Increase Your Income in Ways Most People Don’t Know

Like it or not, money is a reality we all have to face. Most of us understand that the things that are really important in life are experiences, friends, and family, but it is hard to escape the fact that financial freedom gives you a lot more time to make the most of those things. Couple that with the fact that not being able to pay your bills is one of the most stressful experiences a person can have, and you begin to understand that the ability to generate income is a key skill for most people. So what can you do to most effectively increase income?

1. Make a plan.

As with most things in life, the key to making money is to have a good plan in place. Having a set of instructions to follow will keep you on task and help you feel like you are making progress even on days when it is hard to see any movement. Each week, think of what you want to accomplish and write down the things you will need to do to get there. Break down the steps you will take to reach you goal and assign each of them to a day on your calendar. When that day comes, make sure you are doing everything you can to move towards success.

2. Prioritize your actions.

It is a simple fact of life that 20% of the work you do will be responsible for 80% of the success you achieve. Whether you call it the 80/20 rule or Pareto’s Principle, the lesson remains the same: you should prioritize the 20% of your work that is likely to lead to success. Identify and focus your energy on proven sources of income or projects with a good probability of paying off big time. You still need the other 80%, which is usually side projects or ideas in the making, but build your day around your core projects and avenues for success.

3. Try something new.

Nothing will erode your confidence like spinning your wheels on a project that ends up going nowhere. If you have committed a lot of time to a project that isn’t paying off, don’t be afraid to walk away. There is a principle in psychology called justification of effort that says people are more committed to things that they have invested a lot of time and energy in already. This can lead to stubbornly wasting your time on things that will never pay off. Know when you cut your losses and move on to something new.

4. Say “no.”

Your time is the most valuable resource you have and overextending yourself will drain it. Taking on too many projects will also lead to increased stress and less opportunity to pursue exciting opportunities. Cultivate your ability to say no to things. When a new opportunity comes along, ask yourself if the investment of time it requires is likely to pay off in a way that you feel is appropriate. If the answer is no, walk away.

5. Surround yourself with success.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but a great way to achieve financial success is to act like you already have. The notion of “fake it until you make it” actually holds some water. If you spend your time hanging out with successful people in places where money tends to concentrate itself, you will stumble into more opportunities to achieve success yourself. Make friends with people who have already achieved what you hope to achieve and use those ties to your advantage.

6. Be a leader.

A well-known key to success in business and in life is the ability to recognize an opportunity before anyone else. With that in mind, you should always be on the lookout for the next great path to success. Keep your mind as open as possible and never stop engaging with the world in creative ways. Expose yourself to as many conflicting perspectives as you can by reading books to disagree with and taking meetings with people you don’t like. Viewing something from all angles is the best way to really understand it and will help you blaze a new trail.

7. Understand time versus replication.

The idea of time is so important, it is worth mentioning again. It is the only resource you can’t do anything to change. No matter who you are or how much money you make, there will still only be 24 hours in a day. For that reason you should focus your energy on sources of income that you can easily reproduce. Do something once and then replicate it as many times as possible to bring in the most money. This is the philosophy promoted my creator of the Dilbert comic strip Scott Adams in his book How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big and it holds true for you too. Now he makes a living drawing a single comic and having it published in thousands of newspapers all over the world. Time is valuable, so make sure your work transcends it

Eight Things That Can Boost Your Pay

Did you know employers sometimes pay a premium for the right education and experience? Or that you might be able to earn more by doing the same job in a larger company? In fact, these could be some of your strongest negotiating points in your next performance review, job interview, or request for a promotion.

Employers typically adjust their market data when determining how much to pay a specific employee to do the job. In other words, they price the "space" - the position in the organization - before they price the "face," or the person doing that job. After they determine the value of the position by researching the data on pay practices for comparable jobs at comparable companies, they adjust the data to reflect the employee's background and experience.

Employees now have access to the same caliber data as HR departments, including data that reflects salary secrets like the eight things that can boost your pay.

Finding the Best Data
The data in the Salary Wizard is a great starting point for determining what employers are paying for a specific job in a specific location. The salaries are national averages to which an adjustment has been applied to account for broad geographic differences in pay.

The next step is to dig deeper into the numbers. In addition to geography, other factors have an influence on how much a job pays, including the size of the organization and the industry in which the employer does business. Geography, company size, and industry all affect the value an employer puts on the "space." The Personal Salary Report provides data pertaining to jobs in a specific combination of industry, geography, and company size.

Eight Things That Can Boost Your Pay
The value of the "face" - the person doing the job - is the value of the "space" adjusted for characteristics known to have an influence on an individual's pay. Salary.com calls these "personal variables," adjusting for eight personal variables in the Personal Salary Report.

They include the following:

1. Years of experienceTypically, more experience results in higher pay – up to a point. Similarly, if the position calls for someone with 10 years of experience in a particular occupation, and you don't meet those requirements, you may find yourself on the lower end of the pay scale. 
   
   Negotiation tip: emphasize your years of experience if you have slightly more than what's required; if you have too much experience, you may be overqualified.
   
2. Education
   The match between your education and what's normally required for your job usually affects your pay. Plus, the quality of education can affect salary. Earning a degree from a top program typically has a positive influence on pay, while earning a degree from a school that's considered weak in a particular field may decrease your earning potential.
   
   Negotiation tip: emphasize your education if it is more than what's called for in the job - and it's relevant.
   
3. Performance reviews
   Since most employers base their pay decisions at least partly on individual performance, this is an important variable when being considered for a pay increase or promotion. Even when applying for a new job, this information may be important to your prospective employer, as it gives a more complete picture of your abilities.
   
   Negotiation tip: performance has a significant impact on pay, especially incentive pay.
   
4. Boss
   The more discretion and latitude you have in relation to your company's success, the more directly your decisions and actions will affect the bottom line – and your own. And if your boss is higher on the corporate hierarchy, his or her recommendations concerning your pay have less chance to be overridden in the cycles of review.
   
   Negotiation tip: in the interview process, find out who the position reports to, along with the position's potential for growth.
   
5. Number of reports
   The more employees you manage, the higher your pay in certain jobs. Of course, your level of success is also based on the performance of the employees you manage.
   
   Negotiation tip: emphasize the successes of those who report to you or who reported to you in your previous position.
   
6. Professional associations and certifications
   Certifications and memberships in professional organizations or trade associations can have a positive effect on pay. However, if a job calls for a certification you don't have, you might not get the job or your pay might be set at the lower end of the range. Some employers require employees without certifications to work toward them.
   
   Negotiation tip: if you have a certification that is optional, but considered a plus, that means you can expect to earn a little more because of it.
   
7. Shift differentials
   In certain jobs, workers may be expected to perform tasks during less favorable shift times. These employees are typically paid a premium due to the higher social and physical costs involved in working outside "normal work hours." In jobs that don't normally operate on more than one shift, the differential is negligible and usually only taken into account when a nonsalaried employee works overtime or on a special project.
   
   Negotiation tip: you can expect to earn a little extra for working the second or third shift.
   
8. Hazardous working conditions
   In certain jobs, workers are expected to perform tasks under dangerous working conditions. Dangerous working conditions can be defined to include anything from handling dangerous chemicals in a research facility to walking a police beat in a dangerous section of town. Jobs that fall into this category are usually regulated by outside authorities, including labor unions and the government.

20 tips to boost your income

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Watching the pennies: middle Britain is feeling the pinch in the current financial crisis 

12:01AM BST 29 May 2008

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Ways for cash-strapped households to generate extra funds. By Niki Chesworth

Rising numbers of families are surviving the credit crisis by finding a second income, proving that necessity is the mother of invention.

• Sex and the city generation tighten their designer belts
• A budget for your lifestyle
• More about savings

Middle Britain, in particular, is feeling the pinch with more than one-in-seven households with earnings above £30,000 feeling forced to find additional sources of income, according to the insurer AXA.

In the boom years, millions used rising house prices to fund lavish lifestyles. Today, with falling property prices, that is no longer an option.

So what other ways are there for cash-strapped households to generate extra funds?

PROPERTY

As a family's biggest asset – and its biggest financial commitment – the family home is the most obvious place to look for ways to generate cash.

1 Take in a lodger
It means giving up the spare room and giving up some privacy. However, the rent is tax-free up to £4,250 a year – or just over £80 a week – under the Rent-a-Room scheme.

Householders should inform their insurance company first. For details go to www.direct.gov.uk.
Suitable for: Empty-nesters and young buyers struggling to pay their mortgages.

If you do not have a spare room, you could consider turning the living room into a bedsit.

2 Rent out the garage or parking space
Obviously, this only applies to those who have a spare space and who live in areas of high demand. Spotted on one South London street last week was a "To Let"sign by a parking space in the rear of someone's garden – for £150 a month.

Owners of properties near major sporting events and other attractions often also turn their lawns and drives into make-shift car parks.
Suitable for: Those with a garage or spare bit of land who live in towns and cities where it is hard to park.

3 Rent out the whole house 
This is an option for those really strapped for cash. Rather than wait for arrears to mount and risk repossession, renting out the family home and moving in with relatives or to a much cheaper property may be a better solution than losing it.

The other advantage is that if the family moves back in after a year or so, then the gains made when they sell should remain tax-free. Mortgage lenders and insurers should be informed.
Suitable for: Anyone seriously struggling to meet mortgage payments and who does not want to sell up when prices are falling.

4 Get domestic help to live in
Four-in-10 households now employ domestic help, spending an estimated £7billion a year, according to a recent survey from Legal & General. Those with larger properties who cannot bear to give up on their home help, can offer a free room in exchange for so many hours of cleaning and ironing each week.
Suitable for: Property-rich but cash poor – those with larger homes but smaller incomes – who do not want to give up the domestic.

5 Change childcare for an au pair 
Childcare is now one of the biggest bills for those with young families, costing up to £39,000 a year, according to the 2008 Daycare Trust survey.

The yearly cost of a nursery place for a child under two averages over £8,000 a year in England – and is rising by well above inflation. This is cash that has to come out of taxable pay.

An alternative for those who need between five and seven hours of childcare a day for five days a week is an au pair (and they double as a babysitter, saving even more). Au pairs plus – as they are called – can work up to 40 hours a week.
Suitable for: Mainly those with school-age children who can get low-cost before- and after-school care, babysitting and a home help from £60 a week.

6 Turn the second home into a holiday rental 
Over 600,000 of us own a second home, with 240,000 of these in England and many more abroad.

Second-home ownership has risen by a fifth in the past 14 years, during which time house prices have tripled. Now a study from Capital Economics predicts that some 60,000 of these could be sold off because of the slump.

An alternative is to let it. This will affect the homeowner's tax position so they should seek advice first – and also inform their mortgage lender and insurer.
Suitable for: Anyone with a second home that they could rent out to long-term tenants or as short-term holiday lets.

POSSESSIONS

The average household is estimated to have £1,000-worth of unwanted goods lying around – goods that could be turned into hard cash.

7 Sell unwanted and valuable items 
Heirlooms left to gather dust, collectable china that is never used, the flat-screen TV that is no longer affordable and never-worn designer clothes – all are relatively easy to sell on online auction sites such as eBay.

The alternative for valuable antiques is an auction and for low-cost items, try a car-boot sale.

The credit crisis is already hitting home, with families now selling off the family silver – eBay says that fine jewellery sales are up 69 per cent and antique furniture sales up by 30 per cent.
Suitable for: Everyone. Those who cannot face mastering eBay can use a service such as www.serialsellers.com or www.i-sold4u.com. Look online to find what is selling.

8 Convert goods to cash
Pawnbrokers – usually old-fashioned jewellery shops – offer a way to turn valuables into cash. Pawnbroking contracts last for six months with interest charged monthly.

The alternative is to sell the item – for example, in Cash Converters – for money upfront or to use the company's buy-back scheme – giving cash today that has to be repaid in 28 days, when the goods are bought back plus a fee. Valuables can mean anything from a watch or set of golf clubs to a musical instrument.
Suitable for: Anyone who is desperate for cash in a hurry.

TIME

Anyone who has time to "sell" can generate cash.

9 Put in more paid overtime 
One-in-five employees is paid overtime, according to the TUC. However, even more put in overtime that is unpaid, with some five million people in the UK missing out on potential earnings of £4,955 a year. Asking for at least some of this to be paid can be a fast way to generate extra income.
Suitable for: Anyone putting in free overtime – and who is brave enough to ask to be paid for it.

10 Take on a second job 
One-in-10 workers now has a second job to boost income. The advantage of working unsociable hours at nights or Sundays is that the pay tends to be higher.

Wages for even low-skilled jobs, such as shelf-stacking in a supermarket (which can also offer staff discounts), can be up to £8 an hour. Other possibilities include bar work, mini-cab driving and being a security guard.
Suitable for: Those who need the cash and who also have the necessary stamina.

11 Sell from home 
Direct selling is the largest provider of part-time earning opportunities in the UK – with sales of £2billion every year. Companies range from long-established names such as Avon to Amway to Usborne books and The Pampered Chef.

Earnings can be as much as 30 per cent of everything sold. Be aware that some companies pay in kind, rather than cash. Always use a member of the Direct Selling Association – www.dsa.org.uk.
Suitable for: Anyone with the time and inclination who enjoys hosting parties and does not mind selling to friends and family.

12 Sell your time 
Our time-poor society creates opportunities for anyone based at home – either because they are retired or looking after children.

Offer to take in deliveries for neighbours (to save them waiting in all day) or to let in builders/repairmen etc. Then encourage them to recommend your service to others.
Suitable for: Anyone at home all day.

SKILLS

13 Set up as a freelance 
The same skills that enable millions of employees to earn a living by day can be sold to others at evenings and weekends. Provided the employer agrees (to ensure job security and that any employment contract is not breached, it is best to check first), it is possible to sell skills – typing, bookkeeping, graphic design, copywriting, editing – to others through sites such as www.PeoplePerHour.com.
Suitable for: Anyone who has a skill that can be sold on a freelance basis.

14 Teach others a skill 
It could be years of practising yoga, a reputation as an artist, being a brilliant bridge player or having a musical talent – anyone who has a skill and the ability to communicate can turn this into a money-spinner by learning to teach it to others.
Suitable for: Those highly competent in a particular area and who are prepared to teach others (and possibly train for a professional qualification to do so).

15 Sell what you make
From the local café selling home-baked cakes made by a stay-at-home mum to a cottage industry selling hand-crafted pottery or hand-knitted sweaters – there are thousands of small businesses successfully selling what they make. For food in particular, it is essential to ensure regulations are met. Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk for guidance on setting up a business at home, marketing and red tape.

When starting a business, you should register with the tax authorities – www.hmrc.gov.uk.
Suitable for: Those with a hobby or skill – knitting, carpentry, cooking, jam-making, pottery or arts and crafts – who believe there is demand for what they make.

MISSING AND UNCLAIMED MILLIONS

If you need some extra cash, it is worthwhile searching drawers and documents for forgotten assets.

16 Unclaimed assets
It is estimated that £15bn lies unclaimed in forgotten life insurance policies, investments and pensions as well as unclaimed Premium Bond prizes and free shares from former mutual building societies. These can all be traced through the Unclaimed Assets Register (www.uar.co.uk). Searching the register costs £18, with 10 per cent of this going to charity.
Suitable for: Everyone – but particularly those who have moved and as such may be harder for financial companies and former employers to trace.

17 Unclaimed tax credits
Britons will miss out on £3.6 billion in tax credits this year, according to a new report from IFA Promotion, the organisation that promotes independent financial advice. This includes one in every four pensioners who fail to claim their Pension Credits, resulting in a wastage of just over £2 billion.
Suitable for: Anyone on a low income or a pensioner should check entitlement to tax credits. It may surprise some families that tax credits may be available for those households with combined earning of as much as £66,000 a year. Visit www.hmrc.gov.uk to check entitlement.

18 Overpaid tax
In addition, eight-in-10 people pay more tax than necessary, with the average person paying £290 more tax than they need to each year. The most common sources of waste are:

• Tax paid on savings. £263 million of tax could be avoided by sheltering investments in Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). Also consider a Friendly Society savings account or products from National Savings & Investments. In addition, some £330 million could be reclaimed each year by non-taxpayers who have had tax deducted from savings.

• Too much tax on investments. Transfer assets to a lower or non-taxpaying spouse to ensure income is taxed at a lower rate – or not at all. Making the most of the annual capital gains tax allowance (CGT) – which allows profits of up to £9,600 per person to be taken tax-free this year – could save couples £264 million each year. For more tips visit www.unbiased.co.uk/taketaxaction.

Suitable for: Everyone, particularly those with savings and investments.

19 Compensation claims
Unfair credit card charges, mis-sold endowment policies and mis-sold payment protection policies mean consumers may get money back. Anyone charged £20 or so for late payment or being over the limit on a credit card can get the excess above £12 refunded for the past six years.

Anyone who has remortgaged in the past few years and was charged a mortgage exit fee higher than in the original mortgage agreement can also claim compensation. Visit www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk.
Suitable for: Everyone should check if they are due some compensation.

ASSETS

This section is for those who are really desperate and possibly already in debt.

20 Cash in investments, endowments or the pension
It is not an ideal time to cash in any investments. However, those who are desperate can consider cashing in their policies. Always seek independent financial advice, as investors can offer suffer penalties for cashing in policies before their term is up. Visit www.unbiased.co.uk to find an independent financial adviser.

Also consider selling rather than surrendering endowment policies (investors often get a higher price) using a traded endowment policy company. If an endowment is linked to a mortgage, check with the lender first.

Anyone with a personal pension who has reached the age of 50 can take up to 25 per cent of this fund – free of tax – and reinvest the rest until retirement. Those with employer pensions may find it harder to take the cash early.
Suitable for: People with immediate needs, including those with larger pension funds struggling to meet liabilities such as private school fees.

Case study: net extra cash

Like one-in-10 workers, Helen Castree, 29, has a job on the side – earning extra money in the evenings and weekends working as a freelance part-time personal assistant.

After getting married a couple of years ago, she was looking for a way to generate extra income to pay into the mortgage before starting a family.

"I thought that, as I have a skill, I might as well use it," said Mrs Castree, from Shropshire. She found the easiest way to get work was via the internet and signed up with the free service, www.PeoplePerHour.com, to bid for work – which can be done remotely for businesses and individuals across the country.

"I have been able to get involved in a range of projects including copy typing, web content design and administration, all work that I can do in the evenings and at weekends," said Mrs Castree.

"This extra work puts me on a much better financial footing and does not cost me anything as I work from home and already have a computer.

"When we start a family, it will be an ideal way to supplement our family income as I can fit this type of work around children.

"It is also important to remember that you are running a business. I keep records and receipts of all income and spending and take a proportion out of each job and set it aside for my tax liability."

Natural Remedies To Get Fair Skin in 7 Days

Do you want a fairer, flawless and smoother skin tone in just a week? Every person wishes for a lighter skin tone than they were born with.To achieve the desired color they often turn to skin lightening creams and pills.These whitening creams are often found to contain dangerous chemicals that can cause severe rashes, uneven bleaching of the skin and can also give rise to various other skin imperfections.

Mother Nature has bestowed us with countless natural ingredients to lighten skin color safely and effectively.There are few timeless natural beauty secrets that can make your skin fairer in just 7 days.These remedies help reduces the production of melanin in the skin and helps in achieving a much fairer and brighter complexion.Just follow any 3 of these remedies regularly to get fair skin tone naturally and fast.

Natural Remedies To Get Fair Skin in a Week

Skin Whitening Apple Cream (Instant Fairness)

Apple is a miracle fruit for the skin.The alpha hydroxy acids or AHA’s present in apples improves skin color and elasticity of the skin.Soak peeled apple slices in milk for 20 minutes and then blend to form a creamy paste.Place in the freezer for 10 minutes, and then mix a tsp of lemon juice, apply all over your face and neck.Rinse off after 15 minutes with cool water and massage an ice cube.The skin looks baby soft, smooth with a rosy white glow.Follow this for a week to get fair skin naturally.

Chilled Orange juice (Healthy Fairness Toner)

Orange juice keeps your skin healthy and fair.You can use it as a natural fairness toner for your skin.The vitamin C and Vitamin A present in an orange juice minimized spots, pigmentation and give an evenly toned fairer complexion naturally.Take 3 tbsp of chilled orange juice, dip a small cotton wool in this and dab on the face gently.Let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes and then wash off with cold water.Repeat this for up to 7 days to get fair skin.

Tomato Juice as Lightening Cleanser

Mash half-ripe tomato pulp, mix a tsp of baking soda and a tsp of honey.Mix it well.Gently rub this mixture all over your face and neck.Wash after 5 minutes.It dissolves all impurities from the skin, reduces the production of melanin in the skin, protects the skin from UV damage and gives an oil-free, noticeably light skin tone.

4 Instant Healthy Whitening & Brightening Moisturizers | Get Shiny Plump Youthful Skin

Papaya and Cucumber Whitening Face Pack

Place an equal amount of ripe papaya slices and cucumber slices into the blender and blend until smooth.Mix a tsp of fresh milk cream and then apply it on your face and neck.Wash off after 20 minutes.This face pack is enriched with skin whitening enzymes, healthy vitamins, and powerful antioxidants that boost collagen production in the skin, treats skin imperfections like discoloration, dark marks, pigmentation and gives a clear, snow-white skin.Use this face pack regularly to get a visibly fairer skin.

Lemon and Aloe Vera for Instant Fair Skin

One of the easiest and simplest way to get a white glow on your face is by rubbing aloe vera-lemon ice cubes.To prepare, just dissolve 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel and 1/2 squeezed lemon juice to a half cup of water, pour into the ice-cube tray and freeze.Daily in the morning, massage this ice-cube for 2 minutes.Repeat every day for best results.This boost blood circulation in the face leaves skin fairer, amazingly refreshed and glossy.

Curd and Turmeric Fairness Mask

This is one of the best natural remedies to get fair skin instantly. The lactic acid in curd is great for whitening skin and turmeric is an anti-aging and fairness agent.Mix a tsp of turmeric, 1 tsp of honey and 3 tbsp of thick fresh curd.Keep in the refrigerator for 20 minutes and apply this cold paste to your clean face.Wash off after 15 minutes.It incredibly nourishes the skin, improves skin texture and adds a white golden glow to the skin.Use this pack every alternate day for best fairness results.

Brightening Lemon juice and Glycerin Moisturizer

In a small bowl mix a tsp of lemon juice, 2 tsp of glycerin and 1 tsp of rose water, use this lotion to moisturize your skin at night.Apply all over your face and neck.In the morning, your skin looks fresh, super-soft and glowing.Lemon juice is packed with amazing skin nutrients and antioxidants that help unveils a clearer, fairer and radiant complexion.The citric acid in lemon has a mild bleaching effect on the skin.Glycerin and rose water tones and moisturize the skin. 

           

Exfoliate with Strawberry Fairness Scrub

Strawberry is one of the best fruits to lighten skin fast and naturally.Just mash a ripe strawberry, mix a tsp of brown sugar or white sugar and a tsp of honey.Massage it on your skin for 2 to 3 minutes.Within 3 days you skin look naturally shiny, glowing and marble white.

Almond and Milk Skin Whitening & Polishing Mask

Soak few almonds in milk overnight.In the morning, grind these soaked almonds with the milk into a fine paste.Place a hot towel on your face and neck for 1 minute and then massage this almond paste.Let it sit for 5 minutes and then wash off with cool water.This mask improves the texture and color of your skin, boost your facial radiance and imparts a luminous fairer shine.Use this pack regularly if you want to get a fair skin in a week.

Skin Lightening Corn Flour & Pineapple Face Pack 

A special face pack formulated for dull, tanned skin tones.It restrains the production of melanin to help you achieve fair skin tone.The vitamin A and Vitamin C contained in pineapple juice fights the signs of aging, uneven skin tone and blemishes.To prepare this skin lightening pineapple face pack, you require 3 tbsp of fresh pineapple juice, 2 tsp of corn flour and few drops of rose water.Apply a thick coat of this paste onto your clean face and after 20 minutes wash off with cool water.

Rice powder, Banana and Milk Instant Brightening Creamy Mask

Mash a small-sized fully ripe banana using the back of a spoon.Add 2 tsp of rice powder and 4 tsp of cold milk.Mix it well and apply a thick layer on your face and neck.Wash off after 15 minutes.This face pack moisturizes and conditions the skin, smooths out wrinkles, lightens dark spots, pimple marks and gives a translucent, softer and fairer skin tone

How to Increase Your Income by 60 Percent

Let’s face it — opportunities to significantly increase your income are few and far between. I was lucky enough to leverage a 60-percent increase from January to June of this year. To start, here is what my income looked like in January 2014. (Note: All of the dollar amounts are take-home, after-tax income.)

I’m not going to break down the percentages specifically, but my total income in January 2014 was $3950.00 for the whole month. In May 2014 I made $6481.00which is a 64-percent increase over the six months prior. It looks better in a pie chart.

Here’s how I was able to make it happen:

 
I Increased My Salary
Back in February I was unexpectedly laid off from my job. Shocking as it was, I was able to find a much better job within two weeks. Even better, as I was able to negotiate a large increase in salary.

Getting a new job, whether within the same organization or at a completely different place, is the single best chance you have of increasing your monthly take-home pay. Forbes just reported that employees who stay in companies longer than two years make up to 50 percent less. You don’t want that to be you.

It can be difficult, and often uncomfortable negotiating a new salary when you’re already antsy for a new job and stable income, but it is worth it to stick to your guns. There are two ways to increase a salary: either by receiving a raise, or getting a better paying job. The largest percentage of my income increase came from my new job.

I Adjusted My Side Hustle
I make extra money on top of my job in two ways: a small amount of advertising revenue from my blog, and money from monthly freelance work I do for clients. “Side Hustle” money is amazing, because you have complete control of it, and you can get really creative with what you can do to bring in extra money. I do freelance writing, but I have a friend who runs an Etsy store, and one who bakes cakes in her spare time and sells them to family and friends. Just because it isn’t as lucrative as your full-time job doesn’t mean the money can’t be helpful. I know for me my “side money” is the easiest to save, since I don’t budget it into my monthly expenses and income.

Diversifying your income streams, either through multiple jobs, a side hustle, or a rental property is always a good idea. It’s like owning stock; you don’t want all of your stocks to be in one company... just in case said company goes under. I was thankful for my freelancing income when I got laid off. It couldn’t completely replace the income, but it gave me peace of mind and allowed me to wait for the right opportunity.

I Picked Up A Tenant

It took me awhile to make the decision, but I was finally able to find a renter for the third bedroom in my home. As you can see I was making zero dollars from tenant income in January, and now it accounts for about seven percent of my income. No one enjoys losing privacy, particularly if you are a homeowner, but If you have spare bedrooms in your home, you could be leaving cash on the table.

As you can see, it took three tactics to increase my income by over 60 percent. Keep that in mind if you’re looking to increase your own: every little bit helps, and every approach could be worth something in the end

The 3 Best Ways to Boost Your Earnings This Year

When you hit a fitness plateau, taking a new class or picking up a sport can be the key to breaking through to the next level. The same concept applies to your career. Landing a new job will likely result in a salary 18% to 20% higher than what you'd get via an internal promotion, according to a study by Wharton professor Matthew Bidwell.

Thanks to a rapidly rebounding job market, this is the best year since the recession to get a new gig. More than one-third of employers expect to add full-time employees in 2015, according to CareerBuilder's annual job forecast, up from one in four last year. Here's how to stand out.

1. Get the Inside Scoop

Employee referrals generate a full 40% of new hires, according to the JobVite 2014 Recruiting Survey. So rather than scouring the job boards, talk to people you know and ask about openings at their firms. Love a certain company but don't know anyone there? Reach out to your personal network or tap your LinkedIn contacts to see if anyone can connect you to an employee.

2. Make Yourself Poachable

Employers are increasingly courting passive job seekers, says John Hollon, editor of TLNT.com, which covers HR trends: "These are employed workers who may be willing to switch jobs but aren't actively searching." Recruiters like these candidates because they're successful and valued at their current jobs. Interested? Get on hiring managers' radar by peppering your LinkedIn profile with keywords related to the type of job you want. You can also sign up with the website Poachable, and get the Poacht app. List your dream job and resume for recruiters to browse.

3. Be Bold

That said, maybe you love your job or just can't move right now. That doesn't mean settling for a middling raise. While the biggest bumps do go to top performers, simply asking goes a long way. A new study from Payscale found that 75% of employees who requested an increase got one, with 44% landing the exact figure they asked for. The odds of receiving your requested amount are even better if you're already a high earner: Those with a salary of $150,000 or more had a success rate of 70%. Before you ask, get a sense of the budget. You have more influence when you show you see the boss's side, says career coach Lee Miller.

Here's What To Expect From The Job Market in 2015

There should be good news for job seekers in 2015 as the US economy continues to rebound.

30 Ways to Increase Your Income

In personal finance, a lot of attention is given to how you can save more money. But if you’ve pinched every penny and are looking for another way to boost your bank account you should also look at how you can increase your income. Even a monthly addition of $50 can make a big difference in your financial plan.

From small scale to large scale, we’ve compiled 30 different ways you can increase your income. In fact, several of these options could begin growing your income in as little as 30 days. It’s getting close to New Year’s after all and that resolution momentum might be just the thing you need.

1. Personal Assistant – Lots of people (in all different industries) are in need of personal assistants, and the great thing is that you have the flexibility to decide just how much time you can put towards it – even a few hours a week can make a difference. Whether you prefer to help in person or online, there is a job for you. For more info, check out our guide to becoming a virtual assistant. It can be satisfying to lend someone a helping hand and earn extra income at the same time.

2. Mystery Shopping – You can make a surprising amount of income as a mystery shopper and it can also play into your interests as well. Mystery shopping means you go into stores (or go to websites online) as a “regular” shopper and report back to the company on your experience. This helps the company test whether they are delivering the type of customer experience they strive for. If you’re a foodie, going to a restaurant can feel less like a job and more like a fun night out.

3. Freelance Writing – For those comfortable with the written word, take a stab at freelance writing. It’s appealing because it’s usually done on a per project basis with some flexibility and can give you a nice sum to add into your budget.

4. Part-time nannying – Love kids? Reach out to some of your friends or community members who might be looking for an extra hand.

5. Market Research – If you’re interested in exploring new innovations and giving your opinion about performance you can participate in market research programs. You can usually find information on where to find these research or focus groups by reaching out to your local university or community college.

6. Rent Your Car – If your car is just sitting in your garage, you can rent it out for a fair fee. Relayrides, getaround and parkingspotter are all websites you can check out to learn more about the process.

7. Recycle – You might be tossing all your recycling into the recycle bin, but why not make a few extra bucks from it? You can recoup the CRV on any bottles and cans that you buy by bringing them to your local recycling center. Maybe not big savings right away but the little payback can add up.

8. Campaigning/Greenpeace canvassing etc. – If you’re outgoing and not scared off by the idea of chatting with folks on the street, think about signing up to campaign or canvas the streets. It’s by commission but with the right attitude could make it worth your while. and you’ll also be contributing to a cause.

9. Brand Ambassador – If you’re willing to represent a brand, hand out flyers and answer questions about a particular product or service then you might find be the perfect candidate for a brand ambassador. The rates are sometimes surprisingly high (up to $35/hour).

10. Uber/Lyft – Be a driver for a rideshare service and you could be making a decent extra wage. It does require you to have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record and a reliable vehicle.

11. Barista – There’s a reason that being a barista is touted as a fairly stable part-time job opportunity. With tips and generally flexible hours, you can make useful extra cash. Note: It helps if you’re a morning person.

12. Serving/Waiting – Like working the coffee machine, you can see the benefits of serving and waiting in the tips and the more flexible schedule. It’s not for everyone, but can be a great way to increase your earnings.

13. House-sitting – House-sitting is probably one of the greatest things you can do to make money. Earning for doing day-to-day tasks like watering plants or collecting mail is a pretty laid back way to increase income!

14. Transcription – People who are quick typists can earn extra money by offering their transcription or translation skills. Browse through jobs posted on Elance and make a bid!

15. Tutor – Private tutors can earn a fairly substantial hourly wage. Inquire for opportunities at libraries, schools, and universities. Depending on your expertise, you can focus on offering your tutoring services where they might be most useful.

16. Moonlight as a stylist – If you have an eye for style you can earn extra cash by offering your services as a stylist. It’ll take some time to attract clientele but happy customers result in a positive reputation through word of mouth.

17. Specialized freelance teacher (yoga, cooking etc) – If you have a particular talent, pursue opportunities to teach it to your community. Maybe you’re a chef extraordinaire or an expert yogi. There’s no harm in testing out the water by talking to nearby community centers or communal kitchen facilities to see if you can teach a class. Then you can unite a passion with an opportunity to earn!

18. Rent your things – Sometimes your possessions can help supplement your income. Check out sites like Renty Thing or SnapGoods to see if you can rent out your tools, appliances or other possessions to those wanting to use them without having to buy.

19. Subletting – If you’re going on a long vacation or have an extra room that’s not in use, you can get a return on the unused space by subletting. Craigslist or AirBnB are two commonly used places to post your sublet.

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20. Part-time retail – If you’re willing to work on the weekend, you might find retail businesses willing to hire you part-time. Since most retailers look for candidates with the ability to work weekends it might work well if you already have a M-F job.

21. Seasonal Work – Slightly different than part-time retail, you can also consider seasonal job openings as a way to boost your savings. You’ll usually find the extra listings during summer or holiday seasons.

22. Selling Goods – If you’re crafty, think about selling the things you make instead of gifting them away. Sites like etsy and Zaarly make it easy to set up an account that gives monetary returns on your creativity.

23. Sell Your Stuff – Yard sales are a great way to make extra money. Take inventory of your belongings and separate the stuff you’d like to sell and then go about tacking up flyers and pricing your items. The extra effort to research price and sell your items can be worth it!

24. Part-time house cleaning – If you’re naturally tidy, you might find the idea of part-time house cleaning an appealing option. There’s a surprising number of busy professionals who are willing to pay for a little extra help in organizing their personal space.

25. Resume writing, cover letter writing – With so much competition in the job market, people are looking for help with their resume or cover letter. These opportunities for editing can be posted as a contract to contract hire or in a bundled service.

26. Local stadium/ concert venue worker – This is one of the more fun ways to increase your income. Some positions are volunteer based, but with the payoff of seeing a free show or game you might actually end up saving quite a bit of money. If you already spend a fair amount on concerts or sports tickets, you can cushion your savings this way.

27. Consultant for design – Just like freelance writing, you can also work with as a contract designer. Since many contracts are remote, you can also advertise your services from the comfort of your home.

28. Personal shopper – Spend your time picking up items for someone else and you can pick also pick up a bit of extra income. In such a busy world, personal shopping is a huge help to someone seeking an extra hour.

29. Pet-sitting – Keep an ear open for pet-sitting opportunities in the community. If you’re an animal lover it’s the perfect opportunity to hang out with some animals while making extra money.

30. Trading/bartering services so that you don’t have to buy things you normally would – One of the best ways to boost your savings is to simply cut out extra spending. Trading skills for other services or items that you need can help you to decrease your spending. You can trade a night babysitting with your hairdressing friend, and get a free cut in return