This post is written by Craig Ford, writer at Money Help for Christians.
As part of your 2011 New Years resolutions, many of you are looking for legitimate ways to increase your income by working at home. For some of you, an extra few hundred dollars a month will give your budget some much needed breathing room. Others of you might want to supplement several thousand dollars a month by working from home. The extra income might be needed to help you get out of credit card debt. Regardless, this post focuses on offering specific suggestions for mothers who have decided to earn some extra income in 2011.
But this post is not just for ordinary mothers. It is for those who want to have their cake and eat it, too (without gaining any weight). Since kids come first, you need a job that will fit around your schedule, not a job that is going to compete with your family. The jobs I’ll suggest in this post will allow you to:
- Work from home.
- Have a flexible schedule.
Red Flags When Looking For Extra Income
- Avoid using Google as a starting place. Yes, of course, you will eventually need to do some research online to get information about a work opportunity, but I highly recommend starting with personal contacts and people you already trust online. A lot of people get online and type “how to make money at home” or “make money online”. The problem is that there is no Google quality police. Generally speaking, she with the most links to her website gets the top position in Google. If I have a product that is a scam, I can easily work for links or buy links and get a top ranking in Google.
- Avoid anything that requires you to put money down or buy a ‘secret’ starter pack. Yes, many legitimate home business will require you to purchase inventory. However, if you are being forced to buy more than you want ($500 minimum start up package), or you’re not sure what you get for your money, avoid that business “opportunity”.
- Avoid pyramid schemes. A pyramid or multi-level marketing business is one where others make money by teaching you how to make money. There is a lot of hype around these type of businesses because in many ways the hype is the business. Many of these businesses offer little of actual value, but instead there is only a smoke screen of actual business transactions. As long as people are referring others the business makes a profit, not necessarily when they are actually selling the product.
(Laura’s Note!! Several of you have pointed out that not all multi-level marketing businesses are schemes. You are absolutely right!! I was involved in selling Stampin’ Up! products for several years when my kids were babies and that certainly wasn’t a scheme…and it falls right into this category. Please accept my apologies for any frustration the above paragraph may have caused. The point is to avoid SCHEMES…not to avoid all businesses of this nature.)
Tips for Finding the Right Side Business
Personally, I’m a big fan of teaching people to turn a hobby into a side business. The reason is quite simple – you’ll do a better job and feel better when you make money doing something you love. Besides, what if you figure out how to make a lot of money doing something you hate to do? That doesn’t sound like any fun, does it?
A successful business will do one of the three things:
- Sell a product or a service that is better than what is currently being offered.
- Sell a product or a service that is cheaper than what is currently being offered.
- Sell a product or a service that is currently not available.
A List of 15 Legitimate Work From Home Jobs
In this list you’ll notice I favor online businesses. The reason? You usually have 100% control over your schedule. If your little baby is sick you can work late after the child is in bed. Furthermore, I believe most small business growth involves a hefty component of online business.
- Blogging. You can make money blogging as long as you select the right topic and are willing to work hard. Here’s my 7,500+ word free guide on how to make money blogging.
- Virtual Assistant – With the explosion of web based businesses and online entrepreneurs, there is a huge market right now for qualified virtual assistants. What is a virtual assistant (VA)? A VA is a person who does secretarial type work from home. You get an email of tasks and you complete them for a boss you may never meet. You can advertise your services on either Odesk or Elance.
- Baking – Sell cake, cookies, or any other goodies from home.
- Freelance Writing – I believe this is a great time to be a writer. Many online blogs and businesses are looking for good quality content. Guess how they get that content? They pay someone to write for them. I’ve spent some time over the last few years doing some freelance writing in my field (personal finance). My first paid writing offer was for $5 per article. On average (depending on the niche), you can make $20 per article to write online. Learn more about how to make money writing.
- Tax Filing Business from Home – For anyone who has tax experience and the proper licensing, you can set up your own home based business and generate clients whom you will never meet in person.
- Selling items on eBay – This style of business has been around for a long time, but it can still be profitable if you make wise purchasing decisions. Basically, you buy items at highly discounted prices and then sell them on eBay. You can either purchase products wholesale or just stock up on inventory when your favorite store has their next 85% off clearance sale.
- Tutoring – If you can fit tutoring into your schedule, you might be able to spend part of an evening helping a struggling student.
- Teach a Skill – Do you know how to play the piano? Do you know how to do a craft? Teaching people how to do the skills you already know is a great way to earn a few extra dollars.
- Mystery shopping – Yes, get paid to shop. You too can learn how to be a mystery shopper.
- Sell eBooks – If you have an online audience, you can produce your own products and earn some extra income selling eBooks. Of course, you would first need to build up an online audience through a blog or a similar medium.
- Sell Photos – Amateur photographers can start selling their pictures online. All you need to do is to go to a popular site that sells photos and get an idea of what type of pictures sell well. Use the popular pictures as a standard to help direct your own freelance photography business. Check out Shutterstock.com as an example of one of many websites that allow you to sell your photos online.
- Social Media Consultant – You mean, get paid to use Facebook and Twitter? Exactly. In November last year, one of the largest personal finance blogs, WiseBread, was looking to hire a social media consultant. Once again, Odesk and Elance would be a good place to start advertising your services.
- Web graphics and logos designing – If you are artistic, you might want to invest in a Photoshop program that will allow you to do graphic designing for blogs and websites.
- Learn how to do something you normally pay for. – OK, this isn’t a specific idea, but if you pay for something, don’t you think others would too? At the very least, when you learn how to do something new, you don’t have to pay for that service any more. But then you can also build up a client list and provide that service for others.
- Sell plasma. You’ll never find me doing this to make an extra buck, but my mother-in-law thinks this is the best way to earn some extra cash. As for me and my household, we’ll pursue other methods to supplement our income.
Alright, you’re officially equipped to start chasing your dreams. Find an opportunity that interests you and fits your scheduling limitations. Chase it with your full energy and passion, then go, go, go.
What other suggestions do you have that can help someone else make an extra few dollars by working from home?
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Be sure to visit Money Help for Christians where Craig promotes a frugal, simple, debt-free, and generous lifestyle so Christians can faithfully maximize their resources by putting them at the disposal of God’s Kingdom.
This is a good list. In fact, it’s so good I’m having a hard time adding to it
I enjoy staying fit so I got my personal trainer’s certification and now train people part time for a little extra cash. It’s fun b/c I get to help others and do something I enjoy.
I know people who are really organized who make extra money by being personal organizers.
I love this post and will be coming back to it in the coming weeks.
Love this! Thank you SOOO much! A much needed resource :)
Semalee @ Nailing Jello to a Tree
As a SAHM who has been self-employed and working from home for almost 12 years, I wholeheartedly agree that it is possible to find a job working from home that will also put your family first.
However, I am disappointed that Craig decided to lump all direct sales/MLM businesses into the same “illegitimate” category. I guess the industry still has a bit of misconception that is unfortunate and also unfounded.
I have been in direct sales and MLM with REPUTABLE companies (Pampered Chef for 11 years and Thirty-One Gifts and SendOutCards that I am still with) and it has enabled me to help support the family and still be home with my young children.
There ARE companies out there (all of the above belong to the Direct Selling Association – which is like Better Business Bureau for home-based businesses – only legitimate companies can be a part) that are completely legitimate, sell products that DO enhance lives (Pampered Chef is known for kitchen tools, Thirty-One Gifts is a faith-based company that carries personalized bags, purses and totes, and SendOutCards is a greeting card company).
And, as a trainer and coach for the direct sales and network marketing industry, I can personally attest to the COUNTLESS lives that are being changed FOR THE BETTER every day because of companies like this.
So, it’s unfair to lump everyone together, when legitimate work from home opportunities DO exist in direct sales and network marketing companies – just do your research and find one that fits with you and carries a product that you use and love.
Dr. Laura
This is wonderful! This is pretty helpful. Will spread the word.
I do medical transcription from home and have found it to be a great way to be home with my family and work after everyone is in bed for the night. Can still attend to anyone who might wake up in the night or be sick and then return to work. While I may not get all the sleep I would like at this point, I find that the trade off is well worth it.
I wanted to get into Medical Transcription. I haven’t been able to find an actual job. All the ones I have pulled up are scams. Can you tell me where would be a good place to start looking? I have a special needs child and I have to stay at home. This type of work would be perfect for me! Thanks!!
You really have to go through an accredited school. The one I went through is Medical Transcription Education Center. Their website is http://www.mtecinc.com. Once you complete the training, which took me about 18 months or so, but I had infant twins at the time, they will help find companies that will interview and test you. They won’t give you a job or guarantee one, but they will open doors for companies that need home-based transcriptionists. If I can answer any other questions, please let me know!
a great list but like another person said, home sales companies are not illegitimate. They are for the most part NOT MLM companies….in a MLM you do a little work and then sit back and make money off what others below you do…in most direct sales company once you bring new people in…like in PartyLite, Pampered Chef, etc you do get extra pay and other benefits BUT your responsibility and personal sales requirements also increase. You don’t just stop working and collect a paycheck. However, not everyone is looking for “leadership” and just like to have their own home based business.
Just a note on the “selling baked goods from home” option. I was looking it to this for quite a while, and it is less “at home” than you would think. In many states it must be cooked in a commercial kitchen. That means (in many states, including mine) it is not the one you prepare your family’s food in, it is separate from all living areas, and all the equipment is commercial grade and not used for your personal cooking. While many people probably ignore this, it is something everyone should at least be aware of. Check with your local health department.
thank you! That is exactly what I was thinking.
I would LOVE to have a little cake business on the side but in order
to do so I would need a full commercial and licensed kitchen.
Right now I am looking into renting a commercial kitchen to start my venture. Many churches, VFWs, and even restaurants rent out their kitchens when they are not in use to make some extra income. It is worth looking into.
Hope that helps!
In Iowa, I can sell baked goods at a farmer’s market or to anyone who comes to my front door (and vice versa) but if I sell via the local grocery store, my home kitchen must pass inspection. That wasn’t difficult or cost much, but I opted out when I got tired of retrieving unsold food from the store :-( Small town isn’t necessarily the market for high quality whole grain bread ;-)
A friend in Nebraska opened a ‘chocolate shop’ in her house the past several holiday seasons and made a bit of money that way ~ her neighbors are really good customers =)
Melanie-
You are so lucky! I would love to be able to do that! I checked in at the health department, and they said that even baked foods in my area must be made in a commercial kitchen. Boo!
Wow. What an insult Laura. My husband and I are making VERY legitimate money from a reputable multi level marketing company and we help others to do the same. For you to post something which categorizes our industry with scams is ridiculous. What’s pretty funny is the fact that YOU, Laura, make money off your readers by referring them to other sites to get deals. Hmm that’s exactly what we do except the people we refer get paid too.
Anna – I’m very sorry you found that paragraph so insulting. First let me point out that I didn’t write this post! (Although I did post it, so you’re right in faulting me on this.)
I re-read the paragraph and it states “Avoid Pyramid Schemes”. Your multi level marketing business is apparently not a scheme, otherwise it wouldn’t be working so well for you. I think what Craig was refering to was the companies that truly are scams – they ARE out there! I’m very glad though that you have found success with one that isn’t.
Thanks for pointing out the inconsistency of that paragraph. While it isn’t my post, I think it would be wise for me to go edit the statement. Others have pointed out several other businesses that they are involved in that fit into that category as well that are truly ligitimate.
heck in you area f or piecework companies. We work at home for local comapny; we fold tissue paper, cut and package various plastic things, often for places like walmart, old navy, gap. Good money- and best of all- at home !
How do you get started on that?
Is there anyway you can give more info on this? I am a stay at home mom, but need to find work to help support my family while my husband is going back to school.
Thanks
[email protected]
joanie im interested in piecework, could you give me info on where legitimate companies are? Thank you.
HI- I am not sure what is in your area… the palce we work for is in our town, a man runs it, his personal business. I would think that your town hall might have info on stuff like that since it is an area business. We live in the upper middle part of Mass, near the NH border.
Sorry I can not be of more help.
Joanie
Thanks so much. We are really in a bind with money. My husband just got a job (today) after many months of unemployment & appyling for jobs. I have thought about working from home and just had no idea where to start.
I’ve been a secret shopper for a few months now. It’s not easy to make a lot of money doing this, but it has made it a little more affordable for my husband and I to go on a nice date. Though I could probably make more money if I were willing to do the car sales shops or if I had a teenager to make sure that stores were enforcing the age restrictions on video game purchases.
This is one where you want to talk to someone already doing it and find out who they work for. Then go online and look up reviews about the company. The one I’m working for is legit, but there are a lot that are not.
I have heard of people who do “personal chef” work, in people’s homes. They prepare 1-2 weeks of food for busy working families. I don’t know if it makes a lot, but I wonder if it would have the same restrictions as commercial baking. I’ve also wondered about making healthy recipes and selling to friends who are to busy to soak, make sourdough, etc. I have a stack of soaked waffles going in the freezer right now! If you sell to friends, do you have to go through the same restrictions as selling to stores?
I think, in most areas, if you are going into the person’s home to cook
you don’t have to follow the restrictions. That’s pretty much why
it is done that way. The selling to friends thing is sort of one of
those grey areas, yes, you are technically supposed to follow the re-
strictions, but how would anyone find out about it?
joanie E. could you you please give me some more information on the home job you have? My husband is a minister, and I go with him lots of places, so it is hard for me to have a full or part time job, this might just be what I need to help with some hospital bills.
Another thought on the ebay thing. If you are good at making a nice listing and don’t mind all the hassle, let your friends know you can sell their stuff on ebay. Many people would sell on ebay but it’s overwhelming. Maybe you can have a listing fee and a commission.
And don’t forget about etsy!
I know this sounds “spammy”, but I actually wrote a book titled “100 Income Streams for Full-time Moms: Because Your Children are Your Full-time Job”. Now, I’m not telling you to buy this book, but it has the “look inside” feature on Amazon, so you can look inside it for FREE to get ideas. I know, by recommending that I’m clearly not the greatest salesperson, but it’s better to help people than to make money, right? Anyway, if you’re interested in taking a “look inside”, it’s at http://www.amazon.com/100-Income-Streams-Full-time-Moms/dp/0982733410
Thanks ladies for these great ideas. Now to put them to work!!
I’m an RN but because of my little ones, I’m not working as one. In order to keep my license current I have to do CE credit hours which I can do online. I’ve been using http://www.myfreece.com. They will pay nurses to write CE courses for them. What you earn is based on how many people use your course to earn CE credits, so if you like to write (actually quite short courses) and are a nurse, check it out. I haven’t gotten around to writing any courses yet, but hope to soon…I have a couple papers from when I was in school that would work without too much tweaking…
Thank you so much for this post and following comments. I am currently desperately trying to find a good work at home situation! I have a young child at home; stayed home first 2 years and then worked part-time for a while until I was laid off in July. Unemployment ends soon and we have to have the income, but I SO want to stay home with my girl and keep my home in order. It is so hard finding legitimate work at home opportunities…I will be checking into these things right away!
I work from home doing affiliate marketing and make decent money. I enjoy the freedom of working from home. Thank you for the article.
Thank you for posting this Laura. I am currently working with a wellness company and I love the products but the money making side takes up way to much time. At the end of last year I decided I would find something to do that didn’t require I buy more than I needed to stay in the good graces of the company. I am now currently trying to decide what my niche is and what my website is going to look like. Beth I am also an RN but I am not sure I have what it takes to write courses.
As a stay-at-home mother I recommend “Medical Coding and Billing” as a wonderful work from home option. Yes, you will need training. You can’t just code medical records without having proper training. However, this is a real and promising career. I used to work for “Career Step” and they have an awesome Medical Coding and Billing course.
http://www.referral.careerstep.com/mc?ref=43233
Their training is done online and is self-paced. You could finish the program in 4 months but 6 months is probably more realistic. They do however give you up to a year to get it all done. Their program is approved by the American Health Information Management Association and the American Academy of Professional Coders. They work specifically with a company called IOD inc. that hires their grads to work from home right out of the program.
The average salary for this career is about $40,000. Their entire program including books, instructors and job assistance is around $3,000 and they offer sweet payment plans.
If you want more info or have questions let me know @ [email protected]