Developing a Money Making Hobby
In order to produce the podcast and keep content up free for you, I work with partners so this post may contain affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure for more info.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I admit that I have been guilty of vegging out in front of the screen. Not the TV, but the computer. But I realized that after getting sucked into a game or Netflix, I wasted too much of my time.
A few years ago we decided to try and home brew our own beers and eventually meads. If you haven't done it, I want you to know it's not complicated (just watch your temps and make sure everything is properly sanitized) and it was a fantastic way to unwind.
And the best part was at the end of the process, we had something we could sit back and enjoy by ourselves or with friends. (People tend to like free beer!)
Have Some Fun and Make Some Money
So what does this have to do with the Summer of Savings?
I want you to find a new (or rediscover an old) hobby that you love and will make you some money on the side. (Sorry while I highly recommend home brewing as a hobby, you can't sell your brews 🙁 )
I've came up with some hobbies you can try out where you can tap into your creative powers, provide something useful, and make some money on the side. I narrowed them down to skills that you can learn online or with a short weekend class in town.
That money can be used to build up your savings, pay down down debt, or seed money to start your own business. The choice is yours.
Computer Repair and Building
When my mom told me how much those big box tech services were charging her to get programs installed and removed, it drove me crazy. Fortunately she was in that windows of free coverage, but I worried about what would happen after that.
Since we're not in the same town, we can't help out sometimes. Using YouTube though, my mom has gotten much better with computer maintenance and she now helps others with their tablets and laptops. Go mom!
It goes to show that there is a need for technical help and you can teach yourself the essentials.
Besides software, there are also hardware repairs like cracked screens on phones that can be terribly expensive that you can do at home at a fraction of the cost.
If you know some basics, you can be a neighborhood tech guru and earn some cash being a hero.
Where to Hone Your Skills
Upgrade your own computer and extend its life as you get some practice. There is so much available online that you can pretty much get everything you need without leaving your home. Sites like IFixIt can be an incredible resource for you.
Restoring and Refinishing Furniture
Furniture can be pricey so if you can help others keep their stuff lasting longer and looking good, you'll be saving them a ton of money.
While you may think that you have to be a master craftman or woman, some pieces, especially wood furniture just need a little TLC.
You can start with small projects around your house to update your space. You can offer your help with neighbors or you can pick up pieces from yard sales or buy them cheap, restore, and sell on Craigslist.
Where to Hone Your Skills
The great news for those starting out is that there a ton of free and cheap resources you can tap into when it comes to DIY furniture restoration.
Many home improvement stores have classes throughout the year. YouTube has lifetime amount of video tips to give you ideas and techniques on home improvement.
I also like subscribing to channels like Mike and Lauren and see what projects they come up with.
Meal Prep
Are you a pretty decent cook? Can you get great deals on groceries? You might want to combine those two skills and make some cash.
Since eating out every day can drain wallets, offering some gourmet style meals that your neighbors can take to work is a win-win for everyone.
Buy and cook in bulk and you can cut costs down, allowing you to make a profit with your convenient meals.
Where to Hone Your Skills
Practice and improve your skills right in your own kitchen. There are also a ridiculous amount of cookbooks, videos, and sites you can borrow or buy to learn more.
If you're looking at mastering the essentials fairly quickly, try out the Meta and Domestic section of The Four Hour Chef.
Thoughts on Money Making Hobby
Will you be masters overnight? No, but you'll have a practical skill that people could use which can earn you some cash on the side.
How many of you have a talent that you use to help others and make some cash? How did you learn to do it? Any tips for those just starting?
I think the font size for Where to Hone Your Skills should be smaller since it’s in the same category as its skill. Nonetheless, thanks for the great post! Teaching kids, babysitting and knitting / making clothes are something that I can think of. I can only do the first 2 things that you mention though.