Category Archives: Saving tips

How Janitorial Businesses Can Save Money

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Owning a janitorial business offers many benefits. It allows a person to have a flexible schedule since most cleaning jobs are done in the evening, at night, or on the weekends. It does not require a person to invest a lot of money to get it started. It is something that can be done by just one person, or the business can be expanded to a point where the owner no longer has to do any cleaning because they have employees. Here are some tips on how owners of janitorial businesses can save money.

Does your business offer the use of natural cleaning products? At first glance, this may seem like a more expensive option. However, the reality is that this is often a less expensive option. When you use products like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon, you are using products that are very inexpensive and are available right at a local grocery store. The fact that you offer natural cleaning products is likely going to be appealing to many of your clients, especially ones who are more health conscious. You simply have to look at the natural cleaning product options that are available, compare costs, and then add this as an option when advertising your services.

Another way to save money is to purchase the items that you use regularly in bulk. Instead of buying individual bottles of cleaning supplies, purchase them in gallons. When you buy rags and mops, do not just buy a few at a time. Purchasing cleaning cloths wholesale is going to save you a lot of money. Check out local thrift stores and see about reusing cheap towels and other items that they have available.

Planning ahead and mapping out where cleaning jobs need to be done can save you money in gas and labor if you have employees who work with your business. For example, many janitorial businesses offer housecleaning services. Try to organize the houses in a way that allows you or your employees to clean houses that are close to each other at the same time. This will reduce expenses.

Tips on Savings and Personal Finance 2017

Image credit: gonegosyo.net

Repost from my Go Negosyo Newsletter subscription, January 18, 2017

Top 5 tips from entrepreneur Armand Bengco to make that money go-round for a prosperous 2017!

1) Have a bank account aside from your payroll account
Bengco emphasizes that importance of being present and active in the financial world. Having an account outside your payroll account allows you to build a relationship with your bank. Also, you can assign one account to be reserved for savings and the other for expenses.

2) After a savings account, get a checking account
Bengco recommends getting a checking account because a check is not only in your name, but the bank’s. The bank itself lets you borrow money in their name – this gives you credibility and an even better foothold in the financial world.

3) Savings, savings, savings
Set a percentage of your income that you need to save and stick to it. It doesn’t have to be a big percentage – you can even start with 10%. Savings should be the last thing you touch, so make sure when you’re planning on how much of your income will go to your savings, you’ve already properly allocated your funds to cover all your expenditures.

4) Start investing your money on other things
Bengco shares his personal venture into male vanity in the form of Backalley Barbershop – a way for him to diversify his income. Savings are important but investing allows you to grow and protect your money. Imagine if you only had one source of financial security, like your savings or business. Having a diverse source of income won’t leave you bankrupt at the end of crisis.

5) Insurance is necessary
Insurance today already covers life/living benefits. Before, insurance only had death benefits. But insurance has developed and improved today and among the benefits are paying off debts, unforeseen expenses, and securing your dependents’ futures.

Armand Bengco is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Colayco Foundation for Education, Inc., as well as the Co-Founder and General Manager of Kapatiran sa Kasaganaan Service and Multi-Purpose (KSK-SMP) Cooperative. He hails from a family of established financial and investment practitioners. He has a wide experience in personal finance, government, manufacturing, self-employment, and information technology. Mr. Bengco is the host of Global News Network’s Pisobilities at the Business Portal and DZRH-TV’s Pera Pera Lang Yan and Seminar School Plus. A regular also in GMA News TV’s Pisobilities TV Program and radio host in DZXL-RMN’s Pisobilities. He regularly conducts financial seminars and workshops in line with the foundation’s advocacy.

Is it too Early to Plan for Christmas?

It is November and now that Halloween has come and gone it is time to plan and get ready for Thanksgiving. The good thing is that Thanksgiving is a somewhat straightforward holidays. I mean, get a nice, big turkey and enough food to feed an elephant army and you are all set. Thanksgiving is not the most complicated holiday out there to plan for, you just need to make sure you execute the cooking properly. Nobody wants a dry turkey, so make sure you plan and cook well-ahead of time! So, since Thanksgiving does not take as much logistical planning as other holidays is it a horrible thought to start planning for Christmas now?

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Some people may think this is an aggressive idea, and starting to plan for Christmas almost two-months before it is here seems unnecessary. At the same time, early November is usually much more calm and easy to manage than the beginning of December. Last year, then, I decided to start shopping and planning for Christmas two months ahead and, let me tell you, it was like a miracle from above. Last year was the most stress-free and enjoyable Christmas I have had in years. I was able to get the vast majority of my shopping done before I even went out to buy all the goodies for Thanksgiving! When December hit, I was able to enjoy decorating the house, hosting caroling parties, and letting the Christmas spirit soak in because all the shopping was already done for. I highly recommend giving it a try this year! Look around online for deals and discounts, like these Groupon Coupons for Eastbay, and start getting your families presents early!

Slow and steady wins the race, they say, so why not dominate the Christmas sprint with a nice, slow marathon? It worked last year and I’m excited to do it all over again this year. The key is to use the slow-moving days of November to your advantage, and skip out on all the crazy rushing of December. You will have more quality time to spend with your family and friends when the warm, holiday spirits kick in.