Single Mom Income: 6 Legitimate Ways to Earn Extra Cash

What to Do If You're a Single Mom and Need Money

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Updated on 11/20/19

Need extra income, but don't have time to take on a second –– or even third –– full-time job? It's time to get creative and find money making opportunities that work for you. Consider the following ways to earn extra cash in your spare time. And for your own protection, don't forget to declare your supplementary income on your federal and state taxes.

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Become a Child Care Provider

Mom babysitting kids and playing a game. — Kristian Sekulic/Getty Images

There are many families out there who need quality child care at odd hours. So even if you work full time during the week, you can still earn extra income on the side by caring for other children on the weekends, or even during occasional weeknight and overnight. The average hourly pay for such work is around $10 per hour.

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Do Freelance Work

Businesswoman working at home office with baby — Reggie Casagrande / Getty Images

Do you have a skill that could help you earn extra money on the side? For example, writing, editing, graphic design work, and photography can all be done on a freelance basis, just to name a few. Additional options include website development, search engine optimization, proofreading, and transcription work. Evaluate the skills you already possess and consider putting them to use to earn additional money working from home after traditional work hours.

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Become a Virtual Assistant

Woman working at home on her computer — Jose Luis Pelaez Inc./Getty Images

Do you enjoy helping others? Are there tasks that you're able to complete faster than others, such as performing online research, making phone calls, and posting content to social media? Putting those skills to use as a virtual assistant can help you earn additional income on a regular basis. For example, a small business owner might contract with you to regularly develop and send monthly e-newsletters or update a database.

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Clean Houses

Woman cleaning windows. — Kathrin Ziegler/Getty Images

Are you someone who enjoys cleaning and is good at it? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the going rate for house cleaners is a little under $12 an hour. However, many earn $25 and up, depending on the job and location.

In some situations, you may be able to bring your kids along with you to cleaning jobs, too. If you're just getting started, try posting an ad at your local grocery store or on a community bulletin board.

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Pet Sit for Your Friends and Neighbors

Legs of Caucasian woman walking dog in crosswalk — Ronnie Kaufman/Larry Hirshowitz / Getty Images

Pet sitting is another way to boost your 'single mom income' and earn extra cash without interrupting your family's existing schedule. For example, if you work full time, advertise that your dog-sitting services are available in the evenings and on weekends only.

According to Pet Sitters International, an association for professional pet sitters, on average, sitters make around $18 for a half-hour visit. Caring for up to four pets per month could earn you a few hundred dollars a month, depending on how long and how often you pet sit.

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Get Creative

Creative occupation — Petar Chernaev / Getty Images

Finally, consider how you might transform other unique skills you possess into an opportunity to earn supplemental income. For example, if you love making scrapbooks, try offering your services to other parents. Are you great at organizing your rooms at home? Consider renting out your services as a personal home organizer.

When you figure out your creative gifts and what you love to do, the possibilities are endless for parlaying your skills into a paying side job. For example, do love arts and crafts? Make a plan to sell your creations online and at local craft fairs.