How To Make Extra Money

I am a single working parent with kids who have active schedules, but I can still dig up extra money making sources that work with my crazy calendar. As promised in my "Surviving On One Income in the SF Bay Area" hub, here are my tried & true sources for making extra money. Before trying them out, keep in mind that the ideas I mention below work for me because I understand these are a good source for extra income, and not "regular paycheck" money. I use the extra money earned to go toward groceries, gas, or even a utility bill but I do not count on these sources as my normal means to pay for these necessities.

Here is my Top 3:

#1 Focus Groups or Paid Studies

I have earned anywhere from $75 - $150 for attending a focus group or paid study that lasts about 1-2 1/2 hours. Most (98%) of the focus groups I've participated in have paid me either in cash or check at the end of the meeting. This averages out to be about $20-$75 per hour - not bad for quick cash! Many focus group-type companies exist in the SF Bay Area (and beyond) that are employed by both major and start-up companies looking to better understand their target market for a particular product or service. I've seen legitimate ads out there for gamers, moms, dads, tech people, college students, business travelers, folks who purchase a particular type of product, etc. Most requests are also age and/or gender specific. During the political campaign season I have also seen (& participated in) requests for voters to participate in a paid focus group by watching commercials developed by certain political groups to test the effectiveness of their campaign.

Heads up: all legitimate focus group-type companies will never ask you for your SSN or bank information. They will, however, ask you some screening questions to determine if you would be eligible for the study, but it never involves asking you for this type of personal information. If they ask you how often you purchase sandwich meat and how old you are - that's valid. If they ask you for the bank account # for which you pay for your sandwich meat - that's not valid.

#2 Temporary Promotional Event Gigs

I've passed out free samples of a major household cleaning product to concert-goers at the HP Arena in San Jose. I've poured and distributed free soda samples for a major beverage company at a Bay Area festival and for a retail promotion. I've worked at the SF Mall promoting the services of a major weight loss company. Prior to this I had zero experience as a Brand Ambassador (remember this title - it's used frequently in the event and promo industries.) These gigs usually run from $12 - $25 per hour, depending on the promotion, your experience, & sometimes if your physical appearance matches what they are looking for. If it helps, I am not model skinny, or model tall, I have what some would call a "healthy" or chunky build, and my looks are pretty decent. (Basically I look like I look and I still scored gigs.) Keep in mind that most valid agencies or companies request a headshot and a resume. A pic you took yourself for your MySpace page works fine. Your resume should highlight any promo or brand ambassador work you've done. If you are just starting out, highlight any experience you've had working with or speaking to people, even if it's Nordstrom or Taco Bell! Update your resume as you acquire the gigs.

Heads up: payment (usually in the form of a company check) for these types of gigs usually comes about 2-4 weeks after you have faxed or mailed in your timesheet. Some of these marketing companies' main offices are out-of-state so you also have to allow for your check's transit time via snail mail. Some also require that you have black or khaki pants and black or brown shoes on-hand (they usually provide the t-shirt or polo for the promo.) Also caution: do not provide any personal information such as your SSN until after you have checked out the legitimacy of the agency and the promo gig itself. Most never ask for your banking information since payment is usually in the form of a check and not direct deposit.

#3 Garage/Yard Sales

If you have a lot of stuff, this is a no-brainer. I live on a pretty busy street so about 1-2 times a year I am hit up by friends and family asking for the use of my front yard. If my schedule is open, then it's a go. I start going through closets, cupboards, cabinets and the garage and it serves two purposes: 1) it de-clutters my house, and 2) it makes me some quick cash.

If you live in an apartment, ask your apartment manager for permission to use the front yard area, or better yet, ask a friend or family member for the use of their front yard.

How to Get Started

I found most of my focus group and promo gig leads through Craigslist SF Bay http://www.craigslist.org/. Make it a point to regularly check the "Jobs/Etc." section and the "Gigs/Event" section. If you don't have an active online community website in your area to refer to, start your online search by looking for focus group or market research companies near you. Most will enable you to join their database for free.

For those single parents out there, who like me have kids with a busy school and sports schedule; use the summer break as a means to make the bulk of your extra cash. Your weekends are generally more open, which will allow you to work some weekend gigs. Your weekday evenings are generally more flexible since you don't have the worry of homework deadlines. I purposely do not schedule any summer activities to allow them to rest and enjoy a hectic-free summer since their lives are so calendar-driven from September through May.

For yard sales, keep a place in your home or garage to store items that you feel would be sellable at your next sale. If you don't have the extra storage space, make a list of things that you intend to sell and pull it all together a day or two in advance. Ask your friends, family or neighbors to join in. The more the merrier, and people tend to pull over and shop a garage sale that has lots of stuff. Also, avoid a yard sale that is comprised mostly of clothes, unless you live in an area that has many families that are likely to shop. Advertise with signs (check your City's zoning restrictions first before posting signs), and place a free add on Craigslist or your local newspaper letting them know your street name, the date and time.

That's my Top 3 as of today. My INDY (Impossible? No. Difficult? Yes -- but not impossible) mindset has worked for me and I hope it works for you. Good luck, and most important, stay safe!