Do you want to make some extra money, don't we all? I'm always on the lookout for new and creative ways on how I can make money without much effort. Am I lazy or savvy with money? I would say probably both. Either way, I like earning easy residual income in my spare time or in some cases in my sleep.
I've tried many different ways to fulfill this goal - ever since I traded my 9 to 5 corporate job to a more carefree and stress free life. I wanted to find multiple ways to make money without having to get another "job". I traded my "time for salary" for time freedom so that I can do more of the things I truly enjoy.
I have learned that with one source of income, as in a job, when that goes away - you are left with no other means of earning money! I like to diversify my ways of making money. Here's a list of my proven and fun methods of making extra money!
Watch Movie Trailers
I've been earning money with Swagbucks for over a year now. My favorite ways to earn are... watching movie trailers (before they hit the theaters) and answering interesting surveys or polls! But there are countless more ways to make money. You even earn a bonus just for signing up! Click here for more details.
Open A New Bank Account
I received a promotional offer in the mail from my primary bank to open a new account. I simply deposited a designated amount and kept the account open for at least 6 months and I made $200. The trick here is to make sure you have the amount they require earn the bonus. If you need to close the account, make sure it's not before the required term so that you actually receive the bonus and don't incur any fees. I have opened several new bank accounts, each with a generous bonus from $100 to $200. I have also taken advantage of credit cards with sign-up bonuses, where I have earned $300.
Install An App
This method is one of the easiest way to make money. Simply install the app on your smartphone, the company will pay you for every month you keep the app installed. It won't interfere with your data package and you don't have to answer a bunch of survey questions. It truly is "set it and forget it". Here's a list of apps from The Penny Hoarder to get you started.
Start A Home-Based Business
If you want to be your own boss, where you can work as much or as little each day - there are many work-from-home opportunities for entrepreneurs. However, many of them require high up-front cost to start - which goes against my frugal nature. But alas, I've discovered a handful of companies that you can start with little to no investment. It's nice receiving residual income on a regular basis. I can proudly say that I have multiple eggs in my basket that makes money! Click here for more details.
Sell Your Stuff
One of my ongoing goals is to purge and get rid of anything that I don't need or use anymore. I either donate, throw away or sell them. And in some cases, I've gotten perfectly good items from friends who didn't want their stuff anymore - so I turn around and sell it for pure profit. It's pretty easy - just take photos of each item, add good descriptions then post them. I've sold many things on Craigslist, LetGo and Facebook Marketplace. I've also sold some vintage items on Etsy. Not only did I make some extra money, but my life is a little less cluttered and more simplified.
One of my ongoing goals is to purge and get rid of anything that I don't need or use anymore. I either donate, throw away or sell them. And in some cases, I've gotten perfectly good items from friends who didn't want their stuff anymore - so I turn around and sell it for pure profit. It's pretty easy - just take photos of each item, add good descriptions then post them. I've sold many things on Craigslist, LetGo and Facebook Marketplace. I've also sold some vintage items on Etsy. Not only did I make some extra money, but my life is a little less cluttered and more simplified.
Use Cash-Back Credit Cards
There are plenty of cash-back reward credit cards out there. I make sure I am maximizing the money I will be getting back by choosing the proper credit card that pays the most percentage on any given category. For example I rotate between my Chase and Discover cards to get 5% cash-back for groceries, restaurants or gas stations. In addition, my Chase Unlimited card gives me 1.5% cash-back on all purchases, so I use this card for other items. I monitor my credit card expenses daily and I always pay the balance off every month.
There are plenty of cash-back reward credit cards out there. I make sure I am maximizing the money I will be getting back by choosing the proper credit card that pays the most percentage on any given category. For example I rotate between my Chase and Discover cards to get 5% cash-back for groceries, restaurants or gas stations. In addition, my Chase Unlimited card gives me 1.5% cash-back on all purchases, so I use this card for other items. I monitor my credit card expenses daily and I always pay the balance off every month.
Get Cash Back When You Shop
Another easy way to get cash back when you shop anywhere are with shopping apps. One of my favorite is Ibotta, which earns me cash for shopping at local grocery stores and other retailers. My other favorite cash-back shopping portals are Mr.Rebates and BeFrugal - both offer cash-back rewards for shopping online. Why not get money back for something I'm already going to buy? They all offer cash bonuses when you sign up.
Another easy way to get cash back when you shop anywhere are with shopping apps. One of my favorite is Ibotta, which earns me cash for shopping at local grocery stores and other retailers. My other favorite cash-back shopping portals are Mr.Rebates and BeFrugal - both offer cash-back rewards for shopping online. Why not get money back for something I'm already going to buy? They all offer cash bonuses when you sign up.
Take Photos Of Your Receipts
I found an app that pays me for taking photos of my receipts from any shopping trip! It's easy money, plus I have copies of my receipts in case I lose them. Just download the Receipt Hog app on your smartphone, snap your receipts and watch those points accumulate which you can redeem for cash or prizes. They also have fun games, like slots to earn more bonus points.
I found an app that pays me for taking photos of my receipts from any shopping trip! It's easy money, plus I have copies of my receipts in case I lose them. Just download the Receipt Hog app on your smartphone, snap your receipts and watch those points accumulate which you can redeem for cash or prizes. They also have fun games, like slots to earn more bonus points.
Lower Your House Payment
I wasn't in the market to refinance my primary residence, and I receive several junk mail from various mortgage companies enticing home owners to refinance with them. However, I got a letter in the mail that convinced me to at least call this company to find out how much I can actually save. Long story short, I did refinance and saved almost $150 a month! You can read all the details on how I did it here.
I wasn't in the market to refinance my primary residence, and I receive several junk mail from various mortgage companies enticing home owners to refinance with them. However, I got a letter in the mail that convinced me to at least call this company to find out how much I can actually save. Long story short, I did refinance and saved almost $150 a month! You can read all the details on how I did it here.
Invest In Real Estate
This method is by far the most lucrative and rewarding for me. About 8 years ago I invested in a mobile home cottage by the ocean, which I paid cash for. My boyfriend and I leisurely renovated it and enjoyed the beach lifestyle when we were there. We sold it 4 years after I bought it to a nice family who couldn't get a mortgage from a traditional bank. The solution was to finance the loan (with interest) myself - it was a win win solution! We did the renovation work upfront, which didn't feel like work because it was enjoyable, then reap the rewards for years to come. Read all about this savvy investment here.
This method is by far the most lucrative and rewarding for me. About 8 years ago I invested in a mobile home cottage by the ocean, which I paid cash for. My boyfriend and I leisurely renovated it and enjoyed the beach lifestyle when we were there. We sold it 4 years after I bought it to a nice family who couldn't get a mortgage from a traditional bank. The solution was to finance the loan (with interest) myself - it was a win win solution! We did the renovation work upfront, which didn't feel like work because it was enjoyable, then reap the rewards for years to come. Read all about this savvy investment here.
Micro-Invest In Real Estate
This method is basically crowdfunding for real estate investors. It's a great way for me to invest money in real estate without shelling out a lot of money and without doing the labor of renovation. I discovered a company called Groundfloor that I can invest a little (or a lot) of money on properties across the U.S. I like that I can choose which property I want to invest in. The best part is that the returns are 6% up to 14% - you can't get those interest rates from a bank.
This method is basically crowdfunding for real estate investors. It's a great way for me to invest money in real estate without shelling out a lot of money and without doing the labor of renovation. I discovered a company called Groundfloor that I can invest a little (or a lot) of money on properties across the U.S. I like that I can choose which property I want to invest in. The best part is that the returns are 6% up to 14% - you can't get those interest rates from a bank.
I have several other ways I make a little bit of cash here and there, such as recycling or from our annual garage sale. My goal is to discover other creative and fun ways to live a richer life.
Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support towards my multiple streams of income :)
This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support towards my multiple streams of income :)
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