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Places to Learn New Skills
Are you ready for the Learn Something New Every Day challenge that kicks off November 1st? By now you should have some idea of some of the new skills you want to attain over the course of 30 days. It could be something that saves you money like learning to sew or can. Or makes you money, like learning how to write more engaging blog posts. In case you’re still haven’t figured out what you wan to learn, or even where to go to learn your new skill, here are my top five favorites sites I use all the time when I need to figure out how to do something.…
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Friday Ramblings-Would You Like $20 in Free Groceries?
Another work week drawing to a close. I got three paperback books ready and published this week. Two are from one of my fiction series, and the other, a daily schedule planner. Next week I plan to work on the Black Friday challenge. That is creating three new products ready to be on sale the day after Thanksgiving. Are you taking part? If so, I’d love to hear from you, feature you here and yes, even feature the products you make during the challenge. E-mail me at budgetsmartqueries@gmail.com Not sure what I’ll create yet, but brainstorming will begin next week. Before I close out the week, I joined Imperfect Foods…
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What Are You Waiting For?
Have you purchased the CCC Toolbox yet? No, you’re still thinking about it? I often put off buying something until the very last minute and when I do, I wonder why I waited so long. I know you’re going to love this deal but thought I’d highlight some of the great products you’ll find in it- Anne Elizabeth Perez How to Repurpose Your Blog Posts for Maximum Impact training I’m always looking for ways to give older posts, yes, those from 2005, a new life, so I’m looking forward to diving into this training Kelly McCausey Affiliate Beginner’s Challenge training If you’re new to affiliate programs, Kelly knows her…
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$2,103 Worth of Products For Only $39.95
Need quality content for your site or blog? I probably don’t have to tell you that finding not only content but great content takes up most of your time. If only we could get someone else to do it but sometimes that takes a big chunk out of your budget. And now there’s an easy solution and one of the reasons I decided to take part in this great promotion that offers you $2,103 worth of high quality content for just $39.95. April Lemarr is hosting a huge bundle with 53 online business people offering you products that are going to help you create content quicker and easier than…
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Five Reasons To Write a Non-Fiction Book
Have you been thinking about writing a book? Publishing used to be for the select few but with self publishing platforms like Amazon, Nook, Kobo, and let’s no forget Smashwords, there’s never been a better or easier time to pen a non-fiction book. If I haven’t convinced you, then here are my top five reasons why you should get started today- Shows You As An Expert People listen to and buy from people who they consider experts. I’m not just talking about people with advanced degrees in topics, but anyone who has knowledge and the expertise they feel can help them solve a problem. It could be their home or…
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Check Us Out Sale
$5 is all you need to pick up some great bargains… Starting today, Angela over at Laptop Lifestyle YOUniversity is offering a check us out sale. Members of her community have gathered together to offer premium content for just $5 a piece. Everything from classes, organizing and clearing the clutter, planners with PLR rights, to live courses on topics like health and wellness. Here’s a sampling- How to start an online business from scratch Autumn Social Media Templates Inspirational Graphics Thanks 100 Pack Marketing Your Business Bundle Journal Printables And yes, I’ve offering my Write a Non-Fiction Book in 30 Days Don’t miss this opportunity to pick up some great…
- Business Talk, FIRE Financial Independence, Retire Early, Online Stores, Side Gigs, working from home
How to Launch a Planner and Journal Side Gig
Looking for something quick and easy for your side gig? Look no further than the planner and journal business. Yes, I know that market is getting saturated but as I always say, brainstorm new ideas, find a niche that’s untapped, and I think you’ll be on your way to a steady side gig that could turn into full time business. I know lots of people who have done just that. What if you don’t have any graphic design skills or don’t know how to put them together? Remember last week we talked about PLR? While the majority of PLR is in the form of articles, e-books and courses, some journals,…
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Feel Like Taking Control of Your Life?
If 2020 has shown us anything, it’s how an unexpected event can change our world, disrupt out lives, and even take away our jobs and income. I think it’s been a wake-up call for lots of people and if starting a business and being more financially independent is now on your must do list then you’re in the right place. This week I want you to think about the following- The kind of business you want The kind of life you want And don’t worry if you still can’t figure it all out because my friend Angela Wills has a program that will help you focus on what type of…
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- affiliate marketing, Business Talk, FIRE Financial Independence, Retire Early, Side Gigs, working from home
PLR-Private Label Rights
Want a quick way to add content to your site or put together a quick publication to give to clients or subscribers? If you create content, I probably don’t have to tell you it’s a lot of work. It’s time consuming and to be perfectly honest, some days you draw a blank about what to share with your audience. You could hire someone to do the writing for you but that can get expensive. An another alternative is PLR. It stands for Private Label Rights. It can be anything from an already written blog post, an e-book or even a journal or planner. The creator sells you PLR rights which…
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Planning Ahead
Fall is still a little over a month away but with an early morning chill in the air, I’ve begun planning. Fall not only ushers in beautiful colors and more comfortable temps, but the realization that there’s only four more months left in the year. Time to take a look back at what you’ve done, what you promised to do, and what you can still do in those four remaining months. Yesterday, I sat down and began my fall planning and thought I’d share it with you. Bundle Contributions I’m taking part in two bundle contributions this fall. I’m excited about it because earlier contributions helped me grow my list.…
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New Skills-Faster Financial Independence
Is there a new skill you’ve been eager to learn? I guess you’d call me lucky because I’ve always been eager to learn new things and acquire new skills. In fact, I think I’d be bored if I didn’t. It’s served me well, not only for hobbies but for business too. From writing to self publishing and beyond, I’ve adapted to the ever changing world. It’s not always been easy. Some things have might a huge learning curve for me to climb and conquer but once you get over that mountain, things get a whole lot easier and clearer. I like to think that learning new skills is essential for…
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Friday Ramblings-There’s Another $7 Flash Sale
This week, I began writing the 14th book in one of my continuing fiction series. I usually write fiction after I’ve finished my coaching and writing. Some days it was hard. Some days I wanted to shut my eyes and take a rest, some days I wanted to read the mystery I’m in the middle of. Yet, on others, do some artwork while I watched a movie. Temptation was there but I managed to push it away and I got 5,000 words written in about four days. I’m telling you this because I know you’ll have days where you know you should be doing something and it takes all your…
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MEconomy Is Coming Back
Want to set your own rules? Want to be on your way to creating a business that can lead to financial freedom? When I read Angela’s latest e-mail, I was excited to see that starting on September 8th, she’s running her MEconomy Revolution program again. The cost is just $190 but if you become a member of Laptop YOUniversity you’ll only pay $95. More good news is Angela will be including personal coaching with the program which usually costs $400 but it’s included in the cost of the program. She’s limiting MEconomy registration to only 100 people and quite a few have already signed up so I wouldn’t waste any…
- Business Talk, FIRE Financial Independence, Retire Early, Side Gigs, Teaching and Coachig, working from home
Business Ideas For 2020 and Beyond
Want to start a business but lost for ideas? Many of you have contacted me saying you’d love to start a business but haven’t got a clue as to what sort of business to launch. Rather than respond to each of you, I thought I’d write a post about it. In fact, I sat and brainstormed what ideas I think will work for 2020 and probably beyond. To say this year is a strange one, well, that’s an understatement. We’ve seen a shift from what less than a year ago was considered normal. People getting up and going to work, kids heading off to school but now our lives look…
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Friday Ramblings-$7 Sale, Today Only
The first week of August comes to a close. What did you achieve this week? For me, Fridays are all about getting ready for the following week and looking back to see what I’ve achieved. I published a new fiction title, created a new classes and got everything ready to record this fall. I also kept up with posting to this site even though I got busy this week. Yes, it can be done! If you signed up for Angela’s webinar, you might know that she had to postpone it. She’s going to run it again and also make it one of her evergreen products so don’t worry if you…
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One Piece of the Financial Freedom Pie-Cutting Expenses
There’s earning more money, saving more money, and another piece of the financial freedom pie is all about cutting expenses. I probably don’t have to tell you that things have gotten more expensive this year. Don’t know about you, but each time I open a bill, like one from a utility company, a piece of paper drifts to the floor. It’s the one saying they’ll be raising their rates later this year. And it’s not just energy costs. Just the other day, I went online to order some of my favorite green tea (it’s my mid-morning pick me up), and had to blink three times just to make sure I…
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Thinking About Being a Virtual Assistant?
Have you ever considered offering your services or skills as a virtual assistant? I can’t think of a better time than during a downturn in the economy. Lots of companies have trimmed their staff but during busy times, (and yes, they get those even during recessions), they need to outsource work. Be it data entry, writing, uploading content, managing their social media platforms, or even just handling customer service. That’s where you enter the picture, budding entrepreneur with so much to offer them in their hour of need. Need some advice from someone who’s been there and knows what works and what doesn’t? Angela Willis and her Overnight VA Success…
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Writing a Non-Fiction Book To Gain Authority, Grow Your E-Mail List…
I should add to the title of this post and earn passive income. I’ve lost count how many I’ve written and self published but it’s one of my streams of income. Even if passive income isn’t your top priority there are lots of other reasons why you might want to pen a non-fiction title. Some entrepreneurs like to give them away to clients or as part of a coaching program. Others use them to give away to potential e-mail list subscribers. Some want to gain authority in their given niche, maybe pick up a speaking gig or two, or even build a author platform before they pitch to an agent…
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Meet Maria Silvo Founder of Artsy Challenge
I’d like to introduce you to a fellow entrepreneur who just launched a new business. Please say hello to Maria Silvo. She kindly agreed to an interview and has shared so many wonderful tips for running a business that I know you’re going to learn a lot from her. Budget Smart Girl (BSG)-Tell us about yourself and what prompted you to work from home. Maria Silvo (MS)-I am a creative entrepreneur who stayed home since 2007 when my three kids then aged 2, 5, and 7 were better off with me taking care of them. In Canada, day care services is expensive, and so is hiring a nanny. Working to…
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Friday Ramblings-The Great Thing About Online Grocery Shopping
Another heat advisory today! It’s hard to believe that just two days ago it was in the 60’s and I had to go grab a sweater. Now it’s not much fun stepping outside. One thing I’m loving that not only saves time, but I think money too, is online grocery shopping. Supermarkets are in the business of making you buy more than you intended but if you don’t see the can of gourmet this and that, the artisan bread or the cupcakes that are on sale, they don’t find a way into your cart. Another thing I love about shopping for groceries on my laptop is I can see the…
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Emergency Funds-Do You Have One?
Do you have enough money set aside should some major happen like losing your job, or even a everyday thing like needing a new set of tires for your car? My maternal grandmother (one of my money mentors), always had a rainy day fund and she taught me the importance of having one too. I’ve always set money aside for the just in case scenarios that always seem to happen when you least expect it. Take for example something that happened this week. Sunday lunch time I was eating leftover pizza and bit down and knew something wasn’t quite right. I realized I’d lost part of the filling in one…
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Should Your Business Come Before Your Life?
I have a friend, Angela Wills, who started a services-based business and quit her job to pursue it. Within a few months she was overwhelmed, overworked and just plain burnt out. Angela told me she had actually been sitting at her computer for so many hours per day that her muscles had started to atrophy. It was embarrassing and she knew she needed to change. That was in 2007. Angela stopped working for clients in 2012. She declared total lifestyle freedom at that time! She has spent the last 8 years working entirely on what she wants, for who she wants, where she wants and when she wants. Her whims…
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Deciding Why You Want to Gain Financial Freedom
Financial freedom is the end goal but why do you want it? Last week we talked about FIRE. I know many of you read and follow these posts because financial freedom is your end goal. Let’s talk about the many ways you can get there. And yes, sorry financial freedom seekers, there’s some sacrifice and hardship along the way. When I coach writing students I always begin with this question… Why do you want to write a book? Each person’s answer is unique to them. We all have different reasons and motives for wanting to do something. So, take a few minutes and think about why you want to achieve…
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Friday Ramblings-Free Book Covers
I’m using my ‘outside office’ to write this. Outside office translates into deck. I’m making the most of the just right temperature before tomorrow when there’s a heat advisory. High heat combined with humidity isn’t my thing so I make the most of the great outdoors while I can. It’s been a week of doing this and doing that. I’m taking part in a few more upcoming bundle giveaways, so I’ve been planning out those. I’m also close to finishing a new product for the BSG store. I’ll give you a hint, it’s for bloggers. I just signed up to become an affiliate for Maria Silvo’s newly created site Artsy…
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What’s Your Relationship With Money?
This week we’ve been talking about FIRE. Sometimes achieving financial independence involves changing the way you think about money. Sometimes we don’t know about the bad relationship we have with our money until some major setback happens and we realize we’ve been spending more than we earn or the savings account has just a few pennies in it. What better time to look at your how you view money than to take part in Angela of Laptop YOUniversity’s upcoming Money Master Challenge. Recently I asked her some questions about it and here’s what she had to say- BSG-How did you come up with the idea of the Money Master Challenge?…
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Let’s Start Talking About FIRE
Fire, no, not the type you use to keep warm or start to cook food, but FIRE otherwise know as Financial Independence, Retire Early. One or both of those things might sound good to you. I’m probably not going to go with the Retire Early part, but I’ve always loved the idea of financial independence. Yes, even before it became a catchphrase. The having enough money as not to be dependent on something else be it a person or otherwise for your everyday needs and long term survival. Never having to worry about losing your job because you’ve got enough saved to tide you over until another one comes along.…
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Friday Ramblings-Freelance Survival
It’s been a hot and humid week which has meant that I’ve spent more time inside. I’d generally see this as a bad thing as I’m an outdoors sort of person, but it’s allowed me to finish one of my products for BSG. In fact, I uploaded it the other day and it’s the Freelance Survival Pack. It’s something I wish I’d gotten my hands on when I launched my freelance writing business. Whether, like me, you’re a writer, or a coach, artist, graphic designer, whatever, you’ll find 30 checklists, templates, planners, and tips to help you either get started as a freelancer or if you’re already freelancing, help make…
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Money Master Challenge and a Free Gift
The key to financial freedom is being smart with your money. We all have our Achilles’ heel when it comes to budgets and managing our financial future. I was excited to see that Angela over at Laptop YOUniversity is offering another Money Master Challenge starting on August 3rd. Over the course of 21 days you can take the money challenge which will help put you on the right track with regards to your money, your relationship with it, not only today but in the future too. I took the first challenge and have to admit, I raised my hand and said, yes, that’s me, I’m making those mistakes to many…
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Budget Smart Girl-Budget Planner
Have you wanted to keep track of where your money goes? What bills need paying and when? Can’t figure out how much is in that rainy day fund? While I consider myself pretty good with keeping track of my money, I’m lousy at keeping all the information in one place. I’ve been known to have slips of paper with how much I need to invoice a client, jotted on it. How much royalty I just got paid scribbled on another. Sticky pad notes stuck on the fridge, reminding me the car tabs need paying this month. I see you shaking your head and thinking ‘me too’. So, last week, while…
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Monday Motivation-Difficulty Leads to Opportunity
No one said starting and running a business was going to be easy. Even taking a step toward financial freedom can be a challenge. However, this quote reminds us that there’s opportunity in every difficult situation.
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Friday Ramblings-All Work and No Play
I t’s a holiday weekend which means it’s time to take a rest. When you work for yourself it’s all too easy to watch others go play while you’re stuck in front of a computer screen. Even waving to everyone splashing around in the water while you balance a laptop on your knees. I’m a self confessed workalcoholic and sometimes that leads to burnout when you actually become less productive. So, let’s use this holiday weekend, to relax. Learn to take a step back from work and promise yourself you’ll do it at least once a month. I promise you you’ll feel better and more focused when you get back…
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Monday Motivation-Live Your Own Dream
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Friday Ramblings-Last Call for Free Goodies
A quick reminder that today’s your last chance to get lots of free goodies to put you on the road to financial freedom. Lots of you have told me you’re loving all the resources in this bundle. Let me know what you do with it and how it helped you launch your own business or even take that first tiny step to being your own boss. Here’s the link (full disclosure you’ll be using my affiliate link) https://laptoplifestyleyouniversity.com/amember/aff/go/susiep?i=5 Thank you to everyone who did use the link and a big thank you to everyone who signed up to Budget Smart Girl this week. I appreciate each and every one of…
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The Road to Financial Freedom Starts Here…
Did you see my email the other day about this great big bundle of awesome business and life products from digital marketers? These are marketers who are all members of the Laptop Lifestyle YOUniversity and they ROCK. Seriously. These people are focused on building their own lifestyle freedom and they have skills and talents and offers to help you improve your business and life in many unique areas and ways. I’m talking about products on things like: Geek in Your Pocket’s Guide to Upleveling Your WordPress Site by Renee Schupe of GetaGeekinYourPocket.com ($27 Value – FREE) 1,000 Ideas for Entrepreneurs and Creatives Ebook by Gael Wood of fengshuielevation.com ($19.95 Value…
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It’s Ready! This will help you create business freedom
Wow! It’s time for the 2nd Annual Lifestyle Freedom Giveaway from members of the Laptop Lifestyle YOUniversity and I’m blown away by the variety of products and value that is included. Grab your shopping bag and pick up over 50 REAL offers from some very awesome online teachers. They’re all real products included and they’re all free. Angela has truly done something special here. She’s brought together an event where her people are willing to give away true paid products (not freebies) at one low price. There are over 50 contributors, over $3000 worth of products and so much value. You can grab this for absolutely no cost. I’m so…
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Friday Ramblings-Hello Summer
When I was a child summer was my favorite season. The end of school, playing in the backyard, reading, and then going on vacation. The days seemed to be longer than 24 hours and the weeks seemed to go on forever. Summer begins tomorrow which means half the year is almost over so it’s time to look at what you’ve done and what is still on your to do list. Weather permitting, sit outside, enjoy the season, and take stock of everything you need to do to put you on the road to financial freedom. Think about the security of having a rainy day fund for those times when emergencies…
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50 Products Worth Over $3000
Next Monday won’t just be Motivation Monday, it will also be the day you can have access to over 50 products worth over $3,000. I’m excited to be taking part in the Laptop Lifestyle YOUniversity bundle giveaway. You’ve heard me mention Laptop many times…I even have an interview with owner, Angela Wills on this site so be sure to check it out. I love being a member and having access to all sorts of training to help me run my business, and on Monday you’ll have a chance to buy the new List building training at 50% off if you join the giveaway. If you’re wondering what my product is…let’s…
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Friday Ramblings-New Feature?
Hope you’ve had a wonderful week. It’s certainly flown by. Lots of you have asked if I’m going to feature money saving tips again. While the new focus of the site leans toward ways you can make money, along with products that can help you do that, that’s not to say I won’t throw in the odd post or two. One thing I’m considering is a worth it or not, feature. Sort of like reviews on things I’ve purchased and offering you an honest opinion on whether or not you should spend your money. I buy lots of things I wish I hadn’t because they didn’t taste good, or didn’t…
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Monday Motivation-Only You Can Do It
There’s only one person that stands in the way of your achieving your dreams, and that’s you. This week, each morning when you first wake up, say this affirmation. Whatever goal or dream you’re chasing, you can do it!
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Affiliate Marketing For Passive Income
I I’m a huge fan of passive income, work on it once, reap the rewards (aka money), later…sometimes forever! Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to make passive income. You know I love anything that Angela of Laptop University creates and this time, she’s come up with Affiliate Marketing Profit-Boosters to show you how she’s made money through affiliate marketing and easy ways for you to be successful too. It’s usually $47 but with the coupon she’s provided, it’s just $17. I hope you’ll check it out, here’s the link (and yes, full disclosure, if you sign up I get affiliate commission… see how easy affiliate marketing works?)…
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Monday Motivation-What’s Your Gift?
This week, think about a skill you have that you can share with others. It could be something you can turn into a class or even the basis for a business.
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Monday Motivation-Let’s Make Plans
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Friday Ramblings-First Week of a Boot Camp
My apologies for not posting anything else besides the Monday Motivation and Friday Ramblings. A new boot camp kicked off, I got my private students settled into their May schedule. and worked on projects that have been on my to do list. If you work for yourself, you know how overwhelming it can be to be a one man (woman) show. And it’s spring, so there’s outside work with cleaning up the mess that the winter left. I also tried to work on my old web site with its new name, and yes, I did something wrong and relied on Nicole over at Amaraq websites to help me out yet…
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Affiliate Marketing Business Pack
Just a quick post to let you know I’ve just added a new product to the BSG store which is the Affiliate Marketing Business Pack. 14 digital products that will help you get started and make the most of your affiliate marketing efforts and even a chart in Excel format to keep track of all your marketing efforts and record how much money you’re making from each vendor. I’ve also included e-mail swipe templates and also suggestions for ways to use your posts to draw in customers so they click on the links and buy products and make you money. We’ll be talking lots more about affiliate marketing in the…
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Become a Millionaire…start investing at age 15
I’m in the middle of working on some new products for you so this week’s posts are going to be brief. I saw this interesting fact and thought I’d share it with you…. While most of us focus on ways to make money, another route to becoming rich is by investing and the money you earn. I know for the majority of us, it’s been a long time since we turned 15 but look at this study done by MarketWatch.com, saving $2,000 per year for seven years, a 15-year-old is capable of becoming a millionaire at the age of 65. And it gets even better because that same teenager doesn’t…
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Monday Motivation-Small Businesses, Small Ideas Always Welcome
Think your business idea won’t take off or the million of other excuses we make to not take that first step. Your business could be the next huge hit and give someone who’s looking for a job their next paycheck.
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Friday Ramblings-Relaunching Old Things
How was your week? I hope you’ve made progress in doing something that took you one step closer to financial security, and of course, living your dream life. I worked on updating a class that I hope to record soon. I’m also working on reformatting two books that I’ll be getting rights back to in the coming months. Speaking of which, more people have asked me about self publishing. I’ve been self publishing my books, both new ones and back titles, for about six years now. Everything has changed so fast and I thought it was about time that I revamped my self publishing site. To be honest, I haven’t…
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Trends For Making Money
Thinking about ways to make money in the next few months or even the next year and beyond? During these times of change and uncertainty, I’ve been reading a lot more than usual. For me, that’s means a lot of reading. I’ve always looked for trends, what people are talking about, their fears and wants. It’s something we all need to get a feel for trends. It’s these trends and future needs that can put you ahead of the curve (and also, you could come up with something that’s really valuable to lots of people). Based on my reading of the last few weeks, here’s what I’ve seen and these…
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Monday Motivation-Pick Yourself Up
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Friday Ramblings-Self Publishing Entrepreneurs
It’s spring but yesterday we had snow…big change from the 70 degree temps earlier in the week. How is everyone doing? I hope you’re well and doing something fun besides working. Taking time off is something I’ve always found hard to do. I’ve told myself that this weekend I’m going to do some artwork. My self publishing class began on Monday and I’m seeing more people want to go that route. (More people have told me now they have the time, they’re finally writing a book). Five years ago I launched a site dedicated to self publishing because I knew it was going to be the new big thing. I…
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Recession Proof Yourself, Your Business and Your Life
What’s happening in the world reminds me of the old saying about not putting all your eggs into one basket. I work in the creative field and every day I’m hearing about people losing contracts, clients canceling projects, and people generally not knowing how they’re going to make it through the months ahead. Proactive measures are always better than reactive ones so now is the time to think about businesses that are sort of polar opposites of one another. It’s the way successful entrepreneurs have always done it. If one business gets hit during a downturn, you have one or more other ‘different’ businesses to keep you afloat. Say you…
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Monday Motivation-Inspiration
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Friday Ramblings-A Week of This and That
Hope you’re all safe and well as these difficult times continue. I’ve had a week’s break from teaching and it looks like my synopsis boot camp class might need to be canceled due to low enrollment. Even the other class on self publishing doesn’t have the usual amount and it’s normally a popular topic. I thought this might happen as people are going to be watching their budgets. My classes over at Skillshare, have however, gotten more students enrolled. Another case in point, to diversify and not rely on one revenue stream. I have been reading up on the topic of number of times you should post to blogs and…
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Free Online Retreat, MEconomy and a new product
I know it’s Monday and this post was scheduled for Tuesday but Angela has a midnight deadline for her new MEconomy program. I know lots of you are looking for ways to work online and make money so thought this might be valuable to you. Here’s the link, and the second link is for her create your online business blog post (and full disclosure these are my affiliate links) MEconomy: https://laptoplifestyleyouniversity.com/amember/aff/go/susiep?i=24 10 Steps to Create Your Online Business blog post: https://laptoplifestyleyouniversity.com/amember/aff/go/susiep?i=26 And something else I wanted to share with you, Beachpreneurs have cancelled their get together and are taking it online… and wait for this, it’s free. Here’s the link…
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Monday Motivation-Be Brave
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Friday Ramblings-One For the History Books
Hope you are all safe and well on this last Friday of March. It’s been quite a month, hasn’t it? I think it will definitely be one for the history books. So, craziness in our world aside, what did you achieve this March? I’ve been reading about people in my local area who have had to close their stores, calls from potential clients aren’t coming in like they’d hope, and lots of people wonder if they have enough savings to last until things go back to normal. These are all reminders that everyone needs a rainy day fund and something to fall back onto because we never know when something…
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Friday Ramblings-Hang In There
Last week seemed tough for everyone, but I think this week’s been even more of a challenge for just about everyone in the world. Health crisis, financial crisis, businesses being shut, and unfortunately, the list goes on. Lots of entrepreneurs have felt like they’ve been walking a fine line between offering their services more during these times but at the same time not wanting it to appear like they’re taking advantage of these tough times. I’m glad to see lots of people, sites, and companies have been offering what is usually paid for content for free. Everything from online cooking and art classes to online live concerts. It’s times like…
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Working From Home-Tips on Being Productive
Working from home…I know it’s sometimes a scary thought when you’ve been used to being in an office most of your life. Lots of people are now working from home this week, many not by choice, but it’s probably the new reality for a few weeks or maybe more, so I thought I’d put together some tips on ways I’ve found to be most productive over my 20 years of working from home. Plan Out Your Day There’s nothing worse than waking up, turning on the computer and then sitting wondering what to do next. Some of you might have work planned out by your company while others might be…
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Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Last Day to Grab a Great Deal
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of you, who like me, have Irish heritage…even if you don’t, hope it’s a great day for you. Just want to remind you that the Content Creator’s Collection Toolbox sale finishes today, Tuesday March 17th, at midnight (PST). If you haven’t already grabbed it, the clock is ticking down. Once again, here’s all the information. And in the coming months, I’ll be showing you how you can put all these goodies to good use and ways to turn the content into some money making opportunities. Grab the Toolbox For a Limited Time: https://nichestarterpacks.com/amember/aff/go/susiep?i=352 This toolbox was specifically themed to help you in the content creation…
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Monday Motivation-Showing Up
Sometimes it’s the getting started part that’s the hardest. We think about every excuse not to do something. Sometimes that’s due to lack of knowledge. Oftentimes, we’re afraid we might fail. Just like this quote reminds us, simply showing up is the first step to achieving your dream. This week, go for it!
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$2,178.95 Worth of Products For Only $27
When you’re in business creating content is one of the most important tasks that we do as business owners, but sometimes trying to think of ideas for blog posts, social media posts, products, emails and reports can be time consuming. But don’t worry I’ve got a solution for you. April Lemarr is hosting a HUGE bundle with over 40+ online business people collaborating with products that are going to help you create content quicker and easier than ever before with done-for-you content, templates, planners and training that is going to help you step up your game. All of these products are worth$2,178.95! Take a look at everything that is included:…
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What Teaching Platform Is Right For You?
Do you have a teaching platform in mind or do you need some help narrowing down the choices? When I began teaching online, the platforms were few so picking one wasn’t that hard. However, now it seems like everyone offers you the opportunity to share your skills with the world. Here are some tips that should help you narrow it down. What Are You Teaching? Do you already know what you’d like to teach? Is it English as a second language, graphic design or even cooking? Each platform has its niche (something we’ll be getting more into in the coming months). Check out the classes on the platform and see…
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Friday Ramblings-Hello March
One week into March. It’s been a busy one but there are signs of spring in the air. One thing I love to do is take my work outside on the first warm day. One of the perks of running your own business and living the life you desire. How about you? What is your favorite thing about spring? I mentioned I began looking at RVs, well, small motorhomes to be exact. I’ve visited lots of web sites and one thing that struck me is how great some are and some just don’t want you to stick around. I’m not talking about fancy graphics and sites that have been put…
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Don’t Panic-Have a Plan
Tired of hearing all the bad things that are happening in the world? Lots of people panic when stocks start to fall, interest rates take a nose dive and businesses report loses but if you’re prepared things like this should never scare you. Stocks will bounce back, interest rates will rise again but while we wait for that to happen here are some things we all need to do- Have a Road Map I’m not talking literally, but this weekend or this month, sit down and take note of where you want to be in a year, five years, ten years. Remember the popular interview question where do you see…
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Blogging-About Me Page
Did you know that the About Me page on sites and blogs is one of the most viewed? I said I’d be honest about my own struggles with keeping this site up to date. I’d hoped by the time I’d written this post I would have revamped my own about me page. What can I say, it’s the first week of the month which is usually the busiest for me and it didn’t get done. No excuses, I know. In the meantime, here are some things that I’ll be focusing on when I do get around to redoing that page and I hope these tips will help you. Set the…
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Monday Motivation-Take That First Step
Thinking about living your dream life is one thing, actually taking that first step to making it happen is another. It’s a new month. What’s the first step you need to take in order to live your dream life?
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Choosing Your Side Gig
Do you know which type of side gig is right for you? It’s the fourth Tuesday of the month, which means it’s side gig, side hustle time. Many of the other things we’ve already talked about like blogging, teaching or running an online store could be considered side gigs. It all depends on whether or not you’re doing it as a second job or if it’s your full time business and main focus. I remember when it used to be called Moonlighting and I’ve had lots of those jobs, especially when I had to quit my job…you can read about that in an previous post. The first thing to decide…
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Monday Motivation-Nothing Holding Me Back
This week remember that there’s nothing stopping you from realizing your dream. Whether it be starting a business, finally moving to your favorite destination, traveling…and the list goes on. Dream on and take that one important step, your first one to living the life you love.
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Friday Ramblings-New Product Release
This week, have you taken one more step toward living the life you love? Over at my writing blog, I write an article about living your dream and gave my readers a gentle nudge…you can also read about my lifelong desire to learn to play the piano at www.thiswriterslife.com This week, I finally finished, well 99% finished, the lessons and workbooks for the summer retreat I’m teaching in June, July and August. Remember me telling you about my new technique of block working…going all out on one project and not switching until it was done? I didn’t like it at first but I hate to admit it, but I’m getting…
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Make Money From Your Site…not someone else’s
Should you sell your products and services on someone else site? Less than a year ago, I would have told you, yes, but now I’m thinking the smartest entrepreneur puts their wares on their own site first, builds up traffic, grows the mailing list and then and only then, thinks about other people’s sites. Take e-books for example. Five years ago, I would never have thought about trying to sell any of my books on my own writing site. Okay, call me a lazy writer, but online stores like Amazon were bringing me in sales so I didn’t see the point of spending more time building a store. Even some…
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Monday Motivation-Build Your Dream
They say when you work for someone else you’re helping them live their dream and not your own. This week, think about what type of business you can launch. Could it be one that starts out as a side gig or something you do for a few hours every night when you come home from the job you’ll leave when you become your own boss? This week, let’s dream BIG.
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Friday Ramblings-Happy Valentine’s Day
Wishing you all a Happy Valentine’s Day. How was your week? What plans have you put in place to start a business or take your current one to the next level? I’ve been working on upcoming classes I’ll be teaching this summer and also my first digital product for you, the Budget Smart Girl audience. I hope to launch it next Thursday. It will also be part of a bundle sale that April Lemarr (hope you checked out her interview with me), is hosting in March. In fact, knowing I wanted to be part of it, gave me the kick up the you know what to actually get something created.…
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Passive Income-Everybody’s Dream
Imagine if you could put earning money on some sort of cruise control… You’ve probably seen no end of books, YouTube videos, podcasts, well, you name it on the topic of passive income. We’re going to explore the topic here at BSG continually. Lots of side gigs and many business pursuits involve passive income, so let’s talk about what it is and what it’s not. Passive income, as I mentioned in my intro is sort of like putting your car on cruise control. You do the work of starting the car, driving it onto the freeway and then getting it up to freeway speed, and then you press a button,…
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Wednesday Interview with April Lemarr
This week’s guest is April Lemarr. I’m on April’s mailing list and I’ve bought products from her and I strongly encourage you to sign up to her mailing list and check out all the wonderful products she provides content creators. We’re going to talk more about PLR and how you can use it to add content to your site but for now, enjoy my interview with April. Tell us about yourself and your business. Hi my name is April Lemarr and I own Niche Starter Packs. My business provides done-for-you content to small business, bloggers, entrepreneuers and coaches. There are three easy steps — Download. Personalize. Use as your own.…
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Making Money by Sharing Your Skills
Teaching, coaching, tutoring, so many names for the ways you share your skill with others. One thing they all have in common is it’s a great way to make some extra money or even turn it into your full time business. I turned to tutoring during the Great Recession when more freelance assignments were far and few between, and more work was getting outsourced. I enjoyed it so much that I actually started to drop some of my freelance writing gigs and switched more to teaching others how to write. I began teaching classes through some of the chapters of the Romance Writers of America. About four years ago, I…
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Monday Motivation-Be Happy
I saw this quote by John Lennon and thought it would be perfect for this week’s Monday Motivation. Pursue things that make you happy and surround yourself with people that make you smile.
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Friday Ramblings-Tackling the To Do List
February is under way and how are you doing with your to do list? This week I finished creating lessons for a promotion boot camp I’ll be teaching next month. I’d been working on them and the workbook for about two or three weeks so I was happy to have that project completed. I thought about switching to something completely different but then decided I might as well stick with lessons and workbooks. I’ve opted to get started on creating the lessons for the upcoming summer writing retreat. For the last month or so, (if you add up the lessons, the blog posts, my other writing projects), I’m probably averaging…
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Domain Name and Hosting
Domain name, hosting WordPress.com versus WordPress.org….. Lots of people have their own views on web sites, platforms to use, where to register domains, but as promised, I’ll share with you, what’s worked, and what’s not worked for me. I’ve always been loyal to WordPress and I should add initially I used their .com version. Anything too technical isn’t for me. In fact, ask anyone who know me and they’ll tell you, I get into a panic! Someone suggested WordPress and it’s the only platform I’ve ever used because even for someone like me, it’s easy to use and enables you to use have a site up and running in no…
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Monday Motivation-
I love this quote because it reminds us that no matter what we’ve done in the past, businesses that didn’t take off as planned, savings that got drained, a project that got sidelined, none of that matters. What lies ahead is what counts. This week, put away all negative thoughts, moments when you dwell on the past and those times when you catch yourself saying if I’d only you’d done this or not. Let it go and look to the future. It’s there where you success awaits you.
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An Entrepreneur’s Journey
This week, I’ve been creating the lessons for the how to promote your book boot camp I’m teaching in March. Today, I worked on a lesson on social media and realized that I hadn’t worked in public relations for twenty years. Twenty years, I thought, had it been that long? It’s what actually gave me the topic idea for this post. It was back in 2000, yes, the beginning of the new century that I decided to venture out on my own. It wasn’t something I’d intended to do. I’d been working for a publishing company as a publicist. During my third year there, I got a sense that things…
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Monday Motivation-Keep Your Dream
Each of us has a dream that’s unique. What’s yours? Think about it often. Don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be achieved. The one and only thing that can prevent you from living your dream is you.
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Business Talk Thursday-Let’s Focus On Why
The difference between success and failure is often due to lack of motivation. When things get hard like when you’re freelancing, running a business, or just simply trying to make some extra money, it’s often lack of knowing your true why that puts an end to your plan. Get a sheet of paper and write down why you want to pursue whatever it is you dream about. Are you saving to buy your first home? A comfortable retirement? An early retirement? The once in a lifetime trip around the world? Living the life you love is different for each of us so simply writing down I want to make more…
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Thursday-Business Talk
It’s Thursday and beginning next week, that’s the day we talk business here at Budget Smart Girl. Some weeks the focus will be on promotion and marketing you and your business. Other weeks, growing an e-mail list and getting people to buy whatever it is your selling. We’ll also focus on money, how to run your business the budget smart way, and how to manage it once you’ve made it. We’ll even talk about things like passive income and maybe even a review of products and apps that are supposed to help us run our business and manage our time more effectively. Is there anything you’d like to see discussed…
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Blogging Tuesday
This week I’m giving you a preview of what each Tuesday will feature here at BSG. The first Tuesday in each month will focus on blogs and blogging. It’s a popular way for people to make money, promote a business, or even set up a web site if you freelance or sell products. I thought I’d kick things off with my own blogging story and how Budget Smart Girl actually came to be. I was writing for a site called Hearth and Home and had a column there called Eating Well on a Budget and then had a second column called The Budget Smart Girl’s Guide to the Universe. I…
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Monday Motivation-Keep Your Vision
Happy 2020. Welcome to the first Monday Motivation. Each week I’ll post an image with a quote that I hope will guide you through the week. A motivating thought that will help you when you feel like giving up your dream of making money or just simply living the live you love. Let’s begin this debut post with this quote about sticking to your vision. And if you’d like to see another Monday Motivation quote or have an interest in writing, check out my other site at www.thiswriterslife.com Enjoy your week and remember to live the life you love.
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What’s Ahead in 2020?
As 2019 slowly draws to a close, it’s time to begin thinking about 2020. Do you already know what’s on your to do list, or what goals you’re going to tackle? As you know, I’m giving Budget Smart Girl a makeover. I’ve been brainstorming things I’d like to feature on the site and what sort of content I’d like to provide. I can’t promise that we’ll have the full week’s line up straight away but here’s what I’d eventually like to feature each week. Monday-it’s all about getting motivated. Lots of us have ideas for earning money and launching a business but what separates the just thinking about it from…
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E-Book Giveaways
2020 is just around the corner. BSG going in a new direction, and maybe you are too. I’m giving away a copy of each of my new planners (you’ll get the e-book versions). The first one is the goal planner perfect for writing down everything you plan to do (and get done!) in 2020. If you have a blog or starting a blog is on your list then you might like to win the blog planner. I’m eager to get working on filling in mine so I can plan out great content for this site…more about that next week. One person will win the goal planner, one, the blog planner.…
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Two New Planners for the Entrepreneur
I have two new planners I created with the budding or established entrepreneur in mind. One is a blog planner and the other a goal planner. The print versions are available at Amazon and cost $5.99 each. The digital versions are on my Etsy store and are $4.99 each but I’m running a Thanksgiving sale with 20% off which makes them $3.99. Here are the links to both sites. I got my print copies of these two planners and have to say I’m pleased with the product and I’ll be putting them to good use in 2020. If you’ve signed up for the free mini-retreat, ‘see’ you on Monday. Have…
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Free Mini-Retreat
Many of you know that I’m an author and also teach and tutor aspiring writers. I’ve been teaching for various chapters of the Romance Writers of America for a decade. Together we’re always trying to come up with something new and we decided in 2020, I’d teach an online summer writing retreat. We also came up with the idea to offer a free mini-retreat next month to give prospective students a glimpse into what the main event will be like…it’s going to be fun! Some of you might be aspiring authors so I thought I’d share this information with the BSG community. In the holiday spirit, I’m going to give…
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Do You Know How You’re Going to Make Money?
I’ve been putting together ideas for the direction of this site and where I want to take it in 2020 and who my target audience will be. I want to help people make money, help people with businesses and side gigs make more money. I also want to help people find their passion, find their calling, and make money doing what they love. I’ve got a long list of ideas for posts, people I want to interview, people just like you who now run a business and it all started one day when they simply had a dream about making more money. There are classes I want to teach…well, the…
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Multiple Streams of Income
I’ve been working for myself for twenty years, dappling in some sort of work that brings in extra income for close 25 years. One thing I’ve learned from fellow entrepreneurs is you need to have multiple streams of income for those just in case times. Trends come and go, businesses take off then fail, recession hits and all three can take their toll on your bottom line. I’ve always followed the multiple income stream theory and I think it has kept me afloat many times. However, recently I’ve been wondering if it’s such a great thing. Besides my writing, teaching and coaching, I have t-shirts I sell on Merch by…
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Making Money Has Never Been Easier…
Selling on Etsy, running a store on Shopify, eBay, Amazon, creating t-shirts, offering gigs on Fiverr, teaching on Udemy… The list could go on and while making money has never been easier, that’s what’s making it so hard. The ease at which anyone, anywhere in the world can make earn income has actually made it harder to make money. Taking blogging for example, ten years ago a handful of people were running blogs and now it seems just about everyone has one that flash ads galore, selling this and selling that in order to earn themselves some commission. Do you know anyone who doesn’t have an Etsy store? Resells stuff…
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Catching Up…
I know I said I was going to start posting to the site on a regular basis again, but as you guessed, it didn’t happen. I’ve been thinking about the direction I want to take this site. When I started it back in 2005, there were only a handful of other money minded blogs. These days just about everyone has a money blog. I’d like to do something completely different. Over the summer, I even thought about selling the domain name and site but something deep in my heart couldn’t let it go. Budgetsmartgirl will always be my baby. With that in mind, I’m going to keep it up and…
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Monday Motivation-Celebrate Your Life
What will you celebrate this week?
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Friday Ramblings-Learning New Skills
I always make it a goal of learning something new each week…each day if I can. Last weekend, I decided to dedicate this year to attempting all sorts of new skills. Some might be out of my comfort zone but I’m going for it. One thing I did was sign up for the year long access to all the classes at Mother Earth News. They have ones on canning, gardening, and one I enjoyed this week was making your own soda. It’s not only cheaper but a whole lot better for you. It’s just $2.99 a month or as I did, you can opt up for the $35 a year…
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28 Day Money Challenge
Do you need to rethink your finances? Need to make a budget and finally stick with it? Save for a rainy day? Set up a source for passive income? If any of the above apply to you then get ready for the 1st annual Budget Smart Girl Money Makeover challenge that runs from Feb 1st-28th. 28 days to rethink your money mindset. We’ll focus on why we often fail when it comes to budgets and sticking with them. How to make your money work for you. We’ll look resources to help you with your money. Ways to save money. Ways to make money. I’m still planning this challenge as I…
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How Prepared Are You?
If your computer crashed or a platform you sell on went out of business, are you prepared? If 2020 taught us anything it was that everything can change and change quickly. Have you given any thought to what would happen if the platform you sell your products on or the company that hosts your web site suddenly goes out of business, what you’ll do. Panic shouldn’t be the first word that comes to mind. My late father always told me to have a back up plan for everything in life. I’ve done my best to follow his advice but sometimes we get busy and sometimes we don’t see things coming…
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Monday Motivation-Find Your Direction
This week ask yourself if you’re heading in the right direction. If not, what can you do to change things?
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Friday Ramblings-The To Do List
How is your werrk turned out? Mine sort of went in another direction when I realized I needed to rework my do list. I had to figure out what was a priority and what wasn’t. That’s another thing that’s sometimes hard when you work for yourself. I now have all my folders separated and named which should make next week a little easier. Remember that next month we’ll start our first challenge of the year here at BSG. It’s going to be a money mindset challenge. Sort of a shake things up in regards to the way we think about money and our relationship with it…stay tuned. And before I…
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Let’s Get Organized
Have lots of projects going on and not sure which one to tackle first? Have a to do list that’s getting out of control? Yesterday, I realized even though I’d spent the previous two weeks getting organized (or should I add the word thought in front of getting), I failed at the task. I hate to make the new year all about organization but as entrepreneurs and people who like to save money, it’s essential to do a check in once in a while. So, on a scale of one to ten (with one being bad shape), where would you say you are in being organized? Right now I think…
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Starting an Online Business in 2021?
Working from home running your own business… Does it sound like just a dream or something you seriously want to put into action this year? Angela Wills has put together a new class that can help you get started and it’s called the Online Business Masterclass. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the things you’ll learn- What kind of things can you offer for sale. How to decide what to sell. Getting a domain name, hosting and a website setup (simple start). Ways to build your audience / community so you have people to sell to. Easy ways to set up products for sale. Actions to take and habits…
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Hold Yourself Accountable
Last week we focused on staying motivated and finding an accountability partner. In today’s post, I’d like to tell you about something I’ve been doing to hold myself accountable. Yes, I’ve had accountability partners in the past. It’s my preferable way to go but sometimes it takes time finding one that’s a great match. I tried this alternative way last year, and so far, so good. At the beginning of each week, I take a sheet of paper and write down what I want to achieve in the next five days. I leave space between each one…I’ll tell you why in a minute. Fold the paper in half or thirds…
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Monday Motivation-Don’t Stand In Your Own Way
