How to Make More Money

Six Ways to Boost Income and Make Extra Cash

Sep 25, 2008 Louise Heyden

Increase your income to help you survive the credit crisis, with these ideas to make extra money.

If you are feeling the pinch with money, secure your finances by making extra income. If you use additional earnings to pay off debts or save in a high-interest account, you stand a better chance of surviving the credit crunch.

Aim to make money from something you enjoy, as you will feel motivated and get paid to do what you love! Use these money-making ideas to get started:

1. Set up an eBay Store

One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. Sell unwanted items on a site like eBay, or, if you have an eye for a bargain, buy cheap at jumble sales and car boot sales and make a profit online. Research different items, so that you know what sells successfully. Not got much to sell? Offer to auction items for others and take a percentage. Optimise sales by selling internationally – if there is a slump during a recession you can still attract buyers from other countries.

2. Sell your Handmade Items

If arts and crafts appeal, turn talent into profit. Make your own greetings cards, sell your paintings, or design jewellery. If you want to make a business out of it try setting up your own website, but you can also sell through auction sites like eBay or specialist sites such as Etsy, which only sell handmade goods. Remember, bigger sites may charge more, but they have a larger customer base, meaning higher potential earnings.

3. Be a Health Volunteer

Before new drugs and medicines are released onto the market, they need testing. Many pharmaceutical companies and health research centres advertise for clinical trial volunteers. Payment sums can be in the hundreds, sometimes thousands, depending on the length and type of trial. However, this is not something to get into lightly, as tests may cause side effects. Do your research – go with a reputable company and ensure they provide all the information you need.

4. Get Paid to Shop

Successful companies take customer service seriously, and consequently many monitor their service through mystery shoppers. Assignments can range from a brief phone call to an airline flight, and payment will vary accordingly. Again, do your research and find a reputable company, which will explain clearly how to become a mystery shopper.

5. Make Money from Writing

Apart from penning that bestselling novel, there are numerous ways to make money from writing. Most publications accept freelance submissions. Invest in useful resources such as The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook, and always adhere to submission guidelines to increase your chances of publication.

Writing for the web is another option. Many websites offer revenue percentage schemes to write their online content. If you have your own website or blog, you can sign up to accounts like Google AdSense, which allow you to earn revenue by placing relevant adverts on your site.

6. Offer Services that Everybody Wants

Pinpointing services that are always needed means that you can still earn money even when people cut back on their spending. Offer your assistance by babysitting or mowing the lawn. If you have a specific talent enquire as to whether you could teach evening classes or offer tutorial support for kids. Offer what is relevant to the needs of your local neighbourhood. From dog walking to car washing, cleaning to house sitting, there will be people willing to pay you for your time.

Remember that if you are earning regular extra money from sources other than your standard employment, you will need to register as self-employed and complete a self-assessment tax return each year.

The copyright of the article How to Make More Money in Personal Budgeting/Finance is owned by Louise Heyden. Permission to republish How to Make More Money in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Increase your Cash Flow with Money-Making Schemes, Louise Heyden Increase your Cash Flow with Money-Making Schemes
   
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