Starting a business is something I have a lot of experience with. My parents opened up a construction company when I was a kid, and I have several friends who have gone into business for themselves instead of taking office jobs after college. One thing that troubles a lot of new companies is credit card processing and the requirements that these processing companies have for new customers.

It's important for new merchants to have good credit and if they are running a high risk business, they need to be prepared to pay a higher rate for each transaction. Merchants should also look out for offshore credit card scams and try to reduce chargebacks by making sure that customers always sign their receipts.

Get out of town -- at least that's what I'm trying to do. I need to get away from here, and soon. It's just not working to live in the same town as my parents and half the people I grew up with. I don't know why I ever thought it would.

I've been planning out all the things I need to do in order to move houses. I don't have that much stuff, so I should be able to move cheaply. Unfortunately, between my queen sized bed and the desk my dad gave me for graduation, I can't just load everything up in my car and drive off into the sunset. I need to either hire a moving co or rent a Uhaul -- and since car rental places don't generally rent cars out to people my age, I'm betting I'm screwed on the U-haul front, too. I got some moving quotes from "the professionals" and I think I can swing it within the next few months.

Of course, packing and transporting are the least of my worries. I also have to find a new place to live. There's no way I can buy a house (hello, no credit whatsoever) but I am hoping to rent an apartment with the money I have saved. As long as I don't try to live in NYC or something, a few thousand dollars should be enough for a security deposit and first months' rent. I just hope I can find a place that won't require my parents to co-sign. I hate having to rely on other people for stuff.

Right now, I am so desperate to get out of here, I think I might just move to the first place I can find a job. Anywhere but here, baby.