When a family struggles to pay their bills each month, it can be a scary time. More and more families are having to resort to filing for bankruptcy, hoping to start over with a clean slate. According to bankruptcy statistics provided by uscourts.gov [accessed October 19, 2009], the number of families and individuals who filed for bankruptcy in 2008 was up 30% from 2007. There are some creative ways to increase income and avoid having to file for bankruptcy.
Finding Additional Sources of Income
Over the years, many Americans have become complacent in their work, allowing credit to tide them over when times got rough. The ease at which credit is available to the average individual makes it very difficult to stay debt free and many people are finding themselves trying to get back out of debt without declaring bankruptcy.
It may be time for the second or third job in order to help pay the monthly bills and pay down credit card debt. This may mean taking a part time job at a local restaurant or retail store, but making that extra little bit of money may make all the difference. A creative second job source is to find a business that advertises on the streets. Standing in a costume holding a sign on a street corner may not seem like a glorious job, but it would make for a great conversation starter at a party!
Work From Home Jobs
Beware of many work from home jobs that require the applicant to pay any money. While some are legitimate small businesses where the cost associated would pay for a franchise, most are scams. True work from home jobs will require effort and time. Avoid jobs that promise get rich quick or make money in a very short period of time. Making money by working at home is not a job that will allow the worker to sit on the couch watching television all day.
One option for working at home is to become a freelance writer. Websites allow writers to apply and earn some portion of revenue, whether upfront payment or residual income can be a way to make some extra money from home. Residual income freelance writing can be lucrative but often takes some time to build up a base of writing and monthly pay. Read more about working from home.
Start a Small Business
Many people have talents that others would pay for; it is only a matter of understanding how to turn that talent into a paycheck. Enjoy baking? Try selling wares at local businesses for lunch. Many business men and women enjoy buying lunch or a snack and many would purchase bread or other baked goods that they can take home and enjoy.
Have a talent for working with children? Look into the state requirements for starting a private daycare, or advertise to tutor local school children. It is important when thinking of a small business, to keep in mind what talents people are willing to spend money on. Ask around if nothing comes to mind; networking is a great way to find creative money making ideas and odd jobs.
Do not let bankruptcy be the next step. Find a way to make a little additional income with creative odd jobs and income opportunities.
Related Articles:
- How to Save Money on Groceries- tips on how purchasing store brand items at the grocery store may save more money than coupons.
- How to Make Extra Money- Additional ideas for utilizing individual talents to make extra cash, whether for paying bills or making a special purchase.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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