Copyright © Laura Shapiro, Your Home Business Guide
Working from Home Benefits
Did you know that, according to the Small Business Association, more than 52 percent of all small businesses are run out of someone's home?
Did you know that these people actually save money by working from home?
With unemployment at more than eight percent, more people are looking towards home-based business opportunities.
Working at home has many advantages and one of them involves your finances.
Here are some of the key ways working at home can save you money:
If you have small children, you can save on expensive child care.
I put this first because this is the expense that I (and so many other parents that I've spoken with) just HATED to incur each month - the cost of sending your child to someone else so that you can work.
In some areas, child care costs can be as high as $1,000 a month. Many moms who work at home are able to successfully take care of their children and work. However, not all moms (or dads) can handle the pressure of taking care of their children while trying to work.
I find that sending my 18 month old son to daycare for a couple of hours a day is better than having him watch a movie or keep himself entertained while I am working. He gets the social interaction that he needs and I get a couple of hours of undisturbed work time. I can then work again while he takes a nap and after he is in bed at night.
Save on Gas and Car Maintenance.
If you spend five dollars a day for gas and account for wear and tear on your car, you could save more than $1,000 a year. You will also save time, particularly if you had a long commute to the office. Going down the hall and to the left takes less time than driving across town.
Save on Office Attire.
For many, not having to dress up is on the top of the working from home benefits list. This can save you hundreds of dollars a year on a wardrobe as well as allow you to be casual ALL THE TIME. But a word of warning -- you may not want to work in your sweats or pajamas every day. This can be a detriment to work. You need to feel like you are a professional at home too.
Save on Lunches.
Lunches with coworkers and giving in to the temptation to drive through a fast food restaurant can be expensive. You may be surprised at how much you were spending each month.
Save on Overhead costs.
This may seem obvious but before the internet, if people wanted to start their own business, they had to set up shop somewhere.
As we know, many home based business owners actually just work from their dining room table! Unless you have a product where you have to have inventory, you don't really need a building. If you do want to have an office where you can consult with customers, renovate or just redecorate a small area of your home. If possible, give if a separate entrance. Many business owners have turned their basements into office space. And most people can operate their business with their laptop and cell phone!
Get the Home Business Tax Advantage.
Finally, many people who are considering a home based business are concerned about licenses and self employment taxes. If you are not careful, these can take a bite out of your profits. However, if you study the tax laws and possibly hire an accountant, you should be able to figure out how to reduce your taxes. As for business licenses, in many areas, home based workers are not required to have a business license. Check with your local area to see what the requirements are.
Hopefully this article has given you just a brief idea of how working from home benefits your wallet! This is just one of the advantages of working from home. Please read on or request an article on something you would like to understand more about when it comes to operating a business from your home.
Laura Shapiro is a Home-Based Business Owner and Consultant in addition to being a full time Mom. Is a Home Business your Dream? It doesn't have to be - let me help you make it a reality. Start with this free online marketing course. . .
http://www.My-Home-Business-Guide.com
