We all dream of getting away, maybe to a place with more sun or to a job we would really love, but the reality can be bills that keep piling up, a roof that keeps leaking, and a lot of debt.
But even if you don't have any money, you can still find creative ways to make money. All you need is your brain and the know-how to turn ideas into commercial success.
- Writing.
Real life magazines for women are very popular right now. If you have an unusual relationship or something interesting has happened to you, tell the editor about it.
Some magazines also have romantic fiction, so if you know how to weave words together well, send the editor your short stories.
Start an online e-zine if you know a lot about a certain subject and there isn't much competition in that area. E-zines make money from third-party advertising, but only if they can reach a large number of people.
If you know a lot about a certain subject, you might want to write feature articles for magazines. There are a lot of magazines about just about everything, from caravanning to windsurfing.
Set up your own business.
It could be very successful to start a dating service. Find out if there is a need for lonely hearts where you live.
If you live in an area with a lot of artists and illustrators, why not start an agency for them? If you are good at organising, you can set up shows and find shops that want to buy original art or prints.
There's always a need for the Kissogram. It's corny, but you don't need much to get started—just a good Tarzan costume and a lot of guts, for example. Put an ad in the local paper.
- Generate ideas
If a board game is popular, it can make a lot of money. Make a new board game about something that's popular. Find out what works in other games and do some research on the market.
If you like to watch TV, why not make the show you want to watch? If a TV format is popular, it can make money, whether it's a reality show or a quiz show with a twist. Don't forget to protect your ideas.
If you just need a little bit of extra money, for example to pay off some student loans, you could:
- Becoming an extra in a movie. Keep an eye out for production companies that are advertising near you. They need people with different looks, sizes, and shapes. You don't have to look like Julia Roberts or Brad Pitt.
- Art classes need life models a lot of the time. Why not? If you can take it and can hold a pose.
- If you don't mind being around bad people, police ID parades are an easy way to make money. You can find out more at the police station near you.
- Check your attic to see what you've put up there. Even if the toy is old, it could still be worth collecting. You can find out if the teddy bear your great aunt gave you is worth a few bucks with a little research, assuming it doesn't have too much sentimental value. Put what you want to sell on E-Bay once you know what it is.
If you love to shop until you drop but don't have enough money to support your habit, becoming a "mystery shopper" could be the perfect job for you. You might even be able to stay in a hotel or go to a restaurant to see how customers are treated and write about it.
