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Money Saving Tips for the Self-Employed
By selfemployedblog | April 26, 2006
I’m frugal by nature but since becoming self-employed, I am always searching for ways to cut costs. Here are a few of my cost-cutting tips for things you’ll probably use as a self-employed individual:
Home Office Equipment & Supplies
You can usually find great deals on eBay for office equipment like fax machines & printers. I purchased my fax machine as a “refurbished” item and at a really low cost and it works great. I use an Epson Stylus printer and the name brand printer ink is expensive. I purchase printer ink on eBay as well for a fraction of the cost and it works fine.
Business Cards
I got a good deal on professionally designed business cards because I have a good friend who is a graphic designer. However, without that hook-up, I probably would have opted for the free business cards offered by Vista Print. You can get 250 free business cards using various templates. The only catch is the back of the cards will advertise Vista Print’s web site and the designs are basic. You can’t really complain when they are free. 
Food & Entertainment
Every now and then you may want to wine & dine a potential client. Sometimes you just want a cheap lunch for yourself. Either way, I am a big fan of a popular coupon book called “The Entertainment Book”. I was turned on to this by a friend who is more frugal than I am. Every time we went out to eat, she had a coupon from the book for buy one meal, get one free. I purchased one for myself and it’s great! There are coupons for local restaurants in my area to local events and more. The book has already paid for itself from all the coupons I’ve used.
Cell Phone Plans
You’ll have to do a little comparison shopping in this area. If your cell phone is your main line for business, really stop to take a look at your monthly bill and how many “anytime” minutes you’re getting. When I first started working for myself, my cell phone bill was one of my biggest expenses. I finally shopped around for a better plan and my bill is the same every month because the amount of “anytime” minutes I have is plenty for my use.
Finally, look for sales! I am always cutting coupons and finding internet coupons to use on sites I shop from often. Besides being able to take tax-deductions on business related supplies, you will feel good knowing you saved money on your purchases.
Topics: Self Employment |