Slash Home Office Expenses

As a work at home mom, I'm on a tight budget. One of the reasons I decided to try freelance writing was the minimal overhead costs. However, I still try to watch what I spend. Here are some of the tricks I've learned to help make the most of my money.

1. Purchase equipment used whenever possible. Most writers need a computer for word processing, sending email, and using the Internet to research articles. These tasks don't require a top-of-the-line machine. You'll save a bundle by buying a used computer that's a few years old.

2. Set your computer to print documents on the black and white, draft-quality setting. This simple trick has cut my printer ink costs in half. If you're like me, most of what you print is merely research material. Save your expensive color ink for something that's really important, such as printing photos of your family to decorate your workspace!

3. Consider purchasing store-brand printer ink for even greater savings. For example, I love using Staples brand black ink for my HP DeskJet printer. It's about half the price of name brand cartridges and it works just as well.

4. Substitute plain copy paper for expensive printer paper. It's a fraction of the cost and you won't be able to tell the difference.

5. Don't waste paper! Use the "Print Preview" command to make sure you're printing the correct document. Use the back side of unwanted pages as scratch paper or download free coloring book templates for your children to enjoy.

6. Set your computer to the "Energy Star" power setting to save on your electric bill. Your computer will go to standby mode after 15 minutes of inactivity. Why pay to run your computer while you're chasing an active toddler or breaking up fights between your older children?