0 How to Save Time and Money by Working from Home

We are all looking for ways to tighten the reins and figure our place in the larger scheme of things. While the world economy and your local economy was likely go-go-gangbusters in the 1990’s and early part of the new decade, in the past few years the economy has been in a tailspin and people are not living nearly the same way as they once were. It is important, then, for those looking to make some kind of meaningful change, settle your debt, or at the very least not incur any new debt to look at all possible options.

One way to get help with your debt may be actually to work from home. Depending on what your skill sets are and depending on your current employment status is, you may be able to do great things and make a surprising and memorable change by eschewing work in the traditional sense and taking on work from home. What kind of money and time can you save working from home?

Gasoline: One of the biggest expenses many of us incur as we drive in and out to work every day is gasoline. How much do you spend every week on

gasoline? Would you like to see that number minimized or eliminated? When you’re working from home you don’t need to drive anywhere making the gasoline from your suburb into the big city non-existent.

Parking: If you work in an urbanized area like a city’s downtown or central business district, you are more than likely to pay for parking. The bigger the city, the stricter the regulations are on parking, and the higher the prices will be to park. Many cities also offer limited time parking on some streets usually between 2-3 hours at a time, yet the fines are hefty with violations of time restrictions. Working from home will eliminate the need to spend money on parking and possible violations.

Other Auto Expense: Did you ever consider all the “other” automobile expenses that you incur every day? Having an EZ-Pass really saves you time at the tolls but do you even factor that expense into your daily commute? How about the miles you’re putting on your car; regular maintenance, or auto insurance; all expenses which can be minimized or eliminated working from home.

Lunch Out: Another thing that so many people don’t take into account is all the money spent on survival. Even if you brown-bag it you still have to think about the added expense of this food on your grocery budget. Then of course there are the guilty pleasures; blended fruit drinks, espresso-Mondays that quickly become espresso-Monday-thru-Fridays, and all the other ancillary expenses which just get tacked on to the reality that you’re working. Of course you’re working but how much do you really bring home at the end of the day?

Time Has Value: Some may say that the concept 'settle your debt' and 'working from home' don’t have all that much in common with this last category; you still have to take time to work when you’re working from home. But when you are working from home you can make your own hours, set your own schedule, and do well for your family when your family demands well of you.

There are reasons people opt out of the urban workforce altogether; if you don’t live in the urban community (within walking distance or via public transit) it doesn’t really make a lot of sense to work there. By eliminating these expenses you can settle your debt, hang up the work-shirt, and get on with your life as you once knew it; free and easy.

Peter Martinez is a writer and the Veterans Outreach Coordinator for America’s Debt Help Organization- Debt.org. He has specialized in helping Veterans transition from Military to civilian life, and helps inform Veterans among others on how to save money, reduce debt, and live a financially independent life.