Make Money Raking or Mulching Leaves

Watercolor photo copyright by FrancesMary at http://www.francesmarywatercolors.com.

You can make a great amount of money raking or mulching leaves. Before the winter months hit your state get out and advertise your new business. There are many people that are just too busy to rake and mulch their leaves. There are elderly people that want to stay living in their homes and cannot do their yard preparation before the winter months hit.

All you will need is a rake, a leaf blower if you prefer to use one, an extension cord if needed for the leaf blower and if you already have a riding lawnmower with the mulching option you will get through the jobs in a matter of minutes! If you have the lawnmower make sure you bring extra gasoline cans of gas in case you have acres of lawn to mulch. You do not want to be right in the middle of a job and have to run to the gas station to get more gas. It would be a huge bummer if you were out in the boonies and you ran out of gas. You would waste money having to search for the closest gas station.

You may want to offer gift certificates for people to purchase so people can get your service for birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, Christmas gifts, etc. With Christmas coming, now is the perfect time to advertise your raking and mulching of leaves.

Advertise your business by making an eye catching sign to hang up at your local grocery store, discount stores, gas stations, Laundromat, etc. Make up business cards so you can hand them out at a moments notice.

Once you land your first two jobs and do a fantastic job, before you know it you will most likely have loads of jobs from word of mouth.

For more information on how to make money raking and mulching leaves, please visit
http://www.preparednessmentor.com/.

Gift Giving in a Difficult Economy

Photo by Nik. Gift giving for special occasions.

If you are invited to birthday parties, celebrate anniversaries, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, etc., you probably want to give a card and a gift. People will understand if you do not want to spend a lot. There are plenty of heartfelt gifts you can give for $5.00 and under. People do not expect you to spend a fortune on their special day, they are happy that you remembered. The old saying is true, "It is the thought that counts."

Gift Giving Ideas:
Make a coupon book for a friend or spouse to use. For example, get some construction paper and cut it with a fancy scrapbook scissors if you have one. Staple it together or use a hole punch and then tie the coupon book together with a pretty ribbon. On each piece of construction paper write a gift ticket. Some examples:

I will baby-sit one Friday or Saturday night so you and your spouse can go out for dinner and drinks.
Good for one dog walk (if you live close by).
Good for one car wash-- hand washed by me.
Good for one day of shopping at the mall together.
Good for one shoulder to cry on.

Coupons can be redeemed anytime needed.

Another idea is to use a jar at home and fill with pieces of cut paper (the amount of years you have been married) on reasons you love your spouse. If you were married thirty years, than you will write up thirty reasons on a separate piece of paper on why you love your spouse. Your spouse will love the thought and reading the little pieces of notepaper created by you.

Anniversary Gift
A caring anniversary gift to be enjoyed by your spouse, significant other or another couple is a homemade spaghetti dinner. Use a clean gift basket you have in storage at home. Buy an inexpensive red and white checkered towel or other design and line the bottom of the basket. Buy two long candles and a single long-stemmed rose. Purchase spaghetti noodles. Make some homemade spaghetti sauce. If you can afford it, buy a nice bottle of red wine that is not too expensive. The gift recipients will love this idea and enjoy a romantic candle lit dinner courtesy of your thoughtfulness.

There are many ways you can give gifts in a difficult economy. For more information please visit: http://www.preparednessmentor.com/.