Do you have a couple of hours to spare every day that you’re wasting sitting around doing nothing? Are you always struggling to make ends meet and would love some extra cash to buy and do the things you love? You don’t have to resort to Walter White’s tactics in Breaking Bad. There are ways to earn money without investing thousands of dollars and four years to get a college degree. Here are 5 ways to make a quick buck without breaking the law.
Drive
Uber is a ride-sharing app with a whopping 40 million riders every month in more than 500 cities around the world. Uber pays its drivers an average of $1.5-2 billion a month after taking its cut. So, there’s obviously money to be made. All you need is a smartphone, a four-door passenger vehicle that has passed state inspections, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record. You’ll also have to pass a criminal background check. Remember though, if you’re in a crash, Uber drivers are not protected by workers’ compensation laws.
Write
If you love to write and have a way with words, the Kindle store on Amazon allows you to self-publish e-books. All you need are your fingers, a computer, and the Internet. Share your message with the world and make money in the bargain. For e-books priced $9.99 and under you’ll earn 70 percent of the sale. Now all you have to do is address a common problem, bundle information together, and present it in an easy-to-understand format. If you get good reviews from your first few readers, your e-book will rank higher in results and you’ll have a source of passive income for many years.
Sell
You’ll be surprised how much stuff you have lying around the house that you don’t need or use. That old iPhone 5 could be worth a hundred bucks. Bought a guitar and never got around to learning? Clothes collecting dust in your closet? Turn them into cash by selling online. Books, toys, furniture, sporting gear, antiques – they are all hidden sources of income in your home.
Act
Have you always harbored a secret desire to see yourself on screen? Sign up to become an extra on TV shows and movies. The good news is you don’t have to look like a supermodel or be Hollywood thin or even have any acting experience. Extras come in all shapes and sizes. It’s important, however, to sign up with a professional casting agency and not get taken for a ride by some fly-by-night operator. What do movie set extras earn? A free lunch and up to $12.50 an hour.
Make
The trick is to leverage your hobbies into a source of income. Love horses? Become a horse exerciser at the local stables. Love crafts or woodwork? Start selling what you make online. Love food and know how to cook it? Offer cooking classes in your neighborhood. Play the guitar? Offer to teach for a fee. Rather than spending time worrying about money, be proactive and pick up whatever odd jobs you can. If you don’t have any special skills, babysitting and dog walking are easy money – you get to sit around watching TV or get your daily dose of exercise.