How to earn extra cash

Babysitting can earn you some extra cash.

Everyone is looking for extra cash in these hard times. Scoring a part-time job to go with your regular isn't as easy as it was a few years ago. Look around your house, look in your garage and look at your creative, organization or cleaning talents. You might discover a hidden ability to earn a few extra bucks.

Things You'll Need

• Ambition
• Desire to increase your wealth
• Creative mind
• A Newspaper

Instructions

1. Have a garage sale or yard sale. Go through your closet, attic, garage or grandma's house (ask first) in search of items you no longer use or need. Long neglected or forgotten objects may become someone else's found treasure. These may include outdated electronics for the neighborhood tech geek, forgotten board games or outgrown childrens' clothes.

2. Go into the arts and crafts business. Some people love all kinds of homemade craft items. Even if you don't consider yourself creative, you might be surprised at how many projects are actually easy to reproduce and can turn a descent buck. Use a theme, such as an upcoming holiday, for your crafts and watch them fly off the racks.

3. Bring items to consignment shops. If you don't have the time or space for a garage sale, consider gathering up unused, quality items and taking them to your local consignment shop. Many such stores offer a return on your sales.

4. Advertise your photographic talent and become a wedding or other special event photographer. Submit photos to stock photo agencies. If yours are accepted, you might make some money from people downloading your photos. Along with money, this pays off in satisfaction in knowing that someone out there likes your photos.

5. Offer to run errands. Offer to run errands for a neighbor or someone who is immobile. This person will likely appreciate your help and may refer you to others needing the same service. Advertise this service locally after you become proficient. You may not feel good about charging a neighbor in need for this, but you can certainly charge your new clients.

6. Offer housecleaning. Among the legions of people who hate cleaning their houses, you are likely to find a few who would love to pay you to do it. If you are successful, ask your favorite clients for references to provide to new customers.

7. Sell gold jewelry that you no longer want. Sell it for scrap of as wearable second-hand jewelry. Find out the price per ounce and search for a reputable gold dealer or jeweler.

8. Babysit children in the neighborhood or walk dogs for busy people. Even if you start small, you can advertise in local papers and online to expand your business.

Tips & Warnings

• Scour local newspapers for people wanting services. You may find yourself a niche.

• Collect anything of value: aluminum cans, plastic bottles, nonwinning lottery tickets to send in for second chance drawings.

• Do not try to sell something that doesn't belong to you! (You already knew that, though, didn't you?):)

• Be careful when donating Plasma, always eat before you give blood. You may pass out without proper nutrition prior to donating.

References

• Kiplinger: 11 Ways to Get Extra Cash
• CNN.com/ Living: Ten Creative Ways to Earn Extra Money