 TITLE: Should I Get a Second Job to Pay Off Debt? CONTENT: How to Earn Extra Income to Pay Off Debt\n----------------------------------------\nBefore you take on a second job, take a close look at your budget or bank statements from the past few months to determine if you can instead simply cut back on your spending. You may discover that you can free up some cash by reducing discretionary costs (like getting rid of some subscription services) or by changing your habits (like less takeout and more cooking at home).\nBut if there are no more cuts you can reasonably make, and your debt balances are overwhelming, earning extra income could be the best way forward.\nYou could get a part-time job at a local shop or eatery, where you'll work a set number of hours on a regular schedule. If you require more flexibility, though, there are plenty of ways to earn income with gigs and so-called side hustles, such as:\n*   Delivering meals or groceries through apps like DoorDash or InstaCart.\n*   Giving rides through rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.\n*   Babysitting children or offering in-home care to senior citizens in your neighborhood.\n*   Tutoring students in an area of your expertise, either in-person or online.\n*   Mowing lawns, cleaning houses or performing other odd jobs for people in your community.\nThere are also an increasing number of ways to make extra money from home, which is ideal—or even medically necessary—for some during the ongoing pandemic. You could explore freelancing for businesses or individuals who need your skills. Whether you're a pro at proofreading, graphic design, data entry, translating or anything else, you may be able to find one-off or ongoing gig options on sites like Guru, Freelancer.com or Upwork. Even if it's not your profession, you may be able to make money using skills picked up while working on a hobby, such as drawing, painting or sewing.\nYou could also look for a part-time, remote job on FlexJobs, which curates work-from-home job listings. An increasing number of companies are now willing to let employees telecommute, so a silver lining of the pandemic could mean even more opportunities to earn income from the safety of your home.\nYou can also get creative, such as selling used clothes or other household goods online. Another option is creating a stream of passive income by renting out a spare room or property you own. There are even apps that let you rent out your car or parking space when you're not using them.\nWhatever option you choose, make sure you're operating above board by following local, state and federal business laws and paying taxes properly. And don't forget about your personal safety—keep an eye out for those who may be looking to take advantage of you financially or in other ways. Exercise caution when performing side jobs, as protecting yourself and your personal information is more important than paying down your debt. END