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Okay...do you work? How can you afford your internet? nm

Posted By: MTmom on 2009-04-04
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    Like ER-MT, I cannot afford to not work
    I have four sources for work now:

    1. Local account I provide services for another MT who has the account.
    2. A small local office that is my own account (2-3 tapes a month that are not usually full)
    3. A midsized national MTSO in another state.
    4. A small MTSO in another state.

    The trick is not having everyone bombard you all at once.
    If you can't afford to work for a company and eat, it's IC all the way. (nm)
    x
    Can you afford to work for India wages (sm)

    Don't even listen to people trying to sell you a class, study for something with a future.


    I did formal training and MT was pretty good for a while, but now I wouldn't recommend this career to my worst enemy!


    If you want to work on the internet from home, take an internet course
    But only from Andrews School or M-TEC. Many companies will waive the 2-years' experience requirement and will test and hire you if you go to either of those schools. Do NOT bother with At Home Professions, Penn Foster, US Career Institute, or ESPECIALLY Trans-Am, which is also known as Trans-SCAM and is a total ripoff. You will have a VERY difficult time getting hired without experience unless you choose Andrews School or M-TEC. Yes, they cost more, but that's because they are excellent training programs, not "correspondence courses."
    I work for MQ. Can't afford to put a sirloin on my table, let alone my neck! nm
    nm
    Do you use the internet to get your work? If so, sm
    I can tell you a lot about working on a laptop via the internet. Been doing it for about 2 years now. I've taken it all over the country, but since I need high speed internet, I haven't always been successful. Took it to Disney twice and it only worked once at one of the resorts. the other time I couldn't even get access.

    Spent the entire summer in Houston (I live near Atlanta) and it worked beautifully out there. Stayed with my brother and didn't have to take any time off.

    I can work outside while the kids play here on my wireless card.

    I had no luck with external keyboards, though. I used my laptop keyboard to the point where the E doesn't work after 2 years, so now I am on a stationary computer at home.

    I wouldn't discourage anyone from doing this, though. It's been great for me.
    Oh please, of course your internet is for work
    Other deductions include anything you've done to your home; I think we wrote off the fence in the backyard, a shed, etc.  Oh, and as far as mileage, any time you go to an from the supply store; you need to write that off.  I almost always run out of tissues for my office, and need to get them each week from the grocery store, so I write that mileage off....  You two can play the games the IRS plays, and if I'm self employed, then yes, I will take any deduction I can get down the pencils and light bulbs for the lamps and lights around me; it is all office supplies.  Be smart people!
    Anyone use a PC Card for their Internet/MT work?

    I am bringing my question to the top from my response to someone's post below.


    I live in the country and do not even have cable available - only dial-up. 


    I recently purchased a laptop and it only came with an ExpressCard slot (which it is my understanding that laptops in the future will be built with these and not PC slots). The ExpressCards have not hit the local Verizon or Sprint stores yet but I hear they are to soon and I plan to try one. I hope to be able to drop my dial-up ISP and just use my laptop for my on-line job. I also have my own local account where I pick up tapes and deliver their transcription and I can continue to use my regular PC for that work if I choose to.


    Anyway, I would really appreciate knowing how you like your "card" for connecting to the Internet and how well it works out for you. Do you know if Verizon or Sprint has more coverage area? Have you traveled much with yours to see if you are able to get connections? How reliable has this been and how fast of a connection rate do you get on average?


    I sure would appreciate any info you could share regarding this. Thanks so much.


    Sandi


    Yes, any AV will work with any internet program.
    //
    Mine avg. around $2K a year that is it -- all work via the internet- sm
    I cannot see how anyone can write off $10K unless they are fudging things or have a very large office area in a very expensive house with a BIG mortgage---and drive back and forth delivering tapes, print outs, etc. I do not do the mortgage/office deduction so I am sure I could write off another $1K if I did that, but as I don't know when we are moving (planning to one of these days) I don't want the hassle so I just eat that one. As for my write offs I deduct anything remotely used or needed for work, electricity, paper, ink for my printer (print patient lists), my fax service, internet, FTP, any programs/upgrades, virus protection, reference books, any equipment (did my computer a couple years ago), phone line for work, etc. I am sure there is more (i.e. a new desk, chair, etc.). If you use it for work, write if off. --From the sounds of it though your accountant is right.
    Does satellite internet work to type into Meditech?

    I can't get cable or DSL, and wonder if satellite will work.


    Does anyone use laptop & cell phone/Internet Card for work?

    I am not real computer literate but am wondering if I couldn't get unlimited Internet with a cell phone plan and use that for my on-line job/Internet connection exclusively. I have found plans for around $70/month.


    If so, I was thinking too I could possibly give up my land line phone, Callwave, my dial-up ISP (as that is all we have available where live) and actually save a little money by doing so. I don't make/receive a lot of land line calls and I have a TracFone cell phone that I don't use much now. I get excellent reception with that where I live. We have a huge tower within walking distance of where I live but we live out in the "sticks". :D I know my connection would be dependent on the reception where I live and the cell phone service I would use. I am not sure which one truly has the best coverage and/or who may be using the tower by our home but TracFone apparently does. :)


    TIA. 


    All things being equal, do you prefer to work with a C-phone or use WAV files over the internet? sm
    What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.  I have only ever used a c-phone but think I may bet getting ready to use WAV files and foot pedal for an account and am a little anxious!  TIA
    I didn't have trouble when I installed, but it doesn't work well with Internet Exploer 7. sm
    I have had to uninstall IE 7 due to script errors and such.  Works great with the IE 6 though. 
    Internet based transcription - need advice on how to go internet
    Can anyone offer any help/advice on how go about becoming internet based from a call in system, or how to keep the call in system for the docs and put transcriptionists on the internet?  Not sure where to start to get information on how to go about doing this. Any help will be appreciated.  Thanks.
    Wish I could afford...
    ...to do that! I am SO SO SICK OF MQ!!! They are driving me crazy! I am on my 3rd MT Supervisor in three months and still have not heard one word from the latest one. They just don't care about us at all. I understand that's the nature of the biz, but my God, would it kill you just to drop an email and introduce yourself???
    Wish I could afford...
    my TC? sorry, what's that?
    If you can afford it, go for it. sm

    Just remember, if you work as an IC you may have a "nonconforming" loan which may give you a little higher interest rate.  If you can document your income with pay stubs and W2s as well as income tax forms, you may be "conforming" and be able to get the lowest interest rate possible.  


    If your credit scores are high enough, you can always do 100% finance with an 80/20 loan which will eliminate PMI monthly payment.  Your credit scores need to be 685 or higher for 100% finance.


    Shop around for the best interest rate, but DO NOT let everyone pull your credit.  Have one loan officer pull your credit report and ask him what your scores are.  When you shop to the next loan officer, tell them do not pull your credit report, but here are my scores.  Just give them your scores and ask what is the best interest rate they can give you.  The more people who pull your credit report, the lower the score goes.  It drops 2 or 3 points each time it is pulled by mortgage loan officers.


    Also, you can buy down to a lower rate.  So, if they quote you 5.75%, you can buy that down probably to 5.3% for 0.375% of the total mortgage you are borrowing (which in reality is 0.375 of 1 point).


    I hope this advice helps - good luck. I say go for it!  No better feeling than to own your own home.


    I bought a new house last year and we just refinanced and closed on Friday.   That is why all of this information is so fresh in my mind.  Also, my sister is a mortgage loan officer, so she helped me a lot and explained how things work.


    Always ask what your closing costs will be - different mortgage brokers charge differently.  One may be $4000 and another may be $8000.  That is a huge difference.   Some want more profit, others are reasonable.


    Best of luck to you.


    Here is the best if you can afford it.
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    Which can you afford more?

    The emergency room bill....or the loss of your DH?


    I'm not trying to be harsh, but money concerns should not keep you from getting medical help when it is needed and warranted.


    It really sounds like some kind of allergic reaction.  But it may also be something harmless.  I agree with the other poster about calling your MD.  You cannot fool around with stuff like this.


    Me too! I can't afford NOT to be an MT!

    Can't afford not to
    I don't know how you've figured all this out. I have spent HOURS researching all this becuase when I started with learning MT, I barely knew how to turn a computer on, so I was completely in the dark. The only thing I've been able to conclude for sure is that you will pretty much get different information every time you go to a different site. I have tried soooo many different things and to be honest, I really haven't found any one thing to be much better than another, even the things I've started paying for.
    I will definitly make a block of time very soon (tomorrow?) and try your group of programs and ideas and hopefully it will help.
    Sure do appreciate all your time and thought into your post(s), btw.
    Whether you can afford or not SM
    you are going to have to see an accountant and/or a lawyer.  We cannot teach you how to be an IC or how to set up a company.  That is a job for a professional and I would never give advice on either (or take advice) on a message board.
    unfortunately I can't afford $99 fee
    .
    I need a workout! Can't afford a PT
    Could not walk for a week afterwards!  BOY, what a workout! My thighs hurt so bad I couldn't even walk down stairs, and I considered myself in shape before I took the class!  HA!  Hang in there, it will get better, and the results will be amazing!
    there are ways to afford it

    I had the offices to pay for some of it, such as their own recorders.  But if it works for you on tape - you have advantages too like the personal contact on pick up/delivery that breeds loyalty.  Being on tape makes them harder accounts for people to take from you too. 


    If they can't afford books
    It would take the same amount of time (actually less) to run a phrase through Google or one of the NUMEROUS online medical dictionaries than it would to post it on the Word Board. I, too, can tell on the Word Board which ones are a lack of knowledge in general, and it's kind of frightening those people are typing our reports.

    I've seen helpful posters provide links to specialty websites, internet medical dictionaries, pharmaceutical site, etc., to try to help out but judging by some of the repetitive posters, I can't help but wonder if they ever even use the links the MTs have been kind enough to take the trouble to provide for them.

    We all have times when we need help (or just a brief brain freeze where we cannot recall a word which I do once in awhile), but many of these posts (i.e., 'what is symphisis pubes?') make you wonder how much exposure to medical terminology a lot of these posters have even had.

    Scary, actually.
    How do you think they afford their mansions and
    expensive vacations? Greed.
    I'd love a vacation, but cannot afford it
    Hi everyone,
    thanks for your posts on this subject. I really cannot afford to take a vacation or even a day off. No one is around to pick up the work that will pile up if I take off and if I take off I don't get paid and since I just went through bankruptcy I really need all the money I can get, but it is nice to dream of the day I can take a vacation and not worry about the day without pay.
    You also couldn't afford a breakdown - sm plz
    I am a walking burnout factory...  it is so necessary to not be the "yes girl"... take a break at least ONE holiday, ONE weekend and spend it on YOU...  You cannot afford a mental meltdown, which will happen at this rate.  Take care of you, and the job will continue to flow... everyone needs a break.... as short as it may be, it can still be refreshing if you use a day wisely... just my opinion
    If you can afford to make the switch
    then I would go for it. You will not make $15 an hour with most of the companies out there initially. Research the companies. I would try it PT before quiting my job and going FT with a national. Good luck!
    We can't all afford the luxury of "Finding another job"
    It isn't nearly as easy to up and quit a job as you make it sound.  What about health coverage?  Most of us have children or medical conditions and need our insurance coverage.  When you start a new job, you have to wait usually 90 days before health care will kick in and, in some cases, if you have a pre-existing condition, they won't cover you.  That is why a lot of us stay.  MQ is very closed in the communication department, so this is our only means of communicating with each other.  And it doesn't help to get bashed by our fellow MTs.  We could use a little patience and little sympathy from our brother and sister MTs.  So you have to scroll down past our remarks, you could be in our shoes and that is much worse.  So next time you want to bash MQers, think about if the shoe was on the other foot.
    Life is too short . . . if you can afford it,
    xx
    Law doesn't matter if she can't afford to take
    him to court to fight it. He can do as he pleases and the burden will be on her to go after him and make him adhere to the court order.

    Been there, done that. It's an expensive, exhaustive process and, in the long run, she will probably lose out if she runs out of money.

    It's sad, pathetic, unfair, immoral, but true.
    Been there - could not even afford a loaf of bread once sm
    I mean really had not a penny for 2 weeks. We just emptied the cabinets and whatever was in there, we made do. Personally, I know what a terrible feeling that is, downright awful! Remember there is always light at the end of the tunnel. If you have anyone close to you who can help you out - that is one thing, but if not - you will have to make do with what you have.

    Try the really cheap stores - the ones where usually you wouldn't even look at before. They have great deals, like Aldi, or the dollar stores, the outlet stores like Wonder, Hostess, etc.

    I have to say that experience has humbled me and my family significantly.

    Good luck - things will work out. Sometimes, we get wake up calls, and this might be yours. I think I have had quite a few already.
    I can't afford to live in a house, just an apt. where I
    :D
    What? I am a low income MT, can't afford to travel anywhere.

     I can't even afford to drive out of the state...gotta fix my motorcycle.


    I am not taking all this too seriously but I think your post is a little inflammatory.


    Nobody expects tourists to speak whatever the native language is.  I think it is reasonable for local medical professionals living and working here to be able to speak easily recognizable English since the accuracy and quality of the medical  record depends on it, not to mention turnaround time.  My time is valuable too. Forcing me to relisten over and over just to decipher simple phrases is not fair.  And that applies to the native speakers too (who tend to rattle everything off too stinking fast and IMO just as bad or worse than ESL).


    Why take early retirement if you cant afford it?
    x
    Or smart enough to not retire if you cant afford
    x
    Any EditScript Users cannot afford
    To upgrade.  Just received notification that all must upgrade to Windows XP and Word 2003 or 2007. Anyone finding this difficult at this time of the year with no work?  At the moment, I am blaming Bill Gates.  Anyone want to vent?
    you must be new it these parts. search the archives. besides that we can't afford to QA QA.
    We're on production. You?
    Can't even afford a vacation on the mainland! Hawaii?!! No could do. nm
    s
    I don't know many people that could afford the $100-200/ticket price...sm

    I wanted to see him until I saw the prices.... then of course TicketMaster throws in all of the "courtesy" fees that tack on another  $10-15.  


    Wait a minute, I guess I CAN afford one. When we first
    bought one at my inhouse job (this was a while ago) they were right around $120.00. I just did a Goggle and you can get them for like $30 now.
    No, both my brothers saved up and bought what they could afford ($500) , I was not
    so a car wasn't even in my horizon....but 2 of my friend had parents who had gotten them USED older cars so I got around okay (I had to find my own transportation everywhere). My dad did eventually get me a car though after I wreaked the one I was borrowing from him (brakes failed- 1960 Corvair)-- the car/wagon (1985 used) was $6000 (this is in 1987) and was my graduation gift from college. --- I used it for 2 years, put way to much money into it for repairs, and then sold it and bought with my own money a 1987 Blazer for $11K. I paid my own insurance once out of college, but my parents paid for it up until then though I did work 3 jobs while in school but that money was for books, etc, food, etc. Parents covered tuition, I did the rest. We will probably buy a used car for them to USE from time to time when the time comes as we are in the boonies and it would simplify things, but it certainly would not be THEIR car.
    You can get it by COBRA, that is what they told me, couldn't afford it. nm
    nm
    shopping, beachin' it?? who can afford to do those on our salaries, LOL!! nm
    ;
    hey if you can afford it and a supervisor's approval means more to you than cash, have at it.
    i want the luck of the draw.  you think your supervisor is going to pay your bills when she routes crap to you and it takes you twice as long to do a report?  all you do is make her look good and she gets a raise. 
    I need something on a trial basis for now...if it works out, I will invest later...Can't afford..

    to invest in software unless it is a sure thing.  Thanks


    Did it occur to you maybe this is all she can afford?She worked hard for it so is very proud of it?
      
    1990 Acura Legend, hate it but can't afford anything else right now