Abundant Springs

I'm on a quest...

I'm looking for ways not only to save money but to earn extra for our family's budget.

I've been doing pretty well with not spending on things I don't need and trying to get the best “bang for my buck” when shopping for food and household items. I've looked at our policies to make sure we have the right coverage & we're not paying too much. I still have my magazine subscriptions but the library has become my best friend. I've changed banks to one that doesn't have any fees. I've moved my 401(k) into an IRA which I can manage myself. Whatever I can think of to save.

As for earning, I've started selling some clutter items that we don't really need on Ebay. I was pleasantly surprised that some candles I had when I used to be a rep sold with a pretty good profit. I still have some incomplete boxes that I might try to list along with way too many baby clothes. Since Lily has gotten bigger I've gone through her closets and pulled out everything that doesn't fit her anymore. After 24 mos she'll be running around naked, I think! :0

So, now I'm trying to figure out what I can do from home that isn't direct sales and would benefit my family. I've thought of going to school to learn web design/graphics, cosmetology or just manicures/pedicures. Cosmetology school is a bit on the expensive side and will take a minimum of 20 months to complete but it's something I could take anywhere and do from home (at the very least cutting my family's hair~ I probably don't need classes for that but if you've ever seen my DH or DS after I've had the clippers in my hand, you'd understand!)

Ladies, I'm looking for ideas! I have some thoughts about affiliate marketing and a small website I'm working on but that's more of a ministry than a money-maker. What types of things have worked for you?

Enjoy this day,
Tracy

Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - Not business minded- but thoughtful

Posted by YPAmy5
I can't give you any business ideas but I just wanted to pop in and congratulate you on putting pen to paper when it comes to menus! It has been a HUGE sanity and money saver in my house!
Thank you for all the lovely comments on my blog!
Very sweet and thoughtful and I enjoy them!
Amy W

Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Greenac14416
I've been thinking about the exact same thing lately. I don't work outside the home, and I'm trying to come up with a way to bring money in without having to "go get a job". I've brainstormed and come up with a few ideas, though some may need to wait for the right season. Here's what I came up with:
1) run a small booth at farmer's markets with various items from your garden or baking mixes or seasoning packets you make at home
2) learn how to make candles and soaps at home and market them at shows or on ebay
3) "country" crafts are easy to make and you can sell them on ebay or at craft fairs

I was thinking of doing some of the above. I know that the fairs and shows are in the summer, but that gives me two seasons to make my "inventory" before I begin to sell. I hope I gave you some ideas.
~Athena

Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - Cake?

Posted by maidmyown
This might seem strange , but as soon as I read your post I imagined you decorating an elaborately iced cake for a little girl's party (pink and white!)

Themed cakes might be an idea for you; you could easily fit them in around the children , meet new people and make a bit of money at the same time!

(Nice to meet you, by the way!)

Friday, September 1, 2006 - ebay

Posted by blurose
It sounds as if you have already tried the ebay thing, but that is where I make all our extra money. I find name brand items and vintage items and resale them on ebay for a pretty good profit. I mainly look at junk stores and out of the way places as the ones that are most frequently visited are usually picked over.Good luck on your ways to help your family frugality!
Nice to meet you!
-Jeanette