Category Archives: Ways to Make Money

How Women Entrepreneurs Can Make Business Travel More Efficient

This article is brought to you and contributed by an outside writer.

For women entrepreneurs, business travel is a great opportunity…but it can be exhausting.

Whether you’re pitching investors or meeting clients, attending conferences or visiting new markets, time away is still time away. You’re separated from your daily operations, family responsibilities, and strategic planning, which can really throw a wrench in the ordinarily well-oiled machine that is your business.

There are ways to make travel more efficient, though.

Efficient travel can help you to protect your energy and maximize productivity, ensuring each trip actually contributes to your business growth.

Today we’ll address some ways women entrepreneurs can make business travel more efficient.

Plan Logistics In Advance

A successful trip starts before you leave home. Try to remove as many friction points as early as possible so you can focus on conversations, decisions, and opportunities instead of logistics.

Let’s say you’re heading to a spread-out city like Dallas, where things are fairly spread out. Your schedule includes multiple meetings across a large area, so booking a rental car at DFW airport could help you control your timing and avoid delays between appointments.

Plan Around Your Business Priorities

Before booking flights or hotels, define the purpose of the trip.

Are you trying to close a deal?

Build partnerships?

Research a market?

Increase brand visibility?

Once you’ve clarified your main goal, organize your schedule around the highest-value activities. Avoid filling every open hour with meetings that do not directly support your objective.

Break your agenda down into three categories:

Must-do
Nice-to-do
Optional

As an entrepreneur, it’s likely that you often feel pressure to say yes to every opportunity — even if it’s at odds with your efficiency. This strategy helps you make smart decisions so you can stick to the commitments that truly matter.

Choose Travel Times Strategically

Early-morning and late-night flights may seem like time savers, but they can reduce your effectiveness if they leave you tired before an important meeting. When possible, schedule travel so you arrive with enough time to rest, review notes, and prepare mentally. A slightly more expensive flight may be worthwhile if it improves your performance.

Also consider the rhythm of your workweek. Traveling on a Monday morning can create stress if weekend preparation runs behind. Flying in the evening so you can get a good night’s rest before a key event can give you a calmer start.

Pack for Speed and Confidence

A streamlined packing system saves time and reduces anxiety. Keep a travel-ready checklist for clothing, technology, chargers, business cards, presentation materials, and personal care items. Brownie points if you have a work ‘uniform’ or capsule wardrobe that cuts down on that executive decision fatigue as you get dressed each morning.

You can also consider maintaining a separate set of essentials that stay in your suitcase. That way you aren’t stressing about finding things like phone chargers or deodorant every time you hop on a plane.

Use Technology to Stay Organized

Digital tools can make business travel much easier. Store boarding passes, hotel confirmations, meeting addresses, and receipts in one travel app or cloud folder. Use calendar alerts with location details and estimated travel times. If you manage a team, set communication expectations before you leave so everyone knows when you are available.

Expense tracking apps are especially useful for entrepreneurs. Instead of sorting receipts after the trip, photograph them immediately and categorize expenses in real time. This makes bookkeeping cleaner and helps you understand the true return on investment for each trip.

Build in Buffer Time

One of the biggest mistakes business travelers make is scheduling meetings too tightly. You could get stuck in traffic or encounter a horrifically long hotel check-in line. Be sure to add buffer time between appointments, especially when meeting with high-value clients or investors. Arriving calm and prepared is better than rushing in flustered.

And if you miraculously don’t run into any of those delays? You use that built-in buffer time productively.

Review a proposal.

Send follow-up emails.

Update your team.

Or, heaven forbid, use it for a little R&R.

For women entrepreneurs managing many roles, small pockets of unscheduled time can help prevent burnout.

Protect Your Safety and Well-Being

Efficiency should never come at the expense of safety. Share your itinerary with someone you trust, choose well-reviewed accommodations, and be mindful when arriving late at night. Use secure transportation options and keep important documents backed up digitally.

Well-being matters, too. Remember to stay hydrated and pack healthy snacks — in addition to taking a breath during those buffer times. Travel can disrupt routines, but even a short walk or ten minutes of stretching can help maintain focus and energy.

Follow Up Immediately

The value of a business trip often depends on what happens afterward. Set aside time before returning to regular work to send follow-up emails, share requested materials, connect on LinkedIn, and document next steps. A fast, thoughtful follow-up shows professionalism and keeps momentum strong.

Business travel can be a powerful growth tool for women entrepreneurs when approached with intention. By planning strategically, using smart systems, and protecting your time and energy, women business owners can make every trip less stressful, and more profitable.

How to Claim Your Unclaimed Money and Avoid Scams

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Do you have unclaimed money sitting around just waiting for you?

Believe it or not, you just may. And you could find it sitting in your state treasury.

When a business or other entity tries to issue a payment to you, but they are not able to reach you, they don’t just get to pocket it. They have to deposit it with your state.

Maybe you moved and they didn’t know your new address. Maybe you were set up on direct deposit and switched bank accounts. Whatever the reason for the discrepancy, the money must eventually makes its way to the state for safe keeping.

How to Get What’s Yours: Unclaimed Money

To check and see if you have any funds waiting, you can use the interactive map on this page to find your state’s searchable unclaimed money database.

From there, you’ll be able to search your state’s treasury to see if there is any money waiting in your name. If there is, it will pop up with some basic information, including the last address on file and the name of the company that originally issued the payment.

You will not know exactly how much you have waiting for you, even if something pops up. In my home state of Pennsylvania, the treasury classifies funds as “over $100” or “under $100.” You won’t know the exact number until you receive the funds.

Before you receive the funds in the mail, you have to fill out some paperwork. There are typically two options. You can either receive your payment by check or ACH transfer.

Request your unclaimed funds by ACH transfer

The procedure is going to vary by state, but generally speaking, receiving your unclaimed funds by ACH transfer is easier and faster.

You can fill out your banking information online, and the money will be digitally deposited into your bank account. You may have to provide some additional personal information to use this method, such as your Social Security number.

Request your unclaimed funds in paper check form

If you want to get a paper check instead, you typically have to print out a claim form from your state treasury’s website or request that a hard copy of the form be mailed to you.

You’ll then have to verify that you are the person who is owed money by providing your personal information, and in some cases you’ll have to sign the supporting documentation in front of a notary.

After the treasury has received your paperwork, they will issue you your long, lost check.

How to Avoid Scams Related to Unclaimed Money

Way back in the day, my ex-partner received a letter in the mail. In this letter, the company told them they had unclaimed funds amounting to around $2,000.

To claim them, all they had to do was fill out the enclosed paperwork certifying that the company sending the letter would get a 15% cut. That would have been around $300.

THIS WAS A TOTAL SCAM.

The company wasn’t entirely wrong — my partner-at-the-time did have unclaimed money waiting for them with the state treasury amounting to the same figure that the company’s letter laid out.

But the company didn’t disclose that they could get the money on their own.

Without paying anyone commission.

All they had to do was go to to the state’s website and filing the paperwork themselves.

Which they did. It turns out that big check was an insurance claim that they had fought for and subsequently given up on, even though the insurance company really and truly owed the payout.

The insurance company eventually figured that out, too, though I’m not sure how they “lost touch” with them since they had held continuous policies with the same insurance company ever since.

The moral of the story is two-fold:

Check your state treasury’s for unclaimed money regularly. Just because you don’t have money in there today doesn’t mean you won’t in six months.
Never ever release personal information or pay someone a commission to file simple paperwork for you. If they say they’ve got money for you, there’s no reason you should have to pay them to access it. Do some digging, find out where the money is and go get it yourself.

The Best DTF Transfer Services in Miami for Your Side Hustle

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This article is brought to you and contributed by an outside writer.

For moms running side hustles at the kitchen table, Etsy sellers scaling up orders, or anyone testing a small apparel idea without a huge upfront investment, printing costs matter. Direct-to-film (DTF)transfers are emerging as the most effective ways to create custom apparel, such as t-shirts, hoodies, and other merchandise, without maintaining large inventories or investing in costly machinery.

With DTF, you can print durable designs, apply them to nearly any fabric, and keep your costs predictable. However, turnaround time, color selection, ordering, and cost are very important factors, especially when you need to earn money. In this guide, we’ll introduce the top DTF transfer services in Miami with emphasis on affordability, reliability, and usability for regular businesses.

Top Features of an Excellent DTF Transfer Service

When you’re still unfamiliar with DTF printing, you might believe that any DTF printer provides the same service. But the following characteristics vary and determine costs and efficiency:

Turnaround Time: If you need to deliver the order from Etsy fast, select a printer with a
guaranteed one-day turnaround.
No Minimum Orders: Small-scale companies rarely require large production volumes. Single or small-batch orders provide flexibility without tying up cash.
Ink Choices and Color Options: Advanced ink systems, such as those that offer more colors or neon capabilities, could help make your artwork more eye-catching when printed on darker materials.
Easy Design Upload: A simple gang sheet builder or upload tool saves time and reduces errors, especially when dealing with multiple designs.
Fabric Compatibility: The option to work with cotton, polyester, blends, and even dark materials without additional effort is great.

Why DTF Transfers Work for Budget-Conscious Sellers

If you want to reduce costs, DTF printing provides an excellent choice. Unlike traditional screen printing, you don’t need to order in bulk to get a reasonable price per piece. And compared to direct-to-garment (DTG), DTF often handles a wider range of fabrics with fewer limitations. Industry experts from Keypoint Intelligence noted that modern DTF systems “streamline workflow, enhance color accuracy, and minimize waste,” which is exactly what small sellers need when margins are tight.

Our Top Picks for DTF Transfer Services in Miami

Here are some top picks for DTF transfer services in Miami.

1. DTF Transfers Miami

In terms of cost and efficiency, DTF Transfers Miami provides a convenient experience tailored for small business owners and DIY projects.

Key Features:

Delivery of custom DTF gang sheets within 24 hours
No minimum order policy
Online gang sheet maker free for uploading
Use of an 8-ink system with neon/fluorescent ink colors
Film size 22 inches, suitable for all kinds of fabric, including dark garments

Best For:

DIY Moms, Etsy sellers, and people running their part-time printing business

Standout Quality:

The unique selling point of this service is fast turnaround and high print quality. The expanded ink system produces noticeably vivid prints, including neon tones. This is a good option if you’re dealing with small or frequent orders due to its lack of minimum orders and user-friendly file upload feature.

2. DTF Miami Prints

DTF Miami Prints is located in the West Park District and specializes in custom gang sheets with a focus on precise color matching and design possibilities.

Key Features:

Highly developed gang sheet design software for complicated designs
Printing on cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics
Quality printing and short print run compatibility
Express order delivery service

Best For:

E-commerce sellers who require more freedom in layout design and highly detailed graphics. DTF Miami Prints is a good option for users with complicated designs and multiple layers of graphics. The brand’s target audience is knowledgeable people about DTF printing technology who require additional design options.

3. DTF Rush Orders

DTF Rush Orders is a well-known provider due to its fast turnaround times and positive
customer reviews.

Key Features:

Fast order handling
Very accurate printing
Durable transfers suitable for reuse
Has built a reputation in the community

Best For:

People who require their orders delivered fast, especially urgent orders. DTF Rush Orders is known for providing quick services, particularly in terms of delivery. You can rely on this service whenever you require urgency and consistency.

4. Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More (Kendall)

Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More (Kendall) operates in Miami and provides more choices for custom apparel and DTF printing.

Key Features:

● Full color printing using water-based ink
● Custom order for both small and bulk orders
● Discounts for bulk orders
● Various branded items to choose from

Best For:

Clients requiring DTF printing along with other custom clothing printing services. Big Frog Custom Printing is well known for providing custom printing solutions. Therefore, you should consider this service provider if you would like to have your apparel printed along with
other branded items.

5. Make It Lab

Make It Lab is a printing company in Miami that offers services such as DTF printing and UV DTF printing.

Key Features:

Quick shipping service, or local pickup the following day
Printing services for DTF and UV DTF
Gang sheet printing and transfer printing are possible
High-quality printing services

Best For:

People who want more than one print option simultaneously. Make It Lab is ideal if you want to experiment with new printing technologies and materials. The brand offers various types of prints and is not limited to apparel.

DTF’s role in your side hustle

The recent advancements in DTF printing technology mean you can start a business or do a DIY project without making significant financial investments in the beginning. From ordering your first t-shirts to maintaining a regular supply of customized t-shirts, a good printing company can make your work easier and cheaper.

Although several Miami-based services offer solid options, DTF Transfers Miami’s fast turnaround, no minimums, and vibrant print quality make it well-suited for small-scale sellers who need flexibility and consistency.

Tax-Free Tips & You

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This is the year, my friends! Starting with the 2025 tax year, the first $25,000 you earn in tips are not subject to income taxes (for some people.)

Today, we’re going to talk about the ins and outs of this new policy. It’s exciting for some, disappointing for others. You want to make sure you manage your expectations appropriately.

What does ‘tax-free tips’ mean?

‘Tax-free tips’ does not mean you’ll pay zero taxes on your tip income. You’ll still have to report your tips in their entirety — which I know you’ve been doing every other tax year, anyways…right? 😉

FICA Taxes

A big reason you need to report your tips is that you will still have to pay FICA taxes on this income. FICA taxes are taxes that go towards Social Security and Medicare.

Believe it or not, this is a good thing for you — the higher your recorded Social Security income (and taxes) are throughout your working life, the more Social Security income you’ll qualify for in retirement age.

Income Taxes

This is where the good news lives. For many people, the first $25,000 in tips reported on your federal tax return will not count towards your income taxes. This is achieved through a deduction on your 1040.

Deductions like these reduce your taxable income, which in turn lowers how much tax you owe to the IRS.

Does the tax-free tip policy help me?

There is a bit of bad news. If your tax owed is already $0, the deduction isn’t going to do much for you. This is a situation that applies to many low-income tax payers, and means this isn’t really a policy that’s looking out for the little guy.

Yale’s Budget Lab reports that 37% of tipped workers fall into this category.

Does the tax-free tip policy hurt me?

A big concern was matriculating that the no-tips-on-taxes policy could actually hurt some tipped workers who qualify for certain refundable tax credits. Here, we have some good news.

EITC

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit that operates on a bell curve. The more money you earn, the more money you get back — until you hit a certain point where the credit starts tapering off.

In this way, the EITC is a subsidy on the minimum wage. (Which — let’s be real — you might not be getting paid if you’re a tipped worker.)

So, the fear was that if tipped workers deducted tips from their income, would that lower their income enough to put them further back on the EITC bell curve? And therefore get a smaller credit?

The IRS is saying no. You can deduct your tips from your income to calculate your tax burden, but your EITC credit will still be based on your total earned income — including deducted tips.

Child Tax Credit

Similarly, the Child Tax Credit pulls from your income on line 11a of your 1040. This is your earned income before you subtract your tip deduction on line 13b, and therefore shouldn’t affect your Child Tax Credit.

Perhaps more importantly, it shouldn’t affect your Additional Child Tax Credit. This is important because the Additional Child Tax Credit is the portion that’s refundable.

When do tax-free tips kick in?

(Income-) tax-free tips kick in for the 2025 tax year. To be clear, you can exclude the first $25,000 in tips on the 1040 you file in early 2026. That 1040 is for the 2025 tax year.

Are tax-free tips permanent?

No, tax-free tips are not permanent. They only apply to tax years 2025 through 2028. That means the last tax return where you can claim this deduction will be the one you file in early 2029.

Keep an eye on this space, though. Future tax laws could make this provision permanent — or at least extend it. It’s also possible that it could expire, though, which is the default with the way the law is currently written.

What are the income limitations for tax-free tips?

This tax deduction starts to phase out when your Modified-Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) hits $150,000. If you’re married filing jointly, it starts phasing out at a MAGI of $300,000.

Does my job qualify for tax-free tips?

Just because your boss programs the Square terminal to shake down customers for extra cash does not automatically mean you qualify for the no-tax-on-tips deduction. This deduction is restricted to jobs that ‘customarily’ received tips as of December 31, 2024.

And the list is delineated. You can’t argue with it.

Are you a waiter?

You qualify.

Have a side hustle as a wedding officiant?

You’re in, too.

You can find the entire, comprehensive list of qualified occupations here.

If you’re not on it, you don’t qualify.

Overall verdict

This policy is better than some feared, and worse than others hoped. It applies to a narrow portion of the American population, but for those who it does serve, it can be a way to save money on your taxes.

10 Unique Small Business Ideas for Female Entrepreneurs

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This post is brought to you and written by an outside writer.

Women own around 42 percent of companies in the United States, bringing in $3.3 trillion to the economy. Yet, the average revenue for women-owned companies stands at $142,900 each year, which is about one-third of what male-owned companies bring in. Choosing a business idea with strong market demand and low competition can help close this gap.

Here are ten business suggestions backed by current statistics and market research.

1. Online Course Creation for Niche Audiences

People are turning to online learning. The e-learning market is projected to top $375 billion by 2026, according to Teachable. Building online courses around topics like wellness, parenting, or business skills allows you to tap into this growth. Focus on a tight subject to attract a loyal group of learners. Platforms offer templates and tools to get started without much technical knowledge.

2. Vintage Clothing and Goods Resale

Secondhand shopping has grown sharply. Depop reports 90 percent of its top sellers are women. The secondhand market is expected to reach $350 billion by 2027. You can source clothing, antiques or jewelry locally, and market them on sites such as Depop or Etsy. Data from Etsy shows sellers who ship worldwide earn three times more than domestic sellers, so consider cross-border sales.

3. AI Consulting for Small Enterprises

Artificial intelligence is no longer reserved for large firms. By 2030, the AI market could reach $1.8 trillion. Many smaller companies want simple, practical ways to use AI for customer service, scheduling, and sales analytics. Female-led firms that use automation tools report 73 percent faster revenue growth according to Capstone Partners. If you have a tech background, consider advising local shops and service providers on this new technology.

4. Grant Writing and Funding Support

Around 32 percent of small businesses use grant funding, but many miss out due to lack of expertise. The opportunity for grant writers stands at $12 billion. If you are skilled at research and writing, this is a wide-open field. Offer packages to nonprofits or local businesses looking for new revenue streams.

Tools and Steps for Building Your Business Presence

Once you select your business idea, consider the practical elements needed to launch. You may need to create a website, build a lead list, register your business name, and set up payment gateways. For example, starting a handmade crafts shop on Etsy, offering online coaching, or running a podcast all benefit from simple online storefronts or landing pages.

Today, platforms make these steps more accessible. Entrepreneurs who run an e-commerce shop, offer grant writing services or launch a niche consulting service often begin by using basic templates to showcase their skills. Taking time to set up structured contact forms or booking systems can help turn visitors into clients.

5. Handmade Sensory Toys for Children

Demand for sensory toys for children with autism or ADHD is rising. The market is valued at $4.8 billion, yet fewer than five percent of sellers focus on this need. Creating quality, safety-tested sensory products gives you a unique selling point. Focus on clear product descriptions and thoughtful packaging to gain the trust of parents and therapists.

6. Podcast Production Services

Audio content is in high demand. Podcast ad revenue reached $2.5 billion in 2024 according to Exploding Topics. Many small companies and influencers want to launch shows but lack tech skills. Offering production, editing, or marketing services for podcasts is a strong niche. Knowledge of audio tools is helpful but can be self-taught. Focus on clear packages and fast delivery.

7. Virtual Assistance and Admin Help

Companies of all sizes outsource administrative tasks to save time. The virtual assistance industry is growing by around eight percent per year. Services can include calendar management, email filtering, research, or travel booking.

8. Sustainable Product Brands

Consumer demand for sustainable products is rising. Nielsen found that 66 percent prefer companies with a clear sustainability edge, especially those that are women-led. Only 18 percent of women-owned brands market to this group, so the competition is lower. Products could include zero-waste home goods, refilled beauty products, or reusable containers.

9. Menopause Wellness Coaching

Menopause wellness is an $18 billion market. Fewer than 500 providers globally focus only on this field. Women seek symptom relief, support, and clear information that most healthcare providers miss. Online group coaching, meal plans, and self-help content make practical offerings. Focus on accessible, research-based advice.

10. Community-Owned Cooperatives

Cooperative companies, such as food-buying clubs or service collectives, benefit from high client retention. International benchmarks show that women-led co-ops keep 89 percent of their clients compared to 33 percent for solo ventures. This model works well for wellness, fitness, recycling, or childcare services.

Practical Considerations Before You Begin

Research your local market and choose a business that aligns with your skills
Start small. Test your product or service before investing heavily
Seek out government programs or certifications to open more doors. Only five percent of federal contracts go to women, but there are free pathways to qualify
Use online tools to handle booking, payments, and email outreach
Set clear milestones and revisit your business’s progress every month

Building a sustainable company takes steady work, not luck. Start with current market gaps, address a clear need, and focus on efficiency. These suggestions allow you to step into markets with proven demand and room for growth.