Looking to stash away some extra cash? Be it for a vacation or to build an emergency savings fund, there are some easy things you can try to bring in the bills. Here are five to get you started…
Consignment Shopping. Looking fabulous on a budget is effortless when shopping at your local Goodwill, where you can donate your once-loved belongings and shop discounted prices. If you’re looking to earn extra cash while bargain shopping, Nothing’s New Consignment Shop in Reading or Just Between Friends (a twice-a- year event held in Berks) are great options. Both allow you to buy goods at a discounted rate and sell yours for a percentage of the profits. Nothing beats earning extra money to put towards your next purchase.
Yard Sale. Set up shop in your front yard and cash in on your oldies but goodies. Selling your once prized possessions is a great way to make money, and if people like what they see, they’ll be back next year, should you choose to do it again. Take a break, walk around your neighborhood, and check out the friendly competition if others are doing the same. You could end up with something you needed at a fraction of the retail price.
Buying and Selling Goods Online. If you’d like to sell your products to a broader audience, grab your coffee and laptop, and create an online profile on sites like eBay, Craigslist, Amazon or on your own social media pages, thanks to the likes of Facebook’s Marketplace. It’s a great way to display your items from the luxury of your home and let the interested buyers do the work for you. Who knows, your family and friends may be willing to give a little extra for the piece they’ve always wanted.
Money Saving Apps. Downloading apps like Target's Cartwheel, Kohl’s, Groupon and Price Check by Amazon, which alerts shoppers of current sales, clearance items, and allows you to compare prices so you’re not overpaying for products. And don’t forget to sign up for bonus cards at grocery stores like Giant, Weis or Redner’s, which qualifies you for weekly deals like the ever-popular BOGO (buy one, get one) while simultaneously earning gas points. It’s a win-win.
Babysitting. Teenagers: now is the time to start thinking about ways to earn extra money so you can buy your favorite back-to-school item, or stash away some college savings. If you’re good with children and want to get paid for something you enjoy doing, try babysitting. Helping a child with their homework, making sure they have dinner, driving them to practice or helping them perfect their dance moves may come easy to you, and be a fun way to earn some extra dough. Plus, your parents will see you’re responsible, trustworthy and capable of more.
