[mommartin]

What I try to do is save money wherever I can. Clip coupons (www.couponmom.com is a great site)and buy things on sale. And buy clothes on clearence if I can.

[tylersmom]

I've been freelance writing for many, many years. In 2000, I was laid off from my full time non-writing job and decided to write full time. I have been able to support myself and my son on my writing (In fact one of my newest gigs will be blogging for this site on mid-life mommas, so look for me soon) and child support only. I've investigated a lot of work at home ideas but never found anything that seemed legit. I've heard a lot of people are making money on eBay. Try selling something you already have to get started. My sister and I have talked about maybe selling childrens clothes that we already have or find on sale to see if what I've heard is true.

[cindala]

Ebay is great to have access to but I think you have to move a lot of merchandise to make some money, and will it be a consistent income. I have some friends that have done okay with the sales but they have a business.
There are many legit businesses in the marketing department. I know, I have tried a couple and found one that was a public need! Identity Theft a concern today? You bet, and it's not getting better so everyone should have some sort of protection. Sure there is a bit of a learning curve but like with anything you have to know what you are doing so some effort is required. Always do your research.
http://www.safety4family.com

[provigal_fam]

Sounds funny in this day and age, but I took in washing and ironing. We live 10 miles away from the closest laundromat, and there is no dry cleaning/laundry service either. I also did gift wrapping at Holiday times.

[QueenAngie]

Have a couple of good garage sales. That will make good money.
I have also heard where people use their coupons for FREE items and sell these at garage sales.

[ErnestK]

I'm a stay at home dad. I started that 11 years ago. I have been trying to do tons of stuff to make extra money to help with the bills. I try lot of work at home time programs. None of them was working. I tried data entry from home and was scammed out of money we really didn't have to spend but I was so sure that it was a good thing and it was going to help out. It didn't. I spend a number of hours trying to make money from home. I did surveys...still do them... they don't pay much. I do forum posting and making about $20 a week. Not enough for any bills. I got so tired of all this crap, I ended up becoming a internet marketer and it's fun. it was hard at first but now it's fun and easy. the pay wasn't great in the beginning but you know it helped out.

[LeggsRobbins_fam]

What advice do those of you who consider yourselves successful freelance writers have for someone who wants to explore this opportunity?
I'm 25, and I enjoy research. I am and always have been an adroit writer, but I've no sense of the market nor any idea how to "break" into it.
If you were to provide step-by-step instructions for a more than competent writer to begin making money by writing, what would those instructions be?
If you could give only three pieces of advice, what would they be?
What do you "wish you had known"?

[Cookiemom]

My DH takes on handyman side jobs aside form his 9-5 job to help make ends meet.

[JMBisBack]

Originally Posted by ErnestK

I do forum posting and making about $20 a week. Not enough for any bills.

what do you mean by forum posting? Is there a link that gives more details? Thanks!

[cocotbo]

Originally Posted by JMBisBack

what do you mean by forum posting? Is there a link that gives more details? Thanks!

Some websites will pay to "seed" their new forums with posts. Forums are like parties - nobody wants to be the first one there and they won't go until a few other people look like they're having a good time. A good place to find jobs like this is Elance (www.elance.com).