Working From Home in Any Weather

I was going to title this post "I’m Dreaming of a White . . . Thanksgiving?" but changed my mind. After all, a white Thanksgiving isn’t all that unusual here – we always get our first real snow around turkey time. But waking up to a rising blanket of white (and with Thanksgiving just around the corner) set me to thinking about how thankful I am to work at home. I sure wouldn’t want to be out commuting to a job in this weather, although I did for a lot of years. Just one of the many joys of being a self-employed early retiree! Now if our power stays on, I’m all set for whatever work I choose to do. If the power goes out, I guess it’s hot chocolate by the wood stove.

Actually, as a writer and quilter, I can do several things without power. I enjoy composing with pen and paper part of the time. Although it’s slower and less neat, I often think best with a pen in my hand. Quilt design can be also an electricity-free activity. So while I’d rather the power stay on, if it doesn’t and I’m so inclined, I can still be productive.

Working from Home has Many Advantages

The ability to get to work safely and comfortably despite inclement weather is just one of the advantages of working from home. Setting your own hours, wearing the clothing of your choice and attending to other issues as they arise are others. Whether you need to support your family or just supplement other income, there are a variety of viable work at home options available, my favorite being writing.

Some Work-at-Home Ideas

If you’re interested in pursuing freelance writing but don’t know where to start, check out No Job For Mom – that’s where I found out most of what I know. If other avenues appeal to you, such as online selling, do a ton of research online first. Always type the site, company, or whatever into a search engine with the word "complaint" or "scam" or "review" afterward. And always beware of any offer that sounds too good to be true or requires you to buy something first – for the most part, making money shouldn’t cost you money. Your goal is to be on the paid end of the equation rather than the paying end, right?

In addition to writing online, my other at-home moneymaking ventures include editing for other writers and creating custom memorial quilts, examples of which can be seen on my Custom Memorial Quilts website. These income-producers all grew from my hobbies so think about what it is you like to do and find a way to turn those very things into a work-at-home job.

Time Management is the Key to Accomplishing Goals

When it comes to time management, the advantages and disadvantages of being retired are often the same. A set schedule fosters productivity while lack of a schedule may lead to wasting time. I know when I have lots to do, I generally get it all done but when I don’t have time pressure, I get less accomplished. So for me, developing (and following!) a daily schedule is critical to accomplishing my goals.

Time to Focus!
I’m on a quest to get really focused lately. I’ve been spinning my wheels too long! I recently read a really good eBook which I will review as soon as it’s officially launched. As a result of my reading and the workbook exercises, I’ve clarified what it is that I really want to accomplish in four main areas and am now developing a plan of attack.

To move steadily toward my goals, I plan to get something done in each of four focus areas every day. Currently my four chosen areas are health, organizing, writing and creating. The way I plan to make progress is to schedule at least one small task that moves me toward my goals in each area each day.

Tools for Success
My first tool for success is a printable daily schedule sheet. I made a table with hourly time slots and space to fill in the applicable focus area and specific tasks. Each morning I’ve set aside a half-hour in which to plan my day. I may switch over to evening planning, or a combination of the two as time goes on. Rather than a rigid schedule, what I’m after is a flexible framework to provide structure to my day so that I don’t mindlessly let time slip away.

My second tool for success is a digital voice recorder. For me, physical activity inspires random thoughts and I usually get some of my best ideas while stretching or walking. To capture those fleeting thoughts when writing down notes isn’t practical, I keep my voice recorder handy. Interested in trying a digital voice recorder? I recommend Olympus and have provided an Amazon link.

How to Keep Your Unused Credit Cards

Do you have credit cards that you never use? On the one hand, this is good – it means you’re not racking up debt. On the other hand, a significant portion of your credit score is based on how much credit you have available in comparison to how much you’re using. So if you have an unused credit card, the available credit on that account is helping you. If the issuer cancels the unused card, your credit score will suffer.

Does This Apply to Me?
But wait a minute – I have no credit card debt as I use my cards as a convenience only and pay each in full each month. If you're like me, does having an unused credit card cancelled really matter? Actually, it could. Remember – the higher the amount of unused credit you have the better your credit score.

I’ve actually been worrying about this periodically as I have a VISA card that hasn’t been used in many years. It’s through a credit union so I don’t know that I’m in danger of being cancelled but the credit limit on that card is close to one-third of my available credit. Should the card be cancelled, that’s a big hit on my credit-to-debt ratio!

A Simple Solution
Suze Orman addressed this very issue in the November Costco Connection. A gal wrote in about receiving notification that one of her credit cards would be cancelled at the end of the year due to lack of use. Suze’s solution? Contact the card issuer and ask if they’ll keep the card active if it gets used once or twice a month. If so, pay one or two recurring expenses with the card such as the cable bill.

So why don’t I use my credit union issued card currently? Because years ago, every time I got the bill it looked like junk mail and I was afraid I’d toss it accidentally. So I just quit using the card. Fast forward to the present – I’m totally into paperless billing and don't get bills in the mail anymore. I guess it’s time to rethink my credit card usage and maybe use that card for some recurring expense as Suze recommends.

How to Transform Your Relationship with Money

I was cleaning today and ran across some old files from a decade or so ago. In the mix was a bunch of worksheets detailing my finances at the time - to the penny - for over a year. I also found graphs and other cool stuff I’d forgotten that I’d done. Fortunately I found a reference to creating a new road map and did a quick Internet search, which revealed that I had undertaken a very cool process presented in “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez.

My Life HAS Changed
Although it was a time commitment, reading the book and actually completing the exercises did transform my relationship with money. At the time, I was working in an office and in debt - nothing too serious - mortgage, car payment, some low credit card balances, and maybe some student loan payments. Now I owe no money and can work at home when and if I choose. Life has certainly improved since I took the advice in the book to heart and started valuing my life energy.

Looking back on the facts and figures, I am blown away by how different things are now. And also by how easy it is to forget previous details. But my handwritten income and expense sheets don’t lie. I think I’ll see if I still have a copy of that book around here somewhere. And if not, maybe I’ll check one of my book swap sites. I don’t think I really need it much now but it might be fun to read again anyway. And if I decide to do the exercises with the detailed accounts and graphs, it will be so much easier this time!

Get the Book!
Anyway, get a copy of this book. And I suggest you actually buy one (fyi - book image is an Amazon affiliate link). Anyone who has read this blog at all knows that I usually recommend borrowing from the library or a friend to save money, but this book is an exception. You just can’t digest it in one or two readings.

Now get busy and change the way you look at, think about, and act toward money!

Would You Rather Look Rich or Be Rich?

I just ordered a book by Stacy Johnson titled “Life or Debt 2010: A New Path to Financial Freedom,” which I discovered in “My 10 Dumbest Money Moves - And How You Can Avoid Them.” I raced to Amazon and ordered the book due to a quote under mistake number 3: Attempting to derive self-esteem from possessions, “You can either look rich or be rich, but you probably won’t live long enough to accomplish both.”

Think about that for just a minute. How much money have you squandered on appearance? What could you have done with that money instead? Are you sacrificing your future security to buy trendy clothes, a fancy car or more house than you can afford? Owning nice things is wonderful - IF you can afford them. But if owning nice things means payments over time, then you don’t really own them - they own you.

Now, I’m not saying that all debt is bad. I know that a mortgage is the only way most people will ever own a home; I’ve had a few mortgages myself. An education is also an investment in the future that may be worth financing. Just be realistic about what you can afford and err on the side of caution. Buying a modest house or attending a local college will usually accomplish the same goal at a much lower cost.

Back to the book. No, I don't really need it as we've been completely debt free for nearly a decade - but I love reading and passing along this kind of book. Yes, I’ve included an Amazon affiliate link for your convenience. However, when you get to Amazon, check out the available used copies. I just ordered mine for $5.76 including shipping, which is well below the price of a new copy. Better yet, although it wasn’t an option for me, check your local library and borrow the book for free. Happy reading!

Readbud IS a Scam

Update 12/9/10: Red Alert! Readbud IS a SCAM! It’s official - see PTC Investigations for full report.


Ok - I’m finally tired of Readbud. Even if I eventually am paid, I’m not recommending anyone waste their time on the site. Is Readbud a scam? If you define scam as a site that never pays, I don’t know yet. If you define scam as a site that doesn’t deliver as promised? Then yes, Readbud IS a scam.

One Reason Readbud IS a Scam

The site states “readbud offers hundreds of articles daily across all our Interest Topics. On average, a readbud member will receive just over 50 relevant articles daily assuming they've chosen the maximum 50 interest topics from over 340 interest topics we provide for selection.”

I’ve chosen 50 topics and have followed all other Readbud guidelines. I’ve never received 50 articles in a day so I guess I’m not average? But 2/day for weeks on end as I approach payout? It’s obvious that Readbud would like me to give up. I’ve sent them messages and received no reply so there’s another indicator of a scam, right? In addition, my husband, mom and sister-in-law have never received 50 articles either – 15-20 has been the max. I guess none of us is average.

Dismal Readbud Earnings

Once I reached about $30 in my Readbud account, the articles for me to read dried up. Over the past several weeks, I’ve received just two articles per day and have earned $.03-.$.21/day, with an average of just over $.08/day. I am at $47.26 right now and figure at the rate I’m going, I won’t hit the $50 payout for another 25 days. Will I persevere? YES! Why? To see if they actually pay, of course. Either way, I will be posting here.

In a previous post, I had my husband and sister-in-law on board with a Readbud experiment. Due to site glitches and low earnings, we’ve abandoned the idea. At this point, if I can just hang in there to payout and see what happens, I’ll be happy.

Bottom Line – Avoid Readbud

The bottom line from my perspective is that Readbud does not live up to their end of the bargain and should be avoided if you ever want to actually be paid for your efforts as promised by the site. I did a web search and found a real person who reached payout in May and was never paid, and another real person who finally gave up in July when her articles slowed to a trickle. I’ve yet to find a real person who has actually been paid although that individual could certainly exist out there somewhere.

If you enjoy reading and don’t mind a lot of substandard writing with a few well-written articles thrown in occasionally, then Readbud may be for you. I’ve enjoyed many of the articles and have even given a few the highest rating. For the most part, however, the articles contain numerous grammar, punctuation and even spelling errors. Those receive a lower rating but who cares? Does the author ever get feedback? I don’t know. And if so, do they have a clue why they received a particular rating? No, there’s no mechanism to explain your rating.

I’ve removed all links to Readbud from my blog. If I’ve missed any, please let me know. I will continue to read articles in my most-likely futile attempt to reach payout but still recommend against Readbud – even if I'm eventually paid – as the site does not deliver as promised.

Is Readbud Legit? The Jury is Still Out . . .

Update 12/9/10: Red Alert! Readbud IS a SCAM! It’s official - see PTC Investigations for full report.

Update 10/8/10: Readbud links removed as I no longer recommend Readbud.

I signed up for Readbud April 26, 2010. Initially I was earning over $1 each day reading articles based on my chosen interest categories. In mid-May, the Readbud blog announced an upcoming system expansion that was to include a new way to earn money and rewards, such iPhones and Xbox. On June 24, Readbud announced an infrastructure relocation to the US. On July 27, Readbud announced that the previously touted expansion was on hold until further notice, due in part to the infrastructure relocation. On Aug 22-26, Readbud underwent an extensive server upgrade. During these months, the number of articles available to me each day decreased significantly – some days just a few, some days none at all. I stuck with the program hoping things would improve after the move. Well, guess what?

No Improvement in Sight
It’s been nearly a month since the server upgrade was finished. Instead of an increase in articles each day, I’ve dropped from three to two. Hmm. Beings you have to earn $50 to reach payout, it’s going to take a while! In my post one week ago, I estimated reaching payout in 5-6 weeks based on an earning rate of 15-20 cents/day. Well, as of Tuesday, my available articles have dropped to just two and my average earnings are now 13 cents/day. I still may make payout in 5-6 weeks since I only need $4.45 more – unless they drop the articles to one or even zero. Can this happen? It rather looks that way.

Does Readbud Purposely Delay Payment?
My family kindly calls me tenacious for not throwing in the towel. What they really mean is obsessed but I’ll take tenacious any day. Anyway, I’ve gotten a couple of them on the bandwagon here. My DH and SIL both joined when I did but grew tired of the site glitches and slow earnings within a few days or weeks. Well, they’re both now active again. What better way to test if Readbud purposely delays payment than to compare their current experience to mine? One had earned under $5 and the other under $20. Guess what? They’re both earning over $1 each day by reading 15-19 articles. Hmm. And I only get two? What’s up with that? So we’ll see how it goes. They both predict my number of articles will drop to zero so that I can never reach payout. I predict that one of them will soon see a decrease in articles (at around $25) and the other will still have many each day.

So is Readbud Legit?
Only time will tell. If I do reach payout and actually see $50 deposited into my PayPal account, we’ll know that Readbud is legit to a point. But if Readbud purposely delays payment through lack of opportunity to earn, aren’t they actually a scam? Some would argue so, myself included. Luring participants with no intention of actually paying qualifies as a scam, right? Just because the mechanism by which non-payment is achieved is through participant opt-out due to difficulty and/or frustration is irrelevant. So once again, I’ll keep you posted as time goes by. I’m keeping stats on the number of articles and total earnings each day for the three of us and am anxious to see how this unfolds over the next several weeks.

Readbud - Will I Ever Reach Payout?

Update 12/9/10: Red Alert! Readbud IS a SCAM! It’s official - see PTC Investigations for full report.

Update 10/8/10: Readbud banner removed as I no longer recommend Readbud.

I’ve been hanging in there with Readbud, more out of stubbornness than anything else. I was enthusiastic when I joined in April and had a great time the first few weeks. Then things got iffy. But I stuck with it through the slow times (and non-existent times) while the company promised upgrades and a better experience with more earning opportunities. Now 4+ months later, the site does seem improved but the paid articles are extremely limited. So I’m getting three articles daily and earning at the exhilarating rate of about $.15-$.20/day when I’m lucky. That’s right – a little over $1/week. Compared to the initial $1+ per day in the beginning, the current rate is a huge disappointment.

Earnings To Date
Like I said though, I’m hanging in there. My earnings now total $44.46 and I am determined to see if I actually get paid once I reach the $50 limit required for payout. And you can bet I will be posting here either way. I’ve seen a few instances online of payout “proof” but will remain somewhat skeptical until I actually see the money in my PayPal account. For all I know, Readbud planted the proof I’ve seen. Would they do that? I have no way of knowing. It does appear that the number of articles each day diminishes significantly once earnings exceed $10 or so. At the initial rate of reading, I would have reached payout in a less than two months. At the current rate, it would take almost a year. I should be there in just another 5-6 weeks, however. How many people get discouraged and give up? I know at least two personally. So why did I stay with it?

Why Bother with Readbud?
I actually enjoy reading the articles. During the painful transition period that began shortly after I joined, I often found myself gritting my teeth just to get through. How many times can I read a poorly written article about government college grants for single moms? There were many articles that didn’t even rate a single star. But lately the content has improved. I actually found all three articles today interesting and reasonably well written. And the ads have improved, as well. At least now I’m seeing ads for tankless water heaters instead of nothing but online gaming.

Bottom Line
The bottom line is I plan to stick with Readbud at least until I reach payout. If I’m actually paid, I will probably continue simply because I do enjoy many of the articles, which I read while drinking my morning tea. I also have a few people signed up under me and if they ever reach payout, I supposedly get $5. I figured out, however, that to actually receive payment, my account total would have to reach $50 again. So we’ll see how it goes and I’ll be sure to report my experience here.

Please note that the above banner is a referral link. So if you click on it and sign up, I will receive $5 once you reach payout (supposedly).