I'm always looking for new ways to make a bit of extra cash. Whether you're in between jobs or just want a little bit more spending money, here are some ways to get the dough back in your pocket.
Mystery shopper- Ever wanted to make money doing something you love like shopping? Companies like
Mystery Shopper and
Get Paid To Shop are great ways to get started as a Mystery Shopper.
Online shop- Got things to sell? Whether its old, vintage or handmade, having an online store is a way to sell anything whilst keeping costs down and reaching a very wide market. I personally have used
Etsy and
Ebay and found both incredibly easy and efficient! Be sure to get yourself a
PayPal account so you can handle money securely.
Garage Sale- If online selling isn't your thing then why don't you have a garage sale? Put up posters and hand out flyers, even create a
Facebook event to promote your garage sale.
Dog Walking- As long as you love pets and don't mind cleaning up doggy mess then dog walking is a good way to get exercise and make extra money.
Tutoring- Are you an expert in something? Have you got a degree or field experience in a particular area? Tutoring people from high school students to adult education students can bring in some money. Depending on your level of experience, tutors can charge anywhere between $30-$70 an hour.
Write for Weekend Notes- As a Weekend Notes writer I highly recommend this. If you have a knack for words and like discovering new things to do why don't you give it a go?
Artists model- This isn't for everyone as not all of us are will to take our clothes off in front of a classroom of artists but if you're confident enough this could be a bit of fun.
Market Research- Getting paid to have an opinion seems like a dream come true, especially for opinionated people like myself. Market research can either be through online surveys or market research focus groups.
Avon/Nutrimetics- "Ding Dong Avon Calling" We all remember the advertisement but selling beauty products has actually become a lucrative business as we are becoming more and more time poor so having things delivered to our door is very appealing.
Medical Testing- This isn't hugely advertised in Australia but it does exist. Healthy individuals who aren't on any medication can volunteer their bodies for medical testing. This may involve trying new medication or treatments but then be reimbursed for your time. May seem risky but can also help the evolution of medicine.
Homestay- If you have an extra bedroom and want to make a decent bit of spending money, having an interstate or international student stay in your home is a great experience. My parents have done this for years and they love it. Companies like
OzHomestay and
Auzzie Families have great success with students and host families.
Online Poker- I normally wouldn't encourage gambling but as long as the stakes aren't high, online poker can be quite fun and can make a little bit of dough if you win.
Trading old mobile phones- Mazuma Mobile gives you cash for your old mobile phones. Most of us will have our old phones at the bottom of a drawn somewhere so why not make some money from them?
Busking- Can you play an instrument or dance a jig? Buskers can earn huge amounts of money but it can be exhausting. Be sure to get a busking license for the area that you'll be performing in.
Busker
Ironing can be tedious which is why so many people pay others to do their ironing for them. If you don't mind it, why don't you give it a try?
Become an extra- Ever wanted to get your face on television? Being an extra can be tiresome, with long days and standing around and waiting but getting paid to not do very much is a great incentive.
Babysit- Im sure many of us have babysat when we were in our teens but have you ever thought of doing it as an adult? Of course having appropriate police checks helps but it's a good way to get paid to play with kids and watch television.
Pet sit- Believe it or not pet sitters are very sought after as many people reach the dilemma of what to do with their pets when they go on holidays. Make sure you have the appropriate space and environment to look after pets and be aware of animals that may not get along (cats and birds spring to mind).
Sell old gold- If you have any unused gold from jewellery you don't wear anymore you can take it to places like
Cash For Old Gold or
Gold Company and see what its worth.
The Frock Exchange- Do you have any designer clothes you don't want anymore?
The Frock Exchange sells designer clothes on consignment and you can choose to be reimbursed in cash or gift voucher for any Belinda, The Corner Shop or Frock Exchange store.
Mow Lawns- Here is another thing people generally hate to do themselves so if you have a working lawn mower and pride yourself in nice looking backyards then you might be the next Mowing prodigy in your local area.
Become a child entertainer- Whether you want to be a clown, superman, a fairy, face painter or balloon artist, being a children's party entertainer can be lots of fun and good money. It's not easy though and you must love kids!
If you're like me and have your fingers in many different pies then give some of these money-making ideas a go. You never know… you might end up being the next famous Pet Sitter of Sydney.
