Five ways to earn a bit of extra dosh
One lucky American recently won NZ$627 million in the lottery.
It’s obscene but we’ve all dreamed about it. I regularly mentally spend my imaginary Lotto winnings on anything from houses, cars and world trips to investing, paying off my parents’ debt and signing up for 12 dozen sponsor children.
But the sad fact is that we need to find ways to earn more money if we want a fatter wallet. Think again if you thought you outgrew pocket money when you got your first job as a 14-year-old. Pocket money for adults is back in vogue; a way to fund a hobby or finish off work around the home (or that Master’s degree!). Here’s a few ways clever Kiwis are fattening their bank balance with the littlest of effort.
Listing your empty granny flat, holiday home or even just a spare room on airbnb.co.nz is a great way to earn a little cash on the side. Airbnb lets travellers book accommodation with hosts in 191 countries, and feel like
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they’re at home anywhere in the world. As a host you can be as involved as little or as much as you like; cook them breakfast, turn down their covers or leave them to their own devices – it’s up to you. Check out Airbnb to see what other people are charging for their places and go from there.
Freelance. If you’ve got mad skills in creative areas like writing, photography or website design, offer to do it after hours. Set your own hours and rates and start off small (you don’t want to burn yourself out after working a fulltime job too). You never know; you might become so good at the freelance gig that it becomes your fulltime job further down the track.
Declutter. We all buy things we think we desperately need then only use once. If there’s no room for your car in your garage and your spare room is more junk shop than office, perhaps it’s time to list your near-new or preloved
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wares on Neighbourly.co.nz or organise a garage sale. Donate anything that doesn’t sell to your local Salvation Army store.
Become a weekend dog walker. If you’re an animal-lover
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but don’t have your own, borrow another man’s best friend and get some exercise at the same time. It’s really rewarding for you and the busy people who don’t have time to exercise their pets.
Become a marriage celebrant. This one might be a bit obscure, but there’s always someone looking to get married, and not everyone wants the traditional church wedding. If you like talking in front of crowds and go all gooey inside just thinking about weddings, becoming a weekend marriage celebrant could be really special and rewarding.
Remember: earning a bit of extra cash might be good for your bank balance but you really should do things properly. Contact IRD or talk to an accountant if you’re not sure how to manage your taxes for afterhours work.
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