I Got Laid off Today. I need Your Ideas…
Posted October 7th, 2008 by hawkiye
output
I have till Oct 24th. So that gives me a little time. However I need your help.
I went out and looked at foreclosed houses to get the names of their mortgage companies of possible. I am going to see if I can start a business cleaning them out like the video I posted or maybe even maintain their lawns etc.
However I thought I would start a thread to brainstorm ideas to make money, as things get bad. And maybe help others weather this storm. So post any and all ideas here and lets see what we can come up with?
Keep a couple things in mind; such as when things get worse will it be something people still need or will they drop it in hard times etc.? When ever I got laid off I always fell back on construction or handyman but that's in the toilet right now too.
For instance cleaning out foreclosures will eventually drop off however I think if I can make a bunch of cash fast before it does I might be able to buy some retreat property free and clear.
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Consider
Exploring http://www.restoretherepu... you have to join but people are posting private opportunities for work or hiring patriots.
Detective Krum Investigates:
http://victory1project.wo...
http://v1-p.com/
Solar ovens
Learn to make solar ovens and sell them locally. Stock up on the materials. Give demonstrations. The time will come when you will have a product that everyone wants.
Um . . of course this assumes you live where the sun shines.
contact realtors also
the banks have at times turned the foreclosures to realtors
to try to sell again--so they will have to be cleaned
realtors hire painters, stagers, lawncare also
"Our Day is Coming"
★★★thank you RON PAUL★★★
talk with your local bank president
try to get on their "foreclosure" list and get the contacts of who they are dealing with that is buying some of them up (someone is).
Great Scrap Idea
Someone on this thread posted gold - in researching the information I found this: http://www.goldrefiningfo...
which appears to be a forum for where to find gold & silver, how to extract it from old computers, then sell it if you want.
Detective Krum Investigates:
http://victory1project.wo...
http://v1-p.com/
money bomb 4 u
Watch freedomtofascism.com
This is such a great thread!
This is such a great thread!
The area I moved to in Colorado
has alot of new oil fields springing up everywhere so there is alot of oil jobs and it is helping the local economy. I moved here because of how local the markets are, during the warm seasons we even have weekly farmers markets where they shut down main street and have a massive local market. It is great for local farmers, cookers, tradesment, etc...
I do fashion design so I am going to try and get into the local markets with my stuff but of course I will be working a dayjob in the meantime. I am really good at business management so gonna do that during the day and design at night.
US Growing Zones
First, determine in which zone you live. Here is a link to a map:
http://www.growit.com/zon...
Once you know your zone you can do a Google search. i.e. how do I grow organic vegetables in zone 8.
I live in SE Florida and was able to find a very comprehensive guide developed by the Univ. of Fl.
39 weeks of unemployment... this is your chance to get some of
..those tax dollars you paid in...
Mike
"Fire Team for Freedom" and "Revolutionary Business"
visit www.mikeandjake.com
Many states are running out of employment insurance
I know that michigan is.
~Mikael / Peace, love, Light and unity ~
Railroads are always hiring.
Good pay, good benefits, great retirement...terrible hours. Hours improve with seniority. Bush may be signing new laws which will improve the work schedules tremendously (may cut into overtime, but will increase hiring and safety). This is in response to the recent commuter crash in LA.
As the trucking industry gets hit I believe rail will be more popular..
both freight and passenger.
PS: I have many family members in the railroad. Suggest applying as a conductor but getting in the engineer program ASAP. (your seniority starts over, but it is an easier job physically (as you get older).
Amtrak is a llittle shaky ( depends on big government subsidies). Don't go with small locals..Class A is what you want. Burlington Sante Fe is out west (stable and aggressive) Great RR.(#1), Candadian Pacific, Union Pacific, CSX, Canadian National (many regrets from people we know who transferred to CN) .
The rest, commuter and freight are doing great. $60,000-$100,000+ per years is common with all of the major freight lines. After training you will be making... $250- $400 (basic) per day. $28-$32 dollars per hour is avg +time and half and more extras $$ too. You will get hired...the training is tough, but hang in there it gets easier. If you quit they won't hire you back.
If you are a "people person", a conductor on a commuter train in a large city would be great. You punch tickets for passengers. Many commuters are requiring 2 years college, but apply regardless. Chicago, East coast and West coast are big commuter areas. We are hearing rumors that more cities (Tulsa, Milwaukee, etc may want to get passenger trains again).
Most RR's take applications on line. If you are young the retirement (30 years) is $5000-$6000 per month with spouse benefits.
Good luck..I'll be happy to answer questions, We have helped quite a few people along the way. Please keep me posted if you apply, or get hired. That would make my day! :). Good Luck.
PS: Great jobs in the diesel shop for diesel mechanics and track jobs for more physical labor.
Wyoming
I have head that the state of Wyoming is recruiting unemployed people from Michigan to move to Wyoming. There are jobs there. One job in particular that is being recruited for is working for the railroad. I have also heard that the benefits and pay you have listed are just as good as you describe. Plus if I am not mistaken they have no state income taxes in Wyoming.
http://www.retirementlivi...
The reason they are going to Michigan for workers is that they like the idea that the Michigan workers are already used to the cold weather.
Even in ND ,Burlington Northern is stable
good advice
Libera me, let the truth break, what my fears make--Leslie Phillips
Contact Real Estate Companies
in your area and find out what day they have their weekly meeting and schedule a 10 minute intro for yourself. Have a business card or trifold flyer with your services to hand out and BRING A FOOD GIFT for the office ( donuts or a fruit tray.) Do this several times for each office and also "drop in" in between to say hello so you become familiar. Return all phone calls promptly and ask them for further suggestions of what they need. Before you know it you will have more jobs than you can handle!
I am a broker in an office of 12 and this is the best way for a new face to break in for services!
In my office there is one lady that gets foreclosures from fannie mae and she contracts out for lawn care, clean up and repairs of the listed property.
***********
"Thomas Jefferson is rolling in his grave fast enough to be a new source of energy independence."~ samthurston
http://www.campaignforlib...
Up and coming Windmill
related work or business. My brother is supporting his family painting windmills.
He and a partner used to make decent money painting on the side (homes, apartments etc.)
This is a great thread
Thanks guys for sharing your ideas regarding this, we might all be laif off soon, please keep those great isead coming.
Also, a food store would always work, not a restaurent but a Mexican style fast food store, great prices for healthy food could work, since we'll see soon Mcdonalds and co going down with the rest of the crew i guess!
www.wtpcast.com
www.wtpcast.com/default.a...
www.wtpcast.com/default_f...
let me try to inject a little humor into a serious topic
I was checking through craigslist, and someone has a novel idea for making money in hard times. The ad says: "Baby and Children Sale!" As long as you are going that route, might as well run a bordello, too, and cover the "supply" end to your other business and all.
Great attitude
and you understand there is always work of some sort, if you really want to work and look for it.
Do a good job and referrals will follow.
The lawns and repair on foreclosure will be ongoing as banks will want them in good repair to re-sell.
It's times like these when we are free to turn on our brains and be inventive and believe your own ideas are possible.
Napoleon Hill said, "what the mind can conceive, and believe, it can achieve". He survived the last Great Depression, lost everything, but saw it as an opportunity to learn more to earn more.
So, continue to follow your ideas.
Jeez
If I got laid off and the circumstances were right:
- kids out of the house or no kids
- renting vs. owning
- little or no debt
I would do all in my power to get off, and stay off, the grid:
- No job - be self employed if at all possible. No W-4 to fill out, no withholding
- Cut up the credit cards
- Start a business or contract yourself out - preferably one where you have the leverage to ask to be paid in cash or trade - no 1040 to fill out
FGUSA = F the Gubment of the USA. The Government of the USA offers honest people nothing, absolutely nothing anymore.
- Laws designed to protect individual rights have been invalidated, are ignored or are otherwise de-clawed so as to be ineffective
- Social Security - offers none, and will probably not exist for the majority
- Armed Forces - many doubts - which side is any given GI on???
- Police - um yeah I trust 'em, got my FOP sticker. Not.
That is my goal has been for
That is my goal has been for most of my life but I let the system sidetrack me. I am determined to get out of my mortgages and off grid and out of the system for good. Also to teach others how to do it too.
I have studied alternative fuels and housing etc. for years I am currently building a log home as an investment but might have to walk away from it. I have a design idea for a ferro cement home that I think could be built quickly and very cheap. I think it is a crime that people have to go into hawk for 20 - 30 years to have a home. If most people owned their homes we would not be in this situation right now.
I grew up doing concrete and masonry work. Rebar, cement, and sand are still among the cheapest building materials on the planet and lend themselves to just about any kind of shape and size and can be very aesthetically pleasing. Also they are very tough and strong when done correctly. Should outlast any stick home by at least a hundred years or more.
-----
Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats. H. L. Mencken
Get Prepared!
I'm a computer tech by trade but...
After I quit my last job, I have to say busing tables is much better money and an easy job to get. The restaurant business has a very high rate of turnover, so new hires are almost always available. I bring home $300-400 a night and choose my own hours/days of work. It started out as only temporary work to fill the time between tech jobs but it's easy money for the work/time input. Much more relaxing work environment. Just make sure you get tip share or a percent of the money brought in...
Sure it isn't as cool to tell people that you are a 'busser' as opposed to a Sr. Sys Admin but frn are frn.
Where do you live?
I know outside of Chicago, most restaurant owners are hurting bad. Are you in a big city? I'm curious because my extended family has told me to just get a job waitressing for the time being. (I have a Master's degree & I'm not too proud to work any job). Seriously...If I were to make that I'd do it, but doesn't seem like that is happening around here. I have to make enough to pay a sitter for 3 kids & I always argued with my extended family that they have no clue how things are out here. They live near Laguna Beach, CA - $$$$ - haven't seem to be affected by all this (except for their 401K).
"For with God nothing shall be impossible"
$300-400 a night
Do what with the what what!
Help me out with the math.
How do you make so much just bussing?
bussing for a 'nice' restaurant has it's perks
I get $7.50 / hr + 1% tip share + 1.5% of sales in the section I work... the restaurant easily makes $15-20k per night.
Edit: One kid that works with me is only 18, isn't going to college and rents an apartment... he only works 1-2 days a week to pay all of his bills and has a 2004 BMW paid for and he has no credit cards... LOL to be young again and as smart as him!
Tip's.......................
"Observe the masses,and do the opposite."
First thing
I have a plan of action in case I ever lose my job. The first thing that I'd do is get rid of any expense that is not essential. Things like, cable tv, Netflix, extra phones, dining out, kids activities, gym membership, switch from high speed to dial up, etc. If you smoke, roll your own. If you imbibe conjer up some wine.
If things are really tight, I will not pay my house insurance. I would then collect unemployment and do as many things for myself as possible to save money, such as own oil changes, home repair, cutting wood, cutting hair, do more things manually instead of things that consume electricity or fuel, etc. If you have a short trip, hop on the bike. If weather permits, hang out the laundry. If it is cool in the house, bake something, to take off the nip.Then you get double duty from your fuel. I have even left the bathwater in the tub, to use to flush the toilet. (Not safe if you have little people)
When you go grocery shopping, keep a running tally of how much you are spending. If I go to a town, I check out what is on sale at the grocery store in that city, and then buy those items in bulk if it is a good deal. Memorize prices. Cypher as you shop. A pack of 10 is not always cheaper per unit than the singles. Make your menu around what you have, not shop around a menu. Use cookbooks that use staples, instead of the one that calls for things like a cake mix to make a cake. (Read the ingredients on the cake mix and you won't want to eat it.)
It's not as much about HOW MUCH you make as it is about HOW YOU SPEND what you make.
Take care of the things that you already own, so you do not need to replace them. Don't beat on your car. Change oil regularly. Wash the salt off. Take care of yourself, too. Fixing broken things is usually much more costly than maintenance on cars and humans.
I sure do wish the best to you!!!
Be sure to make any equipment/asset purchases by Dec 31st
if you plan on starting your own business, because the Economic Stimulus Act allows for an additional bonus depreciation (tax deduction) of 50% for all assets placed in service in 2008.
Can You Manage Global Free Trade ?
I live in an accessible third world country with a tropical climate. If you have an ability to transact sales ( wholesale, retail, net ), I have familiarity with, and access to, many agricultural items, commodities, finished products and light manufacturing not readily available in the US.
If you have ideas, or wish to brainstorm, feel free to contact me.
Take heart, Hawkiye, I agree with the sentiments expressed by many here which you seem also to embrace…. New doors open.
“ The reason so many people never get anywhere in life is because when opportunity knocks, they are out in the back yard looking for four-leaf clovers.”
--- Walter P. Chrysler
Tool rental
My business has really dropped off, but is staying steady, people will always need to unstop drains, bust up concrete to repair pipes,cut things, dig holes, clean things, etc.
If you have a place to put it and about $20,000 you can open up a small general tool rental. You wouldn't be able to have any large machines like backhoes or anything, but the Return on Investment on the small tools is really good, and if you are the least bit mechanically inclined you can keep the same tools for 3-5 years and then sell it for about 60% of what you paid for it.
A trencher, drain cleaners, augers, hand tools, carpet cleaners, (shampoo), jackhammers, demolition saws (blades), small water pumps, pressure washers, tillers, push mowers, weed eaters, and some general hand tools, could set you up to make ends meet for a while, then you can grow as demand warrants.
As slow as it is I still have enough business to pay the bills (right now), my contractor business is all but gone, but home owners still need to do things around the house and they don't own the tools to do it most of the time.
Just please don't open up one any where near me.
Thank you Dr. Paul for making my act on what I already knew was right.
Anyone think consignment
Anyone think consignment stores will make a comeback?
http://www.ohiofreedom.co...
Thrift stores
are prospering. I just read there are chains that are going to add more stores. They are seeing more middle class buyers now and are opening in these areas. Or how about cabin kits, manufactured homes, or building small cottages if you have building skills. Moped and scooter rental or resales might work. Pawn shops are depressing but I am sure they will pop up. Hot dog "stands" are becoming popular, although you would probably have to own alot of them to make any money. Almost everyone loves a good hotdog and they are cheap and all cash. A business where you do ready made turnkey gardens or sell all inclusive survival supply kits will do well. If all else fails one could market T-shirts with ----2008 the year the SHTF on them.
If you're Mobile and Willing to Work
Why don't you go lend a hand at Factor e Farm? They are looking for help in living off-grid and developing the technologies we will use to rebuild a better and freer society. If I wasn't married with kids, I would have joined them quite a while ago!
Website:
http://factorefarm.org/in...
And don't miss their video blog:
http://openfarmtech.org/w...
Technical docs available at:
http://www.openfarmtech.o...
Babbington burners, a home-made solar tractor, permaculture, earthen bricks made with dirt on the property, solar, wind... shucks it's libertarian geek heaven!
-LF
As distasteful as it sounds,
As distasteful as it sounds, Repo business is thriving.
http://www.ohiofreedom.co...
Don't just clean out foreclosed homes
Work a deal with the banks to live in them until they are sold. They bank has to pay someone for the upkeep or just let it rot. Persuade them to let you live in them until they are sold in exchange for you to keep them clean and presentable. You pay utilities and taxes, etc. It is a win-win. The house won't rot and it won't cost them anything to let it sit until sold. You get a cheap place to live. When sold move to the next house.
Could also work deal to maintain their entire inventory of foreclosures. Keeps the values up so bank loses less. Again win-win.
live cheap and get creative
Ive been laid off several times over the last few years. I fell back on the handyman stuff also. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical. Even did some car and motorcycle repair.
Cleaning out foreclosed properties is a nice niche. Restoring them in other ways might be marketable too. Maybe they need fix up work to be attractive?
Maybe you could buy and repair used scooters or power tools? People are on the lookout for used stuff like that now.
I know someone that buys used cars and details them and sells them for a profit. does pretty well with that actually.
The beauty of this kind of work is that if corporate america goes belly up, you can still provide services for cash or barter and survive. People will always need transportation and repair services.
A specialist may make tons of money but a true survivor is a generalist.
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants
As the saying goes..
Jack of all trades, master of none but generally better than the master one.
"A specialist may make tons of money but a true survivor is a generalist."
I actually bought used cars
I actually bought used cars from auctions and sold them for a while however the regulation is ridiculous. (I made good money though). For instance Idaho has a law that you can't sell more then 5 cars a year without a dealers license. I found a way around it but got tired of explaining it to the clerks every time I bought a car
And taxes are a joke.You can't get a dealers license without having a brick and mortar store and an inspection. I am telling you lobbyist have really f*cked this country up and even the states. Big busness has bought up most of the politicians and passed laws to eliminate their competition.
In a free society it's nobodies business how many cars I buy and sell and I shouldn't need any kind of license etc. to do it. And Idaho is freer then most states but we have some f*cked socialist crap because of corrupted politicians like every one else.
Needless to say I quite doing it because I got tired of jumping through hoops of flaming fire to make it work
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Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats. H. L. Mencken
Get Prepared!
This made me think of dealing with the tag office every year
I know some other states are much higher, so my sympathies are with y'all on that, but every year when I renew all the tags for the equipment trailers, and my delivery truck, I get to see first hand the stupidity of regulation.
My largest trailer is rated for 10,400 lbs, I HAVE TO BY THE SAME CLASS TAG AS A SEMI TRAILER!!!!, my delivery truck is 13 years old, and the tag on it cost 280 bucks a year, this isn't a huge truck it is a flat bed one ton, they jack up the cost of the tags by going on "theoretical weight", the heaviest I will ever be is 17,300 lbs(truck, trailer, and machine), this is 1,600 lbs lower than an "X1" tag is rated, but I am forced to spend another 80-90 dollars each year because "in theory" I could be 22,400 lbs in weight,
( although I never will be, because I don't own anything that heavy). So instead of having to pay for a tag that is based in the real world, regulations say I have to buy the much more expensive tag that I don't need.
Also congress changed the laws last year where I have to have a separate insurance policy on 2 of my trailers because they are rated 400 lbs heavier than the others, more expense for nothing.
I would like to have a larger truck to be safer on the road, but if I do then I have to buy an even more expensive array of tags, and get a CDL license, and pay more insurance, but yet a 98 year old guy with Alzheimer's can get in a 50 ft long motor home and towing a car and drive over the whole country for less money due to all the fees and regulations than I can drive 20 miles a day.
Sorry, but I needed to vent this out. And your post made me remember all the money I have to spend next month when all the tags need to be renewed.
Thank you Dr. Paul for making my act on what I already knew was right.
Go green
Be more efficient and less wasteful. Put a brick in your toilet for less water each flush. Turn down the temperature on your water heater (a massive energy drain). Stop cutting part of your lawn, save yourself energy and time and in return get fresher air (put up a sign that says "Wildlife Sanctuary", then watch the birds and bees flock). Start posting possessions you don't really need or use on Craigslist where you can sell them freely.
Trade in your car for a motor scooter. They can get over 80 mpg. They tend to have low max speeds though (like 50 mph). You save on gas, maintenance, and parking is a breeze (the sidewalk). Also here in Philly car insurance is like 200 a month but with a motor scooter it would be 200 a year (or less). You don't need a motorcycle license if it's size is only 50 cc. I plan to get one once warm Spring hits.
Don't mow, let the herbs grow!
If you don't mow part of your yard you will probably end up with at least 10 kinds of wild medicinal plants within a year or so! Some of the plants below will appear with no effort on your part.
Common wild yard herbs-
Plantain
Chickweed
Passionflower ( great for stress, we all need that!)
Clovers
ground ivy
Perilla (great for sushi, but don't let go to seed)
Dandelion ( leaf for greens, root for liver tonic, roast roots for coffee substitute - but no caffeine)
Blackberry and Raspberry leaves and berries
see this link
http://www.goosefootacres...
If you want to know about wild medicinal plants that you find, I can help ID them.
if you have a bachelor's degree
substitute teach and sign up for a few school systems. Pays 100 per day here not sure how much where you are.
This is a great thread
I bookmarked it for future reference. How about going around garage sales and buying bikes and storing them for when gas is unavailable. I like your idea about cleaning out foreclosed homes and store or resale at flea markets what stuff is left behind.
Time to think supernaturally.....
You may not know what's next....
I may not know what's next...
but God knows.
And He has a plan...
not to harm you but to prosper you.
Tony Melendez
http://www.godtube.com/vi...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
World's Greatest Business
http://www.gbemembers.com...
"The Number one reason people lose money is the FEAR of losing money." Sir John Templeton
"Committed To The Eradication Of Poverty Among Patriots"
"to prosper you?"
Um, what is that supposed to mean?
And what is hawkiye to pay his bills with while he awaits getting prospered?
LOL!
" the important thing is to never stop questioning, curiousity, has it's own reason for existing..
Albert Einstien
Damn, sorry to hear that
We are going to try to get a business going, too. We are going to try to start building hho units and selling other self-sufficiency related items. If you want to get together and brainstorm, get in touch with me. It is a bit scary, though. Who knows what will actually prove "marketable" as things tank! Let me know if there is anything we can do for you. The "SHTF" offer to you and yours does not expire.
A friend of mine had a
A friend of mine had a summer job this year while he was trying to get a job as a teacher. Well he hasn't had any luck with teaching and his summer job is done so he checks craigslist.com and just picks up odd one day jobs where people need help moving or something like that. It keeps some FRN's flowing in.
Food Supplier or Car Repair
Two most well learned lessons of the last depression.....
1. Be in charge of your food supply.
2. Be able to fix your own car.
Deb
Wow you guys have really
Wow you guys have really come up with some great ideas already. Lets keep this thread going and help each other out.
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Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats. H. L. Mencken
Get Prepared!