A great way to make more money is to start a home business. Most people think it's complex, but it's actually quite simple. All you need is the proper amount of motivation and a detailed plan to get the ball - and the profits - rolling. However, one caution, a home-based business isn’t just your business, it will impact every member of your family in some way, and the budding entrepreneur needs to keep that in mind.
   Decide first what you want to do. You can choose to be employed from home as a typist, virtual administrative assistant or transcriber. Such positions typically earn between $5 and $20 an hour, so you may not reach your financial goals with this kind of work. On the other hand, building a home business as a graphic designer, a pet groomer, or through a simple mail-order business selling books, tapes, videos or other products, not only offers more freedom and flexibility but can bring in an unlimited income.
   However, the bigger your business gets, the more your family will be impacted. But involving the entire family in the business is also a good way to instill the entrepreneurial spirit in your children.
   In order to minimize disruption to the family unit, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
   Schedule time to work on your business. This is especially important if you are a parent. If you have flexible hours and minimal client contact, you may be able to work around your child's naptimes and playdates and use baby-sitters, friends and family to help out. You may also want to consider investing in professional child care, even if it's just a few hours a day, so that you can give your work and your customers undivided attention.
   Find a mentor or mentors. Find someone who has successfully done or is doing the kind of business you are interested in. How did it affect their family and what can they tell you so you don’t make the same mistakes? That advice may prove invaluable. You may also want to look into consulting or continuing-education courses. Don't forget to check online or page through the phone book to find local organizations that can connect you to people who are just like you.
   Do your homework. Beware of businesses that promise "fast money" with little effort. Conduct a thorough investigation before investing your time and money in a home business venture, and contact your local chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau to make sure the business is not a scam.
   The more research you do, the more likely you are to succeed. Ask the reference librarian at your local library for resources on how to start a home-based business. You can also look to your local chamber of commerce, the Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) or the National Association for the Self- Employed (www.nase.org) to get started.
   Secure start-up capital. Pay off your high-interest credit cards to make you more financially attractive to prospective lenders. This will also ease future family tensions that can arise over what money is available from a start up business. Before you begin your business, you may want to save up for basic expenses like computers, office supplies, incorporation fees and child care, if necessary. Keep complete records of all your income and expenses for income tax purposes.