How to make extra income

I've been divorced about a year now and my business has been in start-up phase for twice that long. Let's just say, "money is tight!" It's hard to admit that because we live in a junk culture where money, status, material things have value, but in actuality what matters is safety, happiness, and love. I made the courageous decision to leave a life of luxury and becme a single mother of two ids under two because I valued safety, happiness, and love more than things. But, with that decision came a bank account balance that bounces back and forth between positive and negative and we live on a very limited budget. 

I could write an entire post on how I stretch the money that we have coming in, but instead, I'd like to focus on the options that are available to women who find themself in this position- those that can't secure affordable childcare, therefore can't find a "real" job, and find themselves in a financial cul-de-sac. You don't have to be a martyr and live without constantly. Sure, there are scrifices, but fortunately in today's world, we have options! We can live the life we dream if we work towards it.

1. Airbnb
Unless it strictly enforced in your lease agreement, you can rent your home out on Airbnb whether you lease it or own it. Setting up an account is easy! Check with friends and family about retreating to their home for a night or two when your home is being used, or turn it into a mini vacay and go camping!

2. Uber
There were a few months immeiately following my divorce that my ex justdidn't pay child support. That through me for a HUGE loop and left me terrified I couldn't provide for my kids. So, I downloaded the uber driver app and hit the road! It's easy to make about $20-30hr and bot Uber and Lyft offer incentives for referring other drivers. 

3. Scooter Charger
If you live in a metropolitan area where Bird and Lime scooters are used all over town, download the app and apply to be a charger! Each app has a GPS tracker to show you where bikes are located that may be low in battery. Pick them up and take them home to charge at your home...up to four at a time, which equates to about $20-25. Do this a couple times a night and it's an easy lil' side business to supplement your income, or just buy that cute dress you've been eyeing!

4. Instacart
Most major grocery store chains are offering curbside shopping via Instacart and similar services. This is a super easy way to put a lil extra cash in your pocket to make ends meet and you can set your own hours!

5. Facebook Marketplace
Some months, December for example, are very costly in nature due to holidays, birthdays, or travel, etc. Or, occassionally life hits you upside the head with car trouble, home repairs, or other unforeseen costs. For me (in December, no less) I needed two new tires, my son broke his leg, my washer broke, AND it was Christmas. Ummmm....I do NOT have money set aside to be punched in the gut like that financially. So, I turned to facebook marketplace and started selling anything (and everything) we no longer needed. I was amazed at how much junk I was holding onto that I never use!

Want to travel but have "no money": Get a credit card associated with an airline and use it for ALL expenses and pay it off EVERY month. Rent your home on Airbnb when you're away and get to jet setting!