I was force retired in 2008 at age 59 meanining opting in early for social security and pension which did not do more than cover rent and a few bills so I am now self employed working from my own home PCs doing daily data research and consulting. OK so I do tons of online surveys like this one. They pay me enough each year to keep the wolves away from my doors. If you make less than $600 a year, it is NOT considered income and you need not report it as income and hence, you don't pay taxes on it. Last year I made almost $475 USD. As for making and selling items, go to etsy.com where you will get some ideas on what will/won't sell and where you can sell your stuff online. Good Luck!

I live alone and am a mere male who can't cook. And I'm a busy business owner. So I would happily pay for a home cooked meal that I could take away and reheat. I can grill a steak and I can buy a roast chook from the supermarket, I just need some roast potatoes and pumpkin to go. If you're well enough to cook and you live in the western suburbs of Melbourne, I'd be happy to talk to you further. If you don't live nearby then never mind because I simply don't have time to travel to pick up some food. Regardless I sincerely hope you get better soon.

If you are crafty, and physically capable, try upholstery. The state government here is giving grants to run free courses on this because no young people taking up this career path. The severe shortage of skilled workers in this industry drove up the price and lengthen the delivery. Outdoors or marine upholstery is particularly bad, big opportunities if you can try.

Buy a bag of good garlic bulbs, break them all up, covered in the dirt over autumn/winter season. Each clove becomes a whole new bulb with very minimal effort. Then, make confit garlic in olive oil. Wrap it up with a nice cloth/paper with a personal message (eg. Homegrown & homemade from the land of XYZ). Each jar sold in a local Sunday market can be $5-20 easy! Onion pickle is very easy and cheap to make. With some crafty creative brain cells to make it look nice, the 30cents onion can be sold for $5. Kids can help with most steps in the process too.

It's not much but if you can do online surveys, this helps by bringing in some gift cards etc.

I have many side jobs doing surveys. I'm always looking for other ways to earn money, and help my mom who's on disability. I signed up on this site through pinch me yesterday, may 28, 2025.

The best you will get is only a few dollars a week - lucky to make $2000 a year, and it takes a lot of time that you will later regret not spending with your children. If you can sew clothing so you can save on children's clothes, you will save more than you could earn.

Are you any good at sewing ironing etc.

At markets, I have seen chutneys and jams sell. Personalised hand towels sell as well.

Inherit.

YES!

Market research is a great option. Giving your opinion on products can earn hundreds of dollars for an hour of your time on line or in person.

I didn't want to make extra money when my children were young and I was a stay-at-home mum, but I did want to save money. I went to TAFE and learnt how to sew. I started with dressmaking then did stretch sewing. I was able to make the children's pyjama's, track suits and t-shirts and when my daughter went to high school I was able to make her sports uniform and Summer uniform and make it the next size but taken in so that she could wear it while she was a size smaller. Then I made her woollen box pleat Winter uniform followed by a silk dress for the school formal as well as her Summer clothes. Over the years I have made quilts for the grandchildren as well as tracksuits and other dresses with the latest being library bags. So I have saved money for my children and grandchildren alike. I probably could have made things to sell but that would have taken the joy out of it. I hope you can find something to help you out.

I have done crafts all my life, knitting, sewing, crochet ,patchwork etc. Craft workers are the only people who work for $1 an hour.

Do you know how to weave hair

All these work from home jobs people talk about are a load of rot. They say they make lots of money. I don't believe a word. You may be able to make a few handy things like hand towels for the kitchen and knitted little things for babies. Making cakes or cupcakes is another good one.

I know of people that knit baby clothes or make things to sell at the markets, but I must say I felt similar to you when I had to go on disability, so I started doing surveys to get extra money. You can get gift cards with points or even cash in the bank with some sights also money paid into PayPal too you just need to make sure they are legit, and I did by looking at a site called Survey Police online they seem to have the information that is worthwhile. Edited 29-May-25 18:42pm

From what I've seen, crafts don't tend to pay too well but if it's something you enjoy and think you could become good at it could be worth giving it a shot. I think some high quality knitting could possibly sell at a farmers market - you would have to weigh up the costs though.

Just cleaning but unfortunately I do get paid for housework and looking after my family which I love. I used to sew clothes, curtains and blankets to sell but not for awhile

SUGGEST TO CHECK NEINBOURY SITE FOR LOCAL IDEAS

my extra is here on Rewardia, Crafts can be hard to make money out of, I knit mitred square blankets, I usually have my knitting with me when I go to Doctors - he asked me what I was knitting, told him and showed him a photo. He asked if he could order a blanket, I told him I don't take orders as then it puts pressure on you to finish it by a set time etc. I did ask what his favourite colours were and he said BOLD. I knitted him one as a random act of kindness took 200 hours and I don't think he would have paid $200 or above for it. Crafts can be a labour of love. I did have a friend that used to buy high end clothing and items at op shops (Thrift stores) and sold them online, she made quite a side line job out of it.

I am also on disability, but am older. I run several businesses online to make ends meet. I don't make a ton, but it helps pay the bills I don't have set hours or days, so I can work when I feel ok. I've been selling on Etsy for the past 8 years. I can't do it more than an hour or two in a day, not every day and I make money. Lots of what I do can be done sitting in front of the TV. It depends what you can do and how much you can do. T-shirts are ever popular, but its a saturated market. Start with research. Check out things like 'online best selling items' or 'best Etsy sellers', 'best selling items on shopify'. You can buy old things or wholesale things and try reselling them, or dropship, or make your own things to sell on Etsy, Amazon, eBay, and other places. Personalised items and gift items sell well. Chatgpt suggests Custom name signs (wooden, acrylic, digital files) Engraved jewelry (coordinates, names, dates) Personalized mugs, tumblers, or candles Custom portraits (pets, families, homes) Why it sells: People love thoughtful, unique gifts — especially for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays Take your time, and do your research. Try Etsy and type a broad idea into the search bar and see what comes up. Try ehunt.com or alura.io for keyword research. Both have basic free options. They're Etsy specific. Alura.io will tell you how many competitors and how many people search, and the total sales. Google Trends can give you ideas too. Set up an Etsy shop using this link: https://etsy.me/43zICrP and you can list 40 items for free - meaning you pay no fees until you sell something. Edited 29-May-25 17:35pm

Grow organic produce to sell at farmers markets. Herbs, spinach, silverbeet, spring onions and bok choy are really easy plants to grow 🥬

Art… can you paint on canvas extraordinary designs that would look good in my home? Can you sew? Design and create a cool Maxi dress, size 14 and I’ll buy. Check out what people are selling at farmers markets, stalls and car boot sales. I absolutely love Russian fudge and one local lady who has mastered the perfect recipe, sells her fudge at my local café… but it always sells out fast!!! Oh and pure Wool is back in fashion in colder climates, if you can knit, sell some sweaters in Queenstown NZ, or woollen socks/mittens to tourists. I’d love some leg warmers (like what we used to wear in the 80’s) and a cool beanie! The world is your oyster… do what you love, create and have fun at the same time. Homemade jams and chutney’s always go down well. Good luck with your new enterprise!

We did market stalks when our kids were younger you need so much more now as in insurance etc.yiu need to do for the enjoyment money is second as you don't make much

Have you tried switching to cheaper brand food, laundry detergents etc. They are made by state/national/international companies. We try them once. If we don't like them we go either back to our original brand choice or try another one.

What do you enjoy doing, Rebecca? If you enjoy what you're doing, you'll never work a day in your life! Also, at swagbucks.com, 100 points = $1! I just printed gift cards for $75. If you need more than that, do what you love. ;-D

No hobby stuff gets in more money than flipping burgers would.

It will generally, cost you more in time, materials and tools, than you will make by trying to turn a hobby into an income stream.

I know exactly what you're going through. I have thought of heaps to make. I'm into miniature dollhouses so making accessories, windchimes, painted rocks and terracotta pots, candles the list is endless. As long as you enjoy doing it.

surveys are good

I Come here, i Do surveys and Play game, i try to make at least 1000 points by Day. My boyfriend and I collect items that people get rid of (donate, throw away or sell at a low price), (furniture, household appliances, jewelry, clothing, antiques) because they are no longer used, are broken (but repairable), are out of fashion) we repair them and/or refresh them and resell them.Edited 29-May-25 14:51pm

Surveys are a great way to make a little extra money. Shop around for the sites that have good rewards

Depends on your talents

Custom cookies, ask your kids what they like, brainstorm and then develop a business plan, start with shopify and see where it goes. Keep everything simple initially then bring on the really crazy stuff as your customers flood u with suggestions. However this won't work if u can't bake or hate cookies but anyone can learn to bake and who doesn't love cookies.

Branded Surveys is also a good way to may a little extra money

I do a lot of surveys and play some games on Rewardia to earn a few dollars for what I think of as "Mad Money" to buy some things that I don't consider as necessities, just small stuff that I want. I usually earn a couple of $5 gift cards a week that I spend on Amazon for stuff like makeup or other personal items. Sometimes I save them up for a clothing item. It's not much, but it doesn't affect the family budget. If you're struggling, this could ease the stress, and could add a bit of fun in your life. Good luck and God bless.

grow veg and share. The world is full of stuff mainly craft, which we dont need if we are short. Share something people do need, Food.

Do a lot more Rewardia surveys.

I need to do pretty much the same, need some way to make extra income to relieve the pressure just a tad. Also have two kids still under 10. I try do surveys whenever there's an opportunity, it does help a little little bit but not a lot.

Have you looked at Etsy? I think that's how it's spelled. Regular folks doing what they love to do and they sell their work. What have you got to lose?

selling clothes online

Don't forget to pray about your situation - Remember Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd - I shall not want.

I built bird houses on the side.

you will not know till you show the pictures an price them at a salable price

It depends on how artistic you are.

Good luck

Having a food stall at a local market once a week, Cultural food is popular, or having a coffee cart and selling home made cakes near a bus, train or ferry stop or from a stand at a market, include soup in winter or home made lemonade with mint and ice in summer.

Buying and selling 2nd hand goods works for me eery now and then .

I'm in a tight spot myself at the moment and I put myself down for surveys all over the place. I get gift cards that help me stay afloat. I'm sorry that life has thrown you some bad cards, God Bless 🙏

i knew everyone nereded water so i became a plumber

Yes but it's still not enough from home made crafts

I don't know. As I am low in money I start cook Macedonia food as cheap and filling. Handmade bags, jewellery or uber drivers pick up food or driver people's, teach's english online, shirt video on line about your life(YouTube) please don't put your kids online as kids should be free, selling second hand stuffs buy cheap but sell more on eBay or just ask google what you can sell Online Edited 29-May-25 11:35am

I do market research for a little extra, you'd have to research which ones are good for where you are but its a fairly easy process

Surprising what you can save on meals by adding cheaper ingredients to meals. We added a tin of beans to mince in cottage pie to use less mince and now we still do it and so do kids. I'm sure there are other options that some here can post. Edited 29-May-25 11:07am

Do you play a musical instrument? If so, you can teach beginners online or with Facetime if you have an Apple product. That's how I make extra money. As far as crafts go, your best bet is plants. You can make terrariums out succulents or other houseplant cuttings. Or just sell rooted cuttings to carefully mail. You can also save seeds from your plants and mail them. Your kids can help with the plants too; most kids enjoy that!

Paint rocks or flower pots. Make homemade soaps or essential oils. Sell on Etsy.

just think what people need to live water food and a roof over their head now what come to mind first?

I have no children at the moment .Michael

You should try being exam supervisor. You should get some hours every now and then.

Check the internet, social media - there are lots of ideas and opportunities. Just make sure they are legit. Check reviews.

Times are certainly hard and made harder when you are living with a health condition. Look around at what you have at home first and maybe start with a garage sale? This means no out lay and you are getting rid of things you don't use or the children have outgrown. This will put some cash in your pocket and then if you feel a niche market is out there for a craft you could do and sell it will mean no outlay for you. All the best.

I enjoy doing food delivery as a side job for Uber & Doordash....you choose your own hours and how many deliveries you wish to make and how far ....You are your own boss. I hope this helps

Sorry to hear you have an illness that has affected your normal life. Is there any possibility of being able to get a job and work from home perhaps.

See if you can reduce your medication against what the doctor says. You might be fine with less of it. whilst finding an alternative on the internet you can make your self. Get a smaller house. Make a vegetable garden. Make a big mound of dirt and grow sweet potatoes on it it is very easy.Just start with the end chopped off 1 sweet potatoe and it can turn into a lot of free food. Don't drink alchohol. Stop your partner from drinking alchohol if he does.

TY JANN R

SORRY TO HEAR. I AM ALSO LIKE YOU IN A SIMILAR BOAT

Before you became ill, what did you do for work? Maybe you could use those skills to help you make some money? I haven't been able to hold down a PT or FT job since 2019 due to various health issues and I am a similar age to you (but have 4 kids). I would ask your family Dr or chemist where you get your medication for a Medicines Review, they will go over them with you, and if you let them know you're finding it hard to pay for your medication, they may be able to recommend a cheaper option. Your kids are still young, they will be fine with basics- buy no-name clothes (KMart, Big W, Best & Less if in Oz) and shop at op shops. You'll be fine without the brands and labels too- that will help to save a lot of money. Buy generic/store brand foods at the supermarkets and grow the more expensive fruit and veg if possible. When grocery shopping, don't pay more than $5/kg for fruit/veg and $15/kg or less for meats- these items are usually in season and affordable cuts that can be used in a variety of ways. As others have mentioned, join up to other survey sites, if you're in a metro area do focus groups- they often pay $40-$100/hr, but your often limited to doing 2-4 of these a year. Be honest as all market research places share a data base as well as a black list and they do know who is trying to do these on a regular basis to get more money or don't contribute honestly. Contact your utility providers and see if they can review your account/s, is there a different plan that would work better for your family. Cancel all TV subscriptions, only watch regular TV (ABC, 7, 9, 10 & SBS all have 3-6 channels offering different types of shows). Only buy new technology when what you currently have breaks or no longer works, you really do not need to update to a newer model just because it's new. Kids really do not need phones, the longer you can hold off getting them phones, the better (My kids get a basic phone for their 16th birthday, but i would have preferred to hold off until they turned 18). As for what else you can do to make extra money- sell those items around the house that you haven't used in a year or more. Sell on FB Marketplace, ebay, garage sales, gumtree, etc. Just make sure you're aware of your potential buyers as scammers are everywhere, meet in a well lit, CCTV monitored public place (in front of Police stations can daunt those dodgy buyers/scammers), especially for goods of a higher value.

Sorry to hear of you illness,it's tough especially when you have kids. Unsure where you live ,or what people would buy in way of arts/ crafts. In my area most have cut back on purchases. There are two things people I have noticed buy here. 1 is food,so if you bake try cupcakes,scones,biscuits etc. It's hard to walk past a food stall. The other is spending on pets so if you sew try buying from thrift stores and repurpose old blankets,quilts or jumpers into dog coats,blankets and dog beds. Decorate dog/ cat water or food bowls. Also growing flowers from seed is cheap,especially if you can get recycled small pots from the tip. It takes time,I know to grow but it's something maybe the kids can help with. I would also say try to see if there is a community pantry in your area( you can get cheap bread and food staples from,approach Salvos or Red Cross, they sometimes give out vouchers when you find you just can't make ends meet. Not craft related but if you are well enough try letterbox drops for catalogues,kids can help with this one as well .Good luck and best wishes

we have a local craft shop run by the people who sell their things in there. you join and they have a look for different things all the time. see if there is one in your area.

I have done painting and sold some of them at an art gallery and some private my mother used to do kniting all different things and sold some of them

My wife and I raised 7 children and most of my life I have worked part time as a cleaner security etc plus my main job. My wife took care of the family.

Hi Rebecca K 1191668. Find out if your disability is a DNA issue (that way your two kids will get a heads up). Find out what other services you are eligible for - from the government sector and the private sector. Unfortunately, I don't have any more practical suggestions that have not been posted by other rewardia.com members!Edited 29-May-25 07:57am

You could go round and collect the 10c bottles or see if u can do a work from home job maybe

i wish you well Rebecca life is not easy

I watch a couple of kids for a couple of hours once or twice a week, I also sell people used or new items. I get half of what it sells for. I do concessions for baseball in the summer and I do concessions for hockey during the winter months. I used to walk a neighbor dog a few times a week. Edited 29-May-25 07:05am

Old cordial bottles, Berrie, or any plastic bottle with a bit of strength can be cut and turned into pot plants with not much effort. Seeds are not expensive, but you can always propagate a new plant from an old one. There is plenty of info on YouTube on how to do it, i find crap off the streets and repurpose it, i decorate jars with acrylic paint, have had offers of 5 to 10 dollars for them depending on size i tend to use afl colours on them people use them for pen holders, hide the lollies on there desks as such again lots of info how to do on you tube, you can take up bottle cutting people love their fav bottle of spirits turned into vases and mugs a little bit of expense there to get started but you could recoup very quickly, the other thing we do we made deals with our utilities we pay fortnightly, we started behind but 5 years on we are 6 months ahead on both, you might already do this but it created a bit of spare income, do you get your medicine from the same chemist, not to sure how it works but after you spend so much money you can be placed on a free list, my wife and grandson have so much scripts daily our whole family is already on it ,its worth asking the question anyway

You are not alone with rising prices

Paid surveys

Remote call centre work.

You sound like a bullshiter! You dont say what kind of disease or health prob you have? But some how you manage to run a household with kids? How come the medication has not helped you? Tell your husband to get a better job then. There are a lot of women on disabillity and some clearly do fake it. Some for attention.

Life is as Forest Gump says. Its a crapshoot and A box of chocolates. One thing I have done throughout my life is improvise. I still do it. Also look into merchandising. I did this for years, sometimes as a full time job.

Cut the budget even tougher, and get used to it. Missing out on some luxury items is not life-threatening; things you can do without. IT's called managing, your money

Sounds like you are a creative person and I think you would do well making digital products for sale. Why? Reasons: 1. Digital products you only have to make once so once it's completed it's like passive income that keeps generating revenue. 2. There are many different types of digital products that you can make. Like photography you can sell photos, graphics design sell 3D models, interested in photoshop then you could sell game textures/skins or digital art, if you like paper craft consider making Cricut (cutting machine) files etc (or for other materials like leather, cork, felt - cutting machines like cricut cut lots of different materials, for patterns or jewellery etc). If you like coding you could offer your skills for game developers or make your own games. Good at writing then you could write an ebook. Lots of options to chose from. 3. Low start up costs. Otherwise if you have a degree (any degree) and are a native English speaker then consider teaching English online to foreign students - there's many places that you can do this where you go through a vetting process then once approved you can take on as many classes as you like - it's completely flexible work with decent earning potential.Edited 29-May-25 05:24am

I'd ditch the craft idea, too many people already trying to sell their homemade creations. If you're really good at something you can create courses and sell online. Or create a YouTube channel. My sons' were your kids' ages when they started delivering newspapers and brochures, every bit helps. All the best.

Yes do Diamond Dotz buy some e.g spot light put them on layby and advertise on facebook market place for a bit more than what you paid hopefully that will help make you some money

First - I am a tither. If restaurants can charge 15%-20% tip- what is 10% to God? Poshmark - selling the clothes there helps, plus it is fun. Market place is another one. Your husband, if abke can DASH - they pay daily - and he can choose the window of delivery. Changing internet providers, downsizing from cable tv to antenna or fire stick, I changed to Consumer Cellular (mobile phone provider) . Cooking simple meals at home and serving portions that will not allow for food to be thrown out. I agree with the generic meds, Great value food, Temu . The best to you . I say all this because it has worked for me since I became a widow. I complete surveys on line like Rewardia - for gift cards. The best to you and your family . Be well. I have a network of friends - mainly church members who give me stuff out of love .

Sell items in your house you do not use/need, declutter. Also, see if there is a generic of the meds you take. Talk to your doctor about getting disability insurance. I work with a declutter and I get all the items people don't want and I sell and give away a lot of stuff. We do have a van and trailer to pick up all this stuff to bring to our house as I hate being the third party. Items somewhere else and have to co-ordinate time for pick up, etc. Keep asking around, friends, etc.

HI, TY, Morenita

My oldest niece used to make and sell soaps, candles, crafts and jewelry. I wish I was that talented.. She did those as a side gig. Good luck in whatever you decide to do,

get rid of unneeded items

Maybe look at Etsy for ideas ?

I have a casual job my partner can't work at the moment and rely on these surveys to try and survive

Get RID of things and "stuff". First off. Second. Address WHY you NEED "extremely expensive medication". I would spend LESS on this, and use those funds to eat REAL FOODS that HEAL...like fruits. For more, look up Dr. Robert Morse ND on Rumble. He has been reversing ANY "illness" in people for over 50+ years, as, most "illness" starts at the end of our forks. Third. If you get disability and your husband works, I would sit down, and truly think about WHAT you actually need, and look to CUT OUT nonsensical items you can do away with. Fourth. If you WANT to do a job from home, look into GigCx. Especially if you are in Canada or the U.S. You can work your own hours, you have to meet minimums...usually only 15 hours a week. It is your "own business" so you get all that you make minus fees you pay for the invoicing, etc. This will then allow you to write off portions of your rent/mortgage for "office space". Finally. Be grateful you DO have a husband and two children. Regardless of your situation, it is nice to "see" a traditional family these days. Just know that, in tough times, it will shape and grow you in every aspect. I wish you the best.

Garage sell.

Visit craft venues to get some ideas. Baby blankets, sweaters, hats/mitts, Christmas ornaments/stockings, baking, pickles/ relish, jams, jewellery, etc. Best wishes.

Our side hustle is to sell off our stuff, have yard sales, sell of garden plants and veggies

For a few hundred dollars you could have a yard sale and get rid of the stuff you don't really need or use.

Knit or crochet hats scarves and key chain gloves etc

I'm in a similar position (though without kids nor disability financial support). I've tried crafting without much selling success. The best I've been able to do is sell a bunch of our stuff via market place and garage sales (and some friends give me stuff to sell and I get a 60-80% commission of the sold sales price). I've also grown things (veg, strawberries, and flowers- none in mass quantities) and when we had chickens, I sold their eggs. None of this is 'enough', but at least I feel like I'm contributing to the household a tiny bit, and it takes my mind short term off my debilitating symptoms momentarily.