Online Freelance Writing

• This is an excellent choice if you have a journalism background or if you're trying to get started in publishing. Some good websites to search for current and credible freelance writing jobs include Journalism Jobs.com, Writer's Market.com and Writer's Digest.com. After finding the companies you're interested in, write query letters to the companies' editors stating your article ideas and why those ideas are compatible with the companies' missions. And when mailing the letters, you want to include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the editors can reply.
  
  

Lunch Preparation Service

• If you live in an area where there aren't many restaurants for workers to visit during their lunch breaks, you can start a lunch preparation service for them. Meet with the workers, write down what they would like for lunch, then prepare and deliver the lunches to their workplaces. To get extra funds for this service, apply for local and state grants as well as business loans. You can also promote your service by bringing flyers to retail businesses in your area and by giving radio interviews.
  
  

Tutoring

• If you're skilled in certain academic subjects, you can have an at-home tutoring service. Before starting the service, you want to do research on what the average costs of tutoring are in your city. You should also decide on what subjects you're going to specialize in. Promote your services by taking flyers to elementary and secondary schools, and to churches, supermarkets, community recreation centers, local youth events and beauty salons.
  
  

Babysitting

• This is another flexible way for you to earn extra income and serve people in your neighborhood. When you meet with potential clients, you want to discuss your price per hour, your working hours, and any non-babysitting-related services you may want to offer -- such as grocery delivery and running other light errands for the parents if they're unable to do so because of work or other emergencies. You can promote your services by bringing flyers to public parks where you see lots of parents, and to supermarkets, hospitals and schools.