Even after you cut back your monthly costs, if you still aren’t making enough money to cover your expenses, then paying down debt won’t be any easier. Here are a few ways to earn a little extra to boost your monthly income and help you on your journey to financial freedom!
*Take care to not use your extra income on extra “stuff”! Exercise self control. Only use this extra income to help pay off your debt or to build your emergency savings. Check out Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace for more on the Baby Steps towards financial freedom. The book I have linked here has additional information for couples, children, singles, and families. *
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Overtime
Check in with your current employer to see if there are any extra shifts to pick up. I’m aware not everyone’s employers (and not everyone is employed! #StayAtHomeMom) allows this, but it’s worth looking into. Working a few extra hours a week, or picking up on the weekend is a simple way to add extra to every paycheck!
Sell on Marketplace
Last winter, it seemed like everyone was Mary Kondo-ing everything! Less clutter, less stress, more joy! I totally dig it!
If you’re looking to make an extra $100 or so towards your journey, then comb through your household for items that don’t “spark joy”. (Okay, if you’re really hurting for cash, then sell things that do!) Ask yourself, “Do I really need this unopened dinnerware set from our wedding? Or would I enjoy being a step closer to our next goal?”.
You don’t HAVE to use Facebook Market place, there are garage sales, consignment shops, and Craigslist options as well. Just make sure you are cautious and arrange for a safe meet up spot. I recommend meeting in the parking lot at your local police station. Always only accept cash and never give out anymore personal information than necessary.
We listed and sold things from cloth diapers, old books, even the third vehicle we had.
Pick up a Part-Time Job
It seems like everywhere we go (in our area) places are hiring. Humble yourself during this time and take what is available. A few extra hours here and there can go straight towards your debt payments. Waitresses can earn some good money working on the weekends!
Another option if finding childcare is a hurdle, consider tutoring online. VIP kid allows you to teach English to children in China on your own time! I know several moms who make an extra $5-600 a month teaching early mornings
Delivery and Driving Service
Consider becoming a personal shopper with InstaCart. You shop and deliver groceries (all guided by an app on your phone). You earn pay from the company, and tips from your customers! I have personally used Instacart for OnDemand orders that allows me the freedom to take orders from customers when it best suits my schedule. If I am already in town, I turn the app on. If OnDemand orders come in, I can do a quick shopping trip and drop it off before heading home. Extra cash, super easy, and super fun!
You can sign up with Instacart using my referral code and we both earn rewards!
Other similar companies include DoorDash, PostMates, Uber, UberEats, Lyft, etc. While I choose to run InstaCart rather passively, you can pick up (or stack) some of these apps and earn decent extra income!
Utilize your Skills
I’ve always had dreams of running a roadside stand from our garden. This year, my husband crafted a beautiful metal stand out of scrap we had laying around. I sold plant starts early season, cut flowers and produce during later season. We also offered fresh eggs when we had extra. The response to the stand was way better than I could have ever imagined!
Utilize whatever unique skills you have as a #SideHustle. You never know, your side gig could turn into your full time income!
Sell Your Goods
- Baked Goods
- Herbal Tinctures/syrups/balms (think elderberry syrup)
- Extra garden produce
- Crafts
- Services! (from house cleaning, organizing, or even wrapping presents around the holidays!)
Teach a Class
- Cooking/baking class
- Fermenting (Vegetables, kombucha, etc.)
- Intro to Sewing or Quilting
- Piano
- Spanish
- Fitness
Definitely make sure your following local and federal taxation laws, and cottage laws if you’re working with food products.
I have also dreamed of having a road side stand. I’m still too chicken to try it, but every year, the dream becomes closer to reality. 🙂
I started 2 years ago with just a cardboard box, a sign, and an empty coffee can!❤❤❤ You can do it!