What would you do with an extra $500? Put more money to bills? Pay for your kids’ sports? Save for that summer vacation? Let’s face it, we could all use an extra $500 a month.
Well, I’ve got something to tell you, it’s not as hard to do as you think. I’m not talking about “get rich quick schemes”. I’m talking about you putting the time in to generate extra cash for your house. Being easy doesn’t mean you don’t have to work, it means it’s not as complicated as you might think. Here are 5 ways to make $500 without having to leave your house.
5 Ways to Make $500
VIPKid
VIPKid is great for the teacher in you. You can set your own schedule and its one-on-one style removes the need for lesson plans. VIPKid pays between $14-$22, but it is all dependent on how many classes you teach. Classes last about 25 minutes so it would be an easy job to fit into an already busy lifestyle.
VIPKid does have some requirements:
Freelancing
So many people don’t seem to know this is an option. With sites like FIverr and Upwork it is easy to set up an account and start promoting your skills. There are many small companies that cannot afford someone full time, but need a professional for specific tasks. This is where Freelancing comes into play.
Both Fiverr and Upwork connect businesses with professionals. From web design to lifestyle blog posts, the opportunities are endless! For both sites you can create an account and put your services out there. Businesses in turn can post job requests that you can accept. Each professional lists skills, various pricing and turnaround. There are no surprises in the services being offered or requested.
Your pricing varies on task and service tier. Charge a little bit more if you are going to offer a 48 hour turnaround. If you are creating a larger article, feel free to charge more for that service. You can charge what you like, and then pay a fee for using the Upwork or Fiverr site.
Virtual Assistant
A virtual assistant works remotely from home, providing business support. Typically they might schedule appointments, answer email and make travel arrangements. They might be looking for billing and data entry. As working from home becomes a new standard, this might be the best job for you. If you have: a home office area, great communication skills and ability to set specific hours.
You can start a virtual assistant business, promoting on your social media platforms. You can also create your own website through Wix.com. Depending on where you live, you may easily find virtual assistant jobs in your area. You can also get connected with a virtual assistant hiring website. Upwork also has virtual assistant jobs, but there is also HireMyMom.
HireMyMom.com is different from Upwork in that you pay for the site’s services. However, they in turn do not take a percentage off your fee. This site might work better for you if you plan to have consistent work to offset the monthly fee. Check with your local tax preparer to see if this fee could even be a tax write off!
Sell Photos for Stock Sites
Do you consider yourself an amateur photographer? Maybe you have the top of the line phone or digital camera. Consider selling your photos to a stock photo website.
Sites like ShutterStock and Alamy sell your images for you to clients all around the world. ShutterStock pays when people download your images. You can also increase your income by referring other photo enthusiasts or customers. At Alamy you can also sell illustrations. While pricing is dependent on downloads, it requires no costs for you. A plus to both of these sites, they each have lists of highly sought after images used by their customers. Find your niche and start shooting!
Childcare
If you have children of your own, adding a few more to the mix might be the perfect option! You can arrange for kids to come to your house and watch them while doing your daily routine. Care.com is a great site to advertise your services. List your preferences: ages, hours/days and rate and find a great match for your family. Not only will you make some extra money, but your kids can make some new friends.
If you don’t want to go through a website, you can use your social media platforms to put feelers out there. It might surprise you how many people you know that are looking for reliable child care. Check with your friends as well to see if they know anyone.
VIPKids, Freelancing, Virtual Assistant, Stock Photo sites and child care give you the opportunity to bring in additional income without leaving your home. This is not passive income, you will need to put in the work. But with a little creativity and elbow grease you can make money from home. Setting your own schedule means you can work as much or as little as you need for that month!
