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9 Ways to Make an Extra $1,000

By Maurie Backman - Oct 30, 2020 at 9:00AM
Person in green dress looking toward the sky as money falls down.

9 Ways to Make an Extra $1,000

Get ready to count your money

Could you use an extra $1,000? Most of us could. With $1,000, you can cover your holiday spending, upgrade some electronics, or take the trip you’ve been putting off. Here are a few ways to come up with $1,000, whether by doing work on top of your main job or managing your finances more efficiently.

Our credit card expert uses this card, and it could earn you $1,148 (seriously)
As long as you pay them off each month, credit cards are a no-brainer for savvy Americans. They protect against fraud far better than debit cards, help raise your credit score, and can put hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars in rewards back in your pocket each year.

But with so many cards out there, you need to choose wisely. This top-rated card offers the ability to pay 0% interest on purchases until late 2021, has some of the most generous cash back rewards we’ve ever seen (up to 5%!), and somehow still sports a $0 annual fee.

That’s why our expert – who has reviewed hundreds of cards – signed up for this one personally. Click here to get free access to our expert’s top pick.

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A close-up of a person's hands knitting.

1. Turn a profit from hobbies

Chances are you have a hobby you spend lots of time on. If you’re able to turn that into a business, you could make $1,000 over time. For example, you could sell the knit scarves you normally create for fun, or peddle your baked goods at a local farmers market (though you’ll need to check your local laws about selling food items you prepare in a noncommercial kitchen).

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Woman in sweater smiling as she uses a laptop in her lap with yarn nearby

2. Monetize your skills

We’re all good at something, so why not use your skills to earn a little extra money on the side? If you’re great with numbers, you can consult on evenings or weekends helping businesses set up budgets. If you’re artistically inclined, you can dabble in graphic design and get paid for it. Even if drafting budgets and creating websites aren’t things you do for fun and the work feels more like, well, work, it’s still a good way to pocket extra cash.

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Mother giving her small child hand sanitizer

3. Become a child care provider

Parents are always desperate for child care -- these days, more so than ever. If you’re looking to earn money, offer up your services as a baby sitter or after-school tutor. With so many children learning remotely during the pandemic, parents may be eager to hire you.

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Driver leaning out of a car window holding hundred dollar bills

4. Make your car an income source

Own a vehicle? If you’re willing to drive for a rideshare company, you could end up making some serious money. Best of all, this sort of gig is very flexible -- you simply log on and pick up fares when it works for you.

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Man standing next to dog on leash

5. Sign up to pet-sit

Love animals? You could end up making good money caring for them. Pet owners often hesitate to board their animals for fear of them getting sick, and many would rather hire a pet sitter for one-on-one attention. That, in turn, could translate into a moneymaking opportunity for you.

Our credit card expert uses this card, and it could earn you $1,148 (seriously)
As long as you pay them off each month, credit cards are a no-brainer for savvy Americans. They protect against fraud far better than debit cards, help raise your credit score, and can put hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars in rewards back in your pocket each year.

But with so many cards out there, you need to choose wisely. This top-rated card offers the ability to pay 0% interest on purchases until late 2021, has some of the most generous cash back rewards we’ve ever seen (up to 5%!), and somehow still sports a $0 annual fee.

That’s why our expert – who has reviewed hundreds of cards – signed up for this one personally. Click here to get free access to our expert’s top pick.

Previous

Next

Person holding stack of clothing from a closet.

6. Clean out your house and sell its contents

Your basement, garage, or spare closet is probably filled with items you haven’t used in months. If you’re sitting on clothing, electronics, or kitchen tools you don’t need, try selling them online, or hosting a yard sale and unloading lots of items at once. You’ll not only make money but also free up storage space.

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A credit card bill with minimum payment highlighted

7. Stop throwing money away on credit card interest

Carrying a balance on a credit card automatically costs you money in interest, so the sooner you’re able to shed that debt, the easier it’ll be for you to bank more money -- maybe even $1,000. Granted, in this scenario, you’re not making $1,000 so much as saving it, but the end result is the same -- you end up richer.

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Two people shaking hands over a document, a model home, and house keys.

8. Refinance your mortgage

Refinancing your mortgage to a loan with a lower interest rate than what you’re now paying could easily save you $1,000 in the course of a year. If your credit score is great, it pays to apply to refinance, especially since today’s rates are extremely competitive.

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Person covering face behind table covered in papers, a calculator, a notebook, a pen, a mug, and a mobile phone.

9. Consolidate your debt so it’s more affordable

If you’re carrying a lot of debt, consolidating could not only make it more manageable but also help you lower your interest rate on it. That, in turn, could put more money in the bank for you. You can consolidate debt in a number of ways -- a balance transfer, a cash-out refinance, a home equity loan or line of credit, or a personal loan -- so it pays to explore your options and see which is most affordable.

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Person in glasses holding money and smiling widely.

More money could soon be yours

Having an extra $1,000 to your name could buy you a lot more financial flexibility. These moves could help you get there faster than you’d think, so explore your options for earning additional cash and making your existing obligations more affordable.

Our credit card expert uses this card, and it could earn you $1,148 (seriously)
As long as you pay them off each month, credit cards are a no-brainer for savvy Americans. They protect against fraud far better than debit cards, help raise your credit score, and can put hundreds (or thousands!) of dollars in rewards back in your pocket each year.

But with so many cards out there, you need to choose wisely. This top-rated card offers the ability to pay 0% interest on purchases until late 2021, has some of the most generous cash back rewards we’ve ever seen (up to 5%!), and somehow still sports a $0 annual fee.

That’s why our expert – who has reviewed hundreds of cards – signed up for this one personally. Click here to get free access to our expert’s top pick.

Previous

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