Category Archives: Finance

Work From Home Options

The internet has really revolutionized the concept of working from home. There are so many Web-based businesses out there! Mind you, there are options that aren’t online, too. Working from home is appealing because you can set your own hours and prices. It can fill a void for those who can’t keep a traditional job. Personally, I have always dreamed of an at-home career! Here is a list of ideas to get you started:

1. Blog

This has to be the most awesome online business ever! Anybody that enjoys writing can blog. There are many hosting services, both free & paid. For those who don’t want to design their own, Blogelina has a great Start Up package. I personally set up my own site, but for the less tech-savvy, it can be a bit complicated. Blogging can be a hobby or a business. If you want to make it a business, treat it like one! Yes, friends and family will read it, but if you want to expand, you need advertising.

2. Online Store

This could be Ebay, Etsy, Craigslist, etc. You can sell off stuff you no longer want, gifts you don’t like, resale items, antiques, handmade crafts. My sister has an amazing Etsy store for her clay. The list is truly endless.

3. Child Care

Whether it’s baby sitting, an in-home day care, being a mother’s help, etc. Since most parents work, quality childcare is a necessary, growing field. This works especially well for mothers of young children that are home anyway and need some extra income.

4. Food Business

There are all different types of food businesses—cake decorating, prepared mixes, candies, condiments, baked goods. If you’re a really good cook, try offering cooking classes. This field usually requires a license from the Health Department.

5. Sewing

If you’re a good seamstress, you can do alterations at home, or create beautiful custom pieces to order. Many people lack all ability to sew—even a button!—and will gladly pay for alterations. When I was growing up, there was a local lady we called “Marlene the dressmaker.” Her claim to fame was that she’d come to your home. Many times, I’d hear someone bemoan that her skills were mediocre, but the service was excellent!

6. Farmer’s Market

If you enjoy gardening, you can grow crops or flowers. Both sell well at Farmer’s Markets. Some also accept prepared foods and other goods. Many Farmer’s Markets are now year-round, too.

7. Laundry

This is an old-school idea. Years ago, some ladies used to take in other people’s washing for a small fee. It’s not as common now, with the availability of dry cleaners and Laundromats. You can do what those companies do, probably better and cheaper, too!

8. Pet Sitting

This could be done in your own home or the owner’s. Pet boarding is becoming very popular. A lot of people don’t want to take their animal to a kennel and would love to have someone safe and loving watch their pet.

9. Tutor

Many children and, even some adults, need a tutor. You can teach anything you are accomplished at. Foreign languages are especially in need. I know one lady that teaches Hebrew part-time over Skype! Also, homeschoolers are a huge market.

10. Music Lessons

If you’re a musician, you can teach others to play. Piano, violin, the flute, and guitar are all popular. I see ads in the windows of music stores offering lessons constantly.

11. Raise/Breed Animals

This could be dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. Puppy Mills are horrible! Clean, human breeders always get traffic, especially around the holidays. If you have land, you could try livestock, either to sell or eat.

12. Flexible Profession

Before I was a Blogger, I used to be a Realtor. I was able to work mostly from home, when I wanted. I know of doctors, lawyers, dentists, insurance agents, and hairdressers who’ve built an office that’s attached to their home.

13. Landlord

Renting property can be a great source of income, both residential and commercial. If you’d like to buy your own home, but can’t afford it, look into a duplex. The rental fee can often cover the entire mortgage for both units.

There are many more options, but I think I’ll save that for Part 2!

Would you like to work from home?

How To Get Free Magazines

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If you enjoy reading magazines (and who doesn’t?), this post is for you!

I subscribe to many of the Women’s magazines, but I haven’t paid for any of them in years. You, too, can start getting mags for free. I’ve used all of these sites, with great success. Here are some good sources:

1. Rewards Gold

Many different magazines and some newspapers are available. Simply fill out surveys for free subscriptions. No credit card info required.

2. Recyclebank

Earn points by completing actions on the site and then redeem them for magazines. Both print and digital available. The points add up very quickly.

3. My Coke Rewards

Redeem codes found on Coke products. Sometimes there are free codes online.

4. Mercury Magazines

Hundreds of magazines offered, but you have to qualify by filling out a profile. Many business and trade mags.

Also, don’t forget about the library. Most have magazines to check-out, and some have magazine exchanges. I drop off all my old copies at the library for others to enjoy. Remember, freebies are best shared!

Which mags do you read and how much do you pay?