We’re all on our way to saving our $1,000 for our emergency fund right? If you’re wondering why a $1,000 emergency fund is a good idea-check out what $1,000 covered in my life:

1. Minivan Repair (December 2009) Cost: $850

2. Frozen Heat Pipes (January 2010) Cost: $500

3. Extra car just broke down (January 2010) Cost: Unknown

Ok, more than $1,000 and there actually were a few more incidents but I’ll just keep those to myself. Just by having a $1,000 emergency fund, we didn’t have to worry quite as much.

Now, we’re re-building our fund. I remember starting this program years ago with next to no money whatsoever. I did all sorts of things to make extra money and although I had good intentions, they ended up costing me thousands of dollars…literally.

I wanted to share a few ideas from ‘The Power of Coupons: 13 Ways to Save” that may help you make some extra cash and build up that emergency fund!

1. Start a blog: What you are looking at right now is a blog that I started first on blogger.com and then moved to wordpress.com. And, it cost me nothing to start.

You just need a good idea and the ability to write. You can then get the word out about your blog through social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook.

Ads are a great way to make extra cash off your blog. Although my ads are done differently than most (see my Private Ads guest post), you can use sites such as Google Adsense to help you monetize your blog. Here’s a great post all about how to make money off of your blog.

Keep in mind, my blog is a full time job and it takes a lot of work to build up traffic and resources but it can lead to a great source of income or just extra cash.

2. Teaching a Class: Do you have a secret talent for baking? Making jewelry? Organizing? Consider teaching a class at a community center.

All you have to do is have a talent plus the ability to teach. Contact your local community center and ask about offering a class at their location.

This is a great way to make extra cash!

3. Start Selling: Did you know at one point I sold my husband’s pants on Ebay? Yep, it’s true. When he found out, I had to run to the store and buy brand new pants!

If you’re wanting to sell on Ebay, check out books at the library for tips. Be sure to find a niche and stand out amongst the crowd. You can even research your items before to make sure it’s worth your time and money to sell them.

Craigslist is a great selling resource. You can sell your items locally and list them for free. I have bought and sold many things on Craigslist. Just be sure to meet in a public place and always take a friend!

If you are really serious about making some extra money, ask God to show you what you need to do next. I was very quick to sell products and start businesses that didn’t suit me at all. In the end, they didn’t make me any money but they did cost us money!

I’ve spent a lot of time reading Proverbs 31 out loud. I honestly was believing God for a method of increase that would meet our needs. Out of that came Money Saving Queen.

You are not alone in this journey, we’re all here together and we will succeed.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).-John 10:10 Amplified Bible

Check out our Financial Freedom thread and tell us how you earn extra cash!