Are you short on money each month? If you dread checking the mail for fear of another bill, then it might be time to start earning extra money on top of your current job.
Below are 11 options for how you can earn extra money to help cover loans, bills, or just rack up some serious savings. Try one way or try them all and track just how much extra money you’ve earned by the end of the year!
1. Teach Online
If you have a college degree then you can become a teacher on VipKid. It’s an online company that pays you to teach English to children in China. You’ll need a computer, camera, and headset. You can make anywhere from $14-$22 per hour and it can be done in the mornings or evenings after your kids go to sleep. Not only are you making money, but you’re helping children learn!
2. Try Out Swagbucks
Online websites like Swagbucks will pay you just for searching online, watching videos, shopping, playing games, and taking online surveys. You’ll earn money in the form of gift cards so you can do your grocery shopping or buy new clothes with a gift card that you pick out.
Try to spend just 15 minutes each day earning Swagbucks and then you’ll be well on your way to your first gift card!
3. Donate Plasma
If you have time on your hands then you can earn anywhere between $20-$50 each time you donate plasma. Some places let you donate twice a week which can add up quick. Each donation can take up to 2 hours so bring a book, try your best to relax, and earn some extra money.
4. Sell Your Old Clothes
Every few months I go through my closet and take anything I haven’t worn in a while out and put it in a bag. If I don’t miss the clothing items, then I figure out what I’m going to sell vs. donate. If it’s in good condition then take your clothes to Clothes Mentor or Plato’s Closet and get cash straight back in your hands. You can also list your clothes on Facebook resale sites.
5. Sell Household Items
Chances are likely that you can take an afternoon and go through some of your old or unwanted household items, sell them, and make some easy extra money. Look through all your books, movies, and gadgets. If you haven’t used it in a year, then consider selling it online or in a store. You can list items on Craigslist, eBay, or local Facebook sites or you can bring books and movies to resale shops. Just a few months ago our family made an extra $200 by selling some baby items that we no longer needed. My husband was happy to have the extra attic space and I was happy to buy my son a new back to school wardrobe.
6. Dog Sit and House Sit
People with pets who love them like children are willing to pay someone to stay at their house just so that their dog or cat doesn’t have to be boarded overnight. I don’t blame them! I know that my dog would hate to be in a kennel overnight and not have free reign of our house. Market yourself as someone that will care for pets like they are your own and will keep intruders away from their house.
7. Ask for Extra Hours
If you’re ready and willing, then ask your employer if you can work extra hours or overtime. Most people will jump at the chance to have their hard-working and reliable employees stay later to get a job done. Don’t be hesitant to ask. Besides, the worst they can say is no.
8. Become a Virtual Assistant
If you’re a stay at home mom or just have extra hours in your day, then you can easily become a virtual assistant. Once you’ve established yourself, you can make anywhere from $20-$50+ each hour. The best part is that you can work from home in your pajamas! To learn more about becoming a virtual assistant, check out Amy’s article HERE.
9. Airbnb your Home
If you have an extra room in your home then there’s potential to make money! My brother and sister-in-law have an empty guest room in their home that they rent out for $65 each night. Not a bad way to earn money to help cover house bills like utilities and any home repairs.
10. Ask for a raise
If you’ve been at your job for a while and you know that you are performing well, then it might be time to ask for a raise. Before you head straight to your boss’ office, prepare what you’re going to say and how much of a raise you want. Read more about how to ask (and get) a raise HERE.
11. Get a Part-Time Job
Money doesn’t grow on trees. If you are ready to sacrifice to win with money, then consider getting a part-time job in addition to your full-time job. Find a job that will be flexible with your current schedule. If possible, stick with a job that is in your same career field. You won’t have to learn something completely new and you’ll have confidence when you first start out. Remember that part-time jobs don’t last forever. So if it’s just for a short time then the season of sacrifice will end eventually!
The Bottom Line
Once you start earning extra money, remember to set goals for what you plan to do with your new income. Your financial success all comes back to budgeting and spending, so try not to change your lifestyle and send any extra penny you earn to bills or savings.
If you’ve ever earned extra money on the side let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear what you did and if the extra money was worth your time.
