“Lasting net worth comes only when you have a healthy and strong sense of self-worth.” – Suze Orman, personal finance expert. 

When I launched my freelance marketing business a year and a half ago, I struggled with how much money to charge my clients. I did the research to see what the going rate was, and I asked others in my field how they structured their fees. Some people gave me the exact amount, and others provided a price range. I was happy with whatever information they were willing to share.

I also took into consideration my 30+ years of work experience, along with the professional development hours I’ve acquired since college. Between the books and articles I’ve read, the podcasts I’ve listened to, the marketing workshops and industry conferences I’ve attended, and the certifications I’ve amassed over time, I should have an MBA by now.

All of this homework led me to a number I was comfortable charging; however, some well-meaning, trusted friends told me it was too much. I didn’t think so, but because I was starting out as an unknown entity and needed clients, I took their advice and lowered my hourly rate by $15. Clients started to come in, and I was living the dream of running my own business.

The first financial goal I set for myself was to pay our mortgage every month. I’m proud to say that, except for a few slow months, I have reached that milestone. But once I take into account how much it costs to run my business, my net number is, shall we say, undesirable. Even by considerably lowering my expenses and sacrificing tools I know would support my work life, I’m coming up short of my next goal, to pay myself a salary.

Cue up the existential financial questions. Am I worth more than what I’m making? Will clients still want to work with me? Am I allowed to take some risks? How do I balance personal freedom with financial security? Should I just be happy with whatever comes my way?

And how about the things I still want to accomplish in my life. I want to travel to Europe again.  There are also projects around the house to complete and enjoy while we still live here. And I want my kids to have beautiful weddings, if they so desire, and spoil future grandchildren (should I be blessed with them) and support all of their dreams.

And let’s face it…I have a book-buying habit that needs constant funding, and a coffee addiction that won’t pay for itself. The list is ongoing, and I’m not getting any younger.

On top of all of this, I think about how expensive everyday life has become. Groceries cost more. Buying clothes at my age means shopping at boutiques and online because the stores at the mall cater to a much younger generation. And, G-d knows how tariffs will affect the cost of everything along with maintaining the lifestyle my husband and I have already worked so hard to achieve.

Here’s my bottom line: It’s time to raise my rates for future clients and those who have been with me for over a year. I will honor my self-worth, my hard work, and my dreams. I want a steady income I can be proud of, and it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

Do you own a small business? Have you struggled with what to charge your clients? What dreams are you still working toward and what will you do to fulfill them? How will you embrace Suze’s advice for all of us?

XO,

Elisa

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This summer seems to be particularly hot. The temps in my area have been in the mid to upper 90s, and stepping outside, even briefly, is like walking into a sauna. Here are five things keeping me cool (and sane) in this brutal weather.

#5 – My patio awning – A few years ago, we redid our back patio and deck. My mom asked me if we were going to get an awning over the patio. She strongly suggested we get one because it could get hot on the patio, and we will want some shade. At first, we didn’t think it was necessary. After spending all the money to excavate the old concrete slab and install a new patio, along with building the deck and outdoor furniture, we didn’t feel the need to spend more.

It took us about 15 minutes of sitting outside on the patio to realize that she was absolutely right. We needed an awning. The sun was beating down on us and we were melting. Honestly, it was the best thing we ever bought. It creates an outdoor living space and much needed shade, and it looks beautiful. Don’t you think?

#4 Air-conditioning -There is no such thing as “too cold in here” in the summer. In my car, the A/C is on full blast. When I’m at someone’s house, I’ll take frequent breaks to use the bathroom, not because I have to go, but as an excuse to cool off indoors. On one sweltering day, I had a meeting to attend at an office that had one portable unit in the window. Oof! At one point, I stood right in front of it and let the light breeze do what it could. I didn’t want to break away from my new best friend, but unfortunately, the conference table was next to the front door. I wasn’t on my game that day, but I did my best, and no one seemed to notice.

#3 All Body Deodorant – When I was younger, deodorant was for your armpits and nothing else. Years later, a genius in the beauty industry developed a deodorant that can be applied to the entire body. I am truly grateful for their contribution. This silky lotion is perfect for all your sweaty areas, and it works like a charm. For those of us who deal with hot flashes, it’s a game-changer and a godsend. (It’s also a little pricey, but totally worth it!)

#2  Soma’s Seamless Sports Bra – For my trip to Florida this spring, I wanted a lightweight, comfortable bra. Most sports bras I’ve owned are too tight, and the red marks left by the straps last for days. However, I found this sports bra, which not only supports the “girls” but is also breathable. This was thanks to something they call “wicking” to keep the sweat and smell away from my body.

And the #1 thing that is keeping me cool this summer…FANS!

Besides the ceiling fans and the two tower fans in the bedroom and my office, I have a personal neck fan. Two of them, actually. One is constantly charging, and the other is around my neck!

Last summer, I wore them mainly when I knew I’d be outdoors for long periods of time. This year, I’ve seen even more people wearing them this summer, and like me, they are smiling through this unbearable heat. We aren’t grouchy or miserable because we have our personal fans on the highest setting to keep us cool.

I must give kudos and honorable mentions to iced coffees, Rita’s water ice, and ice cream which are also making my life a little easier over the summer.

Have you tried any of these products? What is keeping you cool this summer?

XO,
Elisa

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Have you ever watched The Big Bang Theory? I ask because I was recently at a trivia night and won the round because I knew the name of Raj’s dog. (The answer will be revealed at the end of this post.)

No one else at my table knew the answer, and so I proved my value as a member of the trivia team.

Here’s the problem. The Big Bang Theory is one of the few shows I enjoy watching. If the trivia questions had been about much more popular shows from recent decades, like Ted Lasso or Suits, I would have been an embarrassment to my teammates.

Why? Because I’ve never seen a full season of either show, nor many others that my friends have loved and begged me to watch. (I’ll pause briefly here for you to pass judgment on me.)

And it’s not because I don’t have streaming services. We have all the biggies: Hulu, Netflix, Prime, and Apple+.  If the show doesn’t catch my attention–or even if it does–I probably won’t make it to the end. I’ll be asleep by 9:30 pm. So, I would much rather read my book, catch up on emails, or be productive around the house than sit in front of the television.

Additionally, I’d rather watch the Phillies game, which is a three-hour commitment at the very least. When the game is over, I need to get up and move my body. I’m too antsy to sit there for another few hours and watch a show.

Finally, I don’t watch a lot of new TV because I would rather re-watch episodes of shows I’ve loved and missed, such as The West Wing, Mad Men, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, This Is Us, and the aforementioned Big Bang Theory. In a world full of uncertainty, I enjoy the comforts of television shows where I know how it ends.

The only exceptions I make are shows like The Great British Baking Show and The Amazing Race. I quite enjoy picking favorites and see if they make it to the next round.

For the record, I do watch late night television like The Daily Show and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. That’s because I am tired of all the political pundits and need my news fed to me with a healthy side of comedic timing.

Here’s the thing. As a writer, I need to watch more TV and become more in tune with 21st-century pop culture. One client asked me to help her write a speech that included humorous television references to shows like Breaking Bad and Stranger Things. And guess what….these are also shows I’ve never watched. (I know! I know!).

So, I guess it’s time to sit in front of the TV and pick a show that is new to me and will solidify my reputation as a good trivia player.  (By the way, Raj’s dog’s name is Cinnamon.)

And also, so that I don’t have to turn down freelance work because I’ve never seen Squid Game.

What shows do you watch and can’t believe that other people haven’t seen them?

XO,

Elisa

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