by: Lindsay Hutton
Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job, but without the luxury of a paycheck. In these tough economic times, many moms are looking for ways to earn a little extra money, so we took to the message boards for creative ways to supplement your income while still caring for your child. Here are some great ideas and suggestions we got from our readers. You can add to the discussion, too.
Sell Items Online
As the saying goes, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Some creative moms on our message boards make extra cash by scouring garage sales and thrift stores for quality items and reselling them online for a few extra dollars. This can also be done with outgrown clothes, hand-me-downs, and any other items in good shape that you're willing to part with. Conducting transactions online is safe and secure, but be sure to go through a reputable site such as EBay.
Tutor
Tutoring is a great way to help a child struggling in school and make a bit of money. As one mom says, it can be done from home a couple of times a week. Just remember, tutoring requires a lot of patience, and knowledge in the subject being studied.
Help with Chores
One reader points out that many people, and especially the elderly, have a hard time keeping up with their housework. You can offer to help out with light domestic chores for a small fee.
Becoming a professional organizer is also a great way to supplement your income. You can help people with the clutter in their closets and home offices, and set your own hours.
Babysit
Another mom suggests childcare as a way to make money. After all, if you're at home with your children, what's one or two more? Although this might not be ideal for everyone, the pay can be good and your children will have playmates for the day.
Get a Flexible Part-time Job
Sometimes it seems a job was created solely for you. One poster on our message boards got a part-time job delivering phone books. She was able to do her job while her child napped in the car!
Keep your eyes peeled for odd jobs such as this in your newspaper or on Internet job sites. You're bound to find something you enjoy doing.
Be a "Virtual Assistant"
One mom pointed out that many small businesses are always looking for help with administrative tasks, such as bookkeeping, posting ads, and writing articles. Since these jobs can be done online, businesses frequently hire part-time employees to work from home.
Other ideas include blogging and freelance writing. Instead of set hours, these jobs usually have deadlines, allowing you to work on your own time.
Be aware that some of these jobs may require training or a college degree. Also, be wary of any emails you receive promoting work-from-home jobs that ask for money upfront. These are often a scam.
Turn Your Hobby into Income
Many hobbies provide opportunities to earn extra money. One mom posted that her husband raised aquarium fish and sold them. Other ideas include selling handmade jewelry, pottery, and art at craft fairs or on websites such as Etsy. If you love to bake, you can sell your baked goods at a bake sale, and homemade preserves can turn a tidy profit, either by themselves or in a goodie basket. If sewing is your forte, handmade quilts and curtains are always a favorite and people will be more than happy to buy them. No matter what your interest, you're bound to find a way to make some money doing something you love.
Help Foster the Economy in Your Home
Making small changes around the house is a great way to save some money. One mom recommended replacing your lightbulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, to save money on electric bills, and taking advantage of hand-me-downs such as clothing and children's furniture. Save money on entertainment by visiting your local library for books, movies, and children's activities. Instead of eating out, break out your cookbooks and make your meals at home. The savings from even small changes can really add up, and you'll see the results in your bank account.
Start a Dog Walking Business
Many families have dogs, but caring for them can be time consuming. If you are a dog lover, why not start a dog walking business? As one mom says, dog walking commands a great hourly rate, especially if you walk more than one at a time, and the hours are flexible. You'll also get some fresh air and exercise as an added bonus.
Along the same lines, dog grooming can be a lucrative business as well, and can be done in your own home. Some training is required, and you will have to purchase necessary supplies, but it can be a great, flexible way to earn some extra cash.
Be an Errand Runner
You've got errands to run, such as picking up the dry-cleaning and prescriptions, grocery shopping, and getting your car inspected. Since you're already doing them, one of our readers suggests offering to run the same errands for your neighbors and elderly friends for a small fee. The time you save them will be well worth the money.
Sell Photos
For those with a knack for taking pictures, another mom suggests selling them online. Many stock photo websites, such as iStockphoto, buy photos to be purchased by others for use online. Just remember, once you sell your photo, it can be used for a variety of reasons--so don't sell any personal shots, or ones you wouldn't want to see on the Internet.
Grow and Sell Organic Produce
If you've got a green thumb, why not grow your own produce? It will save you money at the grocery and be a great addition to your family's diet. One of our readers points out that homegrown produce is also a great way to earn some extra money at a farmer's market or your local farm stand. Fancy lettuces, greens, and herbs all command good prices, especially if they are organic.
