money management

How Gel Polish Saved My Life

Ok, not my life exactly, but probably several hundred dollars in taxes. Whew. First, I subtotaled all those receipts and calculated my gross receipts for 2010 only to break down in tears at the discovery that

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Ready, Set, File

As the April filing date nears, it’s time to double-check deductions and start planning for next year. Whether you are a one-station booth renter or a salon with multiple locations, you will want to make the most of every advantage the tax laws allow.

Use Your Phone to Swipe Clients’ Cards

Plug a little plastic cube into the audio jack of your phone and you can use it to accept credit cards. Square (www.squareup.com) is a smartphone app that enables anyone to accept payment cards.

Careful What You Wish For

When I started doing nails I spent my days sitting at my desk with nothing to do but paint sample nail art on tips and stare challengingly at the phone — daring it to ring. I

Money: Here Today, Still Here Tomorrow

A financial advisor teaches you how to make the most of your hard-earned dollars. Her three-step plan requires you to commit to saving, make it a habit, and allocate wisely.

Her Services Are Payable in Advance

How much would it be worth to you to have clients pay up to two months in advance? Kim Hanzlik, owner of Nails, Hands, Feet and Toes in Winnemucca, Nev., offers clients the option of paying in advance and discounts their service by $5 as an incentive.

Goodbye 2010

Whew! The last month has been busy for me! That sort of busy that leaves you sleep-deprived and hysterical and ready to snap, but not in debt at the end of the holidays. Well, that is,

10 Money Wasters (and how to stop the waste)

Every day there are opportunities to save, and it’s really easy to do once you identify where the waste is happening. From buying bulk sizes to shopping for furniture at a swap meet, these little things can make a difference in your budget.

“In This Economy”

Oh heavens! How I hate these words.I know. I know there are areas where the economy really does suck. I live in California. You know how deep in poo California is? It's a mess, seriously. Mostly

How About Giving Your Time Value?

“Why give away your time for free when you can be charging for it?” asks Elaine Watson, Star Nails’ global education director and vice president of marketing and sales.