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When I first moved out on my own in 1992 (that seems SO long ago), I was an avid coupon clipper. The grocery stores I frequented had “double coupon day” once per week, so that was my day to shop. I loved raking in the savings.
In addition to that, I did a lot of brand comparisons (how many ounces of brand A is available for this price in comparison to brand B for this price, etc.) so I’d get the most bang for my buck. Back then; I was able to average $60.00 per week for an apartment filled with four adults.
Now, things are different. I can’t find good coupons, nor can I find anywhere that will double them. Those “savings cards” seem more like a marketing strategy allowing stores to sell consumer information more than anything else.
Where does this leave the thrifty consumer? I’m feeding a family of six now and, it seems, I can’t keep up without spending $200.00 per week! I rarely purchase brand names, I buy in bulk whenever I can save (meat, especially), and I take advantage of sales when I can find them (buy one get one free on vitamins – yes!).
I did a little hunting online and can see that coupons are still of interest to the consumer, but why can’t we find “good” ones in the Sunday paper anymore? Why can’t we double them in the popular stores anymore? There was one time, years ago; I remember a triple coupon day happening a couple of time per year, too! Where are those savings??
Now that money is being seriously crunched during the heating season, I’ll be digging deeper into the Internet and Sunday papers to find clip-able and printable coupons. I’ll share the printables in this blog, of course. We all need to save!
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For those of you venturing on to this blog who are not new to the freelance writing work, how often do you brush up on your skills? There are a number of ways to accomplish this:
1. writing courses and workshops that are face-to-face
2. online classes or workshops
3. how to ebooks
4. traditionally published guides
5. writing groups or critique groups
6. informational articles or web content
7. ezines, newsletters, magazines
I admit that I should spend more time brushing up on my skills, and learning new ones. My biggest weaknesses seem to fall in the areas of self-promotion and search engine optimization (SEO).
What interests me most about these weaknesses is the fact that, when I began my freelance writing career in 1999, I had absolutely no idea I would needed to possess these skills. Over the years I’ve grown to understand the need to strengthen these skills and I’m sure, as the years progress, I’ll come across more skills I’ll need to learn and strengthen . . . that seems to have very little to do with freelance writing.
What skills do you need to brush up on?
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Follow this prompt to help break or prevent writer’s block. Use your word processor, your blog, or handwrite this out. Remember that whatever works best for you will yield the best results.
Are you interested in reality television? Describe why or why not in 200 words. If you are interested, what are some of the shows you watch most often? Describe them ion 300 words. If you are not interested in reality television, what do you typically watch? Describe these shows in 300 words.
If you feel you can write more than what is outlined here, feel free to do so. If you feel the need to write less, consider writing about why you wish to do so in order to keep your pen moving and your mind working.
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When I worked a salaried position, I made the mistake of taking my pay and figuring out how much I was making per hour. My supervisor was very upset with me and shouted, “Don’t count the hours!” I was earning around $20,000 per year back then and, when I figured out my hourly wage, it was about $3.72 because I worked SO much.
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Rainy days are a constant issue in our happy little household. On perfectly sunny days, the kids rarely seem interested in going outside. When it is raining, however, that is all they want to do.
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Follow this prompt to help break or prevent writer’s block. Use your word processor, your blog, or handwrite this out. Remember that whatever works best for you will yield the best results.
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Despite it being a short school week (the kids have Monday off from school because it’s a holiday), that doesn’t mean there’s less to do.
· Monday: my nephew and I will be working on his homework all day while I work on my job-related duties. Then, the rest of the kids will be home by 5pm
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Because we’re a blended family in every way imaginable, we have to share the children on every other holiday. This is difficult because, of course, we want the house filled with the celebratory laughter and conversation from the entire family on the holidays . . . we don’t want to send them in so many different directions:
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I was reading in another writing blog (actually, several writing blogs) about acting like a business, and it’s importance. I had a conversation about this yesterday with my fiancé, too, so I think this is a good pointer toward a topic of writing today. It’s not uncommon for this type of thing to come up in conversation, but it’s frustrating when it’s misconstrued or misunderstood.
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Follow this prompt to help break or prevent writer’s block. Use your word processor, your blog, or handwrite this out. Remember that whatever works best for you will yield the best results.
[ Click here to read more ]
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Comment by Jenn Hollowell
on Don’t Count the Hours!
Freelance Tips
Reality Mom