People are always looking for ways to make extra money or save money, but this is especially the case in a challenging economy. In a recession, people find that their money doesn't seem to go as far, and they find fewer opportunities open to them. It's particularly painful for those out of work and looking for a new job.
Those individuals and families who find themselves short on rent, out of work, struggling to put food on the table, or just wanting to get ahead in paying down debt or building up savings should take heart. There are ways to make extra money.
The ways suggested in this article are easy in the sense that they are simple, but they do require some effort. Earning extra cash takes discipline, planning, and some creativity, but it's not rocket science. Here are 10 easy ways to make money.
- Hold a yard sale. If you need quick cash and the weather is right, hold a yard sale. Gather everything you can part with, including books, clothes, furniture, lawn equipment, video games, toys, games, and so forth. Anything that you no longer use or need is fair game. Pick a date. Announce it to the community in the local paper. Depending on your locality's codes, you can also advertise with road signs. Do not just post signs around town without checking. Once you've properly advertised your event, get ready to make some money!
- Sell stuff on eBay or Craigslist. If you're not comfortable doing a yard sale (either because it won't work in your community or because the weather's not right), then list the items on Craigslist or eBay. There's all kinds of information available online about how you can make money selling things on eBay. Do some research and pick the approach that's right for you.
- Hold a bake sale and/or drink sale. This can tie in well with a yard sale or with a big event taking place in the community near your home. It can also work near a bike trail or some other well-traveled location. In the case of the bike trail, you can sell Gatorade, water, etc. Check local ordinances, including your homeowner policies.
- Walk dogs in your community (or clean up after them). Busy pet owners need people to walk their dogs. You can earn $5 (perhaps more) for taking a dog on nice, healthy walk. Want to ramp up these earnings even more? Consider scooping poop! That's right. There are some enterpreneurs out there who will come to your yard and clean up your dog's business for $5-15 a pop. It's not for the squeamish, but if you need some extra cash, why not?
- Babysitting. If you're dependable and good with kids, this is a great way to make some extra cash.
- Work on computers. If you're knowledgeable about computer software or hardware, you can make some extra money in your neighborhood by working on people's computers.
- Offer services on Fiverr.com. Fiverr.com is a "gig" (or small job) site where people offer to do things for $5. There are so many possibilities here. In some cases, people offer to give relationship advice. Others will write articles. Some will promote your blog. Others will send postcards, sing you a song, record a video for you. The list goes on. Many people makes lots of money on this site. The best way to see if it's right for you is to go over to Fiverr.com, surf around, and get an idea as to what people are offering to do and what people are buying.
- Write articles online. Sites like Suite101 offer an opportunity to earn money online by writing informative, interesting articles on your computer keyboard.
- Clean houses. Do not sign on with a cleaning company. Instead, go freelance. Put some flyers around, advertising your services. You may make up to $20 or more per hour.
- Do some basic lawn care in your community. People will pay to have their lawns mowed, their hedges trimmed, and their leaves raked. Cash in on this by offering these services yourself.
These ten ways of making extra money won't make anyone rich. They certainly aren't a permanent replacement for a regular job. However, for those in need of emergency or extra cash, they can be just the ticket.
Related Reading
Those who found this article helpful may also wish to read "How Can You Make Some Extra Money?" and "How to Save Money"
Brian Tubbs - Brian Tubbs is a minister, writer, and former educator living in Northern Virginia. He writes on personal development, faith, and ...
