Today a lot people live on very strict budgets. They budget their money down to the penny, clip coupons and look for creative ways to save.
What a lot of people aren’t doing though — and perhaps it’s because the job market is so terrible right now — is looking for ways to make money.
If you want to beef up your savings and live a lifestyle that’s more comfortable, you need to do more than simply save money.
You need to find a way to bring more money in as well. For some this could mean starting a business of your own, and others it could mean asking for a raise.
Other people will switch careers, and others will look for second (or third or fourth) jobs.
Here’s some good news:
Going after and exploring a new career is not the gamble it once was. A long time ago, if you wanted to explore a new career, you’d have to quit your current job, go back to school and then hope the switch was a good one.
Today, the internet has made it possible to take classes and learn about other career paths in your free time. Web-based schools and schools like University of Phoenix cater to returning students, also make this possible.
For example, you can begin your medical assistant training in the evenings while your kids are doing their homework. This keeps your days free for family wrangling or kicking butt at your day job — where hopefully, you’ve asked for that raise we mentioned above.
Of course, going after a new job in a new career field isn’t the only way to make money. Here are some other ways to increase your income (or bring in more money as you need it):
1. Sell Your Stuff
It’s the perfect time of year to go spring clean your house and get organized. If you haven’t used it in a year, and you can’t think of any genuine sentimental reason to keep it (“I might use it someday” doesn’t count), get rid of it.
Consider selling your possessions in a yard sale, put it up for sale online, or take it to a resell/consignment shop.
2. Create Stuff to Sell
Are you creative or good with making crafts? Do you love woodworking, painting or photography? You can use these passions and hobbies to create a second income.
Upload your better photos to companies like iStockphoto, where you can earn royalties every time someone purchases a print to use – or sell prints directly through your own site or Etsy.
Some other things you can do to make extra money, is build furniture in your spare time and sell it to furniture shops, or set up a booth at the next craft fair.
3. Offer Your Services
Offer to walk dogs, house sit, offer tutoring or mow lawns for a small fee. Most neighbors are happy to pay someone $20 to mow the lawn if it keeps them from having to do it.
Bringing in money is just as important as saving money. Whether this means starting a new career guaranteed to help you bring in extra funds, or doing small side jobs or monetizing a hobby is up to you.