My good friend Becky wrote me a message asking for some tips on how to make some extra money working from home, or working online. It's that time of year again, where money is tight and the gift lists seem to get longer and longer every year. We could all use a little extra money once in a while, right??
I thought I'd share some of my tips with you all, just in case they are helpful to you in any way! Here is an abbreviated version of what I sent to her:
Hey Becky!
...As for making money online, that one is a little bit tougher. I definitely know how it feels to be trying to survive off of one income. It's not easy.
To make a little extra money I do surveys forhttp://www.pineconeresearch.com/. They only pay $3 a survey, but the surveys are super easy. I usually do one as I'm checking my emails. The $3 really adds up, surprisingly. They also have prizes and drawings that you get entered into each time you do a survey, that's nice.
There are a lot of "work at home" businesses, but most of them require full-time work, or they are shady and not the most reputable. I'll ask around for you to see if I can find any good ones for you.
The people that I know that make money from home do more creative things. Here are some ideas:
*Buy great deals off of craigslist, thrift stores, or ksl.com and resell them. Either by fixing up an item (furniture for example) and making it cute, getting something free then selling it, or finding great deals and turning around and selling it for more. This can actually be pretty lucrative. You just need some cash to start. See our D.I.Y section (at the top of the site) to see some of Betsy's ideas and tips for how to make old furniture new and adorable!
*Making crafty things and selling them on facebook, blogs, or etsy.com. I am not crafty, so I've never done it. However, if you are into taking pictures, making movies, beading, sewing, graphic design, anything - you could advertise and sell your products. Some people make good money from this! See our D.I.Y section for tips and ideas.
*Doing service-type businesses. Cleaning houses or offices, walking dogs, house sitting, babysitting, driving kids to and from activities, tutoring, teaching piano, yard work, interior decorating assistance, cooking for someone. Many people need help with lots of things. I made a bunch of money doing this in high school and college. I started a little business called "Mother's Helper" and made flyers saying I could babysit, drive kids around, tutor, and teach piano. I put the flyers up at daycares and had my phone ringing off the hook! I made great money.
You can advertise for free on facebook, Craigslist, or KSL, or by putting fliers up in places that make sense (dog parks if you are advertising dog-walking, daycares if you are advertising tutoring or babysitting, etc). Put yourself out there, you never know who could use your services!
*Picking up part-time work at night at a retail store or restaurant. This isn't the funnest thing ever, but often times you can make good tips at restaurants and only have to work nights. Sometimes picking up a part-time job could give you just enough extra money to make finances easier. It doesn't have to be forever, but it really can help.
*Starting a website or blog about something you are passionate about or are an expert at, and getting advertisers. This one takes a long time (years, most likely), but it could be worth it if you work hard at it. Plus....it's fun!
I don't know if these ideas are any help to anyone. My number one tip of all time in regards to making extra money?.....DON'T EVER BE AFRAID!! Don't be afraid to ASK if someone could use your services, don't be afraid to DO something new, and never, ever, ever be afraid to TRY.
My favorite quote?
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take
How do you know if you'd be good, bad, successful, or otherwise at something unless you try?
So get out there, make some extra money, and don't be afraid!
Happy savings to you :)
