Are you looking to make some money from home? If so, you might be cautious about all of the work from home opportunities out there for fear they may be scams. And while plenty of those do exist, you will find that there are a lot of legitimate ways to make money at home as well. Take a look below at 5 legitimate ways to make money at home so you can have extra cash on hand, pay down debt, or save up for that special purchase you have been eyeing.
5 Legitimate Ways to Make Money at Home
1. Write and publish eBooks.
Do you like to write and have knowledge on a certain subject? If so, write an ebook! You can use easy to use and navigate programs such as Kindle Direct Publishing (an Amazon company) to publish your books in just minutes. This is a great way to bring in a little extra cash flow each month. To get started, use a word processing program to type up, edit, and format the text, then transfer the text using the tools Kindle Direct Publishing provides.
2. Become a tutor.
Do you have a background in teaching? Or, perhaps you are just skilled at reading, writing, and math? Then advertise your skills as a tutor among friends and through social media. Tutors can make upwards of $20 an hour, more if you are skilled in junior high and high school skills. Set aside a space in your house for tutoring, or offer to tutor the child in their own home. You will need very little in the way of supplies (usually pencils, paper, will do the trick) and the child is sure to appreciate your help and support!
3. Become a pet or child sitter.
If you love children or animals, why not become a sitter? You can offer to provide services in your own home or the clients. Sitters for children can make upwards of $10 per hour, while the amount you can make as a pet sitter varies. Either way, you can make cash for doing what you already love. Advertise among friends, family, and social media to let others know you are looking to take on clients in these areas. Provide excellent care, and you are sure to have customers flocking to you.
4. Sell from home.
Direct sales are a great way to make money from home without a great deal of overhead involved. Some examples of items you can sell from home would include essential oils, candles, cosmetics, and jewelry. Visit the websites of Scentsy, Young Living, DoTerra, Avon, and other direct sale companies to see what opportunities may be available to you. You will find that these companies offer excellent commission, bonus opportunities, and even trips for your dedication to them.
5. Sell your stuff.
Use eBay, Etsy, Facebook, Kijiji, Craigslist or even Amazonto sell your gently used items. You can sell movies, music, furniture, clothing, accessories, even electronics and plants. If you are getting rid of it, chances are there is a market for it. Check out the sites mentioned to set up a seller account, take some great pics, write a thorough description, and in no time you will be selling your stuff online and making some real cash.
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Making money from home is possible. Give these legitimate ways to make money at home a try and see what you can achieve!
Do you have any other ideas for making money from home?
Spring cleaning is in full swing so retailers are helping you out by putting cleaning supplies on sale!
Vacuums
Along the same lines as cleaning supplies, you will also find vacuums at a discount. So now is the time to buy if you need a new one.
Paint
Once the warmer weather hits, retailers know that home improvement projects begin. So if fresh paint is what’s on your mind, keep your eyes open for a deal in April.
Winter clothes
Retailers are wanting to make room for the new Spring apparel so you can expect to find some deep discounts on winter clothing!
Easter items
Before Easter, you will see ham and turkeys on sale. As soon as Easter is over, stock up on candy, decorations and more. Those items will be drastically reduced to make room for the next holiday items.
Tulips/Daffodils
Once tulips and daffodils are in season this month, I often see them on sale. Cut daffodils are often cheaper than cut tulips.
Yeah yeah, I’m sure you’ve heard it before… use your local library to avoid spending money on new books. While the library is a great place to borrow books, most libraries also offer many other money-saving programs and resources!
Here are more unique ways your library will save you money:
DVDs and CDs
Our local library offers a great selection of DVD’s and CD’s. While you can purchase these items fairly cheap these days, borrowing from the library will save you a ton in the long run!
Audiobooks
If you’re a fan of audiobooks, check the selection at your library! While I have yet to figure out a good way to listen to audiobooks (I get distracted), once I do figure it out, I’m going to check out a few. I noticed that our library system offers downloadable audiobooks.
eBooks
I often list free ebooks that are available through Amazon, but your local library may also give you access to a ton of ebooks. I believe you need to download the OverDrive app.
Digital Magazines
It’s possible to read digital magazines for free through many local libraries! Take a look online at your local library’s website for details.
Kids Programs
Most libraries have a kids story time. My daughter attends regularly and enjoys the story and songs they sing. Our library systems also offers a Summer Reading Club.
Free Activities
I was doing a bit of browsing through our library website and discovered a bunch of fun free activities they offer. One night they offer a Lego Builders program. Another night they have a movie night based on books. On yet another night, they have Chess night. The list goes on!
As you can see the library is a great place or service to take advantage of if you want to save some big bucks!
How often do you use your library? Do you know of any other services or activities most libraries offer?
Every Monday in 2015, I’ll be sharing a different idea to help you save money! Add all of these tips to your frugal repertoire and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this year! I hope you’ll gather a few new ideas or at least some inspiration from this series.
For today’s 52 Ways to Save post, we’ll be talking about buying items in bulk!
I find that buying items I use often end up being cheaper in the long run when I purchase them in large quantities. Most grocery stores sell items in bulk which can result in a lower price. (When you’re comparing the cost per weight between a small package and a large package). For example, purchasing a 10kg bag of flour is cheaper (according to weight) than a 5kg bag.
However, it’s not always good to buy everything in bulk. Take the example of a 10 pound bag of potatoes For our family specifically, since it’s just my husband and I and our daughter (who doesn’t eat much), buying the big 10 lb bag of potatoes is not a good use of money for us. If I purchased the large bag there would be guaranteed waste. Which is essentially like throwing money down the drain!
What to Buy in Bulk
What you should buy in bulk will depend on your own family. Take a look at the items you regularly buy a lot of that have a long shelf life or will keep well in the freezer.
For our family, I buy flour, tomato soup, rice, meat and beans in large quantities. Up until recently, I was also buying large boxes of diapers and baby wipes.
What not to Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk can often save you a lot of money in the long run, however there are times when it’s wise to skip the large quantities.
1. Don’t buy things you won’t use up in time
Going back to my example of the 10 pound bags of potatoes. As I mentioned, this would not be a smart purchase for our family because I know all the potatoes won’t be used up in time.
2. Don’t buy things if you’re not sure you’re going to love them
Sure, that big bag of dried beans may be a great deal, but if your family doesn’t love beans then that bag is just going to sit around collecting dust. You may have good intentions in wanting your family to eat more beans, but you are better off getting them used to the taste of beans with smaller bags or cans.
3. Don’t store your bulk items carelessly
Make sure to store your bulk items properly and check them often. the last thing you want to do is find your grains bug infested! Many bulk items can be frozen to extend their life. Here are some things that freeze well:
Meat (either cooked or uncooked)
Flour
Fresh fruit (strawberries, peaches, cherries)
Vegetables (beans, corn, tomatoes…etc)
Butter
Breads, pastries and baked goods (cookies, muffins)
Cooked rice
Another option for bulk purchases is splitting a large purchase with friends or family members. You’ll all reap the savings while reducing the possibility of waste because you have a quantity that is more manageable for each family.
So tell me, do you buy in bulk? Have you ever made a bulk purchase mistake?
It is no secret that our parents and grandparents knew what it meant to stretch and save a buck. They had a motto that went something like use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. And that is exactly what they did. They didn’t toss anything until it was used up all of the way, and if they couldn’t afford something, they did without. You can use these lost money saving tricks of older generations in your own life, which will greatly improve your financial health. Take a look below at some lost money saving tricks of older generations that still apply to life today and can really make a difference in your budget.
Lost Money Saving Tricks of Older Generations
1. Use it up.
Make sure you are making the most of your resources. Don’t toss that toothpaste tube before it is empty. Eat food before it goes bad to avoid the need to throw it out. When you make your resources go the extra mile, you are saving money by not buying new. You are also getting the most bang for your buck, using every bit of what you paid hard earned money for.
2. Wear it out.
Wear clothing for as long as it lasts, and try to do the same with shoes. Take care of socks, belts, purses, and other accessories as well so you get a good amount of wear out of them. When one of these items gets a hole, run, or stain, try to repair it yourself before calling it a loss. This is also a way to get more bang for your buck and avoid buying new.
3. Make it do.
Avoid buying new items if you have something that will make do instead. For example, don’t buy a new formal dress for an evening event; make do with one you already own or borrow from a friend. Don’t buy the new coffee maker you wanted, make do with the one you have even though it is a little slow and not very stylish. When you make do, you are saving money by using what you already have on hand.
4. Do without.
Sacrificing was something our grandparents knew a lot about. If you can’t afford something, don’t buy it. It is a simple concept, but for some reason one of the hardest ones to master. Try to pay cash for everything, and only buy new when your budget truly allows for it.
So, do you think you are ready to use it up, wear it out, make it do and do without? Our grandparents did, and they had financial freedom and responsibility that so many of us dream about. Give these tips a try and see how well they fit into your modern life!
If you're longing for a garden but are limited on yard space, a neighborhood garden may be a perfect solution for you! A neighborhood garden is especially a good idea if your neighbors are also sharing these problems and frustrations and wishing for a garden of their own. If you are unsure about how to start a neighborhood garden, take a look at the helpful tips below. You see how simple it can be to plant and maintain a neighborhood garden and reap a harvest that everyone can enjoy.
How to Start a Neighborhood Garden
Step 1: Have a planning session.
Gather all of the neighbors together who wish to participate. It's ideal to have anywhere from 5-15 neighbors involved. Meet together and discuss a few important details such as where the garden will be and what plants will be going into it. Decide the size of the garden and if it will be a container, raised bed, or in ground garden. Listen to everyone’s ideas and pick a location that is central to the neighborhood. A neighbor may wish to donate space or you can opt for raised beds or container gardens along some shared land.
Once you know what you want to plant, you can create a budget for your garden. When it comes time to purchase the plants, have each participant pitch in a designated amount. Choose together what this amount will be so you can pick an amount that works for everyone. Once money is collected, choose a captain (or two) to take on the task of purchasing plants and supplies.
Step 2: Assign jobs.
Invite everyone to share their talents when taking care of the garden. Assign jobs to each participant so everyone has a part with the care of the garden and earns their share. Jobs will include weeding, feeding and fertilizing, watering, and of course harvesting. Someone should be checking on the garden daily, so create a chart for participants to sign up for days/tasks.
Step 3: Have a planting party.
Once you have your land picked out and your jobs in place, it's time to have a planting party! Gather on a sunny day and start tilling the land, planting your produce, and setting up any necessary fencing or pest control. This can be a fun day for all involved as you work together to get your garden looking great.
Step 4: Practice maintaining the garden.
Make sure you keep up your end of the bargain by tending to the garden as needed and as designated. Stay in contact with the other gardeners so any issues in the garden can be discussed.
When your garden is ready to be harvested, head on down and start picking! Allow all participants to take part in harvesting and share what is collected. This is a great way to enjoy all of your hard work!
Growing a neighborhood garden takes a little work, but the end result is worth it. Give these tips a try and see how rewarding it can be to grow your own!
