Who couldn’t use a little more income? Even a few extra dollars per week can add up fast, allowing you to pay down your debt more quickly or build up your savings. You could try asking your boss for a raise but when that fails, check out these common sense tips for generating some additional income.

These ideas are not part of a get-rich-quick scheme. They are, however, designed to supplement your income. They can be pursued in your spare time, and utilize the skills and talents you may already posses!

1. Tutor - Do you have a job that requires a lot of math? Do you have a degree in history? Consider tutoring students. While you’ll need to really know your stuff, it can pay big dividends. Many tutors charge as much as $50 per hour and operate with a very flexible schedule. Post ads around your neighborhood or local college.

2. Pet Sitter/Walker Love animals? Then this is a great opportunity. Kennels charge quite a bit to board pets when their owners go on vacation. Find out what local kennels charge per day, and undercut them by a few dollars. Many families would rather leave their beloved pets in a caring home than a kennel, anyway.If you have a flexible schedule, you could also offer to walk neighborhood pets for a fee. This is a great way for a dog lover to make extra money; you may want to use your initial profit to invest in a pooper-scooper, though!

3. Photographer - Have a great camera and a passion for photography? Your hobby can be quite profitable. Offer your services for a fee: portraits, weddings, parties, or any special event that people want to remember. Make a portfolio of your best work to show potential clients.

4. Artist - Express your artistic side! If you enjoy painting or creating sculptures, you should consider creating and selling some masterpieces. To get started, list some of your works on eBay. You can also get a booth at a local art fair. Call up local city governments, as many cities hold regular contests, exhibitions and fairs.

5. Babysitter - While this one may bring back memories of your high school job, you shouldn’t write it off. Many parents would prefer to entrust their children to adults, rather than high school students. Place flyers around your neighborhood, and play up your experience and age. Don’t be sensitive about your age it’s an asset! Take a course in CPR and First Aid and distinguish yourself from the competition.

6. eBay Business- Anyone can start an eBay business in their spare time. You can sell all the junk you’ve accumulated over the years to make a few bucks, but the real money is in finding a product to sell reliably. Do you have any connections to get clothing, jewelry, or other goods for less than retail value? Maybe your employer has excess inventory they are willing to entrust to you on consignment. If so, consider snatching them up and selling them on eBay for a profit!

7. Personal Trainer- Turn your passion for fitness into a side job. If you’re knowledgeable about fitness and strength auto insurancetraining, you can become a personal trainer and help others reach their health goals. There are several personal training certifications out there which will help you attract clients. Contact some local gyms to find out if they’re willing to hire you on a part time basis.

8. Website Developer - Do you know how to create websites? If you’re an HTML pro or a Java devotee, you can make great money buildings sites for others! Create an impressive portfolio and ask local businesses if they need new websites.

9. Cleaning Service - People often pay $50 or more to have their homes cleaned . You can truly run a part time business; even cleaning two or three homes per week can earn you an extra few hundred dollars per month. Try posting advertisements around your neighborhood or at the grocery store.

10. Refer Friends and Family to ANH - We sincerely hope that you’ve found, and continue to find, the services of A New Horizon Credit Counseling to be helpful. Why not share it with the world? You can help your friends and family reduce their debt, while receiving a thank you reward for the referral. For every friend or family member you refer (who remains in the program for at least one month), you’ll earn $100. Call your counselor today to find out more about this program. Even if you are not a client, or are a former client, you can still participate in this rewards program by making the referral.

We hope that these tips help you become the next Picasso or dog-walking tycoon, or at least help you make a few extra dollars while doing something you genuinely enjoy. Remember, though: use your new income wisely! An increase in income shouldn’t always be paired with an increase in expenses.

Pay down your credit card debt, enrich your savings, or start a rainy day fund. As always, feel free to contact your counselor at A New Horizon for help with budgeting. We’re here to help!