Just Picture It Now: April 2007

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Diamond Anniversary

I admit it…I’m spoiled. Some might even go as far as saying spoiled rotten, and they just might be right. Some 15 years ago I moved to Atlanta, found myself a true Southern Bell, and she agreed to marry me. I tell people all the time it was the best move I ever made. I couldn’t ask for a better soul mate, cook, mother of our children, home maker, and all around companion than what I have found in my real life woman of my dreams. I get teased all the time that I “Married Up” and I honestly have no defense, and would have to agree that I’m guilty as charged. I certainly hope that most don’t think it’s as drastic as Rod Stewart and Rachel Hunter, or Rick Ocasek and Paulina Porizkova. (One of those, what is SHE doing with HIM??!!) I would agree however she is the better half when it comes to this union.

I’m reminded of a quote in Monsters, Inc. when Mike Wazowski tells Celia, “I remember the first time I set eye on you.” (I think I looked just like that picture too!) I was blown away. I came to find out that this woman was a former Miss Emanuel County and Miss Valdosta State. Beautiful, intelligent, and an extremely talented voice that makes your heart just melt. However, the cincher for me…the first time she made me Lasagnas. If the quickest way to a mans heart is through his stomach, this dish certainly did it for me. It was by far the best Lasagnas I ever had. (If anyone tells my mother, that my wife’s is better, I will flat out deny it!) I’m the luckiest man in the world to have someone who loves me as much as she does, and who takes pride in taking care of me the way she does.

They say that opposites attract, and I’ve known this to be true in other relationships and even in marriage. However, finding someone you have common interests in and similar backgrounds I believe is key in helping a relationship thrive. Ronda and I have so many things we enjoy doing together and like a lot of the same things. We both wanted children, and even found that we had picked out the same names for our kids when we were dating. (Brittany and Brandon, who eventually changed to Brian.) We LOVE to travel and our passion is cruising. We are also both entrepreneurs, and have even found a business we enjoy working together, with YTB Travel Network. We still have our own interests and we’ve also found that each of us bring special qualities to the relationship. Ronda for example is a wiz with numbers and finances. I on the other hand am a wiz with anything dealing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Don’t knock it, in this household, it’s important!) It makes for a great combination!

Today, we celebrate our Diamond Anniversary, 10 years of marriage. It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached this milestone in our partnership; it certainly doesn’t feel that long. Of all the qualities I love about my wife, and there are many, there is one that stands out above all the rest. It’s the fact that the vows we shared ten years ago meant just as much to her as they did to me. Marriage means something to us, it’s an important union. There have been some rough times over the last ten years, but we both promised each other that we would stick together, for better or worse, sickness and in health, for richer or poorer. The vows we shared were important to both of us, and we both knew what it was like to have a partner that didn’t understand what that meaning meant.

We are off to the North Georgia Mountains for an extended weekend without the kids. (Thanks Mema and Pappa!) Before we left, I wanted to tell the world just how special she is, and how much she means to me. I am so happy and grateful she said yes. Because she did, I know that dreams can and do come true.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: Anniversary, Bride, Marriage, Southern Bell, Wedding

Posted by TravelPro at 6:35 AM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Top Tips For Becoming A Home Based Travel Agent

Of all the home-based business possibilities, it’s hard to imagine one that’s more fun or potentially profitable than operating a home-based travel agency.

Not only do you get the enjoyment of sending people off on their dream vacation, but you earn a good commission for selling services that you do not have to actually provide yourself. What could be better than that?

If you’d like to become a home-based travel agent, and enjoy discounted or even free trips for yourself as well, then the following “Top Tips For Becoming A Home Based Travel Agent” will get you started in the right direction.

1. Affiliate with a legitimate host agency that has all of the required certifications.

The most successful home-based travel agents are independent contractors who work with a host agency. You use the host agency’s resources and established relationships to tap into their network of travel vendors and suppliers. It’s important that your host agency has the proper industry credentials and that they have a program in place that allows you to use those credentials in order to establish yourself as a legitimate travel agency.

As a home based travel agent you need certain credentials like the CLIA card. CLIA stands for the International Airlines Travel Agent Network endorses travel agents and provides the IATAN ID card, which identifies you as a U.S.- based travel sales professional.

If you are considering working with a host agency that doesn’t provide you with their IATAN/ARC number, and other required credentials, move on and select one that does.

2. Choose a host travel agency that provides comprehensive training

Even though you are an independent home-based travel agent, you still need professional quality training so you know how to operate in the travel industry as well as what you are and are not allowed to do.

Getting up-to-date on the best places to travel, tourism trends, and how to fulfill the needs of your customer is vital to your travel business. You want to choose a host travel agency that offers comprehensive training and courses on various travel services, products, marketing, etc.

For some host agencies, taking a course or training is necessary in order to be eligible for certain travel credentials. And, although it is not required to book travel, your job will go much easier and you’ll develop more repeat business, if you are well-trained and well-informed.

3. Choose a host travel agency that will help you promote your business.

Don’t choose a travel company that does not offer some assistance with marketing your travel business. The best ones will offer a turn-key website or online booking engine for your clients to use when booking their travel.

Even better are the travel companies that also provide you with automated marketing tools such as auto responders to handle email campaigns and promotions.

You’ll save money, and gain more customers, if you partner up with a host travel agency that provides ready-made templates to print business cards, postcards, flyers, etc. These are all the tools in your marketing arsenal that will help you get the word out about your home-based travel business.

4. Choose a host travel agency that handles ALL of the travel details for you.

Most host agencies handle all the booking and routine travel details for your clients, but what happens if a name is misspelled on a plane ticket or your customer wants a refund? Find out what type of customer support is available and read their policies carefully before you sign on as a home-based travel agent.

At a minimum, look for:

· How long your host agency has been in business and if they are reputable.
· 24/7 telephone support, not just e-mail or web-based.
· Clear and easy-to-understand refund and cancellation policies.
· A track record of speedy resolution to customer service issues.

5. Choose a host travel agency with a fair commission policy.

Notice that money is not mentioned as the #1 thing to look for when you’re choosing a host travel agency. Sure, the commission is important; it’s how you get paid. But the best commission policy in the world does you no good if the host travel company that you choose to partner with is not aboveboard and honest.

Once you have found a travel company that meet the requirements of items 1-4, it’s time to check their commission policy. Here’s what to look for:

· Make sure that you know exactly how much commission you earn on every travel product you offer through your host agency. Be sure to find out if you earn commissions for add-on sales like trip cancellation insurance or lost luggage insurance. The best host travel agency partners pay you a piece of everything you sell.

· Be sure you know what their commission chargeback policy is when a client cancels a trip or seeks a refund.

· Find out at which point your commission actually gets locked in. Is it when the sale is made; when the client debarks on their trip, or when they return?

· Find out how long it takes to get paid. Some agencies pay Net 30, some pay longer. Whatever the payment period is, make sure you can live with it.

6. Choose a host travel agency with the best perks for you

The opportunity to go on a FAM trip is the most appealing benefit to travel agents. FAM trips are short for ‘familiarization trips’. These are special trips specifically for the travel agent. These trips are offered by hotels, cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, and tour companies.

The intent of the trip is to familiarize the agent with the product or service so that they can then sell the service or product to their clients. By experiencing the product, agents can sell it more effectively.

These trips are either totally free or have a small cost involved to cover the expense of the trip. These FAM trips are offered at a huge discount compared to what it would cost to the average consumer. If your host agency doesn’t offer FAM trips, you should think about finding one that does.

Also, since you will be working out of home and on your own, medical insurance plans or group coverage plans are sometimes offered. Check to see if the agency you are considering has a group plan that you can buy into. Group plans are usually less expensive than buying
medical insurance on your own.

Some final thoughts

Owning your own travel business means you can take advantage of many tax breaks. Deductions are allowed for you initial investment, home office expenses, cell phone and land lines, automobile, computer, fax machine, insurance, and other equipment. In addition, when you travel anywhere in the world, it's a business expense!

Overall, becoming a home-based travel agent has some major perks and benefits. The important thing is to find a good host agency and become familiar with your product so that you can offer the best travel experience for your customers. Doing this will keeps a consistent flow of repeat and new business coming your way.

Good luck and Bon Voyage!

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635

Labels: FAM's, Home Based Business, Host Agency, Travel Agent, Work From Home

Posted by TravelPro at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Need a Tax Deduction? Own a Business! Continued...

Last week I posted how a home based business can help reduce your tax burden. After starting our Home Based Business two years ago, I quickly found out how some of the ordinary personal expenses, can now move into a business category, simply by starting a home based business. I started to look at every expense I made and asked, “How can this expense benefit my business?”

I also looked at other expenses that came up because of my business and made the expense a much easier to make because I knew it was business related and could now qualify as a deduction. This long term thinking actually helped in generating revenue I could actually use and spend in the short term.

Qualifying

It’s easier than you think to qualify many of the ordinary expenses you make and turn them into business expenses. Check each of the statements below that accurately reflects your situation.

Category: Self-Employed Business Expenses

Deduction: Advertising

- I paid for advertising expenses related to my business.
- The advertising was ordinary and necessary for my business.
- I paid for public service advertising which relates to expected future business gain.
- The purpose of the advertising was not to lobby or influence legislation.

Deduction: Bad Debt (Business)

- I was unable to collect money owed to me or to my business.
- The debt arose because of my trade or business or was closely related to it.
- The debt became partly or totally worthless during this year.
- I have previously included the uncollectable amount in income, or it was a cash loan.

Deduction: Self-Employed – Gifts

- I gave gifts to business customers, clients or employees in the course of my business.
- The expense was both ordinary and necessary for my trade or business.

Deduction: Self-Employed – Entertainment

- I paid for entertaining clients, customers or employees.
- The expense was both ordinary and necessary to my trade or business .
- The entertainment was directly related to the active conduct of my business.
- The entertainment directly preceded or followed a substantial business discussion.
- The expense was not lavish or extravagant under the circumstances.
- I kept adequate records of my expenses.

Deduction: Self-Employed – Meals

- I paid for meals related to overnight travel, entertainment or employee benefits.
- The expense was both ordinary and necessary to my trade or business.
- The meals were not lavish or extravagant under the circumstances.
- I kept adequate records of my expenses.

Deduction: Car and Truck

- I used my car or truck in my business, or reimbursed my employees for car and truck expenses.
- If employees used my company car, I allowed only business use, or reported the personal portion of their expenses on their W-2 as compensation.
- I kept written records.
- The vehicle is unlikely to be used for personal purposes (such as a delivery truck that seats only the driver).

Deduction: Cost of Goods Sold

- My business manufactures products or purchases them for resale.
- I maintain inventories in order to determine the cost of goods sold.

Deduction: Home – Business Use (Self-Employed)

- I regularly used part of my home in connection with my trade or business.
- The business part of my home was used only for business, or to store inventory or product samples for a business selling products; or I had a day-care business in my home.
- I used the business part of my home as my principal place of business.
- I used the business part of my home to meet or deal with patients, clients or customers.
- The business part was a separate structure, not attached to my home.

Deduction: Insurance

- I paid for insurance premiums for the protection of my business.
- The insurance was ordinary and necessary to my trade or business.
- The premiums were not for life insurance on my own life, self-insurance reserve funds, or a loss-of-earnings policy.

Deduction: Interest – Mortgage

- I paid interest during the year on debts related to my business.
- I am legally liable for the debt.
- Both the lender and I intend that the debt be repaid, and we have a true debtor-creditor relationship.
- The debt is secured by property I own (if not, see Interest-Other).

Deduction: Interest – Other

- I paid interest during the year on debts related to my business.
- I am legally liable for the debt.
- Both the lender and I intend that the debt be repaid, and we have a true debtor-creditor relationship.

Deduction: Legal & Professional Services

- I paid legal, accounting and other fees directly related to operating my business.
- The expenses were ordinary and necessary for my business.
- The fees were not paid for work of a personal nature (such as making a will).
- The fees were not paid for preparing that part of my tax return not relating to my business as a sole proprietor.
- Legal fees were not paid to acquire business assets (those should be added to the cost of the assets).

Deduction: Repair and Maintenance

- I spent money to keep my business property in normal, efficient operating condition.
- The expenses don't add to the value of the property or significantly increase its life.

Deduction: Start-Up Costs

- I spent money to set up an active trade or business or to investigate creating or acquiring an active trade or business.
- The spending occurred before I began business operations.
- The costs would have been deductible if paid to operate an existing trade or business.
- The costs were common and accepted, as well as appropriate and helpful, in my business.
- I will deduct the costs in equal amounts over a period of 60 months or more ("amortize" them), beginning with the month I began business operations.

Deduction: Supplies

- I consumed and used materials and supplies during the tax year as a part of my trade or business. (The cost may include books, professional instruments, equipment, etc. that are normally used up in less than a year.)
- I have accounted for inventory of supplies and materials on hand at the beginning and end of the tax year.
- I don't keep a record of when supplies are used, I don't take an inventory of the amount on hand, and this method doesn't distort my income.
- The use of the supplies is common and accepted in my field of business, and appropriate and helpful for my business.

Deduction: Taxes & Licenses

- I paid federal, state, local and foreign taxes and license fees directly related to my trade or business.
- The taxes were ordinary and necessary to the conduct of my business.
- Taxes paid on behalf of others, such as sales tax collected from customers, have not been included in gross income and are not deductible.

Deduction: Travel (Self-Employed)

- I spent money – for myself or my employees while traveling on business.
- The trip was taken because our duties required being away from the general area of our regular place of business for substantially longer than an ordinary day's work.
- The assignment away from home was temporary.
- Sleep and rest were needed to meet the demands of the work while away from home.
- The expense was ordinary and necessary for the work and not lavish or extravagant.
I kept adequate records.

Deduction: Utilities

- I paid for heat, lights, power, and telephone for my business.
- None of this spending was for my personal use.
- I am not deducting any of the cost of basic local telephone service for the first phone line in my home.
- The costs were common and accepted in my field of business, and appropriate and helpful for my own business.

Deduction: Wages

- I paid wages and salaries which were directly connected to my business.
- The actual services performed by the employees are common and accepted in my field of business, and appropriate and helpful for my business.
- The amount of pay is reasonable, and an amount that similar enterprises ordinarily would pay for the same work under the circumstances.

Category: Self-Employed – Other Deductions

Deduction: Education (Self-Employed)

- I paid for tuition, books and other expenses for education related to my trade or business.
- The education maintains or improves skills required in my trade or business, or is legally required to keep my pay, status or job.
- The education is not necessary to meet the minimum educational requirements of my present trade or business.
- The education is not part of a program to qualify me for a new trade or business.

Deduction: Moving (Self-Employed)

- I spent money moving to a new workplace.
- The move was related to a change in my job location.
- My new workplace was at least 50 miles farther from my old home than my former workplace was. (If I didn't have a former workplace, my new workplace was at least 50 miles from my old home.)
- Right after the move, I worked (or will work) full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months, AND for at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months.
- My new job ended because of death or disability.

Deduction: Health Insurance (Self-Employed)

- I paid for medical insurance or qualified long-term care insurance for myself and my family.
- I am self-employed, a general partner (or a limited partner receiving guaranteed payments) in a partnership, or a shareholder owning more than 2% of an S corporation.
- I paid the premiums, or my partnership or S corporation paid the premiums and included them in my gross income.
- I was not eligible to participate in any employer subsidized health plan (including my spouse's) during any month for which I am taking a deduction.

Surprised? So was I when I first learned about all this. I think about all the money I paid to IRS over the years that I could have kept instead of paying, and we’re talking hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. What I could have done with all that money? A nice vacation? A retirement plan? A bigger house? A new car?

The good news is that all these deductions started for our family two years ago.

They can start for you too, legally and ethically with minimal expense. Who knows, it could even provide the kind of lifestyle and freedom we now enjoy.

Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

Learn How To Become A Travel Agent

Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635