I don’t know about you, but I really don’t have lots of extra money to invest with right now. A reader brought this to my attention after the article on debt, so today I’m going to talk about how to make some extra money so you can invest, save, pay down debt, whatever.
5 Easy Ways to Make Extra Money
1) Pull together all of your loose change. It may be in your car, your couch cushions or in your tip jar on the counter. You might be surprised to see how much extra cash you have lying around.
2) Sell old or unwanted stuff on eBay. You will make the most for their trending items. Decluttering is good for the soul, and remember, one man’s old Xbox is another man’s… well you get the idea.
3) Offer your services. Let friends and neighbors know that you are available to babysit, mow lawns, or organize their stuff. If you have a really good skill, like building websites, then create some templates and sell them online. Check out the website Fiverr.com for a quick and legit way to make money online.
4) Look for event gigs on Craigslist. The ‘gigs’ section is choc full of last minute one day jobs. Maybe someone needs a hand moving their stuff on Saturday or a caterer is in need of an extra staff member. Just be careful about meeting and do an online check on the business. You might find an organic fashion blog that is in need of writers or promoters. Craigslist is a good place for odd jobs.
5) Be a middleman. In the financial world, most jobs are not based on a tangible service. Bobby stockbroker doesn’t come home and show his wife all the accounts he opened that day. Most jobs are all about bringing together a great service with a willing buyer. So figure out who is in need of your middleman services. You might see a storeowner who could use a fresh coat of paint on their wooden mailbox. Offer to have it done for 20 bucks then hire a friend for 10. As long as it takes less than an hour your friend is happy, the storeowner is happy and you’re 10 bucks richer. This is the most important tip.
Once you start looking for ways to fill a need, you will be surprised at how many ideas fill your head so you can start increasing your net worth. And great businesses all start with an idea.
Photo Credits: http://www.thegrio.com/specials/thegrio-in-elkhart/broke-aint-no-joke-for-those-in-need-of-health-care-in-elkhart.php
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MyPerFinJourney says:
February 14, 2011 at 6:14 pm (UTC -4 )
The quickest (relatively) and most effective way I've found to make extra income is with eBay. You just have to make sure to inspect the completed items listings to make sure that your item can sell for the price you want it.
My recent post 25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway! – Cheapskates Need Love Too Edition
latishadstyles says:
February 15, 2011 at 1:24 pm (UTC -4 )
You're right, that's one of the reasons I stopped selling my old dvds. I found that they just weren't worth what I expected to get.
MyPerFinJourney says:
February 15, 2011 at 1:35 pm (UTC -4 )
I agree! Sometimes, it's amazing how little money things go for in eBay! Good for purchasing though!
My recent post Festival of Frugality 268 – Cheapskate Jake Edition – February 15th- 2011
Corey @ Passive Income to Retire says:
December 7, 2011 at 6:05 pm (UTC -4 )
I always stayed away from the small things because I didn’t think I had time or that it was worth it for me. Then, I started realizing how even the small things can add up over time and it can allow me to do so much more (like a nice vacation). Maybe I’m turning into a workaholic, but it’s just so much fun. (certain things, that is…)
Charles says:
December 8, 2011 at 2:09 pm (UTC -4 )
I agree with you. trying to sell small stuff is just too much effort for little money and ends up being not worth it.
LaTisha, one thing you forgot is to start a blog!
LaTisha says:
December 9, 2011 at 1:00 pm (UTC -4 )
True! But when I first wrote this I wasn’t making any money from my blog lol. But starting and maintaining a blog is pretty labor intensive.
LaTisha says:
December 9, 2011 at 1:02 pm (UTC -4 )
Yes, I was in a financial crunch before I started working full time and I kept finding little things I could sell or extra work I could do. The little bits really do add up.
Darwin's Money says:
December 7, 2011 at 10:55 pm (UTC -4 )
I like making extra money more than saving money, so I’ve tried all sorts of things over the years. There are hundreds of ways to make extra money if you have the time, inclination and desire. Many people don’t. That’s just more for the ambitious I suppose!
Hunter - Financially Consumed says:
December 8, 2011 at 4:01 pm (UTC -4 )
We’re prepping for a major yard-sale. Spring seems like a good time to make it happen. I prefer this to eBay as I dread packaging and mailing items all over the place.
LaTisha says:
December 9, 2011 at 1:03 pm (UTC -4 )
Spring is good. I just helped my parents with a multi family yard sale that was a big hit. If you can get a few neighbors to participate you will get double the traffic. Of course remember to promote on Craigslist and Twitter.
Kevin Mzansi says:
December 9, 2011 at 5:57 am (UTC -4 )
There was a great article and discussion on Get Rich Slowly a while back about making some extra money. I bookmarked it because it had some great ideas. Here is the link:
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/11/10/make-more-money-how-to-supercharge-your-income/
Hope this helps!
LaTisha Styles says:
December 10, 2011 at 5:04 pm (UTC -4 )
Thanks! GRS is a great resource.
neo says:
December 9, 2011 at 7:55 pm (UTC -4 )
I like the idea of selling my old stuff. I think everyone has a few itmes they could part with that can bring them a little cash and at the same time de-clutter their lives.
I would also add reducing debt, by paying off debt you are actually making money because you are paying less interest. People always forget that one…
Neo
LaTisha Styles says:
December 11, 2011 at 4:04 pm (UTC -4 )
That is a good point. Selling extra stuff and using that money to pay off debt can free up even more money.
Jon -- Free Money Wisdom says:
December 9, 2011 at 9:29 pm (UTC -4 )
My fiancee gets jobs through a company called http://www.encorenationwide.com — they pay really well. Although, the checks don’t come for awhile. It does provide great opportunities!
LaTisha Styles says:
December 10, 2011 at 5:08 pm (UTC -4 )
I used to work for Encore! They are pretty good but you have to catch the jobs as they come. Tell her to check out Marketing Werks as well. They are good too.
femmefrugality says:
December 12, 2011 at 2:40 pm (UTC -4 )
Never knew about the “gigs” section on craigslist before! Thanks!
Barb Friedberg says:
December 12, 2011 at 11:46 pm (UTC -4 )
These ideas include some very unique tips. I especially like looking for gigs on craigs list. I’ve made some extra cash selling stuff on craigslist too.
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