Ideas for making extra money?

[carhill]

If you're thinking about changing plans, try a brick/mortar store and see if they'll pay your termination fees. I've been seeing deals including that of late, though I haven't had a contract in a decade now.

 

I've been selling stuff on Craigslist to help friends out and some voluntarily pay me a finders fee. I know some folks do same with that and on eBay for a commission. Buying and selling stuff, if one knows their market, can be a great way to make extra money, though the cap costs are less when doing the consignment thing.

 

A friend of mine's wife was trying to figure out something to make money and decided to try making soaps out of the milk from all the goats they had wandering around their place. Now it's become quite a business and they do mail order, internet and travel to shows.

 

In that vein, being creative and taking an idea and getting it out there, while a risk, can be a wonderful way to make a few bucks as well as meet people. The more people one knows, the more opportunities one has. As examples, I take prototypes of cat habitats I'm working on and RV fireplaces I've designed when going camping and simply talk with people, gathering feedback and ideas. My motto is 'there's always something to do' and I want people to remember to call me when there's something to do.

 

For you, that 'something' will be unique to you. All you have to do is believe in yourself and opportunities will find you.

 

Oh, if you can figure out how to get someone approved for an Obamacare subsidy, I'll pay you a commission to do it. It's bad enough being poor but getting denied healthcare adds injury to insult. Guess I need to make more extra money

[michellew]

Isn't the OP looking for a 'work at home' job though? I wouldn't count waitressing/bartending in that though I do know folks who got really good pay out of waitressing.

 

From my point of view, one of the better jobs for working at home is coding. The digital business is huge now, and there are new niches for programmers emerging all the time. If you manage to pick up a reasonably in-demand language and get good at it, there are plenty of contracts that involve working from home, from observation.

 

I was offered one of those during grad school, wasn't able to take it as it was in violation of the student visa I had at that time. But would have been a sweet deal if I'd been able to.

 

Coding?!?! I haven't the slightest idea on how to code, but I have seen some free online classes. Is it easy to learn? My son is a whiz at that kinda thing. Maybe we can learn together.

[Els]

Coding?!?! I haven't the slightest idea on how to code, but I have seen some free online classes. Is it easy to learn? My son is a whiz at that kinda thing. Maybe we can learn together.

 

I'm not sure I would call it 'easy' , but it has gotten easier in recent years. When I first saw codeacademy (one of the better online lessons IMO), I was thinking "Damn, why was that not around when I first started learning?!"

 

If your son is interested, would definitely be fun to learn together!

[jbelle6]

When I was in college. I worked in nightclubs and bars...I made 600-800 clean for friday and saturday....Mostly working the door and occasionally tending bar..And that was in the 1980's!!

 

While I dont think youd want to be a bouncer..(lol)..Restaurants and these types of extablishments can pay well....I know a woman that works a full time job, yet waitresses on a Saturday night for some extra cash...She usually makes around 250 for the night..Thats an extra grand a month for just 4 nights....And no waiting for a paycheck either..Get paid at the end of the shift..And she is out of there by 10:30...

 

.Youd probably have to work 40 hrs/week in Wal Mart for that kind of dough..

 

Not too bad if you dont mind giving up your sat nights..

 

TFY

 

 

 

When I started my full time day job I bartended at night and on weekends, still do take shifts when they are short. Couple of hundred in a shift is very common and not on the higher end, and this would be a weeknight. Weekends it was more. Even serving a busy breakfast shift on the weekend brought in tons of cash.

 

 

I see a lot of people in their 20's on here trying to get into their chosen profession with their degrees making just above minimum wage so they look for second jobs in their field as well. I always wonder why they don't keep their day job and make tips at night. One of the guys I worked with was a teacher but he had no kids so why not work Saturday nights?

[jbelle6]

Where does she waitress at?

 

 

I've been thinking of getting a 2nd job as a waitress, but wanna make sure I go for a place that is gonna be decent enough pay to make it worth giving up my nights when I already work 50 hours a week in the mornings and afternoons.

 

 

 

I worked at an Irish pub. Bands on the weekend evenings, hockey at night during the week or Saturdays did well. Football (soccer) played early morning mostly weekend breakfast shifts, those shifts were INSANE. It's sweet, go in Sunday morning for a few hours and leave with a hunk of cash.

[thefooloftheyear]

When I started my full time day job I bartended at night and on weekends, still do take shifts when they are short. Couple of hundred in a shift is very common and not on the higher end, and this would be a weeknight. Weekends it was more. Even serving a busy breakfast shift on the weekend brought in tons of cash.

 

 

I see a lot of people in their 20's on here trying to get into their chosen profession with their degrees making just above minimum wage so they look for second jobs in their field as well. I always wonder why they don't keep their day job and make tips at night. One of the guys I worked with was a teacher but he had no kids so why not work Saturday nights?

 

 

Exactly....

 

Heck, I dont need the money, but I even thought of taking a Saturday night working the door again..I made nice money and can still do it-even though I am older now...Probably better now..

 

It was fun, and I never made less than 200 on a Saturday night..usually more...

 

 

Let me add this as something for some of you all to think about....

 

Forget about all of the austere saving plans...It doesnt really work....Why? Because you wind up miserable as hell and it puts you in a bad and negative mindframe...

 

Case in point...

 

I have a large yard...In an effort to save some dough, I canned my landscaper and started doing it myself...It was miserable...

 

Then I started to think...

 

There are so many things I can do to make that money up that are less aggravating and taxing...And the quality of my life is improved...I only get one day off, I dont need to be slaving on yard maintenance on a Sunday when I should be enjoying myself...

 

Just think about it..

 

TFY

[jonsnuh]

I'm not much of a baker, but I'm good with different kinds of chocolate covered strawberries. Maybe I can learn how to make edible arrangements and charge only half of what the store does. Those things are expensive!!

 

Babysitting is also a good idea. I was a 2nd grade teacher for 6 years and have a master's in education. Surely parents will trust me with their child! Lol I just need to find the going rate in my area.

 

A client of my previous accounting firm was an Edible Arrangements store. Profitability fluctuates with seasonality, market prices, franchise fees and conditions, and whether there is a sale going on. First year is always the hardest, but this is the norm for most small businesses starting out.

 

Masters in education?! You could be a governess!

[Els]

Exactly....

 

Heck, I dont need the money, but I even thought of taking a Saturday night working the door again..I made nice money and can still do it-even though I am older now...Probably better now..

 

It was fun, and I never made less than 200 on a Saturday night..usually more...

 

 

Let me add this as something for some of you all to think about....

 

Forget about all of the austere saving plans...It doesnt really work....Why? Because you wind up miserable as hell and it puts you in a bad and negative mindframe...

 

Case in point...

 

I have a large yard...In an effort to save some dough, I canned my landscaper and started doing it myself...It was miserable...

 

Then I started to think...

 

There are so many things I can do to make that money up that are less aggravating and taxing...And the quality of my life is improved...I only get one day off, I dont need to be slaving on yard maintenance on a Sunday when I should be enjoying myself...

 

Just think about it..

 

TFY

 

I see what you mean, but don't you think this depends on the situation? I mean, if someone is down to their last $500 in the bank, they probably really need to tighten their belts until they can get some extra income in, even if it means being miserable for the time being. On the other hand, if they have a decent nest egg, it does make sense to pay for some additional luxuries that improve your quality of life.

 

It probably depends on what is important to the individual as well. I live in quite a thrifty manner even though I have a decent amount of savings already. I rarely buy clothes or makeup or shoes, I don't have a car of my own because I live in the city and public transport is so good here, etc. But I could never freeze all my meals for the week and eat the same thing every day like some people do, even if it saves money and time. And you'll pry my broadband subscription out of my cold dead hands...

[thefooloftheyear]

I see what you mean, but don't you think this depends on the situation? I mean, if someone is down to their last $500 in the bank, they probably really need to tighten their belts until they can get some extra income in, even if it means being miserable for the time being. On the other hand, if they have a decent nest egg, it does make sense to pay for some additional luxuries that improve your quality of life.

 

It probably depends on what is important to the individual as well. I live in quite a thrifty manner even though I have a decent amount of savings already. I rarely buy clothes or makeup or shoes, I don't have a car of my own because I live in the city and public transport is so good here, etc. But I could never freeze all my meals for the week and eat the same thing every day like some people do, even if it saves money and time. And you'll pry my broadband subscription out of my cold dead hands...

 

I completely understand....And this is coming from a person that has been dead broke in their life..

 

My point is that there are people that spend more time and effort trying to scrimp and save, when if they used the resources available to them, they wouldnt have to be so austere, and live a better quality of life...If you drive all over town looking for the cheapest price on gasoline, then you are wasting time(and gas!) and wear and tear on your vehicle, to accomplish something that may wind up actually costing you money..

 

While I didnt coin the phrase, its akin to "stepping over dollars to pick up pennies"..

 

Its really weird...I know some people that have some money, yet are SO austere that they dont ever use the heat or a/c. never go out for a nice dinner in a restaurant, and just live this crazy, miserly existence thinking they are on their last dollar..I dont get it...I learned many years ago that money is only a tool...Its not the family jewels or anything..

 

TFY

[Eternal Sunshine]

I completely understand....And this is coming from a person that has been dead broke in their life..

 

My point is that there are people that spend more time and effort trying to scrimp and save, when if they used the resources available to them, they wouldnt have to be so austere, and live a better quality of life...If you drive all over town looking for the cheapest price on gasoline, then you are wasting time(and gas!) and wear and tear on your vehicle, to accomplish something that may wind up actually costing you money..

 

While I didnt coin the phrase, its akin to "stepping over dollars to pick up pennies"..

 

Its really weird...I know some people that have some money, yet are SO austere that they dont ever use the heat or a/c. never go out for a nice dinner in a restaurant, and just live this crazy, miserly existence thinking they are on their last dollar..I dont get it...I learned many years ago that money is only a tool...Its not the family jewels or anything..

 

TFY

 

I agree. I prefer to work harder/spend more. I am not advocating going into debt but if I had to do one of those severe savings plans, I would off myself. I know quite a few people that are very frugal, more than necesseary. I beleive that life is there to be enjoyed in the here and now.

[Eternal Sunshine]

Have you tried this eternal sunshine or know anyone who has? I'm sketchy of internet/work from home jobs, as they are scams a lot of the time.

 

Definetely not a scam. I worked for them for a year as I was completing my PhD and earned about $20/hour. They pay regularly. It's not that easy to get in though, as you have to pass 3 online exams - and they are pretty nitpicky. Once you are in, it's a low effort job and pretty sweet deal.

[jbelle6]

I looked them up out of curiosity and they appear legit OP.

Like Eternal said, they are picky and there were lots of complaints of being fired suddenly for that reason.

 

Others mentioned in my quick look around for that were Leapbridge and Appen Butler Hill. Might want to check out all 3.

[jbelle6]

I see what you mean, but don't you think this depends on the situation? I mean, if someone is down to their last $500 in the bank, they probably really need to tighten their belts until they can get some extra income in, even if it means being miserable for the time being. On the other hand, if they have a decent nest egg, it does make sense to pay for some additional luxuries that improve your quality of life.

 

It probably depends on what is important to the individual as well. I live in quite a thrifty manner even though I have a decent amount of savings already. I rarely buy clothes or makeup or shoes, I don't have a car of my own because I live in the city and public transport is so good here, etc. But I could never freeze all my meals for the week and eat the same thing every day like some people do, even if it saves money and time. And you'll pry my broadband subscription out of my cold dead hands...

 

 

True! I am a foody and love to cook and use fresh ingredients, I don't care about TV much but if my connection goes down I go into a fit lol. Touch my makeup and lose fingers though!!!

[Leigh 87]

Saving is easy for me because I don't derive any more pleasure than usual from eating out, versus eating 2 mminute noodles. I have enough nice clothes and many bags and I would be happy to never buy clothes again until my current ones fall apart.

 

All I need is a good free library book, food and shelter and I'm every bit as happy as I am eating out, hiring dvds and going on day trips.

 

Travel is my one weakness but my parents sent me around the world for free several SSEVERAL TO ME during my 27 years. ..... I am going on one last overseas trip in a year/year and a half or so. Paid for by me this time. Then I am giving up travel as I won't be able to afford it ever again since I won't get a highly enough paid job to warrant overseas travel for at least 2 to 3 decades. I'll likely never earn over 40 K, which is about the eequivalent to 80k USD. Most people don't earn much and cannot afford extras.

 

I think if you are motivated, you can find ways to earn more. You should honestly just be a waitress on weeknights OR weekends. It keeps you fit and it's fun for some waitresses to get to meet such a huge array of different characters every day. You really see what is out there in terms of manners;)

 

Any method to generate more income besides waitressing or retail work will be hard to get into unless you are talented/naturally adept.

 

And even waitressing in Aus is hard to get into; they have literally HUNDREDS of both college ages kids, high school aged kids AND professionals who are poor ALL going for the same position. There are SO many applications that you need to either be very good looking a d still not suck, OR, you need years of experience. You need to be able to walk in and demonstrate that you can do it all with ease and perfection or else they have 100 other resumes to read of people who DO have enough experience.

 

I have 2 trials for waitressing soon and I just had to. I am nnot expecting to get any since there are always faster, better staff who have done it for 10 years or are better looking than me.

 

I am hopeful I will land a job close to home. I currently have to get up at 6.30 on weekends just to get to me 10 am job. I gravel 2 hours to and 2 hours from work sat and Sunday because that is the only job in hospitality that I can get. It can be so tough to just walk into a waitress or retail position unless you know someone, you're young and they can pay you a 17 yr old wage or unless you are very very pretty and you still can't be incompetent even with great looks.

[Phoe]

In regards to saving vs spending, and being happy, I think it's about finding a balance.

 

I make about $900-$1000 a month. I'm not swimming in money but it's enough to get by, put a little in savings every month, and still buy myself something "unnecessary" or "fun" every now and then.

 

 

I don't make a lot, but I've never felt as though I'm struggling, and I've never felt as though I can never have things that make me happy.

[shortee]

Ahh, we don't have any formal places here.

 

 

Olive Garden and applebees are as fancy as it gets.

 

 

Your location says you are from southern California. I'm sure there are a lot of places. Especially being from where you are from, places that cater to the rich and famous! California has restaurants on the ocean and those are always pretty upscale places.

 

I live in small town nowhere usa and even there are upscale establishments around here.

Edited June 17, 2014 by shortee

[GorillaTheater]

I've been selling for others on ebay for years. My fee is 25% plus fees. Just last week sold a 45 record from the 50s to a man in Japan for 137.00

 

I think that's a great idea! I have a bunch of stuff I could sell on Ebay, but I don't really have the time or inclination to mess with it. I'd definitely use a service like that.

[pink_sugar]

I think that's a great idea! I have a bunch of stuff I could sell on Ebay, but I don't really have the time or inclination to mess with it. I'd definitely use a service like that.

 

I've sold on ebay for others...how do you go about finding these clients?

[GorillaTheater]

I've sold on ebay for others...how do you go about finding these clients?

 

Good question, because it's never occurred to me that there might be a service like that (for whatever reason), so I've never sought out a person who does this. I suppose Craig's List might be a possibility.

[lucy_in_disguise]

If you used to be a former teacher and have good people skills, you can try tutoring. My mom does that full time and makes very good money. She tutors in small groups of 3-4 students - which she finds is personal enough to devote individual attention to each kid, while simultaneously allowing her to make good money and keep her services affordable.

 

It took her a while to build up her business, but she loves the flexibility and being able to make an impact.

[lucy_in_disguise]

Also, not sure if anyone mentioned this, but if u have any artistic/ crafty inclinations, etsy is a good website to sell handmade stuff. You can use pintrest or other websites to get a feeling for what is in demand, and undercut the competition.

 

Another idea depending on your daytime availability is dog walking. The going rate in my area is $15 per half hr walk per dog, and it's a service for which demand keeps growing.

Edited June 17, 2014 by lucy_in_disguise

[michellew]

Thought I'd give everyone an update...I am finally making some extra money by selling Scentsy! I never imagined myself doing something like this in a million years for two reasons: 1)no sales experience and 2)I don't think I fit the typical Scentsy consultant mold. It turns out I'm actually really good at it! lol Who knew. I got my product kit less than 3 weeks ago and have already reached $2000 in sales, totaling $450 in commission. I've actually made more than that though by selling the free or half-price items I've received and pocketing that money. Not bad for doing something on the side that is actually fun and easy!

Edited November 14, 2014 by michellew

[RockyCruz]

So I think I make a pretty nice salary for a single mom ($65k), but it's only enough to cover my student loans, mortgage, car, cell, internet, credit cards, my son's high school needs (he's in everything band related which makes it difficult for him to get a job and help with the load), etc. There's never anything left for "me" things like trips and shopping (unless I charge it which I'm not doing anymore).

 

Having a full time career, I really don't have a lot of time for a night job, nor do I want to be away from my son all the time. Anyone have ideas on how I could make some extra money from home?

 

Go digital. I'm making money by creating digital information products for others but now for myself. That's after everyone telling me it won't work. And you don't need to be savvy like I am with graphic design, web design. You can hire someone to do it after you get client to pay for work.

 

I make money from designing digital magazines (how to magazines), ebooks, web design layouts. It's been making me good money. Clients are like marketers, teachers, authors but mostly marketers.

 

But then I had this idea, of building a membership site so the customers can learn to do it themselves at a budget rating (still building the site).

 

So all the stuff I've learnt, like video production, creating magazines, ebooks, website layout, also copywriting, article writing, video production to be courses. Step by step online videos that shows how to do it from concept idea stage to finished digital info product.

 

Then run this baby on automation, and focus just moving traffic by paid advertising.

 

I partnered also with someone else who builds websites so I don't need to teach and coach how to build websites. I went and designed his membership site, he built it - banged his courses on building any wordpress websites.

 

They'll how to design the layouts on Photoshop and from him the folks learn how to build and launch online, add their products, walla!

 

So yeah, digital. Made my life so much easier.

[RockyCruz]

Thought I'd give everyone an update...I am finally making some extra money by selling Scentsy! I never imagined myself doing something like this in a million years for two reasons: 1)no sales experience and 2)I don't think I fit the typical Scentsy consultant mold. It turns out I'm actually really good at it! lol Who knew. I got my product kit less than 3 weeks ago and have already reached $2000 in sales, totaling $450 in commission. I've actually made more than that though by selling the free or half-price items I've received and pocketing that money. Not bad for doing something on the side that is actually fun and easy!

 

Not bad? That's pretty awesome achievement. Main thing you're having fun and you enjoy which is great.