Spare Change: Easy Ways to Add Cash to Your Budget
by Kimberly Danger
OK, who couldn't use a few extra bucks these days? Maybe you're a stay at home mom who doesn't necessarily want to get a part-time job, but is looking for some ways to make a little extra money. Here are some practical, easy ways to add a little extra to your wallet:
Consign Your Clothes
If you're like most women, you have lots of clothes in your closet that haven't been worn for the last few seasons, if not the last few years. Get rid of them! Not only will you be de-cluttering your closet, you can make some money doing so. Call your local consignment store to make an appointment to bring them in. Make sure they are clean, pressed and in good condition. The better they look, the more money they will bring. The consignment store I bring my old clothes to offers me half of their selling price. I do this twice a year and make about $150 each time.
Get a Paper Route
This may not sound appealing, but you can actually make good money with a paper route. You can do this while your spouse is still home in the morning and your kids are still sleeping. It can be great exercise, too!
Take in a Boarder
Have an extra room in your home? You may be able to take in a boarder. It doesn't necessarily have to be a stranger, either. Ask your friends and contacts through work if they know of a responsible adult looking for a place to rent. Be sure to check laws and regulations before proceeding.
Have a Garage Sale
This is another great way to clear the junk out of your home while making money. I would guess that the main reason most people don't have them is the work
involved in getting ready for them. A painless way of getting ready for your yearly sale is to keep a few big boxes in a storage area marked "Garage Sale".
Mark their prices before you place them in the box, and most of your work is done for you already. Remember: if you donate items, you can take a tax deduction on their
current value. If you itemize on your tax return it is sometimes easier and more cost effective to take the deduction than to sell your things at a garage sale.
Click here to read more about having a profitable garage sale
Sell Online
Lots of moms have discovered online e-tailers like eBay. They can be a great way to sell gently used merchandise. Most of you have heard of eBay.
Kids' clothing sells really well... especially if it is a name-brand like BabyGap or Gymboree. Generally, you'll get lots more money for your items like
this than selling at a garage sale. Providing a photo of your item and a detailed description will help it sell. Other sites which provide and online marketplace
for you to sell include Overstock.com and Amazon.com.
Read our article "Sell Your Stuff" for more selling tips
Do Drop-In Day Care
Are you home with your kids during the day? You may as well have a few more! Let your friends know that you are available to take their kids during their day care providers' vacations. Or, if you're really serious about it, contact day care providers in your area to let them know you will substitute for them. In most states, you don't need to be licensed to provide care for a single family's children. And, you have the freedom to pick and choose the days you want to work.
Sell Something
It's not just Avon anymore, you can sell kitchen products, candles, toys, scrapbook supplies and even lingerie. The nice thing (or the tough thing, depending on how you look at it) about selling is that you get out of it what you put into it. You may want to sell aggressively by scheduling parties 2-3 times a week, or you can sell by word of mouth only. If you're thinking about doing this, choose a product that you really use and that you believe in (if you're a plain Jane who rarely wears makeup, selling Mary Kay may not be for you). It will make your job so much easier, and give you the credibility you'll need to sell the product.
About the Author: Kimberly Danger is the owner/publisher of Mommysavers.com, and online resource for parents interested in saving time and money.
She is the author of 1000 Best Baby Bargains. Ms. Danger lives in Southern Minnesota with her husband and two kids.
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