Unfortunately, money isn’t always as abundant as we’d like, and asking for a raise every month or so isn’t exactly a good plan. If you’re looking for ways to expand your bank account this summer, consider these easy and unique money-making tips.
Use the Internet
We’re on our phones or computers all day long, so why not make some money out of it? There’s no end to the ways you can make money online. If you’re a great writer, consider freelance content writing about topics of your choice to make some extra cash during these long summer months. Want something a little less taxing? You can take surveys on MySurveys.com to make money; the payment is low, to be sure, but if you’ve got a few hours with nothing to do, some of the surveys can actually be really fun and interesting—the perfect thing to do while catching up on Netflix. You can even try some online bingo if that’s your thing; there are some sites that allow users to play for free for small payouts. There’s no limit to the ways you can make money using your computer, so start browsing and figure out what suits your needs best.
Daycare Services
Do you have kids? Then you know how essential a trustworthy babysitter can be. Talk to friends and acquaintances and see if anyone’s looking to hire childcare, whether it be for date night, or during a weekend getaway. Keep the kids busy with some fun summer activities, set up a movie screen in the backyard, and let your own kids bask in the glow of having a preset playdate with other children. Everyone wins, and your pocket gets a little bit fuller.
Ridesharing Options
Do you love to drive? Want to learn more about your city and get some fun social interaction? Ridesharing has become the taxi of the future, and if you’re looking to make a bit of cash, driving for a ride share service like Lyft or Uber can see you making a hefty little sum in just one night of cruising around town. Does driving around strangers give you pause? Consider See Jane Go. This company is designing a ridesharing service for women by women, featuring women drivers and women passengers. It’s beginning in Orange County, California, but the company has plans to expand within the year so it’s definitely one to keep in mind.
Sell Your Talents
Are you a talented artist? Do friends always ooh and ahh over your crafts? Consider setting up shop on Etsy. Whatever your ware, whether it be jewelry or horticulture, knitting or paintings, there are a few strategies to make sure your online shop is successful. Always use high quality photography; customers won’t be able to hold or feel your product, so it’s up to your photos to sell it. Make sure your pricing is competitive and comparable to similar options; ecommerce allows consumers to find numerous options so expect competition to be fierce. When it comes to marketing, figure out what your unique angle is, and capitalize on that.
Take Part in a Summer Purge
It’s amazing how many material things we can accumulate over the years, much of which we don’t use or need. If you’ve got furniture and decorations in storage, and your closets are filled to the brim, it’s time for a purge. Go old school and host a garage or yard sale on the weekend. You’ll get rid of all those unwanted items and get some cold hard cash on the spot. Not looking to turn your front yard into a shopping mall? Put your posting on Craigslist, Letgo.com, or even Amazon.
Get Some Puppy Time
Sometimes, it’s best to go back to the basics. If you’re an animal lover and want to get some more exercise and Vitamin D in your life, consider dog-walking. Talk to neighbors and friends and see if anyone needs Fido to be taken for walks this summer, or sign up with a website like Rober.com. You’ll spend more time outdoors, get some physical health benefits, and see some extra income. You might also consider dog-sitting. During the summer months, many folks head off on vacation, and dog daycares and kennels fill up fast, so you could be their saving grace.
All of these ways are proven money makers, so figure out what works best for your schedule and start padding that wallet.