There are times in life where you have to get creative in order to earn money to provide for you and your family. Especially when the unemployment rates are up and companies are cutting back on spending. Many people who have found themselves unemployed are turning to part time or even full time jobs that they are overqualified for just to make ends meet for their family. Here are some creative ideas that people are trying.

Look around your house, in your garage, in the stuff that you have stored at your parents house, and in your own storage unit and see if there is anything that you want to sell. Online sale sites have become the new world market place for buyers. It is said that no matter what you have to sell someone somewhere will be looking for that and be willing to purchase it. It may be just one quick way to gain some extra cash because eventually you will be out of things to sell, but for the moment it can help you to earn money .

Turn your hobby or specialty into a side business. Every dinner party you have ever attended everyone raves about your homemade peach pie, and every time you take a cake to your church dinner you get at least five requests for the recipe. Why not start taking orders from your friends and family for home made baked goods. It is a great way to earn money and who knows if you become really successful at it you could even turn into a full time job.

Why not try your hand at being a direct seller. There are companies out there that you can become a seller for. There are several well know makeup and home decorating companies that help their seller gain money each year. It takes time and a commitment to get out there and sell, but it can be a great way to earn money and often as the seller you can get great deals and discounts on the products that are offered.

Become a secret shopper. Companies pay these shoppers to go in and evaluate their stores and customer service. All of your costs of eating out, traveling and shopping are covered when you are on a secret shop. It is a great way to earn money and to also learn what companies want in great customer service. Just make sure that when you are getting into the secret shopping business that you do your research before you sign up to be a shopper. Some jobs listings for secret shoppers or companies who say that they are secret shopping companies may not be what they appear.

Do you love to take photographs? There are actually sites online where you can sell your photos and have them displayed. You get a certain amount of money each time your picture is downloaded. The better the picture or the greater it is something beautiful the better chance that you have of having your picture selected to be the one downloaded.

Sometimes you have to get creative to make a little extra money for your family, but it is possible. Keep trying new things until you find one that works for you. Hopefully the economy will take a turn for the better and you may not need additional income, or you may find that you enjoy your side business a lot more than your current position and decide to make it into your full time business.