Why It Pays to Hire Help at Home

After Julie's third child was born, she started feeling overwhelmed. She had the house of her dreams, but it was also huge, and she found the cleaning routine to be exhausting. In addition, she desperately wanted to take an extended family vacation, but she had no one to housesit. The daily grind took its toll, and Julie found herself battling depression.With her mother about 120 miles away, Julie decided she had no choice but to outsource some of her work on the homefront. And it's made all the difference in the world. Julie is finally enjoying life again, her husband is happier, her children appear to be calmer—and grandma is no longer worried about the family. Lawrence is a single father who has sole custody of his seven-year-old daughter. As a teacher, he finds that his work day often lasts longer than the 9-to-3 school day.

That leaves him with little time to make summer plans—including vacation by the shore and day camp for his daughter. As a result, he's decided to outsource his vacation planning and camp researching chores and he believes he is a less-stressed father as a result.Pete is an entrepreneur who left the television news business in order to devote himself full-time to a home-based medical supply business.

While he's confident that he's made the right decision for himself and his family, he needs to find a way to gain a competitive edge. He'd also like to generate more sales from the clients he currently has on his roster. Consequently, he's seriously considering outsourcing so that all business-related duties don't fall on his shoulders.There was a time when the only ones who could really afford to outsource their errands and other personal duties were the Donald Trumps and the Paris Hiltons of the world—but no more. In fact, a number of families are finding that they're better off—financially, emotionally, even career-wise—if they hire someone to take on some of the chores that are depleting their energy, time, and resources.

Add to that the fact that many business executives today—even owners of small businesses—have discovered their company profits can rise if they hire outside concierge services to assist themselves or their employees attain a better balance between their professional lives and their personal lives.A study by the Whirlpool Foundation conducted in 1999 found that the average woman with children spends 35 hours a week doing housework. That means that household chores have become almost a full-time job—even for those who already have full-time employment outside the home. Both women and men—whether they're married, single, married with children, or single with children—are experiencing a major time crunch.

Sociology experts, in fact, say Americans tend to put in more hours at work than other workers around the globe, meaning that there's less time available in American households to devote to routine maintenance, relocation chores, and other tasks.Of course, it's one thing to hear about your neighbor or competitor outsourcing personal and business chores. It's quite another to consider following suit. Still, rest assured that there are numerous reasons to employ someone to handle some of those duties:o You could end up actually saving money.

If you work in a professional field, such as medicine or law, your time is so valuable that it is undoubtedly worth your while to hire a one-stop-shop moving service, rather than to handle those details yourself. o Your stress level may plummet. Once you de-stress your life, you might find that you have lower doctor's bills, less time off from work due to illness, and fewer anxiety-fueled binge eating sessions.o You'll have more time for recreation.

Playing sports, gardening, hiking, or just spending time going to the movies with your children can greatly enhance your quality of life, making you a happier, healthier spouse, parent, friend, and worker.o You may find you'll encounter fewer hassles in your family life. Let's face it—the stress and strain of your "to do" list can really take its toll on family life. You may find that communication with your spouse and your children suffers because of time pressures. By outsourcing, you'll be making your family life simpler—and more satisfying. And, by giving some of your work to someone else, you may re-discover some of the finer things in life—like sleep!


Tracey Crockett is the Chief Lifestyle Manager of Chores, Errands 'N More, a full-service concierge and lifestyle management company located in Upstate South Carolina. The company was founded with the objective of enhancing the quality of life for its customers by offering an extensive list of services and service packages - and thus providing its clientele with the opportunity to enjoy life without its day-to-day complications. More information can be found at http://www.choreserrandsnmore.com,/ or by calling 888-509-5533.

How to Live a Frugal Lifestyle

The word “frugality” has left a more negative connotation for most people than simply being a saver, a cheapskate or tightwad. There is a thin line difference to saving and too much frugality to the point of being awkward and ridiculous. This is where the negative connotation comes from.

But if you are guided with the right principles and reasons in deciding to live a frugal life, you would never go wrong.

If you have decided to live frugally, no need to be worried of insults. Keep your head up high. And keep your focus through these tips.

1. Eating Out - Having gimmicks with friends on a Friday night is fine if you do it once in a while. But this can be expensive if you add them up at the end of the month.

2. Clothing - Naturally, if you are the kind of person who adores signature and designer clothes, do not expect that there will be something left of your take home pay. Instead of being trendy, wear clothes that can easily be matched with your other clothes.

3. Own Home - If you are planning to move out and find a place to settle, do not be overwhelmed by the excitement, instead be practical. As a start, buy a smaller house or try other ways like rent-to-own, do-it-yourself arrangements, and owner financing.

4. Buying Your Own Car - Shy away from sports cars or SUVs. Just stick to your purpose of buying a car which is to transport you anywhere you need to go. Check out also program cars like a new car warranty. Maybe this is not just the best time to replace your car with a new one.

5. Shopping for Groceries - As much as possible do not go with items that are branded. Choose non-brands and try looking for items on the highest or lowest shelves for best prices. Grab the opportunity and shop during sales or use coupons.

6. Family Out - There are inexpensive ways to bond with your family and be entertained like going to libraries, local parks, malling, picnics, visit friends and local church.

7. Buying School Supplies - Stock school supplies at home and do not buy anything fancy.

8. Be contented with what you have and try to live within what you earn.

9. Plan your Child’s College Education - Teach them the ways to be independent and self-supporting by encouraging them to apply for scholarships and “on campus jobs”.

10. Be Aware of your Financial Limitations

11. Anticipate your Failures by Planning - Have always a budget plan so you would avoid impulsive buying.

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