Money Saving Tips by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated

By Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated

As a single mom with two young kids, spending habits have to change. Look at the type of spending habits you have. If you are a compulsive buyer, try making lists of the things you need at the store and stick to those lists. What are some other things you can do? If you buy designer clothes for your kids, consider buying them at a discount store like Wal-Mart instead. The clothes will still be great, and as long as they look decent, they shouldn’t care too much.

As far as mealtimes go, pack your kids lunches. If you can bring some of your work home and make dinner, you will save some money that way, too.

Bring your kids with you to more places so you save on baby-sitting costs. If you have a YMCA membership, you can exercise while your kids meet other kids in the free daycare that’s offered. My gym www.24hourfitness.com offers babysitting for 2 hours for a $2 so at $1 per hour that’s a steal. I use this time to work out – sometimes I sit in the yoga area and read…or I take a shower and deep condition my hair which is heavenly without two little boys slipping around the shower with me. I can even shave my legs without hollering – no don’t touch that it’s sharp!

Next time you go to the grocery store, buy more of the off-brand items and try to cut back on the soda that you buy and drink water instead. Don’t be afraid to cut out coupons and use them. Find out if your local grocery store has a double coupon day and make that the day you do your grocery shopping if possible.

Take your kids to the library to get books and movies. This make sense because you usually only read a book once or watch a movie once or twice. You also save on the movie rental fee.

I hope you enjoy reading these blogs as much as I enjoy writing them! Should you have any questions about Motherhood Incorporated either as a client or as a mom looking for work, please email me directly at sandra@motherhoodincorporated.com or you can check us out at www.motherhoodincorporated.com and www.sandrabeck.com.

 

Career Focus: Work at Home as a Web Designer by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated

by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated

 

 If you’ve got a knack for computers, then web development could be the work-at-home career for you.  You don’t need a lot of extra schooling to become a web developer, though it can be helpful.  Whether you have a formal education or are self-taught, what matters most to employers and clients is your ability to set them up with an outstanding website.

 

The Technology

 

To work out of your home, you will need a computer with Internet access.  Since web design projects can be large scale, project management skills are also important.  At-home web design can be done on a flexible schedule, making it very family friendly.

 

Getting Started

 

Start out by building your own website.  Potential clients and employers will expect a web designer to have a top-notch website showcasing her skills.  This is a great opportunity to experiment with different ideas, and get a sense of your personal style.  Be sure to include your resume and contact information.  You never know when a hit on your website will result in a new client.

 

Building a Portfolio

 

Showcase your talents through a portfolio.  As you build websites, collect a record of your professional experience through examples of the quality work you provide.  If you are willing to work hard and give your all to a few friends or organizations free of charge, your portfolio will quickly come together.  Don’t know anyone looking for a website?  Try volunteermatch.org.  The site will pair you with nonprofit organizations looking for volunteers.  Not only will you gain experience, but you will also be helping out a cause close to your heart. 

 

Choosing a Niche

 

Once you have a few jobs under your belt, you may find it beneficial to choose a niche or specialty.  Maybe you excel when working with nonprofits, or prefer the informal touch of a personal website.  Capitalize on your strengths and interests when choosing a niche market.  Specializing will help you gain credibility with your clients.  With a little planning, and a lot of hard work, you will be a professional web designer from the comfort of your home before you know it.

 

www.sandrabeck.com

www.motherhoodincorporated.com

 

Career Focus: Work at Home as a Virtual Assistant by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated

  by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated

 

You’ve worked in an office for years.  You’re good at your job, but dread the morning commute.  You long for a flexible schedule that works with your family needs, not against them.  If this sounds like you, you could work at home as a virtual assistant.  Virtual assistants provide administrative services to their clients via the Internet.  Though not required, experience as an administrative assistant can be helpful. 

 

The Technology

 

To work out of your home, you will need a telephone line, personal computer, printer, and Internet access.  A fax machine is also helpful.  If you would rather not invest in a fax machine, try an online fax service.  For a monthly fee, you can send and receive faxes by email.

 

Certification

 

Some virtual assistants find certification helpful in keeping their skills at peak performance.  The skills improved upon through certification include executive support, business decision-making, customer service, and project management.  Certification is also helpful in gaining credibility among your colleagues, and potential clients.  Try vacertification.com for more info on becoming certified.

 

Pump Up Your Resumé

 

Is your resume looking a little thin in the experience category?  If you are willing to volunteer your time, you can quickly gain the experience you need to succeed.  There are a number of websites available to connect you with a nonprofit organization in need of your skills.  Try idealist.org, volunteer.gov, or volunteermatch.org.  Beneficial to your career and the charitable cause of your choosing, this match is a win-win situation.  Work hard and you will likely accumulate some professional references as well.

 

Choosing a Niche

 

Once you have established yourself as a virtual assistant, you may want to consider choosing an area of specialization.   Most virtual assistants choose to specialize in a field of interest, such as real estate or medical transcription.  Make the most of your expertise and interests when choosing a niche market.  Specializing will help you gain credibility with your clients.  Over time, you will become an expert in your field, all from the comfort of your own home. 

 

 

Sources:

(2007). The Media’s Virtual Assistant Survey Results.  Retrieved March 7, 2009 from VA Networking Website:

http://www.vanetworking.com/survey/virtual-assistant-statistics.htm.

 

(2004). Virtual Assistant Skill set.  Retrieved March 7, 2009 from Virtual Assistant Certification Website:   http://www.vacertification.com/skillset.htm

www.sandrabeck.com

www.motherhoodincorporated.com

 

 

 

Title: 5 Ways to Keep Your Toddler Happy While You Work by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated

Title:  5 Ways to Keep Your Toddler Happy While You Work by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated

 by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated

 

Do you need a few more minutes to concentrate?  Are you finding it hard to focus with a two-year-old climbing in your lap?  This is a challenge many work-at-home moms face while their children are young.  Here are five items you may already have to entertain your toddler in a pinch:

 

Empty Boxes

 

Most of us have seen a toddler open a gift only to find the box more interesting than the present so thoughtfully tucked inside.  Hang on to a few empty boxes of varying size, and pull them out when your child is bored.  Set up large boxes as a fort, or open the ends to make a tunnel.  Smaller boxes make a great bed for stuffed animals, target for balls or beanbags, or can be used for sorting games. 

 

Tissue Paper

 

Young children love the crisp sound of tissue paper rustling in their hands.  Set aside some gift wrapping tissue, and give it to your child when he is bored.  Let him crinkle, cover and tear, while you meet your deadlines.  Just be prepared for a bit of a mess later.

 

Index Cards

 

A little tape, some crayons, and your toddler’s imagination add up to reusable fun.  Make your own flash cards by having your child draw on index cards.  If you have some time, cut pictures she likes from old magazines or use pictures of your family.  Tape the pictures to the cards, and cover them with clear contact paper to use again and again.

 

Paper Bags

 

An assortment of paper bags can be hours of fun for your little one.  Large bags can be used to play grocery store, or as a target for tossing soft balls or bean bags.  Smaller bags come in handy for making puppets.  Have your child decorate the puppet, and then show him how to make his new toy talk using his hand.

 

Old Greeting Cards

 

The next time there is a birthday in your house, save a few of the greeting cards, along with their envelopes.  Toddlers love the brightly decorated cards and will have fun taking them in and out of their envelopes.  Pair them with a shoe “mail” box, and the two of you can open your mail together.

 

www.sandrabeck.com

www.motherhoodincorporated.com

 

Career Focus: Work at Home as a Public Relations Consultant by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated

 by Sandra Beck, Motherhood Incorporated

 

 If you are a creative, outgoing problem-solver, then Public Relations Consulting may be the work-at-home job for you.  Public relations consultants build and maintain positive relationships with the public.  Their clients include individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, government officials and agencies.  Their responsibilities include writing press releases, speeches, and articles. They may also be responsible for arranging press conferences, and setting up speaking engagements.  A college degree in public relations, journalism, advertising, or communication can be very helpful in this field.

 

The Technology

 

You will need to set up your home office with basic communications equipment, such as a computer with access to the Internet, an email account, printer and fax machine.  An online fax service may be a viable option for those who prefer not to invest in a fax machine and second phone line.  A quick search of the Internet will turn up several providers.

 

Getting Started

 

A portfolio of previous work is key to finding employment in the public relations field.  Include items such as published articles, television or radio programs, press releases and presentations in your portfolio.  Build a portfolio by taking on a part-time internship or volunteering your services to a nonprofit organization.  Joining a professional organization will help you gain contacts within the industry. 

 

Certification

 

Certification can be beneficial to a career in public relations.  Professional recognition as a certified public relations consultant will demonstrate your expertise, and your dedication to the field.  Certification also helps you gain credibility with potential clients and employers.  Both the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators offer certification designations.  Both of these organizations require candidates to have at least 5 years full-time work experience, in addition to a bachelor’s degree.  Candidates must also successfully pass an examination to receive certification.

 

The public relations field is expected to grow more rapidly than most careers through 2016.  Public relations consulting, when paired with a self-motivated, enthusiastic individual can be an outstanding career choice for the work-at-home mom.

 

Source:

 

(2008). The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition.  Retrieved March 9, 2009 from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics Website:  http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos086.htm.

 

www.sandrabeck.com

www.motherhoodincorporated.com