Whether you’ve been thinking about moonlighting or going full-time with your own business, right now is the best possible time to get started. I know what you’re thinking: “Hey Jason, you read the news, right? We’re in a recession. Nobody told you?” Oh, they told me. They tell me every single night on the news how everything is doom and gloom, how gas prices are up, foreclosures are up, the mortgage crisis…blah, blah, blah. Guess what, I don’t care what “they” say, I’m still right. Now is the best time to get started and now always has been.

Everyone loves a good list so here’s a VERY short list of some of my favorite reasons why you should start a business RIGHT NOW. Here we go…in no particular order:

Businesses have tax benefits

So, we’re in a recession and money’s tight. News flash: if you start a business, you actually get to keep more of your money! I’m sure you’ve heard the staggering numbers about companies, BIG companies, that pay little or no tax. I’m not suggesting that you’ll be in the same boat, but every dime counts.

Start a business, even a side business, and a whole slew of expenses — such as the cost of your Internet connection, mileage on your car, and even a portion of your home — now become at least a partial write-off on your income tax, which means you pay less. There have been years that I made over $200,000 at my job, and still managed to get money back on my taxes. That was all because of my side business. Obviously, you’ll need to consult with someone who knows tax laws and such, but trust me, it’s worth it. Nuff said.

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