How to Make Extra Monthly Cash

Ways to Make Extra Money and Pay Down Debt

2011-03-03T18:17:00.000-05:00

This is an article I originally wrote for Suite101.com. I thought I'd include it here for my blog readers. Enjoy!

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"How Can You Make Some Extra Money? Ways to Earn More Cash to Pay Down Debt"

You want to pay off your debt and build up your savings, but you need extra cash to make it happen. Here are some ideas to help you make extra money.

With tough economic times upon us, everyone is saying you should pay down your debt and build up your savings. But how can you do this, if you're living paycheck to paycheck and have no room for extras? What can you do to make extra money, so you can get on top of your debt and ahead in your savings?

Stop Borrowing Money

At the time of this article being published, the economy is in turmoil. The deep recession may not be over. Worse is possible. It's time to stop borrowing money. No more debt.

Your priority is to create a positive cash flow each and every month. That means you must spend less money than you take in. Your income must exceed your expenses. So, until you can increase your income, you must decrease your expenses to put yourself in the black each month.

Some ways to save money include:

Eat more at home.
Pack your lunch for work.
Cut back on your driving, and that probably means cutting back on your extracurricular activities.
Consider downgrading or even eliminating your cable or satellite TV
Coupons, coupons, coupons
Cut back on your monthly expenses. You'll see how this alone can put more money in your pocket.

Create Multiple Sources of Income

Don't rely exclusively on your job to pay the bills. Those days are over. Your job is only one source of income. It may be your primary source of income, but don't make it your only source of income. Because if you lose your job (and many people are losing their jobs), you'll be in deep trouble. Not only that, but chances are that your salary alone will not cover all your expenses and help you pay off your debts and build up your savings.

What can you do to bring in extra money? Here are some money-making ideas:

Mow lawns, rake leaves, and/or shovel snow for those living in your neighborhood.
Baby sit, elder sit, or house sit for your neighborhood.
Auction stuff on eBay - not only your own things, but offer to help your relatives and friends also. Some people are still unsure about how to sell things online and are uncomfortable with auction sites like eBay. You can offer to do it for them - in exchange for some of the profits.
Bake cookies and/or pastries and sell at area office buildings. Call the companies and/or building management first.

Surf around for other money-making ideas and be willing to think outside the box. You can actually make money fast if you put your mind to it.

Good luck!

Tips for Extra Cash

2011-01-24T21:30:00.000-05:00

Looking to make some extra cash each month? Look no further than this guest article...

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20 Tips to Find Extra Cash and Resources Right Now for 2011
By Sandi Smith

Could you use a bit of extra cash each month? I think most people would say yes. Here are several tips to start your new year with a little more green in your pocket.

If you bill your time by the hour and sometimes forget to write your time down (I know I'm guilty), put in some extra procedures to capture that time. That's a big cash drain in your business that needs plugging in 2011.
Check all of your insurance policies to see if you can raise the deductible. Check both your auto insurance as well as your health care, and for that matter, any other policies with deductibles. I bet you'll find at least $50 in savings. Also, check with your agent to see if you qualify for any other discounted savings, such as low driving miles, good driver discount, customer loyalty programs, and more. I just picked up a cool $300 with one phone call.
Look for unused gift cards that might be lying around in a kitchen or desk drawer and cash them in for things you need.
Take a good look at all the memberships you belong to. List ALL of the benefits of each one. Are there some free benefits you could use to save time or money? For example, both my WIC and NAWBO-SV memberships allow me to send in a press release about my business. Taking advantage of that could likely bring me more exposure and more clients. One of my memberships offers discounts at the office supply store, and another allows me to bring a friend for free. All of these benefits will save me money.
Using your QuickBooks profit and loss report, scan your expenses for 2010. Is there anything you can do without (that didn't pay back)? If so, take steps to cancel or not spend that money in 2011. If you don't have the information to make the right decisions, take steps to better classify your expenses for 2011 so you can see where the money is going.
Get to know the programs that your friends and family are associated with, and see if you can help them for mutual benefit. For example, if your cousin's work has an employee referral bonus of $4,000 and you have a friend who would be perfect for the job, make the connection. If you have a friend at HP who can get you a computer at a discounted rate (legally and morally), then go for it. Use social media to look for new connections where you both can profit.
Do you have thousands of unused air and hotel miles? Sell them or start using them on trips you have planned.
Does anyone owe you money from 2010? Give them a call and collect those old receivables.
Make a list of restaurants where kids eat free on certain days, and visit them on those days. You can do the same for 2 for 1 or BOGO meals. Eat at the "nicer" fast food restaurants instead of the more expensive sit down restaurants. We like places such as Baja Fresh and Chipotle for great values and healthy food.
Plan to bill faster for 2011 so you can get paid even faster. Better yet, offer prepay discounts and reward those who pay early with "fast-action scholarships" as they're called in the internet marketing world.
If your grocery bill is getting a bit high, make some simple swaps. Choose frozen over fresh and regular over organic to save a few dollars every week.
Create a new program, product or service that brings in a whole new revenue stream for 2011. I created four new revenue streams in 2010: one-on-one private coaching via phone, four new information products, the Mind Body Style event, and my brand new program Accountant's Accelerator.
Cancel memberships, newspapers, and magazines that you are not reading or no longer need.
Shop around for new vendors that you might not be getting the best service from. I continually get new web design clients who have had lousy service from their old web design company.
Make part of your business green. Allow employees to stay home one day per week to save gas, adjust the thermostat to save heating or air conditioning, or go paperless.
Participate in an affiliate program and sell someone else's products. It's easy money and you'll be rewarded with cash commissions when the products sell.
Look in your closet, car, garage, storage, or around your home to see if there is anything you can use, repurpose or sell for cash.
What do you need to finish that would bring in some cash if you just got around to finishing it?
Enter contests that will bring you good public relations exposure. One example is the Silicon Valley Business Journal's Women of Influence awards.
Find events that are free in your area and that will teach you some new skills and sign up. You can find them through government agencies, the Small Business Administration, coaches and consultants, via social media Facebook and LinkedIn events sections.

How much did you save? I'd love to read your blog posts about what you did to keep more of what you will be making in 2011.

Sandi Smith coaches women business owners to boost their revenues, live fearlessly, and take giant leaps in their business using the science of breakthrough success. Sign up at http://www.sandismith.com to get her FREE newsletter full of business-building tips.

Article Source: 20 Tips to Find Extra Cash and Resources Right Now for 2011

Crazy Kids Bank $119,833.57 Through Facebook!

2010-08-26T16:36:00.000-04:00

Have you been trying hard to make money at Internet marketing? Perhaps you've been slaving away for years with article writing, blogging, pay-per-click, JV deals, and all that - and nothing seems to click for you.

Well, these two "dumb kids" (that's what they call themselves, but they obviously aren't too dumb) stumbled on something that looks pretty cool!

This new approach has already stuffed approximately $119,833.57 into their pockets using the power of the Internet...

... and that's just in ONE MONTH!

Clearly, when they said this thing "OBLITERATES" the old methods, they were not kidding.

You can see their results and method for yourself at...

"Facebook Traffic Secrets Revealed"

And here's the real kicker...

[X] you don't need a website
[X] you don't need Google
[X] you don't need to create products
[X] you don't need to fork out on costly advertising
[X] you don't need any previous experience

I know you hear a lot of claims being thrown around online these days, and I'm just as sick of the BS as you are. But there is something very different about this system...

"Facebook Traffic Secrets Revealed"

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These guys have the PROOF!
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Proof that it is possible to rake in 58,396 visitors on total autopilot, EACH MONTH like clockwork.

Proof that these visitors are so targeted, that they continually stuff an average of $119k into regular affiliate accounts and Paypal each month... DESPITE any competition out there.

Watch The PROOF right here:

"Facebook Traffic Secrets Revealed"

And they're going to PROVE that YOU can do the same, with nothing more than a simple affiliate link, a bank account and a point and click system to follow.

So, what are you waiting for?

The truth is, you're about to see how real affiliates are making real money online, without any of the old, out dated methods that simply don't cut it any more.

=======================================
In fact, this system is PERFECT for...
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[YES] Newbies

[YES] Technophobes

[YES] People who don't have time to spend all
evening writing articles

[YES] People who hate building endless
amounts of websites

[YES] Marketers who just can't seem to get
enough traffic

[YES] Affiliates who just can't seem to
convert their traffic into sales

[YES] Low budget work from home types who
can't afford to waste money on costly
advertising

[YES] People who can't afford to put all
their time, money and energy into
unreliable SEO tricks

[YES] People who don't have time to blog
everyday, with pathetic commissions
in return

So head over there now...

"Facebook Traffic Secrets Revealed"

Make Money as a Summer Tutor

2010-06-28T00:25:00.000-04:00

Are you gifted in math? Are you an expert in science? Do you have a mastery of the English language? Knowledgeable in history? If you have the knowledge and skills -- and you don't mind working with kids, then you could make some extra money this summer as a tutor.

There are plenty of parents that would like to get their kids some remedial, supplemental help this summer in reading, math, science, history, etc. If you can meet that demand, then you can make some extra monthly cash this summer.

The best place to advertise your services is probably your local newspaper or community newsletter. You could also distribute flyers around your neighborhood, targeting those households (obviously) with children. You could even call the local school district to see what ideas they may have.

Good luck!

Learn to Set Money Goals

2010-06-23T00:58:00.002-04:00

One of things that sets high caliber achievers apart from others is the ability to set goals and effectively pursue goals. This truth is what prompted legendary author and speaker Zig Ziglar to say: "If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time."

When it comes to money, setting goals is critical, since setting goals gives you short-term and long-term motivation and focus. That motivation and focus are essential to your financial success. They will enable you to give yourself a welcome money makeover.

The basics of goal setting start with deciding on your purpose, direction, and values in your life and then setting long term aspirations to achieve the kind of life you want. Once your overall course is defined, you then must establish short term goals to help you get there.

A good way to have a manageable list is to have a daily and weekly set of goals. By doing this you will be always in the position of going towards your life plan goals. Everyday will give you the opportunity to fulfill a certain goal giving you the feeling of accomplishment.

So, get out a piece of paper - and write down your financial goals. It's the first step toward achieving them.

Money Management: How to Get Extra Cash

2010-05-16T22:36:00.000-04:00

Quotes on Getting Money

2010-01-01T21:01:00.002-05:00

Wisdom from the past about making money...

"It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own interest." - Adam Smith

"The real tragedy of the poor is the poverty of their aspirations." - Adam Smith

"I'm not a driven businessman, but a driven artist. I never think about money. Beautiful things make money." - Lord Acton

"Every young man would do well to remember that all successful business stands on the foundation of morality." -Henry Ward Beecher

"In all labor, there is profit. But idle chatter leads only to poverty." -Proverbs 14:23

"The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty." -Proverbs 21:5

"If money is your hope for independence, you will never have it. The only real security that a man will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability." - Henry Ford

"He is rich or poor, according to what he is, not according to what he has." - Henry Ward Beecher

"Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one." -Benjamin Franklin

"A penny saved is a penny earned." - Benjamin Franklin

"Money and women are the most sought after and the least known about of any two things we have." -Will Rogers

"Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." -Mark Twain

"If we command our wealth, we shall be rich and free; if our wealth commands us, we are poor indeed." -Edmund Burke

"It is both foolish and wicked to teach the average man who is not well off that some wrong or injustice has been done him, and that he should hope for redress elsewhere than in his own industry, honesty, and intelligence." -Teddy Roosevelt

"He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing." -Benjamin Franklin

"Only a fool says money is unimportant. Let him try to live without it." - Author unknown

Tips for Quick Credit Repair

2009-11-28T13:25:00.002-05:00

The following is a guest article. It is reprinted with permission.

3 Easy Steps For Quick Credit Repair

Quick credit repair might seem impossible if you've been having credit problems. It's easy to think that once your credit score is damaged you might never be able to fix it. Fortunately, it's possible to take just a few steps and achieve quick credit repair that can make a huge difference in your score.

If you're having problems with your credit, you've probably gotten behind on at least one debt. Late payments or missed payments can dramatically damage your score. The first step toward quick credit repair is to make sure you make the right payments on time.

If you're having financial problems, just this first step can seem difficult. But if you figure your income and expenses and there's just not enough there to make the minimum payments, then you need to contact the companies and let them know you're having a hard time.

The credit card companies will usually be willing to work with you. They may lower your interest and/or your payments to make it easier for you to pay on time and get caught up. It can only help you to ask them.

If this doesn't work and you still can't pay, you may want to look into a quick credit repair program that negotiates for you to pay a percentage of what you owe in smaller payments. It's important to do something so that you don’t keep getting farther and farther behind.

Paying less than you owe will show up as a black mark on your credit report, but doing that is better than letting your debt slowly grow as you pay late each month or not at all. That can be far more damaging in the long run.

If you can manage the minimum payments, then the best quick credit repair step you can take is to make those payments on time. This will keep late payments from showing up on your reports. Step 2 is to try to make more than the minimum payments.

You can pay more on each card if you want. But you'll get more of a feeling of satisfaction if you choose one card to work on first. Make the minimum payments on the other cards, and pay as much as you can on that one card.

Using this method, you'll see the balance of that card drop more quickly. It can help you feel like you're really starting to take control of your credit. Once that card is paid off, chose another card and start applying what you were paying on the first card to it in addition to its minimum payment.

That balance will start falling even faster. Then once that's paid, add what you were paying to the minimum payment of another card. This snowball effect can get you out of debt much more quickly than you'd probably imagined.

The third easy step is to contact Experian, Equifax, Innovis and TransUnion and request your free annual credit report. Look them over and contact them about any errors. These are 3 easy quick credit repair tips than can really improve your score right away.

--Author Unknown

10 Ways to Earn Extra Cash

2009-06-27T17:20:00.002-04:00

Need extra cash? Most of us could use extra cash each month. But few people have a plan on how to get that extra money.

I've prepared a FREE REPORT to help you develop a plan of action that can put extra cash in your pocket each and every month.

To claim your copy of this free report, right-click on the following link and select "Save As..." and then save it to your folder of choice.

"10 Ways to Earn Extra Cash"

How to Have a Yard Sale

2009-05-01T09:16:00.003-04:00

Got some extra stuff laying around your house??? Free up some space and make some extra cash by throwing a successful yard sale....

Side Jobs for Extra Cash

2009-04-27T14:15:00.002-04:00

Yahoo! featured an article by Cherie Berkley from PayScale.com on how people can use side jobs to earn extra cash. Berkley points out that many such side jobs can be rather lucrative. For more, check out...

"7 Great Side Jobs for Extra Cash"

Milton Freidman on Capitalism

2009-04-24T18:51:00.002-04:00

Milton Freidman makes a compelling case for capitalism...

Capitalism vs. Socialism

2009-04-21T22:11:00.003-04:00

Fox News talks about poll numbers, which reveal that only a bare majority of Americans support capitalism. For those who want to make money, this is a troubling thing....

Recommended Resource: Cashflow Quadrant

2009-03-24T15:29:00.003-04:00

If you want a comprehensive, yet clear, explanation of how money works and how you must position yourself to earn more money, then you owe it to yourself to invest in the Rich Dad, Poor Dad series of books by Robert T. Kiyosaki. And, I would have to say that the best of the series is Cashflow Quadrant.

Co-authored by CPA and consultant Sharon Lechter, Kiyosaki's Cashflow Quandrant explores the strategies you need to move from job security to financial security.

This is not one you want to get from the library. You want to order it online or pick up a copy at your local bookstore. Why? Because you want to own this one. Take notes. Mark it up. It's a keepsake - and should be a part of your personal library.

Get a copy of Cashflow Quadrant today!

Why Some People are Rich and Others Poor

2009-03-15T20:44:00.003-04:00

"Why am I poor?" That's a question asked by many people. In fact, "why am I poor" is one of the leading keyword search terms associated with the word "poor." Same with "why are people poor" and "why other people are rich and others poor." Many people living in poverty or around poverty are frustratingly mystified as to how there could be such an unfair balance in resources. Why ARE some people poor and others rich? Where's the fairness? Where's the justice? Where's the explanation?

Poverty and Emotion

I just got "flamed" by a woman bitter at being poor. (You can read about it by clicking on my "Open Letter to Connie on Anger, Hatred, and a Hard Life").

Of course, it's not my first time being flamed. I was, in fact, sarcastically ridiculed by two people (or perhaps the same person twice) for my most recent blog post here at "How to Make Extra Monthly Cash." In that case, I had offered some suggestions about how to make money, only to be met with derision and sarcasm. This is where the old addage "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" comes to mind.

The problem, though, is that people like Connie (see above) and the one or two folks who hit me on my last blog post can't keep quiet. They can't resist the urge to lash out at others. Why? Because they're bitter. They're frustrated and angry at their lives and their situations, and they wear that on their sleeves.

And this is one of the reasons why they are poor. Now, it's certainly true that some rich people are arrogant and bitter as well, which proves that money - in and of itself - won't buy you happiness. But, the kind of bitterness I'm talking about is the kind that's representative of the reasons why some people remain in poverty or in economic hardship.

There is a definite relationship between living one's life by emotion - running on emotion and feelings - and living in poverty. Those who live their lives in the pursuit of pleasure and/or wearing their emotions always on their sleeves with little to no restraint are often at the lower end of the economic spectrum.

The EXCEPTION to the above rule, of course, are those born into wealth or those who have wealth quickly thrust upon them. Heirs and heiresses as well as celebrities and superstar athletes come to mind.

The reason for that exception helps explain the rule in the first place. Some celebrities are always front-page news, because of their destructive and reckless lifestyles. Why? They've not learned to control themselves.

You see...Most people who are wealthy are wealthy for specific reasons. They've learned self-discipline, delayed gratification, street smarts, and strategic planning. They also have cultivated habits of hard work, decisiveness, and persistence.

The Rich Got Rich for a Reason

If you think that all rich people or well-to-do people are dishonest (or are somehow undeserving of their money), then chances are your cynicism and emotions are too far gone. There's likely little hope for you, barring a major turnaround in your character and attitude. Sorry to be blunt, but that's the way it is!

If you want to make a decent living financially, then -- FIRST -- change your attitude and your mindset about money as well as life itself!

Don't think rich people got rich due to mindset and habit? Then (no excuses), you need to read these books....

Don't want to order them online? Fine. You should be able to find them in your local library. Get them and read them!

Don't Play the Blame Game

Stop blaming God and other people for your problems. And stop getting bitter and angry at the world when life doesn't turn out the way you want.

Instead, look on the positive. Look for the good in your life and situation. Look for the advantages, tools, resources that you have to make your life better.

Stop the Negative Talk!

Stop spreading negative talk around your family, office, job, church, community, etc. Stop spreading on the Internet too. And don't get just vent to others about all the things you don't like, etc. Stop doing that....right now!

I forget who said it, but a great inspirational quote I heard went like this...

"If you want to change your altitude in life, you must first change your attitude."

Good advice! It works in life and it works with money! So, start now!

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For more on making money and avoiding poverty, check out these articles...

"Help! Need Lots of Money Now!"

"Free Money-Making Ideas"

"How to Beat a Recession"

Five Ways to Make Extra Cash

2009-02-07T14:38:00.003-05:00

Looking to make extra cash? Maybe you need money for an unexpected medical bill, overdue car payment, house payment, or schooling expense. Don't lose hope or get desperate. Instead, develop a money-making strategy. There are plenty of money-making ideas. Take some time to consider your options and check out various resources and ideas - both online and offline.

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Do you need money ASAP? Read the following article: "How to Make Money Fast" and then check out Liz Tomey's Money Crisis Manual.

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In the meantime, here are five ways you can make some extra cash...

1. Babysitting and/or Elder sitting - Hand out flyers in your local neighborhood to advertise your willingness to babysit or spend time with elders that need extra care. It's a great way to make extra cash.

2. House-sitting or Dog-sitting for Families Going Out of Town - Same idea as above. Spread the word via word-of-mouth and flyers.

3. Handyman Services - Are you handy with tools? Don't mind getting your hands dirty? Then, advertise your services to your local neighborhood. People are increasingly busy and don't have time for the simple odds-and-ends around the house. This is where you come in - and make some extra cash.

4. Car Maintenance & Repair - Offer your services to your local neighborhood to do simple oil changes, tune-ups, and other basic services. Why would they go with you, instead of the repair shop? Simple: You're local and you're cheap. If they know you, all the better.

5. Computer Repair - Good with computers? Know how to fix them or improve them? Here's a great way to make extra cash! Just about every household has one or more PCs and/or laptops. So, spread the word. Offer your services in this area, and depending on your service area, you'll rarely run out of customers.

Okay, that's five ways to make extra cash. Use one or more of them, and watch extra monthly cash flow into your wallet, purse, and/or bank account.

Write Articles for Extra Money

2009-02-02T17:24:00.003-05:00

Want a little extra spending cash? Are you willing to write a few articles?

If you answered "yes" to both of the above questions, then you need to register with AssociatedContent and start writing -- TODAY!

With AssociatedContent, you can write articles on any topic imaginable, have them published, and start earning $$$$.

Of course, to make any real money, you have to write on topics that people in which people are INTERESTED. How do you know that? Well, you can follow the Google Trends, review the news sites like CNN, and try keyword search tools like Wordtracker.

By writing keyword-optimized articles on topics that people are INTERESTED in, you can generate some extra cash each and every month!

So, go for it! Sign up with AssociatedContent today!

John Stossel on Capitalism

2009-01-01T14:10:00.001-05:00

Take a break from money-making strategies and take a little time to consider the benefits of free market capitalism....

"Help! I Can't Pay My Credit Cards"

2008-12-31T18:03:00.006-05:00

Are you drowning in debt? Are you overwhelmed with mounting credit card bills and rising interest rates? Have you cried out "Help! I Can't Pay My Credit Cards"?

There is hope. Credit card debt need not overwhelm you. You simply need to make some choices and then take action to cut your credit card debt. Sound impossible? Well, read on...

The steps to pay down your credit card debt are as follows:

1. Prioritize and Budget -- You must be deliberate and intentional with your spending. Don't be an emotional, casual, undisciplined spender. Be a deliberate spender. Plan ahead.

2. Live within your Means, but....

3. Take steps to INCREASE your means!

How? Look for ways to make more money. Check out these articles...

"How to Make Money Fast"

"Free Money Making Ideas"

"How Can You Make Some Extra Money"

The above articles will help you INCREASE your means, so it's not so difficult to live within them.

4. If your situation is particularly dire, consult with a credit or financial counselor. Get professional help.

The best time to get started is NOW. Don't put this off. Get on top of your financial situation. Make some choices. Set some priorities. Plan ahead. Be deliberate and intentional. And increase your income.

Do those things...and you'll watch your credit card debt go away.

How Can You Make Some Extra Money

2008-10-10T13:11:00.003-04:00

If you've ever asked yourself "How Can I Make Some Extra Money?," then read this article.

Free Legitimate Work from Home Opportunities

2008-09-17T10:53:00.003-04:00

Free Legitimate Work from Home Opportunities that Make Big Money
by Martin Connor

The internet has finally arrived. Not in the literal sense of the word, but the true power and potential of cyberspace has created a vacuum of opportunity for people to shed their offline jobs and transport themselves into the digital arena to make some serious money online. There are many legitimate work from home opportunities to be found in this virtual universe, just begging for people to grab the opportunity and steer themselves into a world of financial freedom.

You must think I sound really excited. Well, my friends, that is because I truly am. It's quite unbelievable how ordinary everyday people with no formal tertiary education or special qualifications can reap the benefits of working from home. The internet has truly levelled the playing field for everyone, and there is an income opportunity for practically anyone who bothers to learn more about legitimate work from home offerings.

But because there are so many free legitimate work from home opportunities online, you have to be careful what you choose to do. Just because the waiting lists of some of these offers are long, does not necessarily mean that the offer is good. Look carefully at the companies and what they offer. Ask yourself questions like, do they provide training? Do I believe in the product? Will I have enough time to follow through with this company? What kind of support can they provide? Are the wages competitive?

Now here is the important bit. There are many legitimate work from home opportunities that you can dive straight into, without worrying about the company's reputation or that it would take up to much of your time. Some types of work at home opportunities require minimal start-up and training, and thus allows you to make some fast cash and build momentum. Virtual call centres and data entry are premium examples. Companies usually pay a flat fee ($10 and above an hour), or some even pay by how fast you can type and how much work you can do a day (possibly earn up to $250 or more a day).

Love to watch movies? Review them for as much as $25 per review. Article writing, blog production and content creation for e-portals and podcasts are just some of the examples whereby all you need is a creative mind and a deft hand that can write 'sellable' copy. Affiliate marketers pay top dollar for good content - up to $100 a day or more. It really is about the quality of your research, and even then - there are industry experts who would be willing to help you along by pointing you to even more legitimate job opportunities.

Just don't fall into the trap of scammers who promise overnight wealth and riches by doing absolutely nothing. There is no free lunch in this world, and as much as legitimate job opportunities can benefit your life, it does require some time and effort on your part.

Take a look at your computer now. Your perceptions should have changed by the end of this article. It's no longer just a tech-box. It's time you think outside of it and learn how to make a sustainable living for yourself online.

Click Here to learn more about legitimate work at home jobs. Martin Connor is an authority on the best home based businesses today, providing valuable advice on work from home jobs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Connor

Borrowing Money from Family and Friends

2008-09-06T17:39:00.004-04:00

When desperate for cash, many people resort to borrowing money from family and friends. I believe this is a big mistake. I understand that people get into tough situations, and that borrowing seems the only way out, but let me offer a few alternatives...

1. Work for the Money

Instead of asking your family or friends to loan you $100 or $500 (or whatever), why not offer to clean their garage or house for $100? There are a ton of things you could do for your family and friends - from raking leaves to shoveling snow to cleaning their cars to cleaning their house to babysitting and on and on.

This offers two big advantages. One...you'll feel better about yourself. Instead of being a 'free-loader' or feeling like you have your hand out, you're offering something of VALUE to the person. And two...you don't have to pay them back!

2. Offer Your Labor to Others

Don't stop with family and friends. Set aside some time each Saturday - making that another "Work Day." Put flyers around your community or go door-to-door, offering your services. What services? Whatever you're able / willing to do -- mow lawns, rake leaves, babysit, etc. (see above list)

3. Make Money Online

You can start small (and cheap) by writing articles for sites that pay money. Places like Suite101, AssociatedContent, Helium, etc. You can also start a blog on a particular topic at Blogger -- and put up AdSense and make a little bit that way.

Don't expect a boat load of cash! And....don't think that this takes no work. It does take work. But the work can pay off. As of this writing...I make over $200 a month in RESIDUAL, ongoing income from just ONE website. It's not a lot, but every little bit helps.

4. Sell Cookies or Treats to Your Family

I haven't done this myself, but it's worth a try. Send a card out to ALL your family and friends -- telling them that you're raising money for a specific thing. Do NOT tell them that you're having "money problems." Instead, tell them that you are putting together some money for your kid's braces, driver's ed training for your teenager, $$$ to cover the next month that you're out of work, etc. Something SPECIFIC. And then...

Ask them if they'd like a dozen cookies, brownies, etc. (or more) for (insert dollar amount). You could charge perhaps $10-15 per dozen cookies. Or you could leave it up to them, and just ask for donations in exchange for the cookies.

The advantage here is that you're not just asking for money. You're GIVING them something. And...you can put this out to everyone you know. You never know. Let's say you ask for a donation of $10 per dozen. And you get 50 takers out of a family and friend list of 200, that's $500. Not bad.

You could expand this out to include your neighborhood, community, etc. Just be ready to bake a lot of cookies! :-)

Bottom line...be creative and willing to work. Don't just ask for money. Earn the money. You'll feel better about yourself. You wont' have to return the money, and you just might get MORE money in the process.

Earn Money as an Online Affiliate

2008-08-29T22:09:00.004-04:00

If you want to generate extra monthly cash, consider becoming an online affiliate. For those unfamiliar or new to Internet marketing, an online affiliate is someone who markets other people's products by way of the Internet. (Although, sometimes, off-line marketing methods are used as well. The key is that the purchase is made online).

Well, I just purchased an extensive and frankly AWESOME training system that shows you HOW to make some serious cash in the affiliate marketing business. It's much easier to earn as an affiliate, than it is to make your own products. Although, in the long term, you should consider the latter as well.

This system is selling like gangbusters, and is truly taking the Internet marketing world by storm! How's that for mixing metaphors? :-)

The system is called "Commission Blueprint." I highly recommend you click here to check it out. It's great for beginners as well as experienced marketers.

You have nothing to lose by giving it a look-over. Act quickly, though, since the price is going up...very soon.

Have You Sharpened Your Axe?

2008-08-23T15:17:00.001-04:00

Sometimes, we get so frustrated with money - or rather, the lack thereof. But how often do we step back and ask ourselves if what we're doing is truly effective? How often do we step back and consider whether our axe is sharpened?

Watch Graham Wunderley explain...

Dave Ramsey on How to Win at Money

2008-08-23T14:59:00.001-04:00

"If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting," says financial guru Dave Ramsey in this video. Check it out...

How Does a Four Hour Work Week Sound?

2008-07-29T15:26:00.004-04:00

How Does a Four Hour Work Week Sound? - A Review of Timothy Ferriss' The Four Hour Work Week

How would you like to exchange your 40-80 hour a week job for a four hour work week? Bestselling author Timothy Ferriss says you can. Just follow the steps outlined in his book The Four Hour Work Week, Tim says, and you can eliminate half your work and start enjoying your life now -- instead of waiting for the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the "career" rainbow.

Timothy Ferriss has had quite the life - for a 29 year old. He's a world-traveler, a Chinese kickboxing champion, a tango record-holder, a fluent linguist (he knows six languages), and now a bestselling author. Oh, and he knows how to make a ton of money too!

I read The Four Hour Work Week in about two days! I was hooked all the way through. My biggest complaint was that it was too short. But -- man! -- it's jam-packed full of great information.

I do have a few minor complaints with Tim's philosophy. As a Christian (and pastor), I obviously can't endorse all of his views, which he covers in his book. I say that not to be critical, but just to point out that he and I come from different world views.

For example, toward the end of the book, Tim writes: "I believe that life exists to be enjoyed and that the most important thing is to feel good about yourself." Well, I think this perspective, while partly true and emotionally appealing, is flawed.

I instead agree with Rick Warren, who puts it well in The Purpose-Driven Life, that life isn't about you and me. It's about God. We are here for God's glory and we are on this earth to serve Him.

An even greater teacher than Rick Warren said that the greatest of all commandments was to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind and strength." That teacher, of course, was Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

That said, I don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water. The fact is that Tim Ferriss has a lot of GREAT things to say in his book, and for that reason, I do recommend it - albeit with that cautionary note.

Make Money Writing

2008-07-17T22:38:00.004-04:00

Make Money Writing

You can make money writing online articles - and you can do it without putting up any money yourself! It's one of the best ways to earn extra monthly cash - and it's surprising that not more people are doing it.

You don't have to be an excellent writer. When it comes to online writing, you don't need to worry about proper English grammar and spelling. You need to be a strategic writer, however.

Writing for money involves a simple formula. You identify topics in demand - and provide information to meet that demand.

Some sites you can look into are Helium, AssociatedContent, and Suite101.

You can also start (and monetize) a blog. Blogger allows you to start a blog for free.

For more information on online information writing, check out the 1234 Internet Profit System.

Extra Money Cash Making Ideas

2008-07-16T18:51:00.003-04:00

Extra Money Cash Making Ideas

If you're looking for cash making ideas, it comes down to a simple formula. You need to take in more money than you spend. It's that simple.

Therefore, one of the first things you need to do is save money. Are there ways to reduce the amount of money that goes out of your pocket each month? Can you save money in gas, for example? How about using more coupons and cash-saving incentives when you shop? What about adjusting your cable TV service or even knocking it out altogether? Think of ways to save money.

Then...think of ways to earn more money. How can you provide products or services to a needy market? Making money is all about supply and demand.

*****

For more information, check out....

Gas Money Ideas - a Free Ezine

"How to Make Money Fast" - an article I wrote for Suite101

Does the Bible Want You to be Poor?

2008-07-09T15:56:00.006-04:00

Jesus tells us not to "lay up treasures on earth, where moth and rust corrupts" (Matthew 6) and that it's "easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom fo God" (Mark 10:25). And Paul tells us to be "content" with food and clothing (I Timothy 6:8).

Obviously, upon reading these (and other) verses, many Christians conclude that the Bible teaches that we should NOT seek to better ourselves financially - and that we certainly should never be rich.

Well...I would like to submit that this is a shallow interpretation of the above passages. I know that many feel so strongly about this issue, that any attempt on my part to change their minds will be seen as twisting the Scriptures.

As a pastor, I can say that manipulating the Bible to suit my agenda is the last thing I want to do. However, I concede that I'm human, and thus it's possible that my opinions, bias, etc. can influence my interpretation of it. I hope that ALL Christians will humbly concede that possibility.

I honestly believe that the Bible's teachings on money are much more complex and comprehensive than the superficial "Don't be rich" or "Don't make money" understanding that many Christians come away with.

There is such a thing as biblical prosperity. If it were wrong to be rich, why did God intentionally bless King Solomon with riches as a reward for Solomon's request for wisdom? If riches constitute a sin, then God deliberately entrapped Solomon in wealth. Why? That's not much of a blessing. More like a curse.

The Bible doesn't teach that it's wrong to be rich. The Bible teaches that it's wrong to be greedy. It's the "love of money" that Paul condemns in I Timothy 6, not "money" itself.

It's wrong for people to make wealth and riches their number one priority, and it's wrong for people who have money to put their trust in money (rather than God). But it's not wrong to earn money. If you disagree, then you've got to explain all the money principles from the book of Proverbs -- and why so many Bible heroes (from Job to Isaac and from Solomon to Hezekiah) became incredibly wealthy (with God's permission and blessing!)

So...bottom line...submit to God and trust in God...AND...utilize biblical principles to earn more money and provide better for your family.

***For a FREE E-BOOK on "Christians and Money," visit Christian Marriage Helper.

Robert Kiyosaki on Money Principles

2008-07-09T12:45:00.002-04:00

Robert Kiyosaki, author of the mega-bestseller Rich Dad, Poor Dad, explains the principles of money management and why the "traditional" way of working a job and saving money is the "Poor Dad" way....

Dave Ramsey: Bad Choices

2008-07-05T16:34:00.001-04:00

Dave Ramsey shares his story of how he and his wife got tremendously wealthy, only to lose it all, due to bad choices. He shares some of the lessons learned...

Jim Rohn Says: "Don't be Broke and Stupid"

2008-07-03T22:57:00.000-04:00

Watch motivational speaker Jim Rohn talk about how we should avoid being sick, broke, ugly and stupid. :-)

Dinesh D'Souza on Poverty

2008-06-30T16:06:00.001-04:00

Why are some people poor? This is a question answered by Dinesh D'Souza in an editorial, which is a few years old, but still worth a read.

Need Money for a Game System?

2008-06-27T23:00:00.003-04:00

Are you a video game junkie? It's okay. You can admit it. You want a new video game system - either a PlayStation 3, XBOX 360, or the Wii - but you can't quite squeeze the money out of your existing paycheck to get it.

So, you're thinking....if I can set aside $20 a week, then in maybe 15-20 weeks, I'll have something. But, let's face it, you don't want to wait 15-20 weeks, and chances are that you'll spend that money on something else. So, what do you do?

Well, here's a few options for you....

Let's say you want to purchase the XBOX 360, start looking aggressively for XBOX 360 deals. Check Ebay, the classifieds, Craigslist, and anywhere else you can think of, and do so regularly. Put the word out to friends and family. You never know. Maybe they know of someone looking to get rid of their system.

Check into contests - that's how I got mine. :-)

For more tips on finding a great XBOX 360 deal, click here.

You can also look around your house and see if there's anything you're willing to part with. Then, hold a yard sale or auction those items off on Ebay.

There are actually several ways to earn extra money, you just need to get creative and be willing to actually do them.

Good luck!

Newt Gingrich on Lower Taxes

2008-06-25T13:31:00.002-04:00

As Newt Gingrich points out, lower tax rates empower entrepreneurs and create new jobs. Higher taxes, by contrast, empower the government. If you want to earn extra monthly cash, support LOWER taxes!

Brian Tracy on Time Management

2008-06-25T11:27:00.001-04:00

Motivational speaker and bestselling author Brian Tracy talks about time management in this short preview of a longer seminar....

Dave Ramsey - 5 Things to Change Your Life

2008-06-23T21:19:00.003-04:00

If you haven't heard Dave Ramsey, you're missing out. In this video, he shares five things you can do to change your life (at least financially)...

Free Money Making Ideas

2008-06-17T22:58:00.003-04:00

Free Money Making Ideas

Everybody would like to make more money each month, but most don't know how to make extra money. So, even though they need more money, they have no money-making strategy...

To read the rest of "Free Money Making Ideas," click here.

For information on an online system that can help you earn more money each month, check out the Easy 1234 Profit System.

6 Ways to Waste Gas

2008-06-17T11:07:00.001-04:00

Yahoo! has posted a good article on how we often WASTE gas. With gas prices soaring, we need to minimize the wastin'. So, click here to read the Yahoo! story - "6 Ways You're Wasting Gas." And then go here to sign up for your free subscription to "Gas Money Ideas."

Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover

2008-06-17T00:00:00.003-04:00

If you're in debt and getting further behind, let Dave Ramsey help you. Dave is a terrific Christian financial counselor, who does a well-known radio show and holds packed-out financial planning conferences across the country. Let Dave help you get a needed "Total Money Makeover"...

Tips to Save Money on Gas

2008-06-16T23:57:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to claim your free subscription to the ezine "Gas Money Ideas," an e-newsletter designed to help you save money on gas and earn a little extra money toward gas...

Understand Money

2008-06-16T23:50:00.003-04:00

Before you start trying to think up ways to make extra money, you need to step back and make sure you have an understanding of how money works. You need to take time to grasp the economy, the principles of supply-and-demand, investing, savings, debt, etc. And a great primer to help you do that is The Rich Dad series.

Check out this great deal on three of the best Rich Dad books...

Make Money Fast Legally & Ethically

2008-06-16T22:05:00.002-04:00

Do you want to know how to make money fast - and legally? Here are some tips on how to make fast money. Not necessarily big money, but quick money.

How can you make some fast money? Here are some tips on making fast money ethically and legally. Any one of these tips should help you make some quick cash. Before jumping into these money-making tips, here are a couple things to keep in mind...

Click here to read the rest of the article at Suite101.

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Suggested Reading & Listening:

Spend Wisely to Save Money

2008-06-16T15:43:00.001-04:00

Have you ever noticed that the things you buy every week at the grocery and hardware stores go up a few cents between shopping trips? Not by much…just by a little each week but they continue to creep up and up.

All it takes for the price to jump up by a lot is a little hiccup in the world wide market. Note the price of gasoline as it relates to world affairs.

There is a way that we can keep these price increases from impacting our personal finances so much and that is by buying in quantity and finding the best possible prices for the things we use and will continue to use everyday… things that will keep just as well on the shelves in our homes as it does on the shelves at the grocery store or hardware store.

For instance, dog food and cat food costs about 10% less when bought by the case than it does when bought at the single can price and if you wait for close out prices you save a lot more than that.

Set aside some space in your home and make a list of things that you use regularly which will not spoil. Any grain or grain products will need to be stored in airtight containers that rats can’t get into so keep that in mind.

Then set out to find the best prices you can get on quantity purchases of such things as bathroom items and dry and canned food.

You will be surprised at how much you can save by buying a twenty pound bag of rice as opposed to a one pound bag but don’t forget that it must be kept in a rat proof container.

You can buy some clothing items such as men’s socks and underwear because those styles don’t change, avoid buying children’s and women’s clothing, those styles change and sizes change too drastically.

Try to acquire and keep a two year supply of these items and you can save hundreds of dollars in the long run.

How Can Teens Make Money?

2008-06-16T15:39:00.002-04:00

Are you a teenager? If so, how can YOU make some extra money each week or each month? Well, click here for an article written for you, on that very subject.

Don't Play the Lottery

2008-06-16T15:34:00.005-04:00

Playing the lottery is one of the stupidest things you can do with your money. I know you'll hear these lucky, "once-in-a-lifetime," get-rich-quick stories. And you may even hear a few stories where people you know won a few hundred bucks with the lottery. Take all that - and chuck it!

Not that those stories aren't true, but it's like deciding to drill on your property for oil (without any rational reason for doing so), because you keep hearing stories about oil tycoons in Texas and Saudi Arabia.

You don't plan your life around "once-in-a-lifetime" possibilities or "maybe-it's-finally-my-turn" hopefulness.

As a pastor, it breaks my heart to see all the people who have ruined their lives with gambling addictions or with absolutely stupid money-related decisions.

Take the money you're spending on your lottery tickets and start saving it or investing it. You'll wind up in much better shape in the long run.

Guide to Better Budgeting

2008-06-16T15:30:00.001-04:00

A budget is basically a money plan, outlining your financial goals. By having a budget, you can better establish and regulate funds, set and achieve your financial objectives, and make advance decisions as to how you want your finances to function for you.

The main idea in budgeting is for you to put aside a certain amount of money for expected as well as unexpected costs. Simply put, budgeting means an estimation of monthly home expenses - based primarily on previous expenses and bills.

The initial step to take in budgeting is to find out how long will your compensation last. Define fixed expenses like car payments, home rental, insurance, etc. Likewise follow up your expenditures thoroughly for a month so you can discover and understand where your funds are going. Through proper determination of your “spending patterns”, you can immediately identify solutions for effective budgeting.

For instance, when you have a steady monthly income of $4,000, you should subtract all your identified monthly bills from that income.

Other bills can be assessed and then subtracted from the amount of your income. The balance that remained after fixed costs can now be your budget in the household. Rather than allocating money for miscellaneous like gas, clothing, entertainment and groceries, financial planning will allow you instead to use proportions or percentages of it.

The strategic solution in order for budgeting to be successful is inflexibility as well as flexibility; there are fixed expenses so payment must be an inflexible factor.

Budgeting will best work when very scarce omissions are made to greater limits. The idea here is to formulate goals and plans, then abide by it as much as you possibly can.

Here are tips on how to budget:

1. Have good sense of money management. Your attitude is essential. Reach an agreement and compromise and know the significance of reducing expenditures; it all involves sacrifice.

2. Plan your situation. Make a listing with your earnings to one side and your overheads on the other side.

3. Know the difference between luxuries and necessities. List down what you believe as luxuries, with it, split the list in half, crossing out half the list.

4. Practice frugality but with dignity. You can have fun with little or without spending at all. Rather than going shopping, play with the kids at the beach or at the park.

Budgeting is an effective and fundamental tool that is readily available to everyone. Consider it, and benefit from it.

Save Money on Gas

2008-06-16T15:20:00.000-04:00

Looking for some ideas on how to save money on gas, this video has a few. After watching this video, head on over to Gas Money Ideas and claim your two free ebooks and a free ezine subscription to Gas Money Ideas.

Ideas for Extra Cash

2008-06-16T15:19:00.003-04:00

Here are a few basic ideas for some extra cash...

Hello and Welcome!

2008-06-16T15:06:00.001-04:00

Some of you might be wondering why a pastor would start a blog about making extra money each month. Well, there are a few reasons...

1) Our church gets a lot of calls from people in need of financial help. We simply can't help all of these people, but I thought it would be great to have a site that I could point people to - a site that would help them think of ways to earn more money each month.

2) Our society is consumed with money - and not in a healthy way, in my opinion. When it comes to money, I see two extremes. On the one hand, you have people consumed with greed - wanting to make money any way they can. For them, money has become a desperate obsession. And on the other hand, you have people that are clueless about money - its nature, its dangers, and how to earn it. These people are perennial victims in life, barely eeking by from paycheck to paycheck - or, in some cases, not making it at all.

3) I also believe that money has become a confusing, difficult, and divisive issue for people of faith. Many Christians feel GUILTY about wanting to earn more money, even though the book of Proverbs talks quite a bit about the subject. The bottom line is that money is a tool - and it's a tool that we need in order to live. The key is to not make money our god, our idol. When we do that, that's when we slide down that slippery slope the Apostle Paul warns against - that slope that talks about the "love of money" and the "root of all evil."

4) And finally...I like to write. And, yes, I like to earn a little $$$ myself from writing. As a pastor, I don't make a lot of money from my primary profession. And that's okay. I'm not a pastor for the money. But if I can do some writing and speaking on the side to add to my monthly income, I am definitely interested in that - as it will help my family deal with rising gas prices, inflation, and everyday financial issues. There's also college for the kids, health care, and retirement. So, like everyone else, pastors need money to live as well.

5) The last reason is that this is a subject that interests me. Not in the way you might think. After all, who ISN'T interested in money? What I mean is that the subject of money interests me, because the nature of our economic system interests me. As a former full-time (and now part-time) educator, I have a special passion for making sure our young people understand the principles of money. So, this blog helps expand my platform and reach in addressing these issues.

So...thanks for stopping by this blog. I hope you enjoy it and find value in it.

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