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…

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,…

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….

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Ballpark Estimate: $250 to $500 Being a bartender may look easy, but before you pour yourself into this job, it’s a good idea to get some training on making the latest drinks and keeping customers happy. Investing in bartending school can lead to a very enjoyable and lucrative career. Why Invest? For every bartender job that’s…

Ballpark Estimate: $40,000 to $50,000 for an associate’s degree If you love to cook and you want to turn this passion into a rewarding career, then a key ingredient in your recipe for success just may include attending one of the best culinary schools. Whether you want to become a professional chef, pastry maker, restaurant owner…