| We all know that running a home business is highly | | | | purchases simplifies bookkeeping and makes |
| satisfying, and at times downright liberating! No | | | | categorizing expenses at tax time a lot easier. |
| clock to punch, no dress code, and best of all, no | | | | Why not earn rewards such as airline miles or |
| boss to answer to. But there are also many | | | | restaurant gift certificates, or even better- cash, |
| facets of business ownership that entrepreneurs | | | | on purchases you have to make anyway? Just |
| must stay on top of. One of those is keeping the | | | | be sure to fully read the fine print concerning |
| expense to income ratio in balance. Below are | | | | interest charges and late fees. Or pay off the |
| seven painless ways to do just that. | | | | balance each month and avoid both! |
| 1. To save on costly ink cartridges, print in draft | | | | 5. Compare prices on internet service providers. |
| mode, unless the printout is for a client or will be | | | | Some companies offer a discount when internet |
| reproduced. | | | | access is bundled with cable or phone service. If |
| 2. After spending your hard earned money on | | | | you are really happy with your current ISP, call |
| those ink cartridges, turn them into a free ream | | | | and ask if they are offering any promotions that |
| of paper! Many office supply stores offer a free | | | | you can take advantage of. |
| ream of copy paper when you recycle a used ink | | | | 6. Network with other home business owners and |
| cartridge at their store. Ask your local office | | | | offer to barter goods or services. If you own a |
| supply store if they offer this service to their | | | | gift basket business, assemble baskets featuring a |
| customers. | | | | direct sales consultant's products, and customers |
| 3. Make that free paper last twice as long. How | | | | are purchasing from both of you at once. A |
| many times have you printed something without | | | | bookkeeper can trade services with a web page |
| spell checking it first? Use the back of those | | | | designer. The possibilities are endless. You just |
| misprints for making lists and jotting down ideas. | | | | have to ask. |
| Another way to keep paper use down is to utilize | | | | 7. For low cost advertising, contact organizations |
| the annoying sheets that often print out last with | | | | holding charity auctions or raffles. You supply the |
| just a small ad or footer on them. Turn them | | | | prize, whether it's jewelry or web hosting, and in |
| over and print on the blank side. | | | | return you receive exposure for your business |
| 4. Apply for a cash back/rewards credit card. | | | | and pleasure in donating to a worthy cause. |
| Using one credit card for all of your business | | | | |