Business got cranked back up this week after a two week vacation with family over the Christmas Holiday. We hit what seemed like the entire East Coast with stops in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina in our 14 day road trip. One of the best Christmas vacations in recent memory. After our hectic schedule working double time 6 weeks prior – it was a welcome and much need opportunity to just unplug – get away and enjoy ourselves.

While getting back into work mode this week, I was out visiting customers yesterday. I asked if Santa was good to them. One response really struck a chord with me.

“Better than I deserve.”

Aside from being one of the most unique answers I think I’ve ever heard – I loved this response because of its optimism. We hear so much “doom and gloom” and how everyone is struggling with “the poor economy” from the media, it was really refreshing to hear about someone who had a grand Christmas.

I can certainly relate in several ways and I asked if I could use the phrase – I’d even give them credit. The response was once again classic comedy and something Ron Head always kids about as well.

“Just give me credit the first three times. After that – feel free to use it as your own.”

In 2011, it felt like Santa was around all year long. We got the house painted, two new cars, brand new stainless steal appliances in the kitchen and personal trainers to help take our personal fitness to a whole new level. Christmas day wasn’t too shabby either. I’ll be doing a review in a week or so about one of the nicest presents I’ve ever gotten for Christmas. It wasn’t from Santa, but from my wife, who has once again managed to fulfill another dream of mine.

Thing is – we were able to do all this in 2011 because we have several vehicles that are firing on all cylinders right now. And no, I’m not talking about the two new Chryslers sitting out in our garage. I’m talking about business vehicles that gave us the opportunity to purchase both new rides.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is that we create our own reality. In other words, it’s our own thoughts and actions that produce the results that actually show up in our lives at the present time. If you don’t like what’s happening right now, something you’re doing needs to change in order for it to change. The best way to do that is by making a small improvements or adjustments on a daily basis. Brian Tracy tells us that just a small 1% improvement each day can create dramatic effects over time. I can tell you from my own experience, that’s more true than most realize.

If things are cooking and life is really good like it is for us right now – what are the most important thoughts and activities of value that you’re doing to ensure that you keep the good times rolling? As a business owner you need to remember what Jim Rohn taught us – you don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour. The more value you bring to the table, the more income you’ll realize at the end of the day.

And there’s no cap or ceiling. Nobody actually dictates what you’re actually worth “per hour” other than you.

I still see close friends and neighbors who’ve been laid off or downsized that continue to look for another “job”. Why? Because they’ve been brainwashed into thinking that a “job” equates to “security”. Two of those neighbors here in the neighborhood lost their homes in 2011 because they were waiting for that steady – secure “job”. Every time I drive past both homes, I think to myself what could have happened if I opened up my mouth and told them what I was really thinking when they told me they where looking for that “steady income” and “security”.

More than likely it would have ticked them off because they’ve been brain washed into thinking another way. It also would have been seen as cruel and mean – but sometimes the truth can be cruel. I know, I’ve been there. I spent three years bouncing from one “secure job” to another. I got downsized by one company. I got locked by another by another company who got caught cooking the books and reported false earnings to the SEC. I got closed down by yet another company who decided to go they way of big box retailers. And the final straw was the one who filed for bankruptcy. All in the period of about 3 years.

That’s not security. That’s insanity.

I deserved better.

It wasn’t until YTB came along back in 2005 that I actually found something that provided the tools, the information, the leadership and the support system to not only change my thinking, but change my habits and work ethic to be self sufficient. It gave me a sexy product to market that I was passionate about and provided true leaders and mentors who could actually walk the walk – not just talk the talk. I simply took a little from “this” Founder, a little from “that” Director and made my own way to real security. So much security that by the time all the false claims and attacks that where thrown at YTB in 2007 and 2008 – I was more than capable and diversified enough to weather any outcome.

Of course, I was also intelligent enough, with enough business savvy at the time to distinguish between what was real – and what was mere perception.

Today, the false claims and the frivolous lawsuits seem like a distant memory when I look at my YTB business and booking engine today. All the fear mongering and wild speculation that went along with it by a few dysfunctional, self serving loud mouths who thought they had it all figured out.  My how time has a way of dishing out some true reality.

Truth is – I deserved better a far better outcome, and that’s exactly what I got.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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TSO #588629

Sorry I haven’t been around much lately. It’s not that I haven’t wanted to write before now, but writing has taken a back seat to business the last few weeks. Business has been going much better than expected right out of the gate, although it’s consumed a lot of my time and energy. It was important to me to set new standards and procedures right away, which has been welcomed by everyone that has seen both the old and new version of this business and management team. The new look and feel of the business has really paid off in spades.

When I first wrote about this business, and how optimistic I was about this new venture I mentioned how YTB (or any MLM really) was the perfect proving ground to change ones habits and thinking from being an “employee” to “business owner”. So much of what I was introduced to when I joined YTB wasn’t actually developed for MLM, but for traditional business. It was only adapted into the MLM model because it was sound business.

The lessons learned and the habits created over the last six years with YTB have made this transition from MLM to traditional business a piece of cake.

Don’t misunderstand me. There’s a lot of hard work involved. When my head hits the pillow at night, I’m exhausted. I don’t have a set schedule (like some 9-5) and practically work all hours. That being said, there’s still a nice balance of work and family time. For example, when the kids come home from school in the afternoon, I still take breaks to get them snacks, ask how their day was, and work with them on homework. After they’re in bed, I’m cashing out the daily sales, placing orders, preparing the lineup for the next day’s events, and responding to customer and employee e-mails.

Some of the daily tasks might have been different with YTB, but the work ethic and drive was instilled in me over the years because of MLM.

I also remember a time when commissioned sales intimidated the hell out of me. I never thought I was very good at it. One of those limiting beliefs I had about myself that just never served me very well. Sales always equated to being pushy for some reason – and that’s never been something I’ve been comfortable with. It wasn’t until YTB that it became a sheer numbers game of just asking and collecting an answer. Then it began to click. Not everyone gets (or wants) what you have. While most spend time trying to convince the wrong person for all the wrong reasons, I simply offered up features, advantages and benefits and collected an answer.

As Jerome Hughes has always said – “Tell me “Yes” – Tell me “No” – but tell me quick, I gotta go.”

I also liked what Rick Ricketts has always said – “I get up every morning and look for people who are looking for me.”

This idea of trying to convince family and friends is probably the biggest load of bull I’ve ever heard about MLM. It’s not that you shouldn’t ask, but if they simply don’t want to – your time is much better spent looking and asking someone else who will say yes. It’s not that I, Jerome, or Rick are any better at recruiting than anybody else.

We just asked more people.

In addition, when you have the right mindset and attitude, the right circumstances and people fall right into place. Part of my responsibility with the new business is new business development. I’ve since recruited someone who will focus on that aspect of the business in the coming months, but it’s my responsibility to get that ball rolling. One of those new areas is an entire county that was always part of the territory but never worked. A large task for sure, that I really wasn’t looking forward to cultivating. (Especially when I’ve got so many other responsibilities that I’m trying to manage.)

While out pounding the pavement in another territory, I got a lead from one of my other customers. I come to find out that this new lead happens to be in the very county I’m responsible for cultivating. While traveling, I make an immediate call to the new lead to introduce myself. Turns out, this new lead not only wants what I have, but thinks others could benefit from our services as well. There’s a meeting with a small group of 30 or more coming up in September that this new lead would like me to come out and do a presentation for if I wanted to.

If I wanted to?

Are you kidding me? The chance to present my business and services to 30 plus who could not only use my services but benefit from it in one fell swoop? It was just the shot in the arm I needed to get this new county and territory off the ground – and a lot quicker and easier than I had ever imagined.

I have no idea is you believe in or even know about “The Law of Attraction”. Most, I would hope have at least heard about the movie “The Secret”. I’ve heard both pro and con from others concerning this idea about attracting what you want into your life. Those that are pro know like I do that this “law” is an actual “law”, just like the “Law of Gravity”. You really don’t need to understand it or even except it – but it IS a law all the same. It works whether you want it to or not. It works whether you understand it or not.

Some of my readers are Faith based and “The Law of Attraction” actually parallels faith and belief. It’s not that I don’t have faith in God or a higher power – but my logical mind grasps the scientific aspects that everything we see, feel, and experience is “energy”. Some consider it “new age” or a “gimmick” and that’s fine. Truth is, there’s nothing “new age” about it. The idea and concept has been around for thousands of years.

Having this one person show up in my business out of the blue when my energy and thought levels have been so extreme and positive just adds more proof to me that we are all connected by this energy.

That energy stems from the fact that I’ve attained practical – real world business experience through YTB and MLM. It’s gone past the point of just knowing what to do and how to do it. It’s become habit for me after all these years.

I’ve tried reading books, attended seminars, even tried starting a few businesses prior to YTB without much success. Little did I realize that YTB and MLM would provide the tools and the habits necessary to get my MoJo on and find true business success.

If your serious about changing your circumstances and creating your own future and success in business, you need to not only take a serious look at MLM, but take MLM seriously – not just some hobby. There’s a wealth of information – and a ton of successful, motivated individuals who are more than happy to share and help you along the way. Take it from someone who not only knows, but has experienced it.

It’s real – it’s true – it’s practical. More so than any college course, seminar, or some know it all who thinks he or she has all the answers.

Want Business MoJo? Find a good MLM.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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TSO #588629

Five years ago – I made a very important decision.

I declared my Independence.

I had no idea what laid ahead of me. I found that it wasn’t always a walk in the park. I’d also make my share of mistakes along the way.

But you know what? I wouldn’t trade a second of it because I’ve learned more about myself and business in the last five years than during my entire adult (working) life combined. I have a much better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. I know what fires me up, and what bores me to tears. I’ve also expanded and grown farther than I’ve ever thought was possible before. My self-worth and self-confidence in what I’m truly capable of doing has awakened from its long overdue hibernation.

I dream like a little kid again.

It’s been a wild ride that’s far from being over. There’s still far more I want to be – do – and have.

When I made this declaration public, the support which opened up was incredible. Teachers, mentors, and friendships came out of nowhere to offer insight and leadership. People who actually cared – actually offered something worthwhile – actually wanted me to succeed.

That’s not to say that critics didn’t show up along the way. Those who tried to intimidate of shame me into submission – back to the old way of thinking. Fortunately, I’ve found that most critics are also cowards. The vast majority never revealed enough about themselves or provided any value to be any real significance. Always telling me what was wrong – never how to correct it or solve it.

Being independent requires being solutions oriented – not problem oriented.

This past weekend, Scott Tomer released a video on what Independence Day means to him and why we should all declare our own independence. I didn’t actually catch the video until after the July 4th holiday, but it struck a cord with me – and I agree with him one hundred percent.

I remembered the freedom that declaring my own independence meant to me five years ago. How liberating and strong it felt. How it gave me new life and renewed confidence in myself.

There’s one little caveat here that may help you put this declaration of independence into the proper perspective. Neither, Scott nor myself will tell you that making this declaration means that you walk into your bosses office tomorrow and quit. It took me a year and a half to feel comfortable and place myself in a position of telling my former employer I was out of there. What I did do however was work extra hard (much like a second full time job) to replace the income I was making during my “day job” doing what I really wanted to do.

See, your declaration is merely the beginning.

Think of it this way. Our Founding Father’s signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 – but the declaration was only the beginning of the Revolutionary War. True independence from Great Brittan wasn’t achieved until 1783. Nor did the Colonies go at this alone. They had help from the French, Spain and the Dutch Republic.

Your own declaration will also take some time and some help from others to come to fruition. You may not know how or where it will come from – but you’ll never know until you make a declaration of your intentions – your own independence.

Then the answers and the help from others will come.

Sure, you’ll experience some defeats. You’ll also question yourself at times. You may even feel like giving up. True independence takes sacrifice and determination. A new way of thinking – doing – and being. But if you really, truly want it – it’s there for you.

Deep inside, you know you really want it. What’s stopping you? The truth is – nothing other than your own “stinkin’ thinkin”. What you don’t see now will be revealed to you. What you don’t have now will be given to you. But you have to first make the decision – a declaration to yourself and others that this is the direction you want to go.

I still make this declaration almost daily, even five years later. Some day’s it’s easier and more meaningful than others. Because I know and trust that it works if you do. I’ve seen and experienced too much after all this time.

So what do you say? When are you going to get up – stand up – and never give up? It all starts with one simple step.

Declare YOUR Independence.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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TSO #588629

When I first got into this industry back in 2005 I spent a lot of time in forums reading and posting with others in the industry. I learned the right way to do things – and saw plenty of examples of what NOT to do in this industry.

One of the forum posters who I still admire greatly was a gentleman named Tony Rush.

I think I connected with Tony for a couple of reasons. Rather than being emotionally attached, he was always logical and always very articulate in the way he communicated. He’s always been very open, honest, and unafraid to express his beliefs and opinions – which ironically brought out some very nasty critics of both him and the company he worked with at the time.

That’s were I felt the strongest connection with Tony. Not because he had critics – but because he simply simply didn’t care what anyone else thought. He’s strong enough in his own convictions and beliefs that critical views and opinions are always the property of the one voicing them. (As it should be.)

I’ve kept up with Tony over the years and still get communications from him as a subscriber on his list. He’s always been one of my favorite writers and I enjoy his insight and perspective.

He sent me an e-mail the other day that spoke volumes concerning wealth consciousness.

Yes, it’s a long e-mail – but it’s also a long weekend – and there should be plenty of time to read it. And just like he said before he got going about this subject – the smart ones will take the time to read the entire thing.

If it speaks to you – and you want to find out more about what Tony is doing here’s his website: www.best7minutes.com. I’m not working with him, nor do I know what it’s all about. I happen to be very happy with my direction and company, but I can still appreciate great wisdom and insight.

Enjoy!

~~~

I love movies. All kinds.

But, did you know that there are all kinds of hidden messages in today’s entertainment that will keep you broke??

Don’t believe it?  Check this out:

Think of the most common “good guys” in popular movies:  Harry Potter, Clark Kent (Superman), Peter Parker (Spider-Man),

What do they all have in common?

– they’re all orphans
— they’re all poor and broke
— they’re constantly having to deal with the agendas of wealthy people

Then, think about the bad guys like Lex Luthor, Draco Malfoy, Normon Osborn (that bad guy from Spider-Man), Parker Selfridge, (the bad guy in AVATAR):

– they’re all billionaires
— they’re all malicious, mean, nasty people
— they have no regard for anything but their own money and power

Sneaky stuff, huh?

And that’s not the half of it.  Most of these blockbuster films have hidden messages that you pick up on and carry into your real life.

Things like:

– you cannot be wealthy and be spiritual
— if you focus on having more money, you’ll compromise your values
— being poor allows you to have more spirituality and love

Guys, this stuff is insidious.

Think about the movie TITANIC.  Another Jim Cameron movie full of hidden messages that are designed to appeal to the “mass thinking” of the herd.

You’ve got the hero who is….you guessed it….broke as a convict. The babe in the movie is dating a guy who’s richer than God and he is …..that’s right again…..completely immoral.

EVERY single wealthy person in the movie is shallow, superficial and completely without any spirituality at all.

And, of course, all the poor people are having a good ol’ time, stomping around in the manure down in 3rd class, and they’ve got wonderful relationships and they’re all great parents, etc.

You see it coming, don’t you?

That’s right:  the “journey” of the movie involves the girl (“Rose”) who has to turn her back on prosperity and abundance and choose a life of squalor and poverty.  This is the only way for her to truly be happy.

Of course it’s all BS but that’s Hollywood for you.

By the way, did you get that ending?  Rose is now about 100 years old and she’s been mooching off her daughter who’s working hard to raise a family AND take care of Rose.

And in the final scene, we find out that Rose has been hanging on to this huge diamond ever since the Titanic sunk….this thing is worth tons of money….and instead of using it to help her family or her friends or her daughter or herself…..

….the old bat throws it into the ocean!

Oh, man!  How can anyone see this ending to be about anything other than “Throw away money….it brings you nothing but pain.”

What a crock.

And yet this movie made MILLIONS of dollars.  How’s that for irony?  The filmmakers made millions of dollars teaching you that you should be poor!

So, why am I talking about this?

Simple:  most people are sabotaging themselves and don’t even know it.

They want to be wealthy….but they feel guilty about wanting it.

They want to make money but they think that having lots of money will mean they’re not going to be a good parent, spouse or person.

They want to have a life of luxury and abundance….but they think that achieving it will make it harder to be a spiritual person.

And -  snap — just like that…..you’ve got yourself a nice new recipe for staying stuck in life.

Seriously:  you need to understand this if you want to create a life of freedom.

If you have any of these beliefs, you need to get clear of them NOW:

– money is the root of all evil
— rich people are evil
— rich people get rich at the expense of the poor
— it’s hard to make money
— making money takes hard work
— money is the opposite of spirituality
— money doesn’t grow on trees
— if you want to be wealthy, you’ll have to lie, cheat and steal

Think about it.  If you have ANY of those beliefs, do you really think your subconscious mind is going to let you become wealthy?

No way.

You’ll sabotage yourself faster than you can imagine.

How will you do it?

Oh, you’ll come up with a way.  You’re good at it.

A master.

Next time you spot a juicy opportunity to make money you’ll say dumb stuff like “that’s too good to be true”.

Or next time you someone offers you a way to earn thousands of dollars per week….you’ll say, “That won’t last.  Real wealth is supposed to take a long time to build.”

Or, you’ll turn into the World’s Most Analytical Person and say, “Well, I need to think about it”….and you’ll pretend to think about things for a few days or weeks.  Heck, people have decided to run for PRESIDENT in less time than it will take for you to figure out if you’re ready to get started in a lucrative home business!

Or you’ll say, “Well, I need to understand every single detail before I move forward”.  Which is a lot like saying you won’t start on a vacation trip until all the traffic lights are green at the same time.

I don’t know how you’ll do it.

But you will.

Know how I know?

Because I did this for years.  And so have you.  You’re already doing it.

Seriously.  Everytime I got close to actually making some decent money, I’d somehow manage to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory……and do something to screw it up or postpone it or to just outright reject it.

And I guarantee that you’re doing the same thing to some degree.

Here’s how I know:

Are you rich right now?

If not,…..why not?

Answer that.

Got your answer?

Well, try this on:  whatever reason you gave for why you’re not wealthy is what’s running your life right now.

In fact, whatever answer you have is actually not even real.  But it’s the stand that you’re taking against being wealthy.

If that were not true, you’d be wealthy already.

Success is a choice.

It’s not difficult.
It’s not hard.
It doesn’t take years of hard work. And it has nothing to do with compromising your morals or values or integrity or any of those things.

But, if you don’t change what you believe is possible about making money……then you’ll always be in about the same situation you’re in now.

Think about it:  don’t you find that your bank account never gets above a certain number for long…..?  And then something comes along to knock it back down again?

Self-sabotage.

Believe me or not.  But this may be the most important financial message that you ever read.

Because if you don’t do something about developing a prosperity consciousness…….

…..well, things will always involve about the same amount of struggle and work and scrambling around to make the ends meet.

What’s the solution?

Here are a few tips:

1.  Start hanging around people who are living the kind of life you want to live.  Lifestyle.  Leisure.  Income.  Whatever.

2.  Start a personal development program.  If your life sucks, it’s because you suck.  It’s not the government, the economy or your job.  It’s you. Start working harder on yourself than you do on your job and you’ll find out that the solution has been with you all along.

3.  Start a business that actually pays you what you’re worth.  Forget working 40 hours a week.  Find something you’re passionate about – or find a solution to a problem and start helping people solve it. Those desires you had as a kid were divined in you for a REASON. It’s time to go after it.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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TSO #588629

I wanted to give “yenz guys” a heads up. (That’s Pittsburgheze for “Ya’ll” here in Georgia)

I don’t plan on posting anything next week here on the blog. Instead, I’ve been contracted to write for another company and a pretty extensive project. (Which will remain nameless.) Being as visible as I am and with hundreds of posts over the years, people do contact me from time to time to write. I’ve been told numerous times that I have a style that’s not only very personal, but entertaining.

While I don’t actively seek out this type of work, I’ve written for several companies and blogs over the last two years that has not only been a lot of fun, but turning into a profitable little business. This particular project is extremely time sensitive and with the amount of articles they’re looking for, I’d much rather focus my time and energy busting this out.

I’ll be back as soon as I can. (Most likely a week.)

I’ve heard it said that if you find a way to get paid for doing what you love to do – you’ll never “work” another day in your life. Well, I’m living proof of that. It’s not always easy, and it’s not always a bed of roses – but it certainly beats punching a time clock and making money for someone else in a dead end J.O.B.

Besides, I’m far too spoiled at this point with the ability to call my own shots, and create my own schedule.

Not to worry, the Newsletter will still go out as scheduled and if I happen to find anything during the week that tickles my fancy, I may pop in for a quick post – but don’t count on it.

Until then…

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

TSO #588629

Last week I posted how a home based business can help reduce your tax burden. After starting our Home Based Business two years ago, I quickly found out how some of the ordinary personal expenses, can now move into a business category, simply by starting a home based business. I started to look at every expense I made and asked, “How can this expense benefit my business?”

I also looked at other expenses that came up because of my business and made the expense a much easier to make because I knew it was business related and could now qualify as a deduction. This long term thinking actually helped in generating revenue I could actually use and spend in the short term.

Qualifying

It’s easier than you think to qualify many of the ordinary expenses you make and turn them into business expenses. Check each of the statements below that accurately reflects your situation.

Category: Self-Employed Business Expenses

Deduction: Advertising

- I paid for advertising expenses related to my business.
- The advertising was ordinary and necessary for my business.
- I paid for public service advertising which relates to expected future business gain.
- The purpose of the advertising was not to lobby or influence legislation.

Deduction: Bad Debt (Business)

- I was unable to collect money owed to me or to my business.
- The debt arose because of my trade or business or was closely related to it.
- The debt became partly or totally worthless during this year.
- I have previously included the uncollectable amount in income, or it was a cash loan.

Deduction: Self-Employed – Gifts

- I gave gifts to business customers, clients or employees in the course of my business.
- The expense was both ordinary and necessary for my trade or business.

Deduction: Self-Employed – Entertainment

- I paid for entertaining clients, customers or employees.
- The expense was both ordinary and necessary to my trade or business .
- The entertainment was directly related to the active conduct of my business.
- The entertainment directly preceded or followed a substantial business discussion.
- The expense was not lavish or extravagant under the circumstances.
- I kept adequate records of my expenses.

Deduction: Self-Employed – Meals

- I paid for meals related to overnight travel, entertainment or employee benefits.
- The expense was both ordinary and necessary to my trade or business.
- The meals were not lavish or extravagant under the circumstances.
- I kept adequate records of my expenses.

Deduction: Car and Truck

- I used my car or truck in my business, or reimbursed my employees for car and truck expenses.
- If employees used my company car, I allowed only business use, or reported the personal portion of their expenses on their W-2 as compensation.
- I kept written records.
- The vehicle is unlikely to be used for personal purposes (such as a delivery truck that seats only the driver).

Deduction: Cost of Goods Sold

- My business manufactures products or purchases them for resale.
- I maintain inventories in order to determine the cost of goods sold.

Deduction: Home – Business Use (Self-Employed)

- I regularly used part of my home in connection with my trade or business.
- The business part of my home was used only for business, or to store inventory or product samples for a business selling products; or I had a day-care business in my home.
- I used the business part of my home as my principal place of business.
- I used the business part of my home to meet or deal with patients, clients or customers.
- The business part was a separate structure, not attached to my home.

Deduction: Insurance

- I paid for insurance premiums for the protection of my business.
- The insurance was ordinary and necessary to my trade or business.
- The premiums were not for life insurance on my own life, self-insurance reserve funds, or a loss-of-earnings policy.

Deduction: Interest – Mortgage

- I paid interest during the year on debts related to my business.
- I am legally liable for the debt.
- Both the lender and I intend that the debt be repaid, and we have a true debtor-creditor relationship.
- The debt is secured by property I own (if not, see Interest-Other).

Deduction: Interest – Other

- I paid interest during the year on debts related to my business.
- I am legally liable for the debt.
- Both the lender and I intend that the debt be repaid, and we have a true debtor-creditor relationship.

Deduction: Legal & Professional Services

- I paid legal, accounting and other fees directly related to operating my business.
- The expenses were ordinary and necessary for my business.
- The fees were not paid for work of a personal nature (such
as making a will).
- The fees were not paid for preparing that part of my tax return not relating to my business as a sole proprietor.
- Legal fees were not paid to acquire business assets (those should be added to the cost of the assets).

Deduction: Repair and Maintenance

- I spent money to keep my business property in normal, efficient operating condition.
- The expenses don’t add to the value of the property or significantly increase its life.

Deduction: Start-Up Costs

- I spent money to set up an active trade or business or to investigate creating or acquiring an active trade or business.
- The spending occurred before I began business operations.
- The costs would have been deductible if paid to operate an existing trade or business.
- The costs were common and accepted, as well as appropriate and helpful, in my business.
- I will deduct the costs in equal amounts over a period of 60 months or more (“amortize” them), beginning with the month I began business operations.

Deduction: Supplies

- I consumed and used materials and supplies during the tax year as a part of my trade or business. (The cost may include books, professional instruments, equipment, etc. that are normally used up in less than a year.)
- I have accounted for inventory of supplies and materials on hand at the beginning and end of the tax year.
- I don’t keep a record of when supplies are used, I don’t take an inventory of the amount on hand, and this method doesn’t distort my income.
- The use of the supplies is common and accepted in my field of business, and appropriate and helpful for my business.

Deduction: Taxes & Licenses

- I paid federal, state, local and foreign taxes and license fees directly related to my trade or business.
- The taxes were ordinary and necessary to the conduct of my business.
- Taxes paid on behalf of others, such as sales tax collected from customers, have not been included in gross income and are not deductible.

Deduction: Travel (Self-Employed)

- I spent money – for myself or my employees while traveling on business.
- The trip was taken because our duties required being away from the general area of our regular place of business for substantially longer than an ordinary day’s work.
- The assignment away from home was temporary.
- Sleep and rest were needed to meet the demands of the work while away from home.
- The expense was ordinary and necessary for the work and not lavish or extravagant.
I kept adequate records.

Deduction: Utilities

- I paid for heat, lights, power, and telephone for my business.
- None of this spending was for my personal use.
- I am not deducting any of the cost of basic local telephone service for the first phone line in my home.
- The costs were common and accepted in my field of business, and appropriate and helpful for my own business.

Deduction: Wages

- I paid wages and salaries which were directly connected to my business.
- The actual services performed by the employees are common and accepted in my field of business, and appropriate and helpful for my business.
- The amount of pay is reasonable, and an amount that similar enterprises ordinarily would pay for the same work under the circumstances.

Category: Self-Employed – Other Deductions

Deduction: Education (Self-Employed)

- I paid for tuition, books and other expenses for education related to my trade or business.
- The education maintains or improves skills required in my trade or business, or is legally required to keep my pay, status or job.
- The education is not necessary to meet the minimum educational requirements of my present trade or business.
- The education is not part of a program to qualify me for a new trade or business.

Deduction: Moving (Self-Employed)

- I spent money moving to a new workplace.
- The move was related to a change in my job location.
- My new workplace was at least 50 miles farther from my old home than my former workplace was. (If I didn’t have a former workplace, my new workplace was at least 50 miles from my old home.)
- Right after the move, I worked (or will work) full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months, AND for at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months.
- My new job ended because of death or disability.

Deduction: Health Insurance (Self-Employed)

- I paid for medical insurance or qualified long-term care insurance for myself and my family.
- I am self-employed, a general partner (or a limited partner receiving guaranteed payments) in a partnership, or a shareholder owning more than 2% of an S corporation.
- I paid the premiums, or my partnership or S corporation paid the premiums and included them in my gross income.
- I was not eligible to participate in any employer subsidized health plan (including my spouse’s) during any month for which I am taking a deduction.

Surprised? So was I when I first learned about all this. I think about all the money I paid to IRS over the years that I could have kept instead of paying, and we’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. What I could have done with all that money? A nice vacation? A retirement plan? A bigger house? A new car?

The good news is that all these deductions started for our family two years ago.

They can start for you too, legally and ethically with minimal expense. Who knows, it could even provide the kind of lifestyle and freedom we now enjoy.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight AKA: TravelPro Travel Agent / Networker Phone: 678.458.5812

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