5 More Ways To Make Extra Money
I wrote a post a while back listing ways anyone could make an extra $500 a month. Since then, I’ve been questioned about my strong belief that anyone can make more money if they choose to do so. I have never said earning extra money is easy. Even if whatever you’re doing is not physically challenging, it takes time and energy that you could otherwise devote to things that are enjoyable. The good thing about extra income is that it doesn’t have to mean working all the time forever. You might need to get some bills paid or build an emergency fund. After that goal is met, you can cut back IF you don’t get addicted to the extra cash. In case you didn’t like any of my ideas from the other post, here are 5 more ways anyone can make extra money.
Adult Caregiver
There are organizations that help take care of adults with mental disabilities. They work to train individuals for life and job skills and provide supervision if the client can’t live alone. In our area, the organization is called Community Connections and they are always running ads for caregivers from 3PM to 8AM. You could take a client into your home or stay in a group home as a supervisor. Many clients are very high functioning. All the ones who stay with caregivers are able to feed themselves and take care of personal hygeine needs. You have to have some training and pass a background check ,but after that it’s $11 per hour, lots of that being sleep time.
Sewing and Alterations
I can’t sew my way out of (into?) a wet paper bag, but I know there are lots of people who did pay attention in home ec. It’s really hard to find good, reliable people to do alterations, at least in a small town. Back when I got married, there was only one lady the bridal shop recommended. Her initial fee was $80 to even take measurements. That was 12 years ago. If you have this skill, I would make yourself very well know to stores that sell formal wear and to dry cleaners.
Another way to use sewing skills is to make products to sell. My Mom bought an American Girl doll for our daughter last Christmas. If you are not familiar with American Girl, it is a ridiculously priced line of dolls and doll clothing, with basic outfits usually starting around $20 and going up to over $100. I was looking on Ebay for doll clothes, and there was one vendor who had a ton of cute, simple, homemade dresses that fit American Girl dolls. They sold each for $10. I bet if you knew how to do it, you could whip a few out per hour with very minimal material costs.
Farmer’s Market
If you garden, bake, or have the ability to make jams or jellies, you could probably hold your own at the farmer’s market. You’d have to rent a booth, but if you can deliver on home grown or homemade items, it can be a good source of side income. I have friends who do this weekly and make $100 or more per day during the summer months. I also have friends who only sell greens or other produce when they have an abundance. Local non-chain restaurants eat this up. As the demand for local grown continues to rise, it provides good opportunities to earn extra income.
Teach a Class or Hold a Camp
Because I’m stupid into fitness, I’ve registered for a triathlon next month. There is a triathlon veteran who is coming over from a neighboring town to give a clinic on how to improve your time. From what I understand, this fellow is a pharmacist and works fulll time, but he travels around the area on weekends to give clinics. What a great way to use a skill to earn extra income!
There are also tons of camps and clinics for all sorts of stuff, especially for kids, in the summer. Whether you are good at art, sports, aerobics, academics, or bird watching, there is probably a need for an instructor.
Take a Part Time Job
Maybe you don’t want to do any special training or hustle to find clients. Grayson wrote an article recently about part time jobs versus side hustles, and I agree that side hustles allow you to do things on your own time frame and accept work of your choosing. However, sometimes it might be easier to take part time job or increase your hours at work.
Ask your boss if there are opportunities for extra hours or increasing responsibilities for more pay. If you don’t have luck there, make sure to let your boss know you will be taking on other work. Some employers frown on moonlighting. As long as you aren’t working with a direct competitor and continue to do your job fully, it probably won’t be an issue. Showing up late with red eyes and falling asleep at your desk is not acceptable!
Yes, it sometimes sucks to go straight from work to another job or side gig, but earning extra money is a great way to dig yourself out of a hole or start building wealth. Earning extra income is the main reason we were able to pay off debt. No, it probably isn’t “normal” to work a full time job, while continually looking for other opportunities. I don’t always agree with Dave Ramsey, but this quote pretty much sums up how I feel about most things money related, included earning extra income.
“You must walk to the beat of a different drummer. The same beat that the wealthy hear. If the beat sounds normal, evacuate the dance floor immediately! The goal is to not be normal, normal is broke.”
Do you think there are more opportunities for extra income in the summer or does it just seem like there are more hours in the day with longer daylight time?
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Farmer’s Market is an interesting way to make money. Never thought of it. My wife and I just might have to try this with some of our vegetables.
I’m a caregiver for children and adults with developmental disabilities and I absolutely love my job! It not only pays better than fast food restaurants but it is also extremely rewarding.
I’ve had a lot of success with a modified version of suggestion #4. I tutor folks in math, physics, etc. and make ~$40 an hour. Just throw up a Craigslist ad and get started!
I would probably clean houses to make money if I needed to earn more. There is a huge market for that in my area, and I am the world’s best and most efficient house cleaner! I cleaned houses for years when I was in my early 20’s. It was great exercise and I usually made $20-$30 an hour, which is a lot more than I would’ve made at a different job.
I love the triathlon expert! That’s a great way to use your passion to bring in the dough. I actually have always thought there are less opportunities in the summer….but I think that’s because I love to play so much while the sun’s shining!
Great ideas, Kim!! I’ve been thinking a bit about the Farmer’s Market thing, but I had no idea that local restaurants would want to buy up our produce! We’ve got a boatload of tomatoes coming in this year: I’ll have to hit the local cafes and see if they’re interested!