Cutting Expenses -- When You Think You Can't , Part VII: How to Get Those Extra $$

I hope you've been enjoying our ongoing series, "Cutting Expenses -- When You Think You Can't." So far, everything basic's been covered, including food, shelter, insurance -- even death and taxes! 

You've been saving everywhere you can, but it's still not enough. What you need is more income. Yes, a second or even a third job is possible. (Not fun, but possible.) But are there other opportunities?

YES. Yes, there are.

*Rent a spot in your home.  It doesn't have to be just a room, though Airbnb and Craigslist can be very helpful in that respect.  (So can NextDoor.com, a neighborhood sharing app that's all over in our part of Colorado. Look to see if a similar program covers your area.)
     What about your garage? A space in the backyard? Many a person is looking for a reasonably-priced area to work on his or her hobby...or store things. You could be of help.

*Do surveys or testing groups. Craigslist will occasionally have requests for people who have some kind of health problem, or are interested in finding out more about certain cars or household products. Join that group, and you've automatically picked up $10, $20 or even $50-75 for yourself. It will mean a few hours away -- and hopefully you'll get to keep samples of whatever you're testing.
     My favorite is still the restaurant chain that tests burger combinations on its group. I've been part of this three or four times now, and walk away stuffed with a $50 gift card in my hand!
     There are plenty of online survey groups out there. But the best one for me consistently has been Pinecone Research. Their surveys are fairly regular, take only a few minutes to finish -- and you're paid $3 for every one. (You do have to periodically fill out a 'household questions' post, as well.) That can be redeemed for cash or merchandise. (I take the cash every time.)

*Anything you can do short-term will help. Take care of a pet.  Bake a birthday cake -- or offer to serve or clean up at a neighborhood birthday party. Wash a car, or water plants. Pick up the mail...or the drycleaning. Do ironing. Babysit. Be clean, honest, charge reasonably and do the job you promised.

Maybe a gingerbread house at Christmastime? People love these -- hate to build them.

     Do your work well, and you'll have repeat requests and referrals. Use NextDoor and Craigslist to publicize what you're offering. Maybe signs in your neighborhood, too. (Frankly, the latter never worked for me, except for garage sales.)  .Which brings me to:

*Hold a garage sale. Advertise it as a moving or estate sale, if that's what it is -- buyers will have even more interest. Yes, you can also sell on Craigslist or Ebay. Or:

*Use your hobby to start a business on Etsy. That extra yarn? Perfect for scarves, mittens or even scrubbing household cloths. The point is not to go out and buy all sorts of extra materials or equipment; it's to use up what you've already got.

*Teach something. Piano, voice, cooking, sewing -- all you have to do is use your skill, and advertise it. You don't have to be a music major to teach something like piano, either -- this writer and teacher has been doing it, off and on, for years.
     Keep your prices reasonable, and you'll have enough student opportunities to choose from.

*Take a part- part-time job. Maybe your local childcare only needs extra help a few times a year, when their regular employees go on vacation. Or someone calls in sick.
     Substitute teaching jobs operate like this...but so do other businesses that work with the public, and need people who are friendly, reliable, and quick to learn. Someday I am going to our local Little Caesar's Pizza place, which seems to be constantly looking for help, and offer my services for one day a week...or a weekend a month. I'll bet they'll jump at it.

*Do something few others will. Cleaning up dog poop. Snow shoveling. Waving a sign at an intersection. These jobs can actually pay quite well -- and they're almost always in demand. Yes, your dignity may be offended by scrubbing out a public toilet. What do you care, if it gets you away from the humiliation of not being able to pay your bills? Many of these jobs are low-profile, anyways, done while other people are not around. And they don't demand unusual equipment or above-rate intelligence...just gloves and a willingness to work. You can always take a shower, afterwards.
   
*Here are 50 more ideas, thanks to the Penny Hoarder.

Now,  some other things you can do to generate extra income: 
      (They don't specifically pay $$, but let you save in other areas.)

*Volunteer at places and events that offer extra food. Banquets are one possibility. Thrift shops and food banks are another. Senior lunches and social events are yet another. Never say no to any leftovers -- even if you can't use them, your neighbors (see below) or pets can.

*Swap your skills and available stuff with friends and neighbors. They may fix supper, if you offer to do their ironing for the week. Offer a ride to the grocery store when you're headed there, anyways -- and you may get a free ride next time, or your gas paid for on this trip.
     Our wonderful neighbors will feed our dogs and chickens when we're out of town -- a once-a-day job that nets them extra eggs, as well as the chance for us to reciprocate when they're gone. This has an additional benefit: it becomes an informal Neighborhood Watch of sorts, and helps increase the activity at your home if someone unsavory is watching.

Ask them over for a cup of coffee to discuss possibilities. 

*Rent equipment together -- or offer yours, in return for a favor down the road from them. Our Large Orange Friend certainly came in handy this way, with grateful neighbors sharing extra garden produce, and even a gift card.

*Ask. Do it with politeness -- and a smile. You'll be amazed at the arrangements you can work out. It's a 50/50 risk; they may say no -- but then again, they may say yes.


You're not going to waste that extra $$$ you've just earned or saved -- are you?

 If you absolutely must, go ahead and spend 10% on something frivolous. (New socks. A DVD. Or go out for a snack.) Shovel the rest into savings or debt payments, so you can take a deep breath. 

There. Feel better?

Next Time: Bits & Pieces -- And the Conclusion

Monday Stuff On the Way to Other Stuff: Catching Up - And Natal Celebrations

    We are making Progress.

    Ooh, that's a lovely word. The guest bath is done, and the master bath has a beautiful coating of tile by the tub. It still needs grouting, paint and such. But Son #1 is making...well, you know. The P word.
    We still have piles everywhere -- but I hope to change that when DAV makes a pickup this week. Also, I have a bunch of stuff headed for the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, as well.

     Only a little paperwork to go, business-wise. Granted, I need to start on another big appraising job this week, but feel certain I can fit it in without killing myself and staying up all night, every night. 
     This week, I'll concentrate on packing up quilts I plan to keep for the teaching/lecture schedule; extra books and kits; notions and tools; and fabrics and embellishments I plan to use in the future. These will all go into storage for now -- then we'll periodically stop by to refresh supplies. Some furniture is going in storage, as well, including folding shelves, a bookcase and a beautiful copper-inlaid armoire I just can't let go at present. 
     The trailer's been sitting in our kind neighbors' side yard while the dumpster was here. Now our Large Orange Friend is gone, I need to break up a small pile of wood and hose down the driveway. Then the trailer can move into the backyard -- and we can start packing it, as well.

Daughter #2's birthday was last Wednesday, the 3rd; Daughter #1's birthday is this coming Tuesday, the 8th. (No, we did not plan it this way.) We'll celebrate both their birthdays Wednesday night with a bang-up dinner, lots of presents...and probably two cakes, with candles lit the traditional way -- in the restaurant parking lot, standing by the car. We've done this so often that they've come to expect it...but try doing that during a rainstorm, or in the case of the Brick, whose birthday is in February, in a snowstorm! Chattering teeth can't sing 'Happy Birthday' very well. 

.
     A few mousey snaps -- including a big one Saturday afternoon, while I was working on this post. Thankfully, the invasion seems to have calmed down some. Generally, life seems a little calmer. We still have a lot of work to do -- but that's to be expected. Meanwhile:

Ten instances where a ghostly appearance changed the outcome. And it's not just Hamlet's dad, either.  (From Listverse) Also from them:

Ten trees with mystical histories.  
and...

Ten amazing places you'd think were made up. (They aren't.) Like a castle covered with graffiti, right?

Five things banned because they were TOO effective.  (From Cracked)

Getting stuff done -- with the 20-second rule.  (From Funky Junk Interiors)

Twelve healthy crockpot freezer meals -- using veggies and fruit now that will be even more appreciated later. Plus an intriguing recipe for Peach Dump Cake. Peaches, cake mix, butter -- that's it!  (Thanks, New Leaf Wellness)

"Doing what I've always wanted to." A spirited and cheerful defense of homemaking at its best.  (From Diary of a Stay-At-Home Mom)

The secrets and scandals of Cher.  An intriguing group of bits about this talented singer/actress.

Ten fortune hunters who met an untimely death.  Including someone who disappeared near the area that Daughter #2, Son and I were digging!  (From Listverse)

An amazing jet landing -- completely blind, after the plane was in a hailstorm.

Are you responsible for your child's unauthorized credit card charges?  (From Creditcard.com)

"How I got free crap with fake reviews." Gives you lots of faith in the system, doesn't it...

Matt Boermeester has been railroaded out of USC.  Even when both he -- and his girlfriend Zoe Katz, the alleged victim -- said abuse allegations were false. Shame on USC, who should have dealt with this investigation far more carefully. More on this here.  I am still trying to understand why the Title IX office would have gotten involved with this in the first place.

J.K. Rowling dumps on President Trump for bypassing a disabled child in a wheelchair -- only it isn't true. (Rowling eventually apologized to the family and removed the tweets -- but was anything said to Trump? Naaahhhh....)

Fatboy ice cream sandwich sprinkle pops. Yum. (From Who Needs A Cape)

Ten truly weird mysteries of the Civil War...including a strange bacteria that made wounds glow.  (From Listverse)

Movies that were supposed to have sequels...and didn't. Including John Carter, which was actually quite terrific.  (From Looper) Add tv series to this one -- I'm still waiting for more on Jericho, The Philanthropist, and the one we just finished: The Mist.

Garlic fries with homemade chili sauce.  Oh my.  (From Poor Girl Eats Well)

"Cleaning up after the dog." I can relate -- we've had our share of accidents lately. (From Diary of A Stay-At-Home Mom)

Don Baylor, former coach of the Colorado Rockies, has died. His death was from multiple myeloma -- the same as my dad. An intelligent, interesting man.

A 3500-year-old lunchbox...found in the Swiss Alps. (From Unexplained Mysteries) Also from them:

A Viking treasure trove from Scotland -- 100 items from the 10th century, including an early silver cross, found in May with a metal detector. And:

An experiment in AI (artificial intelligence) has to be shut down -- after the AI invents its own language and starts talking to itself. Unfortunately, no one else can understand it.


Have a great week. Happy Birthday, girlies! Your father and I love you very much.

Happy Birthday, Daughters #1 and #2! You are a wonderful part of our life, and we love you.

"We Know That All Things Work Together For Good..."

Our buddy Charles Spurgeon, otherwise known to us as "Chuck," had some poignant words to say recently on his "Morning and Evening" devotional:

Romans 8:28

We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.

Upon some points a believer is absolutely sure. He knows, for instance, that God sits in the stern-sheets of the vessel when it rocks most. He believes that an invisible hand is always on the world's tiller, and that wherever providence may drift, Jehovah steers it. That re-assuring knowledge prepares him for everything. He looks over the raging waters and sees the spirit of Jesus treading the billows, and he hears a voice saying, "It is I, be not afraid." He knows too that God is always wise, and, knowing this, he is confident that there can be no accidents, no mistakes; that nothing can occur which ought not to arise. He can say, "If I should lose all I have, it is better that I should lose than have, if God so wills: the worst calamity is the wisest and the kindest thing that could befall to me if God ordains it." "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God." The Christian does not merely hold this as a theory, but he knows it as a matter of fact. Everything has worked for good as yet; the poisonous drugs mixed in fit proportions have worked the cure; the sharp cuts of the lancet have cleansed out the proud flesh and facilitated the healing. Every event as yet has worked out the most divinely blessed results; and so, believing that God rules all, that He governs wisely, that He brings good out of evil, the believer's heart is assured, and he is enabled calmly to meet each trial as it comes. The believer can in the spirit of true resignation pray, "Send me what thou wilt, my God, so long as it comes from Thee; never came there an ill portion from Thy table to any of Thy children."

"Say not my soul, 'From whence can God relieve my care?

Remember that Omnipotence has servants everywhere.

His method is sublime, His heart profoundly kind,

God never is before His time, and never is behind.'"

We really appreciate the modern encouragement this 19th century clergyman often shares.

  You can subscribe to "Morning and Evening" too, by going here to sign up. 

Mennonite Quilt Auction August 13

Quilt collectors, enthusiasts and appraisers everywhere -- 

    There's an auction next week Sunday, August 13, you shouldn't miss.

Skinner Auctions will be selling a large grouping of Mennonite quilts from the collection of Tom and Adelle Hersh of Waterloo County, Ontario, during their Americana Auction.

Steeplechase, c.1910

According to the Skinner people: 

The Waterloo County Mennonite community traces its origin to Switzerland (probably Zurich or near Zurich). In 1727, two brothers, David and Peter Martin, migrated to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Apparently, during the War of 1812, the Mennonites and Amish were persecuted by American patriots for their pacifist ideas, and a group of Mennonites decided to move to Ontario, Canada, settling in Waterloo County, between St. Joseph’s and Waterloo City. Today the bonds between the two communities remain strong and many Mennonite families from Waterloo County regularly visit friends and relatives in Lancaster County.

(In case you're wondering, Mennonite quilts often follow the same basic guidelines as strict Amish quilts, but will include some printed fabrics on occasion. Think of it as slightly loosening the 'rules:' one of my colleagues is Mennonite by practice, but often wears snazzy tennis shoes with her Amish-plain dress and bonnet.)

Nearly 100 quilts will go up for auction. (More will be offered in upcoming auctions later on in the year.) Not only will this be interesting -- it will also set the tone (at least for a while) for values of quilts in this make and mode.

I'm guessing they'll do an online live version of the auction, so even if you aren't headed to Canada next weekend, you could still bid. Go here for more...and registration.

Log Cabin, c.1930. All photos courtesy of Skinner Auctions

Cats Get In On the Act...

In the interest of fairness, a look at cats & one of their favorite subjects: food. Enjoy.

Charles and Abby take this approach, too.

No doubt, after all this brouhaha, any cat reading this post would think:

And they'd probably be right.

Keep-ing the Castle

   From the Department of "They Wouldn't Really Do This... Would They?" 

 I watched an intriguing documentary last night: Crisis At the Castle. 

This three-part series, filmed in 2007, covered three different families who lived in English or Scottish castles or manors, and their accompanying financial troubles.

     I know. Feeling sorry for people with titles and big bucks? Bear in mind that when they have a leaky roof -- and this was a big issue for all three places -- we're talking millions of dollars to replace it. These places all looked wonderful, but all had serious building issues.  Their owners were trying everything from event-hosting to B&Bs and concerts, even selling land and collections off just to pay the bills.

One of the places was Kelburn Castle, from North Ayrshire, Scotland. It's owned by the Earl of Glasgow, along with his 30s-something son.
      The castle had kept its noble bones. But it was a mess, including a flaking concrete outer shell that was falling apart.

So why am I telling you all this?

Because this was the Earl and son's solution to the concrete problem:

Cover it with graffiti.

They offered four Brazilian artists the chance to paint whatever they wanted on the outside of the castle -- provided, I'm guessing, that they paid to fix up the outer shell first.

The Earl even got Historic Scotland to agree to it, by saying that this was only temporary -- and they would return the castle to its original look. After all, it's said to be the oldest castle to have a family in continuous residence. The Earl's ancestors came to the country with William the Conqueror in 1066, and settled in Kelburn in 1140.  The oldest part, the Norman Keep (for defense), is thought to date from 1200.

And now it looks like a New York City apartment building. Or maybe our dumpster.

Although the Earl's son originated the Graffiti Project, the Earl says he likes it so much that he's asked Historic Scotland to keep the painted motifs permanently.

Or is he just saving $$? 


You can see Kelburn Castle for yourself; it's open to the public. Stay there, ride horses, take the kids to the Country Centre...even get married there, if you like. Take a look at their Facebook page, for possibilities.   Directions, history and more are here, including a bunch of links to other castles.

Only, if you decide to take advantage of their 'glamping' program and stay in a tent outside, be sure to pack a sleep mask.

That paint is pretty bright.

Photos 1, 3 and this one courtesy of Wikipedia

              "I was a bit apprehensive I suppose, but now I think it's rather lovely."

               --The Earl of Glasgow, quoted in The Future of Scotland?

True, True...

Try it -- it's lots of fun.