Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72093
president of Loftis Consulting, which offers professional services for the spa industry. It's not always possible to begin saving extra money right away, but when you are able, set up a fund and begin putting some savings aside. You may also want to open an account specifically for all fixed and recurring expenses. Set up automatic payments on these items so that you free up your time, while still knowing the bills are being paid. Morgan Miller, owner of Elements To Wellness in Reading, Pennsylvania, began saving extra money about four months prior to going on maternity leave. Knowing it would be a large expense, she bought diapers in excess while she was still working full time, and she decided to breastfeed for 12 months, which she estimates saved about $2,000. Shanna Horne, owner of Therapeutic Massage & Bodyworks in Moultrie, Georgia, cut financial corners by trading in her car for one that had less expensive insurance and required no monthly payments, saving several hundred dollars each month. If you are a business owner, preparing to take a maternity leave may be an ideal time to reevaluate how money is allocated in the clinic. Take a look at all of your expenses and begin to cut back on things that are convenient, but not really necessary while you're gone, such as laundry services. It is also a good time to think about how you can most profitably manage your clinic space. While your business is on hold, and if you are a sole proprietor, it may make sense to sublease your space to manage the cost of rent. This is also a good time to take a close look at other business-associated tasks. For example, if you host a radio show on massage or serve on a board relevant to your business, do you want to—or need to—set them aside for a few months so you can concentrate on preparing for, and taking, your leave? Communication As soon as you're ready to announce your pregnancy and associated leave, it's time to start communicating with your boss, employees, and clients. If you work in a larger company and report to someone, give her enough advance notice so you can work together to manage the client load and make your temporary transition out of, and back into, the practice as seamless as possible. Keep your boss in the know regarding any changes in your plans, such as if you are experiencing medical issues that might require restricted hours prior to your official leave. Bernadette Lindberg, who worked for a small business owner in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, with 15 other therapists, says she was the first massage therapist in the company to go on maternity leave who had intentions of returning to work. As a result, her boss didn't have high expectations that Lindberg really would return. To ease that fear, Lindberg says, they spoke on a Whether a pregnancy is planned or unplanned, time is of the essence to get everything in order before leaving a business for an extended period. Celebrate ABMP's 25th anniversary and you may win a refund on your membership. ABMP.com. 75