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Financial Fitness Task 28: Find a Side Gig #30DaysofGOOD

A little padding is welcome when unexpected expenses come up.

Nona Willis Aronowitz
By Nona Willis AronowitzJan 31, 2012
Nona Willis Aronowitz
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Things are easier said than done, or so the old adage goes, and we couldn't agree more. That's why we do The GOOD 30-Day Challenge (#30DaysofGOOD), a monthly attempt to live better. Our challenge for January? Financial fitness.

Find a side gig.

Before I came to GOOD, I was accustomed to hustling. I cobbled together a living with radio producer jobs, freelance articles, and speaking gigs. Now that I have a full-time position, I just pursue the extra work I really want, and it's provided me with padding when unexpected expenses come up.

It's easy to slack off on the hunt if you know a paycheck is coming. But a little extra in a savings account can mean the difference between a low balance and financial disaster. Even if you're a meticulous budgeter, a car breakdown or emergency surgery can screw you over. So be proactive about picking up extra cash—do odd jobs, pick up a weekend bartending shift, babysit. Today, I made a list of a few freelance pieces I wanted to write, and followed up with a professor who had mentioned she wanted to bring me to her college. You never know when you'll get an unwelcome bill.

Come back tomorrow for the next task in our financial fitness challenge.
Vote here for your favorite financial fitness project. The submission with the most votes wins $500.

Photo via (cc) Flickr user photologue_np

good challenge30daysofgood#30daysofgoodfinancial fitnessmoney

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