LIFE

This summer is unlike any before. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, unemployment rates are high and cash is hard to come by — especially if you want to stay socially-distanced.

Fortunately, the Internet (and our own backyards) might just hold all the secrets to making a little extra pocket change while staying safe this summer.

Scroll down to find the top 20 ways to make money during the chaos of 2020, and start saving up for that [insert must-have here] you have been waiting to splurge on (or check #20 for an even better alternative).

Do a closet cleanse and sell, sell, sell

Consider this to be summer cleaning, and take those clothes to a local consignment shop, or an app like Curtsy or Poshmark.

Sell your own fruits and veggies
Sure, this takes a few more steps than you planned, but how great would it be to work on the perf garden all summer? Plus, you get the satisfaction of selling things that you took the time to grow yourself. 

Get nostalgic with an old-fashioned lemonade stand

OK, maybe this is a little bit cheesy, but how fun would it be to make some money with your little sibs on the sidewalk? 

Make your backyard a movie theater

Use a projector and a sheet in your backyard to make a socially-distanced movie theatre. Charge a small admission fee for your neighbors, provide snacks and have a blast!

Create a YouTube channel
This one is def not as easy as it sounds in terms of making money, but putting a lot of time and hard work into creating vids you are proud of could mean a growing audience (and monetized videos on YouTube) without ever leaving your house.

Start your own tie-dye t-shirt business
Tie-dye is a lewk, for sure, and there is a huge push to shop locally right now. If you need to make some money, start making cute tie-dye pieces and sell them to your friends, fam and beyond! It is super cheap to get started, and you will def have a blast making unique pieces, too.

Take photos — with social distance, ofc

Art is for everyone; no matter how many times you *swear* you aren't creative, there are plenty of opportunities to grow, and photography is a great place to start. Use your friends and fam as your first models, and when you perfect your skills, you can think about charging for photo shoots — just make sure to stay socially-distanced!

Walk some pups like the dog lover you are

This is a win/win: you get to spend time with some of the cutest dogs on the block — literally — and you can make some cash while getting fresh air outside of the house. Make flyers and give them to your neighbors to spread the word!

Save your recycling
Some states allow you to take beverage containers, like bottles and cans, to authorized places for a little bit of change when you turn in your recycling. It is usually about five cents per can, but if you make sure your fam separates aluminum and plastic, you will be making some extra dough in no time.

Wash your neighbors' cars

Washing cars around your neighborhood requires v little interaction with others, meaning you get to be socially distant, and your next-door neighbor will def appreciate having a clean car once they have to go back to work in person. Get scrubbing!

Get started with summer landscaping
After you have washed the car, you could probably mow the lawn, too. Ask around your neighborhood to see who needs a landscaper, and find out if you can use equipment from your fam (or maybe a friend's fam) to get the job done.

Run errands for those vulnerable to COVID-19
Not everyone feels safe (or is healthy enough) to leave their house during these 2020 times, so take the time to help those who are most vulnerable to the virus. For starters, offer to walk or ask your guardian to drive you to the store to pick up groceries for someone in need!

Become an Etsy seller

Put your craftiness to the test! Whether you can't get enough of making face masks at home or you have some *amaze* ideas for sticker designs, becoming a seller on a site like Etsy or Redbubble could be the perfect opp for you to create your own summer job.

Take online surveys for fun
Websites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks allow you to try new things and answer questions about your everyday life to make money. You won't qualify for every opportunity, but you will def have a blast while you build up a payout!

Note: you have to be 13 or older to sign up, and you need to ask for permission.

Try investing the money you already have
Break open that piggy bank and start seeing your dollars grow overtime. Using apps like Acorns or Stash, it is easier than ever (with a parent's permission, ofc) to invest your money and learn about the stock market.

Kickstart a virtual tutoring service for fall prep
Now is the time to put your math/English/science skills to the test. The fall semester will be here before we know it — even though it's only June — which means younger kids in your area will need guidance with their lessons.

Try your hand at freelance writing

If you have always wanted to become a writer but do not know where to start, now is your chance to shine. Fine-tuning those skills from English class can be as easy as checking out some vids from experienced writers (like the one above!) and start sending your essays, articles and more to publications. Ideally, you can make some extra money!

Become a babysitter — but only for one family
Some fams may not be comfortable with having babysitters just yet, but you might be able to find the perf one! Stick to just one family; because of the outbreak of COVID-19, it probs is not safe to bounce from house-to-house throughout the week.

Upcycle secondhand items and resell

Take a trip to some of your local thrift shops and pick out items with potential. Maybe there is a nightstand that needs a new paint job or a sweater that could *totally* be cropped; whatever the circumstance, work your magic and transform whatever you can! Then, resell those "new" items that are more unique than ever.

Fundraise — and donate that money instead
Rather than keeping the money you raise this summer in your bank account, consider donating some of your fundraising income to others in need. Maybe the Black Lives Matter movement really speaks to you, or you've had a family member with cancer and want to donate to a charity like St. Jude's. 

What is your go-to way to get some extra cash? Tell us how you do it in the comments!

by Logan Potter | 6/5/2020