Talent, experience, desire, perseverance…

All good attributes to have if you want to launch a successful freelance career.

But as a new freelancer, there’s something else that will determine your level of success:

How you prepare financially before you “make the leap.”

Smart preparation will give you the breathing room you need to get your business up and running. It will help you stay calm, creative and profitable. Even during the tougher months.

That’s where my new audio program, Before You Quit Your Day Job: Smart Financial Habits and Strategies to Boost Your Chances of Freelance Success, will help you.

In this program, my 5 special guests and I will share with you dozens of simple (yet powerful) financial strategies to boost your chances of a successful transition.

Practical strategies you can begin implementing right away to prepare you for a lucrative and fulfilling freelance career.

I’ll tell you more about the program in a minute. But first, let me introduce myself.

Hey…I’ve Been There!

My name is Ed Gandia and I’m a successful working freelance copywriter.

Unlike so many of the gurus out there, I was in your shoes not long ago. In fact, I’ve only been a freelancer since 2004. And I didn’t leave my full-time job until the summer of 2006.

My road to freelance success wasn’t fast or easy. It took me more than two years of working the business on nights and weekends (and building my savings) until I felt like I could leave my full-time job.

But even with my savings cushion, loyal clients, and improved self-confidence, I recognized that there were risks to this decision. After all, I was my family’s sole income-earner. And I had a 3-year-old son to think about.

So in order to counter the risk of failure, I set some financial goals and put together a practical plan to achieve them.

Worth The Extra Planning and Effort

Sure, I made some mistakes along the way. But for the most part, I did the right things with my money. And after moonlighting for 27 months, I was able to quit my job confidently.

I had plenty of money in the bank. I had made some painless adjustments to our lifestyle. I had a great health insurance policy. I had adequate insurance coverage in other key areas. And I had a good idea of what my tax burden would be like once I was a full-time freelancer.

Bottom line: I had taken all the necessary steps to safeguard my family’s financial future and increase my chances of success in this new venture.

Which meant that, unlike so many new freelancers, I was sleeping like a baby every night…and able to give my work my very best (there’s nothing like peace of mind to spur creativity!)

Just as important, the money was coming in…and coming in nicely!

In fact, I grossed more than $163,000 in my first full year as a freelancer.

Smart Decisions Helped Me Get to Where I Am

Although I’m very good at what I do, I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not developed smart financial habits and strategies during my transition phase.

These habits and strategies enabled me to do what I do best…without having to worry about money all the time.

I feel so strongly about the role finances play in a successful transition that I recently decided to show aspiring freelancers how they can better prepare for their own freelance career.

But rather than telling you myself, I’ve enlisted the help of 4 qualified financial professionals (plus someone else I’ll tell you about shortly). These pros work with self-employed individuals every day and can therefore you give you the insights and advice you’ll need to embark on your road to freelance success.

Here’s what you get in Before You Quit Your Day Job…

CD #1 — Health Insurance:
What Are Your Options as a Self-Employed Professional?

When it comes to health insurance, you can’t afford to be without it!

Now, there’s a lot of talk in Washington about spiraling healthcare costs and what we, as a country, should do about the problem. And that’s good, because the system is completely broken…and only getting worse!

But here’s the deal. If you’re self-employed…and you don’t have health insurance (and you’re waiting for the politicians to take action)…you’re putting yourself and your family at risk.

Just one emergency room visit could end up costing you thousands of dollars, even for the most basic care. And a serious illness could wipe you out financially. It happens (sadly) all the time.

In fact, according to a Harvard University study of 1,771 Americans in bankruptcy courts across the country, half said that illness or medical bills drove them to bankruptcy.

The study also revealed that each year, 2 million Americans who file for bankruptcy face the double disaster of illness and bankruptcy (source: Washington Post; Feb. 8, 2005).

Not a good place to be.

Problem is, individual health insurance can cost a fortune! Especially if you have to cover an entire family.

And even if your spouse is employed and has access to health insurance through his or her employer, there are several important factors and scenarios to consider.

To address these issues and explain the different options available to freelancers, I’ve interviewed Greg Yates, president of Metro Atlanta Financial Group.

Greg is a seasoned insurance pro, and he’s been working with self-employed folks for more than 20 years. He understands our world and our concerns. And in my 1-hour chat with him, you’ll learn:

• Why you should buy health insurance while you’re healthy…and the risks of waiting to buy it until you really need it.
• The key difference between how your premiums are paid when you’re employed and how you pay them when you’re self-employed.
• How the current health insurance system works…and why you need to know this if you’re going to pursue a freelance career.
• Will you pay more for coverage when you go out on your own? Depends. Greg explains the factors involved and clears some common misconceptions.
• Your health insurance choices as a self-employed professional…and the pros and cons of each.
• An option that covers your preventative care at virtually no extra cost to you.
• How to have the government essentially pay for 40% - 50% of your total healthcare costs. It’s completely legal (and a no-brainer for most freelancers!)
• A health insurance vehicle that — if you’re young and healthy — can in essence bring your annual health care costs down to ZERO!
• A money-saving vehicle that’s ideal for more than 90% of freelancers…yet fewer than 5 in 10 ever take advantage of it!
• PPO? HMO? Which one will be more expensive? Is one better than the other? And what do you get with each?
• How does a health savings account (HSA) work? What are the benefits? How much can you contribute every year?
• What happens to your unused funds in an HSA every year? When can you access them?
• Uncle Sam’s gift to the self-employed: How your HSA can help you fund your retirement.
• Why many insurance companies actually look out for you and your wallet. Greg explains this hidden benefit of many individual policies and how you benefit.
• When does it make sense to keep your spouse’s coverage? When does it make sense to look for alternatives? You’ll learn why it’s worth to ALWAYS do your homework—even when the working spouse already has great coverage through their employer.
• What pre-existing conditions could raise a red flag when shopping for insurance? What if you’re denied coverage? What are your options?
• Can an insurer cancel your coverage if you get really sick?
• If you’re starting a family, what do you need to know about maternity coverage? Greg explains the options and the FINE PRINT you need to be aware of.
• The ONLY responsible way to cut corners if you’re trying to lower your health insurance premium.
• When should you start the process of looking at health insurance options? When should you have the application process finished?
• Trying to get a ballpark figure on what your costs might be? Greg reveals an easy way to get some numbers so you can start planning early.
• Should you go through a broker or direct to the insurance company? Which is cheaper? Which is the better value? You’ll want to hear the surprising answer.

And much more.

Then, we go into taxes…

CD #2 — Taxes and the Freelancer:
Debunking Myths and Exploring Realities

Besides health insurance, I had other key concerns when I was planning my freelance transition.

For instance, I had heard that my tax burden as a self-employed individual could potentially be much higher. If that was true, I wanted to know how the added tax would that affect the amount of monthly billings I would need to generate every month. I also wanted to know what other tax considerations I would need to be aware of.

In this next module, we uncover some of the most common self-employed tax myths and realities floating around.

You’ll hear directly from Eva Rosenberg, EA, publisher of TaxMama.com and author of McGraw-Hill’s tax book, Small Business Taxes Made Easy.

Eva will explain what tax-related items you’ll need to consider before you quit your day job…and which myths are just plain hogwash. For instance…

• What constitutes self-employment in the eyes of the IRS?
• What percentage of your total compensation do employees typically give up when they go out on their own? The answer will surprise you!
• 4 huge (and often overlooked benefits) of freelancing from a tax perspective.
• The biggest difference between how you pay taxes as an employee vs. a freelancer.
• In most cases, do you pay more tax as an employee or as a freelancer? Eva spills the truth.
• What percentage of every check should you set aside for taxes? A good rule of thumb…and some ideas on how to bring that percentage down — way down!
• The IRS publication you’ll ABSOLUTELY want to get a hold of to maximize your deductions!
• 6 monthly bills you’re already paying…but your business can now help you pay for.
• Self-proprietor? S-Corporation? Full-blown corporation? LLC? Eva explains what business structure you should start with and why.
• When you HAVE to pay yourself a salary…when a basic monthly draw is best…and when you need to pay yourself “guaranteed payments.”
• Is it worth getting a business checking account and a business credit card? Finally, a straight answer on the issue!
• Three huge benefits of a business credit card few freelancers ever consider…and a very nice TAX-FREE benefit you need to take advantage of!
• The bottom line on bookkeeping software…what you should look for…and 2 FREE options you should consider to save yourself at least $200 on software
• An online bookkeeping system…and why it’s often the best option for some freelancers.
• How often should a tax professional look at your numbers? The answer may surprise you.
• How payroll taxes are calculated and when you need to pay them.

And many more tax tips (and questions to ask yourself) before you make the leap.

CD #3 — Live Well for Less:
Practical Money-Saving Habits for Aspiring Freelancers

Launching a freelance career involves more than just sacrificing some of your free time.

At first, it also requires some adjustments in lifestyle. Not because you’ll be earning less (many freelancers end up earning MORE once they go out on their own). But because in most cases, you’ll want to create significant cash reserves before you quit your job.

That’s often hard to do, especially in tough economic times.

That’s why I brought in accredited financial counselor Veronica Dostal for this next module. Veronica will show you how to free up cash, increase your savings, and speed up your journey to freelance freedom…without feeling like you’re depriving yourself in the process.

Veronica has a passion for helping solopreneurs move from a question of “will it work?” to a mindset of “HOW it can work!”

In this module, she’ll show you…

• The first question you need to ask yourself about your monthly expenses before you do anything else
• How being more strategic about our finances will have a DRAMATIC effect on your ability to quit your job sooner…and even increase your chances of freelance success.
• 2 helpful online budgeting tools you’ll want to check out. Best part: they’re FREE.
• Why traditional budgets don’t work…and what you should do instead.
• The 3 savings buckets you’ll want to start creating immediately. This strategy alone can save your neck when you’re starting out as a freelancer.
• A practical (and SUSTAINABLE) 5-part plan to save hundreds on groceries every year (I’ve already implemented 3 of these strategies and am saving more than $100/month).
• Are you a busy working parent? These 2 simple ideas will have you cooking less, saving money and eating healthier.
• 5 creative ways to cut back on entertainment expenses without depriving yourself of fun.
• Gas prices putting a squeeze on you? Here are 5 simple strategies to save gas…without necessarily driving less.
• The one thing you must always do BEFORE you shop around for car insurance.
• 4 tips for lowering your car insurance premiums.
• How to slash your utility bills to the bone and still live in comfort: 7 simple strategies.
• 3 other key budget line-items that are ripe with money-saving opportunities.
• Should you pay down debt while you’re also trying to save for your transition? It depends. Veronica will tell you what you need to consider.
• Why scanning your bank statements twice a year could potentially save you hundreds of dollars.
• How to get your credit card company to lower your interest rate immediately.
• If you have a mortgage, here are 2 things you should absolutely consider doing before you leave your employer.

After that discussion, we then move into…

CD #4 — Commonly Overlooked Considerations:
Savings, Life Insurance, Disability, Retirement, Wills

As we consider our move into self-employment, most of us have other important questions outside of health insurance, taxes and cutting household expenses.

For instance, based on your specific lifestyle and expenses…how much should you have saved up before you quit your day job?

What about your life insurance and disability insurance policies? If you acquired them from your employer, can you take them with you? What types of insurance policies should you seriously consider…and what type of coverage can be viewed as “optional,” based on your situation?

There’s also retirement savings to think about. What will happen to your retirement account once you leave your employer? What should you do with it? When? And what’s the best type of retirement account for a freelancer?

All valid questions — and all very important.

In this module, Vicky Collins, CPA, will explain why the right savings, insurance, and estate planning strategies are critical components to your success as a freelancer…and how they can protect your (and your family’s) financial future.

A self-employed professional herself, Vicky works solely with freelancers and self-employed individuals on tax and financial issues. In this session, she’ll cover topics and questions such as:

• How much should you have saved up before you quit your day job? And what should you do before you try to come up with a savings goal
• Considering the volatile economic climate…what’s a safe place to keep those savings?
• Factors most people overlook when trying to determine the amount of savings they need to become self-employed…and the income level they require to cover their expenses.
• A simple monthly habit that will keep you from dipping into your savings unnecessarily.
• 2 types of insurance no family should be without.
• A type of insurance most freelancers overlook…and why shouldn’t go without it if you want to protect your family’s financial future.
• Who should consider buying life insurance? What are the benefits of having a policy? And who may not need one?
• Is it worth buying a life insurance policy on a non-working spouse? Vicky explains what you must factor in when making that decision.
• What if you purchased your life insurance policy through your employer…can you take it with you once you leave? How can you find out?
• Term? Whole Life? Universal Life? What’s the difference? What’s best? In most cases, you’ll want to go with this type of policy. Vicky explains why.
• What does disability insurance cover? Can you take it with you once you leave your job? If not, who should consider buying a policy?
• The 3 biggest variables that will affect your disability premiums…and how you can adjust them to get the right level of coverage for you.
• In terms of liability and theft…how much will your homeowner’s insurance typically cover? Vicky will give you 2 questions you must ask your insurance company before you assume anything.
• How you can add another important layer of insurance protection at a very low cost (most people aren’t even aware this type of coverage exists!).
• If you have a 401(k) with your current employer, what will happen to that account when you leave? Here’s what you should do immediately after resigning.
• The very best kind of retirement account for a self-employed professional…and why it’s the FIRST option you should consider.
• Who needs a will? When should you have one drafted? What’s the risk of not having one? Vicky’s advice will keep you from making the painful mistakes too many families make.
• Is it easy to get a will drafted? Should you go to an attorney or just do it yourself with one of the popular software programs? And if you go the attorney route…what type of attorney should you avoid (and why)?

Finally, the cherry on top…

CD #5 — Funding Your Goals Through Financial Discipline: A Teacher’s Story

To ensure a smooth transition, sometimes we need more than just information and ideas.

We also need inspiration.

And in this last module, you’ll hear from Danny Kofke, author of How to Survive (and Perhaps Thrive) on a Teacher’s Salary.

Danny is NOT a freelancer or a financial professional. He’s a teacher at Gum Springs Elementary School in Jefferson, Georgia, where he teaches autistic children.

Why is he part of an audio program for aspiring freelancers? Because Danny’s story is nothing short of remarkable — a true inspiration for anyone who wants to pursue their true passion.

You see, Danny is the sole income-earner for his young family of four. And although his wife is also a teacher, she left the profession a few years ago to start and raise a family.

Tough choice to make, considering that Danny’s salary is just over $37,000 a year.

How can a family of four live comfortably on that kind of income? No, they’re not starving. In fact, the Kofkes own 2 cars, a nice home, take vacations every year…and have even traveled to 10 European countries!

And as you’ll learn in this interview, Danny and his wife live very fulfilled lives. Much more than many folks who make 10 times what Danny brings home.

In this module, not only does Danny reveal how he and his wife have been able to fund their dreams, but he also provides a healthy dose inspiration and encouragement for anyone who wants to pursue their passion in life…without feeling as if they’re depriving themselves in other areas.

Among other things, you’ll learn:

• Why most people fail to achieve their dreams…and the most important thing Danny and his wife did years ago to ensure they would reach theirs.
• The biggest mistake families make when it comes to controlling expenses…and how you can avoid it.
• The best (and easiest) way to develop a realistic and sustainable budget.
• A simple system for sticking to your budget. It works remarkably well and anyone can do it…starting today!
• How Danny and his wife traveled to Venice, Florence, Spain, Vienna, Budapest, Poland and other exotic locations while living in Europe…and still managed to save $20,000 in 2 years.
• The unique perspective that that enables Danny to live a fulfilled life…despite his modest teacher’s salary (just hearing him talk about it will energize and motivate you to action!).
• Danny’s recommended 3 steps for a successful career transition, regardless of your chosen profession.
• How to live a frugal (yet rewarding!) life in today’s materialistic society.
• 4 easy and painless ways to save $150 (or more!) every month without depriving yourself of the things you enjoy.
• How to have a debt-free Christmas…and still spend $600 on presents — all with cash. It’s an old (yet timeless) approach few people still follow.
• A simple (and fun!) debt-reduction strategy that actually works…fast!

And much more.

What They’re Saying About Before You Quit Your Day Job

“This is the resource I wish I had before I started my own business, as it could have saved me from making many costly mistakes. Thank you Ed, for exploring in detail so many issues that both aspiring and established freelancers need to know more about! After listening to the series, I definitely have a few ideas on how to get smarter about savings, taxes and insurance. I will definitely recommend this resource to aspiring freelancers looking to make the leap and established freelancers looking to get smarter about running their businesses.”

–Noelle Abarelli
Partner, Soleado Marketing
www.soleadomarketing.com

If you’ve ever given up on your dream because ‘life’ got in the way, you need to hear Ed Gandia’s ‘Before You Quit Your Day Job.’ You’ll save so many headaches and heartaches as you transition to becoming a truly profitable freelancer. Ed has put together a real gem here. Just one idea he shared with me here saved me 3 times what I paid for the product.

–Eric Lynch
Freelance copywriter
Woodstock, GA

www.ericlynchcopywriter.com

The Best and Most Comprehensive Starting Place

Back when I was planning on becoming a full-time freelancer, researching this information wasn’t easy. No single source had all of the information I needed.

So I reached out to more than half a dozen financial professionals. I met with 2 accountants. I read a number of books on the topic (most of which, frankly, were written for the stereotypical entrepreneur, not freelancers!).

Yes, I made it happen, but getting the information I needed wasn’t easy.

So my goal for this program was to assemble a good dose of relevant financial information (in plain English!) for aspiring freelancers…all in one place.

It WON’T be the only source of information you’ll need. But it will be the best, most comprehensive starting place you’ll find anywhere else.

If sold separately, these audio interviews would easily fetch $49 each.

Some of the professionals I interviewed for this program charge upwards of $200 an hour. Some don’t even take new clients. Frankly, I was fortunate to get all of them to agree to participate.

But you won’t pay thousands for this information. Not even $200.

In fact, you can get the entire program for only $99, plus $6.95 for shipping.

FREE Bonus Worth $99!

And it gets better!

Order Before You Quit Your Day Job today and I’ll throw in the written transcripts for each of these 5 modules! That’s right. A complete transcript of every session!

These transcripts (156 pages total) can come in very handy if you like to listen to educational programs while driving or working out. Why? Because it’s hard to take notes when you’re racing down the freeway or sprinting on a treadmill!

Having the written transcript for each module gives you an easy reference when you want to review a concept or reference a specific item once you get back to your home or office.

It’s like having the e-book version of each module of the program…at no additional charge!

Use It Risk-Free for 30 Days

Here’s the best part: Your satisfaction is fully guaranteed.

That’s right. If after listening to my program you don’t agree that it will help prepare you financially for freelance success…I’ll refund your $99 payment in full (U.S. customers only). Just let me know within 30 days of your purchase date.

Yes, I’m willing to take all the risk here. That’s how confident I am that you will get great value from this audio program.

In Summary, Here’s What You Get…

A total of 5 audio sessions on CDs:

• CD #1 — Health Insurance: What Are Your Options as a Freelancer?
• CD #2 — Taxes and the Freelancer: Debunking Myths and Exploring Realities
• CD #3 — Live Well for Less: Practical Money-Saving Habits for Aspiring Freelancers
• CD #4 — Overlooked Considerations: Savings, Life Insurance, Disability, Retirement, Wills
• CD #5 — Funding Your Goals Through Financial Discipline: A Teacher’s Story

And a bonus CD containing:

• Written transcripts of all 5 audio sessions
• Dozens of articles, reports and other helpful resources to help you make a smooth transition into freelancing

So don’t wait any longer. Order your risk-free copy of Before You Quit Your Day Job: Smart Financial Habits and Strategies to Boost Your Chances of Freelance Success today by clicking on the button below:

Sincerely,

Ed Gandia

Freelance Copywriter and

Publisher, “The Profitable Freelancer”

Get a Total of $129 in FREE Bonuses!

P.S. – Remember: If you order Before You Quit Your Day Job today, I’ll throw in the written transcripts for each of these 5 modules!

These transcripts (156 pages total) can come in very handy when you’re listening to the program while driving or working out. They serve as an easy reference when you want to review a concept or reference a specific item once you get back to your home or office.

It’s like having the e-book version of each module of the program…at no additional charge!

P.P.S. – Order today, I’ll also send you the following free gifts from my special guest, Eva Rosenberg, EA, publisher of TaxMama.com and author of McGraw-Hill’s tax book Small Business Taxes Made Easy:

• “Beefing Up Your Tax Deductions” In this article, you’ll learn what tax deductions self-employed individuals commonly overlook. And which deductions you CANNOT take (but so many folks mistakenly do!). GREAT read!

• “Estimated Payments: Hate Them? But Pay them!” For years, I struggled to find an article that explained the issue of estimated payments in plain English! This comprehensive 8-page report is it! A must-read for all aspiring and new freelance pros, regardless of whether or not you’re doing your own taxes.

• “The Freelance/Self-Employed Myth and Reality” Another must-read short report for new and aspiring freelancers. Lists common pitfalls you must avoid to keep from getting in trouble with the IRS…including home-office deduction information….how to prove to the IRS you are, indeed, a legitimate business…and much more.

And you’ll also receive…

• “How to Get Uncle Sam to Help Pay for Your Home-Based Business” If you’re currently employed, this report will show you a 100% legal way for you to get immediate access to an additional $200 to $600 per month that you can use to start and build your home-based business.

• “FREE Financial Resources for Freelancers” This document contains a list of great FREE resources I personally compiled for my customers. You’ll find more than 30 articles, reports, online tools, insurance quoting engines, and other resources in the areas of budgeting, insurance, debt reduction, and getting more out of every dollar you spend.

Best of all, these bonuses are yours to keep FREE — even if you return Before You Quit Your Day Job for a refund!

To order Before You Quit Your Day Job…and get this set of bonuses (5 transcripts and 5 bonus files) valued at $129…click below now: