 TITLE: How to Adjust Your Budget for Permanent Work From Home CONTENT: How Working From Home Can Change Your Spending\n----------------------------------------------\nAccording to the Global Workplace Analytics Telework Savings Calculator, if employees who are eager and equipped to work at home did so just half of the time, the economic benefit in the U.S. would total over $700 billion a year. Employers would save on real estate, utilities, janitorial services, security, maintenance, paper goods and more. Meanwhile, workers could save between $2,000 and $7,000 a year in transportation and work-related costs.\nMoney isn't the only potential gain: The average remote worker in this scenario would gain back the equivalent of two to three weeks' worth of free time per year, simply by skipping the daily commute. Workday flexibility could also change the way workers approach child care, eldercare and even pet sitting.\nEvery person's situation is unique, but to put the shift into perspective, think about these common ways work-from-home employees may save and spend.\nIf you continue to work as a full-time employee, your home office expenses will not be tax-deductible. But if you become an independent contractor, you may be able to deduct some of your expenses. Switching to contract work will have additional impacts on your taxes and monthly expenses, though, so you may want to consult an accountant before taking this step. END