You know they have to be out there, somewhere. Everybody's talking about it. You've heard about those lucrative stay at home jobs. Just buy a computer, plug it in, and watch the money fill up your bank account. Well, maybe that's just a bit of an exaggeration (obviously!). But as with most advertisements, there's at least a kernel of truth hiding in it.

If you're a mom wanting to stay at home with your youngsters, you're willing to check out just about anything. Let me add a word of caution: hide your credit card while you're surfing the Web! Those professionally-written ads can produce an incredible sense of urgency. They give you the feeling that if you don't plop down your money right here, right now, you're going to miss out on the chance of a lifetime. Let me assure you, the deal will still be there after you do some research and come back to that page.

How should you check out the jobs for stay at home moms? For starters, just do a Google search with the company's name, and you'll probably end up with some eye-opening articles. Check with the Better Business Bureau, too. It's not necessarily bad if there's something listed against them, because a disgruntled client may just have an ax to grind, and his charges could be unfounded. But if there are numerous complaints, move on.

If you're thinking about a particular category of stay at home jobs, you can do a Google search for the places where those jobs are discussed, namely forums. Just type in, for example, "data entry" followed by the word "forum" (no quotes). The folks there have probably discussed, at one time or another, the company you're wondering about. You might also get some ideas about other companies you haven't come across yet, which the forum participants are recommending. You may just hit the jackpot!

If you're a full-time stay at home mom, and you don't want to leave the house to attend meetings, lead home parties, or travel to clients' homes or places of business, you'll want to steer clear of home businesses requiring such activity. Focus on an internet-based home business, where your work revolves around your children and your computer-in that order.

On the other hand, if you're a "people person" and you can't imagine not mingling with other adults during the day, there are a number of stay at home jobs that require a minimum amount of "outside" time. You'll want to "read the fine print" and see exactly what this business is all about, and how much time you'll need to be out of the house. Childcare factors will help you decide if this is an option for you.

In my opinion, the true stay at home jobs are those with which you do just that-stay at home! Period. If the main reason you chose to be a stay at home mom was so you could spend time with your children, don't forget your priorities while searching through a myriad of stay at home jobs. Keep your focus on what you truly want to do with your time, your family, and your finances. Discuss your options with those you trust, look into the eyes of your precious children, and follow your heart. You'll find the stay at home job that's right for you and your whole family.