[PT's note: This comprehensive article was contributed by Eric Bowlin from IdealREI.com. I first heard Eric on this Bigger Pockets episode. He lives here in Texas with me now and we regularly get together for lunch and talk real estate and business. Here's Eric....] It’s remarkable to see how real estate investing can create so much wealth. You see it everywhere--TV, the web, or your friend who randomly decided to flip a house, it … [Read more...]
Earn Money on the Side as a Delivery Driver with Postmates
When I was in college, I’d earn a little extra money before breaks by offering rides to the airport for $30 per head. The airport was an hour away and most of the transit options were more expensive than my service. Since I had a car and some free time before exams, this was a great side hustle for me. Fast forward two decades and the sharing economy and delivery apps have opened up a wide new world. Apps like Postmates … [Read more...]
Lower Your Cell Phone Bill: Best Business Cell Phone Plans And Bill Negotiation Services
As a freelance writer, my "office" is wherever my laptop happens to be open. And my "business phone," is the same phone that I for personal phone calls and texts, or checking Facebook and Twitter--my cell phone. In my case, I only have my own cell phone bill to worry about. But if you're a small business owner, your employees may rely upon their cell phones just as often as I do mine. In fact, in many service-oriented … [Read more...]
Invest in Real Estate for as Little as $1,000 [RealtyMogul Review]
Several years ago, my husband and I decided to add "real estate moguls" to our resumes. Homes in the small college town where we lived were affordable. Also, rental prices were high and we could count on graduate students as potential tenants. Buying a rental property seemed like an excellent way to grow our portfolio and our wealth. Unfortunately, we quickly hit a number of setbacks. Qualifying for a loan on a rental … [Read more...]
How to Find Virtual Assistant Jobs You Can Do From Home
If you're a good fit for the work style, and know where to find the best jobs, being a virtual assistant has plenty of benefits, including great pay. There are now more than 4 million administrative assistants in the U.S. according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many of those are now virtual assistants at home. The outlook is good for the profession and the barrier to entry is low. A virtual assistant typically works … [Read more...]
Understanding Your Small Business Insurance Needs with CoverWallet
I have been working for myself for nearly a decade, but I have only recently started to think of myself as a small business owner. As a freelance writer, I thought I could opt out of many of the expensive aspects of traditional entrepreneurship. I thought I had no need for things like small business insurance. After all, I have no employees and an office that is not is open to the public. I always assumed there was no … [Read more...]
18 Frugal Living Tips Plus How to Beat Frugality Fatigue
It's important to live a frugal life. Why? Because we can always find a way to spend the money we earn or save. Unless we make a lifestyle change and start implementing some frugal living tips we are ultimately going to miss the mark. Remember, Michael Jackson? The poor guy owned the Beatles' collection and still had financial trouble. Living frugally means making intentional choices with your everyday spending. Decide your own … [Read more...]
Small Business Bookkeeping is a Breeze with Bench
I have been freelancing for close to a decade, which includes handling my own small business bookkeeping. Since I have no background in accounting, learning how to manage my books was not easy. And frankly, handling my own books is not my favorite part of my business. Not only does bookkeeping take time away from the income-generating work of pitching, researching, and writing articles, but I always have a nagging worry that … [Read more...]
Teaching Kids About Money [The Complete Guide]
If you're like me, you want to teach your kids about money so that they can create a life of freedom and independence for themselves. Maybe you struggled with money a bit when you were younger, like me, and you don't want them to have to go through the same problems (credit card debt, not getting ahead, etc.). Here's the thing. You have the ability to help your kids succeed. By learning about money yourself, you're giving your … [Read more...]
Fundrise Review: Commercial Real Estate Investing for Everyone
Traditionally, there were only two ways to invest in commercial real estate. You could get started for a (relatively) low financial investment if you personally maintained the property. Or you could invest a major chunk of change into real estate development as a form of passive income. But neither of these options allowed the average Joe with a day job to invest a modest amount. Without time or serious money, real estate … [Read more...]
What You Can Expect from a Financial Planner [Plus How Much They Cost]
The world of investing and financial planning can be confusing. If you've heard about certified financial advisors, you may be wondering exactly what do they do and whether or not you need one. Even as a CPA myself, I've found this world a bit confusing. But I spoke with some friends who are advisors, did my own research with an advisor session, and I'm here to share what I learned with you. A financial planner can do anything … [Read more...]
Make Money Delivering Food with DoorDash
Delivering pizzas has long been a consistent side hustle option that can help you earn extra money. But as beneficial as a pizza delivery hustle can be for your bottom line, it does have some drawbacks. You have to work a specific schedule, and there’s no way to increase your pay thanks to your own initiative. But these days, the sharing economy has made it possible for motivated hustlers to earn money delivering far more … [Read more...]
15 Ways to Make Extra Cash Renting Out Your Stuff
If you're like me, you probably own plenty of things that you only use every once in a while. Whether you've got an empty bedroom, a collection of cocktail dresses, assorted athletic equipment, or a car that you only drive once or twice a week, you could be putting your stuff to work for you. Renting your stuff is a great way to make extra money. Renting out your stuff is a no-muss, no-fuss way of earning some part-time … [Read more...]
Retail Arbitrage: How to Buy, Sell, and Make Money
In 2005, I was working part-time at the OSU bookstore while working toward my Master’s Degree in English education, when a hefty stack of $90 hardcover Shakespeare anthologies went on sale for $8 each. I bought a single copy since what future English teacher could pass up such a deal? But my purchase got my future husband thinking in dollar signs: What if I bought the bookstore's entire stock for eight bucks each, and sell them for … [Read more...]
Should You Participate in Your Company’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan?
A few years ago I was given the opportunity to participate in my company's employee stock purchase plan (ESPP). After some research, I discovered these plans can be a huge benefit if you do them right. Most people who have access to an Employee Stock Purchase Plan should definitely use it, max it out, and flip it immediately. Doing so will almost guarantee an almost 30% annual return on your money. Are you considering your … [Read more...]
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