JoshBeing a stay-at-home mom or dad is a full-time job, but unfortunately, you don’t get paid a full-time salary. In today’s economic climate, it’s hard for families to rely on a single income. Despite how rewarding it is raising your little ones, you need cash to make ends meet.
Fortunately, there are ways that you can get the extra money you need. Whether you’re looking to earn a steady stream of income or you just need some quick cash to pay for an unexpected expense, here’s a look at some effective ways that you can get paid without having to leave home – and your kids.
Become a Freelancer
Do you have a talent that others could benefit from? Perhaps you’re a wordsmith or maybe you’re good with a camera. If you’ve got a knack for a specialized skill, consider becoming a freelancer.
There are many reasons why freelancing is a perfect option for stay-at-home moms and dads. It gives you the opportunity to be your own boss, which means that you can set your rates, choose who you work with, and work pretty much wherever and whenever you want to; in other words, you can earn an income while tending to your kiddos. And, if you land a good client base and market yourself well, a freelancing gig can be quite lucrative. Writing, photography, web design, marketing, accounting, and even tutoring; the options for freelancing are virtually endless.
Start a Blog
If you have a particular topic that you’re interested in and you’re a decent writer, you could start up a blog. Not only does it give you the opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas, but there’s also the potential to earn some pretty good money. How? Monetization.
There are several ways you can monetize your blog; that is, turn it into a cash-making machine, such as affiliate marketing and selling ad space. If you build up a decent following, there’s a chance that your blog could earn you money while you’re out on playdates, at school functions, and even while you’re getting in some much-needed shut-eye (that is, if your kiddos actually let you sleep). Looking for a topic for a blog? Here’s a great suggestion: Parenting! As a stay-at-home mom or dad, you certainly know a thing or two about the subject, and there are endless ideas for posts; feeding tips, sleep training suggestions, educational activities, and of course, just venting about the daily struggles that pretty much every other parent around the world can relate to.
Offer Childcare
You’re already hanging out with your own little ones all day, so why not invite a few more kids into the mix and make some money while you’re at it? To start, offer to babysit your friends’ kids (for a fee, of course). If all goes well and you want to expand, you could get licensed as a home-based daycare provider and turn up a business.
Bringing in money isn’t the only perk of offering childcare; it’s also a great opportunity to socialize your children. It gives them the opportunity to interact with other kids, which will do wonders for their socialization; plus, they’ll look to the other children for entertainment instead of focusing all of their attention on you (talk about a win-win-win!).
Get a Title Loan
If you just need some cash to get by when you’re in a pinch and you own a car, a title loan is a perfect solution. Depending on the type of vehicle you own, it’s the value (and a few other factors), a title loan can land you a decent amount of cash. Depending on the lender you’re working with, you can get that cash pretty fast; in many cases, in as little as a day.
While you do have to repay the loan, terms and payments are usually pretty flexible, and when you’re in a financial pickle, a title loan can be a real godsend.
If you’re a stay-at-home parent who’s looking to make some cash, consider giving one of these options a try. Or put your thinking cap on and get creative; there are literally dozens of ways that you can get the money you need that don’t require working a standard 9 to 5 and putting the kids in daycare.