If you’re short on money, and find you’re not able to either (a) pay the bills or (b) do fun stuff that costs money, you need to do one of two things. Either you’ll have to decrease the money going out – which is what we talked about in Part 1, or you’ll have to increase the money coming in. That’s what we’re going to talk about today.
To increase the money coming in, you’ll either need a better paying job, a second job, or some kind of side gig to earn money. Some people have no problem keeping a full time job and a part time side job or gig, but for others, this may be a struggle.
It’s always going to be easier to find ways to save – cutting back on extra expenses and luxuries, so that you can do the things that are important to you.
But if you can’t find any more places to cut, then consider earning extra money.
There are about a million different ways to earn side money, and some of them require money to start with, for example, starting a business. If that’s the route you decide to go, may I recommend you first read my hubby’s book, BYOB: Build Your Own Business in 30 Days, to get all the basics of starting a business?
And before I give you the list – let me warn you against any “get rich quick” schemes that may come along. There’s not much that comes easily when it comes to earning money. If it sounds too good – or too easy – to be true, it probably is.
But back to the list I promised. I’ve listed a few ways that are practical, easy to start, and have little to no investment or start-up cost.
- Sitting – pet sitting, house sitting, baby sitting, sitting with the elderly
- House cleaning, car washing or detailing, house painting, other service-based industry jobs
- Around Christmas time, decorating homes, putting up Christmas lights
- Working part time in a store, restaurant, warehouse
- Teaching in person or on line – music, English, art, personal training, or other skills
- Buying things and re-selling them – on Amazon, craigslist, LetGo, Ebay, re-sell shops or flea markets
- Making things and selling them on Etsy or at craft fairs or flea markets
- Multi-level marketing companies abound – makeup, oils, food products, cleaning products, jewelry
- On-line business – start a Youtube channel, sell a product, make websites, manage social media, sell digital products, affiliate marketing
- Drive for Uber or Lyft, deliver food for a restaurant or Uber Eats
These are just a few ideas to get you started – either of cutting your expenses or increasing your income. Mostly – don’t feel alone. I’ve talked with young and old alike, and money is always at the top of the list of things we tend to worry about. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Take care of your money and your money will take care of you.
Happy saving – or spending!