Having a family is one of the greatest rewards in the world but most certainly isn’t free. When finances get tight, the solution is usually to either cut costs or increase income. So if you’ve already cut back the family budget, here are some cool ideas to help ease the pressure that the whole family can get involved in.

• Show off your skills in the kitchen by starting a part-time home-based catering business. Share those masterpiece birthday cakes with the world and make some money while you’re at it. You can even just start by advertising your beautifully baked goods on a free and easy Facebook page that your friends can like and share. Just make sure to research and comply with your local councils’ bylaws.
• Love animals? Well animal owners go on holiday too, and animal-sitting can be the perfect opportunity to get your animal fix, while making money! You can expand on the animal-sitting by offering dog-walking and bathing services too.
• Share your knowledge on something you’re clued up on! You could tutor school or university students, or even run your own class at your local Community Education programme.
• Hold a garage sale to make money while getting rid of household items you no longer need. If you live on a main road, put up a sign a few days prior, and make sure you have plenty of loose change.
• If you can’t move the products during your garage sale, or you just don’t have the time, list them on Trademe instead! This way you can sell your items closer to market value, and you can just sit back, relax and watch your items sell.
• Utilise spare bedrooms economically and rent them out. Especially good if the room is self-contained, has separate bathroom facilities, or if the room is already furnished, it will be worth more!
• Re-evaluate your transport situation. Do you need two cars, or could you survive on public transport? Sometimes it will actually even get you there faster, can be a lot cheaper, and you don’t have to worry about parking. If you don’t live close to public transport, then look at downgrading or even switch to a moped!
• If you live somewhere that has a lack of parking (so basically any central area of any city), look at renting your vacant car park out! Find out average weekly or monthly charges and advertise on your local community board and on Trademe.
• Start a market stall selling homemade crafts or show off your green thumb by repotting plants from your garden into decorated pots. Use your imagination and don’t forget to include your children in the fun.

If you’re still struggling to make ends meet, head to https://www.sorted.org.nz/ and check out their great tools to help organise your finances.