What would an extra $1,000 a month mean to you? Would it offset credit care or student loan payments? Provide a steady flow into your savings? Allow you to travel the way you dreamed? Maybe a little of all of these?
There are a variety of ways to make a little (or a lot) of extra money from taking on a part-time job to working from the comfort of your home.
Make Money Online
Making money online is what we’ve been doing since 2003. When I married Scott in 2005 we quickly came up with other online business ideas that we’ve worked on together over the years. Online business is one of the reasons I’ve been able to watch my kids grow up, travel the world, and retire early.
There are also many ways to make money from your laptop, in the comfort of your own home.
Write a blog – Blogging has become a common way to make a little extra money. Blogs can be found on almost any subject and by a variety of authors. Bloggers build a following by having original, relevant material that draws in followers. Once you have established a following, advertisers will pay to have you tell about their products. Advertisements may be placed on or around your blog. You may also review products and services and then share your opinions with your followers.
Side note: If you are interested in starting a blog of your own, here is a quick 15-minute tutorial that will help you start a blog of your own for cheap.
Here are a few tips on making money with your blog:
- How To Make Money Blogging – The Ultimate Guide
- Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Passive Income For Your Blog
Digital products or consulting – If you are an expert in a field, you may also be able to make money consulting by phone or online. You may have success with an e-book or e-courses, as well.
I found this company Udemy that will help you do everything you need to do to get an e-course set up and running. These services work well as additions to an established blog or website.
Public speaking – You can also get paid for sharing your knowledge and excitement of a particular subject. While it is a tough field to get into, you could make a couple hundred to thousands of dollars per speech, depending on your experience and the venue at which you will speak. You can use an agent to help you book speaking engagements for a part of your fee.
Freelance writing – If writing is your niche, you can explore freelance writing. Essentially, you write articles for websites or blogs and get paid for the material you produce. You may write for many sources, and may even ghostwrite for the owner of a website. See my guide on how to get started freelancing.
Social media manager – Busy people and business owners will pay you to manage their social media accounts. Monitor tags, answer messages, post important information and maintain a general positive virtual presence. Check out sites like Upwork and Freelancer or even Fiverr.
Sell your stuff – Take all that clutter around your house and turn it into income. Sites like eBay and Craigslist are ideal for listing your items. There are also many Facebook groups where member post items for sale or list what they are looking to buy. It’s like having a garage sale without the hassle of price marking and waking up early on the weekend.
Part-time jobs
You may consider a traditional part-time job at a restaurant, clothing store, or other establishments. Local venues may also be hiring security, food service, or other work for special events. There are, of course, drawbacks to trading time for money in this sort of employment.
You could also go into part-time business for yourself. Your friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and their friends and neighbors are likely to need some of the following services:
Yard work – Depending on where you live, this may be a seasonal job. You could certainly rotate mowing with raking leaves then shoveling snow. Be creative and see what is needed.
House cleaning – Whether it’s regular maintenance for a busy neighbor, or a one-time, deep cleaning before or after a big party, someone in your community likely needs an extra hand and is willing pay for it.
Babysitting – This can vary from a regular schedule to an occasional job when the parents need a night out. Many families will pay more if you are willing to do some light housework as well. Look for work on www.care.com
Dog walking – Busy pet parents love the idea of their fur babies getting out and getting some exercise during the day. This particular job offers you some exercise as well. You can advertise yourself or try services like www.rover.com and www.dogvacay.com
House sitting – House sitting is only a temporary source of income, but can be quite lucrative for a small amount of work. Check Trusted Housesitters and Mind My House.
Tutoring – Tutoring can take many forms from elementary homework help to college test prep. You can even tutor online.
Substitute teaching – If you have time during the school day, most districts are always hiring quality substitute teachers. A background
check is required and pay usually depends on your level of education.
Teach lessons – What are your talents? You could teach piano, swimming, baseball, foreign language or anything you have a knack for doing.
We recently paid $25/half-an-hour for our kids to take swimming lessons. If your community has a pool, that is all the facility you need.
Overtime at your full-time job – If overtime is an option, volunteer to take on a few extra hours at your current job. You know the routine, and you’re already there.
Become an umpire or referee – If you have a good grasp on any particular sport and can handle parents yelling, there is money to be made in the Little League arena. Sports from soccer to softball need officials to run smoothly. The bonus is these are not happening during regular work hours.
When making your plan to make an extra $1,000 a month, there are a few things to consider.
What does your current schedule involve? Can you work a set part-time schedule or do you need a bit more flexibility?
Do you have the resources needed? If you’re going to be a freelance writer, you need to have a reliable computer and internet connection.
What are your expectations? Is the job worth the time you will trade for it? What expenses might you incur for doing the job, like gasoline, using your lawn mower, etc? With a little research and some creativity, you can find a way (or two or three) to add $1,000 a month to your income that fits your life.
How To Get Started Investing
The international bestseller by CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Scott Alan Turner. Choose the right accounts & investments so your money grows for you – automatically. No jargon, confusion, or pie in the sky promises. Just a proven plan that works.
