1. Do Other People’s Laundry

If the idea of more clothes to wash doesn’t stress you out, working with LaundryCare—a nationwide company that will pay you to do other people’s laundry—might be your perfect side gig. All you need to do is supply the washer & dryer, plus the soap and fabric softener, and the company will pay you by the bag to wash and deliver to homes in your neighborhood.

What it pays: According to the site, laundry washers can get paid about $20 per bag of laundry.

Where to apply: joinlaundrycare.biz

2. Advertise On Your Car

If you don’t mind driving a rolling advertisement (and your kids won’t die of embarrassment when you pick them up from school with a car that screams, say, “Fillows Creme Filled Cereal”), you can get paid for wrapping your car in ads. With Wrapify, you can get paid $450 a month to just go about your everyday business—you know, drive the kids to school, drive to soccer games, drive to parent meetings, etc.—while your car is “wrapped” in advertisements. You’ll make the most money with a “full wrap” (meaning your car’s whole exterior is an ad) or opt for just the doors and windows.

To qualify, you need to pass a basic background check and drive a 2010 or newer; Coupe, Sedan, SUV, pickup truck, or minivan without significant body/paint damage.

What it pays: $264-$452 for a “full” wrap; $196-$280 for a “partial” wrap; $181-280 for a “lite” wrap.

Where to apply: Wrapify.com

3. Teach Online Classes

Are you a computer whiz and want to teach kids a thing or two about coding? Or maybe you’re a Potterhead and want to design a spell-making class fit for Harry or Hermione? The only prerequisite to being an Outschool teacher is that you have expertise in something that may be of interest to kids and teens. It’s free to list or teach a class—you just have to be willing to give Outschool 30% of what you make through enrollment (you can set the class cost at whatever you deem fit).

Note: If you’ve got a teaching credential, the Web is your oyster. Check Teachaway for a comprehensive list of online teaching jobs.

What it pays: About $50 per hour, according to Outschool (but it can be more or less, depending on how many students enroll and what you charge for the class).

Where to apply: Outschool.com

4. Do Other People’s Grocery Shopping

You know that feeling of freedom you get at the grocery store alone? Turn that glorious solo time into pocket cash by becoming an on-demand grocery shopper for companies like Instacart and DoorDash. The perks? Flexible hours (work whenever you have free time), a fairly easy side job for moms, and direct deposit of your earnings. To be eligible, you need to have a car, a valid driver’s license (and insurance), and be able to lift between 30-40 pounds without help.

What it pays: About $22 an hour, according to Indeed.com.

Where to apply: Instacart, DoorDash

5. Organize Sleepovers

Ready for The Sleepover’s big comeback? After two years of social distancing, maybe now’s the time to get a gig organizing the coolest slumber soirees ever! Companies like Elite Teepees will provide you with all the supplies and information needed to license its brand and start organizing teepee sleepovers (forget simple sleeping bags on the floor; these sleepovers are in a league of their own!). Of course, any franchise comes with startup costs—starting an Elite Teepee business takes an initial investment of up to $7,500—but you’ll have the potential to earn thousands more, depending on how much you put into it.

What it pays: Anywhere from $26,000 to $54,000 as a part-time business, according to the Elite Teepees website.

Where to apply: Eliteteepees.com/jointhetribe

6. Store Other People’s Stuff

Got some extra room in your attic or garage? Don’t leave it empty! People are willing to rent those corners and crawl spaces to store their overflow of stuff. Neighbor.com lets you list your garage, driveway, or basement exclusively to store other people’s things (like their cars, storage boxes, bikes, etc.). Listing your space is free; Just set a price, post some pics, and then wait for people to e-mail you. It’s easy money, especially if you’ve got an extra parking spot in a city where parking is sparse.

What you can make: $100 to $300 a month

Find out more: Neighbor.com

7. Rent Out Your Car

If you’re nervous about being a Lyft or Uber driver because you don’t want to pick up strangers and drive who-knows-where, how about letting someone else do the driving and just getting paid to supply them with the car? Sites like Turo or Hyrecar let you list your car or truck for other people to rent (it’s like Airbnb for cars). You lay the ground rules for what you do and don’t accept (no dogs, smoking, etc.), set a calendar for when your car is available, and wait for prospective renters to roll in (Note: HyreCar works specifically with rideshare and delivery drivers, while Turo works with tourists and those looking to test out specific car brands). It’s a great option if you’ve got a second car that’s just gathering dust in the garage.

Both Turo and Hyrecar’s fees include insurance (you pick the level of protection)—and drivers also must have insurance (their own or a policy offered by the company), so you don’t have to worry about your car getting damaged while someone else is driving it.

Note: If you’ve got a Jeep Wrangler or a Tesla, you’ve got the potential to make big bucks, as those are two of the most popular cars to rent from Turo!

What you can make: According to Turo, car owners can make an average of $706 per month, assuming their car is rented at least 12 days per month; meanwhile, Hyrecar claims you can make up to $1,200 a month to Uber, Lyft or delivery drivers (that’s assuming your car is being rented for most of the month).

Find out more at Turo.com or Hyrecar.com.

8. Sell Your Clothes

You don’t have to sell the clothes off your back, but how about the clothes in your closet? If you’ve got cool outfits just collecting dust, now’s the time to unload! Just send your unwanted threads to secondhand clothing companies like Poshmark, Crossroads, and Thredup, and they’ll pick and choose what’s good enough to sell (they can send back your clothes or donate the things they don’t choose). The company gets a piece of your sale, but you won’t have to do all the hard stuff like packaging and sending out goods to the customers.

What it pays: Varies, but more if you’ve got designer duds to sell—a Gucci handbag, for instance, will get you 90% of the listing price (about $286) on Thredup, whereas a pair of Old Navy jeans will only get you about 5% (that’s about 55 cents in your pocket).

Where to apply: Poshmark; Thredup.

Note: If you’d rather trade your clothes at an actual brick-and-mortar store, there are plenty of places to go. Stores like Uptown Cheapskate, Buffalo Exchange, Clothes Mentor, Crossroads, and Plato’s Closet all have locations across the country and accept men’s and women’s clothes. Got kids’ clothes to unload? Check out our ultimate list of online consignment stores for kids.

9. Take Calls

Are you good on the phone? Do you have the patience to engage with a not-so-cheerful caller? Companies use customer service agents for a variety of tasks, including answering customers’ questions, making travel reservations, and providing tech support. All you need is a phone line and good internet access.

What it pays: $19/hour or about $39,000 a year, according to ZipRecruiter.

Where to apply: Browse customer service jobs on Indeed or Remote. Amazon also has remote customer service job openings—check them out here.

10. Unload Your Old Tech Gear

Want to get rid of your CD or DVD collection? Got an old cell phone or video game console you’ve long since abandoned? Time to unload!

For CDs, DVDs, and video games: Try sites like Decluttr or Eagle Saver, where you can sell your old DVDs and Blu-rays without having to worry about shipment costs or listing the items yourself.

For electronics: Decluttr buys cell phones, tablets, video game consoles, and textbooks (in addition to CDs and video games); and Amazon’s trade-in program accepts things like cell phones, Kindle E-readers, tablets, video game equipment, and books. Amazon pays for the shipment costs and lists your item for you. You get paid in Amazon credit—or use your trade-in to upgrade to new Amazon devices.

What it pays: Varies, depending on what you’re selling and how much you’ve got to sell. At Amazon, for instance, you’ll be paid via an Amazon gift card equalling the appraised value of your device (plus you may get credit toward a new, upgraded device).

Where to apply: Amazon.com; Decluttr; Eagle Saver

Related: Being a Mom Is the Same As Working 2.5 Full-Time Jobs, Says This Study

11. Teach English to Non-English Speakers

You don’t need to know another language to teach English, and most online ESL companies provide complete lesson plans that make your job easy. All you need to do is apply, sign on, and start connecting with kids from around the world. Note: This is a great gig if you’re looking for something to do when your kids are asleep, since your students may be in a different time zone.

What it pays: $10 to $20 an hour, according to the International TEFL Academy.

Where to apply: Vipkid.com

12. Deliver for Amazon

If you’ve ever used Amazon Prime Now, you know the wonder of needing a pack of diapers RIGHT NOW and receiving them on your doorstep in just minutes. The magic behind the on-demand service? Drivers who are willing to pick up your orders and get them to you pronto. It’s good for the drivers, too, who can work when they want (turn on the app and start taking orders). As for pay, drivers get paid depending on which jobs they take, with more urgent items (those that need to be delivered in an hour or less) offering the highest pay. The only catch? You’ve got to live near an Amazon warehouse to get the gig. Find participating cities here.

What it pays: Between $18-$25 an hour.

Where to apply: Flex.amazon.com

13. Be a Freelance Writer

If you have a background in writing and editing, there’s a huge demand for written content all over the web. Whether you want to write about your personal experiences or be assigned topics as needed by the publication, look for jobs at job sites like Indeed and Remote or on media-specific sites like Mediabistro.

What it pays: Varies by publication

Where to apply: Browse listings for “Writer” or “Freelance writer” on Flexjobs, Mediabistro, Indeed, and Remote, or look under the “Jobs” sections of your favorite websites.

14. Do Transcription Work

Are you a fast typer? Use your skills for extra income! Sign up to be a transcriptionist at TranscribeMe!, which will pay you to transcribe audio clips. You can work as little as an hour or two—whenever you’ve got the time. It’s monotonous work but an easy job.

What it pays: $12-20 per hour.

Where to apply: TranscribeMe! or search on Flexjobs.

15. Self-Publish a Book

If you’ve always wanted to write the Great American Novel (or maybe just a cute bedtime story). Amazon makes it easy to do it on your own. Just get writing, and then log onto Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing to upload your book. The site will convert your creation to an ebook and/or have it available as a printed book. You don’t have to pay a cent! Every book is printed only when ordered (so there’s no need to prepay for books). You’ll be a published author before you know it. The KDP site offers free tools to help you write, illustrate, and organize your masterpiece.

What it pays: It depends on the price and size of your book and whether it’s in color or black and white—but according to the site’s royalty calculator, a 200-page 6X9 book without color will get you $2.75 per copy sold if you set the book price at $10 (which is, by the way, way better than the 10% royalty most mainstream publishers offer new authors).

Where to apply: Kindle Direct Publishing

16. Give “Expert” Advice

Do you have a law degree? Are you a nurse or a doctor? Whether your know-how is in medicine, law, cars, or home improvement, cash in on your knowledge by answering questions for Justanswer.com. Anyone can apply to be an expert; you make money if your answer is voted the most helpful.

What it pays: Anywhere from $20 to $100 an hour (but that’s, of course, only if you’re giving the “best” answers… and lots of them).

Where to apply: Justanswer.com

17. Walk Dogs (or Watch Cats)

Did you know you can burn 200 calories an hour just walking man’s best friend? Go! Cancel your gym membership, and spend your mornings palling around with pooches. This is a perfect side job for moms who want to get out of the house, whether your kiddo comes along in a stroller or spends the morning at preschool.

Pssst: Want more than just a 20-minute Fido fix? Get yourself listed on Rover, and turn your home into a crash pad for pups (and maybe cats, too). You get paid by the day or hour, depending on the setup.

What it pays: Up to $25 an hour (or about $60 per day for pet-sitting)

Where to apply: Rover.com

18. Sell Handmade Goods

Channel your inner artist and sell your goods online at sites like Etsy and Amazon Homemade. Both sites take a commission, with Etsy taking a 6.5% commission as well as a 20-cent listing fee, and Amazon taking a 15% cut and a $1 referral fee (this covers payment processing, marketing, seller support, and fraud protection).

What it pays: It depends on what you’re making and how much of it you sell.

While I’m no longer worrying about them sleeping through the night, I do spend a lot of time wondering about their future—and if I’m doing enough to set them up for success. If I’m being honest, making a dedicated effort to set aside the money they’ll need hasn’t been at the top of my list. (That’s where managing weekly schedules, work, carpools, dinners, and everything else goes.)

What I needed was a program that’s easy to understand, simple to set up, and a breeze to maintain. So, when I heard about kids’ investment accounts from Fabric by Gerber Life, I was intrigued.

I visited the website and, quite frankly, was stunned at the program’s simplicity. If you’re looking for a way to start saving for your kids’ future, this checks all the boxes. Here are the top six reasons you should consider it for your own family:

1. It is so easy. That’s it. That’s the reason.

I can’t stress enough how simple the set-up process is. It takes 5-15 minutes of your time, and there are three steps: Pick your portfolio, provide some info about you and your child, and open your account by setting up a recurring contribution for as little as $20 a month. And no worries, your funds are SIPC-insured for up to $500,000.

2. While your child is a minor, you can withdraw fees without incurring penalties.

Let’s face it—life happens. With this investment account from Fabric by Gerber Life, you can withdraw funds for anything your child might need: field trip money, braces, extra-curricular activities, and more. Genius!

3. There are no restrictions once you transfer the account to your of-age child.

When your kid hits the right age (18-21, depending on where you live), the account will be directly transferred to them, so not only will they become the account holder, but they’ll also be able to access their funds without any restrictions. From there, they can use it for whatever they need, be it a car, college tuition, or a security deposit on their first home.

4. You can add money at any time.

Sure, that monthly contribution will add up over time, but if you want to throw in more cash here and there, it’s super easy to do. Plus, it’s a great gift idea for relatives, especially if your kids have more toys than they know what to do with.

5. It teaches your child about budgeting and finances.

My teenager doesn’t know much about budgeting because she spends any allowance money the minute she gets it. On the opposite end of the spectrum, my 10-year-old son has squirreled away hundreds of dollars, but he doesn’t realize how much more he could be making by putting it into an investment account.

With a kids’ investment account from Fabric by Gerber Life, I can sit down with them and explain how money can actually work for them and how to prioritize needs over wants.

6. It’s a perfect opportunity to help my kids (and myself) get organized for the new school year.

As my kids return to the classroom, I’ll be bombarded with school supply requests, theater and sports registration fees, lunch account reminders, clothing asks, and so many other things. By setting up accounts for both of my kids, I can track my progress to see how much we’ve spent and what we still have funds for. Plus, the handy automatic transfer option means I’ll be able to plan ahead and consistently save for their future needs.

Honestly, it’s a win for everyone. Fabric by Gerber Life aims to help families have enough money to enjoy all that life offers, and I’m so here for it.

For a limited time only, start investing today and get $25 on Fabric by Gerber Life!

Fabric by Gerber Life is a brand of Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc. Western & Southern Financial Group, Inc. is the parent company of Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.

Investment advisory services tied to the Fabric by Gerber Life platform are provided by Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment advisor does not imply any level of skill or training. Custody, brokerage, and clearing services are provided by Apex Clearing Corporation, a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC. As a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”), funds are available to meet customer claims up to $500,000, including a maximum of $250,000 for cash claims. For additional information regarding SIPC coverage, including a brochure, contact SIPC at (202) 371‐8300 or visit sipc.org. Please consider your objectives before opening an investment account. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. A diversified portfolio does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.

Whether you’ve got toddlers or teenagers, family life is hectic—even the dog seems to have a schedule. Parents have to be impeccably organized to stay on top of the housework, groceries and meal planning, finances, and work obligations, not to mention the fact that if you’ve got school-aged kids, you’re a glorified chauffeur juggling school functions, extracurriculars, and sports. It’s a lot. And despite the cries that our kids’ extracurriculars are taking over our lives, we keep loading more and more onto our plates. But you don’t have to do it alone. There’s a slew of family organization apps that take the guesswork out of family life, from joint calendars to budget tracking and even remembering to share family photos with eager relatives. Here are 11 of our favorites, so you can hopefully sneak a bit of free time onto the calendar.

Cozi

Are you drowning in a sea of birthday parties and swim lessons and work events and “what’s for dinner”s? Then listen up. Easy to use and well-designed, Cozi serves triple duty as a shared family calendar, digital recipe box, and list keeper. No matter how many children you have or how old they are, seeing everyone’s schedules in one place (color-coded, no less) is a game-changer. Parents can also create shared grocery or to-do lists and meal plans so the burden doesn’t fall on just one person (we all know who that would be).

Cost: Free or paid (Cozi Gold: $29.99 per year) on Apple App Store and Google Play.

Tinybeans

It’s us! Parents looking to bring some order to their unhinged smartphone collection of family photos can securely store the best of the best in Tinybeans (no more sets of 36 slightly different versions of the same baby photo hogging space). What’s more, you can instantly share them with relatives and friends. So if responding to your mother-in-law’s constant (and well-meaning) requests for baby updates is becoming a time-suck, the app sends them emails or notifications whenever you post a new milestone, photo, or video—and sends you regular reminders to post. Along with your best memories, you can track all of your kids’ most exciting milestones and achievements through the years. And every so often, when you’ve got a good collection of photos, throw them into a cute album and order your physical copy straight through the app.

Cost: Free or paid (Tinybeans+: $74.99 per year or $7.99 per month) on Apple App Store and Google Play.

Plan to Eat

Anyone who’s been forced to listen to a symphony of “I’m huuuuungry”s while staring into the refrigerator at 5 p.m. in a complete, dinner-less panic will have a deep appreciation for the Plan to Eat. The personalized app takes all the guesswork out of meal planning. Plan to Eat lets you choose recipes from anywhere on the web, import them to your recipe box, and automatically create a shopping list with items sorted by store and aisle. The only thing it can’t do is chop the onions for you (will I ever not cry!?).

Cost: Free or paid ($5.95 per month or $49 per year) on Apple App Store and Google Play.

Bills Organizer & Reminder

Paying late fees on bills you forgot about is such a bitter pill to swallow, especially when you could have used that money for a latte to get you through yet another toddler gymnastics session. If you’re looking to track and manage all of your family’s bills in one place, check out the Bills Organizer and Reminder app (your credit score will thank you). You can quickly look over all upcoming bills in the app’s dashboard view, and rest assured that you’ll receive payment reminders before each bill is due (whether the app is open or closed). To make life even easier, set up automatic payments for recurring bills so you don’t even have to think about them. The free version lets you manage up to five accounts.

Cost: Free or paid ($2.99 for unlimited accounts and $1.99 for no ads) on Apple App Store.

2houses

If you’re co-parenting or part of a blended family, not only does the 2houses app keep everyone’s schedules organized, but it does it for two households. Everyone can view and edit a shared calendar, and it helps with one of the hardest aspects of separation and divorce: finances. The app manages all expenses paid by each parent to give a clear view of what’s being spent on the kids and who’s spending it. The “Custody Journal” is a sweet touch, letting each parent share photos, information, videos, and news with the other parents. So when it’s not your day with the kids, you can still feel like part of the family.

Free 14-day trial then paid ($169.99 per year or $14.17 per month) on Apple App Store and Google Play.

Mint

Budgeting is arguably one of the most important aspects of family planning, but it really does eat up a lot of time. Mint not only takes the guesswork out of budgeting for you, but it sorts all of your purchases into categories so you can keep track of where you’re spending (and potentially find some smart ways to save). For the fullest snapshot, you can link all of your accounts in one place—your checking account, savings account, credit cards, investments, and property. The app alerts you if you’re getting close to going over budget or into overdraft, and garners insights from your spending habits to offer tips on where to save money—all of which set you up to achieve your stated financial goals.

Free on Apple App Store and Google Play.

TimeTree

Syncing calendars is super useful for busy families, but TimeTree has the bonus of a chat room where you can share photos and discuss upcoming events and calendar changes. To keep your whole group in the loop, everyone receives a notification when someone changes or reschedules something on the cal and when a new event is added. There’s also the option to have additional calendars, like one with your mom group or extended family.

Free or paid (Premium is $4.49 per month or $44.99 per year) on Apple App Store and Google Play.

Flayk

Being a “flake” isn’t typically a good thing, but Flayk, the family organization app, is a great thing. Not only does it have a shared calendar for everyone in your family, as well as the option for everyone to receive event reminders, but the premium version of Flayk also has a points system for completed tasks. You can incentivize your brood to do chores around the house or finish their homework with customized rewards, like a movie night, a trip to the amusement park, or a family vacation. Plus, if you “Flayk” on a task, you can assign it to someone else. And if you want to lean into the “it takes a village” philosophy, you can link your Flayk to other families or groups who use the app to make sure absolutely nothing gets missed.

Free or paid (Premium for $1.99 per month) on Apple App Store and Google Play.

IFTTT

Creating lists and reminders to get things done can take as much time as actually doing the damn things, so why not automate some of those basic tasks. That’s the beauty of IFTTT (an acronym for “If This, Then That”). It works with more than 600 apps, including Telegram, Twitch, Weather Underground, Google Drive, Gmail, and Spotify, and integrates with devices like Amazon Alexa, Nest, Google Home, and Philips Hue. The app’s a fave for businesses, but families can also benefit from a little automation—like getting the weather forecast every morning, changing your thermostat when you go out of town, warning you if temps drop and you need to move your plants inside, or starting a specific playlist when you get in the car so your kids don’t freak out.

Cost: Free or paid (Pro: $2.50 per month, Pro+: $5 per month) on Apple App Store and Google Play.

1. Join Your Local Buy/Sell/Trade Groups

Join a Facebook Buy/Sell/Trade group and a Buy Nothing group in your area to find big-ticket items like cribs. You’ll also be able to sell any items that your kid outgrows or didn’t like to begin with. And be sure to check out Rebelstork, a resale website exclusively for baby goods, where you can find name-brand items at great prices. Upcycle your own items, and buy the resold, overstock or open-box gear you need for low prices.

2. Choose Baby Gear That Grows with Your Child

Some high chairs convert into seats for toddlers and older kids. Some cribs can be turned into toddler beds. And some car seats convert from infant all the way to backless boosters. When you’re searching, look for products called 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 to get the most life out of your goods. Here are some products that grow with kids.

3. Borrow, Don’t Buy

Never buy anything until you’ve asked all your friends with older kids if they have the items you need. Lots of parents save gear like bassinets and gliders if they plan to have another child, but they may not be using them at the moment. Maintain what you borrow (and the friendship!) and your friends might just lend you other pricey items, like balance bikes, as your baby gets older.

4. Ask Parents What You Really Need

If you straight talk with other parents before buying the items on your baby list you’ll probably be able to cross off more than a few items. The wipes warmer is a notoriously regretted purchase, and lots of people wish they hadn’t bought fancy baby food makers or baby swings their kid ended up hating (try it before you buy it!). Others discover they prefer the flexibility of a lightweight changing pad over lugging baby over to a changing table for every new diaper. Buy the must-haves and skip the nice-to-haves until you figure out whether your child would actually benefit from them.

Related: Baby Gear You’ll Use Well Beyond the First Year

5. Be Realistic About Your Lifestyle

You’re not likely to drastically change your lifestyle once you have a baby, so if you weren’t an off-road jogger before you probably won’t need a high-tech, pricey jogging stroller. A less expensive traditional stroller should work just great for your walks and errands. If you do decide to take a walk on uneven or unpaved ground, just put your baby in a carrier instead of a stroller, and you’re on your way.

6. Set Up Swaps with Friends

Set up clothing and gear swaps with your mom friends and mom-to-be buddies. Meet up at a local park where you can lay out all the items you’re giving away, or upload photos to a private Facebook group if you can’t all get together. Your pregnant friend might love your baby bathtub, maternity tops and newborn clothes, and you can snap up toys and clothes in your baby’s current size. Meet up a few times a year as seasons and kids’ needs change.

7. Request Group Gifts

For holidays and birthdays, ask family and friends to pitch in for big-ticket items, like a stroller, rather than buying toys or clothes you don’t need.

photo: Ridofranz via iStock

8. Swap Babysitting Duties with a Friend

A free babysitter for date night? Sign us up! Here’s how it works: Ask a couple you know and trust if they’d like to take turns babysitting with you. You babysit your friends’ kid(s) at their house while your partner stays home with your own kid(s) and the other couple gets a night out. Then they return the favor when you want a date night.

9. Sample Different Diapers Before You Buy

Ask moms for the best diaper and wipes and be prepared to get lots of different answers, depending on their babies’ body types, skin sensitivity, and other factors. To find out which ones work best for you, ask friends who use different brands to swap a few (five of each) so you can all test out multiple brands and see which work best for your child.

10. Buy Necessities in Bulk

Once you’ve determined your favorite brands, buying necessities like diapers, wipes and formula in bulk. Signing up for automatic deliveries can also save you lots of money in the long run.

Related: Baby Gear That’s Better to Borrow Than Buy

11. Test Items Before You Invest

They may not be able to talk, but babies have opinions, so don’t stock up on items like bottles and pacifiers until you’ve tested a few. These little ones are known for having strong preferences and changing their minds with no warning. Welcome to parenthood.

12. Stock Up on Clothing Basics in Larger Sizes

If the clothing you like is on major sale, buy items in sizes larger than what your child wears. Stick to items kids can wear year-round, like leggings and socks, rather than guessing what size your child might be in bathing suits and snowpants for next summer or winter.

13. Get Secondhand Special-Occasion Outfits

Hit up Poshmark, consignment shops or yard sales for special-occasion outfits, like holiday-themed baby clothes and fancy dresses. Many have only been worn once or twice and look brand new.

14. Keep Clothes Shopping Simple

We know baby clothes are adorable, but think about what you’ll really use before you splurge. The first few months, babies will mostly be sleeping and lounging at home with you, so onesies are the main thing you need. Babies can wear them on their own, under their clothes and to sleep in, so they’re worth buying in cost-saving multipacks. But you won’t need things like baby shoes until your child is walking outdoors. And if you plan to visit a climate that’s colder or warmer than yours, ask friends if you can borrow weather-appropriate gear instead of investing in something you’ll only wear a few times.

15. Less Is More with Nursery Decor

Once your baby gets mobile, you risk that tiny terror knocking down the glass snow globe before you can stop them. A wipeable playmat, soft pillows to sit and lay on, and baskets to hold toys and stuffies may be all the decor you need until baby gets older.

16. Keep Nursery Style Timeless

It’s so tempting to choose a theme for your nursery and do it up big. But sticking to fewer baby-specific colors and decor items means not having to buy all new stuff in a few years. And the more you can DIY, the cheaper it will be. Try these 16 ways to DIY your nursery on a budget.

17. Babyproof on a Budget

Babyproofing gadgets and services can be really pricey. But there’s a lot you can DIY for cheap, using items you may already own. Consider these 14 DIY ways to make your home safer for baby.

18. Find Free Local Fun

Explore your area for free spots you and your child can visit, from parks and walking trails to your local farmer’s market. A shady outdoor spot or a weekly free night at the museum gets you out of your home without an entrance fee.

19. Check Out Your Local Library

The library can be tons of fun for babies. Many libraries offer storytime and kids’ activities, so check the website or ask a librarian for a schedule of upcoming events. And you can save a lot of money borrowing baby books instead of buying them.

photo: iStock

20. Go Minimalist with Baby Toys

You know the old joke about babies liking the bag the gift comes in more than the gift. Well it tracks. Aside from a comforting lovie, sensory ball, mobile and stuffed animal, babies don’t need lots of store-bought toys. They’re interested in colors, fabrics, textures and noises, so household objects and even your purse or diaper bag hold their attention as well as toys do. And, in fact, interacting with you can provide most of their entertainment. From singing to imitating each other’s sounds and expressions to blowing bubbles and playing peekaboo, there are lots of free, fun ways to entertain your baby and have quality bonding time, which is your child’s all-time favorite thing. When you need a break from the action, give your baby some wooden spoons or plastic measuring cups from the kitchen and watch them have a ball all on their own. Here are 16 baby games you can play together.

21. Create Your Own Baby Classes

Instead of signing up for baby music classes and baby gyms, invite local moms to meet at a local park or other baby-friendly area. Bring small balls and noisemakers and have your own baby class. If you’re not sure what activities to try, YouTube is an amazing resource for free videos of baby gym class, baby music class, baby yoga and more. Watch a few and tailor a class to your kiddos.

22. Start a Mom Workout Group

Stroller workout groups are a great way to prioritize exercise while spending time with your baby and fellow new moms. But just as with the baby classes, ask friends or post on a local Facebook moms group to see who’s interested in meeting up weekly to take a stroller walk and then do a quick workout or stretching session. Again, YouTube is your best friend when it comes to finding high-quality free workouts at all skill levels, and geared to postpartum needs.

23. Don’t Fall for Baby Marketing

No, you don’t need infant Tylenol (cash grab!) or a special baby laundry detergent. Switch to a fragrance-free gentle detergent and you can wash the whole family’s clothes at the same time. The same goes for soap and body lotion. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free brand like Vanicream for baby’s sensitive skin and you can all use the same products.

24. Call Your Pediatrician Before Scheduling a Visit

Every baby concern may not require a doctor’s appointment and the co-pay that goes along with it. Call the nurses’ line first to see if they can help without you coming into the office. Take photos of any rashes or bumps and make detailed notes about your concerns and your child’s symptoms (like what time you noticed the fever and how high it was) to make it easier for them to help you.

25. Skip the Jarred Baby Food

Do you need to buy expensive jars of baby food? Not necessarily. Consider baby-led weaning, in which babies six months and up gnaw on finger foods instead of purees. If you’re not comfortable with that, make your own baby food in bulk from leftovers or fruits and veggies you bought on sale, and store it in your freezer. Freeze the purees you make in ice cube containers. Once frozen, transfer them to plastic bags. Each will be a one-ounce serving you can thaw out and heat up when it’s mealtime.

Ah, grocery shopping: one of those necessary evils because hey—we all like to eat, right? It’s never easy piling the kids into the car, trying to remember if you need besides milk or bread as you wander the aisles… If only you knew when the best time to shop at the grocery store was. Well, we’ve got the answer for you!

Whether you’re all about Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Costco, Kroger or Aldi, we’ve got you covered for the best times to do your grocery shopping and save big. Get the scoop below.

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Whole Foods

If you're looking to save money, Whole Foods Markets typically start their sales on Wednesdays. That means if you picked up a sale item on Monday, when you go back the following Thursday you may find it at a higher price. So take advantage of the deals when your local store has them.

When it comes to missing the rush, the best time to shop totally depends on where you live and your local store's traffic. City-based stores tend have the largest crowds at lunch-time. But suburban stores have a bigger rush in the evenings and on weekends.

If you REALLY want to beat the crowds, stay home. That is, stay home and order your groceries for delivery. Whole Foods Market is constantly expanding the list of cities that are delivery eligible.

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Trader Joe's

Weekends at Trader Joe's: yes we know what it's like trying to get a prime parking space (or any space at all). Given that you probably already try to avoid TJ's on a hopping Sunday afternoon, when should you head out to get your fave fun frozen foods?

According to a store manager in a Reddit Ask Me Anything thread, Tuesday and Wednesday early mornings are the best times to shop at your local Trader Joe's.

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Costco

When should you shop the mega warehouse store? That depends on where you live, but according to a Business Insider interview with Costco employees, definitely skip weekend shopping trips. These are the busiest times, making the stores the most crowded.

Even though the weekdays may equal a quicker shopping trip, there are better times than others. Evenings also tend to draw the largest crowds. In other words, weekday mornings or early afternoons are the best times to shop at Costco.

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Kroger

Like Whole Foods, Kroger brand stores (including Baker's, King Soopers, Ralphs and Smith's), also start sales on Wednesdays. Kroger store employees typically stock the shelves late at night and in the early a.m. hours. That means you might want to consider shopping in the morning.

If you want to save even more, wait until Friday to shop. Kroger's free Friday download lets you download a coupon for one free item on Fridays only.

Aldi

Hmm. It looks like Wednesdays take the cake when it comes to new sales and new stuff.  Wednesdays are THE day for new items. It's also the day when the Aldi Finds section gets new additions and seasonal picks. That said, some stores don't stick to the Wednesday debut. Depending on where you live, new items may come out on Sundays.

 

Well, it looks like the best days to shop at your most-loved stores are…any day? While Wednesdays are big for savings and debuts, it all depends on where you live and when you absolutely need to shop. The milk won’t shop for itself––unless you’re doing grocery pickup.

If you ask us, it’s never too soon to start teaching kids about things like money management and budgeting. These are absolutely crucial skills that they will need for the rest of their lives—and they never get any easier. Just ask the tween in this viral TikTok video, who got a surprise budget lesson from her mom and quickly learned that being an adult is a total scam.

TikToker Ariel B shared the video, in which she gives her daughter a pretend $3,000 monthly income and $1,200 rent payment and tasks her with setting up a monthly budget. Seems easy, right? Except Ariel decided to make it as realistic as possible, dropping the bomb that this month, her daughter is moving—so not only is rent $1,200, but she needs to make her $3,000 budget stretch to cover first and last month’s rent and a security deposit.

@the_arielb

Teaching my kids budgeting, they only have $3,000 a month. FREE PDF in bio

♬ original sound – The__Ariel_B

At first, she’s skeptical.

“Why do they need last month’s rent if I wasn’t in there?” she asks.

Ariel, acting as landlord, explains, “You’re signing for a year… and we get the first month and the last month [so] you’ll make sure to stay because you already paid for it. You won’t leave us out in the wind to try to find another tenant.”

Rolling her eyes, her daughter replies, “Little scammers! Like, what are y’all doing?”

With this realization, the daughter quickly gathers that she can’t afford a car payment in her budget—not even for “a used, 2010 car” that’s “still $400.” Instead, she opts to stick with her bike.

“You’re gonna pedal to work every day?” Ariel asks.

Her daughter responds, “I don’t have a choice!”

Ariel follows up, “What if it’s raining? What about your child?”

Her daughter answers, “I’m not having kids!”

The lesson is clearly hitting. Ariel asks her daughter about her views on adulthood, and what she has to say will feel relatable to anyone who’s out here living it.

“I’m in debt already, and it’s not even real money,” she says. “I have nothing. I already cut $486 on my wants. Where did my freedom go? Where did my friends go? Where does this say I’ve got money for friends? I have nothing.”

Wish I could say it gets easier, kid.

Just like moms everywhere, our love for Amazon is no secret. Convenience is a major reason—having all our needs (okay and several of our wants) arriving at our doorstep is a dream. But we’re definitely not mad at Amazon’s newest initiative: they’re offering $10 to U.S. customers to pick up their orders rather than have them shipped directly to your home.

Why would the arguably most well-known e-commerce site—one that many of us rely on them specifically for its fast and free Prime shipping—suddenly want to incentivize customers to take their pick-up option?

Apparently, it’s not so sudden.”We offer customers a variety of ways to get their packages, inclusive of delivery and pickup options. The $10 Amazon Pickup promotion isn’t new,” Amazon said in a statement. They didn’t include when or how long the $10 (or similar) promotion has been offered.

It would make sense if this is a move to cut delivery costs, but Amazon denies that’s the case. According to Reuters, Amazon has said that the promotion is not a cost-cutting measure and that it applies to customers who have never used Amazon Pickup or have not used that service in the last 12 months. So it’s totally possible it’s more a matter of just another way to bring awareness to the pick-up option.

Over the last few days, Amazon has emailed a portion of their customer base (we don’t know the actual number) offering $10 to pick up their order of $25+ at pick-up points like Whole Foods, Kohls, and Amazon Fresh. And yes, those are the same places you can return Amazon orders. It’s worth mentioning that (separately from the $10 offer) Amazon has started adding a $1 fee if customers return a purchase via a UPS store if there’s an Amazon pickup/return location closer to their delivery address.

Amazon’s delivery service isn’t the only one out there that’s encouraging customers to use “pick-up points,” especially in rural areas where the cost of to-the-door delivery is higher.

No matter what Amazon’s reasons are, $10 is $10, and using a pick-up location is absolutely more environmentally friendly if delivery drivers can drop a bunch of packages in one place. So the next time you order from Amazon, definitely consider snagging it from Kohls or Whole Foods.

We even have a few suggestions for you

28 Swimsuit Cover-Ups on Amazon Way Cuter than an Old T-Shirt

28 Swimsuit Cover-Ups on Amazon Way Cuter than an Old T-Shirt—Read Here!

Amazon Parents Are Raving About These 8 Baby Bottles

Amazon Parents Are Raving About These 8 Baby Bottles—Read Here!

21 Amazon Mom Swimsuits To Make Her Look Great and Feel Confident (Including Plus Sizes!)

21 Amazon Mom Swimsuits To Make Her Look Great and Feel Confident (Including Plus Sizes!)—Read Here!

The Best Baby Gates on Amazon

The Best Baby Gates on Amazon—Read Here!

Get Your Phone Ready! These Baby Photo Props Are Available on Amazon

Get Your Phone Ready! These Baby Photo Props Are Available on Amazon—Read Here!

Mom Strong: Feel-Good Fitness Gear You Can Grab from Amazon

Mom Strong: Feel-Good Fitness Gear You Can Grab from Amazon—Read Here

The Best Baby Bath Toys, According to Amazon Parents

The Best Baby Bath Toys, According to Amazon Parents—Read Here!

Is it time to upgrade your kiddo’s car seat? With safety regulations changing to encourage parents to keep their children rear-facing as long as possible, you may find yourself wanting to snag a new car seat for the long haul. Luckily, it’s time for the bi-annual Target car seat trade-in event!

From April 16-29, shoppers can drop off their old car seats in designated drop-off boxes located near Guest Services at most Target stores (in-store drop-offs only!). In exchange, you’ll get a coupon to use through the Target app or target.com/circle for 20% off one new car seat, stroller, or select baby gear, such as play yards, high chairs, swings, rockers and bouncers that can be used both in-store and online.

Target will accept and recycle all types of car seats, including infant seats, convertible seats, car seat bases, harness or booster car seats, and even car seats that are expired or damaged. Not only do you get a great deal on a new item, but you’re also helping to create less waste as Target’s partner, Waste Management, will recycle materials from your old car seats.

Additionally, you’ll be ensuring that other parents are not buying second-hand car seats that could be well past their expiration date or damaged from an accident from online marketplaces.

Since the program began in 2016, over 2.19 million car seats and 32.9 million pounds of car seat materials would otherwise end up in a landfill. The bi-annual event is part of Target’s larger initiative, Target Forward, which seeks to eliminate waste and enhance sustainability practices.

So if you’ve got that old car seat sitting around that isn’t accepted through your own curbside pickup or has expired, head for the Target car seat trade-in event starting Apr. 16. The environment will thank you.

As parents, our number one thought when we hear the word “summer” is “school’s out”. It may also invoke thoughts about summer camp, vacation planning, and counting on the pool instead of the bathtub. We get it, because that’s what we’re thinking about, too. But the summer is also the perfect opportunity to flex your professional muscles and consider making some extra money during the hot months! We’ve found some of the best online summer jobs for moms on ZipRecruiter, so read on to check them out!

Sales Representative

Sales is definitely a field that will never go out of style, and is often ultra-flexible! Many roles are remote or a hybrid model, so if you have kiddos in summer camp or involved in other activities during the day, popping on-site for a few hour per week might be totally manageable for your schedule.

ZipRecruiter Search: “Online Sales” in “Remote”, “Part-time Sales Rep”, “Remote Sales Rep”

Typical Skills Required: Strong communication skills, critical thinking skills, and adaptable to fast-paced environments

Some Options to Get You Started:

Sales Representative-Work at Home-Exclusive Leads

Part-Time Sales Representative

Sales Representative Part-Time

Customer Service Associate

If you’re a people person, customer service is a fabulous option! Getting to talk to people all day and help solve their issues can make you feel great, and it often doesn’t require a lot of previous experience. Plus, if you’re a mom, you’re used to communicating and tackling problems, so we’re sure you’ll be a total rockstar!

ZipRecruiter Search: “CSR”, “Remote Customer Service Representative”, “Customer Service Rep” in “Remote”, “Online Customer Service”

Typical Skills Required: Enjoys helping others, friendly, easy to understand, quick thinking

Some Options to Get You Started:

Part-Time Customer Service Representative 

Customer Service Representative (Part-Time)

CSR Answering Service – Part-Time Weekends

Remote Recruiter

While recruiting can require some previous experience (especially depending on the industry you’re interested in), it can be really lucrative! Many recruiters also carry HR duties, have employee retention initiatives, and use sites like ZipRecruiter to source talent.

ZipRecruiter Search: “Remote Recruiter”, “Online Recruiter”, “HR and Recruiting”

Typical Skills Required: Ability to research, determine talent-matching, highly organized

Some Options to Get You Started:

Recruiter Talent Acquisition

Recruiting Assistant

Healthcare Recruiter 

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According to Buffer’s State of Remote Work survey, 97% of respondents would like to work remotely, at least some of the time, for the rest of their careers. And that goes double for adults balancing child responsibilities. Flexibility and work-life balance are key factors when we as parents are looking into new positions, and company culture also plays a part in our searches. Online work from home opportunities are ideal, especially for moms. While we know that online work from home jobs aren’t right for everyone, but if you’re hoping to stay close to home base, it’s a great way to go. Thankfully, we’ve found a ton of remote roles on ZipRecruiter that fit the bill, especially for parents hunting for jobs that fit our schedules, responsibilities, and talent!

Translator

Do you have native proficiency in a second language? Companies around the world need help translating content and even conversations every day! While many jobs require daytime availability and a quiet space, a good number can be done from anywhere, as long as you meet deadlines. We say yes to flexible work conditions!

Where to find the job: Go to ZipRecruiter, use "translator" as your search, and make sure to use "Remote, USA" as your location.

What it pays: According to ZipRecruiter, the national average is around $32.00 per hour.

Are any of these a fit?
Remote Translator
Spanish Interpreter
Remote Call Center Spanish Interpreter, Language Services 

Customer Service Rep

If you’re a creative communicator who likes to solve problems, this is an option to explore. 

Where to find the job: Visit ZipRecruiter and search "customer service".

What it pays: The average base pay for an online customer service representative is $15.00/hour or $30,547/year.

Are any of these a fit?
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service/Data Entry Representative
Work at Home Healthcare Customer Service Representative 

Bookkeeper

Let’s face it, reconciling accounts goes faster when you're working in the comfort of your own home!

Where to find the job: ZipRecruiter

What it pays: The national average is $42,699/year or $21.00 an hour.

Are these a fit?
Part Time Bookkeeper
Full Charge Bookkeeper
Business Administration and Bookkeeper

Online Tutor

Are you an ultimate expert? If you’ve got an academic background or specialized expertise that makes you the go-to person for info on that-thing-you've-always-been-great-at, online tutoring may be for you!

Where to find the job: Apply through ZipRecruiter.

What it pays: $51,470/year or $25.00 per hour is the national average.

Are these a fit?
Online Tutor - BookNook
Online Math Tutor
Education Tutor (All Subjects, Grades 7-12)

Operations Manager

An operations manager wears many hats. You might oversee the production of goods or services, keep the internal company processes running smoothly, and manage budgets. A college degree in business, finance, or marketing can give you an edge, but most job openings want on-the-job experience. 

Where to find the job: Check out ZipRecruiter and search "operations manager".

What it pays: $65,438/year, $31.00/hour according to national averages.

Are these a fit?
Operations Manager
Construction Operations Manager
Controller/Operations Manager

Transcriptionist

Can you type as fast as you can talk? Use your speedy skills to transcribe in a flash!

Where to find the job: Search ZipRecruiter.

What it pays: Typically $33,773/year or $16.00 hourly

Are these a fit?
Transcriptionist 
Word Processor/Transcriptionist
Transcription Assistant

Information Technology Support

From helpdesk support to IT manager positions, information technology professionals are in high demand in every industry. A computer science degree is a plus, but hands-on experience and a deep understanding of computer hardware and software are often enough to get you noticed. What do they not require? A trip to someone else’s building. IT professionals were some of the first to switch from a traditional office to online jobs from home.

Where to find the job: A quick ZipRecruiter search for "Information Technology Support".

What it pays: The pay for an online technology professionals varies dramatically, depending on your experience level, the company, and your job title. IT managers pull in an average annual salary of just around $46,242 annually. 

Are these a fit?
IT Technician
IT Support Specialist
IT Support Technician

Virtual Executive Assistant

Are your play dates and PTA meetings lined up neatly in your digital calendar? If organizing is your forté, an executive assistant job is a natural niche. Help organize meetings, manage projects, and manage schedules for busy executives—all from the comfort of your home.

Where to find the job:  ZipRecruiter is a great resource when searching for Virtual EA opportunities.

What it pays: Yes, there are some lower-paying jobs in this category, but many high-level executives are willing to pay top dollar for the best support, up to $73,000/year.

Are these a fit?
Virtual Assistant
Virtual Executive Assistant
Remote Executive Assistant

Project Manager

Anyone who’s had to get kids out the door in time for school understands the importance of managing tight deadlines. Is keeping track of details, client requirements, and budgets your jam? Then a career in project management might be a good fit.  A recent search turned up thousands of jobs advertised as online, work from home.

Where to find a job: ZipRecruiter is going to be your go-to!

What it Pays: Project Managers make an average of $79,018, not including bonuses.

Are these a fit?
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Manager

Freelance Writer

Are you a wordsmith? There are plenty of opportunities online for skilled writers!

Where to find the job: ZipRecruiter has several opportunities for your talents.

What it pays: Average pay range starts at $33.00/hour

Are these a fit?
Content Writer
Entertainment Writer
Freelance Writer News & Entertainment

Healthcare Professional

Healthcare jobs aren’t always in-person positions. Put that RN, medical billing degree, or any other specialized certification you hold to use in a remote or telemedicine environment. Large healthcare organizations are almost always hiring.

Where to find the job: ZipRecruiter has you covered.

What it pays: The pay depends on your job, credentials, and experience. A licensed healthcare professional is likely to make more in a telemedicine job than a remote medical records clerk, but this shouldn’t stop you from exploring online health-related jobs. 

Are these fits?
Healthcare Medical Claims Auditor/Examiner
Healthcare Customer Advocate
Behavioral Health Professional

Social Media Manager

Whether you’ve built a cult following on Instagram, love a good tweet, or can’t stop making TikTok videos, now’s the time to get paid for your social media skills! Brands need social media experts to help them create and implement strategies that will help them engage with their audience and convert those followers into paid customers.

Where to find the job: Social media managers are in high demand, so these jobs can definitely be found on ZipRecruiter!

What it pays: The average salary across the country is $54,372 per year.

Are these a fit?
Social Media Content Creator/Coordinator
Social Media Manager/Messenger
Social Media Specialist - Advertising

Online K-12 Teacher

Put your teaching degree to work at an online elementary or high school. Instead of standing in front of a whiteboard and looking for raised hands, you’ll sit behind a computer and use email, chat, and video conferencing to teach traditional public school subjects. One caveat, most of these jobs require a current, valid state teaching license. 

Note: Some of these are full-time teaching jobs, which means you’ll still need to find someone to take care of your kids while you’re at work.

Where to find the job: There are several online schools always looking for good teachers, and ZipRecruiter has many listed!

What it pays: Around $27/hour is the national average

Are these a fit?
Independent Special Ed Teacher
Certified Teacher for In-School Support
English & Math Instructor 

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