The most well known way to make a bit of extra money has always been to find a second job, something like evening bar work or helping out in a local store.

Now, thanks to the internet, it’s gotten even easier to bring in some extra cash without working yourself too hard.

Here are five ideas  you can use to make some extra money:

1. Sell stuff you don’t use or need anymore. Do you have books,records, CD’s or DVD’s you’ll never use again collecting dust on your bookcase? Is your wardrobe full of clothes that you never wear? Do you have old electronics taking up too much space? – why not sell them!

• Have a car boot sale.
• Sell stuff on eBay – people will buy the strangest  things on eBay. In particular, if you’ve got some sort of fairly unique electronic equipment, try selling it on eBay. Chances are good that someone will want it and maybe willing to pay a premium for it.
• Sell your things to used bookstores, second hand clothes shops, used furniture stores, or even as spare parts at a repair shop.

2. Ask your employer for a raise. I know asking for more money can be difficult, especially during a financial recession, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try.

• Put together a list of the things you’ve successfully accomplished in the last nine months and make a case for why your worth a raise.
• Alternatively you may be able to make more money simply by asking for some overtime – ask your boss if there’s any extra work you can do or whether there are any extra responsibilities you can take on.

3. Do a bit of Freelancing. Are you a skilled writer, programmer or graphic designer? There are loads of websites where you can apply your expertise to earn some extra cash.

• If you’re not sure how to find something take 10 minutes to do an Internet search. There are many resources on the web that can help you find customers in need of your skills.
• Alternatively, register on elance.com or odesk.com and start marketing your skills.

4. Find a job where you can work form home. There are many customer service jobs that you can take on with just an Internet connection and a computer. I’m told some of them can pay remarkably well and all of them have a very relaxed dress code!

5. Start your own business. Just start something as a part-time idea and transform one of your interests or skills into a second business. There’s nothing quite as exciting as turning something you love to do into a profitable business.

These income generating ideas should give you a great place to start, but to significantly boost your income you should really consider creating a business you can run from the comfort of home. Brainstorm some ideas, pick one and try it – you can make more money!