Blogging Away Debt

Several years ago, I wrote an article on my personal blog about Striking Out on Your Own. I was forced to start my own business because of my priority in staying home with my children. I have absolutely no regrets about that decision. BUT…

My natural tendency is not be the #1 when it comes to business, I am much more comfortable as a #2. I tried explaining this to my twins as they start feeling out what they may want to do with their lives. It came out a little bit like this…typically, the head of a company is the visionary, has great ideas, is great with networking and people and can influence people. That’s not how I see myself. I see myself at the support staff…you give me the idea and I can make it happen. I am smart, determined and know how to find good resources. I am really not good at social situations and my visionary abilities stop at planning a great vacation.

So with that being said, as I am Exploring Making more Money, I have been looking for ways to streamline what I do so that I can do more. My business is just me, no subcontractors, no staff, just me. I do all the work: the marketing, the management, the sales, the customer service, the administration and the actual technical work. I have been focusing on tracking my work and free time to see if there is anywhere that would be the most economical items to contract out to free me up some.

I know I then have to weigh the benefits and cost of subcontracting versus doing it myself, but this is where my mind is heading right now. So my question is for you entrepreneurs out there, what tasks have you found to be most effective and efficient to contract out versus doing it yourself?

The Struggle and then Love Steps In

by Hope

I am really struggling. The sacrifices for this debt free journey are tough. I am so thankful that I am a natural optimist or I think I would just quit and go get that pedicure I really want or even get my eyebrows waxed! Yes, that is my reality. We are eaten frozen meals and Ramen to fill in the gaps between our healthy, budget conscious meals. And I am envious of my little ones regular movie attendance with their dad, even if it is to a cartoon movie.

Ok, I know I sound really whiny, but I miss shopping, new shoes, going out to eat! I hate having to say ‘no’ to my friends when asked to go do something. But I do and I will and I am determined. And as I’m feeling really down in the dumps about this…I arrived home to 3 GIANT boxes on my front porch labeled Amazon Prime.

My wonderful friend, without asking, without shaming ordered us a bunch of household stuff….I opened the boxes to tons of toilet paper and toothpaste, soap and detergent, cleaning supplies and shampoo.

You see, my friend used to live on our street and we spent countless hours together. Her kids were always at my house! And as she has worked toward her Yoga Instructor licensing, her kids have spent many a weekend camped out here. This last time, when they came into town for one of these trainings, I had to break down and ask her for money to take care of her kids. Not because I wanted to charge her, but because with our $150 a week budget, I just simply did not have the food to feed 3 extra kids for 4 days and her on the meals when she was here…

Of course, she gladly provided money. But I HATED having to say anything, it completely goes against my nature to ask for help. I hated showing her just how tight things are, I hated opening myself up to judgment, I hate being vulnerable.

So to come home this past week to this very generous “EASTER” present as she called it, all I could is cry and be so grateful for all the many, many, many blessings I have in my life. This struggle is HARD, it’s exhausting and it’s really lonely, but she reached out in a practical way to show me that I was not alone and that it will be better.