finances

HBR Has Changed My Life: A Review of the Martha Krejci Home Based Revolution Program

HBR Has Changed My Life: A Review of the Martha Krejci Home Based Revolution Program
When I first stumbled upon Martha Krejci's Home-Based Revolution (HBR) signature program, I had no idea how profoundly it would transform my life. As an overworked and stressed music teacher, I constantly felt torn between my passion for education and my desire to start a family. The physical and emotional toll of managing large classes, long hours, and the constant exposure to illnesses & unsafe behaviors of students in the school environment were taking their toll. I knew that staying in the profession would ultimately be unsafe for me and any future pregnancies I hoped to have.

Enter Martha Krejci and her revolutionary approach to building a successful home-based business. In the HBR program, she offered practical strategies and wisdom that helped me overcome my fears of leaving a stable career and embark on a new path that prioritized my health and future family plans. Martha's relatable style, infectious humor, and no-nonsense expertise on what she teaches made the transition from teacher to entrepreneur not only educational but thoroughly enjoyable. One of the most significant changes I experienced was the ability to create a business that truly works for my lifestyle and health needs. No longer did I have to worry about the physical strain of standing for hours or the mental toll of trying not to worry about unsafe student behaviors or parent encounters. The flexibility of a home-based business allowed me to envision a future where I could maintain my love for music education and thrive in serving the people I was made to help while also creating a safe, low-stress environment for myself and my future children. 

The HBR program has provided me with so many tools which have proved to be invaluable in kickstarting my entrepreneurial journey and allowing this busy SAHM to keep things running and still get good sleep (I'm not staying up late hustling!). Martha's expert guidance helped me navigate the challenges of starting a business and implement strategies that have led to abundant success. From leveraging my music expertise in the online & homeschool space to creating multiple streams of income that help one another, the program covered all aspects of building a thriving online presence.

Perhaps the most impactful aspect of the HBR program was the sense of community Martha fosters. Through weekly Momentum Calls & 3 calls per week during the Live Run-Throughs of HBR, I found a supportive network of like-minded individuals, many of whom were also transitioning from traditional careers. This connection with others on the same journey provided motivation, inspiration, and a wealth of shared knowledge that proved invaluable as I built my business. The Home-Based Revolution isn't just about building a business; it's about reclaiming your health and preparing for the future you desire. It's about finding that elusive attempt at work-life balance and creating a career that aligns with your values and priorities. Thanks to Martha Krejci's program, I've been able to escape the physical and emotional stress of teaching while laying the groundwork for a flexible, family-friendly career. Moreover, the skills I've learned through HBR have given me confidence in my ability to adapt to life's changes. As I grow my now-family of 3, I know that my home-based business will allow me to maintain healthy pregnancies and be present for all the important moments while still contributing financially to our household.

If you're a teacher or any professional feeling the strain of an demanding career that conflicts with your health and family planning goals (or really just looking to supplement and not stress by expanding your options in this economy), I cannot recommend the HBR program enough. It has truly changed my life, allowing me to build a thriving business without sacrificing my well-being or personal aspirations. Martha Krejci's Home-Based Revolution has empowered me to take control of my career, my health, and ultimately, my future happiness. Join the revolution – your future self will thank you. With the Home-Based Revolution, you'll gain the tools, knowledge, and support needed to create a life that's both professionally fulfilling and personally rewarding. Don't wait any longer to start building the life you've always dreamed of – Martha Krejci's HBR program could be the game-changer you've been looking for, just as it was for me! Feel free to message me and ask me any questions about it, too. I'm a pretty open book!

Navigating the Challenges of Inconsistent Income: Financial Tips by a Freelancer for Freelancers

Navigating the Challenges of Inconsistent Income: Financial Tips by a Freelancer for Freelancers
Navigating the Challenges of Inconsistent Income: Financial Tips by a Freelancer for Freelancers

For many individuals, the allure of freelancing lies in the promise of flexibility, autonomy, and pursuing one's passions on their own terms. However, the transition from a traditional 9-to-5 job to freelancing comes with its own set of challenges, chief among them being the uncertainty of inconsistent income. Balancing the demands of work, family, and financial stability can feel like walking a tightrope without a safety net. And if you're like me, this was one of the main concerns I had with making the leap.

Fear not, for there are strategies you can employ to navigate these concerns and thrive in your freelance endeavors. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just dipping your toes into the world of freelancing, these financial tips are tailored to help you weather the storms of inconsistent income. I implemented these upon making the transition, and it was overall very smooth.

  1. Build an Emergency Fund: Start by establishing a buffer fund to cover essential expenses during lean months. Aim to save enough to cover three to six months' worth of living expenses, providing a safety net to fall back on when work might be more scarce.
  2. Embrace Budgeting: Take control of your finances by creating a detailed budget that accounts for both fixed and variable expenses. Prioritize essential costs while identifying areas where you can cut back or optimize spending. Base your budget off of a low month so that you are not surprised by the low months and are able to save for the low months during the higher months.
  3. Diversify Your Income: Explore multiple revenue streams within your freelance niche to mitigate the impact of inconsistent income. Consider offering additional services, products, or leveraging passive income streams to supplement your primary source of revenue (this is where the GOLD of HBR comes into play! Message me the word "HBR" to learn more!)
  4. Establish Clear Payment Terms: Set clear payment terms and policies with your clients to ensure timely and consistent compensation. Consider implementing upfront deposits, milestone payments, late fees, and/or invoicing reminders to maintain a steady cash flow.
  5. Plan for Taxes: As a freelancer, you're responsible for managing your own taxes. Set aside a portion of your income each month for taxes, keeping track of deductible business expenses and maximizing tax-saving opportunities. I have been asked about my system for this a lot lately. Would it be helpful for me to put something together for you that's customized for music teachers? Message me if so and let me know.
  6. Fair Rates: Know your worth and advocate for fair compensation for your services. Research industry and local standards, communicate the value you bring to your clients, and don't be afraid to negotiate rates that reflect your expertise and experience.
  7. Invest in Continuous Learning: Stay ahead of the curve by investing in professional development and expanding your skill set. Allocate time and resources for courses, workshops, or certifications that enhance your marketability and open doors to new opportunities. I have a few recommendations for this musically and entrepreneurally (yes, I just made up a word, ha!) if you need!
  8. Prioritize Work-Life Balance: Maintain boundaries between work and personal life to prevent run-down fatigue and maintain overall well-being. Schedule regular breaks, establish a dedicated workspace, and prioritize self-care activities to recharge and stay productive.
For a few more practical how-tos including explanation of some of the above, check out my Self-Employed Music Teacher Budgeting Tips!

Freelancing offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility, but it also requires discipline, resilience, and careful financial planning if you're the main source of income for your family. By implementing these financial tips and embracing the ups and downs of freelancing, you can navigate the challenges of inconsistent income with confidence and build a sustainable and fulfilling freelance career. I have, and you can too!

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. Reach out to fellow local freelancers, join online communities, and seek mentorship to share experiences, gain insights, and support one another along the way. Here's to embracing the freelance life and charting your own path to success!

5 Natural Resources for Moms on a Budget

Being a crunchy mom on a budget means wanting to incorporate natural and holistic approaches to parenting while also being mindful of your finances. Here are five resources that can help you navigate this lifestyle without breaking the bank:

1. Natural Parenting Blogs and Forums:
   - Mothering.com: This is a community-driven website that covers topics like natural childbirth, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, and more. The forums are especially helpful for connecting with other like-minded parents.
   - Mama Natural: While not exclusively for moms who want to homebirth or birth center, this blog offers a wealth of information on natural living from pregnancy through toddlerhood.
   - The Hippy Homemaker: This blog focuses on DIY natural living with an emphasis on budget-friendly options. It covers everything from natural beauty products to healthy recipes.

2. Library and Online Articles:
   - Your local library is a treasure trove of resources. You can find books on natural parenting, herbal remedies, and eco-friendly living.
   - Many online platforms have articles and guides on budget-friendly crunchy living. Look for blogs or websites dedicated to topics like natural parenting, sustainable living, and eco-friendly products.

3. Social Media and Online Communities:
   - Platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram have groups and pages dedicated to natural lifestyle and parenting. You can join communities where members share tips, advice, and budget-friendly ideas. A great one is Happy Healthy and Loving Life -- you can write my name, Andrea Orem, in the membership question asking who referred you there!

4. DIY and Homemade Products:
   - Learning to make your own products can save a lot of money. You can find recipes for homemade cleaning supplies, baby products, and even personal care items like shampoos and lotions. One of my most-used ingredients in our DIY items is castile soap.
   - Websites like Pinterest and blogs mentioned earlier often have a plethora of DIY recipes. If you need some recommendations, I'm happy to send some your way, just ask! I have lots of cloth diaper, natural recipes and other recommendations I could point you to.

5. Local Farmers' Markets and Co-ops:
   - Buying organic and locally-sourced food can be more affordable when you shop at farmers' markets or participate in a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program.
   - Many co-ops also offer bulk buying options for pantry staples like grains, beans, and spices at a lower cost.
   - My state has a "Farm Direct" site and Facebook group for farmers to connect directly with consumers, which cuts the cost down a LOT. If you're in Minnesota, connect with me if you'd like an invite! And if not, try searching for your own local area to see if one exists.

Remember, being on a budget doesn't mean you have to compromise your crunchy lifestyle. It often means finding creative ways to incorporate natural and holistic practices into your life without overspending. These resources can help you discover affordable alternatives and connect with a community that shares your values.



This is my health story

 

I have always been sensitive. That's a word that has described me, my body in particular, my whole life. I have skin sensitivities to fabrics, bruise easily, I get cold easily, I tend to be on "alert" all of the time (no coffee needed here!), I'm a musician and very creative, and I don't even THINK about using any conventional personal care or other products that are scented... they bother my skin, and they bother my respiratory system too. I've never been able to use any scented products because of the discomfort and increased sensitivity they cause. I can't be around people who wear perfume or scented deodorant, because I can't breathe well and my head has discomfort. I can't go into a public bathroom that has been just cleaned because of the toxic chemicals they used to clean it. I can't enjoy candles or most lotions or makeup like most women I know because I'm sensitive to it.

During my first semester of college, I started to develop debilitating discomfort in my jaw, which I was later told is TMJD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, not just the kind of little twinge when you bite down on something too hard, but long-lasting aching, along with clicking and cracking. It was exacerbated by singing, gum-chewing, caffeine, and other things, and I was easily able to cut out all of the things listed on my doctor's list except for one -- singing. I was a vocal music education major, and singing was my livelihood (or at least soon-to-be), so I couldn't just not practice! I struggled so hard for 2.5 years through long choir rehearsals, voice lessons, practice sessions, and more. By the end of the day, it would be so bad that I'd almost be in tears. My roommates and boyfriend (and his roommates!), bless their servant hearts, would bring me freezing cold ice packs to numb my face enough so that I could fall asleep at least, though I would wake up in the night unable to fall back asleep due to other sleep issues I also was dealing with.

It seemed like a vicious cycle that I needed to stop. Maybe I needed to change majors and give up my dream of making music, of teaching others to make music too. Maybe I needed to pick something that didn't require so much singing and talking. Even smiling a lot bothered me, so maybe I needed to pick a major or job with less human interaction. But THAT idea broke my heart. I didn't enjoy any of the things I could think of! My boyfriend at the time (now husband!) and I had many conversations about what I should do... singing was part of the fabric of my BEING. I am MADE to sing. If you know me, you know that hardly an hour went by without me humming or singing some little tune. But my jaw bothered me so much most of the time that I needed to change SOMETHING. But what?

And that's when change came...

I found some natural and pretty simple solutions -- though simple doesn't always mean easy! It required a LOT of discipline and self-control on my part.

I'm blessed now to have so many versatile tools in my tool box for any emotion, body system, or issue I may be experiencing. So, where am I now? Healthier than I’ve EVER been. I have NO jaw issues anymore when I keep up my self-created protocol. I sleep through the night. I feel so much better now that I'm sleeping more and deeper. I've spent 4 years now working through the emotional issues I faced in early career, and I am so happy that I can now FEEL emotions without feeling completely run-over and frozen by emotions. I’m also happy to say that I have only had little illnesses since finding solutions, not the constant strep throat and other illnesses I was getting at least once per month before! And, that’s saying a lot as I was constantly around germs while working full time with 500+ elementary students. But once I started supporting my immune system, I stopped getting sick every couple of weeks. I can clean with the most amazing smelling cleaner without coughing. I can wear my own homemade "perfume" and get compliments, and not only does it smell good, it supports my body systems. I can use amazing smelling shampoo now! I can have twice as much energy for the day without drinking any coffee or sugary drink. When I started having these successes, I was at first in disbelief, and now in awe at all that God's created, I believe, and given us for our good. Now these are my first line of defense, my go-tos, the first thing I do when something is off, which is not very often anymore (usually just when the weather changes, ah MN life).


I look forward to living a beautiful life of freedom and feeling empowered every single day, enjoying the life I was meant to live. That life includes sharing my story of overcoming and helping you also find better, safer solutions to overcome your daily struggles.

Are you ready to live empowered to be your own best advocate? Let's chat.

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