Money. There never seems to be enough of it to go around.
Are you sick of being broke? Want to live like the rich and famous? How about just taking away the sense of anxiety you always have when the monthly bills come in?
If that’s your story, we have some good news for you today. Here’s a list of five things you can do to earn extra money.
1. Host a Yard Sale
One of the easiest ways to earn extra money and pay off debt is to host a yard sale. We all have junk in the basement or up in the attic that’s just taking up space. Those items could be of value to your neighbors. Put them out in the yard and slap some price tags on them. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much you can make in a single afternoon. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, right?
2. Buy and Sell on eBay
You don’t have to spend a lot to make a lot on eBay. The best sellers go to thrift stores and flea markets to find hidden bargains on items that can be marked up for online sale. You can also find sellable products at yard sales. Treat this like a hobby and have some fun with it. It’s a great way to make some extra money and you can get the whole family involved. (Read: If you have kids, put ‘em to work!)
3. Take Online Surveys for Cash
There are hundreds of online survey opportunities out there, but not all of them pay cash. Some will reward you with gift cards, merchandise, or shopping points that you can use only on specific websites. For best results, search online carefully and only do the surveys that pay cash. You can turn this into a nice part-time income if you can find those.
4. Become an Online Freelancer
If you have talent as a writer, photographer, graphic designer, or virtual assistant, you can start a side hustle as a freelancer. Many people have done this and eventually turned their freelance gigs into full-time jobs. There’s money to be made, and online services are in demand. Search for “freelance sites” online to gain some more insight into how to go about this.
5. Start a Dog-Walking Service
Are you a dog person? Dog walking is a great way to make extra money and get some fresh air and exercise. It’s also always in demand, especially in cities. If you market yourself properly, you can build this into a nice little side business. Dog owners communicate with each other when they get good service, so word-of-mouth referrals are common. Dog walking is fun, and you’ll make lots of new friends (or man’s best friends).
Avoiding Gigs That Might Cost You Money
If you have to pay to get involved in something that’s supposed to be a money-maker, it’s probably not legitimate. (Stay away from pyramid schemes or those “multi-level marketing” companies.) You’ll also want to avoid anything that pays out in product or shopping points. Those gigs aren’t going to alleviate the pain of being broke. Stick to simple opportunities like the ones we’ve outlined here. You’ll start to see a difference right away.
Kevin Flynn
Kevin is a former fintech coach and financial services professional. When not on the golf course, he can be found traveling with his wife or spending time with their eight wonderful grandchildren and two cats.
