MAKE MONEY

Are you tired of the 9 to 5 grind? You’re not alone.

Millions of people are looking for creative ways to make money that don’t involve punching a clock daily. But it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where we come in.

We’ve compiled a list of the best ways to make money – from starting your own business to selling online to becoming a digital nomad. We even have ideas for those who want to stay put and earn extra cash.

So no matter what you’re looking for, we have something for you.

Creative Ways To Make Money Online:

1. Sell Photos:

If you’re a photographer, you’ve considered selling photos at some point. After all, what could be better than getting paid to do something you love?

And thanks to the internet, it’s now easier to sell photos online. Many stock photography websites allow you to upload your photos and earn a royalty every time someone buys them.

Some of the best websites are:

• Shutterstock
• iStockPhoto
• Dreamstime
• GettyImages
• Unsplash

Just pick a niche that is always in demand. Something like nature, food, office, or travel should do the trick.

Pro Tip: Sign up and use more than one website to sell your photos. This way, you’ll reach a wider audience and have a better chance of making sales. To do this, ensure that you are not signing an exclusive agreement with any one site.

Average Pay: 25-45 cents an image. That means you need to sell around 400 photos to make $100. While it sounds like a lot, reaching this number is easy if you take high-quality pictures and sell them on multiple websites.

2. Sell Printables

One of the hottest trends in online entrepreneurship is selling printables.

For those who don’t know what that is, printables are digital files that can be printed out and used for various purposes, from greeting cards to planners to wall art. If you’re creative and have a knack for design, you can create your printables and sell them online.

Best of all, there’s no need for pricey inventory or shipping costs – once you create your files, they’re available for instant download.

According to CNBC, Jimenez makes over $160000 in passive income selling printables (most of which are digital planners) on Etsy. So if you’re ready to start earning money from your creativity, here’s how to start selling printables.

• First, decide what kind of printables you want to create. Will you offer planners, greeting cards, or both?
• Once you’ve settled on a niche, it’s time to start designing your files. You can also outsource it to a design expert.
• Once your files are complete, it’s time to start promoting them. You can list them on marketplaces like Etsy or Creative Market or set up your website or blog.
• Be sure to include attractive images and compelling descriptions to entice potential buyers.
• And finally, remember to price your printables competitively – if your prices are too high, you won’t make any sales!

With a little effort and creativity, selling printables can be a great way to earn money from home.

Pro Tip: Specialise in one type of printable and then keep adding to your collection. This way, buyers will return to your store repeatedly, looking for new and exciting designs. It would be best if you also tapped in holiday printables.

Average Pay: $1-$5 per printable.

3. Flea Market Flipping

Have you ever gone to a flea market and found an old item you thought could be worth a lot of money? If so, you may have been intrigued by flea market flipping.

It is buying items at flea markets or garage sales and then selling them for a profit. While it may sound like a simple concept, a lot of work is involved in successfully flipping items.

First, you need to have a good eye for spotting hidden treasures. You also need to research the market value of potential purchases and know when to walk away from a bad deal.

Finally, it would help if you were patient in waiting for the right buyer to come along. We recommend you start with eBay because it allows you to reach a global audience of buyers.

If you are willing to put in the effort, flea market flipping can be a great way to earn some extra cash.

Some of the best items to flip are:

• Anything vintage
• Video Games
• Board Games
• Antiques
• Collectibles etc

Pro Tip: If you find an interesting item, always grab your phone and check how much it is selling for on marketplaces like eBay.

Average Pay: $10-$200 or even more per transaction, depending on what you’re flipping.

4. Become a Social Media Influencer

In today’s digital age, social media is more critical than ever. A solid online presence can help you build your brand, connect with customers, and drive sales.

And for many people, social media is also a source of income. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube offer opportunities for users to share their content with a broad audience and generate income through sponsorships and affiliate marketing.

To make money through social media, you must build a strong following.

Identify your niche, create engaging content, and be active on the chosen platform. You’ll also need to be patient and consistent because overnight success is rare.

Pro Tip: Collaborate with micro-influencers in your niche to grow faster.

Average Pay: Depends on the number of followers and engagement rate. It can range from $50-$10,000+ per post.

5. Start a Blog

If you’re passionate about a specific topic and want to share your knowledge with the world, starting a blog is a great way to do it.

Not only will you be able to share your thoughts and connect with like-minded people, but you can also make money in the process.

There are several ways to monetize a blog, such as

• selling advertising space
• affiliate marketing
• writing sponsored posts, and
• setting up an online store.

However, the most successful bloggers usually focus on providing valuable content and developing a solid rapport with their readers. By building a loyal following, you’ll be well on making money from your blog.

Pro Tip: Invest time and money in learning SEO and building quality backlinks right off the bat.

Average Pay: You can expect $100 to over $100k yearly, depending on traffic, niche, and monetization methods.

6. Sell Your Voice

Many opportunities are available for people who want to make money by selling their voices. Voice acting is booming, and there is always a demand for new talent.

Whether you have a deep, commanding voice or a high, sing-songy one, there is likely a role for you. All you need is a good-quality microphone and a quiet place to record.

Some of the platforms you can start with are:

• Voices.com
• Voices123
• BunnyStudio

So if you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash, consider selling your voice.

Pro Tip: Make sure you have a good quality microphone and quiet recording setup. It will make your recordings sound professional and increase your chances of landing gigs.

Average Pay: $13,500–$31,999 if you’re an entry-level voice actor.

7. License Your Art

As an artist, you want people to enjoy your work. But it’s hard to make a living off of art sales alone.

One way to generate additional income is to license your art to businesses that print on-demand products. It could include everything from t-shirts and coffee mugs to phone cases and wallpaper.

Not only will you earn a royalty on each sale, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of seeing your artwork on various products.

With the help of social media, you can promote your prints and reach a global audience of potential customers.

So if you’re looking for ways to monetize your art, consider licensing your work to businesses that print-on-demand products. It’s a great way to earn additional income and get your work into the world.

A few platforms to start with are:

• Printify
• Society6
• Redbubble

Pro Tip: You need to upload new designs regularly to keep people interested and coming back for more. Also, tag your products with relevant keywords, so they appear in search results.

Average Pay: You will receive 20-30% commission on each sale.

Creative Ways To Make Money at Home:

8. House Sitting

Making money from house-sitting is a great way to earn some extra income, and it can be a fun and rewarding experience.

Keep a few things in mind when looking for house-sitting opportunities.

First, ensure you’re comfortable living in someone else’s home. You’ll be responsible for keeping the house clean and tidy, and you may need to take care of pets or plants.

Second, find out as much as possible about the homeowner before you agree to house sit. Ask about their expectations, and get a sense of their personality.

Finally, be prepared to be flexible. House-sitting gigs can pop up at any time, so you must adjust your schedule on short notice. But if you’re willing to do the work, house-sitting can be a great way to make some extra money.

To get started:

1. Create a profile on a house-sitting website and apply for jobs.
2. Include information about your experience and references.
3. Once you’ve landed an appointment, follow your client’s instructions and enjoy your new surroundings.

A few platforms to start with:

• Trusted House Sitters
• Mind My House
• House Sit Match

Pro Tip: The best way to land house-sitting gigs is to have a strong profile highlighting your experience and references. Be sure to include photos and detailed descriptions of your past house-sitting experiences.

Average Pay: $25-$50 per day.

9. Rent Out Your Backyard

If you have a big backyard and are looking for a creative way to make some extra money, why not rent it out?

Depending on the size and location of your backyard, you could charge people for camping, parties, a fun night out, or even just for use as a garden. If you live in a busy city, you could rent your backyard as a parking space.

Many people are willing to pay good money for a little extra space, so if you have some to spare, why not put it to good use?

You can start with

• Rent Your Backyard
• Peerspace

Pro Tip: To attract customers, list your backyard on multiple platforms. And remember to include photos and a detailed space description.

Average Pay: $200-$500 daily for a decent backyard.

10. Rent Your RV

Renting out your RV is a creative way to make money and can be a great way to offset ownership costs. There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re getting started, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy and fun!

First, you’ll need to find a good spot to park your RV. You’ll want to choose a convenient place for you and your renters with all the hookups and amenities they’ll need.

Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to list your RV on a rental site. Include clear photos, detailed descriptions of your RV, and your desired rental price.

Or you can also choose to allow the renter to pick up and take your RV to their desired destination, or you can offer delivery and setup as an option for an additional cost.

Once you start receiving rental inquiries, you must screen potential renters carefully. You’ll want to ensure that they have a valid driver’s license and understand the terms of your rental agreement.

A few platforms to begin with

• RVnGO
• Outdoorsy
• RVShare

Pro Tip: Search the sites for similar RVs and analyze their listings, prices, etc. It will give you a good idea of what works and help you create a listing that stands out.

Average Pay: $100-$200 per night

11. Rent a Room

If you’re looking for a creative way to make extra money, why consider renting your room?

With the rise of platforms like Airbnb, it has never been easier to list your space and welcome guests worldwide. Not only will you earn money from rental fees, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet new people and learn about different cultures.

And if you’re worried about guests trashing your home, don’t worry – most platforms offer host protection insurance, so you can rest easy knowing that your property is in good hands.

Pro Tip: Take professional photos of your space, and write a detailed description highlighting all the features that make your room special.

Average Pay: $50-$100 per night, depending on the location and amenities of your room.

12. Ads on Your Car

You’ve probably seen cars with ads wrapped around them and wondered how much money drivers make.

The amount can vary depending on the ad’s size, the car’s location, and the length of time the ad shows. However, drivers can typically earn a few hundred dollars per month for displaying an ad on their car.

Keep a few things in mind if you’re interested in earning extra cash by wrapping your car in ads.

First, make sure to choose a reputable company. There are many scams out there, so it’s essential to do your research before signing any contracts.

Second, be prepared to have your car inspected before the wrapping process begins. The company will want to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and that the paint job is up to par.

Finally, be prepared to drive carefully!

You can start with

• Nickelytics
• Wrapify
• Carvertise

Pro Tip: Read the fine print before signing any contracts. Some companies require you to drive a certain number of miles per week or prohibit you from going to certain areas.

Average Pay: $100-$400 per month. Some companies pay per campaign.

Other creative ways to make money:

13. Dog Sitting

Unlike dog walking, dog sitting involves staying at the pet’s home for some time, typically overnight.

It can be an excellent option for pet owners who need someone to look after their furry friend while out of town. In addition to walking the dog and feeding them, you may also be responsible for administering medication or taking them to the vet.

Dog sitting can be a rewarding experience and a great way to earn extra cash. Some places to find dog-sitting jobs are:

• Rover
• Wag!

Pro Tip: Offer your services to friends and family first, which will help you build a positive reputation.

Average Pay: $20-$40 per night.

14. Become a Mystery Shopper

For many people, mystery shopping is a creative way to make money. You get paid to shop at various stores and report on your experience as a mystery shopper.

It can include the store’s cleanliness, the staff’s friendliness, and the merchandise’s overall quality.

Mystery shopping can be a great way to earn extra money and a fun way to try out new stores and products. If you’re looking for a creative way to make extra cash, definitely look into mystery shopping.

You can look for mystery shopping jobs here:

• Market Force
• Intellishop
• Secret Shopper

Pro Tip: Sign up with a reputable mystery shopping company. There are several scams out there, so it’s essential to do your research before signing up for any assignments.

Average Pay: $15-$30 per hour, depending on the length and complexity of the task.

15. Get Paid To Walk

Some companies pay you to walk, which is a great way to earn extra cash.

You can set your hours and walk at your own pace. You can also walk with friends or family, and you can even walk with pets. So get out there and start walking!

A few apps that pay to walk are:

• Sweatcoin
• Runtopia
• Achievement

Pro Tip: Sign up for more than one app to increase your earnings.

Average Pay: It will depend on the app you use. For example, Achievement pays you $10 for every 10,000 points.

16. Become a Self-published Author

If you’re a talented writer, there’s no reason why you can’t publish your work and make money from it.

Self-publishing is a great way to get your work out without finding a traditional publisher. You’ll be able to retain complete control over your work, and you’ll be able to set your price. Best of all, you can start making money immediately.

Of course, self-publishing can be challenging. You’ll need to invest time and effort into promoting your work and your brand.

A few self-publishing platforms include

• Amazon KDP
• Reedsy

Pro Tip: Invest in an editor and a proofreader to help make your book the best it can be.

Average Pay: You’ll earn a 35-70% royalty on each book sold.

Take Your Pick:

Many opportunities are available for people who want to make money from home. Whether you’re a writer, artist, or car driver, there’s likely a way for you to monetize your talents.

So if you’re looking for creative ways to make some extra cash, consider one of the options listed above. You can achieve your financial goals with a little hard work and dedication. This article originally appeared on Savoteur.

If you’ve ever heard of someone who runs a business that is flexible enough to permit them to travel the world, then you may have caught yourself drooling. The thought of traveling while generating income sounds downright divine to many people.

Certain types of e-commerce business models allow owners to do exactly that.

The essential characteristic of these business models is that you can run the entire operation remotely. That extends owners the flexibility needed to travel the world or work wherever they want.

This guide offers instructions on how to start an e-commerce business that provides that sort of flexibility

Types of E-Commerce Businesses Suited for Travel

You can run the entire operation remotely if you start an e-commerce business that uses drop-shipping for order fulfillment.

Drop-shipping is when you take in customer orders and have someone else fulfill the order.

In other words, you don’t have to warehouse or manufacture anything if you run a drop-shipping e-commerce business. Whenever a customer orders an item from your website, you simply contact your supplier and have them ship the product directly to your customer.

That means you never even physically see or touch the products you ship. That’s what makes it so ideal for accommodating travel. You can fill orders from a coffee shop in Italy or anywhere else in the world because you can do all your order fulfillment work remotely from a computer or phone.

How to Start an E-Commerce Business that Drop-Ships

A detailed guide at CashBlog goes over all the steps to start an online business. It highlights items that pertain specifically to the drop-shipping e-commerce business model since it can cater to lifestyles filled with traveling.

Figuring Out What To Sell

Whether for a drop-shipping e-commerce business or any other business, ensuring you love what you do is the biggest key to success.

If you decide to sell necklaces but don’t care much for jewelry, that will be an uphill climb.

If, on the other hand, you are a huge baseball fan, then selling baseball-related products online might make sense. You love the topic, and because of that, you also have expertise in that area. These things will make a difference in the success of your business.

Beyond that, for a drop-shipping e-commerce business model, it’s going to be critically important to have suppliers that exhibit these characteristics:

• They manufacture or warehouse products. Someone will need to store the physical product if you’re selling products online. It won’t be a good fit for this business model if you’re considering selling an item online but can’t find anyone who warehouses it or manufactures it.
• They drop-ship products. Just because they manufacture or warehouse the products doesn’t mean they’re willing to ship them directly to your customer. You have to check to make sure they are comfortable doing that. If they are, the supplier should not include an invoice in the box since the customer would see how much you paid for the item.
• They offer wholesale prices. If you find a warehouse that can drop-ship, but they are charging you retail prices, that will fail to work. You need to make a profit, or else there won’t be any money to pay for that travel you have in mind. You need to be able to buy the products at a price that’s lower than your sale price.

These days, many suppliers meet all three criteria since drop-shipping is a more common business function today. You could do a Google search for “wholesale warehouses” and add in the keyword for the item you’re considering selling, and you may get some good leads that way.

Your supplier might end up being manufacturers themselves rather than distribution warehouses. Many manufacturers warehouse their products and can drop-ship. Some will manufacture the product after you order it and then ship it directly to your customer.

Figuring out the lay of the land with suppliers for your preferred industry is a big step in starting a drop-shipping e-commerce business. You can only fund your travel plans if you find profitable supplier relationships.

Choosing an E-Commerce Platform

Once you know which types of products you want to sell, then it’s time to get down to the nuts and bolts of putting a website together.

The first step is choosing an e-commerce platform. It’s the software you will use to manage your website and all the product listings. It helps you build an online store that will serve as your e-commerce website.

Since you’d be looking for drop-shipping functionalities, you’ll want to find one with a full spectrum of features. In particular, using a platform with order management capabilities could be helpful.

For example, when an order comes in through your platform, you’ll want the ability to send a purchase order to your supplier. That way, the entire order processing function is handled through the same platform as where you receive the order from the customer in the first place.

It would also be helpful to use an e-commerce platform that offers a merchant account. That’s what you need in order to be able to accept credit card and Paypal payments and sell goods online.

The best e-commerce platforms include Shopify, Bigcommerce, and Magento. They offer a great set of tools for meeting your online business needs and include an array of customization features.

Nowadays, it’s common for an e-commerce platform to offer a full set of business capabilities in addition to standard e-commerce capabilities. It makes for a seamless operational experience for business owners, which will be helpful if you want to manage your business while traveling the world.

Marketing Your E-Commerce Business

Once you’ve set up your website, it’s time to start marketing so you can make money. You won’t be able to pay for any trips if you aren’t generating any income, and you won’t generate revenue if no one knows your business exists. Marketing allows you to grow your business and build your online sales.

One effective way to market e-commerce businesses is using SEO, which stands for search engine optimization. It’s the effort of getting your website to appear for Google searches.

If, for example, you are selling baseball bats in your e-commerce store, it would be ideal if your website showed up in the search results when someone did a Google search for “baseball bats.”

SEO requires much work up front and can take a long time to see results. But if you stick with it and are diligent, the results can be long-lasting and profitable. If you don’t want to do the SEO work yourself, you could hire an SEO expert to help you.

With e-commerce, SEO success may be easier to achieve than with other online businesses.

For example, according to Ahrefs, a reputable SEO software company, “baseball bats” has almost five times as much search volume as “baseball stats.” Yet, it’s twice as easy to rank for in Google based on the current competition.

That might be because there is less competition within the e-commerce niche than among all online businesses in general.

And this makes sense. If you want to rank well in Google for informational types of terms, then all you need is to publish the information and do SEO. But if you want to rank well for e-commerce types of terms, you have to add the extra steps of shipping the product and doing customer service.

Those extra steps mean more work, which raises the barriers to entry and discourages competition to some degree. That might make it easier, in general, to rank well for e-commerce search terms by doing SEO. There certainly are exceptions.

If you want to do more than just SEO, consider doing various forms of paid advertising. There are a vast array of options.

The key to paid online advertising is to ensure you can measure each ad campaign’s profitability as precisely as possible. With today’s technology, such as Google Analytics, it’s possible to figure out exactly which sales came from any ad.

If you can’t tell which paid ads are profitable and which aren’t, then you’re only delaying your ability to travel freely while running a business. The travel can only be paid for if you’re sure you’re running profitable ad campaigns.

One E-Commerce Business Owner Who Travels the World

Eric Ferguson is an example of an e-commerce business owner who has traveled many times while running his business.

Ferguson runs Andy’s Auto Sport, an online business that sells performance car parts. It’s a drop-ship business model, which means he can run the entire operation remotely. He and his staff never see the physical products that get shipped to customers.

His staff works in different parts of the world. Some are in California, and some are in India.

Ferguson says, “Nothing about the business in and of itself holds me back from traveling any time I want. When I go on a trip, I can dial back my work to spend more time exploring a new part of the world each day. Or I can do my normal tasks and enjoy doing them in a different environment.”

Ferguson, who lives near San Francisco in California, has run his business from places such as Canada, Boston, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and New York. Each of these different locations was a travel destination he pursued for pleasure.

Are You Ready to Start an E-Commerce Business?

Running an e-commerce business can indeed go hand in hand with frequent travel. The key is to use a drop-ship business model.

As long as you can find a way to generate profit, starting an e-commerce business could potentially lead to all the travel your heart desires.This article originally appeared on Savoteur.

Are you tired of your job and looking for the best work-from-home jobs? The online jobs that pay $40 an hour sound too good to be true?

We’ve good news – you can do plenty of legitimate high-paying jobs from the comfort of your home. Many of these online jobs that pay $40 an hour or more, and that’s more than $50,000+ a year!

Imagine waking up each morning knowing that you love your job and are doing what you love to do. With the right career, you can make your dreams a reality.

Online Jobs That Pay $40 an Hour:

Many online jobs are available today, and you can pick up something as exciting as photography or simple as writing, proofreading, or bookkeeping. No matter your skills or experience, there is likely an online job that is perfect for you.

While some of these home jobs pay weekly, others pay monthly or per hour. Besides that, you can take them up as part-time or full-time jobs; it works well in both cases.

And, finally, the absolute basics you need are a high-speed internet connection, a computer, and a place to work.

Let’s start with our top $40 an hour jobs recommendations. Some even pay more than 40 an hour.

1. Photographer

Are you looking for a creative way to make extra money? Consider becoming a photographer. You can earn $40 an hour selling photos with the right equipment and practice.

There is a vast market for stock photos (majorly workplace, cars, business, nature, people, feet pics, and more), and you can also find work as a niche photographer for weddings, babies, or other special events. Consider selling stock photos to earn extra money working from home.

You can start with the following websites:

• Shutterstock
• GettyImages
• Pixabay

However, if you want to get paid well, focus on building up your clientele by offering your services for portrait sessions, family gatherings, or other occasions. In short, focus on event or moment photography. 

No matter what route you choose, becoming a photographer can be a great way to tap into your creativity and make some extra cash.

2. Proofreader 

Are you a stickler for grammar and punctuation and want to work from home? If so, you could make a great proofreader. Your job will include removing typos, spelling mistakes, and incorrect punctuation. 

Proofreaders generally charge by the word or page, and rates can vary depending on the difficulty of the text and the turnaround time required. However, as a general guide, you can earn around $35-40 an hour as a proofreader.

If you’re interested in becoming a proofreader, there are a few things you need to know.

• Firstly, it’s essential to have a good grasp of grammar and punctuation rules.
• Secondly, you’ll need to be able to spot errors quickly and efficiently.
• And finally, it’s helpful to have access to reference materials such as style guides and dictionaries.

You can either venture out to find freelance jobs to make money or work with companies that hire proofreaders. If you go with the former, you can choose your work hours and have a flexible schedule. 

For the latter, you should check out Flexjobs. It is a job-seekers heaven, where you can find home-based jobs, telecommuting, and freelancing work. They also weed out the scams for you, so they have only legit jobs on the platform for you to apply for. However, it is not free of cost and comes at a small price.

3. Bookkeeper 

Bookkeeping is an essential but often underrated work-from-home job. With bookkeepers, businesses keep track of their finances and comply with tax laws.

The demand for bookkeepers is high, and those with experience can command an hourly rate of $30-80 an hour or more. Bookkeeping might be your perfect career if you’re detail-oriented and good with numbers.

With the proper training, you could earn a good living in no time.

4. Virtual Assistant

If you’re looking for a flexible, freelance job that allows you to be your own boss, then becoming a virtual assistant might be the perfect role.

Virtual assistants provide remote support to clients worldwide, and the hours are often very flexible. You can offer writing, editing, proofreading, marketing, and administrative services, among other things. It is an excellent work-at-home job that requires no experience to start.

You will be working as an independent contractor, and rates can vary depending on the client, but you can expect to earn around $10 – 100 per hour, depending on the services. The best part – you don’t need a college degree for assistant jobs.

If you want to avoid finding your clients, you can find virtual assistant jobs with top companies like Fancyhands, Belay Solutions, WingApp, etc. 

5. Video Editor 

For many people, the thought of becoming a video editor is daunting. After all, editing a video requires significant skill and experience; however, the potential rewards are well worth the effort.

You could earn up to $40 an hour as a beginner video editor – far more than the average wage. And, as the demand for online video content continues to grow, your skills will become increasingly valuable.

So if you’re looking for a new challenge and want to make money, there’s no time to start learning video editing. 

6. Social Media Manager

As a social media manager, you create and manage content across all social media platforms. It would involve working with the marketing team to develop strategies, design and schedule posts, monitor metrics, and engage with customers and followers.

While the job can be challenging, it is also rewarding, and many social media managers report high satisfaction with their work.

In addition, the job pays well, with most social media managers earning between $35 and $40 an hour. Becoming a social media manager may be the right choice if you want a creative and challenging career.

7. SEO Consultant

As the online world continues to grow, the demand for qualified SEO consultants is also rising. If you have a knack for improving search engine rankings and driving website traffic, then a career as an SEO consultant may be the perfect fit.

As an SEO consultant, you would be responsible for helping businesses to improve their online visibility and organic search results. In most cases, you would work with clients on a project basis, providing them with guidance and advice on optimizing their website and content for better search engine performance.

In return, you could earn up to $100 per hour, making it a highly lucrative profession. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career in the digital marketing field, then becoming an SEO consultant is a great option to consider.

8. Content Marketer 

As a content marketer, your job would be to create and distribute content, analyze metrics, and take steps to consistently attract and convert a defined audience into paying customers. If you’re interested in becoming a content marketer, you should know a few things.

• First, content marketing requires creativity and strategic thinking. It would help if you came up with new and exciting ideas to capture your audience’s attention.
• Second, you need to be a strong writer. Your content must be well-written and error-free.
• Third, you need to be detail-oriented. A successful content marketing campaign requires careful planning and execution.
• Finally, it would help if you were comfortable working with numbers. You’ll need to track your results and analyze your data to determine what’s working and what’s not.

If you have these skills, you can earn well as a consulting content marketer.

9. Personal Trainer

Do you love working out and helping others reach their fitness goals? If so, then a career as a personal trainer may be the perfect fit for you. 

But how to make money online as a personal trainer?

Well, post the pandemic, people are open to taking online fitness classes, which makes it possible for trainers to work online and make money. Your job includes working one-on-one with clients, helping them to achieve their fitness goals. In addition to setting up workout plans and providing motivation, you will monitor your client’s progress and adjust their programs as needed.

Besides this, you can earn money online by creating your online coaching programs and courses. 

Best of all, personal trainers earn an average of $20-100 an hour, making it a great way to earn a living while doing something you love. So if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding career, consider becoming a personal trainer today.

Which One of These Top Jobs Do You Like?

There are several lucrative work-at-home jobs that you can pursue if you’re looking for an online job that pays $40 an hour, have flexible hours, and achieve a work-life balance.

From SEO consultants and content marketers to makeup artists and personal trainers, there is something for everyone. Some other options you can look into are online teaching, transcribing, tutoring jobs, customer service jobs, and blogging. 

All it takes is the willingness to invest in yourself, develop your skills, and stay focused on your goals.

You can make a great living doing something you love with hard work and dedication. So don’t wait any longer—start working on your dream career today! Good luck!

This article originally appeared on Savoteur.

The current state of the economy has most people scrambling to pinch pennies. Shopping for necessities at discount stores is an excellent way to keep more cash in your wallet. Read on to learn the best places to grab a bargain.

Best Discount Stores: Grocery Retailers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of food was the third-highest household expenditure in 2021. The grocery bill can quickly get out of hand if you aren’t careful. Shopping at discount grocery stores can save money on monthly food costs. Here are the best cheap food stores to shop at to keep your grocery spending under budget.

Aldi

Aldi is a discount grocery chain from Germany. It is known for its quality organic and private-label products. The chain focuses on the consumer and uses several strategies to help keep prices low for customers.

Aldi offers a smaller selection of products, which allows for smaller stores. They keep costs down by efficiently stocking their shelves and hiring fewer employees.

Many shoppers rave about the superior quality and great prices of Aldi products. If you have an Aldi near you, consider checking it out to see how much money you could save. You may be pleasantly surprised by how much you save on groceries.

Lidl

Like Aldi, Lidl is also a German discount store that sells private-label products much cheaper than you would find in a regular grocery store. They use similar business strategies as Aldi to maintain low product prices for customers. You won’t need a quarter to rent a cart, but don’t forget your reusable shopping bags when you head to Lidl.

Trader Joes

Trader Joe’s is another grocery chain where you will find quality private-label products at prices that beat other large grocery chains. Trader Joe’s bases its product lineup on foods from around the world. As a result, you’ll find unique and tasty products at reasonable prices. In addition, you don’t have to worry about sales expiring or forgetting your loyalty card. Trader Joe’s believes everyone should have access to outstanding value for food without special promotions or membership cards.

Kroger

Kroger is a massive supermarket chain founded in 1883 in Cincinnati. Through several mergers (and another merger with Albertsons in the works), the Kroger Company has grown to have almost 2,800 stores operating under more than two dozen brand names. Food4Less is one Kroger brand that is considered one of the cheapest grocery stores in the United States.

Grocery Outlet

The Grocery Outlet is a discount chain with over 400 stores across the country. In the aisles of this supermarket, you’ll find tons of brand-named products without the steep price tag. Instead, products are sourced from package changes, surplus stock, and overruns to bring you quality off-price products.

Best Discount Stores: General Retailers

Shopping at general retail stores is the norm for buying all of your life’s necessities, including food and beyond. For example, things like clothing, toiletries, household items, and kitchen wares are all items you would find at a general retailer. Also, looking for the cheapest stores to buy discounted goods will free up money in your budget to allocate toward your financial goals. Here are some of the best discount stores to shop with a small budget.

Walmart

Walmart is famous for having the lowest prices on almost anything you want. It stocks an enormous variety of products at rock-bottom prices. Their store-brand products are excellent cheaper alternatives to name brands. But even if you are brand-loyal, don’t forget your coupons or use your favorite grocery savings app, such as Ibotta, to save money at this colossal retailer.

Besides being a great place to get cheap groceries, Walmart is also one of the best places to buy all your self-care necessities. This big-box store has an endless selection of makeup, soaps, hair products, lotions, and anything else you may need to look and feel your best. The best part is you will rarely find these products cheaper elsewhere.

Target

Target is a discount department store well-known for its bullseye store logo. You’ll find almost anything you need at this one-stop shop, including great deals on clothing. Target owns over 45 clothing brands for men, women, and children that you can find in-store or online. If you prefer to sport name-brand attire, look for discount clothing stores to save money. But consider shopping at Target for other essentials like pajamas, undergarments, socks, and accessories to save money on your wardrobe. Don’t forget to check clearance racks for even more savings.

Walmart and Target have similarly priced toiletries and personal care products. You’ll find all your favorite drugstore brands at target for less than you would pay at the drugstore. In addition, Target partnered with Ulta Beauty in 2021 to allow you to shop for prestige brands. You’ll also have access to the expertise of Ulta Beauty-trained employees in an actual one-stop-shop environment.

Amazon

While not technically a discount store, Amazon is an excellent place to shop if you are looking for deals. From personal care products to pet supplies, you’ll quickly find what you are looking for at the lowest prices. In addition, if you are wondering where to buy cheap clothes online, Amazon is one of the first places to look to find clothes at a discount. You’ll find name-brand apparel and footwear in any style or color you need. Also, many Amazon sellers offer free shipping, even if you aren’t an Amazon Prime member. Just be sure to check product reviews to be sure you are purchasing from a reputable seller.

Meijer

Mainly in the Midwest, Meijer is a supercenter retail chain focused on exceeding customer expectations. Meijer is a one-stop shop where you will find everything from groceries to electronics to shoes and wine. Some stores even house nail salons and barbershops! This company strives to ensure customers have fresh foods and are well taken care of by offering select prescription antibiotics and prenatal vitamins for free. In addition, Meijer is known for running weekly “10 for $10” sales (and they give you the 11th item for free).

Big Lots

Big Lots is a general retail discount store aiming to help people save money on all products. Big Lots offers a vast assortment of quality brand-name products at steep discounts for people on a small budget or those looking for a great deal. After all, their mission is to “Help people live big and save lots.”

Five Below

Five Below is a specialty discount store that stocks its product line with tweens and teens in mind. Most of the products sold at Five Below are less than five dollars. However, the store does carry a small selection of products priced between $6 and $25 in their “Five Beyond” shop. They stock trendy, stylish goods that make great gifts for the young (and not-so-young) people in your life.

Tuesday Morning

Tuesday Morning is a discount store where you will find home decor, bath, bedding, kitchen wares, rugs, pet products, and more. This store sells products that are name-brand closeouts and factory overruns to bring you great deals on quality products. If you are looking for cheap furniture stores, Tuesday Morning is where you’ll want to shop for coffee tables, accent chairs, unique cabinets, and more. So whether you need an inexpensive gift or something for your home, browse the aisles in a Tuesday Morning store to find a fantastic deal.

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet

Ollie’s sources its inventory through overstock and closeout products. But inspect your items carefully because Ollie’s also sells irregular and refurbished products. You’ll find almost anything you need at Ollie’s.

Dollar Tree Stores

Dollar Tree is a discount variety store that also owns Family dollar. Dollar Tree is known for pricing everything in the store at one dollar. However, over the past couple of years, they have introduced a “Dollar Tree Plus” section of the store where they house products that cost more than one dollar. As a result, you will find many of your everyday necessities at Dollar Tree at exceptional value, saving you money. Shop for personal care items, glassware, home decor, seasonal decor, toys, gift wraps and bags, greeting cards, and more.

Dollar General

Dollar General is another discount variety store to check out if your goal is to save money. Even though the word “dollar” is in the name, be aware you will find most products priced at more than one dollar. This dollar store aims to make shopping easy and affordable by selling products at everyday low prices. Dollar General sells food, personal care items, beauty products, cleaning supplies, clothing, and more. You’ll find some of your favorite brand names on the shelves at Dollar General, along with private-label brands.

Outlet Stores

Locating the nearest outlet stores will lead you to the best discount shopping, especially if you love name brands. You’ll head to the checkout counter with some of the lowest prices on your favorites. Whether you shop at factory stores or upscale premium outlets, you can save on just about any brand you love. From Kate Spade to Under Armour, outlet shopping is a gold mine for bargain hunters.

The Takeaway

Finding the best ways to save money on your necessities is critical with the current state of the economy. And shopping at discount stores makes it easy to pinch pennies without much effort. So next time you shop on a tight budget, check out some of these stores to help stretch your dollars.This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.

A college degree is a sensible way to invest in one’s future, but for many, the financial burden may come at too high a cost. For example, the average cost of a four-year degree in the U.S. is over $140,000.

For some individuals, deciding to enter the workforce directly after secondary school may be the logical financial decision. Not only are there several high paying jobs $100k+ that don’t require a degree, but choosing this path avoids the potential debt burden that can take years to pay down.

Besides the benefit of avoiding student loan debt, many jobs that do not require a degree are less corporate and allow for more flexibility. Many of these jobs are in high-demand fields, and you can find these jobs throughout the U.S. regardless of where you want to live.

You may wonder if you choose to forgo a bachelor’s degree and start working, what jobs will pay a high wage? Compiled below is our list of 21 high paying jobs without requiring a college degree, as supported by data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor.

Top Picks For High Paying Jobs for Travel Lovers

• Commercial Pilots
• Commercial Diver
• Bookkeepers and Auditing Clerks
• Web Developer
• Turbine Service Technician
• Programmer
• Elevator Installer

1. Commercial Pilots

Median Salary: $134,630

Do you dream of flying commercial aircraft with cargo around the world? Or perhaps you want to travel the world – breakfast in London and dinner in New York. Pilots often spend several nights away from home, as flight routes and shifts often require overnight layovers.

Furthermore, pilots often work a non-traditional shift schedule, working several days at a time, followed by several days off. Commercial pilots enjoy one of the highest-paying jobs for individuals without a college degree.

Commercial pilots need to work up to higher-paying jobs, as most start as first officers after meeting their required flight hours. Medical exams are required, and commercial pilots do need to have 20/20 vision, including correction glasses or contacts, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Typical responsibilities include flying cargo, coordinating with the air traffic controller, preparing flight plans, and navigation.

If you want to work for a large airline, zipping passengers across the sky, becoming a commercial pilot is the first step. Airline transportation pilots must meet the further requirement and certificate programs led by the aviation administration (FAA) to ensure they have additional training beyond the commercial pilot’s license.

2. Bookkeepers and Auditing Clerks

Median Salary: $51,910

If you prefer an office job and enjoy basic math and accounting, beginning a career in bookkeeping may open more doors for your future career. Average bookkeeping and auditing clerk jobs start low but work their way higher. Job experience can substitute for a bachelor’s degree if you want to pursue a future career as a tax examiner or tax collector.

Bookkeepers and auditing clerks help institutions record incoming and outgoing payments and financial transactions, help prepare tax statements and payments, produce financial reports, and maintain data using spreadsheets, software, and databases.

Bookkeepers do need to have a high school degree and usually need to have completed some college courses or equivalent in accounting. There is no requirement for a college degree; however, many individuals who start in this field choose to pursue a degree in the future.

3. Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Median Salary: $64,740

Are you a fan of law and order and want to assist lawyers with preparing documents, trial prep, research, and office coordination? A paralegal is a good option if you are looking for a high paying job in an office.

Paralegals need to complete an associate degree for most jobs; however, legal assistants usually have no requirements besides a high school degree.

4. Real Estate Brokers

Median Salary: $61,890

If you are looking for something more entrepreneurial, becoming a real estate agent can deliver an opportunity to earn an extremely high income. The top 10% of brokers make over $100,000 by managing their real estate businesses, making this one of the highest paying median income jobs without requiring a four-year degree. Brokerage job opportunities are currently in high demand, and the high projected growth of the industry provides lots of opportunities for future job growth with high average annual salaries.

Brokers must be licensed and usually begin their careers working under a broker as a sales agent. Sales agents are training roles where you get work experience assisting homeowners and other brokers. After three years, you can become a broker and build your own business.

5. Power Plant Operator

Median Salary: $94,790 per year

It’s the 21st century, and just about everything runs on power. Power plant operators oversee the plants that feed the electric grid and send out electricity for regional and national use.

Power plant operators need extensive on-the-job training; typically, a prerequisite requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

6. Industrial Machinery Mechanics and Millwrights

Median Salary: $60,330

Suppose you are looking to work with heavy machinery. In that case, these roles include installing, repairing, and moving machinery throughout factories or on construction sites. Most skilled millwrights or mechanics require a two-year associate’s degree and learn through a three- or four-year apprenticeship. Median income tends to be higher for millwrights who require more training to set up and move heavy equipment.

Expect additional on-the-job training to take a minimum of one year and sometimes requires some strength and physical ability.

7. Sales Representatives for Services

Median Salary: $60,550

If you enjoy meeting new people and customer relations, a sales representative’s job may be the perfect fit for you. The role includes meeting with individuals and businesses to sell products, sell services, or resolve client issues.

Financial services, travel, insurance, and advertising industries offer a higher average salary. Additionally, jobs include a variable compensation incentive for hitting specific sales targets.

8. Web Developer

Median Salary: $77,030

Are you looking to set your own hours? A career in web development provides a high level of both flexibility and a high annual salary.

Web developers spend two or more years learning how websites work. Other skills include design, user interfaces, platforms, and occasionally some coding (optional). Jobs can be in-house or as freelance work. Generally, web developer jobs only require high school-level education; however, some high paying jobs for large corporations require four-year degrees.

9. Turbine Service Technicians

Median Salary: $63,640

As renewable energy grows and wind turbines pop up everywhere, there is a need to service and maintain these specialized devices. Service technicians are referred to as windtechs in the industry. They often are called for emergency maintenance which may include weekends or holidays.

Becoming a wind turbine service technician requires about one year of on-site training. There are several types of wind turbines, so as a wind turbine technician, you’ll either specialize in one model or need training for multiple turbines. Certification is not required but proves knowledge and competence, as some employers will only hire certified service technicians.

10. Commercial Diver

Median Salary: $60,360

Do you want to work under the water, breathing through commercial SCUBA equipment while you inspect or repair industrial structures? Commercial divers install, repair, and maintain machinery and structure underwater. Divers work with explosives, underwater welding equipment, power tools, and construction equipment in their daily work. These jobs pay well and do not require college degrees.

Certain specialty divers, such as civil engineering construction, pay average salaries above $90,000. Divers do need to hold professional diving certification to learn how to use their diving equipment and minimize risk properly. Make no mistake; commercial divers must face significant danger in a physically demanding job.

11. Electrician

Median Salary: $60,040

If you are interested in a trade career, electricians are among the highest-paying jobs without a degree. Electricians read blueprints and technical diagrams, use various power tools, and install or repair electrical systems.

Becoming an electrician is no easy task. It is a skilled trade. Expect to spend four or five years in an apprenticeship program where you will learn most of the necessary skills on the job. Most states require electricians to pass a licensing test to become certified.

12. Plumber

Median Salary: $59,880

Plumbers are another high-paying vocational trade specializing in water fixtures, heaters, and boilers. Plumbers are needed for residential and commercial properties and often maintain drains, septic tank and sewer systems, water well fittings, and pipes.

Plumbers generally get more ’emergency’ calls than other trade workers because of the nature of water leaks and needs. Be prepared to do calls on weekends or even nights, as these can present opportunities to charge even higher rates for jobs.

Like most trade jobs, vocational schools or technical schools can offer courses to familiarize yourself with job basics. The core of the training comes from an apprenticeship—plan on spending four years minimum to learn the necessary skills and expertise fully. Additionally, most states require a licensing exam and proof of experience to work independently.

13. Firefighters or First-Line Supervisors

Median Salary: $78,230

Firefighters begin their careers at slightly lower salaries. Still, they can quickly work up to supervisory roles in under five years. As a supervisor, you are responsible for the safety, strategy, rescue, and medical services required during fire rescue cases.

Firefighters experience a higher degree of risk than many other jobs, so it’s not a fit for anybody. Firefighters learn emergency medical training and procedures and can moonlight on personal time in other part-time jobs. Some second jobs may include medical training, CPR instruction, and emergency service work.

14. Law Enforcement: Police and Detectives

Median Salary: $83,640 per year

Interested in protecting and serving others? If so, consider a job in law enforcement.

Law enforcement wages will vary greatly depending on the specific jurisdiction. Additionally, state and federal-level officers see higher salaries, with the average federal agent making $93,970. However, many federal agent positions require a college degree, while local and state are more flexible on often only require a high school diploma and, in some cases, an associate degree.

Requirements for applicants vary across cities and states. Some agencies require some college coursework (not necessarily a degree), and some programs prefer applicants with college degrees. Nevertheless, there are jobs available for individuals without college degrees.

Expect extensive training, including classroom instruction and training on location at a police academy. Detectives usually begin their careers as police officers and work up to a detective position.

15. Criminal Investigators

Median Salary: $83,640 per year

Do crime-solving television dramas like CSI or NCIS excite you? Perhaps your calling is to become a criminal investigator. Criminal investigators work crime scenes on and off location to solve cases by collecting facts and studying the evidence.

Unfortunately, crime is an ongoing problem. However, this makes careers in criminal justice especially stable and in demand. Investigators generally work in plain clothes and can expect to learn on the job.

16. Nuclear Power Plant Dispatchers

Median Salary: $104,260 per year

Nuclear power plan dispatchers and operators work in plants that have nuclear power reactors and can earn greater wages than operators in non-nuclear facilities. Nuclear plants and transmission stations have higher security than traditional power plants, and employees can expect to work eight or twelve-hour shifts.

Many companies require prospects to take power plant maintenance and operator exams before applying to see if they are a good fit. Nuclear plant operators receive extensive on-the-job training and must pass a licensing exam from the U.S. Nuclear Regulator Commission. To keep a license, operators must pass an annual plant-operators exam and a medical test.

17. Subway and Elevated Train Operators

Median Salary: $81,180 per year

Many young children love playing with toy trains but probably didn’t know conductors get paid quite well. Operators who conduct subways, elevated trains, or streetcars (without separate locomotives) are often responsible for collecting fares and ensuring train service operates normally.

These jobs are often most available around cities or metropolitan areas where public transportation is a way of life.

18. Locomotive Engineers

Median Salary: $79,740 per year

Locomotive engineers are responsible for driving trains across the country. Engineers are responsible for ensuring the train runs safely and properly. If driving a train across the country full of passengers or freight sounds enticing, a locomotive engineer role may be a great fit.

Depending on the railroad company and available routes, jobs can be short local routes or long-distance cross-country hauls.

19. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

Median Salary: $97,860 per year

High-rises, malls, office buildings, and airports all have tons of elevators and escalators. So it’s no wonder the demand for these powered walkways creates many high paying jobs for individuals without a college degree.

Specialists will spend their days installing as well as repairing elevators and escalators. The best part is you can find these jobs just about anywhere, so if you are looking to move or relocate, finding one of these jobs is within reach. According to The Department of Labor Statistics, there are about 2,100 job openings annually across the U.S.

20. Gambling Service Managers

Median Salary: $76,910

The gambling industry isn’t for everyone, but casinos know how to make lots of money and pay their managers high salaries. Casinos are open every day of the year, 24 hours a day, so expect to have to work shifts on the nights, weekends, and holidays.

Dealers and entry-level casino workers don’t start at particularly high wages. Still, after several years working in a gambling organization, managers can gain a high paying job without a degree.

All gambling workers must be licensed by a regulatory agency, which requires a background and drug test in most states.

21. Programmer

Median Salary: $93,010

If you love computers, have a knack for languages, and enjoy logic problems, a career as a programmer can be an excellent fit. Although some programmers earn degrees in computer science or mathematics, there are many opportunities to find work both in-house for freelance work.

Don’t know where to start? You can take several “coding camps” or college-level courses to start learning without earning a degree. Coders are paid generously for building apps, programs, software, and systems.

Find the Right High-Paying Jobs For You

A college degree is not the only way to riches; just ask Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, or Steve Jobs, who all dropped out but achieved more than just high paying jobs but incredible net worth. Of course, a degree can open some doors more easily. Still, every individual has to weigh the benefits vs. the costs of formal education.

Furthermore, if your goal is to make more money, be sure to learn how to manage your finances wisely and invest your savings to build an additional income. Although a high paying job can help you reach financial independence, learning to budget and grow your hard-earned money will help build your wealth faster.

There is no perfect choice for everyone, but if you choose to forgo a degree, many high paying jobs are available to begin or advance your career.

This article originally appeared on Savoteur.