20 Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Parents

20 Business Ideas for Stay-at-Home Parents

Just because you’re staying at home watching a little one doesn’t mean that you can’t make some full-time cash.

Being a stay-at-home parent can actually be a fantastic way to earn a living, especially if you can find the right business idea.

If you’re looking for a new way to make money but your lifestyle keeps you out of an office, here are 20 businesses that you can start from home with very little money. All you need is motivation, a willingness to work hard and a desire to be financially successful.

Click through the slideshow and find your new vocation!

College Application/Financial Aid Planning Consulting Business

A financial aid planner helps parents get the lowest possible price for their child’s college education, thus saving them money. Tapping into financial aid resources is not just about being smart. It is about being aware of the resources that are available. This business involves advising parents and high school students on selecting a college, filling out the application and financial aid forms, providing tips for writing the college essay, advising parents about tax implications on college savings plans, and negotiating the best possible financial aid package when a college offer is received. A sound knowledge about higher education institutions and a thorough understanding of financial aid options are important. Market your services in high schools, libraries, private tutorial centers and universities.

Tip: Have a good understanding of different financial programs like Byrd Scholarships, Stafford Loans, private and federal grants, and PLUS Loans. Also be current with college savings plans including 529 plans, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, the Uniform Gift to Minors Act, and Charitable Remainder Unitrusts.

Consignment Shop

Talking about wearing “pre-owned” clothing has never been a popular coffee table discussion. Times may be changing, though. Recycled clothes are back. The recession has led consumers to save their bucks by buying “gently used” items. Consignment items also work will as an online business.

As a consignment shop owner, you don’t pay anything for your inventory until it is sold, which makes this business ideal for the startup entrepreneur. Take clean, well-cared-for items and display and merchandise them online or at a physical location for the owners, splitting the profits when you make a sale. Many times, the profit split is either 50/50 or 60/40, with the higher percentage going to the consignment shops.

Tip: The key to a successful consignment shop is a pleasant atmosphere. Make it clean, fresh and fashionable.