What more can I do?

A question that, lately, I find myself asking a lot more often!

Lately, I find myself asking what more I can do to keep our snowball moving once my seasonal job comes to an end.  While I should still have two decent checks coming yet this season, after the first week of August that will all change.  Given that when we started our journey to get out of debt, I was only working my very part time job, I feel okay that we will be fine.  But I want to be more than just that!  I want to be able to continue our momentum!

With two very senior dogs that cannot be left alone for extended periods of time, I also realize that my options of working away from home are limited. The warmer months aren’t a huge issue as they can be left in the garage which is attached to an outside fenced area.  The Winter months are my biggest problem as we won’t leave them outside for extended periods of time.  Adding to my dilemma is that we live a good distance from much of anything!  I was fortunate to find the decent paying jobs that I do have…the word “decent” is used loosely as it isn’t near what I used to make as a nurse before we moved to our current location.  Still, I”m thankful for the work I do have.

What I have decided to do is look at what I can do rather than what I can’t.  I am also looking at what will change as a result of me not working as much.  Here is what I’ve come up with so far:

1. Fuel costs will decrease as I won’t be driving near as much.
2. Reduce our electric bill.  We won’t need to use our dehumidifier near as much, and that will help.  I’ll also have more time for line drying, which will additionally reduce our bill.
3. Pay better attention to sales for grocery and health and beauty items.  While we do have limited stores (and only one major drugstore), by paying better attention to sales combined with coupons, this would also make a difference.  Two weeks ago I had to (gasp!) pay near full price for toothpaste.  This is an item a couponer can frequently get for free or for only pennies on the dollar.
4. Focus on my home business.  More importantly, treat it as a business rather than a hobby!  Much like many things in life, the business does well when I put forth the effort.  I also have several business books I want to read, including Business Boutique by Christy Wright.  If you’re curious as to what home business I have, I am a third party seller on Amazon.  You can read more about it HERE.  It is similar to selling on eBay, but so much easier!  My ultimate goal is to make this my only job.
5. As much as I dislike listing on eBay, I do have things that I can’t sell on Amazon.  These are items which I can, however, list on eBay.
6. Possibly inquire with the schools about subbing.  I’ve heard that they are always looking for subs, so half days *might* work out with our dogs.

I feel it best to start thinking about all of this sooner rather than later.  I want to be as prepared as I can for this transition!  On a side note, yesterday I did have to go for some additional required election inspector training. That is a little extra pay I hadn’t planned for.  Our area has an election in August and in addition to working the entire day, I’ve also agreed to help with the setup and breakdown.  That could easily amount to 18 hours of pay, depending on how long it takes to close the polls.

How do you keep your snowball rolling when hours/jobs decrease?  I really don’t want to lose momentum!