photo credit: Irene2005Often much attention is given to the topic of saving money. What can be just as, if not more, important is earning more money. While living below your means is good, it’s definitely easier when you have more means to work with. So to that end, here are eight ways to earn extra money.

1. On the job - If your job allows it, work a few hours overtime each month to help supplement your income. If this isn’t feasible, consider working a second job for one or two weekends a month. Companies like UPS and FedEx often need people to work nights/weekends and compensate well.
2. At home - Clean out your closets and get rid of all that stuff you no longer use or need. For electronics or big ticket items, eBay or craiglist will garner the most money. For other items, consider a yard sale. You won’t get as much money but you will get rid of the clutter.
3. In the neighborhood - If you have free time and don’t want to be tied down with a second job, figure out if your neighbors have tasks you could help them with. Perhaps you can babysit once a month or walk dogs for owners who are out of town. Neither would be too time-consuming but the additional funds can help your bottom line.
4. Share your knowledge - If there is a particular topic that you have knowledge of, consider tutoring or even becoming an adjunct instructor at a community college. Both have flexible hours and a nice hourly rate.
5. Share of yourself - Though I’ve never tried it, I’ve heard that selling plasma (as in part of your blood) is an easy ~$50. Of course there are limitations as to how often you can give but where else can you get paid to read magazines and eat cookies?
6. Share your opinion - Companies are willing to paid money to find out what people think about products, trends, etc. Depending on the time requirements, you can be compensated $75-200 for participating in focus groups. You can do a web search to find groups in your area. Be on the alert of scams though. No company should ever request payment of any sort from you.
7. Share your talent - Become an extra in a movie. Though the pay is not the greatest, it can be fun. Not to mention you can force all your friends and family to buy the DVD to watch your 30 seconds of fame (just kidding).
8. Share your space - If your home or apartment will accomodate it, consider getting a roommate. For those who don’t want to permanently give up their space/privacy, consider interns or summer school students who only need to stay for a few months. Every year my company hires summer interns and I know someone who took advantage of this opportunity. He got a few hundred dollars every month and the intern got safe and comfortable housing near the job.

What are YOUR ideas for making extra income?