job, spend more time with your kids, go back to school, or pay off debts, just like me.

If you've got 5 minutes to spare, I'd love to tell you more about starting your own home-based, home fragrance business with Etherea Aromatics.

Send me a message or email me at leah.ifft@yahoo.com and I'll tell you how you can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity during the pre-launch period, with no start up costs.

This is a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a growing company and a growing industry.

Be the first in your area to offer Etherea Aromatics products and watch your earnings grow! Visit Yourhousesmellsgreat.com for details.

2008-09-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

I just got another payment from Work From Home HQ, and I had to rave about this site.

I requested my payment through Pay Pal and literally 5 minutes later I was paid! What great service.

While the earning potential with Work From Home HQ isn't very high, it is legitimate work and not at all time consuming.

I highly recommend Work From Home HQ.

2008-09-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted. I am in the last trimester of my pregnancy and am severely lacking in energy and coherant interesting thoughts, so I thought I'd spare you all the ramblings of a crazy pregnant woman.

But, I did want to let you all know that Cash Crate has raised it's minimum payout from $10 to $20.

I'm not thrilled about this, but not upset enough to stop completing offers through Cash Crate. They are still a legitimate site. They still pay. It is still possible to meet the minimum payout without having to use a credit card or get stuck with the bill for "free trial" offers that you will probably forget you signed up for and forget to cancel.

Last month, I made just over $16 with Cash Crate. I didn't really complete many offers and didn't even log in everyday. So, I'm confident that I can meet the new minimum payout requirement and continue to get a check from Cash Crate each month. I'll just have to work a bit harder to do it.

If you'd like more information about my experience with Cash Crate, please refer to my original blog post or Click here to start earning money yourself.

2008-08-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

What a disappointment. I was really excited when I came across Associated Content. This is a website where writers, like you or me, can write articles on topics of their choice or topics requested by publishers and get paid. Sounds pretty simple and easy.

Not so easy with Associated Content. The first hurdle was getting my content approved by the powers that be at Associated Content. I wrote three articles on various topics. I spent quite a bit of time on them and felt that they were well-written and hopefully, helpful to the reader. All 3 of them were rejected by Associated Content. Mostly on the grounds that they were too personal.

I am under the impression that Associated Content is only interested in articles that make proper use of popular key words to help gain their publishers better rankings in search engines. That's all fine and dandy, but not for me. I could drive myself crazy trying to write like that. And for very little money. My sanity is worth more to me than that.

After one is able to get their articles approved by Associated Content, one reaches another hurdle. Upon approval, Associated Content may agree to pay you a set amount for what you've written. That's great. I like the idea that I could write something, have it purchased and then be done with it. But that's not how it works with Associated Content. Writers have two separate account balances. One is for the up front payments received when your article is accepted. The other is for page views. In order to be paid for either, you must have a certain number of page views. So, not only do I have to produce quality articles for them, I'm expected to promote them myself too. So Associated Content can make money off of them. And to top it off, Associate Content would own the rights to my work.

I know that my skill set is not in web promotion. Reaching the amount of page views necessary to get paid is definitely a challenge for me. A challenge, but not impossible. But, if I'm going to spend the time and money needed to promote a website, I might as well promote my own website, not someone else's. Or at least one with a higher return on investment for my time.

I have not heard anything negative about Associated Content not paying it's writers or anything along those lines, so I am by no means calling them a scam. But, it's just too much work for too little money for me.

I also came across a similar site called Constant Content. They didn't have the ridiculous page view requirement like Associated Content does, but I did have trouble getting my articles through their approval process. And again, felt it just wasn't worth my time.

If anyone has had success with this type of online work, I'd be thrilled to know. Post a comment and tell me about it!

2008-08-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

July Recap:

July was a great month. I began re-vamping and reviving Common Cents Advice. I tracked my spending and began re-thinking some of my spending habits. I continued with my home telemarketing job, went to school, took care of kids and a house and began to explore ways to add to my household's income.

I was happy to find Work From Home HQ. And am even happier to report that I earned $20.87 for the month of July. I requested payment yesterday and was paid via PayPal with-in a few hours. Only took me about 5 minutes a day too!

One tip for Work From Home HQ, if you find that you're logging in ready to post ads and get paid, only to hear that there are no more jobs available for the day, start logging in earlier. I logged in later than normal today and wasn't able to post any ads, so I missed out on today's income.

I revisited Cash Crate, and though I found that it tries my patience, it is possible to make a little money with that site.

I also experimented with being a mock juror online, but I'm still waiting for my first case.

My biggest success was with RevResponse. I'm thrilled to report monthly earnings of $51.50 with this program. They will be sending my check soon.

Not a bad month at all. Over $70 in earnings made exclusively online with no financial investment on my part! That buys a car seat for the baby I'm expecting in October.

I wish you all a happy and profitable August!

2008-08-03T07:24:00.000-07:00

1dollardoesit.com

This is a brand new site, there aren't many members so far, so I thought it would be a good chance to get in on the ground floor and build up a strong referral base. Building a huge referral downline can be difficult with sites that have been around longer, as everyone has already joined.

There are several ways to earn money with this site. Paid sign-ups, paid email and paid to click. Minimum payout is only $1.

1dollardoesit.com pays cash via PayPal or allows you to redeem your earnings for reduced price advertising. I will probably be taking advantage of the reduced price advertising as a way to promote the affiliate programs that I participate in already, like Cash Crate, Opinion Outpost, WorkFromHomeHQ and RevResponse.

Click here to try 1dollardoesit.com yourself.

Added bonus: the site's owner is very friendly and my inquiry regarding purchasing low cost advertising was handled quickly.

2008-08-01T09:15:00.000-07:00

Did you all miss me terribly yesterday? No? I thought that everyone's lives would still go on even if I didn't post, so yesterday I took the day off and took a mini road trip with my family to Pittsburgh to shop at Ikea and Half Price Books.

Today, I am back on track and checking out a "get paid to" site: Cash Crate.

What I like about Cash Crate is the low minimum payout of $10. Cash Crate also has pages of offers that can be completed without the use of a credit card or signing up for free trials. I'm not organized to do the free trials yet. I'd probably forget to cancel them and end up costing myself a fortune. The goal here is to MAKE money.

What I don't like about Cash Crate is the amount a scams disguised as "surveys". I consider myself a fairly intelligent person and know that no one in their right mind is going to send me a $100 gift card for telling them what I like better: Popeyes or KFC. But, I found myself clicking and entering my information on several sites like this anyway, with the goal of reaching the minimum payout of $10 today.

I've made about $7.75 so far without much actual effort, but it did try my patience. I don't really enjoy this type of program, but $10 is $10. And there are enough free offers there that I could probably go back to Cash Crate everyday for at least a week and make $10 or more everyday depending on my patience level.

I will go back to Cash Crate later today and I won't stop until I reach my $10 goal. But, I can't sit there and do it all in one shot. Just too tedious.

I recommend giving Cash Crate a try, but just know in advance that though it is a legitimate program and they will pay you, you will by no means be entertained.

Click here to join Cash Crate yourself.

2008-07-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

Jury Duty Online?

I know jury duty is something most people dread. But, having exhausted many online survey opportunities, this one caught my attention.

There are companies out there that, as a service provided to trial attorneys, will provide mock jurors. Ejury, ZapJury, and Online Verdict are three sites that are looking for mock jurors. The pay is about the same as any of the legitimate paid survey sites out there.

In my opinion, being a mock juror is much more interesting than answering surveys about my household's TV viewing habits and what cleaning products and snack foods we buy. I just recently joined these three sites and am still awaiting my first case. Look for future updates.

2008-07-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

ChaCha.com

What is ChaCha.com? ChaCha is a way for "people on the go" to get answers to simple questions by sending a text message and receiving a text message back after a guide on the other end finds and answer for them.

How can I make money from ChaCha? ChaCha needs people to answer the texted inquiries from it's users, so it employs ChaCha guides. ChaCha guides are paid $.20 for each completed search.

I was so excited to learn about this opportunity. I loved the flexible hours. I loved that I could simultaneously be working for ChaCha while I was doing other things to make money online, without creating any conflict of interest. I am an honest person and wouldn't feel right about being on one company's time clock while doing work for myself or another company.

Unfortunately, my experience with ChaCha was short-lived. ChaCha requires it's prospective guides to pass an initial assessment. It took me two tries to pass. Next, I answered a series of simulated inquiries from ChaCha to see how I would actually do when performing live searches. I really enjoyed the simulated test and couldn't wait to start handling live inquiries. However, much to my surprise and dismay, I did not pass the simulated test.

Not passing the simulated test was kind of a blow to my self-esteem. I consider myself a pretty intelligent person and pretty internet savvy. I also test pretty well. I passed tests to become a licensed loan officer, as well as a notary public. Both on the first try. I don't understand why I didn't pass ChaCha's test. I guess I'm just not what they are looking for. Might be a great opportunity for one of you to make some extra money, so I would consider it worth a look.

2008-07-28T05:35:00.000-07:00

Remember last week's attempt to track my spending? Today, I am posting the results. I hope you're sitting down. Sure glad that I was! Last week I spent a total of $121.08 on items that were not necessary to anyone's survival and were not included in my budget. That's $484.32 a month or $5811 a year. That's insanity!

I'm a pretty, middle of the road, realistic person. So, I'm not going to say that it will be possible for me to cut out all of this spending completely. I think it is a reasonable goal to say I will reduce it by 50%. I will now be adding $60 a week to my family's budget to cover these miscellaneous items.

So what to do with the other 50%? I'm not sure. Because I have a feeling that I have been robbing Peter to pay Paul and that this money doesn't really exist. Ideally, I would put the other $60 a week into a savings account.

Let's imagine that it's a perfect world and that I am a perfectly disciplined individual. Today, I would used $60 to open a savings account through HSBC direct. According to BankRate.com they offer an account that is currently paying an interest rate of 3.45%. If I continued to deposit $60 into this account weekly and the interest rate didn't change I would have a savings account balance of $2987 in one year's time. That's not bad at all considering I typically have a savings account balance of $0. By the way I used the savings calculator at MSN Money to figure this out.

I'm not sure exactly what my next course of action will be. I have found it best when trying to make lifestyle changes to take baby steps. So, my first baby step is to reduce my weekly miscellaneous spending to $60 or less. I won't bore you with another week of reading about my spending habits.

This week I will be investigating various online money-making programs. I have already told you about Opinion Outpost, WorkFromHomeHQ and RevResponse. This week, I plan to investigate a few others and post my experience and the specifics of how various programs work.

Have a great week everyone!

2008-07-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

RevResponse

The internet is full of "get paid to" and "work at home" websites. Many are scams. Many, though they don't rip you off directly, just don't deliver what they promise. I must like chasing rainbows or something because I haven't given up on making a contribution to my household's income via my activities on the internet. When I do come across a good program or site, I like to share it with my readers.
You may consider this shameless self-promotion, but I don't see it that way. If you're reading my blog, you probably are of a similar lifestyle and income level as me. That's a nice way of saying you could use a little extra money too. So, I feel that by sharing programs I have had success with with you, I'm doing us both a service.

I previously had success in sales related fields, but I really don't miss selling. So, imagine my excitement when I found an affiliate marketing program that allows me to make money by GIVING THINGS AWAY.

RevResponse pays me to give away free information. Covering 33 industries,
RevResponse offers free white papers, trial downloads, podcasts and, my favorite, free magazine subscriptions. The free information my readers can access when they click on one of my RevResponse ads will help them to gain an edge over their competition and stay current on the latest trends in their respective industries. These are important things in such a competitive job market.

So what does RevResponse do for me? I am paid between $1.50 and $20.00 per person who takes advantage of the free information I promote.

It was quick and easy to find an ad related to my content to place on blog. I was also given a co-branded site, designed by RevResponse to promote. No, I'm not ready to retire yet, but I have already earned a commission from RevResponse in less than a month, with very little work and absolutely no start-up cost on my end. I'm sure a more experienced affiliate marketer or web-master with higher traffic could have even greater success with this program.

Visit RevResponse and take a look at their affiliate program and you can start earning commissions too.

Or, if you're interested in the free content that I am able to offer through RevResponse visit my co-branded site.

2008-07-26T05:42:00.000-07:00

Again, I didn't spend any money yesterday. I accomplished this by not leaving the house. It seems that's the only way for me to stick to my budget...STAY HOME!

I spent most of yesterday clinging to what little mental stability I still have left. I realized that I'm doing something crazy. If I allow myself, I can be happy even when my finances are not in perfect order. But, it seems whenever I catch myself being happy, some little voice in the back of my head tells me that I shouldn't be happy when I'm this broke. I really am my own worst enemy sometimes.

Today, I will give myself permission to be happy regardless of my financial circumstances.

2008-07-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a wake-up call. Determined to not delve deeper into depression, I did not spend ANY money. I stayed home and stayed out of trouble until it was time to go to my evening class. I even took a can of Coke with me from home rather than spending $1 in the vending machine for something to drink.

My family and I are invited to a friend's daughter's first birthday party tomorrow...so we will be hitting the stores to buy a gift. I am going to try to keep it as inexpensive as possible. Luckily, this is a first birthday and it's easy to buy inexpensive gifts for someone so young. I'll let you all know how it goes.

TGIF!

2008-07-24T08:50:00.000-07:00

I guess self-discovery can sometimes be a bit painful.

Yesterday was another costly day. I paid some neighborhood guy $10 to cut our grass as my husband is working crazy hours and hasn't done it and I'm pretty darned pregnant at the moment, so pushing a lawn mower around while keeping an eye on two kids is not my cup of tea.

Then, in the evening, I went to Target to buy coffee and Ovaltine. Should have cost $10.03 plus tax. I left Target having spent $56.11. $28.95 on pajamas. I am pregnant and have pretty much outgrown everything I usually sleep in. $4.99 on a new pair of flip-flops. My old ones were really worn and starting to hurt my feet. And $5.99 on an air-freshener for my bathroom. No real reason for buying this other than I just wanted my bathroom to smell pretty.

As you can see, I can justify these purchases as things I need or deserve, but I still feel guilty. When I worry about things like how to pay the mortgage and keep the utilities on, I have a hard time not feeling guilty for buying items that simply make me more comfortable.

I'm starting to get depressed here.

On a more positive note, we are in this financial situation because I have the luxury of attending school full time. I went back to school knowing that me and my family would have to make some financial sacrifices for the next several years in order to eventually get ahead. I didn't bank on the emotional sacrifices too. But, today, all my utilities are on, there is food in my refrigerator and my mortgage is paid. If I stay in the day, the emotions of worry and fear are much more manageable.

So that's what I will do today. Stay in TODAY and count my many blessings.

2008-07-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, proved to be a costly day. $18.00 spent on cigarettes. I know a filthy and expensive habit, but no one's perfect. In my family's defense, we do roll our own cigarettes to save money and spend $20 a week rather than the $70 we would spend if we bought pre-made cigarettes. But, I really don't want to get into a debate about smoking...too touchy a subject.

Next, we went out to lunch as a family. On a positive note, we did something fun together as a family and gave ourselves a treat. On a less positive note, grilled cheese at home would have been free. Still was not too expensive. $30 to feed a family of 4 at a restaurant during lunch is much better than $50 to feed us all at dinner.

So, $48 for the day that wasn't in the budget. I'm getting the feeling that after this little experiment is over, I will be drastically revising the family budget.

Well, I'm off to pay some bills. Here's to hoping my still decent mood won't completely leave me.

2008-07-22T07:09:00.000-07:00

Sorry to bore you all, but yesterday's spending habits weren't terribly exciting. I stayed home and actually made some money with a freelance telemarketing job I'm doing for a friend of mine and a couple "get paid to" sites.

Though, not terribly exciting to read about, I count yesterday as a success.

2008-07-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday's Wal-Mart trip, as usual proved to be expensive. A total of $102.34. $72.83 of this was spent on groceries... and I didn't even buy meat. I still have to spend about another $30. That puts me just over my weekly grocery budget of $100.
$2.83 over grocery budget.

Now to account for the $29.51 spent on non-food items.
$2.47 toothbrushes
$3.97 scented oils for air freshener
$1.12 aluminum foil
$3.54 toilet paper
$5.76 paper towels
$10.00 shoes for 3 year old (thanks to my dog who chewed up the old pair)
$1.80 tax
That accounts for $28.66...not sure where the additional $.85 cents went. I'm having a hard time making sense out of this receipt.

So, that's $3.97 spent on items that weren't necessary for anyone's existence...the scented oils.

All in all, not too bad.

Today we're considering a trip to Lowes or Home Depot to take care of some odds and ends for the house...I'll be back tomorrow to let you know how it goes.

2008-07-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was very easy to curb my spending habits...I simply didn't leave the house. So, nothing to report. I think there may be a Wal-Mart trip in the cards today...that will be a real test. I'll let you know how it goes.

2008-07-19T08:09:00.001-07:00

Where does all the money go?

It seems that I can work out a perfect budget on paper. On paper, I can pay all of our bills, allow what I think is a reasonable budget for "extras" and contribute to a savings account. Yet, every month, what I have down on paper doesn't work out. So where does the money go?

It would be too easy to just say, well the economy must really be as bad as they say. Or, I guess I really am broke. But that kind of attitude won't get me anywhere. It won't pay the bills and it won't ease the financial stress felt by me and my family.

I don't consider my spending habits extravagant. I shop at thrift stores, sale racks and am always looking for bargains. I don't think that I really buy anything that my family doesn't need. But, there's a chance that I could be wrong.

So, I've decided today that I will actually track my spending. I've been told that everyone should do this. I've even TOLD people to do this. But I've never done it myself.

I will be saving receipts and posting the results. Each day we'll take a look at just where my money goes. I'm going to try this for a week and see what I learn and share my newfound knowledge with all of you.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

2008-07-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

WorkFromHomeHQ.com

I was tired of "pay per click" websites with impossibly high minimum payouts. It seemed like I would click and click forever, looking at useless ads and it would take 6 months to make a meager $5.00.

Don't get me wrong, $5 here and there definitely does ad up, if you're looking for an opportunity to make money to add to or establish a savings account, $5 here and there is a great place to start...but, personally, I'm not patient enough to spend hours clicking away to make just pennies a day.

I have explored many "work at home" and "get paid to" programs available online. I have had some success with paid surveys and affiliate marketing, but many times these sidestreams of income dry up after a period of initial success.

WorkFromHomeHQ is one of my favorite programs. Here's a brief overview:

What do I do?
I post classified ads and am paid .$15 cents for each ad I post. I can post 5 ads a day. It usually takes about 5 minutes. If I do this 7 days a week, that's an extra $22.50 a month. When I have earned $20, I can request payment and am paid via PayPal. The best part about the money going straight to my PayPal account is that I earn interest on it and often forget it's there, so I'm not tempted to spend it. Instant savings account that I add to every month. With just
WorkFromHomeHQ I am able to save $270 a year, plus interest.

$.15 an add doesn't sound like much, but $270 for 28 hours worth of work over the period of one year doesn't sound bad. If you do the math, that's $9.65 an hour, from the comfort of your own home.

For more detailed information visit
WorkFromHomeHQ.

Get started earning money today!

Happy saving!

2008-07-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

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2006-11-23T05:41:00.000-08:00

Opinion Outpost

Sometimes you need a little extra cash. You may need it just to pay your regular bills. You may have your regular bills covered, but you've got high interest credit card debt to pay down. You may have enough money to pay your bills, but think starting a savings account is out of the question.

You need to supplement your regular income, but how? You already work a full time job. You may have a family to think of. In many cases, working two jobs is out of the question. But, you've already sold stuff on Ebay, had garage sales, etc.

There are so many "home-based businesses" and get rich quick schemes on the internet. Most of them ask you to pay a membership fee. Don't fall for it. If you went on a job interview, and things went great, and then you new employer said: "We'd really like to make you a part of our team, but you'll need to give me $50.", You'd run. At least I hope so.

Opinion Outpost is a legitimate online survey site. You pay nothing to join. Your name will not be added to tons of spammers' email lists. But, you will periodically recieve emailed invitations to participate in online market research. Of course, you will be paid for your time. Usually, between $3 and $5 a survey. If you like it, you can sign up as an affiliate (this is also free) and start making even more money by referring others.

I made $275 in one month with Opinion Outpost and only spent 15-20 minutes a day on it.

Opinion Outpost has a low minimum payout of $5 for regular members and $20 for affiliates. They pay monthly by check.

Give Opinion Outpost a try. You've got nothing to lose.

2006-07-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

Borrowing money from friends and family members sounds like a great option. You don't have to bother with a credit check or stacks of paperwork that you don't understand. The interest rate is usually better than anything you'll find at your local bank, too.

But when you combine personal and business relationships, things can get complicated. Feelings can be hurt, relationships can suffer and money can be lost.

Circle Lending provides a way to manage loans between relatives and friends. Circle Lending has no minimum or maximum loan amounts. Circle Lending can be used when
seller financing real estate, borrowing money from a friend or relative to pay off debts, buy a car or start a business. You can even use Circle Lending to formalize and existing loan agreement.

Circle Lending keeps the loan process simple with 5 easy steps:
1. Find a lender (or borrower).
2. Enter the terms of your loan online or by phone.
3. Confirm terms, review documents and exchange money.
4. Return the signed loan documents to Circle Lending
5. Let Circle Lending manage your loan through email and electronic funds transfers.

In the event that a borrower defaults on a loan, the lender has the option of foreclosure,loan restructuring or turning the borrower over to a collection agency.

Circle Lending has been featured in Kiplinger's Personal Finance and The New York Times.

You can download free information and lending guides at Circle Lending's web site.

2006-06-25T08:18:00.000-07:00

Many people are under the impression that money and finance are logical subjects that are not connected to human emotion in any way. In reality, human emotion plays a huge role in matters of money and finance.

The mind is a powerful thing. Our attitudes about money are usually defined by our parents. We grow up seeing how our parents handle financial matters and we are there to witness and experience the results. These experiences shape our attitudes about money and greatly influence our financial situations as adults. For example, if you grow up with a poor family and watch your parents struggle and live pay check to pay check, there is a good chance you will grow up to do the same. Unless you do something to change your thought patterns and beliefs about money. You can break the cycle.

Robert Kiyosaki is the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad. Kiyosaki grew up with two father figures, a "rich dad" and a "poor dad". He was fortunate enough to be exposed to two very different points of view about wealth and money from a very early age. Kiyosaki's mission is to share what he has learned with all of us and improve the financial literacy of people around the world.

In addition to the Rich Dad books, Kiyosaki provides seminars, personal coaching, audio materials and board games. He also contributes regularly to Yahoo! Finance and Entrepeneur.com

I highly recommend you click on the banner below and see for yourself all that Rich Dad has to offer.

2006-06-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

I am a former mortgage loan officer who helped people with "less than perfect" credit buy homes. Through my work, I have come into contact with many people who have made credit mistakes in the past and are ready to turn their financial lives around, usually with the goal of buying or refinancing a home.

I have noticed that many of these people don't know where to turn. They are overwhelmed with conlicting advice from friends, family, media and industry professionals.

In addition to being a mortgage loan officer, I'm also a real person. Yes, it's true! I have made my share of financial mistakes. I'm not rich and I'm not perfect.

That's why I'd like to share the things I've learned with all of you. I look forward to sharing what I've learned about credit, investments, real estate, mortgages, banking and money in general.

I welcome your feedback. If there's a topic you'd like to see covered, just let me know!