Paying Off Debt: Three Ways to Supplement Your Income without Getting a Different Job

If you’re working hard to get out of debt, one of the best ways to do it is to start a debt snowball. Budget your current income, and if necessary, take on a second job or supplement your income somehow. Begin paying off bills one-by-one, and as soon as you pay off one, put the money you would have paid toward that bill toward your next bill. Once you are down to your last bill, you could be paying a significant amount of money toward it, because you are paying off the minimums plus anything else you would have paid toward other bills until all your debt is gone. Getting started is the hardest part, because many people have to live paycheck to paycheck and can’t imagine having extra money to pay more than the minimums toward debt. Here are a few ideas to supplement your income without having to get a different job.

Test Proctoring

Many cities have several high schools that offer SAT and ACT testing to high school students or adults looking to go to college. These test centers are often looking for people who can show up a few Saturdays a month to proctor the tests. Proctors typically maintain order in their classrooms, read instructions, hand out papers, and ensure that no students are cheating. Test proctors typically make over $100 per test session, which can be a nice stipend at the end of the month. They will require you to get up early on a Saturday morning, but the tests are usually done in the early afternoon, and you have the rest of the day to attend to other things.

Clinical Trials

If you have the time and space for it, clinical trials are a great way to make some extra money. Clinical studies in Kansas City can pay up to $5,600 for time and travel, depending on your medical background and personal habits. Different trials require different things, so search for clinical trial agencies in your area to find out if you may qualify for one of their trials. If you can take the time away from your regular job, it may be a good way to earn a lot of money in one chunk and pay off debt quickly. Some trials may work over an extended period of vacation time, so you’d be making twice the money in the same time period. Consider this as a viable option.

Marketing Research and Product Testing

Many marketing companies travel to metropolitan areas to conduct studies that will influence the way they market products. Production companies may also be interested in having average people test their products and give feedback before releasing the products to the general public. Look for marketing research opportunities in your area. Sometimes you can make up to $100 just for answering a few questions and giving a few opinions. It’s easy money that may even be fun.


Disclosure: This is a sponsored guest post.