How to Earn More Money on the Side (While Keeping Your Job)
You’ve already analyzed where your money goes and visualized your financial goals.
You’ve modified your numbers and automated your system with the AVM Spending Plan.
And now, you’ve realized something important — to live the life you truly want, you might need to earn more money.
This is where the third step of the AVM method — Modify — expands its meaning.
It’s not just about how you spend; it’s about how you earn.
Earning more isn’t about working yourself to exhaustion.
It’s about using your skills, creativity, and energy wisely — to build stability, freedom, and peace of mind.
“Security doesn’t come from saving every penny — it comes from knowing you can always create value.”
From Scarcity to Possibility: The Mindset Shift to Earn More Money
Many women over 40 were taught to save, not to earn.
But today, financial freedom doesn’t come from restriction — it comes from expansion.
Instead of asking, “Where can I cut costs?”, ask yourself:
“What can I offer that creates value?”
When you shift from a scarcity mindset to an opportunity mindset, you’ll start noticing dozens of ways to bring in more income — often without adding stress or burnout.
If you haven’t yet explored your money mindset, read Transform Your Money Mindset: From Fear to Confidence to uncover beliefs that might be holding you back.
A True Story: From Stuck to Empowered
A few years ago, one of my clients, Maja, came to me feeling trapped.
She had worked in the same administrative job for over twenty years. Her salary covered the basics, but she constantly worried about the future. Every month felt like a race between paychecks.
She told me,
“I can’t take on another job. I’m exhausted. But I also can’t keep living like this — always worrying.”
We started with the Analyze step — identifying her strengths: organization, communication, and attention to detail.
Then we Visualized — what kind of work could give her both joy and extra income?
Within a few weeks, Maja began helping small local businesses manage their social media accounts. Just one client at first.
Today, she works part-time remotely, earns 30% more than before, and says:
“For the first time in years, I feel in control. I realized I don’t need to work harder — just differently.”
Her story reminds us that financial growth begins not with luck — but with awareness, courage, and small, intentional steps.
How to Make Extra Money
1. Ask for a Raise — The Most Overlooked Way to Earn More
It sounds obvious, but most people never do it.
Why? Because asking for a raise can feel terrifying. We fear rejection or judgment — or we convince ourselves it’s not the right time.
Here’s the truth:
Asking for a raise isn’t about demanding more money — it’s about demonstrating your value.
Many people go to their boss and say, “I work hard, and I deserve more.”
But everyone works hard. That’s not a strategy — that’s an emotion.
What actually works is evidence.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Track your achievements. Create a simple “Wins Portfolio” — a digital or physical folder where you note everything you’ve accomplished, how you improved results, and how your work helped the company earn or save money. If you don’t record it, you’ll forget it.
- Connect your work to outcomes. Did you bring in new clients? Improve efficiency? Save time for your team? Quantify it.
- Practice the conversation. Don’t go in apologetic. Prepare a few sentences that highlight your results and confidence — not entitlement.
- Choose the right timing. After a successful project or before performance reviews, when your achievements are fresh in your boss’s mind.
When you come prepared with proof, the energy shifts — you’re no longer asking, you’re presenting evidence.
Even if the answer is “not right now,” you’ve planted a seed of recognition. You’ve shown initiative and courage — qualities every leader notices.
It might feel overwhelming just thinking about it.
Start small. Track your achievements — so you’ll have them ready when the opportunity comes.
Small steps today build the confidence you’ll need tomorrow.
You can also revisit Modify Your Habits: Small Financial Changes That Make a Big Difference to strengthen your action plan and money routines.
2. Turn Your Skills Into Side Income and Earn More Money
Take a fresh look at what you already do well.
What could you turn into a side hustle or small service?
Here are a few examples:
- A teacher could tutor online.
- A designer could sell templates on Etsy.
- A social worker could offer coaching or create digital guides.
- A hobby baker could sell weekend treats.
- A consultant could advise small businesses.
- A photographer could offer portrait sessions.
- A handy person could provide local repair services.
Start small – even one client can help you earn more money and gain confidence.
If you’d like help identifying your strengths, the reflection prompts in Analyze Your Finances: How to Understand Where Your Money Really Goes can help clarify where your time and talent bring the most value.
3. Explore Freelancing and Remote Work
If you have marketable skills, consider the growing world of freelancing and remote work.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer let you offer your services to clients across the world.
Even a few hours a week can help you save for your next goal or build financial security.
Pro tips:
- Choose projects that match your strengths and bring you joy.
- Set your hourly rate based on your value, not your self-doubt.
Popular freelance fields include:
- Web development
- Digital marketing
- Graphic design
- Social media management
- Virtual assistance
These flexible options are perfect if you want more control over your time and income — without giving up stability.
Combine this approach with the AVM Spending Plan to manage your income and expenses more consciously.
4. Build Passive Income Streams
Passive doesn’t mean effortless — it means you build something once and earn from it over time.
Try:
- Writing an e-book or online course.
- Creating printables or digital products for Etsy or Gumroad.
- Starting a blog or YouTube channel that earns from ads or affiliate links.
- Investing in ETFs or index funds for long-term growth.
Each of these starts small, but consistency compounds.
Imagine where you could be in five or ten years if you started today.
For more guidance on setting realistic goals for these projects, read Visualize Your Financial Future: How to Set Money Goals That Feel Right.
5. Try Small Jobs to Earn More Money
If you prefer practical, short-term work, there are always options like:
- Food delivery or Uber driving
- Dog walking or pet sitting
- House sitting
- Bookkeeping
- Event assistance
Each job might seem small, but it adds up — and sometimes leads to bigger opportunities or useful connections.
Feel Secure, Not Overworked
You don’t need five jobs.
You need one smart strategy that aligns with your energy and talents.
When your income sources reflect who you are and what you love, you’ll feel more confident, capable, and free.
“Financial freedom is not about luck. It’s about conscious design.”
For long-term peace of mind, revisit the Financial Planning cornerstone article — it ties all the AVM steps together into one clear system for financial balance.
Your Next Step
Download your free “Income Expansion Ideas” guide — a collection of practical, realistic side income ideas for women over 40 who want more financial freedom without burnout.
👉 Get your free guide now
Key Takeaways
- To earn more money isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter and aligning your energy with what matters.
- Confidence grows when you document your achievements and align your skills with real opportunities.
- Every new income stream — no matter how small — is a step toward security and freedom.
Download free AVM spending plan.
