Sep 09

Simple Tips to Keep Your Produce Fresh & Save Money 🍎💸

Simple Tips to Keep Your Produce Fresh & Save Money 🍎💸

If you’re like me, you know that food waste is a major issue—not just for our planet but for our wallets, too. Watching fresh produce spoil in the fridge is like throwing money away, and that’s something we can all relate to. But with a few simple tricks, you can stretch the life of your fruits and veggies, reduce waste, and save some cash along the way. So, let’s talk about how you can make your groceries last longer, keep your meals fresh, and lighten the load on your budget.

Here’s how to get started:

🛑 Store Ethylene-Producing Fruits Separately

🍌 Bananas, 🍎 apples, and 🍐 pears release ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening of other fruits and veggies around them. Keep these guys apart from the rest of your produce to avoid premature spoilage!

🥬 Wrap Leafy Greens in Paper Towels

To keep your spinach and lettuce fresh, store them in a sealed container lined with a dry paper towel. This will absorb excess moisture, preventing them from wilting too quickly.

🍓 Use Vinegar to Extend Berry Freshness

Give your berries a quick soak in a vinegar-water mix (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water). This helps kill mold spores and bacteria, keeping them fresh for longer. Just remember to rinse them well!

🥕 Store Root Veggies in Cool, Dark Places

Potatoes, onions, garlic, and other root veggies should be stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space. Avoid storing them near moisture or sunlight—this will make them sprout or rot faster.

🥒 Use the Crisper Drawer

The crisper drawer in your fridge isn’t just a convenient place to toss veggies! It actually helps regulate humidity. Keep leafy greens and veggies in the high-humidity section and fruits in the low-humidity section for the best results.

🧊 Freeze Overripe Produce

If your bananas are starting to brown or your berries are getting too soft, don’t toss them—freeze them! They’re perfect for smoothies, baking, or cooking later. 🍌🍓

🍄 Store Mushrooms in Paper Bags

Mushrooms do better in paper bags rather than plastic. The paper allows them to breathe, preventing that dreaded slimy texture.

🌿 Store Herbs in Water

Trim the ends of fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) and place them in a glass of water. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for freshness that lasts weeks. 🌱

🥦 Wrap Celery and Broccoli in Aluminum Foil

Wrapping these veggies in foil before refrigerating locks in their moisture, keeping them crisp for longer.

🥑 Refrigerate Ripe Avocados

Once your avocados ripen, pop them in the fridge to slow down the process. They’ll stay at peak ripeness for a few extra days—giving you more time to make that perfect guacamole. 🥑

These simple steps can make a huge difference in how long your fruits and veggies last, helping you reduce waste and save money on groceries. Remember, a little planning can go a long way in preserving your food and keeping it fresh. Plus, who doesn’t want to enjoy their favorite produce for longer?

What are your favorite ways to keep your fruits and veggies fresher for longer? Have you tried storing herbs in water or wrapping leafy greens in paper towels? Share your tips in the comments! 🍋🥕🍇

Sep 09

🩺Maximize Your Next Doctor’s Visit with These Simple Tips

🩺 Maximize Your Next Doctor’s Visit with These Simple Tips

Visiting the doctor can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re managing multiple concerns. The key to a productive appointment? Preparation. Whether you’re addressing ongoing health issues or getting a routine check-up, these practical tips will help ensure you get the most out of your next visit.

📝 Make a List

Before you head to your appointment, sit down and make a list of topics or questions you want to discuss with your doctor. This way, you won’t forget any important details, no matter how rushed you may feel.

Example:

  • Pain in knee
  • Questions about medication side effects
  • Clarify test results

By organizing your thoughts, you’ll have everything ready to go. 🚀

🎯 Stay Focused on Key Issues

Doctors often have limited time for each patient, so it’s important to prioritize. If your list is too long, it may lead to a follow-up appointment. Focus on your most pressing issues first.

Pro Tip: Star or highlight the most important concerns so you and your doctor can stay on track.

📊 Track Your Symptoms & History

Consistency is key. Keeping a record of your symptoms—whether in a journal or through a health app—can be a game-changer. When you keep track of when and how often certain symptoms appear, your doctor can better diagnose and offer effective solutions. 💡

For example, write down:

  • Dates of recurring symptoms
  • Medications you’re taking
  • Any new lifestyle changes

This approach ensures nothing slips through the cracks, even if some time passes between visits.

💻 Use Technology

Did you know? Some patients use tools like MyChart to send their concerns ahead of time. ⏳ This allows your doctor to review your notes and prepare solutions before you even arrive at your appointment. Technology can streamline communication and save time for everyone involved.

If your clinic offers similar tools, take advantage of them for a smoother experience.

🤝 Bring Support

For complex or emotional health concerns, consider bringing a family member or close friend with you. They can offer moral support and ensure that all of your questions are addressed. 👥 Plus, an extra set of ears can help you absorb important information that you might miss in the moment.

✍️ Final Thoughts

Being prepared for your doctor’s visit doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little organization, open communication, and support, you can feel more confident in your health journey. These tips will help you make the most of your time with your doctor, ensuring that you leave each appointment feeling heard, informed, and empowered.

🔍 What About You?

What are your tips for preparing for your next doctor’s visit? Have you tried bringing a list of symptoms or questions to your provider? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

May 26

Food Insecurity on the Gulf Coast: Resource List & Tips

Food Insecurity on
The Gulf Coast:
Resource List & Tips

I’m seeing a lot of posts from local moms about food insecurity now that school is out.

I’ve been there and I feel for every one of you. It’s scary not having anything to give the littles, and over the summer they always seem to eat 5x as much food.

Here are some resources that you might find helpful:

Here are some grocery tips from my experienced hands:

Eggs have returned to $0.10 each. Eggs are incredibly versatile and teaching kids how to cook them in different ways can make eating them more enjoyable and increase their interest. Eggs are also a great source of protein.

When I’m on a tight food budget, I make sure to stock up on eggs, sliced cheese, bread, bouillon, rice, and noodles in my pantry. Right now, all of these items can be purchased at Walmart for under $20. This provides the option of making egg sandwiches or preparing eggs in one of the 143 different ways they can be served. Additionally, you can make grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese toast, or flavor the rice and noodles with various bouillon or seasonings. Ramen with eggs and frozen veggies like peas and carrots can also make for a satisfying meal with some protein and vegetables. While ramen used to be considered poor food when I was a kid, most kids today enjoy it.

Although these options may not be the healthiest, they provide a cost-effective way to keep your stomach from being empty. When you have a little extra money, you can buy meat to add to these dishes.
Some other pantry staples I would recommend are peanut butter, jelly, inexpensive lunch meats like pressed ham or turkey (found in the yellow and clear packs), Jello, and Kool-Aid for affordable snacks and treats. Dried beans are also a cheap and protein-rich option, although they require some advanced planning. Bananas and whatever other fruits or vegetables are in season are worth considering as well.
While it requires having money in advance, I buy most of my fresh produce, bread (including tortillas, buns, and loaves), seasonings (such as garlic, chicken and beef bouillon), sliced cheese, and meat (such as pork loins, hamburger meat, and chicken) from Sam’s Club. Although it may be challenging to do all the shopping at once, in the long run, it saves me a significant amount of money. I portion out the large packages of meat into meal-sized servings and freeze them. I also divide the sliced cheese into smaller stacks and store them in ziplock bags, and so on.

Prepared convenience food is rarely cost-effective, especially when needing to feed multiples. Lunchables, are a good example, meat, cheese, and crackers are much cheaper to provide the kids than the individual Lunchables.

I hope all this helps someone <3

Please comment below resources that you are aware of that aren’t included here. 🙂

Feb 14

The Lasting Legacy of a Rose: A Tribute to a Father’s Love and a Mother’s Memory

The Lasting Legacy of a Rose

The Lasting Legacy of a Rose: A Tribute to a Father’s Love & a Mother’s Memory

4 years ago today I walked past this in the store and Daddy whispered to me… “buy that for your momma.” I said “I don’t really have the money for that daddy” I felt an overwhelming sadness as a response.

You can believe what you want, this is one of those times I felt Daddy talking to me after he was gone, all of them that I remember were him asking me to take care of mom for him. Daddy loved Momma. It was probably to an unhealthy extent, so much so that after he died he stuck around waiting on her and watching over her through me. He was always waiting on her.

I bought it, and I called mom she was out gallivanting as she did. I got her to meet me at Dirt Cheap on Olive. I ran into Dollar Tree and got a balloon and some other little things. She was rolling towards me in the parking lot and I brought out this little flower and the other things smiling and said “Momma daddy said I had to buy you another rose bush for Valentine’s Day he wants you to know he still loves you.” She smiled from ear to ear and then bawled. Momma loved Daddy and mourned him until she died.

After giving her this flower I’d go over to her house and I’d see it sitting in the window sometimes it would need water and I’d water it for her, it lived longer than any plant she’d ever kept. When she left us I took it home and watered it and brought it back to life. It remained a symbol of Daddy’s love for Momma, and something I could physically touch and care for in honor of their memory.

I left it along with my other plants with my neighbor when we decided to move to  Georgia. I figured I’d come back for it when we bought our next house. Unfortunately slightly after we moved the neighbor’s landlord sold their house and sadly she sold off my plants I’d left with her. I regret leaving this piece of history with her. I didn’t think it would make it through the move and in between and she had a green thumb.

Some of you who knew my mom and dad know this story runs deeper than this. When mom and dad first got together their first Valentine’s day mom said something about aren’t you going to get me flowers and chocolates for valentines day? I never got dad’s side of this story but the impression I was left with was he hadn’t planned on going after valentine’s day presents. They were newlyweds I’m not sure how that played a part but what he did after she pouted was a story that carried on and to me sums up who he was. Dad went down to the local store and bought a few Hershey bars and two rose bushes and brought them home to her and told her she’d always have roses for valentines day now. To me this was the sweetest story, I remember him planting those rose bushes in their own half a whiskey barrel planter and dragging them around with us as we moved. When I was young he always cared for them and cautioned me not to mess with momma’s roses.

This Valentine’s Day I hope he planted her a field of roses in a home that will never get taken from them. I miss them more than I can ever tell you guys. They weren’t the greatest parents but they were the ones I had and I loved them, and I’m sure they loved all of us kids too.

It’s funny how something as simple as a rose bush can hold so much sentimental value and meaning. To some, it may just be a plant, but to me, it represents the love and care that my father had for my mother and his family. It’s a symbol of their enduring love and a reminder that even when they are no longer physically with us, their love still lives on.

As I reflect on this Valentine’s Day, I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness and nostalgia. It’s been years since that fateful day when my father whispered to me from beyond, to buy that rose bush for my mother. Yet, the memory still feels so vivid and real. He remained with me, guiding me and watching over me until she joined him.

To anyone out there who has lost someone they love, I hope this post reminds you that their memory and love can still live on in the little things. It’s up to us to keep their legacy alive and to cherish the memories we have with them.

Feb 12

The Importance of Obtaining a Resale Certificate for Your Business

The Importance of Obtaining a Resale Certificate for Your Business

As a business owner, it’s important to understand the requirements and benefits of obtaining a resale certificate. A resale certificate, also known as a certificate of resale or sales tax permit, allows a business to purchase goods tax-free for resale, rather than paying sales tax on those goods. This document can be a valuable tool for businesses that purchase goods for resale, as it can help them to save money, meet state requirements, improve tax compliance, and streamline the purchasing process.

Why Obtain a Resale Certificate?

  1. Avoid Paying Sales Tax on Goods for Resale: If a business is purchasing goods for the purpose of reselling them, they can use a resale certificate to avoid paying sales tax on those goods. This can help the business to save money and become more competitive in their market.
  2. Meet State Requirements: In some states, businesses that purchase goods for resale are required to have a resale certificate in order to avoid paying sales tax on those goods. Failing to obtain a resale certificate when required can result in penalties and fines.
  3. Improve Tax Compliance: A resale certificate can help a business to be more tax compliant by ensuring that they are only purchasing goods tax-free for resale and are not taking advantage of tax exemptions meant for other purposes.
  4. Streamline the Purchasing Process: By having a resale certificate, a business can simplify the process of purchasing goods for resale. They can present the certificate to suppliers and avoid the need for additional documentation or explanation when making purchases.

How to Obtain a Resale Certificate

The process for obtaining a resale certificate varies depending on the state or jurisdiction in which your business is located. However, here is a general outline of the steps you may need to take:

  1. Determine if you need a resale certificate: Not all businesses are required to have a resale certificate. In some states, only businesses that plan to resell items or use them to produce other taxable goods or services are required to have a resale certificate.
  2. Register your business: You will typically need to register your business with the state or local tax authorities in order to obtain a resale certificate.
  3. Apply for the certificate: The process for applying for a resale certificate involves completing an application and providing information about your business, including your name, business name, address, tax identification number, and the type of goods you plan to purchase tax-free for resale.
  4. Provide proof of business existence: In some states, you may need to provide proof that your business is legitimate and registered with the state, such as a copy of your business license, articles of incorporation, or tax registration certificate.
  5. Pay any fees: There may be a fee associated with obtaining a resale certificate, which can vary depending on the state or jurisdiction.
  6. Wait for approval: After you submit your application and any required documents, you will need to wait for approval from the state or local tax authorities. Once approved, you will receive your resale certificate.
  7. Keep your certificate up-to-date: You will need to renew your resale certificate periodically, as the terms and requirements can change.

In conclusion, a resale certificate is a valuable tool for businesses that purchase goods for resale. By allowing them to avoid paying sales tax on those goods, improve tax compliance, and streamline the purchasing process, a resale certificate can help a business to save money and become more competitive in their market. It’s important to understand the requirements for obtaining your own resale certificate.

Jan 31

Granny Howard’s Pound Cake Recipe

Granny Howard's Southern Pound Cake

Granny Howard’s Southern Pound Cake

Granny Howard’s Pound Cake Recipe

 

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 lb. butter
  • 2 1/2-3 c sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 1 c sweet milk (or sour cream or buttermilk)
  • 1/2-2/3 tsp baking soda
  • 3 c flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
  2. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together milk and baking soda.
  4. Gradually add milk mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until well combined.
  5. Gradually add flour and salt (if using) to the mixture, beating on medium speed for 12 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a loaf pan.
  7. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F, then reduce the heat to 325°F and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. Do not open the oven while baking.
  8. Once finished, allow cake to cool before serving.

 

Story Time:

Granny Howard’s Pound Cake Recipe is a classic, old-fashioned dessert that has been passed down through generations. This traditional Southern Pound Cake recipe is made with simple ingredients, including butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, sweet milk (or sour cream or buttermilk), baking soda, flour, and salt. The cake is made by creaming the butter and sugar, beating in the eggs and vanilla, mixing together the milk and baking soda, and gradually adding in the flour and salt. The batter is then baked in a loaf pan at 350°F for 30 minutes, before reducing the heat to 325°F for an additional 30 minutes.

This Granny Howard’s Pound Cake Recipe is a beloved family tradition, with roots dating back to post-Civil War Kentucky. According to family legend, Granny Howard’s mother Elizabeth used this recipe to deter “carpetbaggers” from burning down their home. Today, this pound cake is still a staple in Southern homes, served on special occasions and as a sweet after-dinner treat.

This Homemade Pound Cake Recipe is an easy-to-follow, egg-based cake recipe that is perfect for cake-baking enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you prefer the traditional flavor of a Vanilla Pound Cake or the tangy taste of a Sweet Milk Pound Cake, this Granny Howard’s Pound Cake Recipe is sure to deliver a fluffy, delicious dessert that will become a staple in your home. So why not try this traditional Southern dessert today and experience the old-fashioned goodness of Granny Howard’s Pound Cake Recipe!

Jan 30

The Importance of Being Informed in Organ Donation: My Family’s Story

The Importance of Being Informed in Organ Donation: My Family’s Story

A friend posted about organ donation this morning and while I’m for it I believe you should be informed please take a moment and read about my family’s experience with organ donation.

When my daddy died they called me and asked I told them he’d been dead several hours and I couldn’t understand how any of his organs could possibly be viable. The man on the phone assured me that his organs were still viable and usable.
The man lied to me. My daddy was butchered up by someone who didn’t care about him or his dignity. The Undertaker did the best he could but they had taken so much of him that it was almost not possible to have an open casket and a lot of what was there was plastic sheeting to make it look better. They took all of his organs his eyes and a large portion of his skin and bone.
Many months later, I contacted the tissue donation agency and asked them if there were any letters of thanks. The woman said surely there had to be my dad’s donation had touched more than 100 lives! I was floored. How was that possible, one heart, two eyes, one liver, two lungs, ect? So I waited to hear from the people my daddy helped save. Nearly a year later (around 3 years after he’d died) I contacted them again and found that I had never received anything from them in the mail because there had been no letters of thanks. I was again floored. How do you not take the time to thank someone for donating their lungs to you when you’re on your deathbed or their eyes so that you can see…
The person who called me back explained that dad’s donations were all tissue. They used his skin for grafts, and bone material for hip replacements and the like. A little research proved that most of the people who received donations from my daddy had no idea that they received human “donated” tissues in their procedures. The quotes around “donated” are because they were charged for those things in their procedures. So while we donated those tissues they were not donated to the people who received them.
Where did the organs go that I was assured were viable? No one knows.
I was heartbroken to know that I let someone cut my daddy up like an old pair of jeans so they could sell his skin and bones. I NEVER would have agreed to it had I been properly educated and told the truth of what they were going to do.
I don’t regret that his skin and bones were used to help others, I want them to know my daddy was a good man who would have helped them out had he been given the opportunity. I want them to know who he was. Not just a blurb in some paperwork somewhere that says you may receive live tissue donations in your procedure. I was compelled to do something that not all of my family agreed with because of the lure of saving a life not so that he could be sold as used parts.
I tell you all of this not to discourage you from donating your organs.  Given the chance, if my heart, lungs, kidneys, or some other working organ can give someone another week with their families and I’m not using it anymore I want it to go to them. What I don’t want is for my daughter to stand at my funeral and feel her hand sink into my chest because they took all my ribs. Or for the undertaker to need to position me in the casket a certain way because there wasn’t enough of me left to properly embalm and support a viewing. Be educated, stipulate what you’re comfortable with and inform those making decisions for you. I’m not sure about everywhere but here in Florida, they have to get the next of kin’s permission even if the person lists themselves as an organ donor.

Jan 24

Starting Your Own Graphic Design Side Hustle

Starting Your Own Graphic Design Side Hustle

Are you good at editing? Are you creative? Do you know how to use programs like Canva, Picmonkey, and Adobe? Do you have an eye for design? Small business owners everywhere are looking for someone to make fliers, business cards, table tents, mailers, posters, logos, and online graphics to represent their brand, their sales, and their most recent million-dollar idea. This is where you come in by offering your services to help with graphic design needs. This makes you an invaluable resource, and people are willing to pay for those resources, and this is how you get started with your own Graphic Design side hustle.

There are a few basics that apply to starting any side hustle.

  • Identifying a problem.
  • Solving the problem.
  • Selling your solution, by obtaining clients

Let’s chat about obtaining clients.

Create an ad. This could be a graphic image or just a short blurb about the services you are offering. Remember you could have the best service business in town but if people don’t know you exist you can’t sell your service.

Seek out local small business forums, Facebook groups, Craigslist, and post about your services.

Network. You never know when you’ll overhear a conversation, or be asked for advice on a subject that will lead to a sale. Keep your business cards on you at all times.

Word of mouth will eventually be your best marketing strategy. Happy clients who would like their friends to also utilize your services. So make sure you keep HAPPY clients!

There’s An App For That: Graphic Design

There are several apps and websites that can be used to hire graphic designers, some popular ones include:

  1. Upwork: A platform that connects freelancers with businesses and individuals looking to hire them.
  2. 99designs: A crowdsourcing platform that allows businesses to hold design contests and choose the best design from multiple submissions.
  3. Fiverr: A platform that connects businesses with freelancers offering a wide range of services, including graphic design.
  4. Behance: A platform that allows designers to showcase their work and connect with potential clients.
  5. Dribbble: A community of designers where you can find and hire graphic designers for your project.
  6. CreativeMarket: A platform that connects businesses with freelance graphic designers and offer pre-made design elements like logos, templates, and more.
  7. Hirable: A platform that helps businesses find and hire top graphic designers, developers, and product designers.
  8. Crowdspring: A platform that offers a wide range of design services, including graphic design, and connects businesses with a global community of designers.
  9. Toptal: A platform that specializes in connecting businesses with top-tier freelance graphic designers and other professionals.
  10. DesignCrowd: A crowdsourcing platform that allows businesses to hold design contests and choose the best design from multiple submissions.
  11. PeoplePerHour: A platform that connects businesses with freelance professionals offering a wide range of services, including graphic design.
  12. The Creative Group: A specialized staffing agency that helps businesses find and hire graphic designers and other creative professionals on a temporary, project or full-time basis.
  13. LinkedIn ProFinder: A service offered by LinkedIn that helps businesses find and hire professional service providers, including graphic designers.
  14. Guru: A platform that connects businesses with freelance professionals offering a wide range of services, including graphic design.

Please note that the above list is not comprehensive and there are many other platforms and websites available for hiring graphic designers.

Even though these apps and sites exist many small business owners won’t be aware they exist. Some may also prefer someone to come in person to discuss their ideas and show proofs. However, as a freelance graphic designer, you can work where and whenever you want so your client could be literally anywhere in the world and it wouldn’t affect your ability to work together. These apps could work to your benefit, you may be able to contact them and offer your services through the apps.

As with every side hustle make sure to keep your receipts. Track your supplies, mileage, and other expenses. You’ll also need to track your income from your side hustles so that you can file your taxes appropriately at the end of the year. Please consult your local tax professional for details.

Graphic Design as a side hustle can be lucrative most design rates start at $40 per hour. So if you’ve got the skill, eye for design, and communication skills this might be a great side hustle to add to your bag of tricks.

 

Jan 24

Starting Your Own Elder Care Side Hustle

Starting Your Own Elder Care Side Hustle

Starting Your Own Elder Care Side Hustle

Are you a caregiver at heart? Do you miss sitting on the back porch with grandma talking about the good old days? Then this may be the perfect side hustle for you. The population is aging and they need help around the house. This could be a trip to a doctor’s appointment or grocery shopping. Maybe stopping in to check on someone’s mom or dad that lives alone. It might mean light housekeeping or making a meal. It also just might mean being a companion. Showing up and listening. This is where you come in by offering your services to help with these daily living chores. If you can provide this care it makes you an invaluable resource, and people are willing to pay for those resources, and this is how you get started with your own Elder Care side hustle.

There are a few basics that apply to starting any side hustle.

  • Identifying a problem.
  • Solving the problem.
  • Selling your solution, by obtaining clients

Let’s chat about obtaining clients.

Create an ad. This could be a graphic image or just a short blurb about the services you are offering. Remember you could have the best service business in town but if people don’t know you exist you can’t sell your service.

Seek out local Forums, Facebook groups, and Craigslist, and post about your services.

Flier churches, parks, senior centers, and other places your clientele might be visiting.

Network. You never know when you’ll overhear a conversation, or be asked for advice on a subject that will lead to a sale. Keep your business cards on you at all times.

Word of mouth will eventually be your best marketing strategy. Happy clients who would like their friends to also utilize your services. So make sure you keep HAPPY clients!

There’s An App For That: Elder Care

  • Papa pal: Papa helps health plans and employers connect members and their families to real people for help with companionship, everyday tasks, transportation, and more. It’s vital human connection, right to the front door.
  • CareLinx: A platform that connects caregivers with families in need of in-home care services.
  • Care.com: An online marketplace for caregivers, including those that provide in-home care services.
  • Caresync: A care coordination platform for families and caregivers to manage care plans and share information.
  • Honk: A platform that connects families with trusted local caregivers.

It’s worth noting that most of these apps have a free version and also a paid version that grants access to more features and benefits.

Even though these apps exist many locals won’t be aware they exist. Some may also prefer to hire someone they’ve met in person. These apps could also work to your benefit, you may be able to contact them and offer your services through the apps.

As with every side hustle make sure to keep your receipts. Track your supplies, mileage, and other expenses. You’ll also need to track your income from your side hustles so that you can file your taxes appropriately at the end of the year. Please consult your local tax professional for details.

Elder Care as a side hustle can be lucrative most care rates start at $20 per hour but can vary greatly by the type of services needed and the complexity. Certifications can also up your expected pay rate. CNAs, Patient Care Techs, LPNs, RNs, and other health care providers are likely to charge a rate closer to their individual industry standard but you wouldn’t hire an RN if you just needed someone to run to the grocery store or run a load of laundry. So if you’ve got the patience, knowledge, and communication skills this might be a great side hustle to add to your bag of tricks.

 

Jan 24

Starting Your Own Side Hustle With Your Car

Starting Your Own Side Hustle With Your Car

Starting Your Own Side Hustle With Your Car

Owning a car opens up a world of opportunities for those looking to start a side hustle. People are busy, and this is where you come in by offering your services to help with errands. This makes you an invaluable resource, and people are willing to pay for those resources, and this is how you get started with your own side hustle using your car.

There are a few basics that apply to starting any side hustle.

  • Identifying a problem.
  • Solving the problem.
  • Selling your solution, by obtaining clients

Let’s chat about obtaining clients.

Create an ad. This could be a graphic image or just a short blurb about the services you are offering. Remember you could have the best service business in town but if people don’t know you exist you can’t sell your service.

Seek out local Forums, Facebook groups, Craigslist, and post about your services. There are national and local drivers participating in forums and Facebook groups that are sometimes eager to answer the questions of new drivers so be sure to do a quick search for those.

Network. You never know when you’ll overhear a conversation, or be asked for advice on a subject that will lead to a sale. Keep your business cards on you at all times.

Word of mouth will eventually be your best marketing strategy. Happy clients who would like their friends to also utilize your services. So make sure you keep HAPPY clients!

There’s An App For That:

  1. Rideshare with Uber and Lyft: These are two of the most popular ride-sharing apps, and they allow individuals to use their own cars to give rides to paying customers.
  2. Food Delivery with Ubereats, Doordash, Postmates, & Grubhub: These are food delivery apps that allow individuals to use their cars to pick up and deliver food orders to customers.
  3. Delivery with Postmates, Amazon Flex, & Roadie: Allows individuals to use their own cars to make deliveries for businesses and individuals.
  4. Grocery Delivery with Instacart, Shipt, Postmates, and GoPuff: Allow individuals to use their own cars to deliver groceries to customers.
  5. Rent your car with Turo: A car-sharing platform where people can rent out their personal vehicles to renters when they’re not using them.

Even though these apps exist many locals won’t be aware they exist. Some may also prefer someone to come in person. These apps could also work to your benefit, you may be able to contact them and offer your services through the apps.

As with every side hustle make sure to keep your receipts. Track your supplies, mileage, and other expenses. You’ll also need to track your income from your side hustles so that you can file your taxes appropriately at the end of the year. Please consult your local tax professional for details.

Just like with any of the side hustles in our series, the apps are great for getting started but the end goal is to get repeat customers when and where possible. Maybe a business that pays you to pick up their lunch every afternoon, or vacation rentals that you stock with necessities before their customers arrive. The possibilities are endless and reach as far as your imagination can take you.

Using your car as a side hustle can be lucrative. There are certainly peak hours for each of the above apps. Unfortunately, the apps provide inconsistent pay and there are many expenses to consider. Often tips make up a good portion of your pay. Which makes this a highly unreliable source of income. However, many of the apps payout the same day. So if you’re in a tight spot and there’s some gas in the car it’s a good place to start. I advise being somewhat selective in the trips you decide to take. Make sure they make financial sense. A little time driving, and it’ll become easy to figure it out.