by Linda Smith

Created on: September 28, 2009

It seems that everywhere you look everyone has money problems. The housing market is not good, the stock market has its problems, companies and governmental bodies are cutting budgets - and jobs...the financial future of many people is shaky at best. Many people are looking for a way out of those financial problems. People will look at their checkbook then look to the sky, let out a huge "sigh" and say to themselves, 'If only I could take control myself."

One way to take control is to be self-employed. So, how do you take control?

One: You could invest [said tongue-in-cheek] in the lottery and let pure chance be the architect of your financial future. Budget "x" numbers of dollars each week to spend on lottery tickets and hope your number(s) comes up. However, consider this: You have better chances of getting into a car accident, plane accident, or struck by lightning, than to win your lottery.

Two: You could inherit millions from a rich relative. How likely is this? Do you have any rich relatives? Is there any particular reason they would leave their money to you? How confident are you that estate taxes wouldn't eat up the majority? Do you really want to bank your financial future on someone else's demise? There is very little "control" here. This is not a "home-business" option in any sense.

Three: You could play the stock market. Can you afford the risk of not winning? Day Trading seems like a likely home business, but consider that you'd need money set aside to risk and the reward (or income) may not be consistent enough to be counted on.

Four: You could invest in real estate and/or invest in a direct selling [network marketing] business and work from home. Real estate investing takes some education and initial capital, but it can be an answer. A direct selling opportunity turned into a home-based business can provide income potential and is an opportunity available to the majority of people with low input capital and little risk.

There are many challenges in keeping our financial feet. The United States is in a recession, many thousands are looking for work...the picture is not a pretty one. But it doesn't have to be gray for you. Make informed financial choices and set a goal for financial stability. Self-employment may give you the control you're looking for.

Learn more about this author, Linda Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.