I well imagine we have all came up with some creative ways to make extra money in our lifetimes. I know I have. Today, is about some of the ways we added 'income' even if it wasn't really considered a job!
I worked all my adult life in accounting and human resources. There were times that I needed to supplement some extra income to help the budget or because I was between jobs.
In the late 70's - maybe early 80's, I did a 2nd job in retail, which was actually kind of fun. I worked in women's clothes department.
I also did a second job as a consultant for at-home parties that sold lingerie! Yep! LOL! It was kind of the same plan as Tupperware and Home Interior - just lingerie. No there was no modeling! LOL!
While single I worked a 2nd job selling earrings and piecing ears for the Earring Tree.
I used to do a lot of crafts of all kinds - I painted tons of plaster craft, made wreaths, decorated sweatshirts, made jewelry, etc. My friend and I did lots of home shows and we participated in a lot of craft shows and bazaars.
I was a prolific couponer for a long time. No, it wasn't actually making cash - but it kind of was! Back in the day of double and triple coupons, I got tons of things for free. That was just extra money in our pockets. I used to amaze G with my hauls, and he would brag about it!
My best was a weekend triple coupon event at a local store. They tripled all coupons up to and including .75 ones. You were restricted to one trip per day (had to use shopper card) - I went 3 different days. My best buy was close to $400 worth of product for sales tax. Tax was only applied to non-edible items. I seem to remember it was less than $10.
I belonged to coupon clubs at the time and received coupons from other states, and my mailman used to bring me all the extra coupon fliers from empty homes on his route!
I did great with that! Coupons used to actually be good!!!!!!!
I also did surveys. I belonged to a group that did surveys of all types. Some were just products received free (no name shown). You tried products for free and rated them.
Other times, I went to little seminars and watched and listed and gave opinions for $$$$$. Most often these paid a minimum of $50 and some paid $100. I rated china patterns, ideas for investing, decorating ideas, and my most memorable was for a product not yet on the market - the TV channel guide system!!!!! I remember coming home after that one and telling G all about it - and he thought it sounded pretty neat. Within 2 years there it was on our TV - cable channel guide!
I swear for the first several years of marriage, we never bought bread or sweets of any kind. Glen had a friend that worked at Kroger - and he would call G at the street department and let him know when they were taking bread and sweets out back (supposedly for dumpster). G and the guys would go and get all they wanted. Heck one time we even got tons of frozen chicken and pork, when the high schools electricity went out. Nothing was even thawed - we just got huge boxes of meat! They said they couldn't serve - just because! We lucked out many times.
Of course, there have been yard sales - many yard sales. We always had plenty of stuff to sell. G got tons of stuff from the trash (street dept. perk) that was perfectly good. People just didn't want it. He would bring it home and we would clean it up or fix little odds and ends and sell it. Lots of times it was 'guy' stuff and that always sold well at our yard sales. I think our best one-day sale made about $600.
We raffled off a car we wanted to get rid of once. Sold tickets for $25 each. Someone got a decent station wagon and we got money (more than selling it outright)! G also raffled off a shotgun once - he made some pretty good money on that. He wanted a new gun and didn't want to take money out of savings - so he made some money!
We sure got creative when we needed to. Lots of times in life there was a need to just get by and pay off bills and other times it was a WANT that we earned extra money for.
What ways have you 'earned' extra money for things? How have you gotten creative over the years? What ways did you find that worked for extra funds? Any ODD jobs?
I think it will be fun to know what people have done. It may help someone else out as well!
Let's have some fun!
I also have worked a retail job during Christmas for many years. I prepare taxes. I had a booth in a local craft mall. I have rehabbed furniture and sold it on FB Marketplace. Then of course the ibotta, swagbucks, and Bing rewards hustles. The best deal I had last year was a friend gave me specialty canning jar lids that I had trouble making work so I sold the rest on eBay. I think the main thing about selling used is know what works on which platform and for your area.
ReplyDeleteI did taxes for a small business for a few years after I retired. I forgot about that.
DeleteHow cool on the rehab furniture. That would be fun. I have never sold anything online - I find that really cool.
Good job!
I used to sell knitted dishrags and my homemade fudge. I bet I've made over 4000 pounds of fudge since the 80s. Finally this year I actually had a piece again. (It's like working at the fast food place in town-after 6 months ya can't eat a thing cuz you're sick of it).
ReplyDeleteI worked in the OR so with all the added call, there wasn't much time. Plus I continued to go to college for 13 years around work too!
That's a lot of fudge!!!!! WOW
DeleteGood job. I love how many of us worked full time and went to school at the same time. Almost unheard today.
Kudos to you!
I love this post although I can't think of an extra gigs I took on, not because I didn't have need but because I was a single parent and time was a precious commodity. There were of course garage sales after I remarried. Mostly we did our own labor on projects, that saved a ton.
ReplyDeleteWhen are we going to get the story of your ancestor who lived with the Indians?
Being a single Mom is a wonderful and time-consuming job to have! Say no more.
DeleteHome improvement projects are always a big saver.
Almost forgot about that story! Soon!!!
I consider my grocery bargain shopping to be income. I do Swagbucks and am coming up on another $25 this month and I have already gotten $50. My husband and I do in home use tests and get paid for it and get to keep most of what we test. I recently got $40 for testing paper plates. Every little bit adds up and it is fun!
ReplyDeleteI have never done those apps - it sure sounds profitable. That is great.
DeleteI always loved doing those survey things. Pretty good money to use paper plates!
It sure does add up - good job.
It's amazing what you can do when you need money, There are always hidden opportunities if we are willing to seek them out.
ReplyDeleteI used to do a lot of couponing, too, and saved big on children's clothes by belonging to a children's exchange group.
I used to work 2 jobs for a while when I was young and we needed the money. I don't think I got more that 4 or 5 hours sleep for about 2 or 3 years.
Happy Tuesday, Cheryl. xo Diana
Oh those younger days! Didn't need a lot of sleep back then! I had some of those occasions too - just not from a job!! LOL
DeleteCouponing was sure a good money saver - love the exchange group idea.
Good job.
I currently freelance for the company I retired from, doing exactly what I did when I worked full-time, but I only put in 10-15 hours a week. And, in the process, I'm training the two, yes TWO, hires that have replaced me. For years, I asked for a clerical or a full-time new hire so I could start training someone before I retired. Nope, nada ... Now they've had to hire two people to do the work that I did. Burnout, stress causing health issues, and what did they do? Rescinded my one day a week work-from-home, back in-office full time. I'm done!
ReplyDeleteI also sold (and still sell) a lot of unused household items via FB Marketplace. I always schedule the exchange at the local police department, for security purposes, unless the item is too big. And then, I make it a point to have a friend over for additional security. A friend gave me their old decrepit Weber grill from their summer home. I'd ordered a couple of replacement parts, and then realized that I had a natural gas hook-up already installed, so no need to carry the propane tanks up a flight of stairs. Sold it, as is with two new parts ready for install for $150. Although I've not actually done it, I've had friends offer to pay me to bake and/or can for them. Not sure I want to start that, but it would be a good way to make $$, if I wanted to make some extra cash. I do have a friend, though, that likes to cook and he loves fresh stewed tomatoes for making his sauces. He's often said he'd buy the tomatoes and we can together and split the end result. But, I always do pints, he wants quarts, so we buy two cases and I do mine separately. But it's fun to have a canning buddy to keep me company. (He and his wife are very good friends and have been my support system for years. She owns her own business and he's a full-time substitute teacher, with summers off. Win-win for all of us.)
Boy do I hear you on that story. I left a couple jobs after such stress and burn-out, needing a helper and NO. Then like you said - they hire 2!! Talk about something that just burns me up. Glad you are done - maybe just have more time to enjoy life.
DeleteLove the canning buddy. That is just too neat. I used to have a garden buddy forever till he passed away. We helped each other and we all shared so much food. His wife and him were our best friends back in the day.
It is always wonderful to have a friend to share those things with.
Good luck with your MORE free time!!!!!
I'm right there now, at my job. I'm doing the work of at least 1.5 if not 2.5 people. Already we are getting slammed with estimates wanted for spring/summer and now autumn work (HVAC/Plumbing company). Another HVAC company in town closes so we anticipate getting some of those customers. There is only one me to book those calls and order those parts and support all the teams. I'm already working FT and have the after-hours phone. The boss is on me all the time to keep up with billing. Again, there is only one me. I have less than 7 years to retirement, if I make it that long.
DeleteI was like Anne, a single mom, so there was no time for a second job but I was always fortunate that I had reasonably good paying jobs. I did interrupt my work experience to go to university and that more than paid off in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI do surveys now and get a few $ from some of them. Mostly use it for Amazon orders. Recently I got new covering for both my couch and chair for less than $100 after I used my survey $.
I've tried to sell some of my craft items on FB marketplace but had no luck...lots of lookers but no takers. Perhaps, when all of this is over I'll look at a craft sale.
Coupons were never offered in Canada as you saw. They are pretty much non-existent here now. But I do take advantage of BOGO and sale items all the time.
Being a working single Mom was enough.
DeleteNeat that you still do surveys for $. I think on FB many people are lookers and then think I can do that! I like the craft bazaars. Hopefully they will get back on track soon.
I always wondered why Canada didn't have coupons. Just found that weird. BOGO are good deals as well.
Another thought, if anyone is interested ... My sister keeps her eye out at garage sales and thrift stores for "hot" name-brand goods that are selling well via online resale sites. She picked up a pair of some brand of jeans when we were thrifting a couple of years back, size 8 or 10 (thought she was buying them for her granddaughter), for $3.00. She later told me she sold them on Mercari for $47.00 + S&H. If you use those sites (Mercari, ThreadUp, etc.) and know the brands, it may be worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea and many do that. Belinda at (Frugal Measures blog), has a daughter, Bailey, that has her own Esty shop and resales things. I think she does pretty well.
DeleteI love that idea. Repurposing things so they don't end up in the landfill.
Thanks
Thank you, Cheryl. Yes, reselling clothing is a great way to make extra money.
DeleteYou are welcome!
DeleteBailey and I have done the flea market before, and Mom and I did the flea market back when I was growing up. We've had a lot of yard sales too. We find brass items at thrift stores and yard sales and keep them in a bin and then sell them to the recycling place when we have a big enough load. There are a lot of ways to make extra money that can really help when you need it.
ReplyDeleteI forgot I used to collect aluminum cans too. There used to be a place close by and the pay wasn't all that bad for trash!
DeleteYou can still find brass pretty cheaply here in thrift stores. Kind of amazing.
Yep, if there is a will there is a way.
Wow I love all the things you did. I remember one time have a car repair that was $700.00, this was at least 33 years ago. We were flat broke and I had just had my 3rd girl. SHe was tiny and I was determined to stay home and be able to nurse her. I took a job as an auditor night shift, and my husband would bring her into the place in the middle of the night so I could feed her. We would have kept this up, but the owner of the establishment turned out to be a real creep, as soon as I had my 700.00 dollars I was out of there, I think it was about 10 days. FUnny to look back and see all the things you did to survive and thrive.
ReplyDeleteHeck, I did what I needed to. Oh wow, that is something. Well, if he was a creep, I don't blame you a bit. That was a lot for you both to go through for the money - but you did it!
DeleteIt is amazing the stuff that just seems OK when necessary!
I do swagbucks and survey junkie for fun and money. Prefer Survey Junkie as I can have the cash sent directly to the bank. I have also done product testing thru those sites, they are fun to do and you not only get points, you get the product.
ReplyDeleteI save a lot with just keeping a full pantry buy shopping sales and loss leaders. I have also started saving by using your advice of making my own cleaning products.
I cut my hair, if I color it is done at home, I do my own nails. I rarely use make up anymore since I retired and have clothes that should last me forever. We all need some new things now and then, shoes, undies, socks etc. Shopping is not a habit or hobby for me.
Has anyone joined a plasma program, I have been thinking about that?
How fun for you. Same here, buying and getting things cheaply and just staying home is a biggy now. I can save so much this way.
DeleteYou and I sure do a lot of the same things!!!! Since masks became the norm - make-up kind of went by the wayside. I do wear it, if I am doing a get together or something. I actually do my eyes when I go out, since that is all you see!!!
I know people who have done the plasma donation. I have never done that. Not a fan of needles, so not something I would think of.
I have been thinking about doing that too but haven't taken the plunge yet. It pays fairly well. Upwards to $900 for the first month in my area. That's going twice a week for a month. I might do that next month hmmm.
DeleteSorry the unknown tag this is Gaila in the NW
DeleteHello Gaila. I understand that you can make a lot of extra $ doing that. Good luck!
DeleteI have sold bread and baking. The best garage sale was $800. Nice having that money come in. I worked for a house construction company which shared its offices with a real estate company. The realtors who owned rentals would get me to go in and clean between tenants. Made so much extra money. Jean
ReplyDeleteCool - I like the idea of the cottage industry from home.
DeleteCleaning is a big money maker. I have thought of that. Some places let you take anything that is salvageable as well. I have known people that made good money cleaning.
Those extra dollars came in hand, I am sure.
Gaila here again 😁 yes I was thinking about cleaning again as well. I have done it in the past and made good $$ and it's flexible work. What is a reasonable price for you think? I was thinking about offering services at a Senior apartment complex my cousin lives at...what do you think? Price by the size of the apartment? 1 bedroom , 2 bedroom $40/$50 per visit. To do basic clean Bathroom, kitchen, floors, vacuum, dust. Laundry and change bed extra....your opinion?
DeleteWhat a fun post! You've done such a variety of different fun things. I did the couponing back in the early or mid 80's and my sister got me into rebates too although it was hard to find the forms. The big brands usually offered some pretty good rebates for buying their products back then. When the kids were little I did a lot of sewing and sold things at a craft mall. I loved staying up late at night and just sewing for hours. Then a few years ago I got into selling beads and jewelry findings on Etsy. We have a huge gem show in my town every year and I would buy the beads wholesale and mark them up and sell in my Etsy shop. I really sold a lot but it was a lot of work packaging, printing shipping labels and getting to the PO everyday. Also did the painted t-shirts back in the day. After thinking about it, I need to find a new hobby to make money, haven't done one in a while! Love reading all the comments and thanks for the post. Such fun to read and remember!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a good variety of ways as well. I don't think I ever did rebates.
DeleteCrafting can sure take a lot of time - but I remember those late nights as well with fondness.
I can understand that it must take a lot of time to have an Etsy shop.
I just do things now and then for myself - don't have the energy to sell anymore!
Thanks. Have a good day.
You have done a lot of interesting things! When the girls were small I did a neighborhood survey but it was a short-term gig. I have done house cleaning, organizing and conducted a yard sale for a client. At this age, I'm just happy to try to take care of my little corner of the world.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, I was looking at Pinterest and there was an ad for an oversized coffee filter type product to put at the bottom of an air fryer. Hmmm, wonder where I've seen that before. Somebody is making money off that idea.
Funny you mention that filter - I saw one being advertised after posting about the coffee filters.
DeleteI think taking care of our little corners is the smart thing today!
I advertise in a local Facebook group and pet sit small dogs. It's been enjoyable to have little fur babies to love.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. There are just so many things that people can do for extra income. Just a little imagination. Love it.
DeleteI don't work extra hours, but we grow most of our food (beef and vegs.) Otherwise I watch sales and thrift stores. I recently got a bread machine for our son for $10. Works great. And yesterday we got our GD5 her bday gift (in April) for half-off on clearance at Wm. Jeans always on sale for us. We are watching for a mw stand and I refuse to spend $XXX when I know what I want is out there, waiting for me to find it. :)
ReplyDelete