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Have you reduced your expenses to the bone, yet it’s still not enough? Maybe you just need to make more money? Ha ha. Who am I kidding, right? You can’t commit to a second job with your responsibilities and it’s not like you can ask for a raise in this economy. Hear me out, because you don’t have to get a part time job to pad your budget
Here are some ideas that might help your cash flow:
- Sell things you don’t need or want online. I’ve used CraigsList.org to sell lots of things – everything from toothbrush heads to a car! Use EBay.com for collectibles. Newspaper ads really cut into the cost of selling things you don’t need, but the internet has made it profitable.
- Hold a tag, garage or yard sale. You can go it alone or talk your neighbors into holding a block sale – that way you can share the cost of advertising. If you live in an apartment or condo, or simply don’t want strangers coming to your home, see if your town hosts a yearly “flea market”. To sell at our town’s flea market, you just have to pay a fee for the space. It’s a big popular event and attracts paying customers. If you have quality items, you’ll make your fee back, and pull in a good profit.
- Try a consignment shop if your items are valuable. If you’ve got something that’s very gently used and still has value, this is the way to go. I have personally consigned clothing, and other small merchandise, and have been happy with the fair price received for my treasured items.
- Have a great skill, or ready hands, but can’t commit to a second job? Check out TaskRabbit.com. This website connects people who need things done with those who are willing to do them. A woman I know grew up working a big yard and garden with her mother. All that drudgery paid off. Now she rents herself out for a day on weekends planting gardens. It’s the kind of second job that she can fit in her schedule because she only takes the extra work when it’s convenient. The plus side? She enjoys getting paid to spend time outside doing something she’s good at. As with anything do you research before moving forward.
- Would you like to rent out space in your home? Airbnb.com “connects people who have space to spare with those who are looking for a place to stay.” The name means “Air Bed and Breakfast” but you don’t have to convert your home into a permanent hotel to make money. The upside for travelers is an authentic stay in a real neighborhood. It’s also great for business people looking to relocate because they want to get to know a neighborhood before they commit. There are restrictions to being a host. You’ll need to check the website to see if you qualify. As with anything do you research before letting someone in your home.
- Take a survey or participate in a focus group. I’ve done it. Marketing companies actually gave me money to give them my opinion. I like that!
- Odd jobs can make you extra cash. I’ve paid people cash to help with a tag sale, move furniture, haul things for me in their truck, walk the dog, pet sit, and run errands. What can you offer? Get your name out there as an odd-job doer. Like with TaskRabbit, you can accept work on your terms and turn it down when you don’t want it.
As with anything, watch for scams and try to stay with legitimate companies. Do your research before, and choose accordingly, based on your situation and needs.
How do you get extra money when you need some? Let me know.
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