by Starla Ross

Created on: March 20, 2008   Last Updated: June 17, 2011

You don't always need a large amount of time to add a little to your savings. Sometimes a small amount of savings over time can yield big results. If you're going to spend your spare minutes doing something, why not use that time to improve your overall financial picture?

If you find yourself with a few minutes to spare, consider the following:

1.  Clean your house.

Yep, you heard that right. While cleaning up is not something you would normally choose to do in your spare time, there's money to be made in cleaning up around the house. Take the time to clean out closets, the garage, and the attic. Sell your unwanted items on an online auction or take them to a local consignment store. If you're not up for selling your old stuff, box it up and donate it to your nearest charity. If you itemize your taxes, your donation can result in greater tax savings and/or a bigger refund.

2.  Discover something new.
Take the time to learn something new regarding your money. Have you always wanted to learn more about investing in stocks? Buying a mutual fund? Purchasing a rental property? Spend your time researching what interests you. Talk to someone who has experience in the subject you're researching or take a one-day course on the topic. Browse the internet or look through the books at your library. Discover the answers to your questions.

3.  Recycle and reuse.
If you're interested in bettering the environment, while at the same time padding your savings, consider recycling. Gather all of your aluminum cans and take them to your nearest re-cycler in exchange for a few dollars. Or take a long walk and pick up all the cans along your route.

Look for greener and less expensive alternatives to items you need to purchase. Need to replace your bedroom door? Purchase a pre-owned door and save money while rescuing an item from the landfill. Paint an old dresser for your child's room or fix a broken window pane instead of replacing the entire window.

4.  Take on a second job.
Ever wonder what it would be like to work in a book store? A coffee shop? a bike shop? Find something you're passionate about and take the opportunity to learn more about it while earning a second income.

5.  Start a home-based business.
If you play an instrument, enjoy mowing your lawn, or love fixing things, apply your talents and interests to your spare time and earn extra income

6.  Bust the budget.

Evaluate your budget every few weeks. Are there items you can cut out of your spending?  If you have a credit card balance, review your credit card statements. Call your credit card company and see if you can reduce your interest rate.

7.  Clip coupons.
Do you have coupons you've been meaning to clip and use? Spend a few moments reviewing what coupons you have and use them the next time you go to the grocery store. The savings could be quite substantial.

8.  Make it fun.
Most importantly, boost your savings in your spare time by doing something you enjoy. If you love the anticipation of online auctions, spend your time selling your items. If you want to know what it is like to work in a library, try spending a few hours a week working there. If you enjoy learning, take a class or read a new book.

After all, your spare time is just that - spare and sparse. Spend it doing something that adds value to your life AND to your wallet.

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