Do Little, Earn Big

By Nicole King

     Dying to have the latest style of shoes? Don’t have the money to purchase them? As high school students are entering the “real world”, we are at a constant battle to have enough money. Our parents refuse to give us money every time we ask so we must be creative and find a solution to this problem. There are many simple ways to earn quick cash on the side instead of getting a laborious job. Below are some options for students to try in order to keep up with the newest styles.

1. Growing out of your tight-fitted clothes? Many teens will just shove these articles of clothing to the back of their drawer, but what if there is a better alternative? Recently, the idea of selling your old clothes to stores such as Plato’s Closet has become an quick solution for cash. Senior, Andrew Considine, stated “I go every month with my boys to Plato's to sell the clothes I grow out of in order to get money for new shoes.” Gather all your name brand items and take a trip to Frederick, Maryland to earn easy money.
   
   
2. Need $50? Sign up on dnasimple.org by giving the site your basic information such as age, weight, and height. After their board reviews your profile, they will notify everyone who qualifies. Once qualified, participants are sent a tube where they must put their fresh saliva in and send back. When researchers receive the sample, they will mail $50 back to you or to the charity of your choice. Human saliva is used in studies to prove theories such as the theory that certain human characteristics cause mutations.
   
   
3. Have a hidden love for arts and crafts? Etsy is a website for those who create handmade and vintage items to sell. Glenelg Senior, Allyson Kim, started a business through Esty called “Sundivided” where she said she “shares her art with people as well as making a profit.” At any age, children can upload pictures along with prices to their product. All there is to it is setting up an account to produce income and then shipping buyers your product. Use this site to gain extra cash while showing off your unique styles and talent to the world.
   
   
4. Enjoy flavorful meals? Sign up for free on ValuedOpinions.com, fill out your profile, then wait for the invite to eat! Due to people giving up their personal time and effort, researchers give cash and checks to participants who give opinions on how tasty their recipes are. This is a reoccurring event that happens every two weeks for a chance to earn $20 cash.
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5. Enjoy the company of kids? Sign up on care.com and browse the site for families in your community. Surprisingly, people are finding multiple families near them who are willing to pay around $15 an hour. This effortless task could only last an hour or two a day where teenagers interact with kids by playing board games or helping them with their homework.