Working Paycheck to Paycheck: Guide to making more

I myself like many others, have struggled with the paycheck to paycheck lifestyle for quite a while. As a recent college graduate, I think most of us are in the same boat. While trying to start our careers and pay off our elephant sized college loans, we still want to go on vacations, move out, save up and so on. So as someone who is in this constant battle I did some research on how I could get myself out of this lifestyle that I don't really love. 

A few things first. I totally get that sometimes your paycheck is what it is. For me, I make the same amount weekly, and at the moment there isn't much room for growth. But don't let that hold you back, because I certainly haven't There are plenty of ways to actually make some great side cash while still holding onto your full time gig. 

Tip #1: Do you like animals? I've found that there is a great need for dog walkers or pet sitters. I don't have a pet, but from friends and family who do they always discuss how difficult it is to have someone watch their pet when they're away. Look into networking with some folks and coming up with a price to watch their pets, instead of sending them a shelter for a week. 

Tip #2: Look in your closet. I have so many old clothes, bags and shoes I never wear and some that still even have the tags on them! Nothing like some fall cleaning to go through your closet, find what you don't want and sell it! There are places locally you can sell it to or sell it online on apps like Mercari or Poshmark. 

Tip #3: Be a driver. Now this is more of a part time job but it is something that you can do whenever you feel like it. With car services like Uber and Lift you can apply to qualify to be a driver. Check out their sites for qualifications, but if you have a few nights where you're not doing much and a car why not try it out! 

Tip #4: Save your change. This one may take a bit longer than others but I have to say it works. I have a huge change jar that I empty out my wallet into weekly. I don't typically carry cash to begin with, but when I do I save all my change. Before my recent vacation I rolled my coins and have $55 just sitting there in change! 

Tip #5: Start your own part time service. If you have a passion or talent that isn't your full time job, why not turn it into a side hobby that pays? For me, I started out personal training on the side for extra cash. If you're great at hair, make up, nails, nutrition, yoga, whatever it is- let it be known! Start a social media page and get the word out there.

Tip #6: Babysit. If you don't love kids maybe skip over this one! But if you don't mind them let friends and family know you're around. It's an easy way to make some quick cash and hang out with kids. Plus if they go to sleep early all you're doing is hanging out on the couch like you'd do anyway at home! 

Tip #7: Coupons. Obviously there is some monthly payments you can't cut down on like food shopping, bills and gas. But you can try to make it a bit easier on yourself. For food shopping theres a plethora of coupons out there, so take a look online or take the stores circular and do your shopping based off some discounts. For gas you can find cheapest ones in your area with certain apps, or become a member where you get a percentage off for every time you fill up your tank. 

Tip #8: Cash back. For when you do shopping, one of my favorite websites is Ebates. You earn cash for shopping on regular sites. Depending on what site you shop on you get a certain amount back. My biggest paycheck was nearly $20 after doing online Christmas shopping. I know not a lot, but it did fill up my gas tank! 

Tip #9: Blog for someone. This one can get a bit more tricky. Usually with websites that pay for blogging you start off writing for free until your articles can gain traction. Or you have to first submit to see if you are accepted at all. But if you enjoy writing and it's a great pass time for you, why not do it and get paid for it, even if its not right away.

Tip #10: Give your opinion. There are a bunch of different websites now that offer you money for giving your opinion. Take quizzes, watch videos, shop and tell them what you feel. The income varies from $1.00 to even $50.00 if you are selected for specific questionaries. 

Let me know what's worked for you! Comment below, what do you do to make some extra cash?