Use Your Strengths to Create an Extra Income Stream

Need a few extra bucks to help pay down debt or build up your emergency account? There are some simple ways to do it without working another job or being away from the children even more. Using your *strengths*, brainstorm ways to create a small income stream.

What ARE Your *Strengths?*

• What are you really good at?
• What do your friends/coworkers compliment you about?
• Is there an area in which you excel?
• What things do your friends/family tease you about, or even ‘pick on you’ about – because you are skilled in and enjoy those things?

Do you Enjoy Working with Numbers?

If you’re great at balancing your checkbook, you could pick up a few extra dollars each month balancing for those who hate doing it themselves. A gentleman I know used to order pizza for the bank teller in exchange for keeping his checkbook balanced for him. He hated doing it. The teller found it very easy. Perfect fit!

Are you Artistic?

Perhaps you’re a penny-saver. You’ve created a beautiful piggy bank to catch your change.  Why not make several, and sell them at Christmas bazaars. Give away as gifts, and spread the word you have extras for sell.  

If you make it fun for kids to use them, parents will greatly appreciate it. In the meantime, children are learning a great savings habit.

Are you a Perfectionist?

Do you keep your vehicle spotless?  Do others appreciate that and compliment you?  Let them know you’ll spruce up their vehicle for a few bucks, on a regular basis.  Folks will notice — and you’ll have created a steady stream of income. Around here, the salt and chemicals need to be removed on a regular basis during snow season.

Do you Enjoy the Great Outdoors? Use the Seasons!

Fall

How about raking leaves? Bag up the leaves and take them with you for homeowners who don’t enjoy this type work. Fall is also a good time to give lawns a final mowing. Mow the leaves up with the final grass cutting for the year. The leaves are actually great nourishment.

Winter

Shovel sidewalks. Shovel paths so others can get in their cars. Wash the slush and chemicals off neighbors’ cars after a major snowstorm.

Spring

Weed, till soil, remove downed branches after a storm.

Summer

Do you enjoy cleaning swimming pools?  Do you know about making sure the chemicals are just right?  If so, your neighbors may just pay you for it.  (For safety reasons, please don’t take your children with you to these pools.)

Water gardens in the evenings or early morning for those who don’t enjoy it or don’t have time for it. Weed their flower or veggie gardens. See what you can do for the neighbors in your area while they enjoy their vacations.

Change of Seasons

Remove leaves from gutters for others. Again, there will likely be lots of downed branches to gather and remove.

Now, obviously these are very basic ideas. There are many more ideas you can come up with. Use your strengths as your starting point and see what you can dream up.

© 2004 Darlene Arechederra

About the Author:

Darlene Arechederra shares simple strategies for living well on less and enjoying a debt-free lifestyle.  To enjoy her Free Report, “Five Deadly Myths of Saving (and How to Save Anyway!)” simply Right-Click Here:  http://RatRaceRemedies.com/5-deadly-myths-saving.pdf

Moms who have considered returning home from the workplace may also enjoy her Free Report, “5 Secrets to Coming Home.”  Claim your Free Report at http://AffordToStayHome.com/5secrets.html 
 
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