Ballpark Estimate: $100 to $4,000 for stunt classes The Scope of the Field If you thrive on action, adventure and risk and love to be in the limelight, perhaps becoming a stuntman (or woman) for television and movies might be the perfect role for you. Many actors and actresses rely on trained stunt people to perform dangerous moves for them, such as jumping from great … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $20 to $40 per day You’ve heard of daycare for children, but have you considered using the same type of services for your dog? Canine daycare has been growing in popularity as more pet owners recognize the many benefits of providing structure, companionship and socialization for their dogs instead of leaving them alone during the day. A Growing Field The … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $200 to $5,000+ Most bodyguards (also called personal protection agents) today lead a work life alternating between mundane duties with short burst of adrenaline and excitement, always working hard to keep their clients safe. While the type of dangers they face can span a wide range, what remains consistent is their commitment to fulfill their mission, … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $100 to $1,000 for a scanned photo; $5,000 to $35,000 for an artist If you’ve ever wished you could immortalize your family and preserve your images for future generations, then you might want to consider commissioning a family portrait. While this used to be a privilege reserved for the wealthy and famous, today there are many avenues you can take to … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $10 to $20 per group lesson + cost of outfit/shoes; $2,400 to $30,000 for professional training Does your little girl love visions of sugar plum fairies, creamy pink pointe shoes and layers upon layers of sparkly tulle? If so, then she may have her heart set on one day becoming a prima ballerina. Many girls – and lots of boys, too -- are entranced by the … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $1,500 to $10,000 Sooner or later, just about everything we buy, everything we see in stores, must be transported by truck. Drivers classified as "heavy truck" or “tractor-trailer” operators drive trucks with a capacity of at least 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Transporting everything from food, clothing and toys to livestock, cars and heavy … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $420 to $8,000 In 2010, the pet industry continues to be recession proof, as pet owners invest over $32 billion a year in food, care, veterinary services, and grooming for their pets. There are well over 30,000 grooming businesses in the United States, and those businesses are always looking for skilled groomers. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $500 to $800 Of course delivering a baby is never easy, but some women find that the discomfort can be more bearable with the help of a doula to offer support and coach them through the more challenging parts. What's in the Name The word "doula" comes from the Greek term for servant or slave. Other names for a doula include childbirth assistant, birth … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $15 to 25 per hour for group lessons; $50 to $100 per hour for private lessons Some people try to train their dogs themselves and are successful, but if you’re short on patience, have a rambunctious dog, or a dog who would benefit from the socialization of a group, it’s usually easiest to turn to the dog training experts for help. When to Start Most dog … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $15 to $50 per lesson Want to give your child something to flip over? If so, it may be time to look into gymnastics lessons. For those with a real aptitude for this sport, this can be a wonderful training ground to develop skills and strengths that will also be valuable in other athletic activities. Both males and females can take gymnastics lessons, … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $25 to $125 per hour for private instruction Perhaps you want to add a musical note in your life by learning to play the piano. Whether your goal is learn to play simply for enjoyment or you hope to pursue a serious career as a professional musician, finding the right piano lesson teacher can be the key to being successful in your endeavors. Strike the … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $4,400 Ideas about childbirth methods have changed from generation to generation. Birthing methods that were taken for granted by our grandparents gave way to other ideas, which in turn will likely give way to yet other notions that our children will espouse. However, regardless of trends that come and go, homebirth has stood the test of … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $50 to $85/hour; $30 to $45/half hour So you want to learn to ride a horse. Horseback riding can be a source of unbridled pleasure for people of all ages and ability levels. When you climb on the back of a horse, you can get a new vantage point from which explore the world. This can be an exhilarating experience, but it also carries some risk, so it’s … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $10 to $15 per hour Do you dream of spending a Saturday evening with your spouse, enjoying a glass of wine and talking over dinner out, no children allowed? In order to turn this vision into reality, you’ll need to hire a babysitter you can trust to care for your children while you have a night on the town. Factors Affecting Costs In today’s tight … [Read more...]

Ballpark Estimate: $300 to $500 Want your dog’s teeth to be sparkling white and look as clean as his newly freshened breath smells? Then you may be tempted to have them professionally cleaned. However, when you find out the cost involved in this effort (it doesn’t come cheap!), you may decide that you’d rather just skip this step. You might begin to think, “What’s so bad … [Read more...]