I know the problem I keep bumping up against with my quitting smoking is that it shoots my spikiness through the roof if I try to push it too far (or have to muddle through a few days knowing I can't just buy another pack if I want, 'cuz no money for it). No solutions for that just now, merely an observation.

For saving money, do you use coupons and the store discount cards and all that stuff? It's usually just a little bit, but it adds up.

smonster, I think there is definitely a market for adult occasional babysitters. I know I would feel better about someone like you, as opposed to teenagers (I cannot believe people let me babysit their infants when I was 13.) I would be happy to provide a reference if you need one.

Dog walking.

I hate to be too obvious, but since it's my wheelhouse...Our service is always looking for swing walkers who can do weekend/odd hours coverage. Added bonus: nearly all our walkers bring their own dogs when it is a good fit with the client dog.

Plus, boarding pets in your home can be pretty lucrative...no doors necessary.

I am taking notes. What's reasonable to charge for dog walking? Babysitting? No idea...

eta beth, that Amazon thing is interesting...

We pay $10 an hour for babysitting.

smonster,

state minimum wage rates:

[link]

Our top walkers make $8 per walk, but they can walk up to 5 dogs at a time. Full-time walkers can have up to 20 dogs per day.

If you are independent, in this area, you can charge up to $20 per walk...but then you've got expenses and are hustling for business...and are not covered in emergencies/illnesses/insurance-wise.

If I were you, I'd troll the local services and see what they offer swing walkers. Given the other stuff going on in your life, it would be so much easier to let someone else do the business stuff.

Pet sitting/boarding = up to $65 dollars per day for the first dog. $90 for two dogs.

That requires a great deal of focus and responsibility, so should not be entered into lightly.

One service I've seen is putting together ready-to-assemble furniture. I was slightly stunned when my neighbor paid for handyperson to put together a couple of sets of plastic ventilated shelving, which are really simple.