Today, I wanted to talk about going the “extra mile” to get rid of debt. Now, I know that when you’re in debt, the pressure that you feel can make you come home and just collapse, but that is the worst thing you can do. I know you feel like you’re in a hole you can’t get out of in your lifetime. I know how it feels to pay a monthly payment on a car you hate! I know you think that you’ll never get out of debt. But here is a question for you: Could you do more to get out of debt? Well, if you have debt, and don’t have a second job to pay it down quickly, then I would say you could do more!
A second job is a great way to get out of debt in a hurry. There are all sorts of side jobs that a person can pick up to make extra money. As a school teacher, you can coach one of the sports teams,monitor detention or head up one of the clubs at school…you do get paid extra for that, you know! Not a teacher? Okay, well, if you have a lawn mower, then you are already in business…just go around your neighborhood and mow the lawns of your neighbors. You can make quite a bit of money in one summer just by mowing lawns. Akin to lawn mowing is pressure washing. Pressure washing peoples homes, driveways and fences (in any combination) is a VERY lucrative business. A good pressure washer only costs around $500, and you can make that back in your first job…a word to the wise though: Know what you are doing with a pressure washer, otherwise you can damage someones property, and then you’ll be paying THEM! Not skilled at mowing lawns or pressure washers? How about being an umpire for a community parks and recreation league? Not your cup of tea? That’s ok, because you can go get a job as a delivery driver…they make good money (mostly in tips)and have flexible hours!
If none of those suggestions sounded good to you, then figure out what you are good at, and go make some money from it. Say you are a computer programmer…then find some contract work to bring in extra money. The possibilities are limitless…you just have to remember that it isn’t swallowing your pride to get a second job…There is MORE pride to be had in taking care of your family!
So, all in all, what I want you to take away from this is that you shouldn’t be hopeless when it comes to getting out of debt. Cutting back on spending and cutting costs is only one side of it…some people need more income! So, figure out what you can do to increase your income, and do it! Besides, mowing lawns gives you a tan and a mini workout…how can that be bad?
