Whether you are a working parent, or stay-at-home parent, making money or supplementing income becomes a hot topic in the world of parenthood. Conversations about money start when you are just a kid (understanding the value of money), escalate once you enter adulthood (saving for a new car or home) and are full-blown once you get married and have kids (trying to figure out how live within a budget)!
Once I found my groove with being a SAHM (I admit I still look for it at times after almost 5 years!), I began to think about ways that I could earn some extra money. It wasn’t going to be a second salary or anything, but every bit helps. I discovered research studies, and the first one was for diapers. I never thought I could be so excited about free diapers, and getting paid for changing them! A dream come true!
For me, it wasn’t just about money, although we can never have enough right?! It was about getting out of the house, interacting with other adults, putting my talents to good use, and being able to contribute to my family. All reasons that are equally important to fulfill the many roles That moms have. It is easy to get in the mindset that being a mom is the “only” thing we do. After all, being a mom is the mother of all jobs! Teacher, chef, taxi, housekeeper, event planner and personal shopper are just a few areas of expertise that we all have, we just need to remind ourselves of them, and use them to our advantage!
Everything costs money, especially our sweet little kiddos, that grow up to be big kiddos! Kids are expensive! The average cost of raising a child born in 2013 up until age 18 for a middle-income family in the U.S. is approximately $245,340 (or $304,480, adjusted for projected inflation), according to the latest annual “Cost of Raising A Child” report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Doesn’t earning some extra money keep sounding better and better?
Thanks to my friend, and fellow CMB’er Casey, we have compiled a list of ideas to help get you started on earning money for that next family adventure, college fund, or even your upcoming grocery trip. Kids eat a lot too!
Be a Helper
Moms are excellent helpers! Why not earn some extra money by helping with something you are really good at.
Childcare
Driving Services
Pet Care
Cleaning
Tutoring
Yard Work
Office Assistant
Virtual Assistant
Writing & Editing
Check out these resources to find even more opportunities:
Be a Shopper
Secret shopping is a lot of fun! Most of the time you are rating customer service practices and giving feedback. You also get to try new products (food and clothing included). Be sure to check out the link below to make sure that you are doing business with a reputable company!
iSecret Shop
Trend Source
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0053-mystery-shopper-scams
Be a Tester
There are quite a few research companies in the Cincinnati area that work with adults and kids. Research studies include product testing, focus groups, and in-home interviews. This is one of my favorite things to do! And on a side note, Moms are really great about giving opinions!!
MomSights
The Wolfe Group
The Discovery Center
The Consumer Village
The Living Room
Seek
CTI Clinical Research
Lori Kolde Research Management
J&R Coordinating
Northcliff Consultants
Market Vision Research
Various Views
Spring Grove Laboratories
Be a Reviewer
Apply to be a product reviewer, and get big discounts in return. You are essentially trying a product and then giving the seller a review to help grow their business. It is a win-win for everyone!
Amazon
Make Money Doing What You Already Do/ With What You Already Have
These may take a little time and organization, but it is always worth the pay day at the end. And who doesn’t like to get or get rid of “stuff” or get compensated for shopping?!
Ebates
Honey
Sell Your Stuff
Yard sale, Consignment sale/shop, Craig’s List (Be sure to thoroughly research before meeting in person).
Grow extra produce in your garden & sell it.
Here are some additional posts from the CMB team that are worth checking out if you are getting ready for a conversation about money or budgets!
When At Home: Making Money “Part One”
Teaching Kids About Money: The Early Years
Teaching Kids About Money: The Early Years “Part Two”
