15 Creative Ways to Make Money in 2011

Have you ever opened your wallet to pay for gas and you saw a month flying out but no money anywhere in sight? Do not worry; you are not the only one feeling the effects of the current money crunch. When times get a bit rough, here are 15 creative ways to make a few extra dollars. While not every idea will work for every person, these are items that you can think about when the rent is due in a month and you are finding yourself a few dollars short.

1. Start a Part-Time Business from your Home

Contrary to popular belief, not all part-time from-home job opportunities require capital to invest. Dog walking, in-home day care services, computer repairs, baking or cooking for local events and/or households that have a function, these are all great opportunities to start a business from home. You set your own hours and take on as much work as you want because you are your own boss. Simple legal advice for part-time start ups is also available online from companies like Sun Document Filings.

2. Make Items to Sell Online

There are numerous websites like Etsy that are dedicated to crafty individuals and promotes men and women who make all kinds of clothes, jewelry, bags and other items from home to sell. If you have a knack for knitting, try selling your knitted items online. It is a good way to bring in extra cash doing something you are good at.

3. Have a Yard Sale

If you have baby items, but no more babies, furniture and electronics, old books you do not read or clothes that do not fit, rather than keeping onto it and letting it collect a layer of dust, hold a yard sale. It is a great way to reduce clutter and raise some quick cash. Just make sure to advertise it effectively and be realistic when assigning prices. Most people get approximately 25 percent of the item’s original retail price.

4. Sell Things on Craigslist

If you do not have a yard, do not worry, there is always Craigslist. It is a popular internet website where people can buy and sell just about anything from furniture to books, housewares and old clothes. Millions of people use it every day and it reaches a much wider audience than a yard sale. Remember, your trash is another man’s treasure.

5. Advertise Products with your Car

Businesses will pay you if they can advertise their company on the side of your car. All you have to do is let them wrap your car with the printed ad on it and then you just drive around normally. You may have to attend local events and park your car in a strategic location.

6. Act as a Personal Shopping Assistant

Not everyone is able to go out and do the weekly grocery shopping or drop off and pick up clothes from the dry cleaners, including single parents, the elderly and homebound people. Offer to do the shopping for them for a fee. They give you a list of what they need, and you go and pick it up for them.

7. Rent out your Car in a Peer-to-Peer Car Rental Program

If you are not using your car, rather than letting it sit in the driveway, rent your car out to others in the area that may need a set of wheels for a few days. There are a number of online services that you can join to assist in letting others know your car is available for renting.

8. Do Odd Jobs in the Neighborhood

Does someone need their dog walked every day at a specific time? Do parents need a responsible adult to pick their child up from the bus-stop and stay with them for an hour or two until the parents get home? People are very likely to hand over money for helping with a task, including mowing lawns and washing cars.

9. Become a Freelance Writer

Do you like to write? Are you good at writing? Freelance writers are tasked with writing all sorts of internet content and they get paid to do it. There are many websites where you can find different freelance writing projects to pick up. Pick up a writing project every time you find yourself strapped for cash.

10. Give Music Lessons

If you know how to play the piano, guitar or any other instrument, advertise that you are looking to give lessons to kids and/or adults. You get to do something that you love and pass the passion of playing that instrument on to others.

11. Become a Seamstress

You can make a few hundred dollars a month doing sewing jobs for other people. It could be repairing clothes or making new items, such as curtains, slip covers, and couch cushions. If you are handy with a needle and thread, the options are limitless.

12. Take Surveys Online

While you may not make a lot of money starting off, taking surveys online is a great way to make around $100 a month. You can do it any time of day, and not only can you get money, but you can even get actual items, including cleaning products and perfumes.

13. Join the Waitstaff at a Local Restaurant

While being a server at a restaurant can be hard work, it is a great way to earn fast cash through tips. Some people make $100 in tips just working two nights a week!

14. Do Website Design Work

If you are handy with HTML and you know the ins and outs of SEO, you can help individuals and small local businesses build and/or redesign their websites.

15. Do Something with your Bike

Bikes are very versatile, you can join a courier service, do meal delivery, or even lead bike tours if you live in a touristy city.


Kristy writes for Drive My Car Rentals a new peer to peer car rental community, where you can save up to 60% on the cost of traditional car rental companies. Whether you’re seeking car rentals in Melbourne or Darwin, DriveMyCarRentals.com.au have something for everyone.

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