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Play games, get paid
When I was a kid, I earned a dollar an hour as a baby sitter. Now I get $10 to $15 an hour -- fees set by the parents! Because kids go to bed early, a good chunk of those evenings is spent doing what I've have been doing at home: studying.And I think of baby-sitting as "time-share grandchildren," a chance to be with little ones long enough to enjoy them while knowing I get to go home eventually.
But people aren't going to hand their precious angels over to you on faith. You need experience and references. If you're a parent, put the word out among your friends or at your child's school. If you're kid-free, get creative. Earn references by taking care of your friends' kids. If you're already a favorite uncle or aunt, put your sibling down as a reference. Volunteer at your church nursery, then ask for a recommendation.
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If you want repeat business, be good at what you do. Instead of turning on the television, play trucks and cars or Barbie Beauty Parlor with your young charges. Don't ever, ever know the answer to a riddle or a knock-knock joke; children love putting one over on adults. And remember that no young child can resist the Homer Simpson noise; I've had weeping toddlers perk right up when I said "D'oh!"
Once the kids are sleeping, straighten up the living room and wash dishes. Parents will be so grateful they might even tip you. At the very least, they'll call you again.
Pet owners can be just as wary as parents, so breaking into the pet-sitting field isn't simple, either. (Imagine handing your house keys to a stranger and saying, "See you in four days.") As with baby-sitting, put the word out among people you know.
Be prepared for three-page lists covering everything from Fido's favorite walkies to the vet's cell-phone number. Don't laugh; for some people, their pets are their kids. To find out what to charge, call a few pet-sitting services.
I'm your handywoman
Finding an apartment-management job is tough but not impossible, and it's well worth the search. Resident managers can get everything from discounted digs to a free apartment and a salary.I'm in an ideal situation: The building I manage has only 21 units and relatively little turnover. In return for my rent credit, I keep an eye on the property, answer tenants' questions, show vacancies, run credit reports, get keys made, replace hallway lights and pick up trash. I'm on call in case a tenant gets locked out, but that hardly ever happens. However, my rent credit happens every month.
Resident-manager jobs appear regularly in the help-wanted ads. Some companies want experienced handymen. Others simply ask you to arrange for such work to be done. But all resident managers need flexibility and common sense, and the ability to get along with everyone, even annoying tenants. Especially annoying tenants.
Plenty of other occasional gigs exist, of course. You could sell blood plasma, mow lawns, clean houses, deliver newspapers or recycle aluminum cans.
Video on MSN Money: Donna Freedman
Make money with medical testsMSN Money contributor Donna Freedman takes on several odd jobs to earn extra cash, but one of the most profitable is signing up to be a test subject. Watch Donna earn 30 bucks in about 15 minutes and see how you can do the same.
Living 'poor' and loving itDonna Freedman is spending less to have more. See how she's living within her financial boundaries and staying happy.
The recipe for bargain-shoppingCombining coupons, rebates, store sales and a little effort can save you big bucks when shopping. Go along with Donna Freedman as she cashes in coupons and reveals her secret of getting stuff for free.
Treasure hunting in thrift storesIf you're buying at retail stores you're wasting money. Follow Donna Freedman as she explores the local thrift store to find great deals you won't believe.
Some folks have luck selling unwanted items online. It all comes down to what you're willing to do. If you don't mind fishing soda cans out of the trash, there's money to be made. If you're able to peel fresh hairballs off a carpet, you may have a bright future in pet-sitting. Find a job that matches your sensibilities.
Personally, I'm unfazed by having my blood drawn, calming crying babies and walking someone else's dog. And I'll probably never give up mystery shopping. How else could I get paid to marvel at $27 underpants?
Updated Oct. 1, 2008
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