How to Earn Some Extra Money Doing Odd-Jobs – 10 Ways (That Work)

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In these harsh economic times (and constant job cuts), money may not come easy. Whether you’re a broke college student or a parent struggling to provide for your family, money is the primary concern of almost everyone.

But, there are several ways you can earn some extra cash by doing odd-jobs. I know, this is old-school and clichéd advice, but doing the occasional odd-job can bring in valuable money. And these methods do work. So, here are 10 ways you can earn some extra money. Read on!

1. Set up a Lemonade stand

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If life gives you lemons, you make lemonade out of it. Jokes apart, selling lemonade to thirsty people on a hot day can really bring in some good money. Set up your stand somewhere where there are a lot of people, and start selling! Here’s a guide on how to set up a lemonade stand.

2. Mow Lawns

This might not bring in loads of money, but it will bring some. Check if there are any un-mowed lawns in your neighbourhood that need mowing (or have owners to lazy to mow), and get in touch with the owners. Create flyers advertising your services, and slip them into mailboxes and under doors.

You probably won’t get more than a few dollars a week to mow a lawn, but make that five or six lawns (or more) in your neighbourhood, and you’ve got quite some cash coming in. Here’s a guide to get started: How to Mow , Edge and Trim a Lawn. But remember, if you’re turned down by anyone, don’t give up: there are always other lawns!

3. Wash Cars!

Are there any cars in your neighbourhood that need a good washing? Again, get in touch with car owners, who might hire you to wash their cars. Create flyers advertising your services, and slip them into mailboxes and under doors. Again, you might not get more than a few dollars per wash, but make that several cars, and the money adds up. Here’s a guide to get started with washing cars.

4. Wash Windows!

Washing dirty windows is another way of generating some extra cash. First, get your equipment: a squeegee, window cleaner, a bucket, and some water. Then, create flyers advertising your services, and slip them under doors or into mailboxes. There WILL be people who will want their windows washed. And then get washing!

5. Walk dogs

This is one for teenagers. Walking peoples’ dogs is a quick way to generate some extra money. Find out if there are any dogs in your neighbourhood that need walking, get in touch with the owners, and get yourself a dog-walking job! Here’s a great guide to get started with dog walking

6. Tutor students

Tutoring students is one of the best (and socially good) ways of earning some money. If you have free time (holidays, for example) advertise your services, and get some students to tutor. I personally know someone who hasn’t exactly finished their academic career, but is tutoring students at home, and making good money. Who knows, business might explode for you!

Start off small, with, say two or three students. If you’re good at the job, word will spread, and you have good money coming in.

7. Babysitting

Babysitting is another way to generate some extra cash. Find babies that need babysitting, and start babysitting. It is highly recommended that you get yourself a babysitting license (yes, there’s a license even for babysitters), to make yourself sound credible and professional to concerned parents. Here’s how you can get a license, and get started with your babysitting.

8. Sell old stuff

One man’s trash is another’s treasure. Got some old stuff that you don’t need? Sell it! Gather old stuff that’s lying around in the house, and either auction it off on sites like eBay, or sell it in a garage sale. You’ll get some good money.

9. Freelance

Good at something? Why not freelance? There are always companies that need work done: copywriting, graphic design, proofreading, editing, and so on. As a freelancer, you can work and earn money. To get started, register on freelancing job sites (like GetaFreelancer), select your interests, and bid on projects. It takes patience: you might not hit pay dirt for a long time. Just keep trying.

Or, you could also contact local companies and people and ask if they have any jobs they want done. And then start working.

Check out these tips for starting out with freelancing.

10. Splatter your car with ads

You must have seen cars with ads splattered all over them, like buses with advertisements. Putting ads on your car is a great way to earn money (you can get a few hundred dollars per month). Get in touch with companies that are willing to put their ad on your car, and start earning! Try AutoWraps.

BONUS: 11. Become a Tourist Guide

If you live near a popular tourist destination, and know a lot about the location, you could become a tourist guide. Charge tourists for showing them around the place. Here’s how you can become a tourist guide

Got More Ways?

Do you know of any more ways one can earn some extra money? Please do share with the rest of us