So, it feels like most of the last couple posts (over the last few years naturally), have been some kind of update - oops! And if you were expecting something different, sorry - not this one!
Seeing as the last post on here was back in 2011 and that it's now the later half of 2016 - quite a lot has changed! Back in 2011 I had recently graduated, moved home, had finished my EMT cert and had just gotten hired at my longest full time job. I was still living at home, trying to save enough money to even think of moving out, and swimming under fathoms of debt.
Flash forward to now, and things are certainly different. I have been living in my own place for three years now. I not only kept working at the same job (until they closed their doors on us overnight back in February), but I went back to school and earned an Associate's degree for my Paramedic. I not only built up a decent savings, but also enough money to make a long-awaited return trip back to Europe earlier this year.
Sadly, it was during that trip that my life took a huge backtrack - while packing the morning before I flew from Dublin to Paris, I was informed that I did not have a job when I returned home because they closed due to bankruptcy - without any warning. It was then that I was thankful that I had built up an adequate savings! I did my best to not let my trip be affected, although in hindsight, my few days in Paris were much more subdued than I had planned. That was perfectly fine for me though, because it was what I needed. I actually think that being in Paris, thousands of miles away from the mess back at home, in my own small little flat that reminded me of my time living in Lille, France, made the shock easier to absorb. The harsh reality was that unlike most people when on vacation who say that they don't want to return back home, I truly did not want to go back. I felt like my life back home was over and that the future was somewhere else, although where I was uncertain.
Thanks to my savings and due to some diligent job searching while abroad and immediately upon my return, I bounced back almost immediately. I had a new job the day after I returned, and let that one the following day for an even better job. Since then, I have stabilized my jobs and my schedule (as much as my jobs and life permit!). I have since built back my net savings and am working on the next step of paying off the debts. I can proudly say that I have paid off all my small little loans, cards, and personal debts so that only my car and my student loans remain! (Those are still quite huge and nasty debts, but I also now have the resources to dump more money on them so they should resolve themselves rather quickly on the path I'm currently on.)
I know where I currently am, and I am not a fan. My eyes are looking beyond the region and beyond this country. Since studying abroad in Lille, and with my recent return trip back to Europe, I have known that my future lies elsewhere and abroad. The trouble is, I'm not sure where yet or through what means. Right now, I am currently eye four different options (and a few overlap themselves). I'm doing plenty of research right now, trying to vie which might be the best route. On one hand, I feel like this research and planning is actually denying the future, but I also know that I have some finances that need to be better aligned before I head out for good. I'll post my thoughts and the options I'm eyeing in another post soon. But now, I need to get back to getting something things taken care of while here at work.
There are some days when I wish I could just sit down, breathe, and ignore everything currently going on and just focus on me. I need moments like that, but that's a challenge to even attempt right now. I do know that the main focus is on me and only me. Some might see that as being selfish, but I see that as what is best for me - it's my life to decide how I should live it.
A bientôt!
Monday, September 19, 2016
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Hmmm...
Well, updating regularly hasn't worked out quite yet - oops!
Good new is, I'm officially in business! Doesn't feel like it, but according the IRS, I've taken a sale, so therefore in their eyes I'm open. I'm sure there's something I'm missing, and have yet to figure out the accounting aspect of things not to mention the dreaded taxes! But I finally feel like I'm moving in the right direction.
On the other side of things... I haven't had any of my sewing stuff out since before Christmas when my mother decided to move it all into the basement so she could put out her Christmas dishes... I think its partially because I've been busy with other things, but also because I've been lazy. One of my goals before I get wrapped up in a project, is to go thru and catalogue/organize everything. I need to see what I have supply-wise, plus I have a couple projects planned/in-the-works but have no idea about their status or if I have everything I need for it yet. But unfortunately, I've got other more pressing issues to tackle first....
... those dreaded bills and finances! I've never been good at keeping my checkbook balanced and everything (I've got at least a year or two of receipts still needing to be sorted and checked!) So, after I go through everything and find all the paperwork, bills, and receipts I have - I will be organizing and getting that in order... perhaps with some good music or a series of movies running for background noise! I also need to set up my finances for my business before I go much farther, but reading a few books currently to help me with this.
Aside from that, things are going as well as they can. The swim season is over, we had our Championships last weekend at my college - had a blast and even bested some of my times! Now... if only I can get in the water and actually practice! That's the goal for this summer: to get in shape and knock off some excess pounds!
Well, I've got plenty to do, and little time to do it... assuming I dont get sidetracked! A bientôt!
Good new is, I'm officially in business! Doesn't feel like it, but according the IRS, I've taken a sale, so therefore in their eyes I'm open. I'm sure there's something I'm missing, and have yet to figure out the accounting aspect of things not to mention the dreaded taxes! But I finally feel like I'm moving in the right direction.
On the other side of things... I haven't had any of my sewing stuff out since before Christmas when my mother decided to move it all into the basement so she could put out her Christmas dishes... I think its partially because I've been busy with other things, but also because I've been lazy. One of my goals before I get wrapped up in a project, is to go thru and catalogue/organize everything. I need to see what I have supply-wise, plus I have a couple projects planned/in-the-works but have no idea about their status or if I have everything I need for it yet. But unfortunately, I've got other more pressing issues to tackle first....
... those dreaded bills and finances! I've never been good at keeping my checkbook balanced and everything (I've got at least a year or two of receipts still needing to be sorted and checked!) So, after I go through everything and find all the paperwork, bills, and receipts I have - I will be organizing and getting that in order... perhaps with some good music or a series of movies running for background noise! I also need to set up my finances for my business before I go much farther, but reading a few books currently to help me with this.
Aside from that, things are going as well as they can. The swim season is over, we had our Championships last weekend at my college - had a blast and even bested some of my times! Now... if only I can get in the water and actually practice! That's the goal for this summer: to get in shape and knock off some excess pounds!
Well, I've got plenty to do, and little time to do it... assuming I dont get sidetracked! A bientôt!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Business 101 and Moving Out
Alright, I've done a bunch of research into my business plans. Basically I've discovered that I don't need to have the business set up in order to be hired as an independent contractor to costume a show. I do know more about having to charge more to cover taxes and other usual with holdings employers usually keep but until I meet with a theater, that's not a huge pressing issue.
As for the rest of the business, I have decided that its name will be Deibert Designs. Partially, because it has my surname included, I don't have to pay any fees to register a fictitious name, nor will I ever have to worry about copyright issues because it is my name. Also, the domain name is still available for it. I do still have a slight concern in that because I'm using "design" instead of fashion or other appropriate word, that I am not focusing enough for the purpose of the business nor does the name actually lend to think of costumes and garments. But, I have little intention of doing any current or future fashion, plus I am fully capable of doing other designs including scenic, props, and lighting so using "design" would enable me to expand in my contract work if I later opt to.
I also know that because I have almost no capital, save whatever I can save up, to invest in the start-up of my business, I will have to make sure I have all the financial aspects planned out well in advance. It will be a self-supporting company, that way all of my profits can be invested back into the company as savings to eventually provide a backbone that I can use to expand later. Unless I am able to get a grant for the business (which I haven't yet looked at), I also will not seek out outside financing. But because I won't have much start-up capital, it'll be tricky to get started.
Basically, here is the basic next steps to getting started:
1. Find a place to set up my shop and office. (Two options - will address below!)
2. Register business name at federal and state level to get an EID (Employer Identification Number), as well as get all paperwork needed to file taxes correctly.
3. Double check if I need to have any local permits and file for them.
4. Set up ledger books and all paperwork to keep track of all cash flow.
5. Purchase domain for website (also will have to purchase misspellings and possibly plurals of Deibert Design)
6. File paperwork for sales license and any associated paperwork for tax purposes.
7. Get insurance coverage for business (the business is unable to fall under basic home owner's and rental insurances)
8. Create shop on Etsy.com
9. Work on developing a permanent line and label (long-term goal)
10. Find work to do!
Alright, so it's actually quite a lot to do, but won't take long to accomplish the first couple steps. However, I've hit a slight problem right off the bat with step 1 - finding a place to set up my shop and office. Right now I live at home with my parents, which is a problem on many levels. But in regards to my business, I'm up a creek because there is absolutely nowhere I can set up a shop to work. I was sewing on the kitchen table, but I was kicked out so my mother could set up her Christmas dishes! Also, as of now I don't pay any, or even a portion, of the mortgage and utilities so nothing would be able for a legitimate deduction as business expenses. So I've got two options open to me: 1 - Move out and get my own place, while making sure I have enough room to set up my office and shop or 2 - Rent a commercial space to set up my shop and office there.
Option 2 would be nice, except from the financial viewpoint. I have no capital to start my business and any office space will require rent, utilities and more - a good couple months in advance! I simply don't have that money right now and don't wish to borrow it either. Nor is it wise as far as the business goes. I have to have a self-supporting business in order to survive in today's economy (which is actually great for starting a business as long as it's self-supporting!). So, a separate shop and office will greatly up my overhead costs. In order to compensate, I will either have to increase my output or raise my fees - neither of which is an option right after I start. I also can't price myself out of business! With a home-based business, I'm effectively already paying the utilities and rent already so those aren't additional expenses. I can include a portion of those as business expenses though, as well as deduct that same percentage in regards to my taxes. I will be able to keep my overhead low, and be able to price accordingly and still earn profits to invest back into the company. Plus, moving into my own place is really going to help everything else fall into place!
Unfortunately, I can't move out tomorrow - as much as I'd like. I am working hard on a monthly budget to first off make sure I can afford to move out (though I will be regardless!) but also to see where I can cut costs and thus up my available budget to make sure I can afford the rent and utilities. I'll also have to start paying my car insurance and phone bills, which will be extra expenses. I looked at my insurances - I can't save a great deal with my car insurance yet, but was told that I will need renter's insurance so I can now budget that in. And I will stay on my parent's phone plan because it's much cheaper than my own. I know my hours at work will be steady and I can easily get more (as long as I don't go over 40.) I'm filing the paperwork (finally!) to defer my student loans due to financial hardships, so that will not only alleviate a huge debt in order that I can move out but stop them from bugging me. [Basically, I've been trying to defer them since July but keep getting a run-around and haven't gotten the papers I need to file, etc, etc. so they're at risk soon of defaulting- not good!]
The only area I can cut is my car payments. They're not that bad right now, however its taking up a huge portion of my income - more than they should! I will be re-finanicng my car, but until I get my loans taken care of, I've got bad records on my credit record. Unless I find a place to rent that I can afford without refinancing my car loan, I can't move out fully until I do so.
So that's where things stand. The plans are laid out, actions are in motion, and it'll be interesting to see what happens next!
As for the rest of the business, I have decided that its name will be Deibert Designs. Partially, because it has my surname included, I don't have to pay any fees to register a fictitious name, nor will I ever have to worry about copyright issues because it is my name. Also, the domain name is still available for it. I do still have a slight concern in that because I'm using "design" instead of fashion or other appropriate word, that I am not focusing enough for the purpose of the business nor does the name actually lend to think of costumes and garments. But, I have little intention of doing any current or future fashion, plus I am fully capable of doing other designs including scenic, props, and lighting so using "design" would enable me to expand in my contract work if I later opt to.
I also know that because I have almost no capital, save whatever I can save up, to invest in the start-up of my business, I will have to make sure I have all the financial aspects planned out well in advance. It will be a self-supporting company, that way all of my profits can be invested back into the company as savings to eventually provide a backbone that I can use to expand later. Unless I am able to get a grant for the business (which I haven't yet looked at), I also will not seek out outside financing. But because I won't have much start-up capital, it'll be tricky to get started.
Basically, here is the basic next steps to getting started:
1. Find a place to set up my shop and office. (Two options - will address below!)
2. Register business name at federal and state level to get an EID (Employer Identification Number), as well as get all paperwork needed to file taxes correctly.
3. Double check if I need to have any local permits and file for them.
4. Set up ledger books and all paperwork to keep track of all cash flow.
5. Purchase domain for website (also will have to purchase misspellings and possibly plurals of Deibert Design)
6. File paperwork for sales license and any associated paperwork for tax purposes.
7. Get insurance coverage for business (the business is unable to fall under basic home owner's and rental insurances)
8. Create shop on Etsy.com
9. Work on developing a permanent line and label (long-term goal)
10. Find work to do!
Alright, so it's actually quite a lot to do, but won't take long to accomplish the first couple steps. However, I've hit a slight problem right off the bat with step 1 - finding a place to set up my shop and office. Right now I live at home with my parents, which is a problem on many levels. But in regards to my business, I'm up a creek because there is absolutely nowhere I can set up a shop to work. I was sewing on the kitchen table, but I was kicked out so my mother could set up her Christmas dishes! Also, as of now I don't pay any, or even a portion, of the mortgage and utilities so nothing would be able for a legitimate deduction as business expenses. So I've got two options open to me: 1 - Move out and get my own place, while making sure I have enough room to set up my office and shop or 2 - Rent a commercial space to set up my shop and office there.
Option 2 would be nice, except from the financial viewpoint. I have no capital to start my business and any office space will require rent, utilities and more - a good couple months in advance! I simply don't have that money right now and don't wish to borrow it either. Nor is it wise as far as the business goes. I have to have a self-supporting business in order to survive in today's economy (which is actually great for starting a business as long as it's self-supporting!). So, a separate shop and office will greatly up my overhead costs. In order to compensate, I will either have to increase my output or raise my fees - neither of which is an option right after I start. I also can't price myself out of business! With a home-based business, I'm effectively already paying the utilities and rent already so those aren't additional expenses. I can include a portion of those as business expenses though, as well as deduct that same percentage in regards to my taxes. I will be able to keep my overhead low, and be able to price accordingly and still earn profits to invest back into the company. Plus, moving into my own place is really going to help everything else fall into place!
Unfortunately, I can't move out tomorrow - as much as I'd like. I am working hard on a monthly budget to first off make sure I can afford to move out (though I will be regardless!) but also to see where I can cut costs and thus up my available budget to make sure I can afford the rent and utilities. I'll also have to start paying my car insurance and phone bills, which will be extra expenses. I looked at my insurances - I can't save a great deal with my car insurance yet, but was told that I will need renter's insurance so I can now budget that in. And I will stay on my parent's phone plan because it's much cheaper than my own. I know my hours at work will be steady and I can easily get more (as long as I don't go over 40.) I'm filing the paperwork (finally!) to defer my student loans due to financial hardships, so that will not only alleviate a huge debt in order that I can move out but stop them from bugging me. [Basically, I've been trying to defer them since July but keep getting a run-around and haven't gotten the papers I need to file, etc, etc. so they're at risk soon of defaulting- not good!]
The only area I can cut is my car payments. They're not that bad right now, however its taking up a huge portion of my income - more than they should! I will be re-finanicng my car, but until I get my loans taken care of, I've got bad records on my credit record. Unless I find a place to rent that I can afford without refinancing my car loan, I can't move out fully until I do so.
So that's where things stand. The plans are laid out, actions are in motion, and it'll be interesting to see what happens next!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
It's been a while...
So I recently remembered that I have this blog already set up and ready to go, which was much nicer than having to create a new one! The only problem was I have only two posts on here, and neither are recent. So it's time to fix that with a brief update.
After a long process and much stress, I finally graduated from college with my BA in Theater, along with minors in tech theater, acting and French. My plans are to eventually continue on for my Masters in Costume Design/Production but for now that is on hold due to financial issues as well as simply the market isn't right for me yet. So I moved back home for the time being. So Bella (my cat) and I moved back home with my parents, my brother and my sister... along with both of their cats - it's a blast...!
After a while, I found a job here at the YMCA as a lifeguard and instructor. I love it there and hope to keep it up. I've also started swimming and competing with their master's team which has been an interesting experience. I also worked for a while costuming for Stage Right, where I used to attend as a student back in high school. Due to contractual issues, that has been put on hold but I am hoping for things to be sorted out to start up again. I also was hired on at JoAnn's for the season but hope that I can be kept on as part time once the holidays are over.
My newest endeavor however, is trying to get my own business up and running. While I've done a lot of reading and looking into the details, as well as pondering about the specifics - I'm still lost and hoping that some of the local resources will be able to assist! Basically I am looking for something part time for now that is two fold: one side will be where I can be contracted by a theater, movie, etc to design costumes and most likely oversee the costumes through the production as well. The other side will be consignment based - basically I would accept orders for costumes and garments and make them to the specifications of the client. Naturally, as I work to improve my skills in sewing and costuming, I am working on my own projects. I'm doing the best I can to actually make them for people I know, be it friends or family members, however I know that some things I will turn around and sell for profit.
I have a lot of ideas and goals right now, just having trouble finding the time to fit it all in! My list of projects keeps growing to the point I really need to sit down and make a list of everything.
As far as everything else is concerned, I'm just busy working and relaxing in the spare time I have with a few good friends. I'm not dating anyone right now, nor am I really interested in anyone either - not yet sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I believe that I am ready for a relationship, it's just finding the right guy. That's the big issue I'm having in the area - most are either already taken, only looking for fun, or guys that I'm not interested in.
I think that catches me up-to-date. I do want to talk more about my business, if even to just get the ideas down in writing somewhere. Please feel free to add your advice or comments to my posts!
'Night and Happy Thanksgiving!
After a long process and much stress, I finally graduated from college with my BA in Theater, along with minors in tech theater, acting and French. My plans are to eventually continue on for my Masters in Costume Design/Production but for now that is on hold due to financial issues as well as simply the market isn't right for me yet. So I moved back home for the time being. So Bella (my cat) and I moved back home with my parents, my brother and my sister... along with both of their cats - it's a blast...!
After a while, I found a job here at the YMCA as a lifeguard and instructor. I love it there and hope to keep it up. I've also started swimming and competing with their master's team which has been an interesting experience. I also worked for a while costuming for Stage Right, where I used to attend as a student back in high school. Due to contractual issues, that has been put on hold but I am hoping for things to be sorted out to start up again. I also was hired on at JoAnn's for the season but hope that I can be kept on as part time once the holidays are over.
My newest endeavor however, is trying to get my own business up and running. While I've done a lot of reading and looking into the details, as well as pondering about the specifics - I'm still lost and hoping that some of the local resources will be able to assist! Basically I am looking for something part time for now that is two fold: one side will be where I can be contracted by a theater, movie, etc to design costumes and most likely oversee the costumes through the production as well. The other side will be consignment based - basically I would accept orders for costumes and garments and make them to the specifications of the client. Naturally, as I work to improve my skills in sewing and costuming, I am working on my own projects. I'm doing the best I can to actually make them for people I know, be it friends or family members, however I know that some things I will turn around and sell for profit.
I have a lot of ideas and goals right now, just having trouble finding the time to fit it all in! My list of projects keeps growing to the point I really need to sit down and make a list of everything.
As far as everything else is concerned, I'm just busy working and relaxing in the spare time I have with a few good friends. I'm not dating anyone right now, nor am I really interested in anyone either - not yet sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I believe that I am ready for a relationship, it's just finding the right guy. That's the big issue I'm having in the area - most are either already taken, only looking for fun, or guys that I'm not interested in.
I think that catches me up-to-date. I do want to talk more about my business, if even to just get the ideas down in writing somewhere. Please feel free to add your advice or comments to my posts!
'Night and Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Be Warned! and Enjoy!
This is my journal in which I will post things relevant to my life, comment on things I wish to, and basically write whatever I feel like writing. It is open to everyone, however heed my warning: Very rarely will I hold things back. I have no problem using actual names, actual place, actual events because those are the best way to express my feelings. If you wish I do otherwise, let me know.
What I write most often will not be proofread unless it is a work of poetry or something akin in nature, so please either accept that or stop reading my blog.
Lastly, while a good portion of my life is public knowledge, there are things I wish to keep private. If you see a blog which only contains a link to another blog - it is my private blog. If you really care to read it, then ask my permission. I have full authority to accept or deny your request without reason.
Thank you and enjoy reading!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)