by Nanette Piotrowski

Created on: December 01, 2009   Last Updated: December 01, 2010

In our current economic times, everyone could use some extra income but many people don't want to take on a second job due to family time constraints or other obligations.

In order to raise that additional needed income in the quickest way possible, without undue stress on yourself or your family, here are five recommendations to assist you in your goal.

*Garage Sales

Everyone has items that sit in the attic, basement or garage that are just taking up space and are never used. Why not free up space and make money at the same time. This can be done in just one weekend.

Get your family together and go over items that can be priced for sale. Be reasonable in your pricing, but allow for bartering. Whether you are using the garage, driveway or yard, set up your tables with like items. Clothing on one, appliances on another and so on.

You will be amazed at how much money you can raise in that weekend. Whatever items you have left, you can save for another sale next month or donate the rest of the items to charity, which will be a tax deduction for the year.

*Flea Markets

Most cities and towns have flea markets that are held at least once a month. There is generally a fee of $10 - $20 to rent a booth, but it will be well worth it by the end of the day as there will be more people viewing your articles for sale.

You can still take most of the items you would normally sell at a garage sale. You not only raise money quickly, but it's a great opportunity for family time.

*Arts & Crafts

Whether your specific talent is making: rugs, jewelry, hand towels or candles, these particular items sell extremely well. You can either place a small ad in the local papers or shoppers guide and sell your items from your home.

Since this is something you already love to do, why not share your talent with others and make easy money at the same time. You can even ask for family member input on colors, ideas and cost.

*Babysitting

In a two-parent working household, babysitting is in high demand. You can either have the children come to your house or you can go to the home of the working parents.

Either way, you can set your own hours, how many children you will watch and what the fee will be. This can be a very lucrative part-time or full time endeavor.

*Career Extension

Sometimes your chosen career can also be converted into part-time work. If you are a beautician, you can cut hair at home on the weekends for a few hours with just a few regular clients.

If you are a tax preparer, you can take in a few clients as well, just by doing simple tax forms for those that have no deductions to implement. You can set your own fee and spend just a few short hours and still have the majority of your time available to you.

By utilizing these five basic options, you can make extra money fairly rapidly and still have plenty of family time. There is very little, if any, out-of-pocket expense and yet they can be done with relative ease. Just a little planning and thought and you're on your way to making extra cash.

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