We’ve been working on making a little extra cash to pay down debt. First, I sold my Bowflex to my ex-husband. Then we sold a roll of vinyl flooring we had left over from building our house. I advertised a room to rent on Kijiji, babysitting services, pet sitting services, we put up posters around our neighbourhood.
Then I wrote this post about some side hustle ideas I had - menu planning, triathlon coaching, etc. I ordered my nutrition study guides and I’m working on step one right now, so progress is happening there.
But the best part? Things are finally starting to happen with some of the other hustles too. We got our first two pet sitting gigs this past weekend – we looked after an adorable little terrier cross all weekend, plus a beautiful (if anxious) German shepard. We made $76 after expenses (yes, I think I’m undercharging by a significant amount, but hey, it was fun). Plus, I’m negotiating my first sponsored blog post too. Finally, we had someone call to look at our room for rent on Sunday. Unfortunately, she didn’t show up to view it. After over a month of advertising it, I am beginning to think we’ll never rent it out. However, I will keep trying.
Once we get back from our camping trip this week, I also want to clean out my garage – photograph the last few things for Kijiji, and toss/donate anything else we don’t need. I’m tired of the clutter and I know some of it is worth some cash.
The next big step for me will be to try to figure out how to find clients for my nutrition coaching and market to them. I’m certain there is a market, I just have to find a way in. Once I’m in, I’m confident I can build a client base big enough to generate a good side income.
I’m tracking all my side hustle income (and expenses) separately so that a) I can report them correctly for taxes (or Bruce can – he’s claiming the income), and b) so that we really know how much extra money we made doing some of this stuff. I want a tangible total – I’m even thinking about assigning “names” to some of the income and debt repayment (for example $400 – white leather jacket. $800 plane ticket to Las Vegas) That way, each time we reach a milestone I can recognize what we got for our work.
So far, it’s just a tiny amount, but both Bruce & I recognize that it’s not how much it is, it’s what that money represents – an acknowledgment that we need to get creative to deal with our debt.
Congrats on your side hustles! That’s pretty awesome. I’ve been babysitting for extra cash and it’s been great, but I do find it taxing because I am working 7 hours a day 3 days a week just babysitting – I also have a job!
21 hours a week? That’s a second job for sure!
Congrats! I applied for a part-time job, had a group interview, but haven’t heard back from them. I think I might call them today. I also am looking to coach some private volleyball lessons on the side.
I’m happy with how we’re doing so far, considering how much we’ve been away this summer. Every little bit helps!
Congrats on the side hustles. I love the idea of celebrating the milestones–it’s important to recognize the amount of work that has gone into completeing them. At least, it really helps me out!
Absolutely. We’re breaking our debt down into smaller pieces or else we’ll get overwhelmed and quit. Milestones are key!
You’ve got the right idea! I’ve got a blog post today about one of my side hustles! You’ve got to have one or else it will be a hard times getting ahead. Congrats on the sponsored post. The more you improve your blog, the more of those you can expect to see… and the money isn’t bad!
I’m still hoping the sponsored post will pan out, but if it doesn’tI’ll keep working on improving my site to see what I can do.
Kris, I truly admire how strong and creative you’re in the face of all the challenges! with such a determination you’ll most definitely overcome all the setbacks. thank for sharing your encouraging post with us!
Thanks for reading!