A few years ago I decided to check out a website that pays you for looking at ads. It was called Hits4Pay. They paid me 2 cents for every ad I viewed. The payout was at $20.00. They then sweetened the deal by giving me $10.00 for signing up. With every email, I faithfully viewed the ads they sent me. Over a couple of years, my dollar total slowly increased and slowly climbed toward twenty dollars.
Funny thing, as my total amount drew closer to twenty dollars, my email offers became less and less, and then finally stopped altogether. I'm still a member of Hits4Pay, but I have stopped receiving ads a long time ago. What did I do? Nothing as far as I can see. I did stay a free member, and never upgraded to the premium membership. I never paid Hits4Pay anything, as you shouldn't have to pay for any job.
I had fun clicking on the ads, and I'm still waiting for more. However, I can't recommend them.
Don't waste your time signing up.
I received a email from a friend last week, he wanted me to review and sign up with CashnBux. I told him of my frustration with Hits4Pay, and wondered if CashnBux was the same deal. He said he was happy with CashnBux, and was making money with them. He said you can get two cents per click, but make the big money with referrals. With the referrals he has had, he is making about five to six dollars a day. Which equals about $200.00 a month in passive income.
Not enough to quit your day job, or get rich,
but a nice little check every month.
Check out CashnBux here.
http://cashnbux.com/?r=shanelafollette.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Snow Shoveling
Its winter here in northern Indiana. Last night we received 4 inches of snow. Its beautiful outside this morning. A soft powdery white blanket.
It reminds me of the time many years ago when stepson T. was younger. One Saturday morning, after a previous nights snow storm, he grabbed a snow shovel, and walked down the road to the nearby trailer court. He went door to door, asking everyone if they would like to have their walk and drive shoveled. When he returned home later, he was happy, because he had earned 40 dollars shoveling snow.
How about it, could the kids go around the neighborhood and shovel walks and drives? Is there a nearby trailer court that they could go door to door? I'm sure there are some elderly people nearby that would be happy to have their walks cleaned off for a few bucks.
Keep track of the houses you work for. Next spring, go back and offer to mow their yards.
It reminds me of the time many years ago when stepson T. was younger. One Saturday morning, after a previous nights snow storm, he grabbed a snow shovel, and walked down the road to the nearby trailer court. He went door to door, asking everyone if they would like to have their walk and drive shoveled. When he returned home later, he was happy, because he had earned 40 dollars shoveling snow.
How about it, could the kids go around the neighborhood and shovel walks and drives? Is there a nearby trailer court that they could go door to door? I'm sure there are some elderly people nearby that would be happy to have their walks cleaned off for a few bucks.
Keep track of the houses you work for. Next spring, go back and offer to mow their yards.
Sell on Ebay
Back when Harry Potter first came out,
a friend in the factory asked if I had checked out the scratch and dent store in town. No, I replied, I hadn't been there yet.
He said that he had spied some Harry Potter playing cards in the store, and purchased a deck. He listed them on Ebay, and had made a lot of money on them. He then stated that he had gone back to the store to buy more playing card decks, but they were sold out of them.
The next time I was in town, I stopped in the store to look around. I spotted a bin full of Harry Potter Candles. I purchased the whole bin at one dollar a candle. I also spotted a bin filled with Harry Potter Cookie Cutters. Some cookie cutters were priced at 25 cents and some were priced at one dollar. I searched for the store manager. I said that if he would price them all for a quarter, I would purchase them. His one word answer was, "Sell'em".
I noticed the store had quite a mixture of items for sale. Talking to a stock boy, he stated that they were a clearing house for overstocked items for a corporation. Whatever doesn't sell in any of our stores, it ends up here at a discounted price.
My Ebay auctions were a success. People went nuts over the candles. I even shipped one to Japan. I started each auction a $1.99. I figured I would at least double my money. Most sold for 5 to 7 dollars, with one auction reaching a high bid of 13 dollars. Unbelievable.
My Cookie Cutters were a success too. Recently I looked on Ebay at the Harry Potter Cookie Cutter auctions. I still have a few left. Cookie Cutters are still selling at 4-5 dollars each!
Whenever you go into a department store, do you checkout the discontinued item bin or rack? How about the discounted price isle. I always stop or at least give them a passing glance.
You never know.....
Free Stuff For Baby! - Free Diapers, Baby Wipes, Baby Formula, and Much Much More at FreeStuff4Baby.com!
a friend in the factory asked if I had checked out the scratch and dent store in town. No, I replied, I hadn't been there yet.
He said that he had spied some Harry Potter playing cards in the store, and purchased a deck. He listed them on Ebay, and had made a lot of money on them. He then stated that he had gone back to the store to buy more playing card decks, but they were sold out of them.
The next time I was in town, I stopped in the store to look around. I spotted a bin full of Harry Potter Candles. I purchased the whole bin at one dollar a candle. I also spotted a bin filled with Harry Potter Cookie Cutters. Some cookie cutters were priced at 25 cents and some were priced at one dollar. I searched for the store manager. I said that if he would price them all for a quarter, I would purchase them. His one word answer was, "Sell'em".
I noticed the store had quite a mixture of items for sale. Talking to a stock boy, he stated that they were a clearing house for overstocked items for a corporation. Whatever doesn't sell in any of our stores, it ends up here at a discounted price.
My Ebay auctions were a success. People went nuts over the candles. I even shipped one to Japan. I started each auction a $1.99. I figured I would at least double my money. Most sold for 5 to 7 dollars, with one auction reaching a high bid of 13 dollars. Unbelievable.
My Cookie Cutters were a success too. Recently I looked on Ebay at the Harry Potter Cookie Cutter auctions. I still have a few left. Cookie Cutters are still selling at 4-5 dollars each!
Whenever you go into a department store, do you checkout the discontinued item bin or rack? How about the discounted price isle. I always stop or at least give them a passing glance.
You never know.....
Free Stuff For Baby! - Free Diapers, Baby Wipes, Baby Formula, and Much Much More at FreeStuff4Baby.com!
Disciples Cross
Disciples Cross is a work at home opportunity developed by Pastor John Raymond. This business pays you for assembling the Christian cross and selling it back to the company for a profit.
A buddy at the factory asked me about work from home assembly work. I did an internet search, and found Disciples cross.
He was interested in assembly work for his wife and himself while watching tv. He also asked if it would be possible to walk out to his car and assemble parts on his breaks at work!
This is the way Disciples Cross works. You send in for a starter kit which includes an instructional video and enough materials to put together 25 Disciples Crosses. You have to pay for the starter kit. The cost is $69.95.
After I looked into Disciples Cross it appears that the company is genuine but it does have some issues. Complaints have to deal with the buy back program. Basically, people were getting angry because too many of their crosses were failing inspection and they were losing money on the shipping and supply fees. This is a fairly common grievance with all work at home assembly jobs. I read of one man who purchased a finished Disciples Cross from the company, then turned around and sent it back to them. The returned Disciples Cross was rejected and failed inspection!
I looked on eBay, and found a page of Disciples Crosses, with a full range of prices and options. Can you think of a new twist on selling them?
My idea was to avoid the buy back program all together and focus on marketing and selling the crosses on my own. This can be done on a local level by anyone. For example, at your church, community events, local shops, on eBay or through your own website. The Disciples Cross website discusses different marketing ideas for the crosses.
If you are interested in this program, Only consider Disciples Cross if you have a marketing strategy outside of the buyback program.
By not relying on the buyback program, you will increase your chance of success with this business. While there are many testimonials touting Disciples Cross as a scam, there are also many testimonials of people that love it. However, if a company has even one complaint, I avoid it.
Also if a company says you can make thousands of dollars a month, (in home assembly?!!) that’s a red flag for me.
Disciples Cross advertises on their front page $2000.00 a month!
Therefore, I never opted to try Disciples Cross.
P.S... neither did my friend at the factory.
A buddy at the factory asked me about work from home assembly work. I did an internet search, and found Disciples cross.
He was interested in assembly work for his wife and himself while watching tv. He also asked if it would be possible to walk out to his car and assemble parts on his breaks at work!
This is the way Disciples Cross works. You send in for a starter kit which includes an instructional video and enough materials to put together 25 Disciples Crosses. You have to pay for the starter kit. The cost is $69.95.
After I looked into Disciples Cross it appears that the company is genuine but it does have some issues. Complaints have to deal with the buy back program. Basically, people were getting angry because too many of their crosses were failing inspection and they were losing money on the shipping and supply fees. This is a fairly common grievance with all work at home assembly jobs. I read of one man who purchased a finished Disciples Cross from the company, then turned around and sent it back to them. The returned Disciples Cross was rejected and failed inspection!
I looked on eBay, and found a page of Disciples Crosses, with a full range of prices and options. Can you think of a new twist on selling them?
My idea was to avoid the buy back program all together and focus on marketing and selling the crosses on my own. This can be done on a local level by anyone. For example, at your church, community events, local shops, on eBay or through your own website. The Disciples Cross website discusses different marketing ideas for the crosses.
If you are interested in this program, Only consider Disciples Cross if you have a marketing strategy outside of the buyback program.
By not relying on the buyback program, you will increase your chance of success with this business. While there are many testimonials touting Disciples Cross as a scam, there are also many testimonials of people that love it. However, if a company has even one complaint, I avoid it.
Also if a company says you can make thousands of dollars a month, (in home assembly?!!) that’s a red flag for me.
Disciples Cross advertises on their front page $2000.00 a month!
Therefore, I never opted to try Disciples Cross.
P.S... neither did my friend at the factory.
Learn to Fly
I was a 20 something young man,
flush in cash and time. I had a dream of flying. So one day I hopped in the car, and drove to the airport. I signed up for flying lessons.
You solo after 10 hours. It takes 40 hours to get your license. It was fun, and it opened up the big city to me. Instead of taking hours to drive to chicago, I could be there with a short hop in a plane. I flew there often.
I was spending 2 -3 afternoons a week at the airport. One afternoon the secretary asked, Have you ever considered a career in aviation?
Whats involved? I asked.
She said,
First, get your license. Then after around a hundred hours you can get your instrument rating. After getting a instrument rating, its just a few hours more to get your commercial license. Then you can get paid. Most people become instructors. Being a instructor allows you to build up your hours. With enough hours you can make the jump to cargo planes, or be a corporate pilot. One guy started here and now has a job flying cargo to Atlanta. The big airlines won't look at you until you have at least 2000 hours. Several people started here like you, and are now commercial pilots. If you want it, it can be done.
I'll think about it. I said
Ever considered a aviation career? You don't need a college degree. A couple of days a month, and you can get your pilots license. It will take you as far as you want to go.
And the rest of my story? I had about 125 hours flight time, when I got into a argument with the airport manager. He screwed up, he admitted it. But would he make it right? The answer was no.
No problem, I replied. I walked out, and never returned.
flush in cash and time. I had a dream of flying. So one day I hopped in the car, and drove to the airport. I signed up for flying lessons.
You solo after 10 hours. It takes 40 hours to get your license. It was fun, and it opened up the big city to me. Instead of taking hours to drive to chicago, I could be there with a short hop in a plane. I flew there often.
I was spending 2 -3 afternoons a week at the airport. One afternoon the secretary asked, Have you ever considered a career in aviation?
Whats involved? I asked.
She said,
First, get your license. Then after around a hundred hours you can get your instrument rating. After getting a instrument rating, its just a few hours more to get your commercial license. Then you can get paid. Most people become instructors. Being a instructor allows you to build up your hours. With enough hours you can make the jump to cargo planes, or be a corporate pilot. One guy started here and now has a job flying cargo to Atlanta. The big airlines won't look at you until you have at least 2000 hours. Several people started here like you, and are now commercial pilots. If you want it, it can be done.
I'll think about it. I said
Ever considered a aviation career? You don't need a college degree. A couple of days a month, and you can get your pilots license. It will take you as far as you want to go.
And the rest of my story? I had about 125 hours flight time, when I got into a argument with the airport manager. He screwed up, he admitted it. But would he make it right? The answer was no.
No problem, I replied. I walked out, and never returned.
Mowing lawns
One day my grandfather called up, and asked if I would be able to chauffeur him to the business meeting at his church the next Saturday night. He said his eyes were going bad, and it would really be appreciated if I could help him out.
Mom and Dad had moved to Florida the previous year. I loved the old man, and always enjoyed helping him out whenever I could. I didn't have any plans anyway, so I agreed. The business meeting occurred once a month, and I became a regular, driving grandpa and grandma to the meeting.
As winter turned to spring, the church had a problem. They didn't have anyone to mow the graveyard. The man that mowed the graveyard the previous year had turned the job down. I was approached, and asked if I would be interested in the job. I agreed. It paid 15 dollars. I figured my total time involved would be about 2 - 3 hours. I would be making around minimum wage. The graveyard was divided into 2 sections. The older section was a old Lutheran graveyard. I mowed the newer Baptist section.
I asked grandpa one day, "who mowes the old section." He didn't know. How could I find out? He replied that I would need to talk to the county trustee. So I hoped in the car, and drove 45 minutes to the county seat to see the trustee. Of course she wasn't in her office that day. But I did get a phone number. The next day I called the trustee up. She said that there was a mentally handicapped man who mowed the older section of the graveyard. The work gave him self esteem, and a little pocket money. I was out of luck. She would however take my name, and if anything changed or new work came up, she would call me.....
I was a trustee at my church. We have members who volunteer to mow the church grounds. There is a sign-up sheet. During one meeting, it was noticed that people were not signing up to mow the church yard. One trustee suggested that if no one volunteered, his father-in-law could mow the lawn for $100.00. The motion was made and passed that if there were no volunteers to mow the grass at the church, this gentleman would be called. (for a fee of $100.00).....
Ever considered mowing a graveyard? or a church? commercial property? Its an easy business to run. I'm sure there are ads in your local paper. Lawnmowers seeking jobs . There is always room for one more. All you need is a mower and a weed eater. Print out some business cards, and start knocking on doors.
Free Stuff For Baby! - Free Diapers, Baby Wipes, Baby Formula, and Much Much More at FreeStuff4Baby.com!
Mom and Dad had moved to Florida the previous year. I loved the old man, and always enjoyed helping him out whenever I could. I didn't have any plans anyway, so I agreed. The business meeting occurred once a month, and I became a regular, driving grandpa and grandma to the meeting.
As winter turned to spring, the church had a problem. They didn't have anyone to mow the graveyard. The man that mowed the graveyard the previous year had turned the job down. I was approached, and asked if I would be interested in the job. I agreed. It paid 15 dollars. I figured my total time involved would be about 2 - 3 hours. I would be making around minimum wage. The graveyard was divided into 2 sections. The older section was a old Lutheran graveyard. I mowed the newer Baptist section.
I asked grandpa one day, "who mowes the old section." He didn't know. How could I find out? He replied that I would need to talk to the county trustee. So I hoped in the car, and drove 45 minutes to the county seat to see the trustee. Of course she wasn't in her office that day. But I did get a phone number. The next day I called the trustee up. She said that there was a mentally handicapped man who mowed the older section of the graveyard. The work gave him self esteem, and a little pocket money. I was out of luck. She would however take my name, and if anything changed or new work came up, she would call me.....
I was a trustee at my church. We have members who volunteer to mow the church grounds. There is a sign-up sheet. During one meeting, it was noticed that people were not signing up to mow the church yard. One trustee suggested that if no one volunteered, his father-in-law could mow the lawn for $100.00. The motion was made and passed that if there were no volunteers to mow the grass at the church, this gentleman would be called. (for a fee of $100.00).....
Ever considered mowing a graveyard? or a church? commercial property? Its an easy business to run. I'm sure there are ads in your local paper. Lawnmowers seeking jobs . There is always room for one more. All you need is a mower and a weed eater. Print out some business cards, and start knocking on doors.
Free Stuff For Baby! - Free Diapers, Baby Wipes, Baby Formula, and Much Much More at FreeStuff4Baby.com!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Buy Rental Property - Take over Payments
There is more than one way to invest in a rental property. Taking over mortgage payments is one of many different ways to aquire a rental.
I had put a lot of hours in the factory one year, and made a lot of money. But with the spring, tax time had arrived. I had paid over 5,000.00 dollars to the government in federal taxes that previous year. I was happy to file and assumed I would get about 3 or 4 thousand dollars back. I never realized it at the time, but I had no deductions or exemptions. I was still living with mom and dad. I had nothing to claim.... but I was still upbeat.
When I filled the tax papers out, I got the shock of my life. I was only going to get 50 dollars back! I was screaming mad. I couldn’t believe the government was keeping that much of my money.
I made a vow to myself that this would never happen again. I would do everything in my power to get as much money back as I could. This was in the days before computers. I went to the library, and educated myself. I studied everything I could find about getting a bigger state, and federal return. Tax exemptions, tax free investing….. tax free everything.
I read book after book, and after about 6 months of research, I came to the conclusion that the best way to get the biggest tax return was to invest in rental real estate.
I told a couple of friends at the factory I was interested in investing in real estate. They told me there was a guy looking to unload a rental house, and I should talk to him. I looked the guy up, and I asked him if he had a house he wanted to sell.
He said he did. So we set up a time and I went over and looked at the house. It was a small one bedroom house in town. I liked it, and told him that I was interested in purchasing it from him. He then said that he couldn't sell. The former owner was suing him for repossession of the house. Ok, I replied, and dropped the whole thing.
One year later, (after purchasing another rental), I went back and asked him if he still had the house. He replied that he did. He said he was sued for the money. The previous owner didn't want the property back.
Did he want to still sell the house? He did.
I went over and looked at the house again. He agreed to let me take over the bank mortgage payments. He was sued for $5,000.00. I figured the previous owner had carried a second mortgage instead of getting cash for a down payment. The guy quit paying on the second mortgage and was sued.
I told him all I could give him was $1,000 dollars as a down payment. I also said he would be paying $4,000 dollars on a dead horse, but if he wanted to unload the house I would take it off his hands.
He stated again, he wanted to get rid of the house. We went to the bank, and signed the paperwork a week later. I gave him 1,000 dollars, and he gave me the keys. The profit from the rent was 100.00 dollars a month. I got my thousand dollars back in less than a year. I purchased the house for 12,000 dollars.
A few years later, I paid the mortgage off, and sold the house on land contract to a retired couple for 21,000 dollars. At that price, I felt like I was really screwing them, but they were tickled to get the house. They were happy that they were now home owners! Their house payment was 200 a month. He had his government check direct deposited in his account, and then my payment was direct deposited from his account to my account.
I figured when the automatic payments stopped, I would know the old couple had died. Sure enough, a few years later the payments stopped. They had passed away.
The house passed to their son. He continued payments and lived there for about 3 years. He then skipped out of the state. The house returned to me. I then listed it on the market and sold it for $13,000.00 cash.
That house was a cash cow. I think I came out OK with my thousand dollar investment.
Whenever I purchased a property, I always asked the seller if they would be interested in creative financing.
Land Contracts, Second Mortgage, ect.... Sometimes they say Yes!
I had put a lot of hours in the factory one year, and made a lot of money. But with the spring, tax time had arrived. I had paid over 5,000.00 dollars to the government in federal taxes that previous year. I was happy to file and assumed I would get about 3 or 4 thousand dollars back. I never realized it at the time, but I had no deductions or exemptions. I was still living with mom and dad. I had nothing to claim.... but I was still upbeat.
When I filled the tax papers out, I got the shock of my life. I was only going to get 50 dollars back! I was screaming mad. I couldn’t believe the government was keeping that much of my money.
I made a vow to myself that this would never happen again. I would do everything in my power to get as much money back as I could. This was in the days before computers. I went to the library, and educated myself. I studied everything I could find about getting a bigger state, and federal return. Tax exemptions, tax free investing….. tax free everything.
I read book after book, and after about 6 months of research, I came to the conclusion that the best way to get the biggest tax return was to invest in rental real estate.
I told a couple of friends at the factory I was interested in investing in real estate. They told me there was a guy looking to unload a rental house, and I should talk to him. I looked the guy up, and I asked him if he had a house he wanted to sell.
He said he did. So we set up a time and I went over and looked at the house. It was a small one bedroom house in town. I liked it, and told him that I was interested in purchasing it from him. He then said that he couldn't sell. The former owner was suing him for repossession of the house. Ok, I replied, and dropped the whole thing.
One year later, (after purchasing another rental), I went back and asked him if he still had the house. He replied that he did. He said he was sued for the money. The previous owner didn't want the property back.
Did he want to still sell the house? He did.
I went over and looked at the house again. He agreed to let me take over the bank mortgage payments. He was sued for $5,000.00. I figured the previous owner had carried a second mortgage instead of getting cash for a down payment. The guy quit paying on the second mortgage and was sued.
I told him all I could give him was $1,000 dollars as a down payment. I also said he would be paying $4,000 dollars on a dead horse, but if he wanted to unload the house I would take it off his hands.
He stated again, he wanted to get rid of the house. We went to the bank, and signed the paperwork a week later. I gave him 1,000 dollars, and he gave me the keys. The profit from the rent was 100.00 dollars a month. I got my thousand dollars back in less than a year. I purchased the house for 12,000 dollars.
A few years later, I paid the mortgage off, and sold the house on land contract to a retired couple for 21,000 dollars. At that price, I felt like I was really screwing them, but they were tickled to get the house. They were happy that they were now home owners! Their house payment was 200 a month. He had his government check direct deposited in his account, and then my payment was direct deposited from his account to my account.
I figured when the automatic payments stopped, I would know the old couple had died. Sure enough, a few years later the payments stopped. They had passed away.
The house passed to their son. He continued payments and lived there for about 3 years. He then skipped out of the state. The house returned to me. I then listed it on the market and sold it for $13,000.00 cash.
That house was a cash cow. I think I came out OK with my thousand dollar investment.
Whenever I purchased a property, I always asked the seller if they would be interested in creative financing.
Land Contracts, Second Mortgage, ect.... Sometimes they say Yes!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Selling Tanning Lotion
I used to own a gas station mini-mart. My aunt B. worked for me.
After I had sold the station, I stopped in one day, and noticed bottles of tanning lotion setting in the window. You're now selling tanning lotion? I asked. Aunt B. replied that she had purchased a tanning bed. With the bed, she had received a wholesale price list of tanning supplies from different companys. The mark-up on tanning lotion was huge.
She was buying lotion wholesale, taking bottles down to the station and reselling them at retail price, but below the retail price of the tanning bed operators in town. She commented that she was making a killing selling tanning lotion, and that the tanning bed operators were screaming mad at her for undercutting their price.
After the station closed, I approached my aunt and asked her if she still had the wholesale tanning lotion supply list. She replied that she would look, but thought she had thrown the list out.
Since then, I've asked aunt B. several times if she has ever come across the wholesale list. She has never found it.
Over the years, I've searched the internet for tanning lotion at wholesale cost. I've not found anything that impresses me. But I continue to look....... stay tuned.
A friend in the factory and her brother purchased a small pallet of electronic items on eBay. They broke the pallet down, and resold the items individually. She said they made a couple of hundred dollars.
Do you know of any products you could purchase wholesale, and resale for a huge markup?
After I had sold the station, I stopped in one day, and noticed bottles of tanning lotion setting in the window. You're now selling tanning lotion? I asked. Aunt B. replied that she had purchased a tanning bed. With the bed, she had received a wholesale price list of tanning supplies from different companys. The mark-up on tanning lotion was huge.
She was buying lotion wholesale, taking bottles down to the station and reselling them at retail price, but below the retail price of the tanning bed operators in town. She commented that she was making a killing selling tanning lotion, and that the tanning bed operators were screaming mad at her for undercutting their price.
After the station closed, I approached my aunt and asked her if she still had the wholesale tanning lotion supply list. She replied that she would look, but thought she had thrown the list out.
Since then, I've asked aunt B. several times if she has ever come across the wholesale list. She has never found it.
Over the years, I've searched the internet for tanning lotion at wholesale cost. I've not found anything that impresses me. But I continue to look....... stay tuned.
A friend in the factory and her brother purchased a small pallet of electronic items on eBay. They broke the pallet down, and resold the items individually. She said they made a couple of hundred dollars.
Do you know of any products you could purchase wholesale, and resale for a huge markup?
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Pumpkins, Gourds, and Legends
Do you grow a vegetable garden?
Consider adding pumpkins, and selling them.
A roadside stand will surprise you at how much money it will make.
I did a little internet research, and found out the name pumpkin is Greek for large melon. 1.5 billion, yes billion pounds of pumpkins are produced in the U.S. each year. Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are the top producing pumpkin states. 95% of the U.S. crop is grown in Illinois.
Ever heard of the giant pumpkin?
The Charlie brown pumpkin made the giant pumpkin popular.
I was unaware that the town of Half Moon Bay, California holds an annual Pumpkin and Arts Festival each year, drawing over 250,000 visitors, and includes the World Champion Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Farmers from all over the U.S. compete to determine who can grow the largest gourd. The winning pumpkin regularly tops the scale at more than 1200 pounds. The current world record holder weighs in at 1,725-pounds.
I wonder how they move a pumpkin that large around?
Morton, Illinois , declares itself the pumpkin capital of the world. They have a Pumpkin Festival every year. Morton is where Nestlé's pumpkin packing plant is located, and where 90% of canned pumpkins eaten in the US are processed.
I never thought about it, but there is a big debate about whether a pumpkin is a fruit or a vegetable. How about it, is the pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?
I was talking to a guy at the factory the other day, and he told me that he sells pumpkins every fall. He lives on the main roadway to a large lake, and all the lake owners stop and buy his pumpkins. He told me, if you have about ½ acre of land, you could make between 1,000 – 1,500 dollars. He also commented that if you had about 20 acres, you could easily make a living raising pumpkins.
In my area, pumpkins are big sellers in the fall. This guy also raises ornamental gourds. Planting the seed in a fence row, he lets the vine grow in the fence and the gourds hang down in the fence. He added they are big sellers too.
I once had a vine gourd that grew up a tree. It looked like a gourd tree with gourds hanging down from the branches. Some of the gourd necks were over 3 feet long!
My friend also sells Corn shucks for decoration. He ties a few in a bundle and sells them for a dollar.
He said to be sure to undercut the stores when you price your pumpkins. He piles his pumpkins into three groups. The one dollar pile, the two dollar pile, and the three dollar pile. Of course the price is based on size. A coffee can is placed on a telephone pole for the customer to put the money in. He relies on the honor system, and said if someone wants a pumpkin so bad they have to steal it, they are welcome to it. When his daughters get off the bus from school each afternoon, they eagerly check the coffee can for cash. They collect money every day, and he lets his daughters have the cash.
The last few years a farmer across town has been selling pumpkins for $3.00 apiece. Last fall, when I finally decided to stop and check him out, it was to late. He was sold out.
There also used to be a farmer in our area, that drove a route and sold pumpkins and cantaloupe wholesale to gas stations. The stations marked up the price, and everyone was happy.
I have considered growing pumpkins the last few years, and even setting up a roadside stand. I planned to add cataloupe too. After I observed the farmer near town selling out, it has motivated me to get started. I never considered adding ornamental gourds, but they will make a nice addition.
My wife and I grow a vegetable garden every year. I've considered building a green house, and I even looked into hydroponics. I’m going to plant few rows of pumpkins in my garden this year. Kind of testing the market, and then expand as demand for my pumpkins and cantaloupe grow.
It’s possible it could develop into a full fledged vegetable stand.
A part-time, (and passive) seasonal income...
I discovered the name "Jack O'Lantern" comes from an old Irish myth about a man named, Stingy Jack.
I thought it was a interesting legend:
According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks with. Once the Devil changed, Jack, true to his name, decided to keep the coin and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, this prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil under the condition that he would not bother Jack, and that should Jack die, he would not claim his soul.
Of course soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such a nasty figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him, kept his word and would not to claim his soul. He would not allow Jack into hell either. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with it ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O'Lantern."
In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack's lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o'lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack o'lanterns.
Consider adding pumpkins, and selling them.
A roadside stand will surprise you at how much money it will make.
I did a little internet research, and found out the name pumpkin is Greek for large melon. 1.5 billion, yes billion pounds of pumpkins are produced in the U.S. each year. Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania are the top producing pumpkin states. 95% of the U.S. crop is grown in Illinois.
Ever heard of the giant pumpkin?
The Charlie brown pumpkin made the giant pumpkin popular.
I was unaware that the town of Half Moon Bay, California holds an annual Pumpkin and Arts Festival each year, drawing over 250,000 visitors, and includes the World Champion Pumpkin Weigh-Off. Farmers from all over the U.S. compete to determine who can grow the largest gourd. The winning pumpkin regularly tops the scale at more than 1200 pounds. The current world record holder weighs in at 1,725-pounds.
I wonder how they move a pumpkin that large around?
Morton, Illinois , declares itself the pumpkin capital of the world. They have a Pumpkin Festival every year. Morton is where Nestlé's pumpkin packing plant is located, and where 90% of canned pumpkins eaten in the US are processed.
I never thought about it, but there is a big debate about whether a pumpkin is a fruit or a vegetable. How about it, is the pumpkin a fruit or a vegetable?
I was talking to a guy at the factory the other day, and he told me that he sells pumpkins every fall. He lives on the main roadway to a large lake, and all the lake owners stop and buy his pumpkins. He told me, if you have about ½ acre of land, you could make between 1,000 – 1,500 dollars. He also commented that if you had about 20 acres, you could easily make a living raising pumpkins.
In my area, pumpkins are big sellers in the fall. This guy also raises ornamental gourds. Planting the seed in a fence row, he lets the vine grow in the fence and the gourds hang down in the fence. He added they are big sellers too.
I once had a vine gourd that grew up a tree. It looked like a gourd tree with gourds hanging down from the branches. Some of the gourd necks were over 3 feet long!
My friend also sells Corn shucks for decoration. He ties a few in a bundle and sells them for a dollar.
He said to be sure to undercut the stores when you price your pumpkins. He piles his pumpkins into three groups. The one dollar pile, the two dollar pile, and the three dollar pile. Of course the price is based on size. A coffee can is placed on a telephone pole for the customer to put the money in. He relies on the honor system, and said if someone wants a pumpkin so bad they have to steal it, they are welcome to it. When his daughters get off the bus from school each afternoon, they eagerly check the coffee can for cash. They collect money every day, and he lets his daughters have the cash.
The last few years a farmer across town has been selling pumpkins for $3.00 apiece. Last fall, when I finally decided to stop and check him out, it was to late. He was sold out.
There also used to be a farmer in our area, that drove a route and sold pumpkins and cantaloupe wholesale to gas stations. The stations marked up the price, and everyone was happy.
I have considered growing pumpkins the last few years, and even setting up a roadside stand. I planned to add cataloupe too. After I observed the farmer near town selling out, it has motivated me to get started. I never considered adding ornamental gourds, but they will make a nice addition.
My wife and I grow a vegetable garden every year. I've considered building a green house, and I even looked into hydroponics. I’m going to plant few rows of pumpkins in my garden this year. Kind of testing the market, and then expand as demand for my pumpkins and cantaloupe grow.
It’s possible it could develop into a full fledged vegetable stand.
A part-time, (and passive) seasonal income...
I discovered the name "Jack O'Lantern" comes from an old Irish myth about a man named, Stingy Jack.
I thought it was a interesting legend:
According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks with. Once the Devil changed, Jack, true to his name, decided to keep the coin and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, this prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil under the condition that he would not bother Jack, and that should Jack die, he would not claim his soul.
Of course soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such a nasty figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him, kept his word and would not to claim his soul. He would not allow Jack into hell either. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with it ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O'Lantern."
In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack's lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o'lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack o'lanterns.
Renter Qualification
Here's a quick idea, if you rent houses. When ever I needed to rent a house, I would put a ad in the local newspaper. I would set the rent in the ad a hundred dollars higher than what the unit actually rented for. I found that with a higher priced rent, I attracted a higher quality renter. The deadbeats didn't call, because they couldn't afford it to begin with. When the potential renter arrived, I mentioned that there was a misprint in the newspaper. The actual rent was a hundred dollars less. Renters always expressed suprise, and it gave them the feeling that they were getting a deal. They were happy thinking they were getting lower rent, and I was happy by getting a quality person to rent to.
Rental Property Down Payments
I was looking at purchasing a duplex. The price was reasonable, however, I didn't have any down payment. The mortgage payment was around $300.00 per month. I asked the real estate agent. "Would the owner be willing to take a second mortgage?" The owner agreed. Both sides of the duplex rented for $300.00 a month. So my profit was $300.00 a month. The second mortgage worked out to $300.00 a month also.
The second mortgage would take all my profit. I would be breaking even till the second mortgage was paid off. However I figured I would still come out ahead in taxes. Plus remember, they were making my house payment. The deal was made, and I purchased the duplex. About 3 years later, the second mortgage was paid off. I then was able to put $300.00 per month in my pocket. I didn't have any problems renting this duplex. Over the years its been a cash cow.
The second mortgage would take all my profit. I would be breaking even till the second mortgage was paid off. However I figured I would still come out ahead in taxes. Plus remember, they were making my house payment. The deal was made, and I purchased the duplex. About 3 years later, the second mortgage was paid off. I then was able to put $300.00 per month in my pocket. I didn't have any problems renting this duplex. Over the years its been a cash cow.
Rental Property... creative ideas for purchase
I never looked to a bank as my first option when it came to financing a rental property. But sometimes the bank will work with you!
There are a lot of creative financing avenues available if you know about them.
If the owner was willing to help me, I didn’t quarrel too much about the terms.
The interest rate, loan amount, or down payment, didn’t worry me that much. My main concern was the monthly payments. How much was I going to put in my pocket each month. I didn’t care if I was paying for 30 years instead of 20 years. If the interest rate was 7% or 9%.
Was my monthly take home 200 dollars or 300 dollars? That was my bottom line.
A guy at the factory was going bankrupt. For whatever reason, he simply stopped paying his house payment. He also had a rental property. I approached him. Would he be interested in selling his rental? I was too late. The bank had already repossessed the house. I still asked him, did he have any problems with the renters? Maintenance? What problems did he have with this rental? None was the reply. He stated that a single guy was living there, and had lived there for a couple of years. He was a perfect renter. He kept the house and property neat and always paid the rent on time. He didn’t have a single problem with this house. (Why he didn’t make the house payment I’ll never know!) I called the bank, and set up a appointment with the banker.
The banker said they had the house, but the paperwork for repossession wasn’t complete. I guessed the previous owner probably walked in and gave the keys to the banker. The bank had the keys, but not ownership.
If I wanted the house, they would stop the foreclosure procedure, and give the house to me. I could take over payments. The banker then made an offhand comment, that if I hadn’t come along; he was looking at buying the house as a rental for himself.
The banker said that I was doing the bank a great favor. I was saving them the legwork, and all the paperwork involved in foreclosure. The banker then said he would set the first house payment for ninety days in advance to help me out. My closing cost would be 700.00. The rent was 300 dollars a month.
Two months rent before the first house payment would be 600 dollars -- minus the closing cost of 700 dollars. My cost involved to own this house was 100.00 dollars! My house payment was going to be 200.00 dollars a month. My profit per month would be 100.00 dollars.
I purchased the house without inspecting it, talking to the renter, anything. I made my decision based on what the banker and previous owner had said.
The house was a 2 bedroom log cabin on a lake. It was about a 45 minute drive away. I normally don’t recommend buying a rental property this far away, but this deal was too good to pass up.
After I purchased the house, I drove out, and met the renter. I told him to mail the rent to my address. I also gave him my phone number in the event he had any problems.
He paid the rent regularly. The previous owner was right, he was the perfect renter. Maybe once or twice a year, I would drive by the house to do a visual inspection. I never noticed anything wrong. The renter lived there for five years.
Deals like this don't come along evey day, but they do happen!
There are a lot of creative financing avenues available if you know about them.
If the owner was willing to help me, I didn’t quarrel too much about the terms.
The interest rate, loan amount, or down payment, didn’t worry me that much. My main concern was the monthly payments. How much was I going to put in my pocket each month. I didn’t care if I was paying for 30 years instead of 20 years. If the interest rate was 7% or 9%.
Was my monthly take home 200 dollars or 300 dollars? That was my bottom line.
A guy at the factory was going bankrupt. For whatever reason, he simply stopped paying his house payment. He also had a rental property. I approached him. Would he be interested in selling his rental? I was too late. The bank had already repossessed the house. I still asked him, did he have any problems with the renters? Maintenance? What problems did he have with this rental? None was the reply. He stated that a single guy was living there, and had lived there for a couple of years. He was a perfect renter. He kept the house and property neat and always paid the rent on time. He didn’t have a single problem with this house. (Why he didn’t make the house payment I’ll never know!) I called the bank, and set up a appointment with the banker.
The banker said they had the house, but the paperwork for repossession wasn’t complete. I guessed the previous owner probably walked in and gave the keys to the banker. The bank had the keys, but not ownership.
If I wanted the house, they would stop the foreclosure procedure, and give the house to me. I could take over payments. The banker then made an offhand comment, that if I hadn’t come along; he was looking at buying the house as a rental for himself.
The banker said that I was doing the bank a great favor. I was saving them the legwork, and all the paperwork involved in foreclosure. The banker then said he would set the first house payment for ninety days in advance to help me out. My closing cost would be 700.00. The rent was 300 dollars a month.
Two months rent before the first house payment would be 600 dollars -- minus the closing cost of 700 dollars. My cost involved to own this house was 100.00 dollars! My house payment was going to be 200.00 dollars a month. My profit per month would be 100.00 dollars.
I purchased the house without inspecting it, talking to the renter, anything. I made my decision based on what the banker and previous owner had said.
The house was a 2 bedroom log cabin on a lake. It was about a 45 minute drive away. I normally don’t recommend buying a rental property this far away, but this deal was too good to pass up.
After I purchased the house, I drove out, and met the renter. I told him to mail the rent to my address. I also gave him my phone number in the event he had any problems.
He paid the rent regularly. The previous owner was right, he was the perfect renter. Maybe once or twice a year, I would drive by the house to do a visual inspection. I never noticed anything wrong. The renter lived there for five years.
Deals like this don't come along evey day, but they do happen!
TaeKwonDo
TaeKwonDo. Tae - foot. Kwon - hand. Do - the way (path, road). The way of the foot and hand.
I am a 2nd degree black belt, with a International certification. I tell people I'm retired now. But there was a day when I ate, drank, and slept TaeKwonDo. For 7 years, I was bruised and bloodied. I fought at competitions regularly. I earned my black belt degree through hours of sweat, pain, and toil. I loved every minute of it, and practiced 5 days a week.
The senior black belt of our school, with the blessings of our master, opened up a satellite school in a nearby town. The school was a hit. Then tragedy struck. The satellite school instructor broke his neck in a motorcycle accident. He survived, but his TaeKwonDo days were over. The satellite school was passed to another senior black belt without missing a beat.
I was curious about the other school.
On Tuesday nights, after the regular class, Our teacher held a second class reserved for black belts only. The satellite school instructor attended this class regularly. I approached him one evening and asked if it would be possible for me to attend his school sometime and practice with him and his students. He replied that I could come anytime and would always be welcome to participate with the class.
So a week or so later, I drove to the other school and practiced with them. After class, I was in the locker room, and commented to the teacher that I thought it was a great school, and enjoyed practicing with them. That I would enjoy coming back sometime.
He then surprised me by asking if I would be interested in running the school. "I'll give you the school" he said.
"Whats the problem?" I asked. "I don't like it," he answered. "I'm tied up 5 nights a week. Its like a second job, and I would like evenings free."
I thought it over. I had been teaching TaeKwonDo at my home school part-time, so being a instructor was no big deal. I loved to practice, but running a school would be a whole different ball of wax. As it stood now, if I missed a day or two, no problem. In fact, if I wanted to walk away from everything tomorrow, I could.
It would be different running a school. I would be obligated to be there. I was single, and my evenings would be gone. I would be running a business. "Thanks, but I want my freedom", I said, "I don't want to be tied down 5 nights a week. However, I will think it over."
I left the building, my curiosity satisfied. I never practiced there again.
I never took him up on his offer either.
Over the years, I've slowly lost my speed, and power. I've put on a few pounds. Whenever I watch a old Bruce Lee movie, or one with a lot of kicks, punches, and fighting, I can feel that old fire ignite. I've considered getting back into it many times.
I've even thought about starting a outreach program through my church for the kids in my little burg. It'll probably never happen. I already have to many projects going on.
However, is there anything you could teach others? Could you give a weekend seminar?
I am a 2nd degree black belt, with a International certification. I tell people I'm retired now. But there was a day when I ate, drank, and slept TaeKwonDo. For 7 years, I was bruised and bloodied. I fought at competitions regularly. I earned my black belt degree through hours of sweat, pain, and toil. I loved every minute of it, and practiced 5 days a week.
The senior black belt of our school, with the blessings of our master, opened up a satellite school in a nearby town. The school was a hit. Then tragedy struck. The satellite school instructor broke his neck in a motorcycle accident. He survived, but his TaeKwonDo days were over. The satellite school was passed to another senior black belt without missing a beat.
I was curious about the other school.
On Tuesday nights, after the regular class, Our teacher held a second class reserved for black belts only. The satellite school instructor attended this class regularly. I approached him one evening and asked if it would be possible for me to attend his school sometime and practice with him and his students. He replied that I could come anytime and would always be welcome to participate with the class.
So a week or so later, I drove to the other school and practiced with them. After class, I was in the locker room, and commented to the teacher that I thought it was a great school, and enjoyed practicing with them. That I would enjoy coming back sometime.
He then surprised me by asking if I would be interested in running the school. "I'll give you the school" he said.
"Whats the problem?" I asked. "I don't like it," he answered. "I'm tied up 5 nights a week. Its like a second job, and I would like evenings free."
I thought it over. I had been teaching TaeKwonDo at my home school part-time, so being a instructor was no big deal. I loved to practice, but running a school would be a whole different ball of wax. As it stood now, if I missed a day or two, no problem. In fact, if I wanted to walk away from everything tomorrow, I could.
It would be different running a school. I would be obligated to be there. I was single, and my evenings would be gone. I would be running a business. "Thanks, but I want my freedom", I said, "I don't want to be tied down 5 nights a week. However, I will think it over."
I left the building, my curiosity satisfied. I never practiced there again.
I never took him up on his offer either.
Over the years, I've slowly lost my speed, and power. I've put on a few pounds. Whenever I watch a old Bruce Lee movie, or one with a lot of kicks, punches, and fighting, I can feel that old fire ignite. I've considered getting back into it many times.
I've even thought about starting a outreach program through my church for the kids in my little burg. It'll probably never happen. I already have to many projects going on.
However, is there anything you could teach others? Could you give a weekend seminar?
Part-time Backhoe work
I've added a backhoe to my wish list. Its something that would really be a time and labor saver here on the farm. Its a toy someday I would like to buy.
A couple of years ago, I found a unique use for one.......
A friend of the family died. For whatever reason, the day before the funeral, the grave digger became unavailable. It became the family's responsibility to find a new one. They had a list of names, and began calling people. As Panic started setting in, a individual was found. A crisis was averted.
A short time later, I asked a family member what the going rate for digging a grave costs. "He charged around 300 dollars," was the reply .
Three hundred dollars for a half days work, I thought. Not bad.
If I had a backhoe, this is what I would do. I would print up some business cards, and get a business license. In Indiana, a business license costs 25 dollars. Then I would visit every undertaker within 50 miles. Give him my card, and talk to him about digging graves. Also, any church with a graveyard, not located in town, I would stop and talk to the pastor. I figure I could get 3 or 4 jobs a month. Roughly a thousand dollars for 3 or 4 half days work.
After I wrote this article, I made some phone calls. I found out, its not the undertakers job to get the grave dug. In most towns, there are grounds keepers that do it. But there are lots of cemeteries in the countryside.
Do you have a bobcat, or backhoe? Put it to work 1 or 2 days a month.....
A couple of years ago, I found a unique use for one.......
A friend of the family died. For whatever reason, the day before the funeral, the grave digger became unavailable. It became the family's responsibility to find a new one. They had a list of names, and began calling people. As Panic started setting in, a individual was found. A crisis was averted.
A short time later, I asked a family member what the going rate for digging a grave costs. "He charged around 300 dollars," was the reply .
Three hundred dollars for a half days work, I thought. Not bad.
If I had a backhoe, this is what I would do. I would print up some business cards, and get a business license. In Indiana, a business license costs 25 dollars. Then I would visit every undertaker within 50 miles. Give him my card, and talk to him about digging graves. Also, any church with a graveyard, not located in town, I would stop and talk to the pastor. I figure I could get 3 or 4 jobs a month. Roughly a thousand dollars for 3 or 4 half days work.
After I wrote this article, I made some phone calls. I found out, its not the undertakers job to get the grave dug. In most towns, there are grounds keepers that do it. But there are lots of cemeteries in the countryside.
Do you have a bobcat, or backhoe? Put it to work 1 or 2 days a month.....
Starting a Small Business
The other day, I suddenly realized
I had left the most important part out of the honey article.
I also realized you should do this before any small business start-up.
So, what’s foremost before a business start-up?
1. Educate yourself.
Learn everything you can about the business.
Read books, and look online for articles.
Can you get a job in your business field?
Is it possible to work under a mentor, who will
teach you all the inside secrets of the job?
Can you volunteer?
Before I purchased the bee hives.
I had someone who knew their stuff.
Uncle J. was the resident guru on honey
I asked a lot of questions.
He was happy to show me
everything he knew about bees.
Even today, if I have a question, all I have to do
Is pick up the telephone and give him a call.
Then I volunteered.
I worked the bee yards.
Following Uncle J.’s direction.
I purchased a couple of books on Amazon about bees.
I went online, and read every article I could
find about bees, beekeeping, and honey.
Then, did I spend thousands of dollars?
No. I started small.
Less than $200.00 purchased 2 bee hives.
2. Start small or part-time
Don’t quit your day job!
Remember, the journey of a thousand miles
Begins with a single footstep……
So take the first step,
It can lead to a part (or full) time income!!
I had left the most important part out of the honey article.
I also realized you should do this before any small business start-up.
So, what’s foremost before a business start-up?
1. Educate yourself.
Learn everything you can about the business.
Read books, and look online for articles.
Can you get a job in your business field?
Is it possible to work under a mentor, who will
teach you all the inside secrets of the job?
Can you volunteer?
Before I purchased the bee hives.
I had someone who knew their stuff.
Uncle J. was the resident guru on honey
I asked a lot of questions.
He was happy to show me
everything he knew about bees.
Even today, if I have a question, all I have to do
Is pick up the telephone and give him a call.
Then I volunteered.
I worked the bee yards.
Following Uncle J.’s direction.
I purchased a couple of books on Amazon about bees.
I went online, and read every article I could
find about bees, beekeeping, and honey.
Then, did I spend thousands of dollars?
No. I started small.
Less than $200.00 purchased 2 bee hives.
2. Start small or part-time
Don’t quit your day job!
Remember, the journey of a thousand miles
Begins with a single footstep……
So take the first step,
It can lead to a part (or full) time income!!
Dog Breeding
My ex-wife wanted a dog. She had a friend who had some Maltese pups, and she wanted one. I thought, if we have to get a dog, might as well get a female, and breed her. The cost of the female dog was $500.00. I figured if she had even one litter a year, we could make a couple of thousand dollars.
Of course we had to wait till the dog was at least one year old. Ex agreed to breed the dog, so I did my homework, and read everything I could find on Maltese breeding. The pup was fun, but unfortunately, our Maltese died after about 9 months, so she was never bred.
I currently have a female Shih-tzu.
She’s been fixed, although breeding her did occur to me.
I had a cousin that was a breeder of Shih-tzu pups, and was making $10,000 dollars a year with 2 females, and 1 male.
If you do consider raising pups, cats, or any other animal, do it for the love of the animal. Also get some books and educate yourself about breeding. It involves a lot….
Of course we had to wait till the dog was at least one year old. Ex agreed to breed the dog, so I did my homework, and read everything I could find on Maltese breeding. The pup was fun, but unfortunately, our Maltese died after about 9 months, so she was never bred.
I currently have a female Shih-tzu.
She’s been fixed, although breeding her did occur to me.
I had a cousin that was a breeder of Shih-tzu pups, and was making $10,000 dollars a year with 2 females, and 1 male.
If you do consider raising pups, cats, or any other animal, do it for the love of the animal. Also get some books and educate yourself about breeding. It involves a lot….
Cattle are like Stocks
I overheard my grandfather and uncle talking one day, and they were mad at another farmer. Back then, we had two livestock auction barns in our area. It seems one auction barn was consistently selling livestock at a higher price than the other auction barn.
One enterprising farmer was buying cattle and hogs at one auction at a low price. He would then take them over to the other auction, and sell them at the higher price. His only cost was gasoline to chauffer the cattle and hogs from one auction to the other.
This upset my grandfather and uncle. This farmer was playing the difference in the sale prices. I figured if he could get away with it, great, but it seemed to be too speculative for me. You never knew when the price would change…………..
A couple of years ago, I was talking to the operator of the local feed mill. I asked him about purchasing some calves. It was February. He mentioned, now would be the time to purchase calves before the price jumped.
It reminded me of when I was a teenager. We lived on 2 1/2 acres. Dad always had a couple of hogs and a few calves. He noticed that the price of calves jumped around April. He started buying bucket calves in January, and selling them in April. Keeping them for about 90 days and profiting in the jump in price….
Its kind of like the stock market. Playing the price difference, buying low and selling high. Other than stocks and cattle, can you think of anything that jumps in price seasonally? More importantly, can you profit from it?
One enterprising farmer was buying cattle and hogs at one auction at a low price. He would then take them over to the other auction, and sell them at the higher price. His only cost was gasoline to chauffer the cattle and hogs from one auction to the other.
This upset my grandfather and uncle. This farmer was playing the difference in the sale prices. I figured if he could get away with it, great, but it seemed to be too speculative for me. You never knew when the price would change…………..
A couple of years ago, I was talking to the operator of the local feed mill. I asked him about purchasing some calves. It was February. He mentioned, now would be the time to purchase calves before the price jumped.
It reminded me of when I was a teenager. We lived on 2 1/2 acres. Dad always had a couple of hogs and a few calves. He noticed that the price of calves jumped around April. He started buying bucket calves in January, and selling them in April. Keeping them for about 90 days and profiting in the jump in price….
Its kind of like the stock market. Playing the price difference, buying low and selling high. Other than stocks and cattle, can you think of anything that jumps in price seasonally? More importantly, can you profit from it?
Selling a Snowmobile
I guess snowmobiles are like a lot of things,
They come in all sort of different styles, makes, and models,
They are seasonal,
Their sale price may vary depending on their location and the time of year.
I live in Northern Indiana. I'm a couple of hours south of the state of Michigan. But I'm far enough south of Michigan that when my area gets a few inches of snow, Michigan may get double or triple that amount.
Snowmobiling is big in Michigan. I once did a quick internet search and found a lot of places where you can get a package deal on renting a snowmobile and a room for the night. Michigan has snowmobile trails everywhere, and you can trail ride all day. Last year, several of my friends went to Michigan snowmobiling. They loved it. They returned and gushed about their experience on the trails. They can’t wait to return.
I have a uncle and cousin that goes snowmobiling in Michigan a lot. One time, my uncle decided to check out a snowmobile auction. He noticed right away, that the selling price of snowmobiles in Michigan were a lot higher than in Indiana. So he started purchasing used snowmobiles in Indiana, and taking them to the auction in Michigan. If they needed minor repairs, he would fix them up. If not, he would take them to Michigan anyway. He mentioned to me once that even junk snowmobiles would bring a premium price in the Michigan auction. The auction in Michigan is held once a month. My uncle looks locally for snowmobiles to resale. He usually finds a couple of bargains every month. And he makes a nice profit every month.
My uncle has found a niche and filled it with some creative thinking. He’s found a way to take a weekend trip, have fun, and make some money too. He's turned it into a nice steady income. Buy low and sell high. What he's doing isn't that difficult either. With a little creativity, what can you come up with? Read my article on cattle and stocks about another buy low, sell high idea....
They come in all sort of different styles, makes, and models,
They are seasonal,
Their sale price may vary depending on their location and the time of year.
I live in Northern Indiana. I'm a couple of hours south of the state of Michigan. But I'm far enough south of Michigan that when my area gets a few inches of snow, Michigan may get double or triple that amount.
Snowmobiling is big in Michigan. I once did a quick internet search and found a lot of places where you can get a package deal on renting a snowmobile and a room for the night. Michigan has snowmobile trails everywhere, and you can trail ride all day. Last year, several of my friends went to Michigan snowmobiling. They loved it. They returned and gushed about their experience on the trails. They can’t wait to return.
I have a uncle and cousin that goes snowmobiling in Michigan a lot. One time, my uncle decided to check out a snowmobile auction. He noticed right away, that the selling price of snowmobiles in Michigan were a lot higher than in Indiana. So he started purchasing used snowmobiles in Indiana, and taking them to the auction in Michigan. If they needed minor repairs, he would fix them up. If not, he would take them to Michigan anyway. He mentioned to me once that even junk snowmobiles would bring a premium price in the Michigan auction. The auction in Michigan is held once a month. My uncle looks locally for snowmobiles to resale. He usually finds a couple of bargains every month. And he makes a nice profit every month.
My uncle has found a niche and filled it with some creative thinking. He’s found a way to take a weekend trip, have fun, and make some money too. He's turned it into a nice steady income. Buy low and sell high. What he's doing isn't that difficult either. With a little creativity, what can you come up with? Read my article on cattle and stocks about another buy low, sell high idea....
Chainsaw Sharpening
I ran into an old retired farmer friend while in town this morning. I hadn't talked to him in quite a while. I suddenly remembered that he used to have a old sign on his barn that read, "Sharpenings Done Here".
The reason I thought of that sign, was that my weedeater blade needed sharpening. I have a gas powered weedeater. I don't like string. I have always struggled with weedeat string. One day a couple of years back, after being angered by a weedeater with string, I went out and bought a blade. I threw out the string and put a blade on the weedeater, and swore I would never use string again.
Son has mowed the yard a couple of times this spring. My wife has been getting on me to do the trim. So last week, I fired the weedeater up, and started trimming. The problem was, the blade was so dull it was pathetic. I struggled to cut the grass. When I finished, I told se wife it will need to be sharpened before trimming again.
Thus, when I ran into my farmer friend, I thought perhaps I could get the blade done at minimum cost. He said he hadn't sharpened anything in a couple of years, but if I would bring the blade over he would take a look at it. I replied that sometime in the next week I would stop by.
On the drive home it occured to me.....
If he isn't in the business anymore, maybe he would be willing to sell the business to me. I also speculated that I could get it for a song. He would probably be willing to teach me the ins and outs, shortcuts and secrets of the sharpening business. The biggest amount of business would be for chainsaw sharpening. It seems to me, this is a part-time business you could do in your spare time. The only advertising needed would be a sign in the yard and word of mouth.
I'll talk to the old man. If his equipment is gathering dust in his barn, maybe we can make a deal. we'll see.....
I checked into chainsaw sharpening years ago. Foley Belsaw has the best program, but I never pursued it. If you think it sounds interesting, Google Foley Belsaw to get to their website, and check it out..
The reason I thought of that sign, was that my weedeater blade needed sharpening. I have a gas powered weedeater. I don't like string. I have always struggled with weedeat string. One day a couple of years back, after being angered by a weedeater with string, I went out and bought a blade. I threw out the string and put a blade on the weedeater, and swore I would never use string again.
Son has mowed the yard a couple of times this spring. My wife has been getting on me to do the trim. So last week, I fired the weedeater up, and started trimming. The problem was, the blade was so dull it was pathetic. I struggled to cut the grass. When I finished, I told se wife it will need to be sharpened before trimming again.
Thus, when I ran into my farmer friend, I thought perhaps I could get the blade done at minimum cost. He said he hadn't sharpened anything in a couple of years, but if I would bring the blade over he would take a look at it. I replied that sometime in the next week I would stop by.
On the drive home it occured to me.....
If he isn't in the business anymore, maybe he would be willing to sell the business to me. I also speculated that I could get it for a song. He would probably be willing to teach me the ins and outs, shortcuts and secrets of the sharpening business. The biggest amount of business would be for chainsaw sharpening. It seems to me, this is a part-time business you could do in your spare time. The only advertising needed would be a sign in the yard and word of mouth.
I'll talk to the old man. If his equipment is gathering dust in his barn, maybe we can make a deal. we'll see.....
I checked into chainsaw sharpening years ago. Foley Belsaw has the best program, but I never pursued it. If you think it sounds interesting, Google Foley Belsaw to get to their website, and check it out..
Africa...
I am subscribed to a email blog written by a guy named Chris G. He spends his time traveling all over the world, and writes about his travels. His goal is to visit every nation in the world, and he’s getting close to doing it.
Every so often he posts blog articles on how to save a few bucks on air travel. His ideas are how to get companies to pony up some free air miles, and then he uses the miles for his travels. For example, he purchased some dollar coins for double air miles. After he was credited with the miles, he returned the coins. His methods are not illegal, but I don’t think I could do them. However I do find it interesting to read about his unique ways to finance his travels.
Chris recently wrote a interesting article about his travels in Africa, called “EQUATORIAL GUINEA ON $508 A DAY”. Chris is a frugal travelor, and he travels on the cheap. But in this article he writes about how he was happy to pay five hundred bucks for a room in Guinea , Africa.
I had just wrote my 'Free Money' article, when I read his post on the poverty in Africa. Africa is rich in natural resources, but the countries in Africa are dirt poor.
Chris writes about the “RESOURCES CURSE” In Africa:
“African Countries that have oil or other natural resources, like Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, or Sudan, end up with large pockets of the population that are completely left behind. Meanwhile, countries without a lot of natural resources (Botswana is the most frequently cited) tend to do much better in terms of reducing absolute poverty and providing healthcare for their citizens. Whether the resources curse is true or not, I think it's sad that corruption and exploitation are the normal patterns of business in much of sub-Saharan Africa. Of course, I should note that my government and most other Western governments are complicit in this arrangement, because the arrangement supports everyone involved. Everyone, that is, except the people who most need the chance to create opportunities for themselves, to raise healthy families, and to make their own choices. I hope it will change but I'm not sure it will. I also realize I'm a rich, privileged person, writing mostly to other rich, privileged people who read blogs. So I'm not really complaining about my $400 one-star hotel room.”
Chris goes on to write about how the country has no middle class. You’re either very rich or dirt poor, and how the president’s son has a mansion in California.
He adds:
“For the vast majority of people in places like Equatorial Guinea, they are poor because of a lack of opportunities, and a system of corruption that discourages savings and investment. To put it simply, a few people have a lot (most) of the money, and the rest of the people have almost no money. And those that have the money prey on those that have none. None of the development, or at least very little, actually helps most of the people that live there”.
After reading this blog, it made me stop and think about how blessed I am, and lucky to be living in the United States. The opportunities we have available. Sometimes we take it all for granted…..
Every so often he posts blog articles on how to save a few bucks on air travel. His ideas are how to get companies to pony up some free air miles, and then he uses the miles for his travels. For example, he purchased some dollar coins for double air miles. After he was credited with the miles, he returned the coins. His methods are not illegal, but I don’t think I could do them. However I do find it interesting to read about his unique ways to finance his travels.
Chris recently wrote a interesting article about his travels in Africa, called “EQUATORIAL GUINEA ON $508 A DAY”. Chris is a frugal travelor, and he travels on the cheap. But in this article he writes about how he was happy to pay five hundred bucks for a room in Guinea , Africa.
I had just wrote my 'Free Money' article, when I read his post on the poverty in Africa. Africa is rich in natural resources, but the countries in Africa are dirt poor.
Chris writes about the “RESOURCES CURSE” In Africa:
“African Countries that have oil or other natural resources, like Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, or Sudan, end up with large pockets of the population that are completely left behind. Meanwhile, countries without a lot of natural resources (Botswana is the most frequently cited) tend to do much better in terms of reducing absolute poverty and providing healthcare for their citizens. Whether the resources curse is true or not, I think it's sad that corruption and exploitation are the normal patterns of business in much of sub-Saharan Africa. Of course, I should note that my government and most other Western governments are complicit in this arrangement, because the arrangement supports everyone involved. Everyone, that is, except the people who most need the chance to create opportunities for themselves, to raise healthy families, and to make their own choices. I hope it will change but I'm not sure it will. I also realize I'm a rich, privileged person, writing mostly to other rich, privileged people who read blogs. So I'm not really complaining about my $400 one-star hotel room.”
Chris goes on to write about how the country has no middle class. You’re either very rich or dirt poor, and how the president’s son has a mansion in California.
He adds:
“For the vast majority of people in places like Equatorial Guinea, they are poor because of a lack of opportunities, and a system of corruption that discourages savings and investment. To put it simply, a few people have a lot (most) of the money, and the rest of the people have almost no money. And those that have the money prey on those that have none. None of the development, or at least very little, actually helps most of the people that live there”.
After reading this blog, it made me stop and think about how blessed I am, and lucky to be living in the United States. The opportunities we have available. Sometimes we take it all for granted…..
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Non Emergency Medical Transport
I was in another city the other day walking down the street,
I walked past a doctors office, when a car parked outside caught my eye.
It had "Non Emergency Medical Transport" on the side of it.
I stopped and walked back and spoke to the driver who was standing outside the office door.
I was curious, where were they based out of?
The guy replied they were from a town about 30 minutes away.
Any special permits or requirements? No. Just a chauffeurs license.
Do you charge by the mile? No, its by the hour.
I bet you work off and on, whenever someone calls you up.
No, he answered he worked 5 days a week.
Wow.
I reasoned that you would need a van with a wheelchair lift.
But beyond that this would be a simple business to start up and run.
I am going to pursue this further.
Check in the local yellow pages for current listings.
This guy is about a hour from our town.
Anyone locally doing this?
Could I undercut their price?
Can a van be rented to start out?
I'm going to call the business in the other town.
What do they charge per hour?
Do they accept Medicare?
Go to the medicare website,
how much trouble would it be in filing medicare paperwork?
I have a business license.
Any study involved in getting a chauffeurs license?
It seems to me this is a pretty simple business to start,
simple to run,
My wife commented that sometimes mediare will cover
the transportation costs to a doctors office.
This is where I come in.
Saving a family headache, hassle, and time.
Its possible this could be a niche that needs to be filled locally,
and I could fill it easily.
I don't think it would take much to jump
from a part time job to full time work and income.......
I walked past a doctors office, when a car parked outside caught my eye.
It had "Non Emergency Medical Transport" on the side of it.
I stopped and walked back and spoke to the driver who was standing outside the office door.
I was curious, where were they based out of?
The guy replied they were from a town about 30 minutes away.
Any special permits or requirements? No. Just a chauffeurs license.
Do you charge by the mile? No, its by the hour.
I bet you work off and on, whenever someone calls you up.
No, he answered he worked 5 days a week.
Wow.
I reasoned that you would need a van with a wheelchair lift.
But beyond that this would be a simple business to start up and run.
I am going to pursue this further.
Check in the local yellow pages for current listings.
This guy is about a hour from our town.
Anyone locally doing this?
Could I undercut their price?
Can a van be rented to start out?
I'm going to call the business in the other town.
What do they charge per hour?
Do they accept Medicare?
Go to the medicare website,
how much trouble would it be in filing medicare paperwork?
I have a business license.
Any study involved in getting a chauffeurs license?
It seems to me this is a pretty simple business to start,
simple to run,
My wife commented that sometimes mediare will cover
the transportation costs to a doctors office.
This is where I come in.
Saving a family headache, hassle, and time.
Its possible this could be a niche that needs to be filled locally,
and I could fill it easily.
I don't think it would take much to jump
from a part time job to full time work and income.......
Michael Masterson, God, Life, and Death
I am a student of AWAI.
If you are even thinking about writing
or starting a business,
you are probably familiar with them.
They are a premier website for writers.
The founder and senior editor of AWAI is Michael Masterson.
Excellent writer, teacher, and businessman.
He's a multi-millionaire.
One of the few people in the world today with a midas touch.
Everything he does or touches makes money.
I read the dispaches from him regularly, and I've picked up
a lot of tips, tricks, and tidbits on writing and business that have helped me alot.
I can't say enough good about the guy.
He knows his stuff, and is willing to share his knowledge.
If you are not familiar with AWAI,
I suggest you run immediately to "Early to Rise", and subscribe.
You'll be glad you did.
And I guarantee you'll learn something.
Reading "Early to Rise"
should be a manditory prerequesite
before looking for a part-time job.
Michael Masterson reciently wrote an article about death.
He said the one thing worse than death is watching
family or friends who are seriously sick or dying
and being unable to do anything about it.
I agree, there is nothing worse than watching helplessly as a family
member slowly dies from a lingering diease.
He added, death is like a thief,
it robs you of the time you need
to accomplish the goals you have planned,
and have yet to accomplish.
I would like to add, not just your goals, (maybe this is one),
but being robbed of the time it takes for
your children grow up and get out on their own.
I can't imagine anything worse than a parent having to bury a child.
He then states that working on your personal relationships should be a top priority,
and then gives you 4 steps you should take to live your life fully and purposefully.
1. Take15 minutes and think about your mortality. then
2. Imagine your own funeral.
Picture four people who are speaking about you.
One is your spouse. Next is a child or parent.
Then a friend. And the fourth is someone you work with.
Imagine what they would say about you if you died tomorrow.
Be honest with yourself.
3. If there is a difference between what you think those four people
would say about you and what you'd like them to say,
you've got some work to do.
Turn what you'd like them to say about you into one of your primary goals.
It may mean changing your lifestyle, or habits.
I guarantee you'll suprise them with your lifestyle changes,
and you may even get asked about what has happened to you.
4. Make a commitment to respect the time you have.
That means getting motivated.
Get the most important things in your life done, instead of putting them off.
I like Michael, and read all his stuff.
But as I read this email, I couldn't help but think, he left the most important thing out.
GOD.
Its christmas as I write this,
and I wanted to stop for a moment from writing about part-time jobs.
To remember that God is the one who makes it all possible.
The one responsible for all the blessings in our lives.
Michael has never mentioned god.
The most important person we need in our lives.
If you take the time to get to know God,
you will experience a life-changing event.
I guarantee it.
If you are even thinking about writing
or starting a business,
you are probably familiar with them.
They are a premier website for writers.
The founder and senior editor of AWAI is Michael Masterson.
Excellent writer, teacher, and businessman.
He's a multi-millionaire.
One of the few people in the world today with a midas touch.
Everything he does or touches makes money.
I read the dispaches from him regularly, and I've picked up
a lot of tips, tricks, and tidbits on writing and business that have helped me alot.
I can't say enough good about the guy.
He knows his stuff, and is willing to share his knowledge.
If you are not familiar with AWAI,
I suggest you run immediately to "Early to Rise", and subscribe.
You'll be glad you did.
And I guarantee you'll learn something.
Reading "Early to Rise"
should be a manditory prerequesite
before looking for a part-time job.
Michael Masterson reciently wrote an article about death.
He said the one thing worse than death is watching
family or friends who are seriously sick or dying
and being unable to do anything about it.
I agree, there is nothing worse than watching helplessly as a family
member slowly dies from a lingering diease.
He added, death is like a thief,
it robs you of the time you need
to accomplish the goals you have planned,
and have yet to accomplish.
I would like to add, not just your goals, (maybe this is one),
but being robbed of the time it takes for
your children grow up and get out on their own.
I can't imagine anything worse than a parent having to bury a child.
He then states that working on your personal relationships should be a top priority,
and then gives you 4 steps you should take to live your life fully and purposefully.
1. Take15 minutes and think about your mortality. then
2. Imagine your own funeral.
Picture four people who are speaking about you.
One is your spouse. Next is a child or parent.
Then a friend. And the fourth is someone you work with.
Imagine what they would say about you if you died tomorrow.
Be honest with yourself.
3. If there is a difference between what you think those four people
would say about you and what you'd like them to say,
you've got some work to do.
Turn what you'd like them to say about you into one of your primary goals.
It may mean changing your lifestyle, or habits.
I guarantee you'll suprise them with your lifestyle changes,
and you may even get asked about what has happened to you.
4. Make a commitment to respect the time you have.
That means getting motivated.
Get the most important things in your life done, instead of putting them off.
I like Michael, and read all his stuff.
But as I read this email, I couldn't help but think, he left the most important thing out.
GOD.
Its christmas as I write this,
and I wanted to stop for a moment from writing about part-time jobs.
To remember that God is the one who makes it all possible.
The one responsible for all the blessings in our lives.
Michael has never mentioned god.
The most important person we need in our lives.
If you take the time to get to know God,
you will experience a life-changing event.
I guarantee it.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Deuce Bigalow Male Gigolo
I work in the factory with a ladies man. I've noticed that as we walk into the breakroom, he always pauses and takes a moment to talk to every lady we pass. He claims he has several girlfriends, and has no desire to settle down. He's fun to be around, and always good for a laugh.
I told my wife, someone who is a grouch, or a sour puss wouldn't attract women. He always has a complement for the lady he talks to, and is always upbeat. A real chick magnet.
I asked him, why not start a business being a male escort? Get paid to be a woman's companion. He replied that he wasn't a prostitute. I told him that there are legitimate escorts for women, and he could be one. You are paid to be a ladies companion for the evening. If anything happens afterward, That would be a free bonus.
You are paid to escort, to be a companion, not a prostitute.
He said "kind of like Deuce Bigalow?" I answered that I have never seen the movie.
I did however give him the nickname "Deuce".
All he needs to do is put a ad in the paper. I told him the phone calls he would get, and the amount of business, may surprise him.
I told my wife, someone who is a grouch, or a sour puss wouldn't attract women. He always has a complement for the lady he talks to, and is always upbeat. A real chick magnet.
I asked him, why not start a business being a male escort? Get paid to be a woman's companion. He replied that he wasn't a prostitute. I told him that there are legitimate escorts for women, and he could be one. You are paid to be a ladies companion for the evening. If anything happens afterward, That would be a free bonus.
You are paid to escort, to be a companion, not a prostitute.
He said "kind of like Deuce Bigalow?" I answered that I have never seen the movie.
I did however give him the nickname "Deuce".
All he needs to do is put a ad in the paper. I told him the phone calls he would get, and the amount of business, may surprise him.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Cross Country Courier
Do you like traveling across the country?
Retired?
Consider delivering documents!
I’ve worked in the print factory for over 30 years. My machine will spit out books at a rate of 20-30,000 per hour. Our jobs can be over 1-2 million. On a good shift, and if the machine is cranked, we can produce over 300,000 books. When starting up a new job, we have to get the customer approval on the finished product…color, images, page line-up, ect. The customer is usually in plant and does this or an analyst or supervisor will give his approval, so we can keep the machine running along.
We had some books hot off the press awhile back, and the customer needed to see them. They had to be delivered to the customer for approval right away. The customer wasn’t in the plant. The books had to be delivered to them. Were they shipped FED EX? Were the books shipped Over-night Express? Nope. The factory hired a courier to deliver the books to the customer door.
My machine operator told me, “Our Company is using the local taxi service to deliver the books. The taxi company is making some serious dollars on these runs."
I asked, "Why are they using a taxi service?"
He answered "because no one else is available.”
I figured when I retired, I could start a courier service. I could get a chauffer license, and with a minimum amount of advertising, I would be in business. I already had contacts in this factory, so I had one customer and work already.
After I delivered books to the customer, I could then take my time returning home. I could be on the road a few days each trip. It would be like a paid mini-vacation…
To get started, go to your license branch, and get a chauffeur’s license. Put an ad in the local paper. See what happens. You may also need to get a GPS for your vehicle. You may get a lot of work delivering packages around town. You never know….
A couple of guys retired from the factory, and started delivering RV trailers across the country. A RV factory was looking for delivery men, and they applied. You had to use your own truck, and they owned a big truck to pull the trailers with. They enjoy working part-time traveling across the country.
I went to the factory, and inquired about a job delivering RV’s. The guard gave me a paper listing the requirements for the job. My truck wasn’t big enough, so I was out of luck. I then crunched the numbers to see if it would pay enough if I went out and purchased a big truck for deliveries. The job didn’t pay me enough to make it worth it.
There are internet sites where you can apply to deliver cars to different destinations. I typed “single car delivery job” in Google, and received 1,000,000 hits. Do a little research, and you could land a job, and travel the country.
I recently downloaded a e-book about being a courier for companies that need packages or envelopes delivered overseas. A company will reimburse you for part or all of your airplane ticket. If you are planning a trip overseas, this would be a great way to get part of your plane ticket cost refunded. Legitimate companies need help with deliveries from time to time, and they are willing to pay you to carry their packages with you. My first thought was that this was something illegal, but it’s legit, and worth looking into, if you are traveling overseas.
Retired?
Consider delivering documents!
I’ve worked in the print factory for over 30 years. My machine will spit out books at a rate of 20-30,000 per hour. Our jobs can be over 1-2 million. On a good shift, and if the machine is cranked, we can produce over 300,000 books. When starting up a new job, we have to get the customer approval on the finished product…color, images, page line-up, ect. The customer is usually in plant and does this or an analyst or supervisor will give his approval, so we can keep the machine running along.
We had some books hot off the press awhile back, and the customer needed to see them. They had to be delivered to the customer for approval right away. The customer wasn’t in the plant. The books had to be delivered to them. Were they shipped FED EX? Were the books shipped Over-night Express? Nope. The factory hired a courier to deliver the books to the customer door.
My machine operator told me, “Our Company is using the local taxi service to deliver the books. The taxi company is making some serious dollars on these runs."
I asked, "Why are they using a taxi service?"
He answered "because no one else is available.”
I figured when I retired, I could start a courier service. I could get a chauffer license, and with a minimum amount of advertising, I would be in business. I already had contacts in this factory, so I had one customer and work already.
After I delivered books to the customer, I could then take my time returning home. I could be on the road a few days each trip. It would be like a paid mini-vacation…
To get started, go to your license branch, and get a chauffeur’s license. Put an ad in the local paper. See what happens. You may also need to get a GPS for your vehicle. You may get a lot of work delivering packages around town. You never know….
A couple of guys retired from the factory, and started delivering RV trailers across the country. A RV factory was looking for delivery men, and they applied. You had to use your own truck, and they owned a big truck to pull the trailers with. They enjoy working part-time traveling across the country.
I went to the factory, and inquired about a job delivering RV’s. The guard gave me a paper listing the requirements for the job. My truck wasn’t big enough, so I was out of luck. I then crunched the numbers to see if it would pay enough if I went out and purchased a big truck for deliveries. The job didn’t pay me enough to make it worth it.
There are internet sites where you can apply to deliver cars to different destinations. I typed “single car delivery job” in Google, and received 1,000,000 hits. Do a little research, and you could land a job, and travel the country.
I recently downloaded a e-book about being a courier for companies that need packages or envelopes delivered overseas. A company will reimburse you for part or all of your airplane ticket. If you are planning a trip overseas, this would be a great way to get part of your plane ticket cost refunded. Legitimate companies need help with deliveries from time to time, and they are willing to pay you to carry their packages with you. My first thought was that this was something illegal, but it’s legit, and worth looking into, if you are traveling overseas.
Grilling and Barbecueing
Do you enjoy barbecue and grilling? Live for grilling on the weekend? Do you have a secret sauce that you baste your meat in before you grill? If asked, could you recite off the top of your head, you’re best grilling recipes? Does everyone try to guess your ingredients, or ask about recipes for grilling? When you are the visitor, do your hosts ask you to take over the grill, or ask you for grilling tips? Why not get paid for doing what you love! I bet word of mouth would land you a couple of jobs and get you started.
K. was a corporate head-hunter, and a good friend. On weekends, he would trade his business suit for an apron. He claimed he had an old secret family recipe for barbecue ribs. He always bragged he grilled the best ribs in the world! From time to time K. would sell his barbecue ribs. He would go to the local butcher shop and buy all the ribs they had. He would then marinate the ribs in his secret barbecue sauce. K. would pick a prime spot, set up in the morning and cook them on his grill. The smells that would come from that grill! Every time K grilled, he had a different spot around town where he would set up. He would grill till the ribs were gone. K.’s ribs were a success. He eventually gave up his head-hunter job, and began grilling full time.
----------------------------------
My cousin for his wedding party had a friend cater the meat. His friend had a huge smoker, and roasted a hog. The hog was delicious. The guy commented to me that this was something he did part-time on the side. As we chatted, he explained to me how he set everything up and slow roasted the meat. He was happy to talk about the whole process of roasting a hog. As a wedding present to my cousin, he didn’t charge him anything, and even donated the hog.
Roasting hog was a weekend hobby for him. Did he have business cards? Nope. (I asked.) Was he pulling a large trailer filled with BBQ tools behind his truck? No. He wasn't into grilling big time or commercially. He was enjoying the party, and having fun.…
And when needed, (if he wanted to), he could make a few bucks doing what he loved, and was good at.
Also did you notice what K. did? He started out slowly. Working weekends, he built his business up to the point where he could quit his day job. He's now doing something he loves, and making lots of money doing it.
K. was a corporate head-hunter, and a good friend. On weekends, he would trade his business suit for an apron. He claimed he had an old secret family recipe for barbecue ribs. He always bragged he grilled the best ribs in the world! From time to time K. would sell his barbecue ribs. He would go to the local butcher shop and buy all the ribs they had. He would then marinate the ribs in his secret barbecue sauce. K. would pick a prime spot, set up in the morning and cook them on his grill. The smells that would come from that grill! Every time K grilled, he had a different spot around town where he would set up. He would grill till the ribs were gone. K.’s ribs were a success. He eventually gave up his head-hunter job, and began grilling full time.
----------------------------------
My cousin for his wedding party had a friend cater the meat. His friend had a huge smoker, and roasted a hog. The hog was delicious. The guy commented to me that this was something he did part-time on the side. As we chatted, he explained to me how he set everything up and slow roasted the meat. He was happy to talk about the whole process of roasting a hog. As a wedding present to my cousin, he didn’t charge him anything, and even donated the hog.
Roasting hog was a weekend hobby for him. Did he have business cards? Nope. (I asked.) Was he pulling a large trailer filled with BBQ tools behind his truck? No. He wasn't into grilling big time or commercially. He was enjoying the party, and having fun.…
And when needed, (if he wanted to), he could make a few bucks doing what he loved, and was good at.
Also did you notice what K. did? He started out slowly. Working weekends, he built his business up to the point where he could quit his day job. He's now doing something he loves, and making lots of money doing it.
Selling Moral Mushrooms
Its winter here in northern Indiana. Frosty cold. In a couple of months, spring will arrive. The local talk has been about the weather and spring. When will we lose the snow, and when will it get warmer. Last night at the factory the talk turned to mushrooms. No, not the illegal kind, but morels.
There is about a 4-6 week window in our area every spring, when mushrooms come up.
From the first part of April to the middle/end of May, everyone’s passion is mushrooms. Everyone always asks, “Have you found any?, Do you know of anyone else who has found any, What type is it?, and How do you cook your mushrooms?”. At times, I have listened to long discussions on different ways to cook a mushroom.
There are several different types of mushrooms besides morals. There are spikes, blacks, grays, and yellows. Avid mushroom hunters refer to them by their color.
In Indiana, mushroom hunting is an obsession for some. People even drive hours to Michigan to the Huron-Manistee National Forest to hunt mushrooms. Boyne City Michigan has a mushroom festival every year.
A guy I work with told me that last year, he drove into Michigan, picked a cooler of mushrooms, then sold them to a local supermarket for $40.00 a pound.
I figured a Styrofoam cooler could hold about 20 pounds of mushrooms. At $40.00 a pound, that’s $800.00 per cooler. Pick 2 coolers of morels, and you could pocket $1600.00. Keep half of the second cooler , and you'll have 10 pounds of mushrooms for yourself . You could still walk away with $1200.00. Where do you start? I’ve been told of people stopping alongside the highway, and searching. However I would begin my quest by visiting Boyne City, or the Huron-Manistee forest around the first of May.
Locally there is a businessman that sells mushrooms out of a 10x10 shed every spring. I expressed surprise that he reopens every year. I was floored when I was told he makes about $30,000.00 every spring selling mushrooms out of that shed. I was told he has similar sheds in nearby towns too. His family goes to Michigan every spring, and loads up on mushrooms, then returns and sells them out of these sheds. Not bad money for a couple of months work…..
There is about a 4-6 week window in our area every spring, when mushrooms come up.
From the first part of April to the middle/end of May, everyone’s passion is mushrooms. Everyone always asks, “Have you found any?, Do you know of anyone else who has found any, What type is it?, and How do you cook your mushrooms?”. At times, I have listened to long discussions on different ways to cook a mushroom.
There are several different types of mushrooms besides morals. There are spikes, blacks, grays, and yellows. Avid mushroom hunters refer to them by their color.
In Indiana, mushroom hunting is an obsession for some. People even drive hours to Michigan to the Huron-Manistee National Forest to hunt mushrooms. Boyne City Michigan has a mushroom festival every year.
A guy I work with told me that last year, he drove into Michigan, picked a cooler of mushrooms, then sold them to a local supermarket for $40.00 a pound.
I figured a Styrofoam cooler could hold about 20 pounds of mushrooms. At $40.00 a pound, that’s $800.00 per cooler. Pick 2 coolers of morels, and you could pocket $1600.00. Keep half of the second cooler , and you'll have 10 pounds of mushrooms for yourself . You could still walk away with $1200.00. Where do you start? I’ve been told of people stopping alongside the highway, and searching. However I would begin my quest by visiting Boyne City, or the Huron-Manistee forest around the first of May.
Locally there is a businessman that sells mushrooms out of a 10x10 shed every spring. I expressed surprise that he reopens every year. I was floored when I was told he makes about $30,000.00 every spring selling mushrooms out of that shed. I was told he has similar sheds in nearby towns too. His family goes to Michigan every spring, and loads up on mushrooms, then returns and sells them out of these sheds. Not bad money for a couple of months work…..
Friday, December 17, 2010
Home Decor Candles
I work with a guy who came around the other day, and asked me if i wanted to buy a bear.
"What are you talking about?" I replied, "a Teddy Bear?" "Yes, but its been dipped."
"Whats a dipped bear?" I said. I had no idea what he was talking about!
He then explained to me all about dipping bears.
"Why not sell candles?" I asked him. "Why go through the trouble of dipping bears when candles would seem to be a quicker and easier way to make money." He replied, "Because B. has been selling candles here in the factory for a while, and I don't want to undercut her. Besides, the bears are my own product that I make from scratch."
"Are candles really that big a seller?" I asked dumbfounded. "Yes," he answered.
"B. is selling about a thousand dollars a month."
"In candles?!!" I asked shocked.
He whispered, "Her high month was over 2000 dollars....to people here in the factory."
"I can't believe those numbers." I said.
He answered, "Women are big candle buyers, and B. has a pretty good business selling them to the ladies here."
He then stated that that was gross sales, and he didn't know what her commission was. But still, she was doing a thriving side business. There are about 100-150 people in my factory department.
I had never noticed B. before, but I started paying attention to her. Whenever she wandered over to my machine. She always had samples, and new fragrances. She would pause and talk about candles, and show the new scents she had. Laughing and telling jokes, the ladies (and guys) would buy. She was low key in her sales pitch, not pushy. Happy to show candle samples.
I could tell she was selling something she loved. and was making money doing it.
Have you ever noticed, in almost every store you go in, there is a section dealing with candles?
I always figured with the market saturated, a individual doesn't have a chance. I guess B. proved me wrong. If you love what you're doing, it will show. And you will make sales.
And a part-time income.....
Have you ever considered selling anyhing on the side? Avon, Mary Kay, Candles, Pampered Chef or a number of others?
Start small, and build the business up. The money will follow...
"What are you talking about?" I replied, "a Teddy Bear?" "Yes, but its been dipped."
"Whats a dipped bear?" I said. I had no idea what he was talking about!
He then explained to me all about dipping bears.
"Why not sell candles?" I asked him. "Why go through the trouble of dipping bears when candles would seem to be a quicker and easier way to make money." He replied, "Because B. has been selling candles here in the factory for a while, and I don't want to undercut her. Besides, the bears are my own product that I make from scratch."
"Are candles really that big a seller?" I asked dumbfounded. "Yes," he answered.
"B. is selling about a thousand dollars a month."
"In candles?!!" I asked shocked.
He whispered, "Her high month was over 2000 dollars....to people here in the factory."
"I can't believe those numbers." I said.
He answered, "Women are big candle buyers, and B. has a pretty good business selling them to the ladies here."
He then stated that that was gross sales, and he didn't know what her commission was. But still, she was doing a thriving side business. There are about 100-150 people in my factory department.
I had never noticed B. before, but I started paying attention to her. Whenever she wandered over to my machine. She always had samples, and new fragrances. She would pause and talk about candles, and show the new scents she had. Laughing and telling jokes, the ladies (and guys) would buy. She was low key in her sales pitch, not pushy. Happy to show candle samples.
I could tell she was selling something she loved. and was making money doing it.
Have you ever noticed, in almost every store you go in, there is a section dealing with candles?
I always figured with the market saturated, a individual doesn't have a chance. I guess B. proved me wrong. If you love what you're doing, it will show. And you will make sales.
And a part-time income.....
Have you ever considered selling anyhing on the side? Avon, Mary Kay, Candles, Pampered Chef or a number of others?
Start small, and build the business up. The money will follow...
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Taxes
The end of the year is upon us, and its time to think about taxes. One perk of owning a business is tax deductions. When I owned my gas station, with every trip out of town, I would make a inventory purchase, or have a reason (for the trip) involving the business. This would make my trip a business expense, and a tax writeoff. I could then make a side stop for personal reasons too.
My wife and I sold her home on land contract with a one year balloon. The purchaser had a one year option to renew the contract. At the end of the first year, they opted to renew for a second year. After the second year they decided not to pay off the contract, and the house returned to us. There are some minor repairs that need to be done. Painting, install a ceiling fan, ect... This house is now a rental. That makes all material purchased for repairs tax deductible. Is it rented? No, and it may never be, but purchases made to upgrade the building are tax write-offs. The mortgage is a tax deduction also. How is this possible? The possibility of renting it out. We are remodeling in order to rent. I can also write-off the mileage to and from her house.
I live on 20 acres. I have a barn and 4 horses. When I first built my barn, I wanted cattle. My first wife screamed until I gave in and I purchased 2 horses for her. A gelding and a mare. What did I do with 2 horses? I started on paper, a horse breeding business. My mare was bred twice. Everything dealing with my horses is tax deductible.
Remember the IRS doesn’t require you to make a profit every year with your hobby business. Show that you are legitimately trying to turn a profit. Be sure to keep good records. I always assume the IRS is going to come calling, so I keep everything.
Starting a hobby - business, probably one of the best tax write-offs available.
My wife and I sold her home on land contract with a one year balloon. The purchaser had a one year option to renew the contract. At the end of the first year, they opted to renew for a second year. After the second year they decided not to pay off the contract, and the house returned to us. There are some minor repairs that need to be done. Painting, install a ceiling fan, ect... This house is now a rental. That makes all material purchased for repairs tax deductible. Is it rented? No, and it may never be, but purchases made to upgrade the building are tax write-offs. The mortgage is a tax deduction also. How is this possible? The possibility of renting it out. We are remodeling in order to rent. I can also write-off the mileage to and from her house.
I live on 20 acres. I have a barn and 4 horses. When I first built my barn, I wanted cattle. My first wife screamed until I gave in and I purchased 2 horses for her. A gelding and a mare. What did I do with 2 horses? I started on paper, a horse breeding business. My mare was bred twice. Everything dealing with my horses is tax deductible.
Remember the IRS doesn’t require you to make a profit every year with your hobby business. Show that you are legitimately trying to turn a profit. Be sure to keep good records. I always assume the IRS is going to come calling, so I keep everything.
Starting a hobby - business, probably one of the best tax write-offs available.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Bank Gives away Money
I came across a website the other day that caused me to do alot of thinking.....
From October to December 2009, a Canadian Credit Union handed out 200,000 dollars in Canadian ten-dollar bills. The purpose was to give 20,000 people the opportunity to create a "feel good moment" by giving the money to someone else. (a stranger) The Credit Union asked customers, "How will you use ten dollars to make someones day?" suggestions included "buy flowers for the grocery store cashier", or "buy the coffee for the person behind you in line at the drive through", or "give $10.00 to a homeless shelter to pay for lunch or dinner supplies." By pledging $200,000 to the effort, the company hoped to start a "kindness movement" that will positively affect at least 20,000 people.
The Credit Union distributed the bills through its branches throughout Alberta, asking participants to write up stories of their kindness -- monetary or otherwise -- on their website. By sharing their experience online or at a branch, participants had a chance to win one of ten 500 dollar donations to a charity of their choice. While the contest ended on December 1st 2009, they hoped the Feel Good Effect will continue long afterwards.
After reading this, I wondered, could my wife have given me ten dollars, and in turn, could I then give her ten? Receiving ten bucks would sure brighten my day, and put a smile on my face...
Seriously though, I don't think that's what they had in mind. While I'm unfamiliar with Canadian tax laws, I realize it was probably a tax rightoff, and also a great PR move. I can just imagine all the press they received when this first came out. But I have to admit, I think its a good idea, and I hope it created a lasting effect. Heaven knows the world can use a little more kindness. It shouldn't require a financial institution giving away money to motivate a person to do a random act of kindness. May it be used as a starting point for 20,000 Canadians.....
And may America notice....
From October to December 2009, a Canadian Credit Union handed out 200,000 dollars in Canadian ten-dollar bills. The purpose was to give 20,000 people the opportunity to create a "feel good moment" by giving the money to someone else. (a stranger) The Credit Union asked customers, "How will you use ten dollars to make someones day?" suggestions included "buy flowers for the grocery store cashier", or "buy the coffee for the person behind you in line at the drive through", or "give $10.00 to a homeless shelter to pay for lunch or dinner supplies." By pledging $200,000 to the effort, the company hoped to start a "kindness movement" that will positively affect at least 20,000 people.
The Credit Union distributed the bills through its branches throughout Alberta, asking participants to write up stories of their kindness -- monetary or otherwise -- on their website. By sharing their experience online or at a branch, participants had a chance to win one of ten 500 dollar donations to a charity of their choice. While the contest ended on December 1st 2009, they hoped the Feel Good Effect will continue long afterwards.
After reading this, I wondered, could my wife have given me ten dollars, and in turn, could I then give her ten? Receiving ten bucks would sure brighten my day, and put a smile on my face...
Seriously though, I don't think that's what they had in mind. While I'm unfamiliar with Canadian tax laws, I realize it was probably a tax rightoff, and also a great PR move. I can just imagine all the press they received when this first came out. But I have to admit, I think its a good idea, and I hope it created a lasting effect. Heaven knows the world can use a little more kindness. It shouldn't require a financial institution giving away money to motivate a person to do a random act of kindness. May it be used as a starting point for 20,000 Canadians.....
And may America notice....
Free Money
I can remember years ago reading in the newspaper a weekly column about a guy who gave away money to people.
He stated he was a millionaire, and wanted to give back to people less fortunate, and help them with their financial problems.
He stated he was a millionaire, and wanted to give back to people less fortunate, and help them with their financial problems.
All you had to do was to write in to him and request some cash. Tell him your problem, why you need the money, and he would send it to you.
To some people he would give away big bucks, and he showed them a lot of compassion. To others, he would rip them apart, and tell them to go out and get a job.
It was a nice column to read, and I always enjoyed his responses to the requests.
To some people he would give away big bucks, and he showed them a lot of compassion. To others, he would rip them apart, and tell them to go out and get a job.
It was a nice column to read, and I always enjoyed his responses to the requests.
I have always wondered how he determined who would receive his money. Did he personally call people, and talk to them? Did he follow up on the letters, and investigate the facts? Or did he arbitrarily doll out cash, like pulling a name out of a hat, and this persons the winner.
After writing my Free Money Article, I decided to do a little internet surfing. I found a website like the old newspaper column. (as far as I know, this may be the same guy!).
If you are in financial need, write in to this guy, and he will send you some cash. I am assuming he’s legit, and he says all you have to do is ask. Of course there are some rules to follow.
I’ve been debating about testing him out, and sending in a request. I figure the worst thing that can happen is he says no, and tells me to suck it up and start living more frugal. You never know, You might be able to get some free cash out of it. Check the site out here, and good luck.
FREE MONEY!!
Free Land
I had a friend ask me the other day if there were any free land left in the United States. I replied that I didn't think so. I've never heard (or read) anything about homesteading or land giveaway. So I thought... maybe in Africa or some island in the Indian Ocean you may be able to get free land, but not in the U.S..
Yesterday I decided to follow-up on his question.
Boy was I suprised!
You CAN get free land here in the United States.
The federal homesteading program has been eliminated. Any public land the government may have, it sells at fair market value, so you can't expect anything free from the government.
Under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the federal government took over ownership of public lands and abolished all remaining traces of the often-amended Homestead Act of 1862.
Specifically, the FLMPA declared that, "the public lands be retained in Federal ownership, unless as a result of the land use planning procedure provided in this Act, it is determined that disposal of a particular parcel will serve the national interest..."
The Bureau of Land Management occasionally sells land under certain conditions. The lands are generally rural woodland, grassland, or desert and usually located in the western states.
But what we're looking for isn't buying land, its getting free land.
So if you've ever dreamed of giving up the rat race and moving to a more peacefull and quiet community, different states offer you the opportunity to do just that. It turns out, there are areas in the midwest that are desperate for new residents, and there are numerous places where you can move and get free land. Of course there are conditions. Most places ask you to build a house on the land. The key here is residency, not some empty house you have up for rent.
In Ellsworth County Kansas, for example, there are 23 lots available for free to individuals. Assuming you’re pre-qualified, you have to agree to build a house that is at least 1,000 square feet and to build on the land within two years time.
In addition to the land, families with children stand to receive $1,500 to $3,000 toward a down payment when they buy in the area. “Each new child is worth an additional $6,000 to our school district from the state,” said Anita Hoffhines, executive director of Ellsworth County Economic Development.
CHECK OUT FREE KANSAS LAND!
Interested in getting some free land in Wyoming? The nearest gas station may be 200 miles away!
Iowa, Minnesota, Texas and Alaska also offer free land.
Heres a great website with all the information. It lists towns (and contact numbers) of places begging for new residents.
States with Free Land
It can be your chance to get away from it all!!
Yesterday I decided to follow-up on his question.
Boy was I suprised!
You CAN get free land here in the United States.
The federal homesteading program has been eliminated. Any public land the government may have, it sells at fair market value, so you can't expect anything free from the government.
Under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the federal government took over ownership of public lands and abolished all remaining traces of the often-amended Homestead Act of 1862.
Specifically, the FLMPA declared that, "the public lands be retained in Federal ownership, unless as a result of the land use planning procedure provided in this Act, it is determined that disposal of a particular parcel will serve the national interest..."
The Bureau of Land Management occasionally sells land under certain conditions. The lands are generally rural woodland, grassland, or desert and usually located in the western states.
But what we're looking for isn't buying land, its getting free land.
So if you've ever dreamed of giving up the rat race and moving to a more peacefull and quiet community, different states offer you the opportunity to do just that. It turns out, there are areas in the midwest that are desperate for new residents, and there are numerous places where you can move and get free land. Of course there are conditions. Most places ask you to build a house on the land. The key here is residency, not some empty house you have up for rent.
In Ellsworth County Kansas, for example, there are 23 lots available for free to individuals. Assuming you’re pre-qualified, you have to agree to build a house that is at least 1,000 square feet and to build on the land within two years time.
In addition to the land, families with children stand to receive $1,500 to $3,000 toward a down payment when they buy in the area. “Each new child is worth an additional $6,000 to our school district from the state,” said Anita Hoffhines, executive director of Ellsworth County Economic Development.
CHECK OUT FREE KANSAS LAND!
Interested in getting some free land in Wyoming? The nearest gas station may be 200 miles away!
Iowa, Minnesota, Texas and Alaska also offer free land.
Heres a great website with all the information. It lists towns (and contact numbers) of places begging for new residents.
States with Free Land
It can be your chance to get away from it all!!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Get Paid in Chocolate
Are you a serious chocolate lover? You won’t believe this…..
I came across a web site the other day, and I thought it was kind of wild. Hotel Chocolat a chocolate maker and retailer in England is looking to expand their operations. They currently have over 40 stores in England, the Middle East and the U.S.
In order to raise capital to expand their business, they are going to sell bonds. The money will be used to expand their factory in Britain, and to increase their plantations in Saint Lucia, also to open new stores in various parts of the world.
Nothing odd about selling bonds to raise money to expand operations, but instead of going to a bank, they are going to pay a return in chocolate.
That right Chocolate. Their bonds have two values; both will be paid in boxes of chocolate. A holder of a British $2,000 chocolate bond will receive six free boxes a year worth about $107.00 annually. A holder of a British $4,000 chocolate bond will receive thirteen boxes of chocolate a year worth about $233.00 annually.
This amounts to 5.38% return if you were to receive cash.
The initial term is for three years, and on every anniversary thereafter, holders can redeem their bond for a full return of their initial investment. As long as they decide to hold the bond, the boxes of chocolate will keep coming.
Think about it. Invest about four thousand dollars, and over 3 years receive 39 boxes of chocolate, and then get your initial investment back. Or you can let them keep the money and receive a box of chocolate, (premium chocolate) every month for the rest of your life.
A chocolate lovers dream!
I came across a web site the other day, and I thought it was kind of wild. Hotel Chocolat a chocolate maker and retailer in England is looking to expand their operations. They currently have over 40 stores in England, the Middle East and the U.S.
In order to raise capital to expand their business, they are going to sell bonds. The money will be used to expand their factory in Britain, and to increase their plantations in Saint Lucia, also to open new stores in various parts of the world.
Nothing odd about selling bonds to raise money to expand operations, but instead of going to a bank, they are going to pay a return in chocolate.
That right Chocolate. Their bonds have two values; both will be paid in boxes of chocolate. A holder of a British $2,000 chocolate bond will receive six free boxes a year worth about $107.00 annually. A holder of a British $4,000 chocolate bond will receive thirteen boxes of chocolate a year worth about $233.00 annually.
This amounts to 5.38% return if you were to receive cash.
The initial term is for three years, and on every anniversary thereafter, holders can redeem their bond for a full return of their initial investment. As long as they decide to hold the bond, the boxes of chocolate will keep coming.
Think about it. Invest about four thousand dollars, and over 3 years receive 39 boxes of chocolate, and then get your initial investment back. Or you can let them keep the money and receive a box of chocolate, (premium chocolate) every month for the rest of your life.
A chocolate lovers dream!
Scammed on Ebay
A few years back, I decided to look into wholesale dropshipping on Ebay. After surfing through Ebay, I discovered a CD titled, “I’m Leaving Ebay“. The description of the CD said it had a listing of over 1 million dropshippers. I purchased the CD for 5 dollars. 1 cent purchase price, and $4.99 shiping. At the end of the aution, I received a email requesting payment for the auction item. I then dutifully paid him through Paypal, and awaited my “I’m Leaving Ebay” disk.
The next day, I received another email from a different person. They wanted payment for the auction too. I then did some checking, and found out that the first email was from someone who was not associated with Ebay auction I won. I had sent five dollars to someone who had simply asked me to send them money (the payment). I decided to chalk it up to my not having a lot of experience with Ebay auctions. Five dollars in auction education.
I sent the legitimate Cd owner 5 dollars, and waited for my disk. However much to my suprise, I received 2 “I’m leaving Ebay” Cd’s. Both gentlemen had mailed me a Cd. While I didn’t need two Cd’s, I figured I was lucky, and never really figured out exactly what happened. My lesson learned? Now, when I win a auction and receive a payment notice, I make sure the two names from the auction and payment notice match.
On another occasion, I won a auction for some Ginsu Knives. Cost? 1 dollar. I waited a month for shipment, and never received any knives. I sent the owner a email stating that I had never received the knives and wanted to know what had happened. The only thing I got, was a reply email stating that the knives were on back order. I have never received the knives. Now years later, maybe they’re still on back order!
I realize I should have given them a bad rating. However I opted not to do anything. My fault. Now I always check the person out. Is his rating at zero? or do they have hundreds of positive reviews? How long have they been selling on ebay? I also realize that if you ebay enough, like everything, sooner or later you’re going to run into a problem. Luckly, my problems have been minor.
The next day, I received another email from a different person. They wanted payment for the auction too. I then did some checking, and found out that the first email was from someone who was not associated with Ebay auction I won. I had sent five dollars to someone who had simply asked me to send them money (the payment). I decided to chalk it up to my not having a lot of experience with Ebay auctions. Five dollars in auction education.
I sent the legitimate Cd owner 5 dollars, and waited for my disk. However much to my suprise, I received 2 “I’m leaving Ebay” Cd’s. Both gentlemen had mailed me a Cd. While I didn’t need two Cd’s, I figured I was lucky, and never really figured out exactly what happened. My lesson learned? Now, when I win a auction and receive a payment notice, I make sure the two names from the auction and payment notice match.
On another occasion, I won a auction for some Ginsu Knives. Cost? 1 dollar. I waited a month for shipment, and never received any knives. I sent the owner a email stating that I had never received the knives and wanted to know what had happened. The only thing I got, was a reply email stating that the knives were on back order. I have never received the knives. Now years later, maybe they’re still on back order!
I realize I should have given them a bad rating. However I opted not to do anything. My fault. Now I always check the person out. Is his rating at zero? or do they have hundreds of positive reviews? How long have they been selling on ebay? I also realize that if you ebay enough, like everything, sooner or later you’re going to run into a problem. Luckly, my problems have been minor.
Massage Therapy
My ex-wife stands at 5 foot 2. She always had neck problems, and claimed it was because of her height. That she always had to look up at everything. A couple of times every year, she would go to a chiropractor, and get her neck adjusted.
One day, I came across an advertisement about a massage class that was being given. My Ex thought taking the class was a good idea, so we signed up. I figured that by taking the class, I would learn how to give Ex a massage when her neck hurt. Maybe I could avoid a chiropractor bill.
If it worked out, then the class would pay for itself.
The massage class covered the back, shoulders, and neck, and the proper way on how to massage them. We had to take a bottle of almond oil, and after a couple of hours instruction, we practiced massaging each others back under the watchful eye of our instructor.
The massage class suprised me. It was was well taught, informative and interesting. I learned a lot and actually enjoyed it. We discussed taking other classes on massage. They offered a different class about once every month. You could take all the classes and work your way up to becoming a masseuse. I considered becoming a masseuse, but other projects took up my time, and I never signed up for another class again.
Have you ever considered massage therapy?
I work with a lady who informed me she studied and is certified as a massage therapist. In the state of Indiana you have to get a certification. She told me basically what I already knew. She took the different classes and learned how to do a therapeutic rub down. She said she works about 5 to 10 hours of a week. While she works out of a clinic, she also does home health care for hospice. I responded that I thought hospice was for the terminally ill. She replied that it was, but added, “Remember many people are bed fast, and need the massage to help their circulation”. She bills for her mileage to and from the patients home too. I asked if she kept regular hours at the clinic. She said people schedule a time for a massage and she works around their schedule. She enjoys it, and loves her part-time job.
I read in the paper several years ago about a local masseuse who was paid $25.00 a hour. Great part-time pay, and I’m sure the wages have increased the last couple of years. You can learn the career one night a month. In less than a year, you can be certified. Then you can schedule how much and when you work.
One day, I came across an advertisement about a massage class that was being given. My Ex thought taking the class was a good idea, so we signed up. I figured that by taking the class, I would learn how to give Ex a massage when her neck hurt. Maybe I could avoid a chiropractor bill.
If it worked out, then the class would pay for itself.
The massage class covered the back, shoulders, and neck, and the proper way on how to massage them. We had to take a bottle of almond oil, and after a couple of hours instruction, we practiced massaging each others back under the watchful eye of our instructor.
The massage class suprised me. It was was well taught, informative and interesting. I learned a lot and actually enjoyed it. We discussed taking other classes on massage. They offered a different class about once every month. You could take all the classes and work your way up to becoming a masseuse. I considered becoming a masseuse, but other projects took up my time, and I never signed up for another class again.
Have you ever considered massage therapy?
I work with a lady who informed me she studied and is certified as a massage therapist. In the state of Indiana you have to get a certification. She told me basically what I already knew. She took the different classes and learned how to do a therapeutic rub down. She said she works about 5 to 10 hours of a week. While she works out of a clinic, she also does home health care for hospice. I responded that I thought hospice was for the terminally ill. She replied that it was, but added, “Remember many people are bed fast, and need the massage to help their circulation”. She bills for her mileage to and from the patients home too. I asked if she kept regular hours at the clinic. She said people schedule a time for a massage and she works around their schedule. She enjoys it, and loves her part-time job.
I read in the paper several years ago about a local masseuse who was paid $25.00 a hour. Great part-time pay, and I’m sure the wages have increased the last couple of years. You can learn the career one night a month. In less than a year, you can be certified. Then you can schedule how much and when you work.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Super Hero Loses....Evil Arch Nemesis Wins!!
I’m always interested in reading about random acts of kindness.
Someone who will go out of their way to help a stranger, and receive nothing in return.
I came across an article the other day that I found interesting.
There is a magazine that prints its monthly issues on t-shirts.
Yea, a t-shirt.
If you are a subscriber, they will mail you a t-shirt once every month with the magazine printed on it.
Well, the editors of this mag, decided to do a promotional stunt.
What you had to do was dress up in a super hero costume, and do a random act of kindness. Video it, and then post what you did on you-tube. The video that received the most hits, and what the editors rate as the best “artistic merit”, would be declaired the winner of $1,000.00. The time limit was one month.
The title of the contest was “I am a Shining Star”, and invited everyone to unleash their inner superhero. In the end, only 10 videos were submitted, but the mag did catch the eye of the major news media. Some videos were funny, some gave you the warm fuzzys, and some were somewhat odd, and made you scratch your head.
The winner, a wannabe superhero figured out a way to deceive the editors. It seems that in you-tube, you can purchase views. Pay people to look at your video. And thats what this guy did. The editors didn’t realize the service existed. They were just looking at a crazy way to inspire people to do acts of kindness. They tried to reason with the winner, and to get him to concede, but as they described it, “His mask was on too tight and clouded his judgement.” The judges hands were tied and they were forced to pay over the prize money.
The winner obviously wasn’t a “SHINING STAR”, but the superheros evis nemesis.
The judges did give all the contestants a free years subscription to the magazine.
I guess it never fails. There’s always one in every crowd. The guy looking to scam the system, and get something for nothing. You would think the editors could shame him into not taking the money. but I guess some people have no shame.
Have you ever volunteered, or done a random act of kindness?
Someone who will go out of their way to help a stranger, and receive nothing in return.
I came across an article the other day that I found interesting.
There is a magazine that prints its monthly issues on t-shirts.
Yea, a t-shirt.
If you are a subscriber, they will mail you a t-shirt once every month with the magazine printed on it.
Well, the editors of this mag, decided to do a promotional stunt.
What you had to do was dress up in a super hero costume, and do a random act of kindness. Video it, and then post what you did on you-tube. The video that received the most hits, and what the editors rate as the best “artistic merit”, would be declaired the winner of $1,000.00. The time limit was one month.
The title of the contest was “I am a Shining Star”, and invited everyone to unleash their inner superhero. In the end, only 10 videos were submitted, but the mag did catch the eye of the major news media. Some videos were funny, some gave you the warm fuzzys, and some were somewhat odd, and made you scratch your head.
The winner, a wannabe superhero figured out a way to deceive the editors. It seems that in you-tube, you can purchase views. Pay people to look at your video. And thats what this guy did. The editors didn’t realize the service existed. They were just looking at a crazy way to inspire people to do acts of kindness. They tried to reason with the winner, and to get him to concede, but as they described it, “His mask was on too tight and clouded his judgement.” The judges hands were tied and they were forced to pay over the prize money.
The winner obviously wasn’t a “SHINING STAR”, but the superheros evis nemesis.
The judges did give all the contestants a free years subscription to the magazine.
I guess it never fails. There’s always one in every crowd. The guy looking to scam the system, and get something for nothing. You would think the editors could shame him into not taking the money. but I guess some people have no shame.
Have you ever volunteered, or done a random act of kindness?
Ebay Dropshipping
I looked into dropshipping on Ebay a few years ago. I took my time, and did my research. I wanted to find the right distributor and a true wholesaler, not a middleman. I finally decided on a seafood wholesale distributor.
Based on the east coast, they shipped seafood all over the U.S.. They offered a good price, and low shipping costs. When you placed a order, you stated where you wanted the item shipped, and who you wanted it shipped to. I signed up, and listed some shrimp on Ebay.
Pretty simple.
I received a couple of bids, and was going to make a few bucks. So after the auction ended, I went to the web site, and was going to place the order for the shrimp.
Guess What?
The shrimp I had just sold at auction was no longer listed as available.
Panic set in.
I got on the phone, and called the east coast supplier. Suprisingly, he answered the phone. He agreed to replace the shrimp that was listed with a different shrimp now available. I then sent a email to the customer stating that the shrimp he had just won by auction was no longer available. The auction winner agreed to take the substitute shrimp.
Whew!
I breathed a sigh of relief, placed a order, and shipped the new shrimp out. The auction winner lived in Minnesota, and received the shrimp the next day.
He was happy with what he received.
I realized I didn’t need the stress, and decided to end my dropshipping business.
Based on the east coast, they shipped seafood all over the U.S.. They offered a good price, and low shipping costs. When you placed a order, you stated where you wanted the item shipped, and who you wanted it shipped to. I signed up, and listed some shrimp on Ebay.
Pretty simple.
I received a couple of bids, and was going to make a few bucks. So after the auction ended, I went to the web site, and was going to place the order for the shrimp.
Guess What?
The shrimp I had just sold at auction was no longer listed as available.
Panic set in.
I got on the phone, and called the east coast supplier. Suprisingly, he answered the phone. He agreed to replace the shrimp that was listed with a different shrimp now available. I then sent a email to the customer stating that the shrimp he had just won by auction was no longer available. The auction winner agreed to take the substitute shrimp.
Whew!
I breathed a sigh of relief, placed a order, and shipped the new shrimp out. The auction winner lived in Minnesota, and received the shrimp the next day.
He was happy with what he received.
I realized I didn’t need the stress, and decided to end my dropshipping business.
Cellphone Tower
My first wife (soon to be ex-wife's) family decided to have a family reunion. It was to be located in a town a couple of hours away. I dutifully loaded the car with pies and deserts, and away we went.
Ex's cousin was married to a cellphone executive and he had accepted a promotion in a major metro area. He was leaving the next week for the new job, and the family was to follow soon. The school year was ending soon, and a offer had been made on a new house. When the details were done, and the school year over, the kids and wife would join him.
I asked him what he did at the cellphone company. He said he was the division president, and was accepting a corporate vip job. He asked where we lived, and I stated that I had just built a house on 20 acres.
He asked if I had ever considered placing a cellphone tower on my property. I said no, but added "what would be involved in placing a boosting tower on my land?" He replied that all you need is a access road and one acre to place the tower on. Of course, service personnel would have to visit the tower from time to time. "We're always looking for new places to set towers." He stated. "We pay $800.00 a month."
I thought, "that would be 800 a month for the rest of my life!"
I quietly walked over to ex, and mentioned the idea of setting a tower on our property. "He's leaving next week" she said. "Wait till things settle down then talk to him."
After we got home, she started screaming something about microwaves, electric lines, brain damage, and strangers running amuk over our property. After her outburst, I never mentioned the idea again.
But I never forgot.
I've long since lost the exec's last name, and have no idea how to contact him. I think setting a tower in the back corner of the property would be a great idea, and a passive money maker too.
I found a website, and one of these days, I'm going to submit a application. Its on my to-do list.
But I wonder, with the explosion of cellphones in the past few years, am I to late?......
Get a Cellphone Tower Here
Ex's cousin was married to a cellphone executive and he had accepted a promotion in a major metro area. He was leaving the next week for the new job, and the family was to follow soon. The school year was ending soon, and a offer had been made on a new house. When the details were done, and the school year over, the kids and wife would join him.
I asked him what he did at the cellphone company. He said he was the division president, and was accepting a corporate vip job. He asked where we lived, and I stated that I had just built a house on 20 acres.
He asked if I had ever considered placing a cellphone tower on my property. I said no, but added "what would be involved in placing a boosting tower on my land?" He replied that all you need is a access road and one acre to place the tower on. Of course, service personnel would have to visit the tower from time to time. "We're always looking for new places to set towers." He stated. "We pay $800.00 a month."
I thought, "that would be 800 a month for the rest of my life!"
I quietly walked over to ex, and mentioned the idea of setting a tower on our property. "He's leaving next week" she said. "Wait till things settle down then talk to him."
After we got home, she started screaming something about microwaves, electric lines, brain damage, and strangers running amuk over our property. After her outburst, I never mentioned the idea again.
But I never forgot.
I've long since lost the exec's last name, and have no idea how to contact him. I think setting a tower in the back corner of the property would be a great idea, and a passive money maker too.
I found a website, and one of these days, I'm going to submit a application. Its on my to-do list.
But I wonder, with the explosion of cellphones in the past few years, am I to late?......
Get a Cellphone Tower Here
Undeveloped Land
My son has taken up hunting. My ex (wife) lives on 5 acres with a woods bordering her property. Son went and talked to the property owner about hunting on his land. "Sure", he answered, "for twenty-five dollars, I'll let you set a tree stand in there. But you can only junt with a bow and not with a shotgun." Ex paid the twenty-five bucks for son, and he has spent a lot of time after school this fall setting in a tree stand trying to get a deer.....
I work with a guy who rents his 40 acres to hunters. He advertises his property and guys come from all over to hunt. He brags that he makes hundreds of dollars each year....
Do you have some undeveloped land you can put to use? Can it be rented out?
I work with a guy who rents his 40 acres to hunters. He advertises his property and guys come from all over to hunt. He brags that he makes hundreds of dollars each year....
Do you have some undeveloped land you can put to use? Can it be rented out?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Repairing Equipment
D. walked in the breakroom, and set down beside me. Hey D., someone hollered from across the room. Did you get your lawn mowed this morning?
"Nah", he answered, "I mowed it yesterday, but I didn't weed eat it. The weed eater was a piece of junk. I couldn't get it started, so I threw it in the trash."
"That was a new weed eater", J. answered. "You told me the other day you just purchased it." "It was junk," D. replied. J. then yelled, "Before you throw anything in the trash again, call me first!"
D. then got up and left the room. J. turned to me and said, "D. is a hothead. He is always throwing perfectly good stuff in his trash."
D. lived in town. A couple of miles from the factory. I made a mental note to find out what his exact address was. I could do a drive-by on trash day mornings, and inspect his garbage. The detour could be worth it.....
Mom calls it Junk'in.
Whenever dad goes anywhere, he pays attention to what people set out in the trash. He repairs and fixs all sorts of things.
Then he resells it.
Mom commented once, " you would be surprised at what people throw out."
Have you ever stopped along side the road and examined someone's trash? Or picked something up? One mans trash is another mans treasure.
UPDATE.... I talked to a guy I work with, who used to be a banker. He's not mechanically inclined. As I told him this story, he nodded in agreement. He then said, When I put something out for the trash, I always have someone stop and look. People are always picking up my broken items. This made me wonder, How broken are they? Are they really trash? Or broken? I will have to add his house to my inspection route. Or better still, have him to tell me before he sets anything out.
"Nah", he answered, "I mowed it yesterday, but I didn't weed eat it. The weed eater was a piece of junk. I couldn't get it started, so I threw it in the trash."
"That was a new weed eater", J. answered. "You told me the other day you just purchased it." "It was junk," D. replied. J. then yelled, "Before you throw anything in the trash again, call me first!"
D. then got up and left the room. J. turned to me and said, "D. is a hothead. He is always throwing perfectly good stuff in his trash."
D. lived in town. A couple of miles from the factory. I made a mental note to find out what his exact address was. I could do a drive-by on trash day mornings, and inspect his garbage. The detour could be worth it.....
Mom calls it Junk'in.
Whenever dad goes anywhere, he pays attention to what people set out in the trash. He repairs and fixs all sorts of things.
Then he resells it.
Mom commented once, " you would be surprised at what people throw out."
Have you ever stopped along side the road and examined someone's trash? Or picked something up? One mans trash is another mans treasure.
UPDATE.... I talked to a guy I work with, who used to be a banker. He's not mechanically inclined. As I told him this story, he nodded in agreement. He then said, When I put something out for the trash, I always have someone stop and look. People are always picking up my broken items. This made me wonder, How broken are they? Are they really trash? Or broken? I will have to add his house to my inspection route. Or better still, have him to tell me before he sets anything out.
Teaching
TaeKwonDo. Tae - foot. Kwon - hand. Do - the way (path, road). The way of the foot and hand.
I am a 2nd degree black belt, with a International certification. I tell people I'm retired now. But there was a day when I ate, drank, and slept TaeKwonDo. For 7 years, I was bruised and bloodied. I fought at competitions regularly. I earned my black belt degree through hours of sweat, pain, and toil. I loved every minute of it, and practiced 5 days a week.
The senior black belt of our school, with the blessings of our master, opened up a satellite school in a nearby town. The school was a hit. Then tragedy struck. The satellite school instructor broke his neck in a motorcycle accident. He survived, but his TaeKwonDo days were over. The satellite school was passed to another senior black belt without missing a beat.
I was curious about the other school.
On Tuesday nights, after the regular class, Our teacher held a second class reserved for black belts only. The satellite school instructor attended this class regularly. I approached him one evening and asked if it would be possible for me to attend his school sometime and practice with him and his students. He replied that I could come anytime and would always be welcome to participate with the class.
So a week or so later, I drove to the other school and practiced with them. After class, I was in the locker room, and commented to the teacher that I thought it was a great school, and enjoyed practicing with them. That I would enjoy coming back sometime.
He then surprised me by asking if I would be interested in running the school. "I'll give you the school" he said.
"Whats the problem?" I asked. "I don't like it," he answered. "I'm tied up 5 nights a week. Its like a second job, and I would like evenings free."
I thought it over. I had been teaching TaeKwonDo at my home school part-time, so being a instructor was no big deal. I loved to practice, but running a school would be a whole different ball of wax. As it stood now, if I missed a day or two, no problem. In fact, if I wanted to walk away from everything tomorrow, I could.
It would be different running a school. I would be obligated to be there. I was single, and my evenings would be gone. I would be running a business. "Thanks, but I want my freedom", I said, "I don't want to be tied down 5 nights a week. However, I will think it over."
I left the building, my curiosity satisfied. I never practiced there again.
I never took him up on his offer either.
Over the years, I've slowly lost my speed, and power. I've put on a few pounds. Whenever I watch a old Bruce Lee movie, or one with a lot of kicks, punches, and fighting, I can feel that old fire ignite. I've considered getting back into it many times.
I've even thought about starting a outreach program through my church for the kids in my little burg. It'll probably never happen. I already have to many projects going on.
However, is there anything you could teach others? Could you give a weekend seminar?
I am a 2nd degree black belt, with a International certification. I tell people I'm retired now. But there was a day when I ate, drank, and slept TaeKwonDo. For 7 years, I was bruised and bloodied. I fought at competitions regularly. I earned my black belt degree through hours of sweat, pain, and toil. I loved every minute of it, and practiced 5 days a week.
The senior black belt of our school, with the blessings of our master, opened up a satellite school in a nearby town. The school was a hit. Then tragedy struck. The satellite school instructor broke his neck in a motorcycle accident. He survived, but his TaeKwonDo days were over. The satellite school was passed to another senior black belt without missing a beat.
I was curious about the other school.
On Tuesday nights, after the regular class, Our teacher held a second class reserved for black belts only. The satellite school instructor attended this class regularly. I approached him one evening and asked if it would be possible for me to attend his school sometime and practice with him and his students. He replied that I could come anytime and would always be welcome to participate with the class.
So a week or so later, I drove to the other school and practiced with them. After class, I was in the locker room, and commented to the teacher that I thought it was a great school, and enjoyed practicing with them. That I would enjoy coming back sometime.
He then surprised me by asking if I would be interested in running the school. "I'll give you the school" he said.
"Whats the problem?" I asked. "I don't like it," he answered. "I'm tied up 5 nights a week. Its like a second job, and I would like evenings free."
I thought it over. I had been teaching TaeKwonDo at my home school part-time, so being a instructor was no big deal. I loved to practice, but running a school would be a whole different ball of wax. As it stood now, if I missed a day or two, no problem. In fact, if I wanted to walk away from everything tomorrow, I could.
It would be different running a school. I would be obligated to be there. I was single, and my evenings would be gone. I would be running a business. "Thanks, but I want my freedom", I said, "I don't want to be tied down 5 nights a week. However, I will think it over."
I left the building, my curiosity satisfied. I never practiced there again.
I never took him up on his offer either.
Over the years, I've slowly lost my speed, and power. I've put on a few pounds. Whenever I watch a old Bruce Lee movie, or one with a lot of kicks, punches, and fighting, I can feel that old fire ignite. I've considered getting back into it many times.
I've even thought about starting a outreach program through my church for the kids in my little burg. It'll probably never happen. I already have to many projects going on.
However, is there anything you could teach others? Could you give a weekend seminar?
Friday, January 8, 2010
Baseball Cards
I used to own a gas station/mini mart.
One day while working behind the counter, a man stopped in, and purchased a single pack of baseball cards.
I was selling them for a quarter a pack.
He opened the pack and began to recite prices of the cards as he removed them from the pack.
This one is worth 5 cents.
This card will cover the cost of my purchase, its worth 25 cents.
This card is worth 10 cents.
This card isn't worth anything.
He went through the entire pack.
Then he purchased a second pack and did the same thing.
I'm impressed, I said.
He replied, I was big into baseball cards when I was a kid,
and then added, I still am.
He then said, my closet is waist high in baseball cards....
cartons and packs.
I am going to pay for my kids college education by selling and swapping baseball cards.
I looked at him in disbelief.
Is that possible? I asked.
Sure is, he said, and I'm going to do it.
Baseball Cards are big business.
I think everyone has heard a story about someones mom throwing out a guys stash of baseball cards.
I was never into cards as a kid.
But after that guys visit,
I purchased a couple of boxes.
They now sit on a shelf in my basement.
I was down in my basement puttering around the other day,
and I spied my cards.
They are now over 20 years old.
Are they valuable?
Do I have a Mona Lisa boxed up and sitting on a shelf in my basement?
Someday I may find out.
Do you save or collect anything?
Whats your area of expertise?
One day while working behind the counter, a man stopped in, and purchased a single pack of baseball cards.
I was selling them for a quarter a pack.
He opened the pack and began to recite prices of the cards as he removed them from the pack.
This one is worth 5 cents.
This card will cover the cost of my purchase, its worth 25 cents.
This card is worth 10 cents.
This card isn't worth anything.
He went through the entire pack.
Then he purchased a second pack and did the same thing.
I'm impressed, I said.
He replied, I was big into baseball cards when I was a kid,
and then added, I still am.
He then said, my closet is waist high in baseball cards....
cartons and packs.
I am going to pay for my kids college education by selling and swapping baseball cards.
I looked at him in disbelief.
Is that possible? I asked.
Sure is, he said, and I'm going to do it.
Baseball Cards are big business.
I think everyone has heard a story about someones mom throwing out a guys stash of baseball cards.
I was never into cards as a kid.
But after that guys visit,
I purchased a couple of boxes.
They now sit on a shelf in my basement.
I was down in my basement puttering around the other day,
and I spied my cards.
They are now over 20 years old.
Are they valuable?
Do I have a Mona Lisa boxed up and sitting on a shelf in my basement?
Someday I may find out.
Do you save or collect anything?
Whats your area of expertise?
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Passive Income
My first wife,(soon to be ex-wife's) family decided to have a family reunion. It was to be located in a town a couple of hours away. I dutifully loaded the car with pies and deserts, and away we went. Ex's cousin was married to a cellphone executive and he had accepted a promotion in a major metro area.
He was leaving the next week, and the family was to follow soon. The school year was ending, and a offer had been made on a house. When the details were done, kids and wife would join him.
I asked him what he did at the cellphone company. He said he was the division president, and was accepting a corporate vip job. He asked where we lived, and I stated that I had just built a house on 20 acres.
He asked if I had ever considered placing a tower on my property. I said no, but added "what would be involved in placing a boosting tower on my land?" He replied that all you need is a access road and one acre to place the tower on. Of course service personnel would have to visit the tower from time to time. "We're always looking for new places to set towers" He stated. "We pay $800 a month."
I thought, "that would be 800 a month for the rest of my life!"
I quietly walked over to ex, and mentioned the idea of setting a tower on our property. "He's leaving next week" she said. "Wait till things settle down then talk to him." After we got home, she started yelling something about microwaves, electric lines, brain damage, and strangers running amuk over our property. After her outburst, I never mentioned the idea again.
But I never forgot.
I've long since lost the exec's last name, and have no idea how to contact him. I keep planning on doing a Internet search for information on towers. Its on my to-do list. I think setting a tower in the back corner of the property would be a great idea, and a passive money maker too. But I wonder, with the explosion of cellphones in the last couple of years, am I to late?.....
My son has taken up hunting. Ex now lives on 5 acres with a woods bordering her property. Son went and talked to the property owner about hunting on his land. "Sure", he answered, "for twenty-five dollars, I'll let you set a tree stand in there. But you can only hunt with a bow and not a shotgun." Ex paid the twenty-five bucks for son, and he has spent a lot of time after school this winter setting in a tree trying to get a deer.....
I work with a guy who rents his 40 acres to hunters. He advertises his property and guys come from all over. He brags that he makes hundreds of dollars each year......
How about it? Do you have some undeveloped land you can put to use?
He was leaving the next week, and the family was to follow soon. The school year was ending, and a offer had been made on a house. When the details were done, kids and wife would join him.
I asked him what he did at the cellphone company. He said he was the division president, and was accepting a corporate vip job. He asked where we lived, and I stated that I had just built a house on 20 acres.
He asked if I had ever considered placing a tower on my property. I said no, but added "what would be involved in placing a boosting tower on my land?" He replied that all you need is a access road and one acre to place the tower on. Of course service personnel would have to visit the tower from time to time. "We're always looking for new places to set towers" He stated. "We pay $800 a month."
I thought, "that would be 800 a month for the rest of my life!"
I quietly walked over to ex, and mentioned the idea of setting a tower on our property. "He's leaving next week" she said. "Wait till things settle down then talk to him." After we got home, she started yelling something about microwaves, electric lines, brain damage, and strangers running amuk over our property. After her outburst, I never mentioned the idea again.
But I never forgot.
I've long since lost the exec's last name, and have no idea how to contact him. I keep planning on doing a Internet search for information on towers. Its on my to-do list. I think setting a tower in the back corner of the property would be a great idea, and a passive money maker too. But I wonder, with the explosion of cellphones in the last couple of years, am I to late?.....
My son has taken up hunting. Ex now lives on 5 acres with a woods bordering her property. Son went and talked to the property owner about hunting on his land. "Sure", he answered, "for twenty-five dollars, I'll let you set a tree stand in there. But you can only hunt with a bow and not a shotgun." Ex paid the twenty-five bucks for son, and he has spent a lot of time after school this winter setting in a tree trying to get a deer.....
I work with a guy who rents his 40 acres to hunters. He advertises his property and guys come from all over. He brags that he makes hundreds of dollars each year......
How about it? Do you have some undeveloped land you can put to use?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Credit Card Freebees
A friend in the factory came by the other day, and said he was going on vacation. Where to? I asked. He replied that he was taking a free cruise. What do you mean free? I asked. He stated that he makes all his household purchases on a credit card. This builds up points. This year he has enough points to take a free cruise. He added, that this would be the third year he would be able to take a cruise for free.
While in the post office a while back, a man came in and asked the post master, do you see my new car? Yes, she replied, It looks nice. After he left, I asked the post master, what was the big deal about a new car? She replied that the car was free. WHAT?!! A free car?!! How is that possible? I asked. She then stated that the man purchases everything on his credit card and builds up points. He gets enough points to get a free car every 3-4 years. She added that the man was a contractor, and probably purchased everything for his business on the card too.
Does a free cruise sound nice? You'll still have to pay for the airfare. I'm not sure which card gives points for a free cruise, or a free car, but a little bit of Internet searching should give you the answer. Of course, be sure to pay all card debt off every month. Bon Voyage!
While in the post office a while back, a man came in and asked the post master, do you see my new car? Yes, she replied, It looks nice. After he left, I asked the post master, what was the big deal about a new car? She replied that the car was free. WHAT?!! A free car?!! How is that possible? I asked. She then stated that the man purchases everything on his credit card and builds up points. He gets enough points to get a free car every 3-4 years. She added that the man was a contractor, and probably purchased everything for his business on the card too.
Does a free cruise sound nice? You'll still have to pay for the airfare. I'm not sure which card gives points for a free cruise, or a free car, but a little bit of Internet searching should give you the answer. Of course, be sure to pay all card debt off every month. Bon Voyage!
Piano Tuning
The church secretary asked me one day if I could call a piano tuner, and get the church piano tuned up. No problem, I replied.
I was given a church key, address and a phone number of a tuner. I noticed he lived about a hour north of our little town. I called him, set up a time, he came and tuned the piano.
A couple of weeks later, I was at my buddys house, and commented about having the church piano tuned. He had a piano, and his wife taught lessons. He commented that his piano needed tuned also.
"Call this guy up", I said. "He does a pretty good job." "We use someone else." he commented. "Where does he live?" I asked. About a hour east was the reply.
A light bulb came on! If there were no piano tuners nearby, then maybe someone local, could grab a lot of business.
This was in the days before personal computers. I remembered seeing a ad about piano tuning in Popular Science, or Mechanics or some magazine like that. I went to the local library, and did some research. I found a ad, and sent for some information.
The course cost me around 300 dollars. I checked in a local free ad paper, and found a free piano. When I went to pick it up, I found out why it was free. It was a old piece of junk. Keys were missing. But it was perfect for practicing tuning and replacing wires.
My first wife, refused to let me put the monster in the house. So I placed it in the back of the garage. I studied every day.
It was autumn, and the days started turning colder. The last couple of lessons I did, I could see my breath. Then my son was born. The decision was a no-brainer. Stay inside and play with my newborn son, or go out in the garage, freeze and practice tuning. I figured I would pick it up in the spring. When spring arrived, I had moved on to bigger and better things.
I saved my study manual, and all my tuning equipment. My new wife plays the piano, and is interested in getting a low cost, or free piano. She checks Craigslist from time to time. If she ever finds something, I'll go pick it up....and maybe pick up tuning again.
How about it? Are there servicemen coming from long distances to your area? Can you fill a void?
I was given a church key, address and a phone number of a tuner. I noticed he lived about a hour north of our little town. I called him, set up a time, he came and tuned the piano.
A couple of weeks later, I was at my buddys house, and commented about having the church piano tuned. He had a piano, and his wife taught lessons. He commented that his piano needed tuned also.
"Call this guy up", I said. "He does a pretty good job." "We use someone else." he commented. "Where does he live?" I asked. About a hour east was the reply.
A light bulb came on! If there were no piano tuners nearby, then maybe someone local, could grab a lot of business.
This was in the days before personal computers. I remembered seeing a ad about piano tuning in Popular Science, or Mechanics or some magazine like that. I went to the local library, and did some research. I found a ad, and sent for some information.
The course cost me around 300 dollars. I checked in a local free ad paper, and found a free piano. When I went to pick it up, I found out why it was free. It was a old piece of junk. Keys were missing. But it was perfect for practicing tuning and replacing wires.
My first wife, refused to let me put the monster in the house. So I placed it in the back of the garage. I studied every day.
It was autumn, and the days started turning colder. The last couple of lessons I did, I could see my breath. Then my son was born. The decision was a no-brainer. Stay inside and play with my newborn son, or go out in the garage, freeze and practice tuning. I figured I would pick it up in the spring. When spring arrived, I had moved on to bigger and better things.
I saved my study manual, and all my tuning equipment. My new wife plays the piano, and is interested in getting a low cost, or free piano. She checks Craigslist from time to time. If she ever finds something, I'll go pick it up....and maybe pick up tuning again.
How about it? Are there servicemen coming from long distances to your area? Can you fill a void?
Monday, January 4, 2010
Beekeeping
Uncle J. is retired now. but there was a time when he owned over 300 honey bee hives. He was the resident guru. If you had a question about bees, just talk to him. He knew his stuff. He was on the cops call list. If anyone had a bee problem, the cops would page my uncle, and he would come and collect the problem bees.
He had a building for processing honey. I heard that he sold 55 gallon drums of it, and observed him sell 5 gallon buckets of honey to people all the time. My cousin, his son, used to help him in the honey operation. they would gather honey each fall.
I asked my cousin one time, "I bet the honey operation keeps you busy. I'm sure it takes up all your time." "Nope", he replied. "We just work on the weekends, about 8 to10 weekends each fall. It really doesn't take all that much time."
Uncle J lived on 4 acres. "Why don't I see hundreds of bee hives here on your property?" My cousin replied that they had bee hives scattered all over the county.... I later read a article about farmers paying to have bee hives set on their property, but I don't know if anyone ever paid uncle J.
I helped my cousin and my uncle a couple of times in the bee yard, and enjoyed it. One day I asked uncle J. how he came to get started in the bee business. He replied,
"I went to a estate auction. There were a couple of bee hives up for auction. Household items were selling cheap. I bid on the hives. It surprised me, but I won with the high bid on the hives.
Now what do I do? I knew absolutely nothing about bees.
I went and purchased a couple of books about bees and read up on them.
I learned as I went.... and slowly added hives."
Did you catch what uncle J. did? He went to the auction not looking for bees. Then suddenly finding himself with them, he didn't fret about what to do. He educated himself. Did he make mistakes? I'm sure he did. But he didn't stop. He learned everything he could about them. Growing his operation slowly, part time, he worked it into a first class operation.
After working with uncle J., I've always carried a interest in honey bees. Two years ago I purchased my first 2 hives. When people heard I had bees, everyone wanted to purchase honey from me.
I think its a fun hobby.
I might just make a couple of bucks too.
and by the way....I've never been stung in the bee yard.
Do you have a hobby that you could turn into a part-time business? Are there any books about your hobby? Finally, don't be afraid. Take it one step at a time. You'll surprise yourself.....
He had a building for processing honey. I heard that he sold 55 gallon drums of it, and observed him sell 5 gallon buckets of honey to people all the time. My cousin, his son, used to help him in the honey operation. they would gather honey each fall.
I asked my cousin one time, "I bet the honey operation keeps you busy. I'm sure it takes up all your time." "Nope", he replied. "We just work on the weekends, about 8 to10 weekends each fall. It really doesn't take all that much time."
Uncle J lived on 4 acres. "Why don't I see hundreds of bee hives here on your property?" My cousin replied that they had bee hives scattered all over the county.... I later read a article about farmers paying to have bee hives set on their property, but I don't know if anyone ever paid uncle J.
I helped my cousin and my uncle a couple of times in the bee yard, and enjoyed it. One day I asked uncle J. how he came to get started in the bee business. He replied,
"I went to a estate auction. There were a couple of bee hives up for auction. Household items were selling cheap. I bid on the hives. It surprised me, but I won with the high bid on the hives.
Now what do I do? I knew absolutely nothing about bees.
I went and purchased a couple of books about bees and read up on them.
I learned as I went.... and slowly added hives."
Did you catch what uncle J. did? He went to the auction not looking for bees. Then suddenly finding himself with them, he didn't fret about what to do. He educated himself. Did he make mistakes? I'm sure he did. But he didn't stop. He learned everything he could about them. Growing his operation slowly, part time, he worked it into a first class operation.
After working with uncle J., I've always carried a interest in honey bees. Two years ago I purchased my first 2 hives. When people heard I had bees, everyone wanted to purchase honey from me.
I think its a fun hobby.
I might just make a couple of bucks too.
and by the way....I've never been stung in the bee yard.
Do you have a hobby that you could turn into a part-time business? Are there any books about your hobby? Finally, don't be afraid. Take it one step at a time. You'll surprise yourself.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)