6 Creative Ways to Make Extra Money This Summer

make extra money

Summertime is the perfect time to make some extra money. Whether you’re looking to save up for a big purchase or just need a little extra help paying bills, there are plenty of creative ways to make some cash. Here are five money-making ideas to get you on your way:

  1. Become a Virtual Assistant.

Virtual assistants provide services like answering emails, scheduling appointments, and organizing data. With the rise of remote work, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up some extra cash doing these tasks. You don’t need any special skills, just a reliable internet connection and a few hours of free time.

  1. Sell Crafts Online.

If you’re crafty or have an eye for design, you can make money selling crafts online. You can create custom jewelry, clothes, or decorations and sell them on sites like Etsy or eBay. You don’t need a lot of money to get started, just a creative eye and some supplies.

  1. Tutor Students.

If you have a degree or expertise in a certain subject, you can tutor students online. There are plenty of sites that offer tutoring services and you can set your own rates. Plus, you can get the satisfaction of helping someone learn a new skill.

  1. Become a Pet Sitter.

Taking care of someone’s pet can be a great way to make extra money. You don’t need any special skills, just a love for animals and a few hours of free time. You can offer to walk and feed pets, or just provide companionship for when their owners are away.

  1. Deliver Food.

With the rise of food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash, there are plenty of opportunities to make money delivering food. All you need is a reliable vehicle and some free time. The pay is usually pretty good and you can make extra money while you explore your city.

  1. Rent out your space.

If you have an extra room in your house, consider renting it out to travelers on short-term stays. You can even rent out your driveway or garage to people who need storage space.

  1. Offer Lessons

Take stock of the skills you have and see if you can offer lessons.  This could be anything from knitting to baking to auto maintenance or singing lessons.  You probably have talents and skills that others would love to have and will pay to learn.

It doesn’t have to be difficult to make extra money. With a little creativity, you can find plenty of ways to make some extra cash this summer. Whether you’re looking to make a few extra dollars or looking to save up for something more substantial, these ideas are a great place to start. So, get out there and start making some money!

Check out this blog on saving money this summer, too!  For more tips, follow us on Instagram and Facebook for great articles, tips, and strategies to better manage your money. 

5 Steps to Building Better Credit

Better Credit

When it comes to taking control of your financial life, building better credit is a great place to start. Good credit can open up a lot of doors, from better access to loans to lower interest rates on mortgages and car loans. Plus, it’s a huge benefit if you’re looking to rent an apartment.

But the truth is, building good credit isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve put together five steps to help you get started on a better path.

1. Check Your Credit Report

The first step to taking control is to check your credit report. You can get a free version of your report from each of the three major credit bureaus – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – once a year. Checking your report gives you the opportunity to make sure everything is accurate, and to identify and address any discrepancies.

2. Pay Your Bills on Time

Paying your bills on time is one of the most important aspects of building good credit. It’s essential that you make all of your payments on time, as any late payments can significantly impact your credit score. Set up reminders or automatic payments for your bills to make sure you always pay on time. A budget will help you reach your goals.

3. Reduce Your Debt

Reducing your debt is one of the best ways to improve your score. Consider using the snowball or avalanche methods to pay off your debt: start with the debt with the smallest balance or the highest interest rate, and work your way up from there. If you’re able to pay more than the minimum payments on your debt, do so — it’ll help you pay it off faster and improve your credit score.

4. Don’t Close Unused Accounts

It may be tempting to close unused credit cards, but it’s important to think before you do. Closing an account will reduce your total available credit, which could have a negative impact on your credit score. Unless you’re paying an annual fee or the card has a high interest rate, it’s best to keep it open and simply not use it.

5. Get a Secured Credit Card

If you’re just starting out and don’t have any credit history, a secured credit card can be a great way to start building your credit. They require a cash deposit that acts as collateral against any charges you make. As long as you make your payments on time and stay within your limit, your credit score will start to improve.

two people working on their budget at a computer

Building better credit isn’t always easy, but with a little bit of effort and dedication, it can be done. By following these five steps, you’ll be on your way to taking control of your financial life.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for great articles, tips, and strategies to better manage your money. 

10 Creative Ways to Save Money on a Tight Budget

Job Hunting Without a College Degree

When it comes to saving money, it can seem like an impossible task when you’re on a tight budget. But it doesn’t have to be! With a little creativity, you can find ways to save money without feeling deprived. Here are 10 creative ways to save money on a tight budget.

1. Make a budget and stick to it.

This might seem obvious, but it’s one of the best ways to save money. Once you have a budget in place, it will be easier to track your spending and stay on track with your savings goals.

2. Plan ahead for meals.

Meal planning is one of the best ways to save money on groceries. When you plan ahead and shop with a list, you’ll be less likely to make impulse purchases, which can add up quickly. Check out this article for tips on how to grocery shop on a budget or click here to find a nearby farmers market.

3. Shop second-hand.

You can find great deals on clothing, furniture, and even appliances by shopping second-hand. Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces like Craigslist and eBay are all great options for finding great deals.

4. Use coupons and discounts.

Coupons and discounts can help you save money on items you were planning to buy anyway. Look for coupons in the newspaper, online, and in store circulars.

5. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions and services.

If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider canceling any services or subscriptions that you don’t really need. This can include gym memberships, streaming services, and magazine subscriptions.

6. Cut back on entertainment costs.

Going out to the movies or to a restaurant can get expensive. Instead, look for free or low-cost entertainment options, like seeing a free movie in the park or having a picnic.

7. Take on a side-hustle.

If you have extra time, consider taking on a side-hustle. You can make money by doing things like freelancing, babysitting, dog walking, or even selling items on eBay or Etsy.

8. Reduce energy costs.

To save money on energy bills, turn off lights and electronics when you’re not using them and make sure your home is properly insulated. You can also look into getting a programmable thermostat to help you save even more.

9. Make your own gifts.

Instead of buying gifts for special occasions, try making your own. Homemade gifts are unique and thoughtful, and they can save you money in the long run.

10. Look for free or activities.

There are plenty of activities you can do that don’t cost a thing. Take a walk in the park, go to a free museum, or have a picnic in the backyard. Click here for more ideas.

Saving money on a tight budget can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little creativity, you can find ways to save money without feeling deprived. Try these tips and see how much you can save. 

And for those times when Life Happens, we’ve got you covered.