Kylie Ofiu, 26, Sydney NSW Have you ever dreamt about how you would splash the cash if you were super rich? I have, and I'm determined to make that dream come true. My mission is to earn a million dollars before I hit 30, and I think you can do it too. It all started two years ago when I watched my husband, Livai, collapse on the couch after another 12-hour shift.I had given up my mobile hairdressing business to focus on raising our two little girls, Halia, three, and Mele'ana, two, so Livai worked long shifts as a security guard to provide for us.But while we were coping financially, it was the important things we were missing out on. Livai, 30, was often at work when the girls woke up and he wouldn't get in until well after they'd both gone to bed. Not being there to give them a goodnight cuddle and kiss cut deep, and the girls missed their daddy a lot too. One night, something inside me snapped. I realised then that things were only going to change if I made them. So,wracking my brain, I thought of all the ways I'd earned extra cash before. 'Every little bit counts' became my motto as I typed up my list of money-making ideas. As a craft enthusiast, I'd made and sold Christmas decorations and aprons. I'd also held a number of Tupperware parties, and I had even managed to make $800 commission at one. Then there was the internet. I had made a small fortune selling clothes, shoes and books on eBay. Not bad at all for just two hours' work! 
When I told my friends and family about my plan, they offered me their own ideas.My sister Rachael told me that she'd made quilts featuring Australian icons and then sold them to tourists. One friend said she had earned some cash helping people put together their résumés. And another suggested renting out our house when we were away. As I started putting all of my ideas into action, the money in our bank account slowly increased. It meant that Livai was able to spend more time with the girls. The more I looked around my home, the more I realised how many money-making opportunities were just waiting to be discovered. I could offer an ironing and washing service, or get paid to display signs for businesses in my driveway, I thought. I also began entering as many competitions as possible. My biggest success was through a mini challenge I set myself - to sell 1000 things I didn't need. So far, I've sold about 300 items, from unwanted scrapbook stickers to old books, earning about $1700 in the process. During my journey I started writing a blog and then last year a publisher approached me about making a book, condensing my list into just 365 of the best ideas - one for every day of the year.Since beginning my task almost two years ago, I am now about 15 per cent of the way to my goal. I'm completely confident I'll be able to hit that million-dollar mark before I turn 30 in four years time. And if I can do it, I'm confident it's something you can do too. 
Rent your garage, attic or basement for storage If someone is travelling and needs a place to store their things while they're away, your empty garage, attic or basement could be perfect - and could earn you up to $50 a week. You'll need to draw up a contract and check their belongings are adequately insured. Start by asking around or putting an ad in the local paper. Teach a 'just moved out of home' class to students Not everyone knows how to take care of themselves when they first move out of home. You could run a class that teaches general domestic skills such as basic cooking, how to pay bills and how to wash and iron. Both students and divorcees could benefit from these classes, and you could charge from $120 for 10 classes. 
Sell your hair Sign up with a mystery shopping company to receive information on jobs available in your area. If you decide to go ahead, you'll need to be observant but discreet, and fill out a survey afterwards. Some assignments pay as little as five dollars, while others offer more than $50. However you will usually have to pay for the services upfront and be reimbursed later. 
Become a dog walker Many people are too busy to take their pet pooch for a daily walk, so why not offer to do the job for them? Not only could you earn yourself $5 to $15 an hour but you'll get fit in the process. A perfect idea for animal lovers, it's easy to get started - just put up some flyers around the neighbourhood and do a letterbox drop. 
Become a star as a TV or movie extra No matter your shape or size, there are lots of agencies out there looking for extras to appear on shows. The shifts can be long, eight to 12 hours a day, but extras are paid up to $250 for a shoot. And you never know, you might get a regular slot on a soap. Just ensure you check the reputation of the agency before you sign up. |
