7 Ways to Make More Money

Date July 18, 2008 By Debbie Dragon

If you’re getting tired of hearing about how you should be spending less; why not make the effort to make more, instead?  Most of us have a hobby, talent or skillset that could be turned into cash with a little effort - and there are a number of other things you can do to increase your income.  Here is a short list of 7 ways to make more money:

1) Get a Raise.  If you already have a secure place of employment, and you’re certain you’ve been doing a great job there, why not ask for a raise?  Be sure to have proof of your successes and reasoning for deserving a raise, and pitch your raise request to the higher-ups who make the decisions.  You won’t know unless you ask.

2) Get a New Job.  If you don’t have steady employment, or are stuck in a dead end at your current job- start watching newspaper classifieds and online job services for potential new employment.  It’s possible that with a little research, polishing up your resume and hitting the pavement for interviews - you could find yourself in a better paying position in a month or two.

3) Make Money from Your Hobby.  Most hobbies can be turned into a money making opportunity - why not do something you love and earn some extra cash while you’re at it?  Scrapbookers can join a direct sales company to sell scrapbooking products, or make scrapbooks for people who don’t have the time to do it themselves; writers can sell articles and other information they write; dog lovers can start a dog wash or dog walking service - the possibilities of turning a hobby into cash are limited only by your imagination and motivation.

4) Change Your Investment/Savings Strategy.  You don’t have to be a master of the stock market to understand that even 1% higher interest over time will add up to more money.  Why not consider moving your savings into an account with higher interest?  Online banks save money on their operating costs over offline banks; and pass those savings on to consumers by offering higher interest savings accounts.  Move your money into a higher interest savings account and you’ll benefit over the long term.

5) Do What You Know.  What do you do all day at work?  Turn those skills into additional income by selling them in the evenings.  Set up a small side business using your work-skills and earn freelance income.  You already know what to do; it’s just a matter of finding people who need what you know.

6) Use Your Debit and Credit Cards better.  Many banks offer rewards programs or other benefits for using the debit card; and credit card companies offer cards with rewards programs that earn you cash back or points toward travel or merchandise.  Taking a good look at various rewards programs and how you can make them work to your advantage can equal a few hundred dollars more in your pocket at the end of the year if used correctly.  You can make money buying the things you have to buy anyway- as long as you’re careful about repaying your bills before interest starts accruing.

7) Cash in On What’s Already Owed To You.  Friends or family owe you some cash?  Call them up and ask for it!  Check MissingMoney.com to see if companies or governments owe you any money and start the ball rolling to get it.

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2 Responses to “7 Ways to Make More Money”

  1. Jamison said:

    I hate number 3. I did this years ago. Computers and technology were my hobby. I enjoyed them. I worked on them for side money. Eventually I got a career in the field, have been in IT for 9 years now. I hate it and wish now for nothing more than some job NOT in the IT field. If you wish to end up hating your hobby, follow number 3.

  2. debbie said:

    I turned hobbies into side businesses, too - and love it! Before, I wrote only because I enjoyed writing. I decided to earn money from something I was doing anyway and it was the best decision I ever made. Now I write full time and that’s how I earn my living.

    Previously, I turned a scrapbooking hobby into a business - and I still enjoyed my time scrapbooking but couldn’t get enough business to make it worthwhile.

    I think it depends on the person- not everyone will end up hating a hobby that they monetize!

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