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GreaterUpperValley.com

Summer Jobs: Great Ways to Make Some Extra Cash

Jun 18, 2013 02:04AM ● By Erin Frisch

 

Looking to pay off a debt? Maybe you’re trying to save some extra cash for that end-of-summer vacation. Or you just might want to boost your savings with something extra this summer. Whether or not you are working a full-time job, we have a few suggestions about how you can pull in some extra revenue over the next couple of months. Here are some “odd jobs” you can do that won’t necessarily cut into your current gig.

Participate in a Focus Group

Focus groups are sessions where consumers are questioned about their opinions on products or services offered by companies that are trying to garner feedback to improve their business. They are often held on-site at small companies whose job it is to facilitate these sessions exclusively; some are even held online or over the phone. Focus groups last anywhere from an hour or two to a full day and pay between $25 and $200, usually in cash. Not everyone is eligible for participation in every focus group, but more often than not, you will be able to find one or two that your experiences fit. Check the “Volunteer” and “ETC” job sections on craigslist.org in your area or try findfocusgroups.com.

Be a Juror in a Mock Trial

Maybe you are the person who is actually excited when you get your jury duty notice in the mail. If so, this is perfect for you. Even if you’re not normally thrilled to be called for jury duty, participating in mock trials can be fun as well as lucrative. Usually held online, mock trials are used by lawyers to recruit computer users to test their cases by sending them out to online participants for their review and impressions. Each case review can take between 20 and 60 minutes and make you anywhere from $20 to $60. Check out OnlineVerdict.com, a site that commonly hires for this type of odd job.

Use Your Car to Advertise for a Company

If you have a long drive to work or end up sitting in traffic on your way to the shore each weekend, why not make some extra money while you’re at it? Some advertisers are looking to promote their companies by plastering your car with their advertisements. An advertisement may stay on your car anywhere from a few months to two years. If you’re willing to wrap your car up in their signs, you could make as much as $900 a month, which can go a long way, however you’re looking to use or save it. Head to freecarmedia.com to get paired with an advertiser.

Sell Things You No Longer Use

Do you walk around your home and find it cluttered with items that have accumulated over the years? Maybe it’s time for a little summer de-cluttering that could result in some extra cash in your pocket. Craigslist.org and ebay.com provide two forums that make it easy for you to offload some of that unwanted stuff that is sitting around your house. Craigslist is usually local, and buyers can actually meet you to exchange cash for your item (it’s recommended to meet in a public place . . . no need for buyers to know where you live unless they are picking up something large, like a bed). On eBay, you can sell items to people anywhere in the country through PayPal, and then you’ll have to ship the item to them accordingly. Why not kill two birds with one stone this summer and make a little cash while getting rid of things you’re no longer using?

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