12 Legit Ways to Earn Some Extra Cash From Home

by Bob Lotich on 20 December 2013

Moms who decide to stay at home and raise their children definitely have their fair share of work. If you're a stay-at-home mom, you don't need me to tell you that. But perhaps you're a stay-at-home mom who is looking to earn some cash and doesn't mind working a little extra. (See also: 7 Things to Consider Before You Become a Stay-at-Home Parent)

Here are some truly legit ways for you to make money at home in your spare time.

1. Become a Social Media Consultant

Local and far-flung businesses are looking to hire social media consultants and managers. As a social media manager, you'll help businesses with their Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and other social media pages. Read a few good books on social media strategies to get started. (See also: How to Avoid Social Media Slip-Ups at Work)

2. Work as a Virtual Assistant

If you're a pro at organization and productivity, put those skills to good use as a virtual assistant. Increasingly, businesses are hiring virtual assistants to answer phones, schedule appointments, type up documents, organize records, and do some data entry.

3. Become a Professional Blogger

Blogs aren't just for family photos or diary entries; you can actually make some money blogging. Earn some cash through advertising products and services you love. (See also:How Do Bloggers Make Money?)

Think of a skill you have that you can blog about. If you're an expert cook, for example, consider starting a food blog. The Pioneer Woman started out as a mom blogging her recipes and turned it into a full-time job!

4. Tutor and Give Lessons

Whether you're an expert at playing piano or are bilingual and would like to teach others, there's some kind of skill you have that you can teach to kids or adults in your area.

Start a website advertising your tutoring services and give free first lessons to promote your business.

5. Sell on Etsy.com

Open an Etsy store, and you can sell handmade vintage items, jewelry, and more. You can have your own storefront and ship items after receiving orders. Etsy is a growing marketplace and worth checking out. (See also: 5 Ways Etsy Can Help Your Startup)

6. Sell for Multi-Level-Marketing Organizations

Yes, you can find legit multi-level organizations and help pay the bills with the money you earn. But remember, it's important to understand the difference between multi-level marketing programs and pyramid schemes.

7. Sell Your Skills on Fiverr.com

Fiverr.com allows people to sell their skills for $5. It's interesting what some people are selling, like taking a picture holding a sign, recording a custom song, or designing logos for a business. Have fun, be creative, and come up with your own little Fiverr business! (See also: 5 Ways to Make Extra Income Online)

8. Babysit Other Children

You're taking care of your own kids, why not take care of a few more? Let friends and family know that you're available for daycare services. Some parents both work during the day, and since you're a stay-at-home mom, you can fill a need for willing parents.

9. Become a Graphic Designer

Graphic designers are in high demand these days. A good graphic designer can make a living designing for websites and ebooks. Research some of the programs you'll need to do your work, and figure out the best business model for you.

10. Do Bookkeeping for Businesses

One of the last things many business owners want to do is the books. Bookkeeping is quite the burden for those who want to just focus on what they do best, so there is certainly a market for those willing to do some accounting.

It can help to take a few courses in accounting and make sure you're on top of all the activities of your clients. Create a comprehensive solution and businesses everywhere will thank you.

11. Sell Photos Online

Love photography? You can sell your photos online at sites like Shutterstock and Dreamstime. If you're good, you can actually make some decent money selling your photos. Websites are constantly looking for great photography to go along with their articles.

12. Start an Antique Restoration Business

If you collect antiques and restore them, why not turn that into a business? You can advertise your services at local antique shops and might even find some business through them. Make old things look brand new, add some modern flare to an old collectible, or frame works of art for selling. (See also: How to Pick Antiques for Resale)

Final Thoughts

These are just a few ideas for stay-at-home moms; I'm sure with a little brainstorming you can come up with many more. Just because you're not working a traditional job doesn't mean you can't earn some extra cash.