Making and Saving Money as a Stay-at-Home Parent

To our obvious surprise, our son was born 15 weeks early and stayed for nearly half a year in the hospital. When he was able to come home, I was sort of forced into being a stay-at-home mom so I could deal with his health problems and bring him to appointments. I have always been a frugal person, but the situation forced me to really learn how to cut costs and even make a little money. When my daughter was born about a year later, I decided to continue staying at home with my kids and was even able to work a lot more. I know it is almost impossible for many families to have a parent at home, especially if they have a mortgage and/or debt. If you are able to stay at home and would like to make/save more money (or even if you don't have kids and just want to make more money), I have created a list of ways in which you can do so. Please feel free to add!!

Many gyms or health centers have a daycare and most will allow you to bring your kids along. Ask your local gym if they are hiring daycare associates and you can fill out an application. The major plus? You get a FREE membership and don't have to pay for child care costs!! You also get to be around your kids and teach them how to interact with other kids. You can choose to work just one day or every day if they have that option. I work at our local gym and only did it for one day a week so I could get a free membership. Being able to interact with other kids and do art projects without destroying my carpet made me decide to work every weekday morning. I get paid to watch kids and clean; something I would be doing for free if I was at home!

If you have a college degree or are working towards it you can tutor. There are companies you can work for, but the best way is to put up a flyer or by word of mouth. If you have kids, state the hours you can tutor and, if your kids will be around, either request to tutor from your home or let them know that your kids will come along. 

I wasn't sure if I should include this one but, if done right, you can make some money. Before opening a home daycare, make sure your home is baby-proof. You need to file for a license and your home will be evaluated. The state will tell you the occupancy and you can set the costs and hours. This is a business, so there will be lots of paperwork  and you may have to hire an assistant.

I can't give much advice here, but if you have a passion and love writing, blogging may be for you. Make sure you love the topic of theme of your blog and just stick to it. Don't expect to make much or any money at first but, if you try hard and get lots of visitors, you could make some money. 

If you are an accountant or have a lot of experience doing taxes, you may be able to make money doing taxes for others. I have a friend who does this and makes pretty good money, She started by doing taxes for friends and they recommended her to others. 

If you have a lot of valuable things or stuff you need to get rid of, Ebay is a great option. Also, if you have an artistic talent and can make things, you can sell these things on ebay or esty. 

Money Makers. 'Nuff said ;)

Coupons

Buy non-perishables and household items in bulk 

Make a grocery list and stick to it

Make cookie dough/pizza dough in bulk and store it in the freezer

Cut unnecessary or hardly used "luxury" household expenses (depends on the person, but this could include cable, phone plan, internet provider,  etc...)

Buy ice cream in a carton at the grocery store and have an ice cream party instead of going out to an ice cream place

Stay within the speed limit

Completely pay off your credit card every month

Unplug all your appliances before leaving the house or use a power strip

Find free activities for your kids

Limit going out for food

Make extra pancakes or casseroles and put them in the freezer for the future. 

Don't spend money to reduce stress

Don't store CC info on online store accounts. It makes it easier to make an impulse buy

Swap babysitting with friends

Brush your teeth and wash your face thoroughly. If you do it right, there is no need to spend 4X the amount on a more expensive product.

Exercise outdoors

Do you REALLY need those shoes?

Anything else? Please share!