Are you a stay-at-home mom and always find it hard to pay some of the bills in time? You could also be yearning to make your own cash to avoid depending on your man for everything.

You might want to supplement the family’s income, too. Well, that shouldn’t be hard as many stay-at-home moms have already proved that one can make a lot of cash working from home.

Think about it, being a housewife does mean you do not have any skills that you can exploit to make some money for yourself or to support your husband by paying some of the bills.

Put those skills to good use 

Though some women might prefer to sit back and look after their home and kids when get married, you can use all the free time in between these chores to do some consultancy work, or knit as well as provide online support services, among others. It is important to understand that being a stay-at-home mum does not condemn one to earning little or no money at all. 

You can examine what you are good at to help you uncover opportunities to make money as you look after your kids. Being skilled at something or being able to do something should be the beginning of your journey to make good money as a housewife. This road has already been trodden so it should not scare you; seek advice from other women that work from home. Your social network site, be it Facebook or Twitter, could give you key contacts and deep insights on how to get started on the journey to economic independence.

Work smart

Making more money as a stay-at-home mum does not necessarily mean that one has to earn more. Spending less can be an alternative way you can use as a housewife to save more money to support your family or give yourself a treat once in a while. The key issue is about using your creativity to earn while looking after your kids and being the ‘good wife’. This is because you don’t have a whole day to do these money-minting activities, so it is essential to work smart. Creating monthly goals can also be an outstanding way to keep you on track and manage your time.

Other project options

There are many good business opportunities housewives and stay-at-home moms can exploit to start income-generating projects, like making jewelry and beads, writing children stories and baby-sitting children from the neighbourhood. One can also try their hand on selling home baked snacks to neighbours, making handicrafts or engaging in piggery or poultry, if you have enough savings to undertake these medium to long-term projects.

Have your say

Susan Mukasano, a project supervisor at AJPRODHO, a non-profit youth organisation, says stay-at-home moms must invest in planning, research and preparing fully before starting out. Mukasano advises housewives looking to start working from home to exploit those areas they are passionate about; like bakery, writing, provision of counseling services and working private as a coach.

Peace Kansanga, who runs ITUZE cake bakery, says one does not need academic qualifications or work experience to be able to make extra money. "If you are passionate about something or have a hobby, that’s a good starting point,” she says.