4 Ways to Make Extra Cash from Home

If you are looking for a way to bring in a little extra income, but don't have a lot of time, consider the many ways to earn money from home. Whether you're a full-time parent, employee, or student, there are several ways to earn extra cash. I'm not talking about work at home job scams, envelope stuffing, or multi-level marketing programs. Rather, legitimate ways to earn money to payoff debts, save for vacation, or make a few home improvements.

1. Mystery Shopping: You won't get rich with mystery shopping; however, this is a great ways to eat and play for free, and earn extra cash along the way. I signed up with a free mystery shopping company because I wanted a cheap way to eat out. The first month brought several assignments, which included an AMF Bowling alley, Ruby Tuesday's Restaurant, Kincaid's Restaurant, Five Guy's Restaurant, and a few other jobs that simply called for observing the staff and evaluating their personal service. I received compensation for meals, plus $8 - $10 per assignment.

2. Paid Online Surveys: A few paid online survey companies do not ask for an upfront payment, and pay points per survey completed. Survey takers then convert their points into cash, and receive a check from the survey company. Within the past year, I've earned $40 with paid online survey's, which isn't a lot of money. Then again, I only took a few surveys a month.

3. Freelance Writing: I started freelance writing five years ago with a goal to payoff debt and start a savings account. Now, I freelance on a part-time basis, and earn an adequate amount money to meet my monthly expenses. There are different types of freelance writers. Some writers choose a niche, and focus their attention on resume writing, web content, medical writing, and so forth. I choose to diversify, which has opened the door to more opportunities. You don't have to have an English or Journalism degree to become a freelance writer. Even so, every aspiring writer should know how to write a coherent sentence. If you struggle with grammar and sentence structure, brush up on your English skills, take an online writing course, and then apply for a freelance writing job.