Who ISN’T looking to earn extra money these days? With the economy still feeling sluggish, and living expenses constantly on the rise, more and more people are in the market for extra earnings. Even if you have a good paying job and don’t need the money to make ends meet, earning some extra cash will let you save more, or splurge on that extra toy you’ve had your eyes on. So, for anyone and everyone looking to make a few extra bucks, here’s our list of twelve creative ways to earn more money.
1. Renting a room on AirBnB
If you have a spare bedroom in your house, or could convert that old den into a comfortable guest room, you could be earning some serious extra dollars with AirBnB. Think of it like a crowdsourced, pay-per-use couchsurfing service. List a room, and anyone who needs a place to crash can pay you a fee to use that spare room as a cheaper hotel alternative.
2. Driving for Uber or Lyft
If you have a somewhat modern and totally safely functioning vehicle at your disposal, driving with Lyft or Uber is a great way to earn a few extra bucks. By signing up as a driver with either service, you’ll be an independent contractor that can set your own hours and act as a kind of door to door digitally flagged down taxi to earn money when you want to.
3. Rent out your Car on Relay Rides
Uber and Lyft might let you earn more money while getting behind the wheel, but Relay Rides lets you pocket some quick cash using your car without driving at all. The new app lets you rent out your car to someone in need in your area, who will pay you to borrow your wheels. All handled by app, all hassle free for you.
4. Freelance on Upwork or Elance
If you have a marketable and niche based skill, you can earn some extra career level cash through either of these online freelancing marketplaces. Be your own boss, work when you want, and make extra cash all at the same time? Not a bad deal, as long as you have a skill you can sell.
5. Checkout Smaller Gigs on Fiverr
The microtransaction site Fiverr offers a straightforward premise: what would you do for $5? If you have a fun and easily marketable talent, or can think of one after browsing some of the sillier offerings on the site, you can start earning without too much effort or investment.
6. Sell Things on Amazon and eBay
One of the oldest ways to make money on the online economy is still one of the most reliable, and if you have something valuable you can sell on Amazon or eBay, you can easily earn a few extra bucks. Collector items and anything rare or niche based does especially well in eBay auctions a lot of the time, so dig out those old treasures.
7. Get Local and Sell Things on Craigslist
While the online marketplace and listing board Craigslist doesn’t have the reach of Ebay or Amazon, you can sell a lot of things to locals in your area through the site. Just be sure to follow some basic common sense rules of safety, and exchange things in a public place rather than giving your address out to strangers that want to buy things from you.
8. Get Creative and Sell Things on Etsy
If you have a knack for crafts, Etsy may be your new best friend. The online marketplace allows you to sell handmade goods to other craft and handmade fanatics, and if you can craft something unique or very high quality, Etsy can be a great place to earn big.
9. Pick up Gig Work with Task Rabbit
If you’ve got some handyman skills or don’t mind signing up for physical or menial labor gigs, check out Task Rabbit. The app connects people who need small tasks done with eager workers, and you can earn extra during your down time by looking for tasks that you are qualified for.
10. Build a Niche Blog
If you can write decently and have a knowledge of a niche subject, there is money to be made in the blogosphere. Start a blog about a niche interest you are passionate about, and once you gain some readers and followers, you can monetize and see profits come your way. Here’s more info on how.
11. Street Perform
Sure, street performers aren’t making huge dollars. But if you have a fun talent that you’ve always wanted to share with the masses, and you are willing to work on your stage presence until it’s perfect, street performing can be a unique and fun way to earn a few extra bucks.
12. Ask for a Raise
Sometimes, if you need extra cash, the best place to look is in a familiar place. Ask your boss for a raise, and explain why you deserve one. Sure, it’s not too creative, but it just might work.