Thursday, 18 March 2010

Extra Income Ideas For a Tough Economy

In these tough financial times, everybody is looking for extra income ideas but where do you go to find ways to make some extra money that doesn't end up being one of those scams? You know them. Signs on the side of the road that say, "earn $5,000 each month working from home." Let's be clear. These are scams at worst and exaggerated at the least. Stay far away from these.

The way to find extra income ideas is to first think of something that you do well. Do you have a hobby? Is there a part of your job that you particularly enjoy? I'm a full time teacher but as part of my teaching duties, I do a lot of writing. I enjoy writing so on my list of extra income ideas, article writing is near the top. I have managed to make a consistent source of extra income writing and editing for clients. I can work whenever I have time and the money I make further fuels my investing account.

I took something I did everyday and turned it in to additional income. What hobbies or tasks do you do each day that you enjoy? Is there a market for that talent? Remember that these are extra income ideas so they don't have to put food on the table for you. Any little bit of money is helpful to you so don't discount an idea simply because you can't open up a storefront.

Of course, you can look in to franchising ideas as well. There are many franchise opportunities, both small and large that can generate extra income. These will take more time and startup capital so you should only look at franchises if you have the time to invest in to a business.

Finally, don't forget about the good ol' part time job when you're looking for extra income ideas. It's not as convenient as a work at home type of job but it's steady income without having to build a business. Additionally, if it's something that you enjoy, you'll meet people that share your interests while making money in the process.

Remember this: Anything that advertises big money for little work is probably a scam. You can either get a part time job or work hard to build your own but it is going to take work. There are many extra income ideas. Make sure to check with us as we continue to explore these types of opportunities.

Looking for more ideas? Click here for a list of 15 ways to make extra money.

elementary-finance.com is your source for online financial advice. Check us out today!

Supplemental Income Ideas For Stay At Home Moms

In our quest to make it on one income, in a two income world, stay at home moms have been bombarded with various work-at-home opportunities and thinly veiled scams. It can get quite frustrating trying to weed out the real opportunities from the ones that will cost you much time and even more money.

Most legitimate work at home opportunities revolve around the direct selling or MLM industries. While both of these opportunities can be excellent sources of income, not every stay at home parent is a sales person. Some parents do not feel comfortable speaking in front of a group, or asking family and friends for sales, or to join their program.

Working from home does not mean having to join a Direct Sales or Network Marketing company.

But, most stay at home moms need, or could use, a little supplemental income. So what kinds of opportunities are there out there for non-selling people?

The first thing you need to do is figure out how much income you need. Are you looking to replace an income? Or maybe you're looking for a little extra money for lunch out with your friends. Whatever your specific income needs are, there are opportunities out there for you.

Pocket Change

If you are just looking for a little extra pocket change, you may find yourself interested in supplemental income ideas like:

--Donating Plasma

--Mystery Shopping

--Pet Sitting or Walking

--Occasional Babysitting

--Focus Groups

--Online and Offline Surveys

Most of these pocket change ideas require little physical or mental effort, and are great for those who are short on time. The payment averages as low as $5-10 for a survey or mystery shop, to as much as $250 for an in-depth focus group participant.

Substantial Supplemental Income

If your supplemental income needs are greater, and you would like to replace an income, or maybe use the extra money for savings or to pay off bills, then the following ideas may be of interest to you.

--Home Daycare

--Selling on eBay

--Freelance Writing or Photography

--Creating a Content Website

--Tutoring

--Professional Services like Massage Therapist, Personal Trainer, Travel Agent or Childbirth Doula

--Becoming a Surrogate Mother

To earn substantial supplemental income, you would need to invest time, effort, and energy into creating a long-lasting income source. Like Direct Sales and Network Marketing, most of these supplemental income ideas require perseverance and dedication, and will not begin to produce income the day that you start working. But, if you work hard on any of these ideas, they can easily fill your supplemental income needs.

It is also important to note that most of these opportunities will require you to invest some money to get started. Whether this money is simply on supplies for your personal use, or its on education, software, or other various programs, it's hard to find the proverbial "free lunch" nowadays. Be prepared to outlay at least a small amount of money on even the legitimate opportunities. Of course, those out to take advantage of you and trick you out of your hard earned money will also go this route. Fully investigate each opportunity before you invest in it.

There are ways for us to exist on one income in this country! We just need to think outside the box, and most importantly, we need to find the supplemental income idea that fits us best.

Rayven Perkins is an expert at saving money at home. She has spent 7 years finding and implementing unique cost-cutting tips that allow her family to live comfortably as a one-income family. Her site http://www.stay-a-stay-at-home-mom.com examines resources and tips on Reducing Expenses, Stretching Your Dollar, and Supplementing Income in order to stay a SAHM