How to Maximize your Time and Money While Working from Home

Posted by Viviana Vazquez in CareerAugust 23, 2021(Last Updated December 20, 2022)4 min read
Key Takeaways
  • Don’t burn yourself out by trying to work more than the required amount. Instead, make a work schedule to keep your day organized and productive.
  • Save money where you can. Healthy eating and cooking at home can boost your energy and save you hundreds of dollars per month.
  • No commute? No problem. Use the extra time to take on additional part-time work or start working extra hours on your side hustle.
Are you ready to make some real money moves?

With the recent surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, many employers have extended their remote work policy until the end of the fall season. For many employees, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy work-life balance when working from home. On the other hand, many workers have taken advantage of their company’s work from home policy to travel, start a side hustle, or even work two full-time jobs at once. If you’re still trying to figure out how to maximize your time and money while working from home, here is how you can get started.

 

Use Your Time Wisely to Maximize Your Money

 

Make a Schedule and Stick to It 

 

To maximize your time when working from home, you can create a schedule for yourself with a list of tasks you plan on completing for the day. A work schedule including specific tasks that you must check off your list will help you visualize what you’re working on and for how long. When you use a work schedule to plan out your day, you improve your time management skills while staying focused and productive.

 

calendar



Don't Burn Yourself Out

 

Working from home can cause extreme burnout. To combat feeling overwhelmed and burned out, establish boundaries for yourself like only working your designated hours and creating a work schedule. In addition to having a plan to keep you on track to stay productive during your designated work hours, you should also get up a move around, such as going for a walk. A healthy work-life balance will prevent you from feeling stressed and overworked.

 

Minimize the Distractions Around You

 

Although working from home can seem ideal, there is a higher chance you will be distracted. Distractions can come in many different forms, such as conversing with family members, tending to your pets, and logging into social media during conference calls. As these distractions can hinder your productivity, one solution is to build a home office space that allows you to escape from the distractions and stay focused on your work. If possible, try to set up your home office space somewhere other than your bed or living room couch, as experts have determined that working at either of these places makes it easier for you to get distracted. 

 

Save Money Where You Can

 

Cook at Home

 

Lunch breaks are essential because they allow you to step away from your work for about 30 minutes to an hour and decompress. Taking a break to eat lunch can make you feel happy and refreshed, according to this survey. Also, instead of ordering your food from a restaurant for lunch, which can become costly over time, you can cook daily or meal prep. By cooking at home, you can choose to eat healthier, which will help energize you for a productive workday.

 

person cooking



Ask Your Employer to Pay for Work-From-Home Expenses

 

Working from home requires you to have a desktop or laptop computer, internet service, and a working phone if your job requires you to make phone calls. Working from home also requires some form of a home office setup, which can cost hundreds of dollars. Therefore, asking your employer to pay for your work-from-home expenses or reimburse you for related costs is a fair request. If your employer agrees to pay for some or all of these expenses, you will be able to save an additional sum of money by working from home. 

 

Save Money on Transportation

 

By not commuting to work, it allows you to cut back on transportation costs like gas and potential car repairs. Also, if you own more than one vehicle, it could be time to reevaluate if two cars are necessary for your household. If you live in a large city with reliable public transportation, it may be more cost-effective to start using public transit when you need to leave your home. Another alternative to using your car or riding public transit is to walk or bike to your destination, which can save you money in the long run.

 

Use Your Extra Time to Make Extra Money

 

Take on a Part-Time Job

 

If you are looking to make extra money while working from home, it may be a good idea to take on a part-time job or a side hustle. Tutoring, babysitting, or working part-time at a local market are all options that allow you to make extra money simply by working a couple of hours per week. 

 

person on phone



Freelance for Extra Cash

 

Freelance work is another popular side hustle. You can start your freelancing career by using platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, an online platform where you can set your own hours and rates while monetizing your skillset by offering your services. If you have a car, you can rake in extra cash by being an Uber driver or delivering food with platforms like Uber Eats, where you can create your own schedule with few up-front costs. 

 

Recommended Read: Read more about how to make passive income through your car here

 

Declutter Your Home and Sell Unwanted Items

 

If you find yourself having additional time before or after your workday, it may be a good idea to use that time to declutter your home and sell items you no longer use. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to start selling your unwanted items for some extra money. If you want to skip the process of selling your items, you can donate them to your local Goodwill or other donation centers. When you rid yourself of things you are no longer using, it will help you create a more productive work environment. 

 

Start a Business

 

Last year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, applications for new businesses grew at the fastest rate since 2007. So if you’re looking to start a business, it’s not too late. If you are maximizing your time while working from home, use the extra time you now have to turn your idea into a business. 

 

Don't forget to apply for an employer identification number here after registering your business.

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