In the aftermath of the Great Recession many people have discovered the hard way that job security isn’t what it used to be. Regardless of who you are or where you work, you probably have friends or family members who have lost jobs or been forced to take cuts in pay or benefits. In this environment when every dollar counts, many are embracing the power of the Internet to help them make a few extra thousand dollars a month. Some have even found it to be a path from financial desperation to financial fortune!

If you’re wondering how you might be able to start making money online, here are a few ideas:

1. You can sell products

Many people prefer shopping online these days. Sites like eBay, Amazon or Craigslist allow you to make money by selling what you already have at home – from vintage pianos to books. Take some time to think about what you already have that might be of value, and you might just uncover a treasure trove that could get you started making money online.

2. You can provide advice or expertise

Most of us are experts in areas that we aren’t even aware of. For instance, if you travel often you might be aware of little tips and tricks that could help fellow travelers save money or plan their holidays. If you’re a teacher you probably have strong communication skills and a good grasp of English that you can put to use as a freelance editor online. Compiling your advice into a downloadable eBook is one of the most common ways to make money online.

3. You can write and build a following online

Blogs have become one of the most popular sources of information on the internet in recent years. Blogs that focus on politics, investing and other specialized topics can gets hundreds or thousands of visitors every day! So you can pick a field that you are interested in and start a blog to provide your commentary on that field. How can getting people to visit your site translate into income? Advertising. Whether through Google AdWords or other means, you will find that people are willing to pay for the captive audience that regularly visits your blog.

These methods just scratch the surface of the potential of the Internet. With just these three simple strategies, thousands of people have found their path to financial independence.