Finding Extra Money

It is that time of year when we all start to feel kind of bummed out because the bills are coming in from Christmas spending.  Many of us couldn't afford to buy gifts in the first place, so now figuring out how to pay for what was purchased is a pain.  It might be time to think of ways to bring in more money.

The first way many Americans think of bringing in more cash is by filing taxes.  If you are one of those lucky people that is getting a lot back from taxes, good for you.  If you are somebody that is going to have to pay your taxes, well now, you have a whole new problem.  So on to plan B.

For many of us, finding a new job that pays better than our current job is not even an option.  I've been looking for a better paying job for about a year now and still can't find one.  I am someone with a lot of experience and a college degree, and still no luck.  The best advice I can give is finding a second job.  It can be a real drag, but it can be done.

Luckily, due to tax season and refunds, many people start spending money again in the spring.  This means stores are willing to hire people.  I suggest taking a second job at the mall or at a store if possible.  You might not think you have the extra time to do it, but since you are so broke (I mean, you are reading this blog, aren't you?) you probably don't have the money to go out and do anything fun.  So I would suggest giving a second job a try, at least for a little while.

You also do not have to necessarily work outside of your home for a second a job.  Did you know you can make money blogging, or answering questions, or writing articles?  It is possible!  You won't get rich quick, but you can sign up for Google Adsense or Amazon Affiliates and start making money.  There are several sites like Blogger, HubPages, and WebAnswers that will allow you to earn money in your spare time if you enjoy writing.

Last but not least, don't give up on trying to make money just by looking around your home.  Is there an old couch you are not using?  Are you never going to drag out that old computer monitor to use again at your house?  What about making crafts and selling them?  There are plenty of items you can probably sell right now.  The weather is getting warmer and you can think about a yard sale.  You can also sell at a craft fair.  Even if you don't feel like doing any of that, you can still post items on Craigslist.  So don't give up hope!

There are ways to pull in extra money and we can sure all need it right now.  And never forget, always look for sales and coupons to help save extra cash at the grocery stores!  Every penny adds up!

Now is the Time to Apply for Seasonal Positions

It is the end of August now and the summer is coming to a close.  The long, happy sunny days are leaving us.  We will now have to deal with the cold of autumn and winter.  This means paying more to heat our homes. Also, using the washer and dryer more since we will all be wearing more layers of clothes.  Plus, we must make plans for holiday shopping.  All of this means we need more money.

On an upnote, this is the perfect time of year to gather job applications for stores.  Many of you are already working full-time, but it is just not bringing in enough money.  Now is the time to work a second job.  I know it is depressing to be forced to do that, but you can work two jobs at once during the holiday season and not go crazy.  It is a good time to fill out the applications, since you can return them in the beginning of September.

Many retailers like to hire at the beginning of September so the staff will be properly trained by the time the Christmas rush comes in.  The down side to this, is yes, you will be working during the Christmas rush.  The plus side is, you will be making extra money and probably getting a really nice discount.  When you work at a store that gives a nice discount, it is perfect for Christmas shopping. 

If you are currently unemployed, this is also a good option for you.  Many retailers will hire you for part-time, seasonal work for the holidays, but if you show a desire to work more hours, they will probably have more to give you as it gets closer to Christmas.  If they really like you, they may keep you on for part-time work after Christmas.  Certainly this can be a difficult time for you if you've never worked in retail before or you are looking for a better job, but keep in mind many employers want to see you are working rather than staying on unemployment.  It might not look perfect on a resume, but working in retail looks better than nothing.

So if you've decided you want (or need) extra money for the winter months, make sure to start gathering your applications at the end of August.  Start returning them in September, but make sure to talk to a manager when you return the applications.  It helps to show up with a smiling face and make a great impression.  Good luck to you!