Join in if you are self-employed and work from home

tyllwyd

tattycath wrote: »

.... No doubt I shall be popping in and out of here for motivation-for him and me-whilst I don't work I do help him out when the need arises-it doesn't bring in any extra cash but it does lighten his work load when he is particularly stressed. ....

Have I understood the situation right, you don't have any income of your own, but you do help out your OH as and when needed? If that's the case, would it be more tax-efficient if he paid you when you work, so that you can make use of your personal allowance? It might be something to look into.

tattycath

tyllwyd wrote: »

Have I understood the situation right, you don't have any income of your own, but you do help out your OH as and when needed? If that's the case, would it be more tax-efficient if he paid you when you work, so that you can make use of your personal allowance? It might be something to look into.

Thanks for info, however, at the moment, his turnover has dropped so much (c crunch), that we are omly just managing to keep our heads above water financially. He is moving out of premises so we can catch up on bills that we have fallen behind with. I shall definitely look into it when things pick up though-thanks.

tyllwyd

What I mean is, if he pays you, that reduces his profit so he pays less tax and you don't pay any income tax on the first £6K (approx) that you earn, so overall, for the same money coming into the family business, less of it goes out again as tax.

starxtrouble

Morning all

I am also being shop girl today (kinda). My friends are on holiday and I often help out in their shop, so I'm working from the shop so I can help out the assistant manager if need be, so hes not on his own, and so he doesnt need to close the shop to go get lunch!

I have a nice document to translate, so I'd better get on with that, and then I can invoice for last week

Grrr

Just got told off by the car park manager for parking in the owners space, as its not offically their space anymore as theyve moved buildings. I hate being told off, I cry really easily and I feel like I'm back at school

Grrr

Must do some work

nzmegs

Hello all, I am procrastinating too. I hate this feeling of knowing there are things I could be doing but not doing them. Thinking of the kids downstairs having yet another day in front of the telly and yet fully aware that just one hour of solid work would mean I can spend some time with them...

I didn't even make it out of bed today until after 10am. I am using the excuse that I am on holiday from my day job. Once I get back to my getting up at 6am routine things will improve.

On the bright side I had a nice comment from one of my clients who desribed one of my articles as "excellent". Things like that really help to keep up the motivation. I am just waiting for him to pay me now!

Have a good day!

TCM_3

Hope everyone had a nice easter! I took Sunday and Monday off and am working today but had intended on catching up with paperwork over the two days. Unfortunately that did not happen and I took myself out yesterday (did not spend anything at all - am so impressed with myself) and now the guilt is setting in!

Thankfully, I've been quite busy today, the rest of the town seems to be shut and i would have loved another day off but no matter!

Horace

Hi folks

Today has been a strange kind of day - part of the morning was spent on the telephone to the eejits at the Halifax, I closed my account with them in 2003 and yet they have kept it open and have given me a £300 overdraft and yet I dont have a cheque book or debit card. In the end I had to go to the local branch to close it and all for a measly 57p that was residing in the account:mad: It took 3 hours to get it all sorted out.

I fell asleep on the sofa after lunch which isnt good:rolleyes: but I have spent the latter part of the afternoon looking at proofs for my new business card - oh decisions, decisions - I like both options although I don't like the photograph on the one because it is too weddingy and I want it to reflect that I also organise corporate events (I was just going to say events but my chum told me to use the word corporate to attract more customers). I will barely recognise my business with these new cards but needs must I need to have a damn good card otherwise people will think that I am mickey mouse.:rolleyes:

sunshine_girl_2

Hi all

Hope everyone had a happy and relaxing (?) Easter. I really need to get on with some work - was ill for a week then took another couple of weeks to recover, was away for a few days last week and with the children at home for Easter holidays not a lot is getting done. Anyway children at friend's house tomorrow so really need to get working and not waste the day doing "essential" jobs around the house and logging on here! Will let you know how I get on!

gibbyni

Just noticed this thread so thought I would join in. Me and the wife have been self employed now for going on 5 years.

We have a wedding stationery business and it had been very hard work. We have had bad days over that time where you think should i just shut it all down and start again, but we have pulled through and are well into the good times now. Having started off in a spare room, we then went into an office space and after a while things got tough, we made a major purchase of our own printer that in the long run would save us a lot of money. However things where still tough so in the end we had to move out of the office (about 2 years ago now) and back into a spare room and let out part timer go as well. We where also in debt now ourselves from not having much wages for a few years.

In the end it was the kick up the backside we needed to get our bills under control and now the business is thriving and to be honest the credit crunch is working out well for us. After making all the mistakes in advertising etc etc we have a formula that works. At the same time we moved we also went Ltd for tax reasons (most of them reasons have now gone, thank you very much Mr Brown).We also had a son 19 months ago and to be honest its hard fitting in all the work and playtime. From being ready to give it all up 2 years ago we will now be debt free in about 18 months and from there who knows where the business will go.

So for all those who are thinking should i go for it, i would say yes, ok there is a chance it will fail and over that time you will think many times i should just give up. But if you belave in your business and enjoy it, stick at it, and in the end you will look back on them times and think to yourself im proud that i got through that. Or even if it fails, I would have more respect for someone who had the bal*s to at least give it a go, than someone who just sits there thinking why do i not get a break or I couldnt do that its to complicated or to much hard work to set up a business.

Anyway will be keeping an eye on this thread not often you see them for self employed.

Wordsmith

Hello, all. Hello, new people - pleased to meet you. Thanks for your words of encouragement Gibbyni - I'm so glad things are getting back on track for you.

I've stopped being a shop girl for a few days. Drove for an hour after the shop to give mad woman a computer lesson, then an hour's drive back home again. Was going to have an early night so I can start afresh tomorrow - but that hasn't happened. Still, as I've done all my browsing tonight, I won't be side-tracked when I start working tomorrow. Will I?

Had tomorrow, a rare own-office day, all mapped out, but then a client phoned and offered me a proofreading job. Took it because I was away when he offered me the last one and I had to turn it down (oh, woe) so I didn't want to say no again. So, a few late nights for me. Tomorrow I have to:

• bank cheque I got from client last week
• send off cheque to pay for a bill I should have paid two weeks ago
• pay web hosting people so they take me off suspend
• do a quick tidy of office so it feels nicer to work in (and find telephone number of client I am supposed to be ringing back, not forgetting to beat myself up that I have mislaid it at all)
• email chappie who I am told wants me to do his admin
• organise advertising in the local free mag (free to receive, not to advertise in) - and pay bill
• ring friend I failed to see on trip to England
• finish last bit of editing for maths book and send it back
• do some bookkeeping for company I am visiting on Thursday
• start and make good headway with proofreading job
• take dog for a walk, trying to dodge promised showers.

So, best get off for a bit of kip, then ...

Have a lovely day, everyone.