Earning

Even for a housewife, it's still fun to earn some money. Of course saving is the first priority, but there is only so much you can save. After that, it's time to generate a little extra cash. But don't jump in too fast! Many home-based businesses aren't even breaking even, let alone making a real profit. Read these before you jump in to starting a home-based business: Exposing the Fantasy Business and Saying No To Multi-Level Marketing

Farmers Market

In the Spring of 2015, I decided to try my hand at being a farmers market vendor. You can read through several weeks of my journey below. For the complete story (21 weekly reports of income, expenses and what I learned), as well as a helpful how-to guide to setting up your own baked goods stand, read my book. More articles & excerpts below:
How to Fill Out a Farmers Market Application

Couponing

Coupon and using rebate apps is more saving than earning, but it's possible to make a few pennies at it, or at least get a bunch of free stuff. Here are some of my coupon hauls and tips:

Get Free Produce with Ibotta & Checkout 51

#1: Pinapples, toilet paper, candy
#2: All-purpose cleaner, yogurt

Ebay Selling

Is there something you like to buy? It might be a good thing to sell! In November 2015 I sold a $6 box of vintage sewing patterns I found at a garage sale for over $100. Read about my successes and failures "flipping" patterns below: 

The Ebay Flip Project 

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
​Week 5 (conclusion)

Selling on Ebay is a great way to make money part time. You can see how much I've made this year from Ebay on the blog sidebar.

Amazon Selling

During the winter I sell our unneeded books on Amazon. It's not a huge money maker, but more profitable than donating the books to Goodwill.

6 Tips for Selling Used Books on Amazon

Recycling

​Recycling is an easy way to make a few bucks every month without added work. You can see how much money I've made recycling aluminum cans this year on the blog sidebar. With regular walks and bike rides (2-3 per week, April-October) I figure it's possible to make at least $50 per year. Our total earnings for 2015 was $73.10.

​How to Start Scavenging
You Know You're a Can Collector If... ($1.30)