I am going to be self-publishing my book and have been looking into the options for that. I am pretty sure I have decided upon which company I will be using, but there are still so many decisions to make.
For example, the company I am looking at has a package I am considering, as it will take a lot of the work out of it for me. The package contains
- POD, print on demand, meaning I wont have copies of my book all over my house until they sell, they get printed when bought.
- has over 25,000 bookstores than can get my book to, including the US and UK
- Will do the cover design etc... for me
- Will distribute through Amazon and 1,000 other online stores
- ISBN etc...
- 2 copies for the national library
- Publicity, press release etc...
- Google search
It’s about $2,000 and doing this package would mean I would make a very small profit from my book, which is ok, as it is distributed further than I can.
Getting them printed and advertising etc... myself is cheaper, but I can’t do the international market like they can, and it is much easier to let them.
I am still going to get some copies printed and do it myself so I can see what is really working for me.
I still have a way to go on my book and the deadline is getting closer and closer!
As such my list for this week is...
1.) I am going to investigate photographers, as I want colour pictures in my book, and this is not something I can do well.
2.) I have about 10 more recipes to “play around” with, so will be doing them this week as well.
3.) I will finish typing all my recipes so I can play around with the lay out.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
About
About The Challenge
On the 1th September 2009 I set myself a goal. I decided by April 2015, my 30th birthday I would be a millionaire. You can read my first post about it here. That's how this blog was born.
This gave me 289 weeks to make $1,000,000. As the challenge has progressed I have modified my goal a little. I now want to be completely financially free by 2015.
It is amazing the way my life has changed since setting this goal. I now have a book coming out in June with John Wiley and Sons called 365 Ways To Make Money and have already published a cook book, 26 Ingredients which can be purchased here. The changes in my life have been amazing since I set this goal.
About Me
![]()
I am a mid twenties Aussie SAHM to 2 beautiful little girls. I set myself the challenge to become a millionaire by 2015.
I blog about what is working for me, ideas I have, what didn’t work and plans I have. Before kids I ran a mobile hairdressing and beauty business in Sydney. I have also managed salons and worked in various other areas.
My passions are my family, cooking, travel, finances and real estate. I aim to make most of my money through real estate, but that is not all I talk about on here!
Before kids I had my own hairdressing and beauty business. I have also managed salons in Sydney. I also got to travel a bit and went to the USA, as my husband was born in Hawaii and has lots of family all over the USA. I have also been to New Zealand (more of my husbands family there) and around lots of places in Australia.
So stick around and see how it goes. If you have any recommendations for me, I’d love to hear them!
My photo was taken by Emma of Cheeky Chicken Photography. We did it just as a quick snap before photo's for my site, check out her work, she is really good. She specialises in childrens photography.
On the 1th September 2009 I set myself a goal. I decided by April 2015, my 30th birthday I would be a millionaire. You can read my first post about it here. That's how this blog was born.
This gave me 289 weeks to make $1,000,000. As the challenge has progressed I have modified my goal a little. I now want to be completely financially free by 2015.
It is amazing the way my life has changed since setting this goal. I now have a book coming out in June with John Wiley and Sons called 365 Ways To Make Money and have already published a cook book, 26 Ingredients which can be purchased here. The changes in my life have been amazing since I set this goal.
About Me
I am a mid twenties Aussie SAHM to 2 beautiful little girls. I set myself the challenge to become a millionaire by 2015.
I blog about what is working for me, ideas I have, what didn’t work and plans I have. Before kids I ran a mobile hairdressing and beauty business in Sydney. I have also managed salons and worked in various other areas.
My passions are my family, cooking, travel, finances and real estate. I aim to make most of my money through real estate, but that is not all I talk about on here!
Before kids I had my own hairdressing and beauty business. I have also managed salons in Sydney. I also got to travel a bit and went to the USA, as my husband was born in Hawaii and has lots of family all over the USA. I have also been to New Zealand (more of my husbands family there) and around lots of places in Australia.
So stick around and see how it goes. If you have any recommendations for me, I’d love to hear them!
My photo was taken by Emma of Cheeky Chicken Photography. We did it just as a quick snap before photo's for my site, check out her work, she is really good. She specialises in childrens photography.
Friday, September 25, 2009
A little update
I went to the Baby and Kids market last weekend, near when it was closing and had a look around for bargains I could sell on. I had a budget and a limit on what I would pay for things. To some, this is dodgy, but to me, it is good business sense. I looked out for things that I have either sold before or I know will sell.
I ended up only spending $25. The items I bought I will be able to sell on for $85. So provided they sell, I will have made $60 on my $25 investment.
I do this a bit, but I know which items are worth buying. I know which ones I will be able to make a profit on. It has taken a little bit of research and trial and error to find my little niche, but now that I have, it is great.
I deal mostly in books. I also occasionally will get good maternity items, but they have to be under a certain price and I will only purchase certain brands. Occasionally I will come across other good brand things, but I have found certain books sell over and over again, yet are so easy for me to find cheaply.
Also this week I sold items on eBay, plus did a few haircuts. So between that and what I already, after fee’s and last weekends’ spending, I have $200. Nowhere near my weekly amount, but I am getting there!
Slow and steady wins the race? Well, I will need to pick up speed if I am going to achieve my goal!
I ended up only spending $25. The items I bought I will be able to sell on for $85. So provided they sell, I will have made $60 on my $25 investment.
I do this a bit, but I know which items are worth buying. I know which ones I will be able to make a profit on. It has taken a little bit of research and trial and error to find my little niche, but now that I have, it is great.
I deal mostly in books. I also occasionally will get good maternity items, but they have to be under a certain price and I will only purchase certain brands. Occasionally I will come across other good brand things, but I have found certain books sell over and over again, yet are so easy for me to find cheaply.
Also this week I sold items on eBay, plus did a few haircuts. So between that and what I already, after fee’s and last weekends’ spending, I have $200. Nowhere near my weekly amount, but I am getting there!
Slow and steady wins the race? Well, I will need to pick up speed if I am going to achieve my goal!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Contact me
I do accept guest posts but only from bloggers I know. If you are a business wanting to 'guest post' it is called a sponsored post and there is a fee.
If you have any questions, suggestions, ideas, comments, anything email me on
If you have any questions, suggestions, ideas, comments, anything email me on
kylieofiu@gmail.com
Sunday, September 20, 2009
More ways to earn money
These days few people have enough time to do everything they need to do. When trying to think of ways to make money look for things people don’t have time to do, but things that still need doing. People are willing to pay when you are going to save them time, especially if you do a good job.
I’ve put together a list of ideas to help start you off. Whilst I wont be able to do them all, I am going to do what I can. You can see what I am already doing here
Plus if like me you have children, check out this post for ideas on childcare.
In the house...
1.) Family day care. There are companies out there where you can sign up and get trained and do day care from your house. This is increasingly popular as you can work at home with your children and since the waiting lists for childcare seem to be never ending, you will more than likely never need to advertise.
2.) Rent out a room. Can you take in a border or exchange student? Is your house designed so that you could possibly give someone their own space and thus charge more? If you have a main bedroom, ensuite and lounge area with its own entrance, you could possibly get a little kitchenette and turn it into a one bedroom studio area, which is worth more in rent than just a border in a bedroom.
3.) Rent out the garage. If you don’t really use it, or are happy to park your car on the street, why not rent out the garage to someone who needs storage space.
4.) Rent out space on your lawn or driveway to someone needing to store a boat or caravan. With both this suggestion and the one above, make it clear that their items are NOT covered by your insurance and get a proper lease/contract done up.
5.) Do you grow your own fruit and vegetables? Do you have bees or chickens? Why not put a sign out the front of your place and sell your excess.
6.) Pet sitting. If you have a good size backyard, this is a great way to earn extra cash. It’s also a great way to see if having a pet suits you and it teaches children responsibility.
7.) De-cluttering and selling what you no longer need. This is a start and not an on going thing to earn money, but will help you.
8.) Ironing.
9.) Mending.
10.) Freelance writing for magazines. Many offer money for articles from readers, and who knows, if your good, you might be made a regular.
11.) School holiday programme. Offer childcare and activities at your house for the duration of the holidays. Check how much they cost in your area, price yourself competitively and earn some money.
Out of the house but still doable with children in tow
1.) Dog walking. This can be done once a day, with your kids too. It’s great as they will learn more about animals and it keeps you all healthy.
2.) Delivering catalogues. This pays so little when you factor in the time involved, but again it is something you can do with kids. You have to pick the catalogues up, fold them, deliver them and call to say you’ve done it. It is not big bucks, but considering it is extra income and flexible, it is still an idea.
3.) Buy to sell. Visiting op shops, flea markets etc... is fun and doable with the children. Have a budget, know what it is that sells and only purchase if you are sure you can sell it on elsewhere for more. Many people make money doing this, although other people feel it is wrong. I see nothing wrong with it.
4.) Walk kids to and from school. If you are already taking yours, why not offer to do a school bus, but everyone walking. Considering a bus costs about $2 each way now, you could earn a little doing something you were doing already.
Out of the house and probably best without children
1.) Cleaning houses. Contact your local real estates and see if they would like someone to clean homes after tenants have moved out or before new tenants move in. Or advertise on a community noticeboard and do homes.
2.) Lawns and gardens. Grass always grows, as do weeds and gardens need tending, but few people have the time as such more and more people are finding others to do this sort of thing for them.
3.) Selling at markets. If you keep reading, there are lots of ideas as to what you can make to sell, especially if you are good at crafts. Since most markets are only once a week, if you have children, it is easier to get someone once a week rather than a few times a week.
4.) Party plan. You have to clear a kit first and be comfortable going into peoples homes and really selling. It can be quite daunting for some people, but you can make money out of it. There are so many now too. There’s skincare, jewellery, kitchen stuff, home wares, toys, books, basically anything you can buy is available in party plan form.
If you can sew/are good at crafts...
The list is virtually endless. You can sell either at markets, on auction sites, start your own website, or sell from home through word of mouth. Here’s some ideas, but there are plenty more...
Modern cloth nappies, liners and covers
Bibs, blankets and wraps
Baby sleeping bags
Rice/wheat heat packs
Aprons, oven mitts, table runners, place mats, coasters,
Christmas stuff like stockings, felt Santa’s, Christmas fairies or elves, Santa sacks/toy bags
Quillows (those rugs that roll into pocket pillows)
Hand bags
Gardening gloves, gardening apron
Eco shopping bags
Fairy stuff
Wedding veils, ring cushions etc…
Cushion covers
Patchwork journals
Games like hopscotch, snakes and ladders etc…
Pencil cases, library bags, art smocks
Cards
Wreaths
Personalise things with an embroidery machine
Dream catchers
Knit scarves etc…
Beading stuff like memory wire serviette holders, jewelery, hair clips
Wind chimes
If you can cook...
You could make many things to sell at the markets, such as cakes biscuits, slices and preserves.
Jams, chutney’s, sauces etc... all sell well.
Maybe start a meals on wheels type thing in your area.
Didn’t find anything on my list that was for you? Then why not really look at your skills and use them. What are you good at, enjoy doing or could easily do a quick course for?
Photography = family portraits, glamour shots, weddings etc...
Make-up = weddings, formals, special occasions
Maths, English, music = tutoring
Typing = Type up resumes or assignments for uni students. Make it clear though you are not responsible for the content. You are only typing.
Editing – Again, you could do this for uni students
Personal trainer – do the course and you could do it from home, go to peoples houses or meet at parks, ovals etc... You could do groups sessions at someone’s house if they have a pool and offer a group discount. One of my friends used to have someone come. A trainer was usually $60+ an hour, but gave a group discount of $10 each for 5 people. That meant a $10 saving for everyone, but the trainer got $250 for 1 hours work, instead of the usual $60. Much better use of time. Plus if you are able to do it at parks etc... you do not need to outlay money for equipment.
Massage – You can do shorter courses to do basic remedial type massage. This can be done at home if you have a spare room.
Remember, before doing any of these ideas check with your local council and any relevant Government authorities, as you may need an ABN, insurance etc... Check everything and research it all properly.
I’ve put together a list of ideas to help start you off. Whilst I wont be able to do them all, I am going to do what I can. You can see what I am already doing here
Plus if like me you have children, check out this post for ideas on childcare.
In the house...
1.) Family day care. There are companies out there where you can sign up and get trained and do day care from your house. This is increasingly popular as you can work at home with your children and since the waiting lists for childcare seem to be never ending, you will more than likely never need to advertise.
2.) Rent out a room. Can you take in a border or exchange student? Is your house designed so that you could possibly give someone their own space and thus charge more? If you have a main bedroom, ensuite and lounge area with its own entrance, you could possibly get a little kitchenette and turn it into a one bedroom studio area, which is worth more in rent than just a border in a bedroom.
3.) Rent out the garage. If you don’t really use it, or are happy to park your car on the street, why not rent out the garage to someone who needs storage space.
4.) Rent out space on your lawn or driveway to someone needing to store a boat or caravan. With both this suggestion and the one above, make it clear that their items are NOT covered by your insurance and get a proper lease/contract done up.
5.) Do you grow your own fruit and vegetables? Do you have bees or chickens? Why not put a sign out the front of your place and sell your excess.
6.) Pet sitting. If you have a good size backyard, this is a great way to earn extra cash. It’s also a great way to see if having a pet suits you and it teaches children responsibility.
7.) De-cluttering and selling what you no longer need. This is a start and not an on going thing to earn money, but will help you.
8.) Ironing.
9.) Mending.
10.) Freelance writing for magazines. Many offer money for articles from readers, and who knows, if your good, you might be made a regular.
11.) School holiday programme. Offer childcare and activities at your house for the duration of the holidays. Check how much they cost in your area, price yourself competitively and earn some money.
Out of the house but still doable with children in tow
1.) Dog walking. This can be done once a day, with your kids too. It’s great as they will learn more about animals and it keeps you all healthy.
2.) Delivering catalogues. This pays so little when you factor in the time involved, but again it is something you can do with kids. You have to pick the catalogues up, fold them, deliver them and call to say you’ve done it. It is not big bucks, but considering it is extra income and flexible, it is still an idea.
3.) Buy to sell. Visiting op shops, flea markets etc... is fun and doable with the children. Have a budget, know what it is that sells and only purchase if you are sure you can sell it on elsewhere for more. Many people make money doing this, although other people feel it is wrong. I see nothing wrong with it.
4.) Walk kids to and from school. If you are already taking yours, why not offer to do a school bus, but everyone walking. Considering a bus costs about $2 each way now, you could earn a little doing something you were doing already.
Out of the house and probably best without children
1.) Cleaning houses. Contact your local real estates and see if they would like someone to clean homes after tenants have moved out or before new tenants move in. Or advertise on a community noticeboard and do homes.
2.) Lawns and gardens. Grass always grows, as do weeds and gardens need tending, but few people have the time as such more and more people are finding others to do this sort of thing for them.
3.) Selling at markets. If you keep reading, there are lots of ideas as to what you can make to sell, especially if you are good at crafts. Since most markets are only once a week, if you have children, it is easier to get someone once a week rather than a few times a week.
4.) Party plan. You have to clear a kit first and be comfortable going into peoples homes and really selling. It can be quite daunting for some people, but you can make money out of it. There are so many now too. There’s skincare, jewellery, kitchen stuff, home wares, toys, books, basically anything you can buy is available in party plan form.
If you can sew/are good at crafts...
The list is virtually endless. You can sell either at markets, on auction sites, start your own website, or sell from home through word of mouth. Here’s some ideas, but there are plenty more...
Modern cloth nappies, liners and covers
Bibs, blankets and wraps
Baby sleeping bags
Rice/wheat heat packs
Aprons, oven mitts, table runners, place mats, coasters,
Christmas stuff like stockings, felt Santa’s, Christmas fairies or elves, Santa sacks/toy bags
Quillows (those rugs that roll into pocket pillows)
Hand bags
Gardening gloves, gardening apron
Eco shopping bags
Fairy stuff
Wedding veils, ring cushions etc…
Cushion covers
Patchwork journals
Games like hopscotch, snakes and ladders etc…
Pencil cases, library bags, art smocks
Cards
Wreaths
Personalise things with an embroidery machine
Dream catchers
Knit scarves etc…
Beading stuff like memory wire serviette holders, jewelery, hair clips
Wind chimes
If you can cook...
You could make many things to sell at the markets, such as cakes biscuits, slices and preserves.
Jams, chutney’s, sauces etc... all sell well.
Maybe start a meals on wheels type thing in your area.
Didn’t find anything on my list that was for you? Then why not really look at your skills and use them. What are you good at, enjoy doing or could easily do a quick course for?
Photography = family portraits, glamour shots, weddings etc...
Make-up = weddings, formals, special occasions
Maths, English, music = tutoring
Typing = Type up resumes or assignments for uni students. Make it clear though you are not responsible for the content. You are only typing.
Editing – Again, you could do this for uni students
Personal trainer – do the course and you could do it from home, go to peoples houses or meet at parks, ovals etc... You could do groups sessions at someone’s house if they have a pool and offer a group discount. One of my friends used to have someone come. A trainer was usually $60+ an hour, but gave a group discount of $10 each for 5 people. That meant a $10 saving for everyone, but the trainer got $250 for 1 hours work, instead of the usual $60. Much better use of time. Plus if you are able to do it at parks etc... you do not need to outlay money for equipment.
Massage – You can do shorter courses to do basic remedial type massage. This can be done at home if you have a spare room.
Remember, before doing any of these ideas check with your local council and any relevant Government authorities, as you may need an ABN, insurance etc... Check everything and research it all properly.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Earning money from home, what I am starting with
I have worked out a list of things I am doing to earn money, without going and getting a job, as with my husbands’ shifts, I can’t do it. So anything I am considering needs to be flexible.
1.) I am a qualified hairdresser and beautician, so I am going to put the word out that I am doing it again and will be able to do clients when it suits me. I have a lot of people waiting for me to do this, I have just been undecided.
2.) I help my sister in law with her business very occasionally and can usually get my kids looked after if I need to for this, as it is so rare.
3.) Online surveys. I will post the links later, there are only a few I trust and use. Some pay cash, some vouchers. It is not big money, but it is something I can do whenever.
4.) Sell on eBay. I have been doing this a bit lately and it has been going quite well. The fees are rather high though, but as long as I make something off the things I sell, it’s all good.
5.) I sell books on a website. I can usually buy them for $1 and sell for $15 - $20, which is a nice profit.
6.) I do a little bit of party plan. Not a huge amount as my husband doesn’t like it, but I do some here and there.
7.) I am in the process of writing a book, which will be published in November. I will write more about it once it has been published.
8.) I am going to be selling things at markets in November and December and if it goes well consider doing it in the new year too.
9.) I do the odd mystery shop. The pay is not fantastic, but I do ones for places I shop at anyway, so it’s like being paid to do my normal things.
10.) Make and sell cloth nappies. I do not have an overlocker, so this is a bit time consuming and I just do it for friends and family right now.
I am looking into more ways to earn money from home. I have quite a few ideas and will post them later.
1.) I am a qualified hairdresser and beautician, so I am going to put the word out that I am doing it again and will be able to do clients when it suits me. I have a lot of people waiting for me to do this, I have just been undecided.
2.) I help my sister in law with her business very occasionally and can usually get my kids looked after if I need to for this, as it is so rare.
3.) Online surveys. I will post the links later, there are only a few I trust and use. Some pay cash, some vouchers. It is not big money, but it is something I can do whenever.
4.) Sell on eBay. I have been doing this a bit lately and it has been going quite well. The fees are rather high though, but as long as I make something off the things I sell, it’s all good.
5.) I sell books on a website. I can usually buy them for $1 and sell for $15 - $20, which is a nice profit.
6.) I do a little bit of party plan. Not a huge amount as my husband doesn’t like it, but I do some here and there.
7.) I am in the process of writing a book, which will be published in November. I will write more about it once it has been published.
8.) I am going to be selling things at markets in November and December and if it goes well consider doing it in the new year too.
9.) I do the odd mystery shop. The pay is not fantastic, but I do ones for places I shop at anyway, so it’s like being paid to do my normal things.
10.) Make and sell cloth nappies. I do not have an overlocker, so this is a bit time consuming and I just do it for friends and family right now.
I am looking into more ways to earn money from home. I have quite a few ideas and will post them later.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
I've started
Whilst my start is not huge, nor dramatic, it is a start. I now have $80 in my quest for $1,000,000.
I did a hair cut for $20, recieved payment for items sold on eBay and got money from a book I sold a few weeks ago.
Yes, it is a low amount, but I am $80 closer to my goal.
I did a hair cut for $20, recieved payment for items sold on eBay and got money from a book I sold a few weeks ago.
Yes, it is a low amount, but I am $80 closer to my goal.
My challenge
Today, I set myself a goal. I am going to have $1,000,000 in my account or in assets by the time I am 30. That's 289 weeks from now. Do I earn big money? No, I am a SAHM (Stay At Home Mum). Does my husband earn big money? I am not going to be counting any money from him. I am going to earn the money all by myself.
Am I nuts? Hmmm, possibly. I know that I am determined. I have been thinking about what it would be like to have $1,000,000. What I would do with it, how nicely it would set us up for life, daydreaming about winning lotto... Then today I had a thought. Set a goal and do it. Nothing is stopping you.
Winning lotto is not going to happen. I do not gamble, so do not buy lotto tickets, and since you have to be in it to win it, my chances of winning are 0. Even if I was in it, my chances of winning would only improve to .0000000000001, or round that down to ZERO.
In today’s terms, most think a million dollars is a lot of money, but wont get you very far. I beg to differ. With that money, my husband and I could pay off our house and buy 2 more and still have money left over, because we are not aiming for the million dollar huge house. A modest house in the ‘burbs will be just fine thanks. With the income generated by the other 2 houses we could live quite well. We are not big spenders, and my husband is a workaholic, so even with rental income, he still wants to work.
My husband and I agreed a little while ago that any money I earn is mine to do with as I please. I usually spend it on things for my daughters, magazines, take-away. Basically, it gets wasted. Not anymore.
289 weeks from today, broken down this means I need to go from earning nothing to almost $3500 a week. I can’t get a job because my husband does shift work, which varies so greatly it is impossible.
I can however, use all my skills and talents to earn money. I made a list of things I can do to earn money, including what I already do and how I can expand on them.
So why not hang around and see what I do to make it.
Edited to add during this challenge my husband and I separated then got back together. Just thought I'd add that as it can be a little confusing when in some posts I am single and others I refer to my husband.
Am I nuts? Hmmm, possibly. I know that I am determined. I have been thinking about what it would be like to have $1,000,000. What I would do with it, how nicely it would set us up for life, daydreaming about winning lotto... Then today I had a thought. Set a goal and do it. Nothing is stopping you.
Winning lotto is not going to happen. I do not gamble, so do not buy lotto tickets, and since you have to be in it to win it, my chances of winning are 0. Even if I was in it, my chances of winning would only improve to .0000000000001, or round that down to ZERO.
In today’s terms, most think a million dollars is a lot of money, but wont get you very far. I beg to differ. With that money, my husband and I could pay off our house and buy 2 more and still have money left over, because we are not aiming for the million dollar huge house. A modest house in the ‘burbs will be just fine thanks. With the income generated by the other 2 houses we could live quite well. We are not big spenders, and my husband is a workaholic, so even with rental income, he still wants to work.
My husband and I agreed a little while ago that any money I earn is mine to do with as I please. I usually spend it on things for my daughters, magazines, take-away. Basically, it gets wasted. Not anymore.
289 weeks from today, broken down this means I need to go from earning nothing to almost $3500 a week. I can’t get a job because my husband does shift work, which varies so greatly it is impossible.
I can however, use all my skills and talents to earn money. I made a list of things I can do to earn money, including what I already do and how I can expand on them.
So why not hang around and see what I do to make it.
Edited to add during this challenge my husband and I separated then got back together. Just thought I'd add that as it can be a little confusing when in some posts I am single and others I refer to my husband.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)