Top 10 ways to earn supplemental income in today's economic crisis

Today’s economic crisis has created challenging and troubling times for many Filipino families. As people struggle to make ends meet in the face of the credit crunch and rising food, education and housing expenses, many are looking for ways to not only cut expenses, but also to make more money. The thought of securing a second job in today’s economy may sound daunting. However, there are many accessible, viable opportunities available that will help to provide that needed supplemental income.

Below are 10 easy options:

1. Earn money from your hobbies – Turn your garden into a produce shop, put your wood-shop skills to good use, or offer scrapbooking services to friends and neighbors.

2. Put your musical talents to good use – Can you play an instrument? Hire yourself to play at small parties, or offer music lessons for a fee per hour.

3. Have a garage sale or put unused and unwanted items up for sale.

4. Put your writing skills to good use – Are you the next J.K. Rowling? Take advantage of freelancing opportunities or place an ad in your local paper to market your writing or editing abilities.

5. Become a tutor – Fluent in more than one language or a wiz at math? Post flyers around your neighborhood or place an ad in the local paper and put your expertise to good use.

6. Rent a room – If you have a spare room in your house or apartment that is just collecting dust, consider taking in a renter.

7. Embrace your inner chef – Have a neighborhood bake sale with your famous cookies, pastries and pies or find a local restaurant looking for fresh, homemade pastries.

8. Party your way to money – Are you great at organizing parties and events? Put your party skills to good use by coordinating and planning events like birthday parties, Christening, etc. Most parties happen on weekends so these won’t get in the way of weekday work.

9. Babysit for the neighbors.

10. Become an Avon Representative – With a minimal start-up fee, Avon provides the opportunity to run a flexible home-based business while dedicating whatever hours you have in your day. And with its Avon Philippines website which features a virtual Brochure, you don’t need to travel far to refer friends and friends of friends to check out Avon products online and just call you to place their order.

Avon Philippines president and general manager Bob Briddon presented the Avon direct selling opportunity as one of the best options as people look for ways to survive in today’s economy.

Briddon shared, “The great thing about the Avon earnings opportunity is that you make of it what you want. Whatever your goal may be, you adjust your personal investment of time and effort accordingly. Being an Avon representative empowers women to run a business in a way that works for their lifestyle. Some representatives choose to make Avon their full-time career – and some of them earn well into the six figures. Others choose to do it part-time along with taking care of their children or working a part-time job.”

While some of the Avon representatives may be the primary bread winner in their family, others contribute enough income to help make ends meet or generate the income that allows their families to do the things they otherwise wouldn’t be able to – such as take a family vacation, buy a new car or pay for their children’s school or activities.