Let's face it. These are hard times. People are losing their jobs, getting laid off, hours are being cut. Times are tough and we need to learn how to create a second income, extra money for entertainment or simply how to save for an emergency. Many of us have diminished our savings due to circumstances beyond our control. I am going to teach you some methods on how to save and make money that you may or may not know or may have overlooked along the way.

My story...
I worked my way through college as a dental assistant, and shortly after graduating, opened a clothing store. Why? I have no idea. I knew I wanted to have the American dream and be a business owner. So, let's stop right there for my first piece of advice. If you are going to open a business, do something you do well, a hobby of yours, something you have passion about. I have never been an avid shopper or had a lot of interest in clothing. My store was a name brand re-sale clothing store. I had never owned a business like this, nor did I have any experience in clothing. Bad decision. Lesson #1: pick a business that you know like the back of your hand, a business that you can be an expert in. This business failed for many reasons. It failed due to my lack of knowledge about clothing. The other reason it failed is due to overhead expenses. The rent in the building was $1600. The store needed to produce this much, plus my salary. Some months I was short, some months I just barely made it, but the bottom line is, your overhead can essentially kill you and your checking account, which leads me to Lesson #2: if possible, start your business at home. You will have little to no overhead and in addition, you can write off your home expenses and improvements if they pertain to your business. It's a win/win.

Nothing is too big or impossible. Before starting my clothing business, I was a poor college student. My boyfriend lived with me and was making commission at a body shop. His dream was to open his own body shop. We bought some used d.j. equipment and started a d.j. business and we bar tended at an amphitheatre. We were hired for weddings and birthday parties and when we weren't doing that, bar tending. We saved the money from those endeavors until we had a pile of change and some bills. He found a small garage and needed $750 for a deposit. One night we sat down at the kitchen table, counted all of the money we had made all those late nights, most of which was dollars and quarters. He took the $750 and followed his dream. He has since moved into a much larger facility, with the capacity to fix many more cars. Today his income has more than tripled. This just goes to show, dreams DO come true and they can with a faith, patience and know how. Remember, a flower starts out as a seed until later blooming into a beautiful sight.

If starting your own business is your dream, think about what you do best, what you know the most about and what job would be your "dream" job. Then make it happen!! You are in control of your dream and only you can execute it!