Constantly living paycheck to paycheck? Thankfully, we live in a digital world and, thanks to the sharing economy, it’s now easier than ever for people to find creative ways to supplement their income. You can even make money from the comfort of your own home. Here are 5 ideas to consider.
Sell Items Online
Is your house filled with unused or unwanted items, whether it’s an overflowing wardrobe or storage room? Organise a spring clean day and sort out all the items you can potentially sell. Platforms and apps like eBay and Gumtree make the process of online selling super simple and fuss-free. Make sure you take good quality pictures of every item you are planning to sell and write detailed descriptions.
Alternatively, if you don’t have existing items to sell, what about new items? For example, if you’re a craft person and spend your free time making handmade jewellery or prints, you can easily sell these online via the platforms above or even through a virtual shop on Etsy. Think big and think creatively. If you are stuck on picking a category of products to start selling, the best thing you can do is go to a local big box store and pick a row of items. Are these popular? Are there enough different items in this category that they stock? These are usually indicators that the market is big enough to sustain a speciality online store.
Freelancing
Freelancing offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to take on work no matter what your location. Often, you just need a laptop and an Internet connection. Freelance writing is one of the most popular options to consider, especially if you’re great with words or have expertise in a niche topic. Other freelance options include photography, art work, graphic design, web design, and more. Identify your strengths, build up a portfolio of work, and get the word out there about your services. Soon enough, opportunities (and cash) will start flowing your way. My personal freelance site where I offer SEO and Web Design services is PopNet Media. This is a great resource to use if you want to start offering similar types of services in your own area.
Online Surveys
Filling out online surveys is one way many people are making money, either in the form of cash or gift cards, to use at a store or website. One thing you will want to do if you decide to do surveys to supplement your income is to make sure the survey-taking company is really going to pay. There are many out there, but some of them do not pay well. Look for good feedback from people who have experience doing surveys and can offer good reviews of the company you are interested in.
Fix, Repair, Redo
Maybe you are handy with electronics and can fix computers, cell phones, and TVs. Or maybe you have a passion for retro items and love redoing old furniture or decorative items. Why not turn that passion into a way to make money from home? Look into online community marketplaces to browse and accept jobs that are relevant to your skills and schedule.
Forex Trading
If you have a good knowledge about the foreign exchange market, you can consider forex trading as an additional income stream. Forex trading can be a lucrative way to earn extra money — provided you apply sound trading principles and strategies. If you’re new to trading, make sure you familiarize yourself with how the forex market works and opt for a forex trading broker that offers tools, resources, and 24-hour support. Always start with a demo account and, when you switch to live, go for small amounts to test the waters and get a feel for things.
