Having some spending money set aside is awesome; even if its only enough to bid on that Boba Fett trading card circa 1984.

One trick is to rake in extra cash through a side job.  Then allocate these funds specifically as “fun money” and use that money for any of your “non-need” expenses: presents, drinks with friends, and concert tickets.

This is a useful mental trick to help set tangible limits on how much you spend while allowing you to feel comfortable that you are not pulling money away from other important areas (like rent, paying off debt, or creating a real savings account!).

Here are a few ideas to get you started-

1.  Psychology Experiment

I made $120 bucks yesterday for a two week psychology experiment.  Easy to find too.  Rummage around the back of newspapers or the Psychology department of any local colleges for advertisements.  They pay an average of $10-15 dollars and hour and in return, require only that you can read and punch buttons.

2.  Sell your Junk

Unnecessary baggage is more expensive than you think.  It keeps you from being organized, makes it difficult to find the things you need, it will cost more money to move or ship when/if that time comes around and it’s cash you could have right now.  Old and broken equipment costs you time and money too.  Are you really going to fix it?  If not, sell it.

Pawn your knick knacks, ugly jewelry, old christmas gifts and “abstract”(meaning…unattractive) artwork to second hand shops. Sell old clothing to consignment stores, Salvation Armies and privately owned thrift hubs like Crossroads in L.A. Besides, aren’t we just clearing up more room for the Boba Fett collection?  If you don’t use it – sell it.  Or give it to a thrift store.

3.  Blog

It’s super easy now to create publications on the internet. From the most primitive(livejournal/old school Xanga) to hoity toity streamlined websites you can earn mucho dinero through advertisers, sponsors, joining blog networks or convincing your audience to love your blog enough to donate money.  Granted, this may take some time to build up enough traffic to warrant an income but it’s a great way to become an expert in a niche field and pursue some side cash.

4.  Be a movie extra

Some people harbor dreams of becoming the next _____ (insert generic, famous, giraffe-legged actress), but some people are just regular people scrounging to make ends meet. Take a page from their book and spend a day as an extra, you can catch glimpses of celebrities, do next to nothing and make some money. Scour Craigslist, Pennysavers, magazines and newspapers for opportunities and of course its easier if you live in New York or L.A but what the heck who says they can’t film the next Indiana Jones movie in Wyoming.

5.  Canvass or poll

My old roommate canvassed for Obama’s campaign this summer.  Canvassing may not be a true cake walk but it’s not rocket science either, and it helps if you have a committed interest in the organization. One thing’s for sure, the hours are flexible and you don’t need to wear a uniform or appear “professional”. And unless canvassing becomes your career, it’s a fast route to easy cash while doing an admirable deed.