by Katarzyna Radzka

Created on: June 03, 2009

We'd all like to have a little bit more of the green stuff. Bills, groceries, gifts and holidays take up most of our incomes leaving us with little to save or reduce mounting debt levels. But there are options for you to earn a little bit extra income along the way. It all comes down to how much time you have, your skills, creativity and what are you willing to do.

Moonlighting

Getting a second job in the evenings or at weekends is an obvious way to earn extra cash for those much needed or wanted things. As long as it doesn't interfere with your regular job, it shouldn't be a problem. Try waitering at your local caf or restaurant or give office cleaning a go, or maybe you'd prefer dog walking at weekends.

Writing

Ever wanted to be a writer? Now is your chance. Writing can be a good source of extra income because unless you are a staff writer for newspaper or magazine, have a book contract or regular assignments, the income is irregular. You can write short stories, articles, how to's, opinion pieces, recipes and much more. There's a chance to make a couple of dollars as well as a couple of hundred or more.

Competitions

While these don't guarantee you extra income, there are many competitions around with a monetary prize at the end. Send your completed crosswords to the draws stated. Listen to the radio and guess the quizzes for cash prizes. Enter into draws at your local supermarket or shopping mall. Look at coupons on your chips and milk cartons. Competitions are everywhere and you can win up to the thousands, if not more.

Bake

Bake cakes, muffins, cupcakes or biscuits and offer to provide your local supermarket or corner store with them. People love home made goods and they might fall in love with your baked treats. It's a great and easy way to make a couple of extra dollars each week.

Surveys

Many organisations and research programs require people to be paid volunteers for surveys, questionnaires and other research. Check out the Internet or your local newspaper for details and you could earn extra income from time to time, or on a regular basis just by answering a few questions.

Ebay

Go through your house and find items that you no longer need, use or want. Your pieces of trash, may become someone else's treasure, as they say. Put them up on ebay and see what sells. You won't get your money back for them but at least you'll clear some space in your house and make money in the process.

Wardrobe issues

Too many clothes, and even more that you've never worn and probably never will wear due to some silly shopping choices. Take them to second hand stores and earn some of your money back. Second hand stores or charity shops are always in need of clothes to sell. Even if you only make a few dollars, someone else will get better wear out of them and you'll make some room for new stuff in your wardrobe.

There are many ways to earn extra income. Sometimes the extra is large, sometimes it's small, however every little bit counts, especially when you really are short for it. Adopt just a few of these options and you can have a little stream of regular extra income into your wallet.

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