It’s tough to figure out where to begin, isn’t it?
So, we assembled a month-by-month plan to help you stash an extra $2,000 this year.
None of the items on this list require you to get a second job every evening, nor will these tasks pull you away from loved ones. In fact, most of them are things you can do while watching TV!
Also, these suggestions are flexible. If a task scheduled for a given month doesn’t suit you, swap it out for something else (click the “Money Hacks” tab at the top for more alternatives).
Ask me if you have questions! Good luck!
Month 1: Install This App and Make an Extra $65
This month is pretty simple. All you need to do is install the Media Insiders app on your mobile device from the reputable analytics company, ComScore.
The app’s role is to gather anonymous data from your phone to help websites, apps, tech firms and mobile carriers improve services and add features.
- Here’s a link to download Media Insiders (it’s totally free).
- The app collects location information and, in return, awards points you can redeem for PayPal or Amazon gift cards. You can expect to earn roughly $65 per year with this one.
Total Saved: $165
Month 2: Share Your Opinion to Earn $30
This month’s objective is simply to bring in an extra $30.
There are lots of ways to reach that goal, but an easy option is to register with VIP Voice.
VIP Voice is one of the legitimate paid survey companies available (they have an A+ with the Better Business Bureau).
You may have heard of them in the news, since they run a lot of presidential polling.
Most readers know surveys aren’t my favorite side hustle — they can eat up time.
But I make an exception when I’m lounging on the couch. If I’m just watching TV, I’ll click through a few surveys at the same time.
Sign up at the start of the month and promise yourself you’ll log in a few times per week. You’ll have no trouble earning extra money this month with almost no effort.
Total Saved: $195
Month 3: Write an Article and Make an Extra $75
Did you know Savinly will pay you $75 to contribute an article?
Seriously.
If you’ve got a clever tip to save or earn money, they want to hear about it. Visit this page to learn how to pitch their editor with your idea.
Total Saved: $270
Month 4: Change Search Engines to Earn $50
If you’re open to trying a different search engine, you can make over $50 per year.
Just join Microsoft Rewards — each time you use Bing for searches on your phone or computer, you’ll accumulate points that convert to rewards. If you perform 15+ searches per day, you should earn $50+ annually.
Total Saved: $320
Month 5: Engage With Advertisers to Earn $50
One of my preferred ways to pocket extra cash is InboxDollars, because they compensate you to interact with advertisers.
They’ll pay you to complete surveys, watch commercials, clip coupons and sample products.
You won’t become wealthy from this, but you can definitely earn $50. And you’ve got the entire month to reach that target.
Total Saved: $370
Month 6: Haggle Your Bills to Save $300
We all know a car’s price is negotiable, but did you realize you can haggle over your cell phone and cable bills?
I recently negotiated my AT&T bill. Even though I already had the advertised cheapest plan, I called and asked if they could lower it. They ended up removing $20 a month, saving me $360 a year!
I did the same with my cable company and scored another $200 a year in savings.
Here are some tips on how to negotiate these types of bills.
Total Saved: $670
Month 7: Rent Out Your Space and Pocket $100
Okay, this won’t be possible for everyone, but have you considered renting your home or a room for one night?
I’ve used Airbnb to both host guests and stay in rentals while traveling — it’s a great way to make your place earn money for you.
Whether you rent a single room or the entire property, optimize your Airbnb listing by following these suggestions.
Total Saved: $770
Month 8: Hold an Online Garage Sale & Make an Extra $250
We all have too much stuff collecting dust, so this month’s task is to sell some of your unwanted items online.
Here are a few of my top sites for this purpose:
– Tradesy: Use this to sell your gently used clothing
– Bookscouter – Use this to sell your old textbooks and books
– eBay: Everything else belongs on eBay.
Total Saved: $1,020
Month 9: Participate in a Mock Jury to Earn $150
Have you heard about mock juries?
A mock or surrogate juror examines evidence and delivers a verdict to help attorneys prepare for actual trials.
I wrote about making $150 as a mock juror, which required eight hours in a hotel conference room.
There are also online alternatives, including:
Sign up for a few mock juries this month and deposit that extra cash into your savings.
Total Saved: $1,170
Month 10: Drive With the Lyft App
Want a fun, flexible way to earn money while meeting new people?
Consider driving with Lyft!
Demand for ride-sharing keeps expanding, and it shows no sign of slowing. To qualify, you must be at least 21 years old with one year of driving experience, pass a background check and have a car made in 2007 or later.
We spoke with Paul Pruce, who’s been driving full-time with Lyft for over a year. He pulls in $750 a week as a driver.
Best of all, he works his own schedule. You can drive days, nights or weekends — whatever suits you!
Total Saved: $1,700 (or more)
Month 11: Become a Search Engine Rater and Make an Extra $625
All right, this month is definitely one of the more challenging ones.
You’ll need to bring in an extra $625, but here’s an idea to help.
Our contributor Steve Gillman recently described how he earned $700 in one month working for a firm that evaluates search engine results. Those companies are hiring.
Search engines contain inaccuracies, so they need real people to review results and judge quality, relevance and usefulness.
If this appeals to you, check out that article for details on how to apply.
Total Saved: $2,225
Nicely done! You’ve closed out the year with a tidy $2,000 in extra savings. Repeat this routine yearly and your savings account will grow substantially.
