Earning Extras

I, like many moms out there who are also about to go back to work after maternity leave, am DREADING my return. Not because the work stinks or because I don't like the people I work with, but because the thought of leaving my 2 little dah-lings in the care of another bothers me.
I hate the rushing in the morning, the conflicts with other kids (however few they may be), the huge expense, the weepy goodbyes, and so on and so forth. BUT, like most of us of there, what can I do? I would love to stay home with my kids but, can we afford it? What would we have to sacrifice? Do I really want to give up my independent self that exists outside the home? Do I want to give up my pension? SO many things to question and really think about...meanwhile, I have this ticking clock saying, "make your decision now because you are running out of time!". Usually what ends up happening is I stress about it and then push it deep down and think that I'll worry about it later. So, this is getting me nowhere - fast!
I don't know what I will decide in the end but what I do know is that with all this soul-searching and money fretting I've come up with a few ways that I could make some extra dough, doing things that I actually would enjoy. I wanted to share them with you because, who knows, maybe you've already decided to make that plunge to stay at home and need a few ideas on how to raise some extra cash! So, ta-da! - here are a few things that can earn you that extra bacon: 1.Become a vendor for a home-show company. Yes, they can be annoying at times but if you find a company whose product you really like then it could make a lot of sense. If you have a passion for something people can generally sense that and become more invested in what you are presenting to them. Do your research and find out what companies have to offer in terms of compensation, support, sales requirements, product, etc. You don't have to be a pushy sales person who is always bugging friends and family to support you. Use the tools (often times free)out there to build a network...create a Facebook Business Page, pin your stuff on Pinterest, put an add on Kijiji, place a sign advertising your items on your community bulletin board, and whatever else you can think of!

2.Start a blog. Believe it or not, you CAN make money by writing a blog. Okay, well I don't make any money but I've heard of it being done!! How you ask? Well you start a blog and write about what interests you! Sewing, cooking, photography, whatever! You can monetize it through your blog provider or sell your own advertising space. If you're not sure how or where to start...check pinterest (yes my go-to place)...there are tons of ideas and tips there for blogs!3.Open an Etsy account. If you craft, bake, or create you could have an Etsy account. If you're not sure what Etsy is it's an amazingly awesome website that's like an on-line farmer's market. You can open you're own shop and sell your handmade goods that you've made from home. Click HERE to go check it out.

4.Pay more attention to your loyalty programs. Depending on what loyalty programs you are involved with you could really benefit from these at key times during the year. For example, my sister gets points through her credit card. She uses her card to purchase big items throughout the year (even if she has the money to actually buy something, she uses her card and then pays it off immediately on-line) and then at Christmas time she always has enough points to order gift cards for everyone in the family. There are so many point programs out there I can't speak to all of them but what I can tell you is that if you focus on one or two that you can redeem for something worth while to you (flights, free groceries, free gas, etc.) you can actually end up saving yourself quite a bit! My personal example is that I collect points for flights. I have a credit card that accumulates these points, I go to the pharmacy that gives me them, shop for items that give me bonus points, etc. In the 5 years I have been collecting them I have redeemed my points for 5 flights to Las Vegas, 2 flights to Vancouver, and I already have enough for a flight to Europe now!

5.Consign things that you no longer need. Decluttering your home can benefit you in several ways. When you get rid of the things clogging up your place it can actually be quite liberating for one. Why not make a few bucks at it too? Go though items and weed out the ones that are consignment worthy. Depending on where you consign them you could sell clothes, toys, small household items, DVDs, accessories, etc. If you don't know of any consignment places around you, check on Facebook - chances are there is one organized on FB by someone living in your area (be sure, however, to check out how many followers the page has and read their policies closely before bringing any of your stuff to someone you don't know.)

I'm sure there are so many ideas out there how to save cash and how to raise cash. Please feel free to share in the comments section because, like I said, I'm still decided on my own situation and the more money earning ideas the better!!