<prompt> Human: I came across an add on Facebook that advertised some franchises that are supposedly expanding into me local area. I like the idea of becoming a business owner I hate working on other peoples schedules. Is opening a franchise a good way to do this? for some background, Im a mid 40s male. Ive been lucky and Ive got plenty of savings. Whats the best way I can open my own business without risking my financial position?Most of these franchises require a liquid capital requirement. Is this how much Ill have to fork out to the franchising companies??  <response>: I know someone who has a few franchises of a bakery chain and have done consulting work for a few multiple-McDonalds franchisees. Any Ive asked told me that they only started making real money after they got more than a couple locations. I know the baking guy did a stint as a baker the 3am starts etc to see if he could hack it before purchasing. Those are anecdotes, I am sure any answer depends on your location, whether the franchise would give you a spot near home or send you miles away, the type of business and many other factors. I would be doing a looot of research in your place, it always struck me there were easier ways to work for yourself, but then there are presumably many very satisfied franchisees too. I think I have read AMAs on reddit from McDonalds franchisees. 