Money

Worth the Money?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 25, 2016

As a businesswoman, I have to decide what’s worth paying for and what isn’t. Anyone in business is barraged with opportunities to purchase software, gadgets, and all sorts of pretty office supplies in cool shapes in colors. High heeled shoe tape dispenser, anyone?

Well, okay, no office supply store I know of is giving away tape dispensers so you have to buy those. But what about other options, when something useful might be free, or you can buy an upgraded version?

One program I pay for is a database. I have so many contacts if this were 1980 I’d probably need three giant Rolodex files to keep them all. And I’d have to update them by hand! My database has a free version, but I elect to pay for the upgrade. When I have an issue – which so far has only been once in several years — a person answered the phone. Imagine that! The technician stayed with me until all was well.

Anyone using a free version of anything knows you’re at the bottom of the heap when there’s trouble. You may just have to try your luck on a “community board” on the internet and hope someone can help. Or if there’s a way to contact the company, it may take days to get a response when you’re not paying. I know this because I have free versions of some programs, too. For example, a free version of software I use on a secondary computer requires a lot of attention. You have to press buttons and do all the updates yourself. It works, but it takes more work from you. The paid version runs and you never have to think about it. Ever.

Shopping for apps? Do you choose the free version with lots of ads, or do you pay for an upgrade so you never have to see an ad on the app?

Sure, it would be cool to be Top Dog with every company, but it doesn’t take long for a bunch of small charges to add up to big bucks if you elect to buy professional versions of everything.

It all comes down to decisions. Where is the best place to spend the money you have budgeted for your business?

Your turn:

What business tools do you think are worth paying for?

Which tools do you think are great as freebies?

Let’s Talk about Money

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon June 16, 2016

Imagine receiving this letter with your utility bill: Dear Family: Please see the attached statement asking for payment. We are so very sorry that we feel the need to ask you for payment. We know we have provided electricity and running water for you faithfully, and without interruption, all month. Judging from your usage, these are services you both need and want. As you are aware, Hestia, the …

Category: Career, MoneyTag: Career, Money

A Major Money Mistake

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon January 16, 2014

When I was working for a small company years ago, the extremely reliable woman who cut our paychecks missed the Big Day -- a Friday. As it became evident she would be a no-show, one of my co-workers revealed she was upset. "I wrote out and mailed checks for all my bills last night because I thought I was going to get paid today. Now they'll all bounce."

I didn't understand why anyone would …

Category: Book Business, Career, Money, TamelaTag: Book Business, Money

Two Basic Tips on Budgeting with an Irregular Income

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon January 9, 2014

One challenge of writing books for a living is the fact that unlike many other jobs, you don't usually see a cycle of paychecks appearing at regular intervals with predictable amounts. Instead, you may see a whoosh of money, followed by smaller amounts every few months triggered by actions on your part, such as turning in manuscripts and proposals. Only well-established authors will have this …

Category: Book Business, Career, Money, TamelaTag: Book Business, Budget; Finances; income, Money

Why Is My Royalty Check So Small?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon December 6, 2012

This is it! You’ve had a book published, and your advance money is long gone. But your publisher has promised a royalty check and you know exactly when that check is supposed to arrive. You run to the mail box every day for two weeks until finally, Voilá! The check is here! You rip open the envelope to see a grand total of: $28.52? What???!!! How can this be? So much for the big screen TV. …

Category: Book Business, Contracts, Money, TamelaTag: Book Business, Money, royalties

I Thought I Was Rich!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 15, 2012

Recently I received a check in the mail. I opened the envelope, and discovered the amount that was larger than I anticipated. "This is great!" I thought. "Now I have a little extra to shore up my savings."

I reached for another envelope in the stack of mail. It was from the insurance company. Upon opening, I discovered that, after I deducted income taxes, the premium consumed the entire amount …

Category: Book Business, Money, TamelaTag: Money

News You Can Use – April 17, 2012

By Steve Laubeon April 17, 2012

Getting by on a Writer’s Income – Lawrence Block reflects on the challenges of the writing life. An excellent article from someone with a half a century of experience.

Microsoft Word is Dead – Tom Scocca in “Slate” makes a bold claim. I would vehemently disagree from the point-of-view of writers and editors and publishers. But he may be right when it comes to office collaborations and the …

Category: News You Can UseTag: lawsuit, Money, Movie rights, Writing Life