Title. I found out recently that I need some major dental work in the near future and I don’t have a damn clue how I am going to raise the extra money. I want to explore any realistic options for increasing my earnings before I have to resort to taking on debt, and I suspect that soliciting ideas in a semi-public place like this will turn up a lot of ideas I would never have considered myself.

I’m not very physically fit, but I am pretty good with computers generally, and I’ve picked up a little bit of programming in my free time this year, though I wouldn’t sell myself as a freelancer in that department or anything. I am also pretty good at proofreading / nitpicking things, my regular job is in QA.

Thank you in advance for any input.

  • SirToxicAvenger@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    market yourself as a computer hardware/software repair guy at all of the nursing homes/retirement communities in the area. market it towards your target demographic, using font styles and language that they’d be familiar with in the 1960s - 1980s. be sure to show up clean shaven with a tie. be polite - yes mam/yes sir. charge through the nose.

    I bet you could build up a significant dental fund within 6 to 8 months.

    • subignition@fedia.ioOP
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      1 year ago

      I will look into the dental schools in my area, thank you. I was so focused on finding a local dentist that would take an uninsured patient that it completely slipped my mind.

  • dunz@feddit.nu
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    1 year ago

    It isn’t very well paid per time invested, but my mum sells knitted mittens on the national equivalent of Ebay, since she likes to knit while watching telly anyway. She can sell a pair for about 3 times the cost of the material

    Edit: I’ve myself done some paracord bracelets and sold, in the same manner, using what is essentially “free” time. It’s fairly easy to do, and you can get the costs down quite a bit if you import and buy in bulk

  • girl@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    When I really needed extra money I donated plasma. It’s one of those things that pays you more the more you do it, still not a lot but everything helps. Also seconding dental schools, it won’t be free but can save you thousands

  • PlasterAnalyst@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    Flipping, you can sell things on eBay, mercari, fb marketplace, Craigslist, etc. Start by selling things you already own that you no longer want. Then you go out and find things that you’re knowledgeable about and buy those, then resell them. I’ve sold over $8k this year ($5k after costs) and I don’t put a lot of effort into it.

    • subignition@fedia.ioOP
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      1 year ago

      Maybe that was the wrong choice of words. What would you suggest? I guess I can edit that to “side hustle” instead if that’s more appropriate…?

      • Tb0n3@sh.itjust.works
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        1 year ago

        Honestly the best side hustle is to better yourself and ultimately find a better primary hustle. Side hustles don’t do much more than steal your already limited leisure time.

        • subignition@fedia.ioOP
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          1 year ago

          Well, you’re entirely right, but unfortunately that doesn’t help me much in the moment. I appreciate your response regardless. <3

    • hahattpro@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      yeah cool. Thank for remind me being rich can also create a stream of income without do anything.