Increase Your Income
Looking to increase your income to meet a savings goal, pay off debt or improve your financial security by building an emergency fund? Whether you are looking for part-time work to supplement your primary income, or just looking to do it for the short-term, there are many ways to bring in some extra cash to help achieve your goals. Whatever your rhyme or reason for needing to earn a little extra income, there are many ways you can do it.
Tap into your Skills:
Many people have hidden talents that others would pay to utilize. Are you a craftsman who can make farmhouse furniture, burl wood bowls or other trendy items? Can you make one-of-a-kind jewelry that could be sold online or at a local farmer’s market? Do you bake a mean cake that could be used for multiple occasions? These are just a few ideas. Whatever your hidden talents, consider leveraging them to help bring some extra cash!
Search the Web:
There are many avenues in which you can make money online! From flipping unique items that you find at an antique store or garage sale, to selling your own items, the online marketplace can easily help you make some extra cash. However, make sure to be safe! Meet in public locations and accept cash only, or use our member-to-member payment option to make sure that you have your funds before selling your items.
Utilize Staffing Companies:
High school students looking for their first job, college students on breaks, teachers looking for summer employment, laid-off employees seeking work, parents re-entering the workforce or even employed individuals seeking different employment opportunities can all tap into staffing agencies in their community. Many employers are utilizing these companies to run payroll, cover insurance costs and pre-screen for their job openings. People seeking work can easily apply for multiple jobs at once, while only filling out one application. Jobs are temporary, temp-to-hire and direct placement. What a great way to find a side job while letting the service do most of the work!
Serve Your Community:
Rideshare companies like Uber/Lyft have made earning additional income a fairly simple process. Most cities are now allowing these rideshare options in addition to the traditional taxi, which could be a good option for additional income if you want to determine your own hours and work when it is convenient for you. You can also consider food delivery through Uber Eats, Grubhub or one of the many other online food ordering platforms. Driver’s pay is based on a percentage of the orders, but they are often tipped. If these online platforms are not something that interests you, house-sitting, dog walking, babysitting or running errands for an elderly neighbor could all be avenues to make a little extra cash while serving your community.
Want some pro-tips to help you along the way?
Tip #1: Make sure to check the validity of work-from-home offers. Beware of scammers who prey on people trying to find supplemental income especially working from home. Watch out for any job opportunity that promises high pay for low-effort work. Not all offers are legitimate, and you may end up losing money. The Federal Trade Commission lists envelope stuffing, mystery shopping and certain types of multilevel marketing among common work-at-home scams.
Tip #2: Keep documentation and contacts for tax purposes, or in the case something goes askew. Being prepared can save you time and money.
Tip #3: Keep a budget. How will you know if you are on track for saving and earning that extra income unless you are keeping track? If you are tracking expenses and income and find you are not making enough, breaking even or even losing money, move onto the next side job.
Tip #4: Have fun!
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