A question that I’m often asked is how I make so much extra income. In the month of December, I made over $5,000 just in extra income. There are many reasons for this, and I have also come a long way from where I used to be.
Extra income is always nice to have. You can increase your income to put towards bills, pay down debt more quickly, have a little fun of course, and many other things. The list is endless!
There are so many things out there that you could do for extra income. You just need to see where your potential lies and how far you actually want to take it. Are you looking for something that will be more like a part-time job for the discount or something that will eventually turn into your full-time job?
Below are some GREAT extra income ideas:
1. Retail
There will always be retail jobs out there and spots to fill at retail stores. Maybe try getting a job somewhere at a place where you can utilize the discount that they offer. However, if you think you will overspend (such as at a clothing store), then think twice. I worked in clothing retail when I was younger and I spend over $10,000 on clothes while I worked there (we could look up the exact amount that employees spent on clothes in the store).
The amount I spent was insane and sometimes I wish I would have just gotten a job elsewhere so that I wouldn’t see things that I wanted to buy everyday. So stay away if you know you have a problem with buying things on impulse.
2. Blogging
Blogging is one of the main things that I do to make money, so of course I’m going to say this! You can make money from blogging in many ways, such as affiliate links and direct advertising. The list in really endless and I could talk about this all day.
3. Freelance writing
I also freelance write (as you can obviously tell). There are many people, websites and so on which need writers. Find your niche and start writing!
4. Photography
Of course there is more to photography then just clicking a button on your camera, but if you have the passion to be a photographer, such as for weddings, then go for it! Practice with people whom you know who need pictures. Then eventually when you prove to people that you have good enough talent, then start charging! You will most likely love what you do. This is what I would love to do one day.
5. Sell items that you make
You could sell on your own online store or Etsy and Store Envy. If you are sure that you have talent in making things (I know that I do not, so I would never do this haha) then try selling your items online. You can advertise on blogs and host giveaways in order to get people to look at your online store. However, you should research this as much as you can before you take the leap and spend a lot of money on supplies.
There are many things that can be sold: knitted items, bracelets, necklaces, wedding items, clothing and so on. If you have the talent, then show it and showcase it!
What do you do for extra income?
Michelle Schroeder is the founder of Making Sense of Cents and Diversified Finances, a personal finance and lifestyle blog about budgeting, traveling, life, and student loans. Read further on her story and life.