I have frequently shared that most (if not all) of our homestead projects are paid for in cash. The largest reason for this is so that we aren’t undertaking more than we can handle, and not just physically – also, financially.
Our family is on the same page about what matters most to us in our budget and that is to be mortgage-free and use cash when spending. One day, I’ll share the behind the scenes view of how we built our home and saved money in the long run, but that’s a story for another time.
Projects, supplies, and purchasing quality materials is pricey! We don’t want to half-way to something and end up having to re-do something further down the road and paying for something twice. Instead, we make a plan and focus our attention on how to get there.
I have found several ways to bring in additional income to help close the gap between someday to let’s do it!
1. Sell on Mercari – I have enjoyed selling my clothing, unused kitchen gadgets, gently used books and baby clothing on Mercari. I will typically utilize this app on my iPhone every winter. While I’m inside, cold and bored – I will raid my closet. Over the last 4 years, I finally have sold more of my clothing that what I’ve purchased and now have an all-seasons closet. Before this, I was unnecessarily storing seasonal clothing in bins. After culling, I now have only my most favorite and practical clothing items all in my closet. It feels really nice to free up space and make extra cash. Sign up for Mercari and get up to $30. Here’s my invitation link : https://merc.li/TUWngpb
2. Sell on Facebook Marketplace – I don’t enjoying the selling process as many individuals will contact me and leave me hanging, but it is a great way to get exposure for larger items you are wanting to sell. For instance, if you have a storage unit or furniture that you are not using – facebook marketplace may be a great place to sell it. As a buyer, I do enjoy shopping on facebook marketplace as I’m able to narrow my search results by area/location.
3. Make a Savings Plan – I have personally enjoyed utilizing the budget mom’s Savings Challenge . This is the first year I’ve used her Savings Challenge course to challenge myself to squirrel away a little extra cash to spend on larger projects like, having a large load of mushroom compost delivered to my home – or paying for materials needed to complete a place to process chickens.
I started in January. The challenge was to choose a 5 letter word. Each letter is assigned a value 1-26. Each Friday, you are to make a special “deposit” either into a savings account or withdraw cash to put in an envelope. My word for January was HAPPY (8 + 1+ 16 + 16+ 25 = $66) I put my $66 dollars right into my savings account. As you can imagine, each month little by little I have the potential to save quite a bit. I’ve also enjoyed that she includes a fun activity for kids to learn about saving money. My son has enjoyed saving nickels each time he helps with chores. I highly recommend working savings into your budget.
4. Create digital products for sale – Do you have a hidden talent of drawing, sketching, painting, or design? You may be surprised at the opportunity to sell digital products! While I am no artist, I have created multiple digital tools which educates passionate individuals within the home centric living sphere. Think outside of the box. What do you have to offer? What hobby are you learning about? What topic interest you most? How can you share that concisely with others? Consider creating a guide, how to, recipe book, or reference with your specific skill or talent.
5. Utilize your referral codes – This is a HUGE way to make a few extra buck with little effort. Share links to your grocery shopping app, your favorite supplement shops, or wherever you shop! You likely can earn points or cash just for sharing information about an app you already use. Here are my favorites:
WALMART GROCERY PICK UP: Get $10 off your first Grocery Pick up Using my Code: http://r.wmt.co/v/corina_48
FETCH REWARDS: Bonus 2,000 points ($2 in points) towards gift cards when you scan ANY receipt. CODE: G3MRC https://fetchrewards.onelink.me/vvv3/…
IBOTTA: Scan receipts, earn Cash. It’s that easy! https://ibotta.onelink.me/iUfE/1005cd3f
DROP APP: CODE: 9rtkf Shop Walmart Grocery Pick up and earn 3,000 points each order, which goes towards FREE gift cards. Get $5 on your account by using my CODE: 9rtkf https://b.ewd.io/code?c=9rtkf
INSTACART: Get $10 credit to shop. https://inst.cr/t/N1ZaUHYxRnRM Code: C26C1D3154
6. Become an Affiliate with brands you already use in your home and love – While I am a full-time homemaking homesteader, I enjoy growing my blog across social media by utilizing brand partnerships and affiliate links authentically. I used to scoff at the idea of sales through social media influencers most of my adult life, but when I began to see that you could partner with brands you already love and use in your own home, I was excited to explore affiliate partnerships as a way to offset my cost for running my business. Affiliate links aren’t a way to bring in significant amounts of money as they typically do not have a high rate of return on commissions of sales generated from your link, it has been rewarding to share my vetted and truly favorite brands that I purchase with my own money and offer a special discount with my friends and family so they too can try what I already know and love for themselves at a discount. I’ve also made it my personal goal to shop more intentionally through my favorite creators and makers affiliate links as a way of saying “thank you” for sharing with me and lighting me up with inspiration. Did you know? Most links or discount purchases made through affiliate links benefit the one sharing the product at no additional cost to you? It’s true! Companies pay people a commission based on sales generated that isn’t tacked into the price for those making the purchase through that special code or link or coupon. Here is my Amazon Store front, to give you an idea of what affiliate linking looks like: https://www.amazon.com/shop/the.hopewellhomestead and here is a link to my “links” page I keep in my social media profiles: http://thehopewellhomestead.com/links/
7. Sell goods online – Aside from Mercari and Facebook, eBay has been around for some time and is a great selling platform! Tired of the lamp you can’t find a place for? Sell it! Are you a frequent yard sale goer or passionate thrift finder? Find quality goods and sell them on eBay!
8. Go back to school part-time – After becoming a mom, I was wanting to have a flexible career where I could be home. I so enjoyed my time at the The Institute of Integrative Nutrition. After 6 months of the 1 year program, I was able to take on my first coaching clients and began a remote contract (working from home) as a health coach for an alternative practitioner!
I want to introduce you to the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) – the largest online health coaching and nutrition school in the world.
IIN has been a game changer for so many people [like me] who crave healthier, balanced lives. At the core of IIN’s programs are two principles I connect deeply with: primary food and bio- individuality.
Primary food is the idea that there are facets of your life, beyond what you eat, that impact your health, like relationships, physical activity, career fulfillment, and spirituality.
Bio-individuality focuses on the fact that we’re all different, and what works for one person may not work for another. And what’s incredible about IIN is that it teaches over 100 dietary theories so you can figure out what works best for you and, eventually, your clients.
If anything you’ve read so far interests you, I invite you to try a FREE Sample Class from IIN! https://geti.in/2MnZYnE
The Sample Class is a great way to get a taste of what IIN is all about and learn more about the school’s core teachings.
And, since you’re part of The Hopewell Homestead community, I have a special offer for you.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have, or contact the Ambassador VIP line: (844) 780-3300 and let them know Corina from The Hopewell Homestead sent you, to get their best promotion available!
9. Share and Give back – While I haven’t profited much from things grown or raised on our homestead, I have found it very rewarding to be generous with additional revenue. Through the sales of my eCourse, my family and I gave towards causes that we are passionate about. We also funded Christmas supper for a few of our friends who are widowed and without family in town. During warm months when eggs are in season, we will share excess eggs with our neighbors and those in need. I do hope we get plenty of garden spoils this year to share too. I have often dreamt about setting up a small produce stand in front of our place and leaving a jar for donations. Even if we have nothing physical to give, we can share knowledge, compassion, kindness and experience. While I am no expert on the matter of homesteading, I enjoy connecting with others who are passionate to start and seeking an honest opinion. I find that when I share the fruits of our labor and abundant blessings, I receive ten-fold. I make new friends, deeper and meaningful human connection, and the feeling of fulfillment that I am being a good neighbor and really hope and pray that I am fulfilling my God-given calling.
I hope you found this list helpful! What are some ways you make extra income? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!