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Seek out yield:
Average yield for the MSCI EAFE index of overseas stocks is 3.03% compared to 2.12% for the S&P 500. Stash some of your extra cash in the SPDR S&P Int’l Dividend ETF.
Buy a REIT fund:
Some aren’t taxed if they pass 90% of taxable income on to investors, so yields are higher than dividend funds. Don’t invest more than 5%-10% of your portfolio.
Invest in a mutual fund for more yield and more risk.
Lend idle cash that’s sitting at the bank on a peer-to-peer lending site like Prosper.com or LendingClub.com where yields can top 13%. Seek borrowers with 800+ credit scores and spread your money around.
Leverage your expertise into a part-time teaching position at a local college. Higher-ed courses tend to pay from $1,000 to $6,000 according to AdjunctNation.com (a Masters Degree may be required). Check out AdjunctProfessorOnline.com and HigherEdJobs.com and the websites of local schools. Not all jobs are posted, so send a resume and cover letter to the relevant department head.
Be a landlord
Turn extra space into an income. Contact your homeowners association.
Monetize a hobby
Referee a high school game, make jewelry and sell at craft shows. Check out the competition and check out prices.
The highest pay will be for things that nobody likes to do, like cleaning bathroom tubs and toilets. The least amount of pay will be for the easiest stuff, like cleaning windows.
Many older people have problems with certain chores and heavy work, like running a vacuum cleaner. Check with your church or other groups. Ask your parents if they know any old people. Ask your neighbors if there are any chores you could do in an hour.
Mow lawns and trim trees and weed flower beds.
Collect cans and bottles.
run errands
handyman repairs
paint homes and fences inside and outside
house sit when we're out of town