Stay-at-home-mom's guide to making extra $$

Whether you chose to be a stay at home mom, or it is just a temporary situation, there are ways to make money at home, even with those ankle biters attached to your hip. It may only be pocket cash, but depending on the amount of time you put into it, some of these ideas can make you pretty profitable.

Create something – This is obviously the route that I chose to go. I am The Crocheting Mom after all. If you are like me, you may not think you are very artistic at all. I thought “There’s no way I can make money selling something I’ve made.” I was wrong, dead wrong. I started crocheting not as a way to make money, but as a way to give baby blankets to family and friends. I was NOT good when I first started, but I just kept at it and learned how to be profitable. People sell anything and everything they make.

Don’t know where to start? Check out sites like Pinterest and Etsy to get those creative juices flowing.

Child care – If you’re a mom, you must like children, at least to some extent. Why not care for another child and give yours a playmate at the same time? This can be anywhere from part time to full time. Check out sites like Care.com, Sittercity, and Craigslist. As always, meet somewhere public first.

Blog – This one takes time. Most people don’t make meaningful income until 6–12 months in. You can earn through ads and affiliate links, and while it starts small, traffic adds up over time.

Online surveys – Legit, but slow. You may earn cents or a couple dollars per survey, but it adds up. Sites include InboxDollars, MySurvey, Swagbucks, and Toluna.

Direct sales – Ideal if you like hosting and social selling. Brands like Scentsy, Pampered Chef, and others offer product discounts and commissions.

Secret or mystery shopping – Businesses pay for real customer feedback. You may earn money or free products. Watch for scams.

Sell your “junk” – If you haven’t used it in a year, sell it. Sites like eBay and Craigslist are great, along with local Facebook groups.