Is money tight? Perhaps it's time to start earning extra cash!

We might be getting by okay on our salary, but are we able to afford a lovely holiday with the family?

Are we able to attempt that daredevil adventure that we've been hoping to knock off our bucket list? If not, it may be time to start earning more money and finally achieving the life we deserve. 

But how do you go about earning more money? It’s not always easy, but it’s usually because we forget that there are ways and means to earn more that requires no skill at all. We're all capable of making extra money if we just put our minds to it. If you’re struggling, it’s okay, we’ve got a few ideas for you!

Take advantage of Airbnb and earn

You’ve heard of it! Provided you haven’t been living under a rock for the last year or two. If you have a spare room that is home to nothing other than junk and dust, then now is a good time to tidy it up, take a few enticing pictures and upload your room onto the Airbnb site!

It’s really easy and you won’t regret it because the money is good! You just need to be comfortable with sharing your home with a stranger for a night, a week, or a month (depending on your own set of accommodation rules).

Mystery shopping in South Africa?

This is also fairly new to South Africa in terms of a means of earning money. There are brands and companies out there that want to discover the customer service that is attached to their products when they’re being sold.

So, if you have a mobile phone, data and time, you can register yourself in a matter of minutes as a “mystery shopper” through any of the available apps in this category.

There are a number of assignments that are specifically loaded for certain areas and all you need to do is make sure you have the time and attention to detail and you’ll be paid for something that requires very little effort!

Be an extra in a movie

If you fancy yourself an actor or actress, however, no one ever took you seriously, then try and audition to feature as an extra in a film or series. Get that cameo experience so that you can tick it off your bucket list and make money while you’re at it.

The best part is that you’ll have earned bragging rights to say that you were in a movie once or twice and can officially add “actor” to your CV and personal repertoire!

Sell your unwanted goods

If it’s collecting dust, sell it. If it’s in the way, sell it. There’s no reason for you to hold onto anything that no longer serves a purpose and might have value for the next person. Upload a few images online and let someone take them off your hands for a decent sum of cash in return.

Complete surveys online

Got an internet connection and a lot of time on your hands? Then completing online surveys is probably the easiest way you could ever make money. From your bed in the morning over a cup of coffee at the time you have been sitting in a queue at the bank, you can fill in online surveys just by having an opinion or experience on certain matters.

You will actually get paid for your opinions, imagine that? No one in your real life ever wants to hear them, but there are firms out there that will pay you for them, it’s a no-brainer!

Work as a freelancer

The typical 9-5-day jobs are becoming a bit rudimentary. Nowadays people are working their own hours because they are more productive at certain times and in certain spurts. There are apps for freelancers and those looking for part-time or casual work. 

Simply register and see when certain jobs are posted that you feel you can manage and accept the job, show up for it and get paid! A lot of them are typically in the hospitality industry as well as promotional marketing. But they are ideal when you are looking for something after hours or within the realm of unordinary hours.

Become a driver

If you have a car, you have a moneymaking business! People need to get from A to B. Companies like Uber will match a driver with a passenger when they need a lift, so you don’t’ even have to figure out how to get the passengers, the app will do it for you!

Simply register yourself as a driver and your car will undergo a few inspections before it’s approved and thereafter you’re good to go!

Small extra earnings make a big difference 

There are so many ways to make extra money when you take a look around you and what you already have that you can work with. The best part is that you get to experience so much whilst doing so! So, get cracking and start bringing in those extra Rands for that feeling of truly “living” each month.

You can even use this extra cash to repay your debt early or save money for something you care about.