Making Money at Home in a tough Economy

In this tough economy and with millions of people out of work or not making enough money to support their family, I would like to start a conversation about making money at home.  Alot of my friends and family tell me this is a good subject for me.  Unfortuneately, I have been laid off due to the bad economy too many times in my life, so I am getting better at surviving than succeeding somedays.

1. Sign up to sell a home party plan 

I have started selling Origami Owl in January.  This is a simple home party demonstration plan that sells lockets with charms and necklaces.  I am an independent designer for Origami Owl.  I purchased one of their kits to get started.  The smaller kits sells for $200.00 and the larger kit sells for $500.00 (shipping and tax included).  I did end up purchasing the larger kit, but I am very glad I did. I have made my investment back rather quickly.  This is a party plan newer to this area, alot of people do not know what its all about. 

I have my own personal website, andreasowl.origamiowl.com.  Please check out my website.  You can place an order online.  I do home parties, but I also sell craft shows, vendor fairs, etc.  Some people even request doing a book show which means showing their friends, neighbors and family the book and they place an order.

2.  Clean out your closets

Many of us have some clothes that are just too big or too small.  Purses used long ago land in my closet also, reselling these items on local yard sale websites can bring some quick cash.

3. Clean out your kids toys

Toys are a hot item these days.  From my own basement that is full of toys from my now 19 year old daughter and 16 year old son.  Alot of their toys are almost new, its seems like when they found out what the computer was all about, the toys started collecting dust.   List these items on local yards sales websites or have a garage sale.  I'm planning on doing that myself, I am selling at the village wide sale in Channahon in May.  This first day of the sale is always the best day.

4. Ask a friend if they need help cleaning or organizing

Offer your services at $15.00/hour for assisting friends and family with their cleaning projects they just don't want or have the time to tackle.  I want to pay someone someday to just come and organize my kitchen cabinets and my tupperware and storage containers. 

5. Figure out what you are good at doing and offer assistance

Maybe your a guy sitting at home and you are a mechanic.  Offer a quick oil changes for the neighbors or help with other simple maintenance issues with their vehicles.

6. Scrap Recycling

I am a Scrap Metal Buyer by day, so I had to suggest this option.  If you have a pick up truck, start scrapping!!  Collect all old broken washers and dryers from neighbors or friends, old metal bed frames, etc. etc.  Collecting aluminum cans is another option.  Have the kids help out there, but a cheap can crusher for the garage, they love to crush cans.  Check the rules for weights accepted at your local scrap recyclers before getting started so you don't go in blind.

Well, these are my tips to make money in a tough economy.  Please feel free to comment or give some additional suggestions.  I have tons more, but will post more at a later date.