Healthy Work at Home Tips For Homeschooling Families

Welcome Everyone!! You are going to love this site. We will have information that will enhance your life as a homeschooling family and help improve your finances as well. We are a homeschooling family just like you. One of us currently works at home, running a few different businesses both on the internet and in person. One of us works outside of the home, but we are diligently moving towards our goal of getting him home too. If you'd like to receive emails or be notified on your homepage every time we add new information or a new post, please fill out the form below and hit submit. We have a strict privacy policy and will NEVER share your information with anyone.

C- Content: Create In-Demand Content focused on the information needs of your target audience. People are NOT search online for you or for your product. They are searching for answers to their questions and solutions to their problems. A great content rich website offers them what they are looking for. This helps get you good organics results from Google/Yahoo/MSN, which leads us to…

T- Traffic: Attract Targeted Traffic. When you content is rated high by the search engines, you get “found” more easily by the searchers. You want a lot of people landing on your web page. This is called Traffic.

P - Pre-sell: Pre-Sell Those Visitors. You Pre-sell by OVERdelivering what people are seeking… relevant, original, information. People develop confidence and trust in your because you are offering them what they need.

M- Monetize: Monetize pre-sold traffic. Convert warm, willing-to-buy (pre-sold) visitors into income. This is called “monetizing” and this is the easy part. You must remember that “M” cannot happen if you fail to first execute…C T P. This is where 99% of small businesses fail.

No matter what system you use to build and host your website, you must follow the CTPM process if you want it make you money. This is the same process that SEO experts and those making millions from their websites, are using. It is this process which will get you on the first page of Googe or Yahoo for organic searches, rather than on page 3 or 59. Learn the CTPM Process and you will be well on your way to making money from your online business.

This is and was my first ever blog, created almost two years ago as I began my foray into internet marketing. Much has happened in the past 22 months and much has been learned.  I am still a full time home schooling mom, and now also a full time internet marketer. My focus in on helping people learn how to create residual income using the power of the internet.

Philosophically I tend towards Attraction Marketing in all that I do. That means that I have moved away from the traditional “pitch and sell” and have developed my contacts and customers through offering information of value. I monetize what I do through my connection with a few affiliate products, a network marketing company (sometimes two), and some specific niche marketing where I sell my own digital informational products. All my websites receive their traffic through primarily organic means and attraction. I use social media to a great extent and have recently been having a lot of fun creating business videos.

Everything that I have learned and put into action in the past months, I offer back to you through my Free Success Mentoring System. If this way of doing business appeals to you, yet you need some assistance..(and I can tell you that it is great for home schooling families)…feel free to contact me.

Tax Credit for Homebuyers
First-time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November 2009 may be eligible for the lower of an $8,000 or 10% of the value of the home tax credit. Remember a tax credit is very different than a tax deduction – a tax credit is equivalent to money in your hand, as opposed to a tax deduction which only reduces your taxable income.

The tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000. Buyers will have to repay the credit if they sell their homes within three years.

Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction

It’s important to remember that the $8,000 tax credit is just that… a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it’s a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for the $8,000 tax credit, they would owe nothing.

Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a homebuyer is liable for $4,000 in income tax, he can offset that $4,000 with half of the tax credit… and still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!

Phaseout Examples

According to the plan, the tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000.

To break down what this phaseout means to homebuyers who are over those amounts, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) offers the following examples:

Example 1: Assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time homebuyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $8,000 by 0.5. The result is $4,000.

Example 2: Assume that an individual homebuyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $8,000 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,800.

Remember, these are general examples. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.

Homes that Qualify

The tax credit is applicable to any home that will be used as a principle residence. Based on that guideline, qualifying homes include single-family detached homes, as well as attached homes such as townhouses and condominiums. In addition, manufactured or homes and houseboats used for principle residence also qualify.

Higher Loan Amounts

More good news – there is an extension on the additional tier of conforming loan amounts which had been first established in 2008.  This tier of home loans are those greater than $417,000, and with a maximum that depends on the area, but is not greater than $729,750.  These loans will again be eligible for rates that are slightly higher than conforming loan rates, but less expensive than the standard “jumbo” loan rates.

Additional Housing-Related Provisions

Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs — This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.

Landmark Energy Savings — This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.

Repairing Public Housing and Making Key Energy Efficiency Retrofits To HUD-Assisted Housing—This provision provides a total of $6.3 Billion for increasing energy efficiency in federally supported housing programs.Specifically, it establishes a new program to upgrade HUD-sponsored low-income housing (for elderly, disabled, and Section to increase energy efficiency, including new insulation, windows, and frames.

Expanding Housing Assistance—This provision increases support for several critical housing programs. It includes $2 Billion for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program to help communities purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed, vacant properties.

More Help for Homeowners in the Future
Another thing to keep an eye on in the coming weeks is President Obama’s plan to help struggling borrowers before they are faced with a default on their mortgage.

According to reports, the Obama administration is discussing plans to help borrowers who are struggling to stay afloat, but who have not yet fallen behind on their payments. At this point, details are scarce; however, reports indicate that President Obama is looking to spend approximately $50 Billion to directly help homeowners before they face foreclosure and financial disaster.

While this is good news for individual homeowners, it will likely be good for the housing industry as a whole. That’s because, assisting struggling borrowers before they default should help stop the wave of foreclosures, which are estimated to top two million this year. That, in turn, will help stabilize home prices.

The Economic Stimulus Plan is huge, and impacts a number of industries. I’ve highlighted some of the major provisions that may impact you now and in the future.

 

 

 

 

I was going to write a post about teaching your child how to be an entrepreneur. Given the extreme down turn of the economy, now is the time to step outside of your box and society’s box in terms of your understanding of and relationship with money. As I was doing research for this post as to different ways that families teach their kids about money, I came across a great book on the subject. So rather than re-invent the wheel,

Here it is  !!

Not only is it about money and kids, it was written by a HomeSchooling MOM!! How perfect.

How To Teach Your Kids About Money

….And while I’m on the subject of money, you need to read Your Money or Your Life, by Dominguez/Robin. Talk about a paradigm shift that is eerily in keeping with our current state of affairs. Read it. I’m sure you’ll agree. We’ll compare notes in a few months as to how we’ve not only shifted in our thoughts, but also reduced our expenses. Yes, that is what this book is about…yet there are no BUDGETS!!!! Read and Rejoince

Ahhh…the trials and tribulations of the internet. One year ago I began with just this blog. It was simple and I spent a lot of time posting here. Over that year, my internet empire has developed into 4 blogs, 4 websites and one stand-along lead capture page with about 6 more waiting in my mind to be born. I post on a few different forums related to working at home and network marketing, plus I offer free mentoring and coaching services using the Mentoring For Free program.

This blog began as a conversation about balance and has morphed somewhat into a lot of specific information regarding our home business industry. I feel a strong desire to get back to the balance issue. As the supposed “expert” I have let myself get way out of balance due to the time I devote to working. The funny thing is that I LOVE what I’m doing,  so it doesn’t feel out of balance until I step back realize what I’m not doing.

So here’s my list:

1. I’ve only read 2 non-business related books in a year

2. I think about exercise way more than I actually do it

3. My daughter is watching too much TV (mom is on the phone)

4. I forget about breakfast and lunch because I get involved in something and then eat an energy bar and a glass of water

5. I stay up until midnight with my eyes glazing over from too much computer time

6. I find it hard to sleep because so many new and exciting ideas are generating in my brain

7. Exercise…forget…wrote it again because it is so important.

So now that I’ve confessed to you I will let you know how I do in the coming weeks, getting  back in balance. A part of business is now coaching others and it would be hypocritical of me to be talking to my mentorees about balance, organization, etc… and not be taking my own advice. If you’d like to take a look at the Free Ebook I’m using to help people find success, click here–put in your info–and then download the 10 Steps to Success Book. The link is highlighted in green.

Beyond that—look at your own work/life/homeschool balance. Let me know how you’re doing!!

Here’s a question: “If you could be making $2000 to $6000 per month in just six months on top of what you are currently earning, could you see yourself going back to school for 5-10 hours per week for the next six months to learn how to do it?”
What would you answer? What would some of your friends or acquaintances answer? Do you think in your circle of contacts you would be able to find just FIVE people who would answer “YES” to that question. Now, if you could find FIVE people who would answer affirmatively to that question, do you think those FIVE people could also find FIVE people who would answer “YES” to the same question? Now Watch This:

2×2=4; 4×2=8; 8×2=16; 16×2=32
Add 1
3×3=9; 9×3=27; 27×3=81; 81×3=243
Add 1
4×4=16; 16×4=64; 64×4=256; 256×4=1024
Add 1
5×5=25; 25×5=125; 125×5=625; 325×5=3152

The green number represent your first level, purple your second level, blue the 3rd and red your fourth level down.

This is an example of Metcalf’s Law of Exponentials. Anybody who can share the wonderful experience of network marketing with just two people, could easily find two or three more with which to do the same. Your job/your commitment in network marketing is to teach the five first serious people that you bring in to your organization, how to do the exact same thing that you just did. And then guess what? You also teach them how to teach their five people the EXACT same thing and watch what happens. Even if you ONLY went down three levels, if you add up the Green, Purple and Blue numbers in the last row (The FIVE row), you will see that you’ll have over 700 people in your organization. (And then look what happens at the fourth level!!)

If their is any question about who is actually buying your product, there is your answer. Anyone who is doing the business is also using the product. Commissions are paid on product. You have 775 PRODUCT CONSUMERS in your organization (and probably more), just by going deep and duplicating for 3-levels with a duplication system of FIVE.

I can hear some of you now….”I’ve tried it…no one wants to join…it’s too hard…people think it’s a pyramid scheme…people think its a mickey mouse business….” Well I have news for you. If it hasn’t worked for you in the past it is time to do something different. If you keep doing what you’ve done, you’ll keep getting what you’ve got. That is definition of insanity. So I want you to go out and read this book. It will take you less than an hour. The book is called The 45-Second Presentation That Will Change Your Life. It was written by Don Failla. When you finish this book you will know exactly how to approach your next prospect and how to quickly bring FIVE new serious people into your business.

What if you’ve never had a Network Marketing Business Before? Of what if you have, but were not successful. Take advantage of this offering for a Free Consultation by a professional skilled in the system described above. For no charge you can speak with a live Network Marketing Professional. You will experience a unique question and answer process related to the information on this blog post. Just fill out your information below. As a special offer, you will instantly receive the ebook: Notes From A Work At Home Mom. Go Ahead. Put in your info now.

I know you have all had days or weeks when it feels like there’s just too much. Too much to do, too much to organize, too much to clean, too much to think about, too much to handle. The breaking point often comes at a moment fueled by lack of sleep and/or hormonal imbalance. For some it’s tears. For other, irrational yelling. Some stomp out and go running, and others retreat to a hot bath and bed. As women, mothers, business women…we have all been there. (For men reading this post…I know you have your overwhelmed experiences as well..this post is about women…so read it for the one you love).

Usually, once you reach that breaking point, you can wake up the next morning and start to get a handle on things. Sometimes it takes more than the emotional bottom to turn things around. Sometimes the tears or the anger are the signal that we need to make a change–that in fact it all is too much and something has to give. As women, our intelligent bodies give us information that will help us maintain balance but often we are too busy or bull-headed to listen. As women, it’s important in business to do it in a way that is synchronistic with our beings. That means that we may not do it as the men do.

Today I cried on the phone when talking with my very old school masculine mentor. I didnt’ mean to cry. I hadn’t planned on crying. But the old guy came out of the blue and complimented my commitment, dedication and leadership abilities on the same day that I was questioning whether I had what it takes to succeed in this business. Here he was telling me that I was unique in this business and that the level of success that I’ve achieved so far is just the beginning. An hour before, after a night of no sleep and 52 hot flashes and a snuggle from my daughter who was concerned that mommy woke up crying–I was wondering if it was all worth it.

Just when you think it’s all too hard… the simplest comment from the most unexpected source, can set you back on your track.

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PS. Do your self a favor. Take the time to learn how to do business from a position of strength, even if you’re dealing with aggressive people. Watch this free video and you’ll begin to understand the power that comes from inside of all of us. How you communicate it, relates directly to your own sense of self in relation to doing business.

I’m continually struck by the number of men who rocket to success in companies where the majority of people are women. What is that about? From my perspective it’s about many things. The one that comes to mind first is that in most families, men have to ability and the option to be mono-focused on business. In my family, even though I’m obsessively focused on my business at the moment, because I’m loving the process and the results so much, I still have to be a wife and a mom. Even though I wake up in the morning just itching to get to work, I still have to feed, dress, pack, sunscreen, toilet, etc…my child. And that’s if I’m getting her ready to be gone for the day. If it’s an at home day, then I do all that in addition to puzzles, painting, fairy games, dress-up and starting next week, our home school curriculum.

I’ve spoken to many of the men in my company. They tell me to create “massive action”. They talk about how they get in their car and visit prospects all over the state and country, sometimes driving thousands of miles in one week. They talk about doing 15 meetings per week. Yes, they take time off to be with their families. In fact, this industry allows them the opportunity to travel and vacation and still maintain their momentum and income. It’s a beautiful thing. But still…when they go to work they say, “Honey, I’m off to Arizona for 3 days and then on to California. I’ll be back in a week. We’ll talk tonight” and then they’re gone.

This past weekend I attended a national training event and was gone for 4 days. Prior to leaving I needed to arrange for childcare during the weekdays, make lists regarding lunches, sunscreen, phone numbers, etc…I had to pay some bills, arrange for the milk delivery, sort out the laundry and I have a really, really helpful and involved husband. My point it that as working women with families, we do not have the flexibility to just pick up and go. If my husband’s job required him to be elsewhere on those days, I would have needed to stay home. This is not a complaint. It is a fact which I believe is true in most families.

That is why I was so impressed by what occurred at the training I attended. My company included a training session presented by women and focusing on the differences, the struggles and the benefits of how women approach this business. In addition they will now be having a “By Women, For Women” weekly training call. I’m thrilled. Beyond the soundness of the business and product, I knew from an emotional and spiritual perspective that this way the right company for my. That knowledge has now been even more solidified.

The path to being a women on top, may be different. But it is equally valid and ultimately more satisfying to do it in our own unique manner rather than doing it like the men. Work at home moms are very powerful women. Click here to read a blog post specifically about this topic.

I’m assuming that most who read this blog are working from home. What type of business are you in? There are so many different options these days that allow you to work in your PJ’s and not commute. I met some people today who do software development for a newspaper in Boston, yet they live all over the country and move frequently to satisfy their need for adventure. There are those who do data processing at home. People run daycares or consult on the phone.

Regardless of what you do, most businesses need to be marketed. Someone, somewhere needs to know what you have to offer and then desire you product or services. The most common method of marketing is to sell people on your offering. But people hate to be sold and not many like to sell either. What if there was another way to connect and network? What if you could bring people into your sphere and get to know them and their needs first? Doesn’t this sound like more fun?

When I’m not wearing my clinical social worker hat, or my mom hat I work in network marketing. I don’t sell. I don’t accost every friend and family member with my product or opportunity. Instead I spend my time building relationships online and offline. Sometimes I can help people. Sometimes they help me. Occasionally someone wants to know about my company and I tell them. It’s easy and fun and puts me in touch with interesting people from all over the world. (I make money too, but it just happens naturally). I call it attraction marketing. The way that I network with people can be learned by watching a series of free videos. Click here if you’d like to watch them. I believe what you’ll learn can be valuable in any business that requires marketing and people skills.

What type of Business are YOU in? Please answer by sending a comment. Also include how you juggle your business and your homeschooling, if that pertains to you.

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