The first consideration when trying to increase your income is... Does this need to be a temporary increase or a permanent increase? Let's tackle a permanent increase first. This presents us with a couple of other choices... New higher paying job, Permanent Second Job or spouse must get job or take on second job. Only you and your spouse (if applicable) can make the best decision for your family. Second jobs and spouses working may be necessary but can put undue pressure on the family, therefore if you need a permanent income increase... a new higher paying job, if possible, would most likely be the best option.

If a temporary solution is needed, the above methods could also be an option, but there are also other options. These may sound simple and they are, but sometimes, we overlook the simple or the obvious when it may be just enough to get us through.

Consider the following:
• Temp. Job (most state employment offices have a list of temp. jobs)
• Have a garage sale.
• Rent out a spare room you have.
• Lease land, a building or space you have.
• Odd jobs such as; mowing, yard work, cutting firewood, cleaning houses & etc.
• Start a business. (Start by converting a hobby into a business, if possible)
• Sell unused items on Ebay or through newspaper.
• Find companies that pay referral fees. DFS does, contact us to find out how!
• Reduce expenses (see the Money-Saving Resource Center for ideas)
• Take out a Home Equity Line of Credit. (This is a band aide solution and should be carefully & cautiously considered, DFS can help determine if this is a viable option.)
• Any other methods you can think of that may be specific to your situation.

Consider all of your options, even multiple options to get you through this temporary situation!