The RIGHT way to use coupons is...

BEFORE going to store, put money you will save with your coupons into a jar (if you have just one coupon for 30 cents then put 30 cents in your jar; if you have several coupons adding up to $3.45 then put $3.45 in your jar).

NOW you can go to store and use your coupons, and you will truly have SAVED money. The money you save can then be used to help cover your monthly business costs.

5. Pay attention to where your money goes!

- How many of us run off to work every day without time enough to pack a lunch, so we end up spending money on eating lunch at a restaurant? I know I did...often. I was spending at least $25 per week (that's $100-$125 a month!) on eating lunches out...by myself...on workdays.

Instead of trying to make time in morning to pack a lunch, why not pack a lunch night before? And, if you have a microwave available at work, you can even pack something to heat up so you don't feel tempted to "go out" for a hot lunch.

- How much money do you spend on sodas? As with everything else, it costs more to buy one soda than it does for a six-pack or a 2-liter bottle. Why not buy soda in large quantities, and bring several servings to work with you.

Or, to REALLY save money, instead of drinking soda, why not switch to iced tea or crystal light. You can make a large batch at home and then bring it to work in a jug.

- Are you a coffee drinker? Instead of paying for your coffee by cup, why not invest in a large thermos and bring your coffee to work with you.

- Are you addicted to sweets like me? Instead of spending money on candy bars and other snacks from machines or in convenience stores, why not bake a batch of cookies or brownies. You'll save money, and you'll have better-tasting snacks.

Or, if you prefer a candy bar, purchase them in large packs at grocery store and bring them to work with you -- it'll still be cheaper than paying for each candy bar separately.

And, these are just a FEW of ways you can save money... allowing you to easily find money to invest in your business.

If you implement even a couple of strategies in this article, you'll be able to save enough money so that cost of starting your business doesn't put a financial strain on your monthly budget.

Let's say you DO hire a Virtual Assistant. He/she works 20 hours a week for a rate of $35 per hour. That equals $700. On other hand, YOU spend those 20 hours a week making more money. That would give you an additional $2,000 per week (using same example above). You would actually make MORE money ($1,300 more) hiring a Virtual Assistant than you would doing it all yourself.

Where do you find good Virtual Assistants? You can search Web, ask your business associates for recommendations, or check out some of Virtual Assistant (VA) directories online such as http://www.assistu.com. I highly recommend http://www.kesslerva.com.

Whoever you choose, make sure they have experience performing duties you want to delegate. Also, be sure they allow "hourly" work without contracts (at least in beginning) so that you can get a feel for how he/she does business.

Virtual Assistants can free you up to do what you do best… make money. This is a very affordable alternative to running yourself ragged, and trying to do everything yourself. After all, isn't one of perks of being a business owner supposed to be more freedom?