INCREASE YOUR INCOME:

1. Consider a part-time job or additional hours at full-time job for you, your spouse or teenage children. 
   
   
2. Look for a better paying job, go for career counseling and/or seek additional training in your present job.
   
   
3. Study payroll deductions, particularly credit union and insurance costs, to see if they can be reduced. Eliminate optional payroll deductions (bonds, charity etc.).
   
   
4. Be sure to change tax deductions when there is a change in your family situation (marriage, baby, etc.) to ensure that your tax withholdings are correct for your life situation.
   
   
5. Can government cash benefits be applied for (i.e., Social Security, welfare, food stamps, unemployment benefits)?
   
   
6. Get paid for a hobby or service such as babysitting, sewing, home repair, car repair and selling craft items. Trading services such as child care can also be beneficial.
   
   
7. Refinance your home, car, or personal loans to reduce the payments.
   
   
8. Re-evaluate life insurance and auto insurance and compare premiums & deductibles with other companies. Can some insurance policies be eliminated? Some types of coverage have little or no value (i.e., whole life, credit card, full coverage on an old car). Keeping all policies with one company can sometimes save money.
   
   
9. Rent out a room and/or find a roommate.
   
   
10. Have a garage sale.
    
    
11. Donate unused clothing, furniture and home products for a tax deduction.
    
    
12. Check to see if your savings invested at the highest possible interest rate.