| 10
ways to make extra money for the holidays | | |
| The downside: Mystery shopping
and focus groups don't usually provide a steady source of income. You often sign
up with advertising, marketing or market research firms and get called when you
fit a client's needs. But it's a good way to earn an extra few dollars here and
there. Avoid anyone who charges money, asks for your personal financial information
or promises big bucks.
To find such jobs, check the classifieds; some firms
place ads. You also can call local companies that do market research or contact
the local chapter of professional market research organizations and ask who regularly
needs people. 6.
Be an overachiever
"Try to work overtime at your current job," says
Scott Bilker, founder of DebtSmart.com, publisher of personal finance books and
software. "You already have the job, and at time-and-a-half, you get paid extra,"
says Bilker. "Besides, between holidays, vacations and end-of-the-year goals,
a lot of companies are stretched and need the work." 7.
Turn snow into cold cash
Got a strong back or a good snow blower? Offer
to clear walkways or cars for neighbors. Several years ago, one reader told Bilker
that at $8 per car he earned $500 scraping vehicles in the two months before Christmas. Snow
removal can also be a good income stream for kids looking to sock away some cash,
says Ellie Kay, author of Money
Doesn't Grow on Trees: Teaching Kids the Value of a Buck. For a monthly fee
they, they can contract with several neighbors to clear walks on snowy or icy
mornings by a certain time, she says, and still get to school on time. For
safety, make sure your enterprising child deals only with people you know, that
the kids work in pairs or as a group, and that you keep an eye on them. Not
in a wintry locale? Consider seasonal pet sitting or walking, raking leaves or
house-minding for absent neighbors. 8.
Get crafty
"Sell some products from a hobby that you're good at," Foreman
says. "Lots of people create craft items." One of his favorites is a guy from
his car club who makes metal fish. "It's amazing how realistic they look," he
says. Where to sell: local craft stores, craft fairs and eBay. 9.
Raise your value
Depending on how your company and the local economy
are doing, it might be a good time to go in and ask for a raise, says Foreman.
The end of the quarter (and for some companies, the end of the year) is a good
time to ask. "Clearly you need to evaluate what your skills
are and what you contribute to the company," says Foreman. Make sure you can demonstrate
what you are
worth and why you are more marketable than you were last year. 10.
Wrap it up
You've seen those cars driving around wrapped in advertising.
Ever wonder what they get out of it? About $400 a month, says Drew Livingston,
president and co-founder of FreeCar
Media. Simply sign up and fill out a questionnaire about
your lifestyle, car and driving habits. If your profile matches a client's needs,
you'll get a phone call or e-mail. The company will wrap your car and may even
outfit it with a GPS device. In return, you get paid each month for the length
of the campaign. The usual duration is about three months, says Livingston. Steer
clear of any company that charges to take your information. "Money flows one way,"
says Livingston. "If anybody charges you to be part of a database like ours, don't
go -- because it's fraudulent." And now the big question: Will
it hurt your car? No, says Livingston. "As long as it's got
the original paint, there's no damage to the vehicle," he says. "It's like a Post-it
note." Dana Dratch is a freelance writer based in Atlanta. | 
