Having a family is one of the greatest privileges on Earth. Together with your partner, you bring little versions of yourself into the world and raise them to be functional adults.

Daughter holding hands elderly woman's

The years in between are filled with joy, laughter, and challenges that make life all the more exciting.

With a family comes greater responsibility. It is up to you to take care of them and raise them from little babies to young adults who are ready to tackle life on their own. One of the biggest concerns that many parents have is providing a positive lifestyle for their kids. You want the best for them, which means providing shelter, food, clothing, and all the other necessities for human survival.

Perhaps you are not comfortable with the amount of money you are currently making. Maybe you want the best for your kids, but your current financial situation is making things a little tight. Finding extra sources of income can provide you with peace of mind and the freedom to care for your family the way you want.

Certificate of Deposit

Most people have some money sitting in their savings accounts. Maybe this money is set aside for a rainy day, or it will become part of a college fund for your kids or retirement money for yourself. Why not let that money help you earn some more? Most savings accounts have pretty low-interest rates that will not generate very much over time. If you put some of that money into a Certificate of Deposit, you would receive better returns. CDs are like temporary savings accounts. You put a certain amount of money in, and as long as you do not withdraw any money during the term length, you will receive a guaranteed return. This is perfect for people who have money in savings that isn’t going anywhere.

Real Estate Investing

Owning property, or portions of a property, is one of the most popular investing strategies. Over time, a property typically appreciates, so owning it for a while can benefit you if you sell it in the future. You can also rent out property that you own to receive rental income. Another real estate investing strategy involves REITs or real estate investment trusts. They are much less risky since you are only putting a little bit of money into them, and finding properties to invest in is left to the professionals at the trust. Then, you simply receive dividends when profits come in. You can even turn part of your home into a separate studio apartment and collect rent from a tenant to help cover your mortgage and other expenses. Either way, the real estate industry is full of opportunities to make more money for your family.

Freelancing Side Gigs

The gig economy is booming right now, especially because of the impact that the pandemic has had on the workforce. All of a sudden, normally stable jobs had become unpredictable during those years, and many workers sought other means of making money as a result. Becoming a freelancer is a common path to extra income, and some people even make it their primary source of income. Certain skills can be marketed and sold as an individual. Perhaps you are a great writer and could offer your blogging skills to local organizations. Maybe you have a specific trade skill and you could offer repair services as a sole proprietor. You could even land a data entry gig that is done remotely from your home office. Many gigs are temporary and do not require a lot of time, so they can supplement your main income effectively.

Veteran Disability Benefits

Those who have served in the armed forces often make tremendous sacrifices. Perhaps you are a veteran and you have returned to civilian life with a service-related injury or illness. The Department of Veterans Affairs exists to help you with this transition and support your needs as you get older. One of these support systems is the disability benefits program. When you file a claim and get approved, you will receive monthly tax-free payments that can be a huge help for your family. Navigating the claims process can be complicated, so you may need the help of a VA Claims Insider. With a successful claim, you will be better able to support your family.

Stock Trading

The stock market is a huge opportunity to make some extra money, though it comes with significant risks. It is a game of betting on stocks whose value may rise and getting in when share prices are lower. You can focus on short-term deals known as day-trading or you can invest in stocks that you believe will grow over time. Trading stocks is not for everyone, and you should be willing to do a lot of research to identify which shares will generate positive returns that will help secure your family’s future.

Do What is Best For Your Family

If you want to provide the best lifestyle for your growing family, then it may require some risk. When the primary income source is not enough, you need to be creative in finding new ways to make money. Whether that means investing in real estate, receiving benefits as a veteran, or trading stocks, you can secure a brighter future with these sources of extra income.