10 Ways to Make $500+ a Month

While I love to show moms how to save money, sometimes saving money just isn’t enough. With a tough economy, extra income can really make a difference in a family’s life. Especially for those of us living on one income. 

One question I am asked frequently is, how can I make extra money from home? For many women, staying home with their children is a priority, but the bills still need to be paid. You may also want some extra money for activities for your kids, or to get a leg up on paying off debt. I’ve brainstormed the best ways I could possibly think of for making an extra $500+ a month on your own time. 

10 Ways to Make $500+ a Month

Blogging

Blogging is at the top of my list because it is what I do, but don’t be fooled, it’s not the easiest or fastest way to make money. It took me a good 4 years before I started earning money from this blog. Granted, I took a lot of time off during those first few years, and it also took a lot of time for me to learn how to turn my blog into a business.

If you are a writer at heart and also have a knack for graphics and a passion for teaching others, blogging may be the best avenue for you! Here are my favorite blogging resources:

Bluehost – Now, I know a lot of bloggers absolutely will not recommend Bluehost. I used them from 2011-2016 with very little issue. My site did go down a few times, but it was not down for long. For me, they were the most affordable option for a beginner blogger.

Siteground – As my blog grew, I decided to move my host over to Siteground and have been very happy with them. They have outstanding customer service.

Dominate – The Learn to Blog girls are amazing and I have learned so much about blogging from them. This product teaches you how to use Google Search Console to maximize your organic search traffic. It’s awesome.

Skyrocket  – This is a product from the Learn to Blog girls that will help you use Google Analytics to grow blog page views.

Conquer – Conquer will help you develop a keyword plan for your blog. I have learned so much through it!

Building a Framework – Whether you are just getting started with a blog, or you’ve had one for a while, Building a Framework is the ultimate resource for getting your blog going in the right direction so that you can earn money from it. I highly recommend it. 

Freelance Writing

For those of you completely uninterested in blogging but still love writing, you can make decent money as a freelance writer. I started out freelance writing. I wrote for a company called Demand Studios, which no longer exists, but you can apply for jobs on Odesk.

Another favorite place of mine for finding freelance writing jobs is freelancewritinggigs.com.

Become a Virtual Assistant

In all honesty, I know very little about being a virtual assistant, but I know many people who do it and make decent money. I have yet to hire a VA (I probably should, though), but I know they help bloggers with all sorts of tasks from social media, to answering emails, and even writing blog posts.

If you want to learn more about becoming a VA check out VA Prep School. Lydia is the go-to on this topic.

Teach English as a Second Language

If you have at least a Bachelor’s degree and some experience with teaching, you could make up to $2000 a month teaching English to children in China. A company called VIPkid works with native English speakers to help children in China learn English. 

You will likely work early in the morning before your kids wake up, but you can get your day finished in 3-5 hours. The pay is excellent and many teachers rave about it.

Market Your Skills

What skills do you have that you can sell? Could you teach a musical instrument from the comfort of your home? Could you offer tutoring services to local children in the neighborhood? Think big, and think broad. 

Maybe you could help local businesses or churches with their newsletters. The possibilities really are endless. Once you get your name out there, you are likely to find even more business.

Clean Houses

So, I personally know several women who despise cleaning their own house and will happily hire someone else to do it for them. Maid services are often very expensive. If you could charge less than a maid service, but still do excellent cleaning you could make a nice chunk of change. 

More than likely you will need to gather your own cleaning supplies, and expect to make less the first week or two while you are learning the ropes of a new client’s home.

Babysitting Services

This is a tried and true method for earning extra money, and if you love kids, it may be the perfect job for you! Offer to watch kids after school, or even pick up a few babysitting sessions on the weekends. 

As with any other service, make sure the terms are spelled out clearly before offering your service. Cover who will offer snacks and/or meals. The hours you work should also be clearly agreed upon, as well as the price you charge.

Sell Your Crafts

Are you a crafty person who likes to make things? Sell your crafts! My sister in law likes to paint so she sells painted wine glasses and original artworks through Etsy. You could also sell at craft fairs. You could sell any handmade items whether you like to sew or make jewelry. 

Resell Products

Do you love to shop? Do you have an eye for bargains? Many people make great money on the side by buying items from the thrift store and then reselling them for a profit. If you enjoy making over furniture, you could also purchase old furniture, give it a makeover, and then resell it! 

Mow Lawns

Okay, so I had to throw this one in here. I’m not much for mowing, but if it’s your thing, you can make some nice money doing it. If you love to garden, you could also offer to clean up flowerbeds for a price, of course! 

So, these are my favorite ideas for bringing in extra income. What are your ideas? What have you done to make extra money? I want to know. Leave me a note in the comments!

If you like this you’ll love:

How to Raise a Family on One Income