ATTENTION READERS!
I have been reading my blog and I had a realization. I know what I do best is teach. My passion is to teach you all the information you need to get out of the rat race. I have begun a new blog solely dedicated to adult education.
At Take Your Leap, I will post information that will enable you to become an entrepreneur. On this site we will continue to discuss real estate, business start ups, passive income, money partners, investing and much, much more. I wanted a venue where you could focus all your learning on how to become financially free. I think you will love the new format. We want to live the dream by taking the leap out of our daily, W2 routine.
Take Your Leap
will walk the path towards financial freedom!
Now, Little Baby Headquarters will become the ultimate baby blog. My focus will be parenting, pregnancy, adoption, child education and top-notch baby products. I hope to review many new products available to parents today. Consumer reports ratings will be discussed, safety, price and functionality will be incorporated. Also, many posts will pertain to my long 3 year journey to get pregnant, our current 2-3 year process of adopting a daughter internationally, and opening a baby-based business.
Lastly, I will apply my education expertise to my blog, so parents with school age children can get information about learning, disabilities, teachers, tutors and development.
Little Baby Headquarters
Stay tuned this information will be incredible!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Learning: Day 5: Team
Who will be on your team? That is the next question you need to ask yourself once you have decided on a market. Everyone's team is different, but I would like to suggest a basic checklist. Some individuals on your team, may be able to do more than one job.
You will need to remember, also, that not all team members are equal. There are certain people who are essential during the buying process, but will not be too involved afterwards. An example of these people would be realtors and lawyers. Then there are those who need to be identified before you buy, but their role takes precedence once you own the property. An example of those team members are property managers or contrators. I can not emphasize enough, how important it is to take your time when choosing these team members. I interviewed team members for months...I suggest you do the same.
Now who do you need?
Here is a suggested list of Team Members:
Realtor
Insurance Agent
Coach
Lawyer (one who can close and set up entities)
CPA
Inspector
Property Manager
Sub/General Contractors
Money Partner (if necessary or desired)
It's never too early to start seeking out your team and one of the best places to refer to for good referrals is the local investment real estate group. Do not take any suggestions from someone who is not an investor. Also, many of your team members will serve you best and help you accomplish your goals if they too are investors.
Good luck, be cautious, buy slow.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Bringing Learning to Life:Day 4: Where to buy real estate?
Finding a market to buy and work in can be the most difficult part of real estate investing. When we were trying to make that decision, I spent a lot of time reading, researching and comparing essential components.
When choosing an investment location there are many questions you must ask:
1. What is the employment rate in the area?
2. What major industry/companies have headquarters based in the area?
3. Are there new businesses projected to be in the area?
4. Are there new development projects such as sports arenas or malls?
5. What is the cost of living?
6. What is the status of any military bases in the area?
7. Is the market satiated with local and out of town real estate investors?
8. What is the average investment property selling for?
9. What are average rents?
10. What are typical vacancy rates in the area?
Some places you can find answers to these questions:
1. Home page of the town/city
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov
3. Global Property Guide: www.globalpropertyguide.com
4. Realty Trac
5. Foreclosure.com
6. ALL investor clubs in the town or state...this is a must
7. Yahoo groups about investment real estate in the area
8. Money Magazine
9. Fortune Magazine
10. Entrepreneur Magazine Real Estate Radio
Once you decide you strategy, deciding where to invest is your most important decision. this decision took us almost seven months. Remember, you don't have to invest locally. You have to invest in an area that you can reasonably afford, will support your investment strategy, and has viable property management. Good luck with your research. Hopefully you're buying some of those Rich Dad books that I highly recommend. Just click on the link below for great prices. Happy Reading
When choosing an investment location there are many questions you must ask:
1. What is the employment rate in the area?
2. What major industry/companies have headquarters based in the area?
3. Are there new businesses projected to be in the area?
4. Are there new development projects such as sports arenas or malls?
5. What is the cost of living?
6. What is the status of any military bases in the area?
7. Is the market satiated with local and out of town real estate investors?
8. What is the average investment property selling for?
9. What are average rents?
10. What are typical vacancy rates in the area?
Some places you can find answers to these questions:
1. Home page of the town/city
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov
3. Global Property Guide: www.globalpropertyguide.com
4. Realty Trac
5. Foreclosure.com
6. ALL investor clubs in the town or state...this is a must
7. Yahoo groups about investment real estate in the area
8. Money Magazine
9. Fortune Magazine
10. Entrepreneur Magazine Real Estate Radio
Once you decide you strategy, deciding where to invest is your most important decision. this decision took us almost seven months. Remember, you don't have to invest locally. You have to invest in an area that you can reasonably afford, will support your investment strategy, and has viable property management. Good luck with your research. Hopefully you're buying some of those Rich Dad books that I highly recommend. Just click on the link below for great prices. Happy Reading
Post Coming Today!
Hang in there. I was on a little break over the weekend, but more Bringing Learning to Life Posts will be up today. Don't forget to click on any book I mention. It directs you directly to the Rich Dad sight and you can get some great bargains there.
I'll update tonight.
I'll update tonight.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Learning: Day 3: Play to win
Yesterday we discussed strategy for investing in real estate. How did we decide? Reluctantly, we bought the board game by Robert Kiyosaki, Cashflow.
Through playing the game you will experience all investing strategies; gold, real estate, stocks, businesses. It was by playing together as a couple that we realized it doesn't matter how much money you start with, but it does matter how you spend the money. Winning comes more quickly if you keep bills and leisure shopping at a minimum and investing at a maximum. You can't win if you don't take the opportunities presented in the "DEAL" cards.
After playing, we realized the bigger the deal the faster you become financially free. We continue to play. It's very important that we equate the game circumstances to opportunites we experience in life. Without playing, I think we would scatter our strategy and pass up some big opportunities. We choose to focus on real estate and businesses. That is how we began our first business together Little Baby Headquarters
Investing as a couple is important to us, so we can make decisions together. It really lowers the stress level when you have two heads analyzing and completing deals.
Take my advice, try the game. If you have an open mind, you'll see you have to get in the game now. Don't let another year go by working for someone else. Plan your game. Take action. Make work, work for you!
Through playing the game you will experience all investing strategies; gold, real estate, stocks, businesses. It was by playing together as a couple that we realized it doesn't matter how much money you start with, but it does matter how you spend the money. Winning comes more quickly if you keep bills and leisure shopping at a minimum and investing at a maximum. You can't win if you don't take the opportunities presented in the "DEAL" cards.
After playing, we realized the bigger the deal the faster you become financially free. We continue to play. It's very important that we equate the game circumstances to opportunites we experience in life. Without playing, I think we would scatter our strategy and pass up some big opportunities. We choose to focus on real estate and businesses. That is how we began our first business together Little Baby Headquarters
Investing as a couple is important to us, so we can make decisions together. It really lowers the stress level when you have two heads analyzing and completing deals.
Take my advice, try the game. If you have an open mind, you'll see you have to get in the game now. Don't let another year go by working for someone else. Plan your game. Take action. Make work, work for you!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Little Baby Headquarters:Look at these items
Here are some great pregnancy and baby items you must check out. Go to Little Baby Headquarters
HAPPY SHOPPING!
HAPPY SHOPPING!
Learning: Day 2 Decisions in Real Estate
Once you decided that you want to consider investing in real estate, you must think about a strategy. A strategy is important so you can focus your efforts and decide how you make your money.
Examples of real estate investing strategies:
Appreciation: One achieves this through buying pre-construction or buying in new high appreciation areas.
Flipping: Buy low, renovate, sell quick and high. Buy low by purchasing foreclosures, short sales, auctions, corporate relocations...
Cash flow: By an income property that you can receive a rent for a minimum of 10% of the purchase price. The rent should cover your mortgage and give you extra every month, called your cash flow.
When you choose a strategy, steps and procedures will become more clear to you.
Examples of real estate investing strategies:
Appreciation: One achieves this through buying pre-construction or buying in new high appreciation areas.
Flipping: Buy low, renovate, sell quick and high. Buy low by purchasing foreclosures, short sales, auctions, corporate relocations...
Cash flow: By an income property that you can receive a rent for a minimum of 10% of the purchase price. The rent should cover your mortgage and give you extra every month, called your cash flow.
When you choose a strategy, steps and procedures will become more clear to you.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Bringing Learning to Life:Day 1
Starting today, I am going to walk you through our trip and education process toward buying investment real estate. When this set of posts are complete, I will move on to starting your own businesses.
Let's begin.
After reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, we both read
I feel like I should have paid thousands for this book. It will walk you through every single step of buying real estate. It even gives you scripts for speaking with property owners and checklists to insure you complete a stellar due diligence process. We both read this book at different times two years ago. We have referred to it so often that I refuse to sell it on Half.com or loan it to a friend. If you are seriously considering real estate or if you are a seasoned investor you must read this book.
After reading this book, we attended the Learning Annex's Real Estate Expo. I'm not sure if I would recommend it because it moves you in many, too many, directions. But every storm has a rainbow. It was amazing to see Robert Kiyosaki and his entire team speak. It was not a bunch of garbage. His financial advisor specifically went into investing in gold and oil. Kim Kiyosaki discussed why women need to ramp up there financial IQ. In addition, every other team member spoke about investing in depth.
Afterwards, they were all available to speak to individually. The company is so dedicated to educating investors. It was really an amazing experience.
The best part of it all...we were able to attend the small session hosted by Ken McElroy who wrote The ABC's of Real Estate Investing.
After seeing how experienced, personal and professional Ken was, we knew that purchasing more of his information and materials would be one of the best investments a real estate investor could make.
Let's begin.
After reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, we both read
I feel like I should have paid thousands for this book. It will walk you through every single step of buying real estate. It even gives you scripts for speaking with property owners and checklists to insure you complete a stellar due diligence process. We both read this book at different times two years ago. We have referred to it so often that I refuse to sell it on Half.com or loan it to a friend. If you are seriously considering real estate or if you are a seasoned investor you must read this book.
After reading this book, we attended the Learning Annex's Real Estate Expo. I'm not sure if I would recommend it because it moves you in many, too many, directions. But every storm has a rainbow. It was amazing to see Robert Kiyosaki and his entire team speak. It was not a bunch of garbage. His financial advisor specifically went into investing in gold and oil. Kim Kiyosaki discussed why women need to ramp up there financial IQ. In addition, every other team member spoke about investing in depth.
Afterwards, they were all available to speak to individually. The company is so dedicated to educating investors. It was really an amazing experience.
The best part of it all...we were able to attend the small session hosted by Ken McElroy who wrote The ABC's of Real Estate Investing.
After seeing how experienced, personal and professional Ken was, we knew that purchasing more of his information and materials would be one of the best investments a real estate investor could make.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Bringing Learning to Life
As I have mentioned, Jeff and I did not always have the philosophies we have now. Maybe we did, but they were so buried that it took a genius to reveal them to us!
Back in the spring of 2006, we were at a dinner party hosted by an old climbing friend of mine. There was a hair stylist there with his girl friend. He seemed to take to Jeff and they both got talking about real estate and the power of making your own money for yourself. At the end of the evening, he recommended we read
That was it. That was the first step to freedom. Jeff read the whole paperback in a matter of days, I read the audio book
The best step we could have taken was to read the book by ourselves. It gave each of us time to struggle with money beliefs that had been taught to us by people and relatives. Once we sat down and talked about our reaction to the book, we knew we had something. We were struggling with infertility, we had some time and money (not a lot) on our hands, and we both genuinely wanted to go in the same life direction.
If you are flying solo, or want to leap into life with someone special, this is the book to get your head in the right place.
This week I will be talking about the many books that we read by Robert Kiyosaki. Quickly, I will walk you through the exact steps I took to find our first piece of investment real estate using all of Robert Kiyosaki's plan.
Following that I will discuss how we transitioned into business, what books we read and what steps we took. Are you ready to try something new? If you need a direction and a road map...get ready! Over the next month, I will give you free information that is priceless and costed us more than we would like to admit.
I am so excited about sharing with you our steps to success. Sleep well, we have a lot of learning ahead. Be Brave and Buy the Book.
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Back in the spring of 2006, we were at a dinner party hosted by an old climbing friend of mine. There was a hair stylist there with his girl friend. He seemed to take to Jeff and they both got talking about real estate and the power of making your own money for yourself. At the end of the evening, he recommended we read
That was it. That was the first step to freedom. Jeff read the whole paperback in a matter of days, I read the audio book
The best step we could have taken was to read the book by ourselves. It gave each of us time to struggle with money beliefs that had been taught to us by people and relatives. Once we sat down and talked about our reaction to the book, we knew we had something. We were struggling with infertility, we had some time and money (not a lot) on our hands, and we both genuinely wanted to go in the same life direction.
If you are flying solo, or want to leap into life with someone special, this is the book to get your head in the right place.
This week I will be talking about the many books that we read by Robert Kiyosaki. Quickly, I will walk you through the exact steps I took to find our first piece of investment real estate using all of Robert Kiyosaki's plan.
Following that I will discuss how we transitioned into business, what books we read and what steps we took. Are you ready to try something new? If you need a direction and a road map...get ready! Over the next month, I will give you free information that is priceless and costed us more than we would like to admit.
I am so excited about sharing with you our steps to success. Sleep well, we have a lot of learning ahead. Be Brave and Buy the Book.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Balance and Business
I was a busy bee these last few days ordering new items and listing new items. Today I was listening to a business coach CD we have with John Assaraf and Bill Harris. They were talking about the importance of balance in business. So today I share with you.
During my entire pregnancy, I haven't been able to fly. Jeff and I canceled two amazing trips, but I felt it was unfair to Jeff. He has been working like a dog for his consulting business and his music production business, Music for Motion, that I decided he deserves a trip. He and a friend will by off on a man's mountain biking trip in a few weeks. At first the idea stressed him out, but I convinced him it was good for us and best for renewing his creativity for the business. Even in this CD we were listening to today, the men mentioned that not every day is balanced, but it's something you should always strive to achieve. Without balance, even the best running machine will tire.
To prepare for his big trip, he is selling some of his mountain bikes so he can upgrade. (Don't worry ladies, I'll be getting my upgrade to a full-suspension after baby arrives.)
Listed on Little Baby Headquarters
is his first bike for sale. Anyone looking for a no joke full-suspension, you'll love it.
But I digress. My point is...when you feel like it will never stop, work will always be there-BREATHE then plan. Plan the smallest treat like a day at the spa or a Saturday with friends or a trip mountain biking (that's usually our choice).
Keeping yourself in balance will benefit your business more than you realize.
Besides the bike, here is a new baby item I listed. It's a fetal heartbeat listener with headsets for two. New in box!
Little Baby Headquarters
During my entire pregnancy, I haven't been able to fly. Jeff and I canceled two amazing trips, but I felt it was unfair to Jeff. He has been working like a dog for his consulting business and his music production business, Music for Motion, that I decided he deserves a trip. He and a friend will by off on a man's mountain biking trip in a few weeks. At first the idea stressed him out, but I convinced him it was good for us and best for renewing his creativity for the business. Even in this CD we were listening to today, the men mentioned that not every day is balanced, but it's something you should always strive to achieve. Without balance, even the best running machine will tire.
To prepare for his big trip, he is selling some of his mountain bikes so he can upgrade. (Don't worry ladies, I'll be getting my upgrade to a full-suspension after baby arrives.)
Listed on Little Baby Headquarters
is his first bike for sale. Anyone looking for a no joke full-suspension, you'll love it.
But I digress. My point is...when you feel like it will never stop, work will always be there-BREATHE then plan. Plan the smallest treat like a day at the spa or a Saturday with friends or a trip mountain biking (that's usually our choice).
Keeping yourself in balance will benefit your business more than you realize.
Besides the bike, here is a new baby item I listed. It's a fetal heartbeat listener with headsets for two. New in box!
Little Baby Headquarters
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Business or Business
When we made the decision to open a unique online retail store for mothers, fathers and babies,Little Baby Headquarters, we wanted to be sure everything was set for success.
After reading a lot, we realized that in order to buy inventory, maintain the store, and file taxes properly we needed to set up our LLC. After having done a LLC on our own 3 years ago for Jeff's Music for Motion website, we decided to have an expert help us. We went to a company in Nevada called Your Entity Solution. They have been wonderful. Please contact them for setting up your business entities.
After reading a lot, we realized that in order to buy inventory, maintain the store, and file taxes properly we needed to set up our LLC. After having done a LLC on our own 3 years ago for Jeff's Music for Motion website, we decided to have an expert help us. We went to a company in Nevada called Your Entity Solution. They have been wonderful. Please contact them for setting up your business entities.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Keeping the Momentum
Since one of my favorite Posh by Tori Diaper bags sold last week, I decided to relist it today. It is so important to keep the eBay store Little Baby Headquarters running. There are times when I wish it would completely run itself, but I have come to realize, as a mom to be, that nothing new (especially an infant) runs itself. As entrepreneurs, we all need to think this way. As a little money comes in, you need to be OK with taking money out for many reasons. Promotion, management, inventory...
This week, besides the diaper bag, I will be adding more inventory while I wait for 2 big orders to come in.
Whether you are just getting started or in the first year, I think we have to keep feeding our businesses as we would our babies.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Take Action, We Did!
Yesterday's post should really have gotten some of you thinking. I wanted to share some valuable information with you today to help you take action.
When Jeff and I wanted to take action after educating ourselves we did exactly what I mentioned yesterday. We found someone doing what we wanted to be doing. We met locally with two real estate investors and just asked them as many questions as possible until they got sick of us. After digesting that information, we found a real estate coach who really put us on the right track.
In the meantime you might say we were straddling. We are both consultants working for ourselves, but we view the consulting as our separate jobs. We view our other endeavors as preparation for our dream. Remember our dream is to have endless time to raise our girls and have money working for us.
This fall our consulting set itself on a great path, so we decided to take our next step toward that dream. We had spent plenty of time on real estate and we are waiting to watch it grow for a year. Now we were ready to learn how to start up and build a business. As mentioned yesterday, we asked ourselves the hard questions, so we could match ourselves to a business. Being pregnant and in the midst of adoption the abvious answer was an online baby store. We have to learn about these products anyway, why not research and buy the best products for our customers as well. Do you see what's coming?
Yes we went and got ourselves another coach.Thanks to her, our store has had a smooth and successful start. Little Baby Headquarters
Our coach taught us more in three, one hour sessions than we could have learned in a year of seminars and books. Her name is Cindy Shebley. Her contact info. is www.clovercity.com.
Be sure to tell her that Cyndi and Jeff in NJ sent you, and she'll give you a phenominal deal. I can't express what an amazing help she has been to us. Cindy is a Business Consultant certified by eBay, she specializes in internet marketing and starting up online.
Your homework:
Read this blog.
Send a comment telling about where you are in your life (i.e. pregnant, quitting your job next month, selling products at craft fairs...whatever it is)
Call Cindy Shebley if you want advice from the best.
Tomorrow, lots more so get going!
When Jeff and I wanted to take action after educating ourselves we did exactly what I mentioned yesterday. We found someone doing what we wanted to be doing. We met locally with two real estate investors and just asked them as many questions as possible until they got sick of us. After digesting that information, we found a real estate coach who really put us on the right track.
In the meantime you might say we were straddling. We are both consultants working for ourselves, but we view the consulting as our separate jobs. We view our other endeavors as preparation for our dream. Remember our dream is to have endless time to raise our girls and have money working for us.
This fall our consulting set itself on a great path, so we decided to take our next step toward that dream. We had spent plenty of time on real estate and we are waiting to watch it grow for a year. Now we were ready to learn how to start up and build a business. As mentioned yesterday, we asked ourselves the hard questions, so we could match ourselves to a business. Being pregnant and in the midst of adoption the abvious answer was an online baby store. We have to learn about these products anyway, why not research and buy the best products for our customers as well. Do you see what's coming?
Yes we went and got ourselves another coach.Thanks to her, our store has had a smooth and successful start. Little Baby Headquarters
Our coach taught us more in three, one hour sessions than we could have learned in a year of seminars and books. Her name is Cindy Shebley. Her contact info. is www.clovercity.com.
Be sure to tell her that Cyndi and Jeff in NJ sent you, and she'll give you a phenominal deal. I can't express what an amazing help she has been to us. Cindy is a Business Consultant certified by eBay, she specializes in internet marketing and starting up online.
Your homework:
Read this blog.
Send a comment telling about where you are in your life (i.e. pregnant, quitting your job next month, selling products at craft fairs...whatever it is)
Call Cindy Shebley if you want advice from the best.
Tomorrow, lots more so get going!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
How to decide, when to straddle a job and when to LEAP!
Some of you may love the idea of working for yourself, or writing a book or following through with an invention. You may even see that one can make a profit in this real estate market. But you are probably questioning the feasibility of your ideas.
When we began, we decided to read a lot of books and attend many seminars before we leapt. If you are one of those individuals I mentioned above, here are some steps toward getting clear in you mind what you really want to do.
1. Write down all of the ideas you have wanted to try or explore.
2. Make a list of your skills and attributes. Skills are traits that you bring to the table that would enhance a business (i.e.-organized, creative, inquisitive, well-liked, good with numbers...) An attribute is a personality niche that makes you unique (you find yourself funny, you enjoy being around hard workers, you are comfortable in chaos...)
3. Match up your skills and attributes as best as you can to your list of dreams or ideas.
4. When you find a match you like, seek out mentors who are already doing what you dream to do. Don't reinvent the wheel, put away the ego and find someone who can get you started.
5. While in your W2 job, pay attention to monthly bills. What do you really NEED each month to get everything paid? Necessities, not luxuries. That number is your goal income of what you would need to make on your own with your new idea if you leapt out of your W2 job.
6. If you can't make that in the first month or two of this new endeavor, then you straddle.
7. Straddling isn't as hard as it sounds. You find time everyday, seven days a week to work on your new endeavor. Build up income, ideas, connections and money until you are ready to leap.
That's pretty simple, but a good point to get started with your thinking and action plan.
Thoughts are always going to be thoughts until you LEAP into action. One action is to continue reading this blog. I will have books, names and companies that can help you get started:)
When we began, we decided to read a lot of books and attend many seminars before we leapt. If you are one of those individuals I mentioned above, here are some steps toward getting clear in you mind what you really want to do.
1. Write down all of the ideas you have wanted to try or explore.
2. Make a list of your skills and attributes. Skills are traits that you bring to the table that would enhance a business (i.e.-organized, creative, inquisitive, well-liked, good with numbers...) An attribute is a personality niche that makes you unique (you find yourself funny, you enjoy being around hard workers, you are comfortable in chaos...)
3. Match up your skills and attributes as best as you can to your list of dreams or ideas.
4. When you find a match you like, seek out mentors who are already doing what you dream to do. Don't reinvent the wheel, put away the ego and find someone who can get you started.
5. While in your W2 job, pay attention to monthly bills. What do you really NEED each month to get everything paid? Necessities, not luxuries. That number is your goal income of what you would need to make on your own with your new idea if you leapt out of your W2 job.
6. If you can't make that in the first month or two of this new endeavor, then you straddle.
7. Straddling isn't as hard as it sounds. You find time everyday, seven days a week to work on your new endeavor. Build up income, ideas, connections and money until you are ready to leap.
That's pretty simple, but a good point to get started with your thinking and action plan.
Thoughts are always going to be thoughts until you LEAP into action. One action is to continue reading this blog. I will have books, names and companies that can help you get started:)
Friday, March 7, 2008
Juggling pregnancy, adoption and business
Between late last night and noon today, many tasks have been completed. Jeff and I spent the better part of last night finishing the final stages of our adoption paperwork.
For any of you considering adoption or going through adoption, believe me it's taxing, but not impossible...and I'm sure...very worth it.
We had to choose pictures of ourselves and our families including us. It's actually a nice thing to have to do. It makes you go back and remember some really special time. We even went so far to save the chosen pictures in a file, so we can download them to a digital frame for both children to see. As Jeff cropped, printed and trimmed, I had to photocopy every original document along with the notorization, certification and authentication page. It felt good to accomplish this final paperwork work stage as a team, and great to pile it all up and package for mailing to our agency for critical review.
Early this morning, we both worked on our separate consulting companies. Then we squeezed in an hour to order some amazing new products for our online store
Little Baby Headquarters.
My message in this post is...
working for yourself is in no way easy. But I must say, NEVER QUIT. Just when we get discouraged, a new gig comes our way or a new product in the store sells. If you are planning on jumping out of your W2 job, there is nothing to fear-just believe you are your best employee and you can get it all done.
For any of you considering adoption or going through adoption, believe me it's taxing, but not impossible...and I'm sure...very worth it.
We had to choose pictures of ourselves and our families including us. It's actually a nice thing to have to do. It makes you go back and remember some really special time. We even went so far to save the chosen pictures in a file, so we can download them to a digital frame for both children to see. As Jeff cropped, printed and trimmed, I had to photocopy every original document along with the notorization, certification and authentication page. It felt good to accomplish this final paperwork work stage as a team, and great to pile it all up and package for mailing to our agency for critical review.
Early this morning, we both worked on our separate consulting companies. Then we squeezed in an hour to order some amazing new products for our online store
Little Baby Headquarters.
My message in this post is...
working for yourself is in no way easy. But I must say, NEVER QUIT. Just when we get discouraged, a new gig comes our way or a new product in the store sells. If you are planning on jumping out of your W2 job, there is nothing to fear-just believe you are your best employee and you can get it all done.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Moving forward by going back
A few posts back, I had mentioned that Jeff and I have adjusted our whole philosophy on life, work and money in late 2006. Last January I left my W-2 job in a school district primarily to be home and get my mom back on her feet after a short illness. Once her health leveled out, Jeff and I decided it was time for me to start working as a real estate investor from home. From January to March I researched investment markets, interviewed realtors, property managers, and insurance agents. At the end of March we chose a market and traveled for our first visit to view some homes. That was a disaster. Shortly after, we returned to view more homes...even worse. It was back to the drawing board. With the help of our real estate coach, we found a viable market. In May we traveled to the town, viewed about 15 properties and placed a bid on a nice two-family. We quickly closed on the property in June, and on the same day we went looking for more properties. It took us three more trips to find the second match, but in September we found one. In October, we closed on our second investment property; a very nice four-family house. Since that closing, I have been focusing my energy on managing the properties and the property manager. Jeff and I took our time educating ourselves, so we could make all the right moves in our first real estate endeavors. After long discussions, we also agreed that we should spend the same amount of time getting the properties to perform as we expected. That brings me up to today. If the properties do well on paper, we will consider new properties in the fall. Until then, I am learning how to; read property reports, deal with city offices about warnings, obtain commercial refuse contracts and electrical problems.
The explanation above is the very reason, I have been free to explore our next adventure which we will discuss tomorrow. Good luck to all of you who want to become real estate investors. The work is hard but the benefits are great!
See you tomorrow!
The explanation above is the very reason, I have been free to explore our next adventure which we will discuss tomorrow. Good luck to all of you who want to become real estate investors. The work is hard but the benefits are great!
See you tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
What's happening now?
As you know from my last post, today was a busy day. Now I am thinking that I may have done too much. I presented from 9-3 and went immediately to tutoring until 6. I was home by 7 and jumped right into cooking dinner. For dessert, I folded a huge load of laundry and as a real treat I then starting responding to work emails. Surprise, surprise, I then started to get cramps. What is going on?
I feel like such an alarmist, but I love this little one so much already that I don't want to do anything to jeopardize her health. Ug!
To call the doctor or not to call?
It's times like this that really make me appreciate pregnancy. There is a life growing inside me and I can't let anything happen to that precious life. I think I shall call the doctor.
BUT before I go, I must update you on Little Baby Headquarters. We have sold some diaper bags and have three left before we stock up again. Go check them out and enjoy the new discounts. With our busy lives, it's worth it to treat ourselves to a nice organized diaper bag.
I feel like such an alarmist, but I love this little one so much already that I don't want to do anything to jeopardize her health. Ug!
To call the doctor or not to call?
It's times like this that really make me appreciate pregnancy. There is a life growing inside me and I can't let anything happen to that precious life. I think I shall call the doctor.
BUT before I go, I must update you on Little Baby Headquarters. We have sold some diaper bags and have three left before we stock up again. Go check them out and enjoy the new discounts. With our busy lives, it's worth it to treat ourselves to a nice organized diaper bag.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Monday, business as usual
Today we had another doctor's appointment to check the babies movement. Everything went well...she was very cooperative. I am approaching my third trimester in a matter of days. To me that is so exciting, yet slightly sad. I do so love carrying, growing and enjoying my little bundle. Maybe it could be that if I am still pregnant than I don't have to think about or endure labor:) Either way all is going well.
Tomorrow is adoption day. I have to run tons of photocopies of every document I have along with their sealings (notarization, certification, and authentication stamps). Once that is complete we package it and send it to our agency for critical review. Once it passes critical review, it goes off to China with our second fee and our CCAA fee. In China it takes 30 days to log in our information. When we receive our log in date, the two year time line starts ticking. You see why I put a lot of energy into getting the paperwork complete. There's so much time when it's out of my hands. The time I could control, I made sure I managed time well.
Tomorrow, I also have to prepare and photocopy a workshop that I am due to present to a school in Asbury Park on Wednesday. Once that is complete, I have tutoring clients.
Why do I tell you all this. No matter what you are going through, someone else can understand it because they are just as busy in their own way. I try not to talk about all I have going on to my friends because in their own way they are probably as busy or busier than me. No matter if it is being pregnant, or leaping into adoption, or starting up your own business, or selling your house by yourself...no matter what... there's someone who understands and wants to hear your exciting news.
Thank you for listening to mine. Please feel free to share your busy news!
Tomorrow is adoption day. I have to run tons of photocopies of every document I have along with their sealings (notarization, certification, and authentication stamps). Once that is complete we package it and send it to our agency for critical review. Once it passes critical review, it goes off to China with our second fee and our CCAA fee. In China it takes 30 days to log in our information. When we receive our log in date, the two year time line starts ticking. You see why I put a lot of energy into getting the paperwork complete. There's so much time when it's out of my hands. The time I could control, I made sure I managed time well.
Tomorrow, I also have to prepare and photocopy a workshop that I am due to present to a school in Asbury Park on Wednesday. Once that is complete, I have tutoring clients.
Why do I tell you all this. No matter what you are going through, someone else can understand it because they are just as busy in their own way. I try not to talk about all I have going on to my friends because in their own way they are probably as busy or busier than me. No matter if it is being pregnant, or leaping into adoption, or starting up your own business, or selling your house by yourself...no matter what... there's someone who understands and wants to hear your exciting news.
Thank you for listening to mine. Please feel free to share your busy news!
Sunday, March 2, 2008
For Sale By Owner, UGGG!
After a romantic date night last night, Jeff and I rose early to get ready for our open house.
When we started the adoption paperwork in August, we knew the wait would be 2 to 2 1/2 years. So we decided we had no need to move. Our townhouse is 2500 sq. ft. and is 4 years old. We love the convenience of a townhouse with the size and luxury of a house. It provides an easy commute to Manhattan for Jeff and it is set in a lovely area of Monmouth County. Those thoughts changed quickly when we found out the first week of October that we were pregnant. Two little girls and two Beagles and two work from home adults can't all live in a two bedroom townhouse with no yard. We decided to focus on our adoption paperwork first, then the business, then the move.
By Mid-October I had a lot done for the adoption and I knew it was feasible to have all paperwork completed by February. As two people involved in real estate we knew Feb. or March was a great time to list. So that is what we did. Our paperwork is going off to our agency this week. It will be out of my hands. Our eBay store, Little Baby Headquarters, was started a few weeks ago, it's time to be a FSBO ( For Sale By Owner).
We went to church, got our coffee fix from DD, picked up 16 balloons, put out 8 signs, and now await the crowd. During the quiet times today, we will be reviewing 2 books that have helped us a lot for getting our real estate and business ideas in line. You may also want to pick up these books. The first one is by Garrett Sutton, Real Estate Advantages. It will tell you the pros and cons of different real estate investing strategies along with the great tax benefits. The second book everyone should read AND have their CPA read it. It is by Sandy Botkin, Lower Your Taxes- Big Time. This will reveal tax secrets none of us have thought of yet, not even your CPA. Being that we are in the midst of tax season, I hope these will help you save some cash:)
When we started the adoption paperwork in August, we knew the wait would be 2 to 2 1/2 years. So we decided we had no need to move. Our townhouse is 2500 sq. ft. and is 4 years old. We love the convenience of a townhouse with the size and luxury of a house. It provides an easy commute to Manhattan for Jeff and it is set in a lovely area of Monmouth County. Those thoughts changed quickly when we found out the first week of October that we were pregnant. Two little girls and two Beagles and two work from home adults can't all live in a two bedroom townhouse with no yard. We decided to focus on our adoption paperwork first, then the business, then the move.
By Mid-October I had a lot done for the adoption and I knew it was feasible to have all paperwork completed by February. As two people involved in real estate we knew Feb. or March was a great time to list. So that is what we did. Our paperwork is going off to our agency this week. It will be out of my hands. Our eBay store, Little Baby Headquarters, was started a few weeks ago, it's time to be a FSBO ( For Sale By Owner).
We went to church, got our coffee fix from DD, picked up 16 balloons, put out 8 signs, and now await the crowd. During the quiet times today, we will be reviewing 2 books that have helped us a lot for getting our real estate and business ideas in line. You may also want to pick up these books. The first one is by Garrett Sutton, Real Estate Advantages. It will tell you the pros and cons of different real estate investing strategies along with the great tax benefits. The second book everyone should read AND have their CPA read it. It is by Sandy Botkin, Lower Your Taxes- Big Time. This will reveal tax secrets none of us have thought of yet, not even your CPA. Being that we are in the midst of tax season, I hope these will help you save some cash:)
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Getting Business Going
In the beginning, I promised to walk you through these past 2- 3 years. When we found out that parenthood would come later than we thought, we quickly put a plan in place to invest in ourselves, our future and our children's future. Here are more steps that got us there.
As our June 3rd due date nears, I am feeling more pressure to get things off the ground. This morning Jeff and I had to spend two unexpected hours dealing with issues and contracts for the real estate rental properties that we bought last year. As a couple, it was easier than to doing it on my own. If you feel the urge to leap into being an entrepreneur, it is comforting to do it along side a friend, family member or spouse. We know when we talk business that we must keep our eyes set on the long term goals: passing on wealth to our biological child (Sophia) and our adopted daughter (Mei Li). Without that goal in mind, I think it would have been tempting to throw in the towel a long time ago.
I mentioned a few days back that we read a lot and attended many seminars. After about 6 months to a year, we bought our first 2 investment properties. Nothing can totally prepare you for bad tenants or broken furnaces, but I must say, the time we took reading and learning from a coach prepared us for a lot. The houses cover themselves, but the cash flow is lower than we wanted. Therefore, our next step in real estate is to get these two properties performing financially before we invest in another.
Simultaneously, we are focusing a lot of energy into the eBay store Little Baby Headquarters. We completely realize how hard retail is, but we have a plan that will hopefully get us going faster than expected. First we chose a niche. The store provides services and products to assist families through pregnancy up through having a toddler the age of five. Second, we hope to stock our store with well-rated items for safety, ease of use and price. Now a days, it's expensive to buy unexpected items and we wish to build a store where people can come and find new, reasonably priced items that carry a respected name in the industry.
Yes, life is busy, but we hope to be up and running better before baby comes. I'd rather be frazzled now than later.
So many moms these days are double tasking, even before baby's arrival. How do you all do it?
If you have tips about preparing for a child while working, please feel free to share.
As our June 3rd due date nears, I am feeling more pressure to get things off the ground. This morning Jeff and I had to spend two unexpected hours dealing with issues and contracts for the real estate rental properties that we bought last year. As a couple, it was easier than to doing it on my own. If you feel the urge to leap into being an entrepreneur, it is comforting to do it along side a friend, family member or spouse. We know when we talk business that we must keep our eyes set on the long term goals: passing on wealth to our biological child (Sophia) and our adopted daughter (Mei Li). Without that goal in mind, I think it would have been tempting to throw in the towel a long time ago.
I mentioned a few days back that we read a lot and attended many seminars. After about 6 months to a year, we bought our first 2 investment properties. Nothing can totally prepare you for bad tenants or broken furnaces, but I must say, the time we took reading and learning from a coach prepared us for a lot. The houses cover themselves, but the cash flow is lower than we wanted. Therefore, our next step in real estate is to get these two properties performing financially before we invest in another.
Simultaneously, we are focusing a lot of energy into the eBay store Little Baby Headquarters. We completely realize how hard retail is, but we have a plan that will hopefully get us going faster than expected. First we chose a niche. The store provides services and products to assist families through pregnancy up through having a toddler the age of five. Second, we hope to stock our store with well-rated items for safety, ease of use and price. Now a days, it's expensive to buy unexpected items and we wish to build a store where people can come and find new, reasonably priced items that carry a respected name in the industry.
Yes, life is busy, but we hope to be up and running better before baby comes. I'd rather be frazzled now than later.
So many moms these days are double tasking, even before baby's arrival. How do you all do it?
If you have tips about preparing for a child while working, please feel free to share.
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