If you’re trying to earn an extra income, your mind might be swirling with thoughts of working multiple jobs, no free time, and miserable existence. You already work full-time; having to put in another 40 hours a week to make ends meet doesn’t sound like a fun time. For most, trying to earn an extra income doesn’t have to be a full-time job. There are plenty of opportunities to make a decent amount of money without committing your life away.
Whether you’re trying to save a few dollars a month or you simply need a cushion to your monthly budget, here are six different ways women can earn an extra income without requiring full-time hours.
1) Build your passion into a part-time job
Everyone has a hobby, from making blankets to scrapbooking. Starting your own side business can be a quick way to earn extra income on the side while doing something you love. Consider starting small and building a few items that others might enjoy. Before investing extensive time and energy into your side gig, try selling a few things to friends, family, or contacts online. If you’re selling a physical item, gather up the total cost of all supplies, time, and resources you’ve used to make the item. Then add on the price of your time to make the item.
Many websites offer free eCommerce platforms that allow small businesses or hobbyists to build their inventory online without paying steep monthly fees. Instead, they run on a commission basis, charging a percentage of the sale with a flat rate fee when an item sells.
2) Consider taking or selling pictures
You don’t need to have extensive photography experience to have an incredible eye for images. For those who enjoy taking pictures of people, pets, or scenery, slowly building up a portfolio is the perfect side job. You’ll be able to snap photos, edit them, and post them on the many different photo stock websites online, charging small fees for each use or purchase. If you’d like to build your income higher, consider selling physical prints of your images at craft shows.
Many people want family photos, newborn images, pet photography, or more. Getting started takes a bit of time, posting on social media, and decent editing software. It’s essential to have a few high-quality SD cards and a physical camera too. While many phones can take beautiful images, a professional photographer needs to look and feel the part. You simply can’t attract paying clients if you can use the same equipment they have on hand.
3) Share some family recipes or treats
How many times have you tried something delicious and simply couldn’t get enough? If you’ve got the baking skill, you need to capitalize on selling your treats. With so many people being busier than ever, having a reliable baker on hand for cookies, pastries, cakes, or treats is a valuable resource. Consider selling baked goods in bulk, as serving platters around the holidays. These can include a small sampling of different baked items, complete with a cellophane wrap and bow.
If baking isn’t your style, consider compiling your recipes into a functional book. You can divide the recipes by type, treat, or ingredient, selling the know-how instead of the physical cookie. Whichever option you consider, the costs involved in making the items as well as your time.
4) Capitalize on your relationships
If you’re a single lady, trying to earn a little extra cash can be relatively simple. Look to your relationships for the additional earning potential. Whether you want to join a sugar baby website or you’d like to start a blog, different earning opportunities exist for those with an open mind. Perhaps you’ve had a few funny interactions with gentlemen that you think could attract an audience – a blog would be the perfect place to monetize your experiences. Media can be as simple as written blogs, quick social media videos, or ongoing diaries of experiences.
5) Capitalize on Cash Back Apps
While this isn’t necessarily a way to earn extra income, it most definitely allows additional savings off the products you currently use now. Simply look into the current spending you have monthly, from online purchases to in-store shopping. Consider whether any of your purchases would qualify for a cashback app online that will give you points, rewards, or discounts for using their services.
Some apps will give a certain percentage off the entire balance, assuming you visit their website first. Other programs require submitted receipts (typically in the form of photographs) to receive the cash from their purchases. Although the cash back amounts are small initially, compounded over a month, this can add up to considerable money in your pocket.
6)Sign Up to Deliver Food Orders
For those evenings you have nothing going on, delivering food orders can add up to considerable earnings over a month. Most food delivery programs allow drivers to choose their availability (often in blocks of four-hour periods) with the most traffic in the evening hours. You’ll also find availability and less competition throughout the early morning hours, giving you a prime opportunity to discover the city’s hidden restaurant gems while still getting paid for it. Ensure that you talk to your insurance company about delivering food orders; some companies don’t consider this commercial insurance (as you’re simply driving food around), while others can be pretty picky about the requirements needed.
To avoid the start-up costs, check out local classified ads online; many drivers will sell their bags, products, or uniforms (if required) for a fraction of the new price. If you’re delivering food for extended periods, consider purchasing the items new and writing them off for tax purposes. Also, keep track of your car’s maintenance while you’re delivering, as you can write off those expenses as well.
