How Single Parents Can Make Extra Money Off Their Hobbies

How Single Parents Can Make Extra Money Off Their Hobbies

Photo via Pixabay by RawPixel

 

For many single parents, finding extra money is a daily challenge. It seems there’s always something your family needs, and when you’re struggling to make ends meet, it can take a toll on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Of course, finding ways to make extra money is no picnic, either, but if you have a hobby or a specific skill, it may be easier than you think.

 

If you’re considering a side hustle, start by thinking about your skills and favorite hobbies; if you’re creative, there are tons of opportunities out there to sell your work or even start your own business. If you love working with animals, there may be several jobs in your area that will allow you to earn money while you spend time taking care of pets. Start with a good plan and work from there. Here HaveMoreBabies.com presents a few ideas for side hustles and some tips on how to enhance your business.

 

Start your own online shop

 

Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to start your own online business. If you have something to sell, chances are good that there’s a venue to sell it in. Finding the right one is important; you need an e-commerce platform that can support your current payment processing, evaluate the security of your payments system and create an omnichannel strategy for your business. Depending on what you’re selling, you can find several websites that will help you grow your business at your own pace. 

 

Look into childcare

 

If you have availability and enjoy working with kids, you might look into opening up your home for childcare. There are many parents out there who work different shifts, and it can be difficult to find quality childcare at odd hours. Be sure to check out the laws and regulations in your state about in-home care for children, as some areas limit the amount of children you can have in your care at one time.

 

Go through your closets

 

If you’re a fashionista and have lots of clothing, shoes, or accessories that you don’t use anymore, think twice before shipping it off to the thrift store; you may be able to make a pretty penny for them. Go through your closet and pull out gently-used items to sell on fashion apps like Poshmark or Vinted, or look through your child’s closets for outgrown but still-in-good-shape items. 

 

Find work in the sharing economy

 

In recent years, the sharing economy has created a huge boost for single parents and those who need part-time work, offering a way to make extra cash while maintaining a particular schedule. Ridesharing services such as Lyft are part of that economy. While there are risks associated with any job in the sharing market, it might be a great way to make some extra cash if you love being behind the wheel.

 

Start your venture properly

 

It’s important to remember that if you’re aiming for a hobby business, “hobby” is just one side of the coin. You need to start your venture properly to keep financial risk minimized. One of the steps in this process is to establish an LLC. An LLC helps to guard your personal assets, plus it provides certain tax advantages. Launching an LLC sounds complicated, but online formation services like ZenBusiness can walk you through it in a couple of hours and for under $50. 

 

If you’re doing any business-related work through the internet, another concern is data protection. Cybercriminals target small businesses, and a data breach can cost you big time. Be sure to incorporate protections like firewalls and encryption, and follow password protocols consistently. 

 

Finding ways to make extra money doesn’t have to be stressful. With a solid plan and some support from friends and family, you can start your own business or become a freelancer on your own terms. Do some research to figure out which job fits you best.