8 Unusual Ways to Earn Money

Posted on 21st Jul, 2017 by Barbara Davidson

 

Looking to supplement your income to help cover your expenses? There may come a time where your income just isn’t enough, or you may just want to build up your savings. If you find yourself in either position, there are a few non-traditional ways to earn extra cash in your free time.

1. Working Temp Jobs

Similar to freelancing (but generally less specialized), you can apply to become a temp worker. This can be especially helpful if you find yourself between jobs, because these roles are specifically for a fixed period of time. There are even job sites dedicated to finding people temporary work. Temp work is a great opportunity to supplement your income and get experience in different fields.

 

2. Using Smartphone Apps1

If you own a smartphone, there are several free apps you can install to make money. A few of them include:

3. Driving for Uber or Lyft

Uber and Lyft match automobile drivers with passengers who request rides through smartphone apps, and passengers pay automatically through the app. Drivers have the flexibility to drive any time during operating hours, and they choose the areas they work and rides they give. If your automobile and driving record are approved, this would allow you to consistently make money on your own schedule.

 

4. Pedicabbing

While mobile technology is combining with automobile technology to create the services mentioned above, you can also transport people in something of a more primitive way — by bike! Bicycle taxis, known as pedicabs or rickshaws, are used in many cities around the world to provide a fun and eco-friendly way for people to travel relatively short distances.

Pedicab operations are regulated in many major cities, with each city having its own barriers for entry and rules to comply with. By researching the pedicab industry in your city, or creating one, you can make a good amount of cash and get a great workout at the same time.

 

5. Childcare

Do you have free time before or after work or on the weekends — and an affinity for children? Why not become a childcare provider? There are countless families and a multitude of agencies seeking individuals to look after children at times that are convenient for someone looking for multiple sources of income.

 

6. Caring for Animals

If childcare isn’t so much your cup of tea, perhaps animal care is. Between pet-sitting and dog-walking, opportunities to make money by taking care of animals are often abundant. On-demand walks are becoming very popular with apps like Wag!, which functions similarly to ride share apps so you can build your schedule the way you want it.

 

7. Selling Stuff Online (or at Home!)

Explore online resources such as Craigslist and eBay to make a quick buck. If you have a lot of clothes, check out clothing resale sites like thredUP or Tradesy.

If you have a large number of smaller items, a good old-fashioned yard/garage sale can be a great way to rake in some cash in exchange for unwanted belongings.

 

8. Participating in Market Research

There are a host of market research companies that will pay you for your participation in research studies — both online and in person. Many of the in-person, consumer-oriented companies will reward you generously for just a few hours of participation.

 

Reference

1Knoblauch, C. (October 13, 2014). Need some extra cash? 5 apps to help you make money from your smartphone. Retrieved February 25, 2015 from http://on.today.com/1sHVeH4

About Barbara Davidson

Babs is Lead Content Strategist and financial guru. She loves exploring fresh ways to save more and enjoy life on a budget! When she’s not writing, you’ll find her binge-watching musicals, reading in the (sporadic) Chicago sunshine and discovering great new places to eat. Accio, tacos!