Now that summer has officially started, students may be cash-strapped from all of the extra activities that go on during the season and jobs can be hard to obtain. These top five unique money-making strategies can be used to earn some extra money.
5. Be a kid again
Summer was the time to play on playgrounds, hang out with friends and drink refreshing lemonade during the elementary and middle school years; but being an adult does not mean that the summer fun has to end.
Adults can go back to those fun-filled days and open up a lemonade stand. During the days of scorching heat, many people find it hard to resist the temptation of a cool glass of this sour treat. Incorporating some goodies and turning the lemonade stand into a full-fledged bake sale can expand this idea.
4. Clean out the clutter
Boxes upon boxes of old junk often take up too much space in basements. Now that it is summer, the cleaning and throwing out begins for many people. Garage sales are one way to make some extra money as well as clean out the clutter.
“I rely on garage sales to make the money I need in order to buy school books. I have also found many college essentials at sales at very reasonable prices,” Sam Hugo, an incoming college student said.
Many believe the internet has also become an acceptable and worldly used tool for communication and sales. Everything from cars, to clothes, to furniture can be sold on websites like EBay and Craigslist.
3. Go through the closet
With the economy in the state that it is, many find it more difficult to afford brand-name clothing.
Instead, thrift stores and second-hand shops have become more popular. Besides being able to find purchase clothing at these stores, they accept old clothing in exchange for cash.
“It feels a lot better when I get money for my old clothes instead of throwing them away. Plus, they have a great selection of clothes that I check out every time I am there,” Jenna Olson, a frequent visitor of a thrift store, said.
2. Sell bodily fluids
One way to make money and help other people is by donating plasma at BioLife Plasma Services. There is a center located in St. Cloud and students from around the area make up about 15 to 60 percent of plasma donators.
Receiving an average of 1,000 to 2,300 donations per week, BioLife Plasma Services is “a low risk procedure with minimal or no side effects” according to the Communications Department at the BioLife Plasma Center.
“BioLife’s base compensation is $20 on the first donation and $30 on the second donation in the same calendar week. By donating twice a week, donors can receive up to $200 a month,” Kelly Kadlec, Regional Marketing Representative for BioLife Plasma, said.
Although a medical exam and a medical history are required, the donation process only takes about two hours for a new donor and less time for a returning donor. To become a “qualified donor,” donation needs to take place twice within a six-month period.
For more information, those that are interested in donating can check out their website biolifeplasma.com or call 320-259-6300.
1. Give input
Research facilities across Minnesota are looking for and recruiting people to take part in projects and give feedback to boost consumer products such as food, beverages, electronics, automobiles and much more.
One such company is Ascendancy Research located just outside of the Twin Cities.
“On average, depending on the length of the interview, the complexity of the subject and the location of the study, payments range from $40 to $200,” LynMarie Winninger, president of Ascendancy Research said.
For those that are interested, an online form can be filled out and the company makes contact with applicants about up-coming projects.
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