Making an extra buck, two, three or 100
3-1-09

So here we are past the half way point of winter, spring beckons and for those of who celebrate Lent, we're in the midst of the season leading up to another Easter. This year it may actually feel like Easter landing on Sunday April 12th. In 2008 we hardly had Christmas decorations away when the Easter Bunny came calling.

This time through the pages I turn my attention to the ever changing news about the economy. Every day in some way there's a new twist to the same old story. The bottom line as I've seen is that a business and household can survive, even thrive if certain practices are built into the daily mix. My business just moved into smaller quarters. Formerly in Manayunk our company decided it best to move into a smaller space across Route 76 into the suburban community of Bala Cynwyd. Bala Cynwyd. What a place. The complete 180 of Upper Bucks in this man's view. High end retailers, people still driving gas guzzlers and address's that reek of opulence. Even in a sour economy the cars, homes and locals seem to go about their business as though they're not participating in the downtrend.

Moving seems a bit extreme to save money but for our business it completely made sense. Office space is attractive and grabbing a cheaper rent in tighter quarters allows our company to focus on a tighter bottom line and revenue growth.

Cost cutting is a great way to save as I'm sure by now you've read all that advice. Have you considered the new trends that can actually make your household bring in more moolah? Some are practical, others are practically hilarious.

The most outrageous suggestion I've seen is companies seeking those who drive frequently to put advertising messages on their vehicles. Imagine that, your car becoming a traveling billboard. For a few hundred bucks a month would you do it? Before you say yes think about it. If your driving a car or truck with a big sponsor all over it you may get a bit self conscious.

Probably the most obvious way to grow some revenue for your home is Ebay. Think about all the stuff collecting dust in your home or office, pass it along to Ebay and you may get your stuff into the hands of someone willing to pay for your inventory.

Have you considered a second job? Thousands of us are working more than one job today. I heard on MSNBC we're working more then ever before to keep household revenue healthy. A second job isn't for everyone, a change in career after some training may be the better course to travel and now's a great time to investigate educational opportunities as many area schools are offering deep discounts even free classes.

Considering becoming your own personal service provider. Babysitting. It's not just for teenagers anymore, cooking, baking, picking up dry cleaning, ironing, food shopping are all services people need and would pay for the right person to take care of for the right price. Have a special skill or talent? One woman started organizing peoples closets after hearing time and again she had the most organized closet in the neighborhood.

The opportunities to earn money are endless and if you feel the need to get an extra shot in the arm financially you certainly have a range of ways to grab extra bucks. Good luck towards earning some extra money, see 'ya around town.