WORK AT HOME

Work at home or work from home - doesn't that sound great?

Well, I think it does. And so do millions of other people worldwide!

Most of us find, at different times, that the money we are bringing in, is not enough for all the things we want.
And we all have dreams for our future of wealth, financial security and retirement.

Having access to credit and loans is only part of the answer, and sometimes we can not get the access we would like.

If you find your income is too low, there are many ways to increase it.

One of the fastest growing trends worldwide is work from home and work at home businesses.

We are not talking about your favourite hobby... that you do in your spare time... and you might recover your costs if you are lucky...

We are talking about genuine work from home opportunities to make a real income, while you actually work at home.

Benefits

The benefits of not having to leave your house to earn your income are many.The first benefit is exactly that - not having to leave your house. You could even stay in your pyjamas, and not brush your hair (if you really wanted to!) but this is not really my recommendation. Just because you work at home doesn't mean you shouldn't always treat it like a legitimate business.

You will save on a number of costs that are just part of the deal when you "go out to work" - clothing - petrol and wear and tear on your vehicle, or public transport costs - parking - lunches out.This is just the tip of the iceberg, and so it is a good idea to search further for excellent information on tried and true ways to work from home.
There are also valuable Tax Advantages available when you run a home business. Have a look further down this page for more information on tax implications when you work at home.

And working from home doesn't just mean staying at home. It also includes basing yourself at your home (just like an office) and getting out and about to see clients.

Who does this already?

Often, they are also are happy to share their success and help others find success too.

And while there are many ideas out there - and it doesn't have to be envelope stuffing, data entry or the ones that usually come to mind (although these can also be genuine home business opportunities) - not all of them are going to fit with your skills, education, family situation, lifestyle and/or health.

But if you keep an open mind, and keep looking, the chances are pretty good that eventually, you will find the right thing for you!

Here is a testimonial from a real SBI! customer whose life has been changed by building their online business with Site Build It!...

"I work on my site(s) every day. Okay... not every day. After all, I can take time off whenever I feel like it, which is good, because we get a lot of company these days! During those times I limit my "work" to checking stats and income and answering the odd email. But when the visiting is over, I truly can't wait to get back to work." ~ Michelle Schill
style-hair-magazine.com

Another great option is upskilling via the internet and then taking your new skills out to your clients. A great example of this would be a MakeUp Artist. You can use your home as a base, and bring clients in to you, or go out to them.

What if I don't have a "Big Idea"?

Specialist work at home recruitment companies are springing up. They provide you with easy information on existing businesses, who need workers, that are based in their own homes.

So you can still work from home, and work for someone else at the same time.

And sometimes it is just the simplest opportunity. For example, many large corporations around the globe are looking for everyday people, who represent their customer base, to tell them what they like. Sounds pretty simple to me.

One example is Express Paid Surveys - pretty much instant access to money making opportunities once you sign up; it is just about spending your time...have a look at how it works.

It always pays to do your research too. You could tap into some work at home internet information to help you understand what is out there, and how you could make it work for you.

In fact, all some companies do is investigate ways for you to make money by working from home. There are many, many ideas out there.

If you are a Kiwi you could even win $15,000 with The Great New Zealand Survey. Complete the 5 minute survey for a chance to win. (Ok, so it is not really a work from home idea, but you can do it from home, and it could earn you money...what do you have to lose?)

There are even companies that say you can get paid to shop! If that sounds like you, surely it is worth investigating?

Opportunities

Here are just a few helpful sites that may hold the key to you being able to work at home:

Start an Online Store Internet Home Business : Start your own online store Internet business from home selling the Internets best selling products

Traditional 8-5 jobs may be in short supply right now but freelance jobs are available and waiting for you. Start Work Today!

Job Retraining - Job retraining doesn't help everyone...a new trend is developing which allow displaced workers to market their knowledge or skills in a whole new way and tap into more income opportunities then ever before.

www.startup-business-home.com Home business opportunities. Turn your hobby into a home business. Opportunities to work from home are everywhere!

Work At Home Scams

Sometimes the difference between an opportunity and a scam can simply be what you are prepared to do, and for how much return.

For example, some of us may be prepared to work for a period of time for little, or no, reward in the belief that ultimately we are learning and gaining valuable experience. It is perhaps "a means to an end".
Others of us may see the same situation as being used or a scam.

Then there are the real scams.

The ones that cost you both time and money, with no chance of a return on your investment and little or no chance of success.

These are the situations where you will end up worse off at the end, and the are designed to have only one winner - the person/s who set it up.

And don't discount the old adage...
"If it sounds too good to be true; it probably is."

Don't be afraid to rely on your "gut feeling" or "natural instincts" either. You are the best judge of what is right for you.

Tax Advantages

These are legitimate deductions you are entitled to claim if you are running a legitimate business from your home.

And that is where it can get complicated, and why you should always seek the advice of a professional - an accountant, or tax specialist.

The New Zealand Inland Revenue Department is also a good starting resource for tax information if you live in NZ - but again, you should also consult a professional tax advisor.

I also recommend you read the book shown below "Slash Your Taxes Now". It is an easy read with many helpful (and legal) tips on how to make sure you are paying the right amount of tax.

Get Some Advice

When we are working on an idea we are really close to the whole process (especially when it is a work from home idea) and don't always remain objective about our decisions.

Getting some outside advice is the best way to get a "reality check" - whether the news is good or not so good - it is better to hear it now and make better decisions moving forward.

I found Home Based Internet Know How, by Daniel Cajiga, has lots of helpful reference material aimed at those who work from home, particularly if your business has an internet base and / or a strong internet presence. We are also reminded here, that basic business principles still apply, even when you work from home, and your business is internet based.

Sometimes you will get much needed reassurance that you are doing the right thing. Other times you may find that there is a better way of doing things, that you had not realised.

I often go back to some excellent advice we were given when first starting out (in business and life!) - take advice from people who have been successful in the area they are advising on!

We all have an opinion - but that doesn't automatically qualify us to give advice. Look for qualified experienced people, who know the area you are working on, to give you advice.

This doesn't have to mean spending a lot of money on consultants - although you really should pay for professional advice at some point in the process, such as an accountant and lawyer.

You can start the process yourself, and do a lot of the background research quite easily. It can be as simple as getting a book from the library or going online to find helpful information. At the end of it all it is up to you if you choose to accept the advice, but at least by seeking another point of view you have that choice.

And trust your gut instincts.

If it feels right, and you have genuinely done the background work then it is probably worth a go!

Equally, if it doesn't feel right, then perhaps it isn't right, and you need to either do some more work on it or find something else.

Return from Work At Home to Abacus Finance

If you live in New Zealand, and need finance to help start your home business, Abacus Finance can help with a small personal loan. Apply online - no obligation application with fast decision times.