How to make quick cash without the jail time!
Unless you've mistakenly received Richard Branson's pay slip, we bet you're not exactly flush with cash come pay day.
So what to do if you're in need of extra spending money? We've got five top tips to help you earn extra dough.
1. Fiverr.com
This brilliant website is a marketplace full of people who will do things for $5. You guessed it ... you can be one of them.
How to get started: Go to fiverr.com and set up a free account. Then think of something you'll happily do for $5.
What's involved: You need to offer something people will be willing to pay $5 for.
Get creative, provide proof of what you do, and make it easy to replicate so it doesn't take up too much of your time. You don't even need a specific skill (one of the highest-rated sellers is a girl who dons a hot-dog costume and dances on video to a song of your choice).
Outlay: Free to sign up. Fiverr takes $1 commission on every sale.
Potential earnings: Some top sellers are earning thousands of dollars a year.
2. Market price
Before eBay and Etsy, there was the humble weekend market. And they're making a comeback.
How to get started: First, figure out what you're going to sell. Unwanted designer items? Handmade jewels? Artwork? Then, hit Google to see which market is best for your niche.
What's involved: Arrive early to set up your stall and bring some props, tablecloths, price tags and cash for customers who need change.
Outlay: Stallholder fees range from $50-$70, and usually include a trestle table and chair. If you're making your own wares, you'll need to run sums on production costs.
Potential earnings: You could pocket a few hundred for the day.
3. A dollar for your thoughts
Guess what? Your humble opinion is worth cash. Seriously. Companies are lining up to pay you to fill out market research surveys online.
How to get started: Create a free profile on several market research sites. There's a list of companies at freepaidsurveys.co.nz.
What's involved: You'll need to fill out an extensive profile, including details about what you earn, your marital status, whether you have pets, your travel and shopping habits, etc. These answers are used to determine which surveys you're eligible to fill out.
Outlay: Free to sign up.
Potential earnings: Rack up anything from $5-$40 per survey.
4. Dog walker (and poo collector)
Can't afford a gym membership? If you love furry friends, offer your services as a dog walker and get paid to exercise. It's win-win!
How to get started: Post flyers on community noticeboards and shop windows in your local area (the vet and the pet store are smart options), or consider a letterbox drop.
What's involved: Take a long walk around your neighbourhood every night with pups in tow. Walking a group of dogs together is a good way to maximise your earnings. Don't forget the plastic bags and pooper-scoopers!
Outlay: $50 for flyer photocopying.
Potential earnings: You'll score $10-$20 per dog, per hour.
5. Strike while the iron's hot
Ironing other people's clothes is a great money-spinner because no-one wants to do it themselves!
If you're also less than enthused about ironing, look at it this way: Get paid to watch Gossip Girl in the comfort of your own home.
How to get started: You'll need a good iron and some crease-killing skills. Next, advertise in your local area with flyers.
What's involved: Customers will drop off their already-washed clothes to you for ironing. Alternatively, you can provide a pick-up and drop-off service (for an extra fee, of course!). You iron, fold and return the clothes within a couple of days.
Outlay: $120 for an iron, plus flyers.
Potential earnings: Set your own rates, per basket ($20-$25), per hour ($15-$20) or per item ($2 per T-shirt, $4 per business shirt, etc.).
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