Category: Earn Extra Money

What’s worse than the DMV and the dentist? Monday.

A recent study shows 25% of American adults hate Monday. Survey participants said that Monday is worse than going to the dentist or the DMV.

If you’re living for Friday, it’s probably because you don’t enjoy your job. Perhaps there’s no room for you to grow, or maybe you just don’t care about the type of work you’re doing.

Are you tired of dreading Monday? Then it’s time to do something about it. 

Read on to find out about 5 real ways you can start making a living online.

Making a Living Online

It’s easy to get overwhelmed as you start thinking about all the different choices you have for making a living online. Don’t worry though, we’ve got your back.

Here are a few questions you should ask to determine your best options:

• What skills do you currently have?
• How much time do you have to work from home?
• Are you comfortable learning new material?
• Do you want to deal directly with customers?
• Will you need your phone for the work you do?
• Do you prefer only working through written forms of communication?
• Do you have any money to invest in your new business?

As you begin to narrow down what you have to offer, you’ll be able to target the best market for you.

1. Sell Courses Online

Do you have a background in education? Are you an expert in a certain field? You can leverage the knowledge you have to create and sell courses online. 

First, you’ll need to get a website. Once you have a user-friendly website established you can begin offering courses for purchase on your site.

We suggest having a few demo courses that you offer for free, that give potential customers a taste of your teaching style. If you’re intimidated by the idea of creating your teaching platform, there are websites out there that will do the hard work for you.

Look for an online platform that will be able to build your website exactly how you envision it. A reputable online platform, that helps you build your website, should also be able to give suggestions when it comes to graphic design.

2. Post Items for Sale

Look for free websites that allow you to post items for sale. Craigslist and eBay are a few websites you can start using right away.

As you start to build up your customer base, you’ll create a lucrative reputation for yourself. When customers know they can trust you, will be more likely to purchase from you again.

We suggest you also set up an online store, but cells used and new products. For example, eBay lets you sell old used items, such as clothes or hand tools. You can also explore selling vintage items and handmade goods.

Websites like Etsy or popular place for customers looking to buy customized gifts. Making it so you can turn your favorite hobby into your full-time income. If you know how to sew, or you have a skill such as woodworking, you can create an online store to sell your products internationally.

3. Affiliate marketing

For affiliate marketing opportunities, you’ll need a website or a blog. Next, you’ll need to find a business that’s willing to partner with the content on your webpage.

The business you partner with will give you it another unique code, which is often called an affiliate code. Once you put the code into your website, some type of affiliate banner will appear.

The type of business you partner with will determine what the affiliate link is selling. The link could help promote a service, such as payroll companies. The link could also be selling products, such as household items.

It’s a good idea to find affiliate marketing links that relate to the content on your website. The main goal is to keep your website’s audience in mind. Affiliate guru Jon Torres is a great resource for finding ways to make your content relatable.

For example, if your website is about travel, find a business to partner with that offers something related to the travel industry. Perhaps they offer discounted airline tickets, travel gear, or booking services.

4. All About the Apps

Are you taking full advantage of the app economy? If you’re looking to make money fast, you should be looking at every app available.

Here’s a shortlist of apps that can help put dollars in your pocket right away:

• iBotta
• Ebates
• Task rabbit
• Swagbucks
• Inbox dollars

Start taking advantage of all the cash back rewards you can find using the iBotta app. All you have to do is go shopping and take a photo of your receipt to begin earning cashback.

Another great side hustle is Task Rabbit. You’ll be performing small tasks from data entry to more intense projects. We like task rabbit because they carefully researched each service provider to make sure their delivering quality opportunities.

5. Google AdSense

If you’ve gone to any website ever you have seen Google ads. Google ads are everywhere and there’s a good reason for it.

It’s super simple to set up Google ads on any website. Once you have it up and running, you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful income stream. For this venture to work though, you have to have a steady flow of traffic to your site.

Once you set up your account Google will send you a special code that you put into your website. You don’t have to worry about keeping up on any type of maintenance to start making money.

Start Making Bank

Now you can start making a living online, with any of these 5 great ideas. While it may take a moment to get things going, once you find you’re niche, you’ll be able to make more money from home than you ever thought possible.

If you’re ready to get real about working from home, we can help. Go ahead and check out the other articles we have to offer on this site.

Spent all your money holiday shopping and want to put some extra cash back into your wallet? Or are you looking for ways to earn a whole second income?

Whatever your goal, you can turn a passion into a side gig or a profitable venture that you allows you to escape the chains of your day job.

If you’re wondering how to make money in the winter, stick around for a few profitable ideas. You might even turn your side gig into a full-time money maker!

Get Crafty

Cold months call for beenies, mittens, and scarves. As a crafter, you can make a living putting your creations on sites like Etsy and Ebay. If you make your own patterns, Craftsy is a great place to share your talent so others can make similar items.

If your local church hosts a winter bizarre, you can sell your crafts there too. You might even take special orders and make a difference in your community.

Quilters can find themselves in popular demand during the winter season. Quilts and blankets are popular gifts. You could fund your holiday shopping with the money you make selling these crafts.

Teach a Class

If you’re confident in your ability to share your crafting talents, you could teach a class.

Popular classes include:

• Knitting/crocheting
• Quilting
• Scrapbooking
• Hand lettering
• Painting/watercolor
• Jewelry making

You can teach classes online or at your local craft/art supply stores.

You may even offer weekly, bi-weekly or monthly classes to your community. Post flyers for your class on community boards and on free online announcements and newspapers. Offer the class for free and charge for supplies – or vice versa, or charge a flat fee to cover your costs for your time and supplies.

If crafts aren’t your thing but you have a profitable skill, you can teach that too. Photography, computer software, woodworking, and even language classes are marketable classes you can teach online and in your spare time.

And if teaching isn’t your thing, you could tutor instead.

Start a Delivery Service

Many people would rather work in an office than go out and brave the elements in the cold months. Others are homebound and aren’t able to run their errands as often as they’d like. You can help them out by starting your own delivery service.

Set your base price and choose what service to provide. Will you pick up groceries? Deliver take-outs?

There are a few ways you can run your business. You can contract stores or restaurants that you’ll deliver from. Or you can charge a flat rate, a percentage based on the total order, or a mileage fee.

Get the message out that you’re offering your services in the area. Let the stores or restaurants know about your services so they can refer you to their customers.

Put Your Shovel to Work

A snow shovel is your best friend when you have to pull a car out of a garage but your driveway is covered with inches of snow. People often have to get up early to shovel snow before leaving for work. You can take care of that for them with your snow shoveling service.

Work out a shoveling schedule with potential clients to have their driveways and walkways cleared by the time they leave or arrive home. You can set your own price base on square feet, inches, time, or occasion, and accept daily or weekly payments.

Shoveling snow is one of the best ways to make money in the winter for teenagers. If you’ve got an active teen, this might be a great way for them to start their own seasonal business.

Just make sure to stay warm in the snow; a case of frostbite can put you out of business fast. Wear comfortable, insulating clothes to protect your skin. Learn more about Ecosox and avoid frostbitten toes.

Put Your Truck in Gear

You can’t talk about how to make money in the winter without mentioning snow plowing.

There are some jobs that are just too big for a shovel. If you own a truck and plow, you could be someone’s lifesaver.

Setting up a plowing service can be done in a couple of different ways. You could subcontract yourself out to your town or neighborhood, or you could run an on-call business. Determine what would work best for you to cover your expenses.

Don’t forget to check into necessary permits and insurance for the area you live in.

Babysit Snowed-in Kids

Just because the school is calling it a snow day, it doesn’t mean parents can stay home from work. They’ll need a sitter – and that could be you.

You can help them out in a jam and make some cash on the side. You can design activities for them based on the snow day. All you need is some construction paper, scissors glue, and markers.

You could also sign up for an online sitter service where parents in need of a babysitter can look for someone local.

Sell Your Baked Goods

Holiday treats are popular in the winter months.

If sugar cookies are your specialty, invest in holiday cookie cutters and package your cookies for sale. Include your business card with a list of items you bake and their prices.

Every holiday dinner needs dessert. Offer your baking services to family and friends who are cooking for the holidays but don’t have the time or don’t know how to bake. They put in their request, and you charge them for the product or a service fee.

Set Up a Hot Chocolate Stand

If you want to teach your kids how to make money in the winter, a hot chocolate stand will do the trick.

Much like a lemonade stand in the summer, they can set up a table with a thermos or two of hot chocolate and sell it for $0.50 – $1 a cup. They can even charge an extra $0.05 for marshmallows.

It’s Not Just about How to Make Money in The Winter

As you see, it’s not that difficult to supplement your income. We hope this article gave a better idea of how to make money in the winter so you can afford all those gifts and treats without feeling guilty for overspending.

Visit our page to learn more ways to earn money. Whether you just want to make a little extra money or make a full-time income, we have tons of tips and ideas to get you started.

Are you getting ready for your first big trip to the casino? 

Whether you’re preparing for a trip to Las Vegas or you’re a local ready to hit the slots for the first time, it doesn’t matter. When it comes to the casino, there is a right way and a wrong way to gamble.

The truth is, casino gambling is an entirely different ballgame than your standard sporting or online betting. That being said, it’s always beneficial to be as prepared as possible before taking your first steps into the casino. 

Without an appropriate level of preparation, you’re all the more likely to lose your money quickly or disobey casino etiquette. When you have a few key tips and tricks under your belt, you can look forward to an incredibly fun and enjoyable experience at the casino. 

If you’re gearing up to see if luck is on your side, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering seven key gambling tips for beginners. While these tips are not exactly a guaranteed route to winning, they’re certain to come in handy during your time. 

1. Set a Budget 

First and foremost, you’re going to want to establish a strict budget before even stepping foot into the casino. 

So, ask yourself this: How much money are you willing to lose? 

If you’re comfortable losing $100, this will become your official budget. Once you have created this budget, be certain to avoid straying from this budget. Some newcomers find it helpful to take out that exact amount of money in cash and leave then the credit at home. 

All in all, it’s imperative to create a budget that is both responsible and realistic. In order to do this, consider how long you’re likely to be at the casino and how much money you will not regret losing the following morning. 

2. Begin with Simple Games

If you’re entirely new to gambling, it’s best to begin with simple games that require minimal strategy. 

This could be anything from blackjack to roulette. In these games, the rules are relatively simple and easy for beginners to understand. 

When the rules are straightforward you’re all the more likely to sit back, relax and enjoy the game. These games are often more entertaining for beginners as there’s very little confusion with rules or trying to decipher different strategies. 

3. Partner with a Friend 

Do you have a friend that eats, sleeps, and breaths all things gambling? 

You know, the friend that knows all of the rules, thrives under pressure and keeps up with the latest 4d results for online gambling? When it comes to your first time gambling, this friend is your knight in shining armor.  

After all, if it’s your first time gambling, you’re surely going to want to avoid doing so by yourself. Instead, make a point in sticking with these friends that are well-versed in gambling. 

From here, you can watch and learn from afar as they play and explain to you the various games. Once you feel more confident in the rules, you can transition into playing as an individual. 

4. Minimize Your Alcohol Intake

Did you know that alcohol addiction and gambling addiction go hand-in-hand? 

Studies have found that those suffering from alcohol addiction are far more likely to develop a gambling addiction. In fact, one study found that the risk of developing a gambling addiction increases 23-fold for those that are affected by alcoholism. 

When we consider the above statistic, it’s simple to understand why limiting your alcohol intake at a casino is absolutely crucial. Not only will you be able to focus more on your strategy, but you’re also going to avoid making rash decisions and costly mistakes. 

5. Follow Casino Etiquette 

If you’re going to be at the casino, it’s important to follow casino etiquette and respect the rules. 

Without doing so, you’re not going to be popular with either the employees or your fellow players. In some circumstances, you might even be asked to leave or banned from further entry. 

Remember, the casino is an environment by which many of the players take incredibly seriously. If they witness your poor behavior, many will not hesitate to have you escorted. 

Don’t be shy to ask your more seasoned friends or even the employees about the rules and etiquette at that specific casino. While there are general rules, each and every casino is slightly different. 

6. Ask Questions! 

When it comes to gambling for the first time, don’t hesitate to ask questions! 

Remember, the dealer is there to help you. They’re not gambling with their own money and they have no interest in who ultimately wins the pot. This means that they are in a position o provide you with some details on gaming rules and direction. 

In less serious scenarios, your neighbor will also be willing to outline some basic rules for you or even provide you advice. 

7. Be Mindful 

At the end of the day, it’s important to ensure that you’re being mindful.

There’s no denying that gambling is a fun, exciting and enjoyable hobby. And, for the lucky, gambling can even result in serious financial winnings. 

That being said, it’s important to know when it’s time to walk away. The best way to do so is to establish a strict budget and a timeline in which you’re allowing yourself to be there. Once either of these factors presents themselves, it’s best to see yourself out. 

It’s important to avoid any destructive pattern of believing that you will continue to win. While there’s no denying this is possible, it’s an unhealthy and costly habit to fall into.

Remember, gambling is supposed to be a fun and exciting process! However, it’s imperative that you’re extremely careful to ensure that it’s a hobby rather than a way of life or an addiction. 

Your First Casino Gambling Experience 

Are you considering joining the ranks of Americans that enjoy casino gambling from time-to-time?

Today, over 80 percent of Americans report gambling on a yearly basis. Of these Americans, even a lucky few will be fortunate enough to win the big bucks. However, most people simply flock to the casino to enjoy a fun night of gambling, cocktails and time with friends. 

Regardless of winning or losing, casinos are an incredibly fun and exciting experience for most.  If you’re really looking to make the most out of your first time at the casino, you’re going to want to go for the big guns: Las Vegas. 

Read more here about planning a trip to the famous Las Vegas Strip! 

It’s time to roll the dice! 

The green wave is here! As more and more states rush to legalize medical and recreational marijuana, people are cashing in!

A recent survey found that about one out of every 7 people in the United States said they use cannabidiol products daily. So, there is a huge market for businesses who want a piece of the CBD pie!

But how do you start a CBD-related business? Is it even legal?

We will answer all your questions and more! Keep reading to learn all our secrets to starting a CBD business and how to keep it open for years to come!

CBD vs. THC

The first thing you should know before getting into a green business is the difference between CBD and its notorious cousin THC.

Yes, CBD and THC both come from similar plants, but they are not the same! THC is the active ingredient in the marijuana plant that gets you high. CBD comes from a cousin of the marijuana plant, the hemp plant, and doesn’t have any psychoactive effects.

You still get the pain, nausea, and anxiety-busting benefits you would get from THC, but without the intoxicated feeling. That’s why many people choose to use CBD during the day or if they do not want to get “high.”

The best part is that CBD, unlike its cousin THC, is 100% legal in the United States! You can carry and use CBD only products from coast to coast and know you are not breaking any laws, at the state or federal level!

If you are new to the herbal remedy business, CBD is less likely to make your attorney have a heart attack. You can file taxes like a normal business and use a normal bank (things that are not as easy to do for businesses who sell THC products because marijuana is illegal on a federal level).

How to Start a CBD Business

Before opening your doors, there are a few things you should know. It’s impossible to last in this business without doing your research first!

Red Tape and Legalities

Yes, CBD is legal, but that doesn’t mean you can be lax about keeping your business legal. 

Though the FDA has legalized CBD and the hemp plant it comes from, it is very illegal to market CBD products as having medical benefits. Though we all know CBD helps with pain and nausea, you cannot make those claims to the customer.

Some municipalities have also started cracking down on food and drinks containing CBD. Since many businesses carry CBD edibles, it is important to know the regulations in your area!

You don’t want to open a business and get busted right away. It makes your business look bad to the police officers and to your customers who prefer to stay on the right side of the law.

If you aren’t sure if your business is following all the regulations for CBD sales, consult an attorney (or other CBD law specialists) to confirm that everything is on the up and up.

Pick (And Know About) Your CBD Products

There are tons of CBD products to choose from. Lotions, tinctures, vaping liquids, flower, and even edibles come with a dose of CBD goodness!

It’s important to know about the products you sell so you can explain to your customers how to use each product and which products are better for each person. Suggesting the wrong product to a customer is a sure way to make them quit using CBD (or at least not from your store)!

Even using a great product the wrong way can have adverse results. Make sure your customers have the most enjoyable experience possible with the products they buy from you!

For instance, specialists do not suggest vaping tincture with CBD because it will taste awful and could destroy your vape pen. There are CBD products meant to go in a vaporizer and inhaled, but you should put tinctures on the tongue or in the cheek.

Make sure you have a variety of products and strains so you can cater to a wider range of clients. The more customers who can find the products they need, the more money you make!

Be Competitive

The way to set yourself apart from other CBD retailers is to have the highest quality products and the most knowledgeable and professional staff. Doing this will make your business look good for both potential customers and law officials.

Many of your clients will have tons of knowledge about CBD and the products available. If your staff knows less about CBD then the customers, they will not come back for a repeat visit!

Be transparent and label everything so it is easy to read and know what is in the product, how it’s used, and what it’s supposed to do for the customer. The more information you can give the better. Some customers are brand new to using herbal remedies.

The CBD world is also changing fast. It is important to keep up with any changes to the products or relevant laws to make sure you and your staff have the latest info.

Convert Green Buds to Greenbacks!

We hope this article has helped you get your CBD business off the ground. Starting any new business is risky, but you can’t get big rewards without a little risk!

The CBD market is a new frontier with tons of potential, so you should jump on the bandwagon now! If you wait too long, there will be too many companies in the market and not much money to go around.

If you loved reading this article and you want to learn more about starting a new business, check out the rest of our business savvy blogs, lessons, and resources!

Almost 4 million Americans now work from home, and the number continues to grow. This growing number includes transcription jobs from home.

If you’re an excellent typist with a desire to work from the comfort of home, you might consider joining the ranks of transcriptionists. This job requires some specific skills and knowledge to get started, but it’s simpler than you might think.

What’s Involved in Transcription Jobs?

A transcription job involves listening to and typing out audio recordings or live events. The process involves interpreting and editing to make the transcription easier to read and understand.

The job requires certain equipment to get started. You’ll need a computer with a word-processor. You’ll also want headphones to make it easier to hear and interpret the audio.

You’ll also need audio software to download the necessary files. While it’s not required, a foot pedal proves helpful to change the speed of the audio. This equipment makes it easier to complete the transcription with less trouble.

Types of Transcribing Jobs

Transcription jobs prove necessary for every industry. This means there’s plenty of opportunities. This also means there are different types of transcription jobs available.

Transcriptionists can expect an average salary of $30,675. The full amount depends on the industry and type of transcription job you choose.

General Transcription

General transcription encompasses most types of transcribing jobs. You’re completing services from any type of audio. This includes

• Lectures
• Interviews
• Workshops
• Webinars
• Conference calls
• Dictation

Any audio recording that needs a typed transcription falls under general transcription. General transcription also includes data entry jobs, where you add data to company databases.

Legal Transcription

Legal transcriptionists deal with the legal profession. This involves knowledge of legal terms and procedures. Most companies hiring legal transcription services require someone with experience in this field.

Financial Transcription

Financial transcriptionists need knowledge of specific industries. They also need an understanding of financial reports and terminology. If you choose this transcription niche, you should choose an industry you have experience with.

Captioning

Captioning involves transcribing videos, webinars, and lectures. You offer captions for people that can’t hear the audio. This means you’re required to transcribe background and other sounds too.

Real-Time Transcription

Some transcription involves live audio. This means you can’t slow down the audio and need the ability to keep up. This means you need more than an adequate typing speed. This includes options such as court reporting.

Medical Transcription

Medical transcription requires specialized training and certification to complete. This involves a certification program or Associate’s degree. 

A medical transcriptionist deals with physician and hospital dictation. You interpret these recordings to add notes to patient records.

Finding Transcription Jobs from Home

It’s important to watch out for scams when seeking a transcription job from home. Many scams exist, and you need to look for legitimate transcription options such as transcription services online.

Many places look for someone with experience in an office setting, but this isn’t always a requirement. For medical or real-time transcription you will need specialized training and certification. Other transcription options will sometimes hire new transcriptionists though.

How to Get Started with Work from Home Transcription

Most places will require you to pass a typing test for speed and accuracy. Most look for at least 60 words per minute with minimal mistakes.

If you’re just getting started with transcription work, you might consider a basic data-entry job. This option won’t pay as much as other transcription jobs, but this will help you gain experience. 

If you start with data-entry options, you’re also more susceptible to scams. This makes it more important to check the company you plan to work with. For instance, if they insist you pay for a certification program to work for them, this gives an indication a scam’s involved.

Skills Needed for Transcription Jobs

Along with typing skills, you need organization, proofreading, and editing skills to complete your work. It’s a good idea to find programs that will help you test and increase your typing and proofreading skills.

You will also want adequate office space to increase your focus. You want to find office space that allows for privacy and quiet so you can hear the audio. Headphones will help with this endeavor.

To increase your organization, you should also create a schedule. This will help you increase productivity and stay on track. You also need to ensure that people in the home with you understand the need for uninterrupted work time.

You can also look into apps that help you shut off time-wasters during your work time. Do what you can to ensure you stay on task. The quicker you can complete the jobs, the more money you can make.

How to Find Transcribing Jobs from Home

If you already have connections in specific industries, you can use these networks to look for transcription jobs. Let your connections know you’re looking for jobs so they can let you know of opportunities.

You can also look into companies hiring transcriptionists. Many online services seek new transcriptionists to complete jobs for their companies. You can also look into websites with job listings.

For basic data-entry jobs, microtask sites usually offer the best opportunities. These websites usually pay the least but will help you get started. Freelance bidding sites also allow you to find data-entry and other transcription jobs.

Do your research before agreeing to work with a company. If they ask you to pay a fee to work with them, you should steer clear. The only fee you should consider involves the specialized equipment to do the job.

Evaluating Work from Home Options

Do transcription jobs from home sound like a perfect opportunity for you? Or do you need something a little different? You want to make sure you choose an option that works with your strengths.

Would you like to look at your other work from home options? Whatever choice you make, you want to ensure you get the most out of your options. Check out our other work from home options and tips to help you choose.