Thursday, January 1, 2009

Financial New Year Resolution #1: Get A Side Hustle

So... HAPPY NEW YEAR!



How did you ring it in? Did you go out? Stay in? Sleep? Either way, it's a New Year, which means there's a new start. If 2008 was the year that you were clueless when it came to budgeting, alone on Friday night because your cash flow was short, or your account summaries were full of overdrafts, then now is the time to turn it all around.

So, for the next five blog posts, we are going to start the New Year with an open mind, and end on a high note! Hopefully, a c-note, haha.

Financial New Year Resolution #1: Get A Side Hustle.

Now what is a side hustle , you may ask?

A side hustle is a separate job from the actual job you report to on a daily basis. It may be a profitable hobby, a weekend job, or something you do seasonally to increase your cash flow.

For instance, last semester, in addition to being an RA and working for the Housing office, I worked at the desk on Saturday nights. The hours may have sucked, but I appreciated making an extra $60 every two weeks for basically being a watchman.

There are several side hustle opportunities available. For instance, during football season, several of my friends worked the nearby vendor tables and tents and continue to work for them in the spring. I also have a friend of mine who does well babysitting for a professor and his wife every month or so. You could get a weekend job at a department store or other retailer to pay for your shopping habit or your weekend fun.
Also, I'm know I'm not the only one who glances at the CW Classifieds section for jobs - come Spring semester, there will be several opportunities to pack your pockets.

So, get out there and find your side hustle. Work it!

If you already have one, share!

SIDE NOTE: Did you know Tuscaloosa has a craigslist?

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