If I Lost All My Income Tomorrow, Here's How I'd Make My First $100 as a Stay-at-Home

Jun 7

3 min read

I've always been entrepreneurial.

I grew up in an entrepreneurial family and learned about business from a young age while helping in my family's businesses.

When I got married, I was working for a company that was sold around the same time as my wedding. Shortly afterward, my husband and I moved to Japan due to his military career.

That move changed the way I thought about work.

Military life meant frequent relocations. After Japan, we lived in California, then Florida, and now Ohio.

Because of that lifestyle, building a traditional career was never really my focus. Instead, I became interested in building income streams that could move with me wherever life took us.

Over the years, I've built websites, sold on eBay, sold on Amazon, started businesses, reviewed products, and explored more online opportunities than I can count.

Some worked.

Some didn't.

But every experience taught me something.

So if I lost all my income tomorrow, I wouldn't panic.

I'd simply go back to what I've always done: look for opportunities.

Here's where I would start.

1. Sell Things Around the House

One thing I've learned over the years is that many families are sitting on hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of items they no longer use.

I've sold strollers, baby gear, toys, household items, and products that my family had outgrown.

What looks like clutter to one person can be valuable to someone else.

Facebook Marketplace remains one of my favorite ways to turn unused items into cash quickly.

2. Review Products I Already Own

Most shoppers watch videos before buying products online.

In fact, if you visit Amazon right now and look at a product page, you'll probably see videos created by everyday people sharing their experiences.

Creating product videos has become one of my favorite income streams because it allows me to work from home and create content on my own schedule.

One video can continue helping shoppers long after it's been created.

If you're interested in learning more about the Amazon Influencer Program, be sure to check out my beginner's guide.

3. Sign Up as a UGC Creator

UGC stands for User Generated Content.

Many brands need videos created by real people.

Contrary to what many people believe, you don't need thousands of followers to become a UGC creator.

In many cases, you don't even need to show your face.

Brands often hire creators to produce:

Product demonstrations
Unboxing videos
Hands-only videos
Voiceovers
Lifestyle content

This can be a great option for stay-at-home parents looking for flexible ways to earn from home.

When I first started looking into UGC, one of the biggest challenges was figuring out where to find brands that were actually hiring creators.2

That's why I've put together a list of UGC platforms and resources that can help you get started.

👉 Check out my recommended UGC resources here.

4. Look for Money You Forgot About

Before trying to earn more money, I would look for money I've already earned.

That includes:

Gift cards

Cashback rewards

Store credits

Loyalty points

Refund opportunities

It's amazing how much value can be hiding in places we've forgotten to check.

5. Cancel Unused Subscriptions

Sometimes making money starts with keeping more of the money you already have.

Take a look at your bank statement.

Are there subscriptions you're paying for but no longer using?

Streaming services, apps, memberships, and software subscriptions can quietly drain your budget month after month.

Cutting unnecessary expenses can feel just as good as earning extra money.

6. Offer a Skill You Already Have

If I needed money quickly, I wouldn't spend months learning a brand-new skill.

I'd focus on what I already know.

Maybe that's:

Writing
Bookkeeping
Social media management
Graphic design
Customer service
Selling online

Many people underestimate the value of skills they use every day.

Start with what you already know.

Final Thoughts

My journey has never been about finding one perfect income stream.

It's been about staying open to opportunities and building skills that travel with me wherever life takes me.

If I lost all my income tomorrow, my goal wouldn't be to make thousands of dollars overnight.

It would be to make my first $100.

Because small wins create momentum.

And momentum can change everything.

If you're looking for ways to build income from home, I hope this article gives you a few ideas to explore.

And if you'd like to learn more about product reviews and the Amazon Influencer Program, be sure to check out my guide for beginners.

What's the quickest way you've ever made an extra $100?

I'd love to hear your answer.