Let’s face it: the money we earn from work isn’t always enough to support our desired lifestyle. However, we find our days consumed by schoolwork, extracurriculars, family obligations, and jobs, which ultimately leaves us with minimal spare time. As a result, fitting in ample work hours poses to be a very difficult undertaking–but there are existing alternatives that prove easier, less burdensome, and more profitable. Therefore, we have put together a list of both realistic and bizarre ways to earn money. You’re welcome.

Susannah’s Realistic Approach:

1. Get a job. It’s really not that complicated. There are many places in the Charleston area that hire as young as 15 years old with decent pay. Although teen jobs may not have the best pay, having a steady and consistent income certainly helps. Having a job is also a great way to meet people, discover your interests, and help build a resume. 
2. Sell your old clothes. Places like Plato’s Closet and Uptown Cheapskate are constantly willing to exchange cash for gently used designer items. Although they offer significantly less than what the item is worth, selling clothes that are no longer useful to you is a great way to get cash fast. You can also use apps like Poshmark, DePop, eBay, or Facebook marketplace to sell old items without even having to leave the house. If you look through your closet and find items that you no longer wear or like or that don’t fit anymore, consider selling them!
3. Create a savings account. Starting to save when you’re young helps set up a lifetime or healthy and responsible saving. Even if your income is small, putting away 10-20% of every paycheck into a savings account makes a difference. 
4. Differentiate needs vs. wants. Although it’s perfectly acceptable to indulge, forcing yourself to identify what is necessary in comparison to what is not helps to hold yourself financially accountable. It may be more beneficial to prioritize filling up your car with gas over seeing a movie with friends.
5. Put yourself on a budget. Analyze your current spending habits to figure out what you spend the most on. Once you identify which categories you spend the most money on, put a budget value (per week, month, etc.) to organize your spending habits and prevent yourself from spending too much.

Josephine’s Unconventional Methods:

1. Carvertise. That’s car + advertise if you do the logic. Basically, if you’re willing to put an ad on your car, you’ll be paid hundreds of dollars a month for it. However, when I “say put an ad on your car,” I really mean “wrap your entire car in one huge banner.” Therefore, this may not be an optimal option for those of you who value riding in style.

   

2. Sell your hair. There’s a good market for this, especially if you have a pretty color (not dyed), good texture, and good length. If you’re already looking to chop off your hair, this might be a viable option for you.
3. Join Rent-a-Friend. You’re literally hired to accompany someone to a social event, give tours, be a wingman or woman, learn a new hobby, you name it. Often, you can get up to $50 an hour in exchange for your friendship. However, you have to be at least 18 years old, and though the website claims it is strictly platonic, it seems a little sketch.
4. Share photos of yourself on Stylinity. Basically, you just upload a picture to social media and use Stylinity to tag the pieces of clothing you’re wearing. If someone sees your outfit, clicks a button that reads “I Want This,” and shops the look, you earn rewards points that can be redeemed for cash.

   

5. Become a medium. A surprising number of people want to connect with dead loved ones–especially pets. If you’re already interested psychics, tarot cards, and crystal ball readings this may be for you.
6. Sell your plasma. You can make up to around $50 per donation; all you have to do is go to a donation center, where you get your blood drawn and later returned to your body after the plasma is filtered out. Although this is pretty easy, it can be somewhat time-consuming, and time is money.

Hopefully you found this helpful, or at least entertaining.