I would do something from home - depends what I'm good at.

This lady could be a virtual assistant and help some entrepreneurs with data capturing, writing, answering emails, etc.
~~~

Have her talk to friends and family and ask if they or if they know of anybody that needs a child sitter during the day or after school!
~~~

I just saw this last week on Good Morning America where there is a new website (for work at home moms).  For the life of me I can't remember its name but here is what this site is all about and how this girl can get work:  (She can fill out an app online.)

It is a new search engine, but with a twist.  Say you are looking for a car, well, when you go on this search engine you have the option of  contacting a live person who can do all of the online searching for you and then get back to you with the best sites to look for what you want.  They hire stay at home folks who are internet savvy and that have particular interests and then match them with the folks requesting info.

I hope this helps. 

(Leo's Note:  The link to the GMA story is here with a follow-up story here.)
~~~



I've read the letter of the lady who is considering taking up some home business. Thanks for asking my opinion on what she could do to improve her financial situation. <>I don't know what her profession is, however what I do know is it is essential do to something she enjoys doing.  It was exactly the fact that I am so lucky to be doing the job I really like that makes debt returning psychologically much easier. I am employed as an interpreter and there are a lot of opportunities in my country to find extra work at home.
~~~

If she has office skills and a computer/printer, she could contact some legal firms or businesses to see if they need documents typed or mailed out.  Or she could become a telephone answering service for several firms that do not have personnel working for them.  Several attorneys I know work from home to avoid overhead expenses.  As a result, they have people working for them out of their homes either answering phones, doing accounts payable/receivable or typing documents......it's something she might consider.
~~~

If she is not allowed to work per doctor's orders, I would not even attempt to advise on working at home.  She is probably on bedrest for a reason!

She could put some of your debt theories to use however -- she is no longer paying for transportation and that can go toward paying off a bill.  Same for lunches bought outside the office, dry cleaning, etc.  She may be missing a paycheck, but the money they are NOT spending can go to the bills.  I learned that from you!
~~~

Uhhh, how about....WRONGFUL TERMINATION LAWSUIT!!!  (Leo's note:  I like this one for its pithiness.)
~~~

She should maybe consider doing child care.  She can only take in a few kids and make a decent income.  I have been doing it for 8 years and it helped me stay home with my children.
~~~

This letter really touched my heart. I realized during my 3rd pregnancy that I was not going to be able to continue working outside the home. Since I had been doing mortgage loan processing, I set up a loan processing business from home and started homeschooling the two kids I had at the time. I have kept the business going for the past 15 years and I am now homeschooling the last of 4.

I took what I already knew and turned it into a home based business. I think that what this woman really needs to ask herself is what strengths/talents she already possesses. Can she sew? Can she do data entry? Can she do transcription? Can she babysit? (or is she physically unable because of the pregnancy?) I have friends who do all of these things from home, all very successfully. I think before she gets caught up in a scam, it would be more profitable to explore her own abilities.

I have found that success and happiness are usually already within your reach, you just have to recognize it, acknowledge it, and then GO FOR IT!!!

Hope that helps. I wish this person success in her endeavors, a healthy pregnancy and a happy, healthy baby.
~~~

In regards to your proposed home based work programs.  There is a more basic point:  to begin with, "budgeting".  "We're drowning in debt" is a statement that cries out for relief!!  With the recent loss of the wife's income debt has mounted to a cross roads point which indicates other issues.  A great starting point would be a thprough, step-back evaluation of the household budget versus immediately seeking an additional income source.
~~~



I would say she could watch a child or two at her home this way she could be at home with her seven year old, take care of her pregnant self with twins because this is very important, and make money at the same time.   Maybe this may be something she is interested in. I am still shocked why and how others human beings treat others!  Shame on her ex employer!
~~~

One of the most lucrative things a mother staying at home can do is day-care for other working mothers.  If schooling and licensing is required by state regulations, find out how many kids you can "babysit" before it is considered daycare - and in the meantime, go to night school classes to meet the requirements for daycare.
~~~