As posted on spaoa.org/blog
By: Alecia Stanton
Sometimes, to make ends meet, we need a little extra money coming in. Thankfully, finding ways to get it has become easier than ever. The internet has lots of websites offering income opportunities and new direct sales companies are popping up all of the time. Here are nine examples of ways to bring in more money, should you ever find yourself in a rut.
Online Surveys
Over the last few years, online survey websites have been on the rise. Some of the more well-known ones are Swagbucks and InboxDollars, but a quick search will yield many more. Before using each site, check their policies because they pay out at different times and some give gift cards while others give cash.
Babysit or Pet sit
Use your downtime to make extra money by watching other people’s children or pets. You may be able to babysit or pet sit at your own home. Offer your services to friends or family and even to others through websites like Care.com, which will also allow you to find senior care and home care jobs.
Direct Sales
Companies like Avon and Mary Kay have been around for quite a while. However, there are a lot more than just beauty product opportunities now. Health and wellness, jewelry, clothing, food, and finance are just a few of the avenues now available in direct sales. Money Making Mom has a great directory of direct sales companies for both men and women.
Sell Your Crafts
Why not make money from your crafting hobby? With websites like Etsy, the craft market is now experiencing an upsurge. You can sell anything from your baked goods to knitted scarfs. Even if you aren’t already a crafter, considering learning one to sell isn’t a bad idea.
Virtual Assistance
If you’ve got administrative experience and know how to use a computer fairly well, consider becoming a virtual assistant. This job takes care of pretty much any administrative work that can be done online or on the phone, like travel booking, research, and presentation creation. Elance and Upwork are great places to start.
Sell Your Stuff
Have a yard sale or post yours things on websites like Ebay or Craigslist. There are even garage sale Facebook groups to buy and sell from people in your community. Not only is this a great way to make some extra cash, but an easy way to declutter. To make sure your items sell, do some research to see what items like yours, in the same condition, are selling for.
Monetize a Skill
Do you write well? Are you good with numbers? Monetize your skill. Get the word out via Facebook or word of mouth. The freelance sites mentioned in the Virtual Assistant section may also have listings for your skill. Find out what others are charging for similar skills so that your rates are competitive.
Odd Jobs
Odd jobs are great when you’ve got some extra time to assist others with jobs they need done. These are anything from assisting with a move to cleaning. Ask around to see if anyone you know have jobs they need done or check sites like TaskRabbit for jobs in your area.
Focus Groups
A focus group gathers people within a certain demographic to discuss what’s working and what’s not in regards to a product. Most major cities have a fair amount of focus groups happening at any given time. You can search for some near you on sites like FocusGroup.com and FindFocusGroups.com.
Whether you choose one of the above options or find a way that works better for you, know that it is possible to earn extra money when you need it and it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you may think. Look for opportunities that fit your schedule and capabilities. It’s best to know in advance what ways you can bring in more money when needed, so that you have a plan if the time comes.
Abigail Network 