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Boost Your Income
You've learned how trimming your budget can put you on the fast track to saving up to $13,000 this year. But if you're aiming for a $21,000 down payment, for example, we've got a simple plan to get you the rest of the way: You need an income boost.
Max Out Your Full-Time Job
The first place to start making more money is your full-time job. Do you have opportunities to earn overtime or commission? Working a few extra hours a week could go a long way.
If those opportunities don't exist at your full-time job, it's time to harness the power of the side hustle. Hang with us. The best side jobs are probably ones you already enjoy in your free time!
Make Money Doing What You Already Enjoy
Here are some seriously fun ways you can rake in extra cash during the next year:
- Do you already exercise regularly? Walk neighborhood dogs after work or referee sports leagues on the weekend. Teaching a class at your local gym for $50 can help you get healthy and bring in some dough.
- Do you love event planning or baking? Big events (like weddings and parties) usually happen on the weekends, and caterers always need people to help prep food, decorate the venue, serve, and clean up.
- Have a knack for fine penmanship? Address invitations using your calligraphy skills on sites like Etsy. Charge $2–5 per envelope for brides-to-be and event planners.
- Like meeting new people? Get paid to drive others to their destinations with apps like Uber and Lyft. Or rent out your spare bedroom to interesting travelers with Airbnb.
- Have a heart for teaching? Set your own hourly rate for tutoring. You can charge even more if you live in a big city or have advanced degrees.
- Love pets? Let your friends and coworkers know you're available to house sit or pet sit the next time they're out of town. Or hop on a pet-sitter referral app like Rover.
- Do you have writing, design or photography experience? Search online for magazines and newsletters that work with freelancers. They usually pay per project, and the best part is you can usually do it on any schedule.
A Little Goes a Long Way
Let's say you work a job for 20 hours a week at $10 per hour. Keep up that pace for the next year and you'll end up with nearly $8,000 after taxes. If you only make half that, that’s still $4,000 extra to throw at your goal.
Get More Ideas
Check out this list of simple side hustle ideas and make a note of five possible side gigs that interest you. Search for those opportunities in your area.