The Best Ways to Make Money As a SAHM (that aren’t MLMs!)

Can you be a SAHM and still contribute to your family’s finances? Yes you can! Here are the best ways to make money as a stay-at-home mom (without selling anything!)

For those of us who are stay at home moms, I think we would all agree that we feel blessed to get to stay with our kids. But I know that many of us still desire to help contribute to our family’s finances.

There are a bunch of multilevel marketing companies out there, some of which have been awesome for some of my friends. However, I’m firmly convinced that MLM’s aren’t for me.

Sooo, today I thought I’d share with you some practical ideas for making money as a stay at home mom (SAHM) that don’t involve MLM companies. We have a little over two months until Christmas so if you get busy you can earn some extra money for your Christmas shopping!!

Most of these I have tried – you’ll recognize a few from my post 4 Easy Ways We Made Extra Cash. If I haven’t tried one I’ll be sure to mention that.

Let’s get started!

The Best Ways to Make Money As a SAHM

Ok, so let’s start with the obvious!

1. Babysitting

You’re already watching your own kids. Why not watch another child or two to make some extra cash?

I’ve done babysitting off and on since having kids. Currently I’m doing just a few hours once a week. It’s not a huge commitment which is nice, but it brings in a little extra and my kids enjoy getting to play with other kids.

2. Teaching

Music lessons

If you’re pretty proficient at a musical instrument why not offer lessons? I’ve taught piano lessons to several students over the years.

Tutoring

I’m not a math or science whiz by any means but I love tutoring elementary-age kids. If your own children are pretty young still it works well to teach a tutoring session or two once they are in bed for the night.

Teaching English online

There are various companies that you can work for to teach English online. I taught English online with VIPKID for almost two years and it was such a positive experience for me! I wrote two different articles about my experience if you’re curious.

Is VIPKID Worth It? Why I Decided to Teach for VIPKID

FAQs About Teaching With VIPKID

Note: as of fall 2021 some changes are occurring in this industry due to changes in China’s laws about foreign teachers. I don’t know a ton about it because I no longer teach online but just FYI.

3. Shopping apps

Ahh shopping apps, one of the easiest ways to make money as a stay-at-home-mom! Granted, it’s not a ton of money, but every little bit adds up. Here are some of the ones I’ve tried:

Shopkick

I used this app a lot back when I lived close to a mall. Get rewarded for walking into stores? Why not, right? I’ve earned several giftcards which is awesome.

Download Shopkick

Ibotta

I’ve talked about Ibotta before. I’ve made 20 something bucks from using it very irregularly this year so it’s definitely worth it! (I just need to remember to use it haha!) The key is to utilize the different bonuses + invite friends to join too.

Download Ibotta

Rakuten

This is an especially good app (and website) to keep in mind for all your online holiday shopping (think Black Friday and Cyber Monday!!) It’s an effortless way to get cash back on your purchases. If you don’t try any other app at least try this one!

Download Rakuten

Field Agent

This app is maybe a little less well known but I love the concept of getting paid to be a “mystery shopper.”

Download Field Agent

4. Online jobs

Surveys

I’ve made some money in past years doing surveys for Pinecone Research. It’s such an easy way to make money as a SAHM. I’ve heard that Swagbucks is good as well.

Transcription

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve done some transcription work on Rev.com. It’s not going to make you rich but I can vouch for Rev as a great way to make some extra money from home.

Virtual assistant work

Virtual assistant work can include all sorts of things: social media management, design work, scheduling, etc. 

While you can of course look for VA jobs online (bloggers are often looking for good VAs!) it might also be worth pitching your services to a local business. It never hurts to put yourself out there. They may even have something else that you could do for them from home as an independent contractor.

I currently work about ten hours a week from home for a local business as a “quality control specialist” and love it!

Writing

A friend recommended textbroker.com to me for doing free-lance writing. I’ve signed up but not taken the plunge to actually submit my writing yet haha. But it looks like it’s a great place to start if you’re interested in doing some freelance writing.

Blogging

Okay, so, a little caveat for blogging: if you start now it’s highly unlikely you’ll be making money by this Christmas. But maybe for next year . . . 😉 Blogging is a long game, but so fun!

You might be interested in: Can You Make Money Blogging?

5. Sell your stuff

Sometimes extra cash is sitting right under your nose, in the form of all your stuff that you don’t need!

There are so many options when it comes to selling your stuff. Yard sales, Ebay, Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, Offerup, etc.

Have clothes to sell? Consider selling them at consignment stores, Poshmark, Thredup, or organized in lots on Facebook marketplace!

So, did I miss anything? How do you like to make money as a SAHM? Comment below and let me know!