If you're lying in bed at night, unable to sleep thinking 'how can I earn extra income', remember there are millions of people like you who are strapped for cash, battling to eke out an existence in the doom and gloom of the present global economic downswing. Even if you've got a job, the money you're earning most likely flies in and flies out and, oh no, you're broke again.

Probably hardest hit of all is the poor single parent who has a job but the earnings are way too low to support the family. And there's just no time left in the day or night to get other work to supplement the income. If this sounds like you, it's time to do something about it - don't keep asking yourself 'How can I earn extra money?' It's time to explore some ideas... Now!

You could consider child sitting as an option. Trustworthy child sitters are in huge demand these days and, if you love kids, you could find child sitting a rewarding and well paid experience. Plus you get the bonus of being at home to look after your own children. You can do child sitting on weekends and even at night.

If you don't have kids, or you're not very child oriented, what about dog sitting? Seriously, you can do this on Saturdays and Sundays if you've got a full-time job, and earn great money. Good dog sitters are always in demand, and if you're a dog lover you might even be able to extend your services to include grooming and other related services.

Doing paid surveys is another cool way to earn extra cash. Companies are always on the lookout for members of the public to do surveys and they pay pretty well. Get online and register with a survey site. You'll be asked to give a profile about yourself, after which you'll be given surveys that suit your personal profile. These can be done at home after hours.

The horizons to make extra money are much wider for people without children. But a word of warning - don't get picky about what you are prepared to do, or not do. There's no place for fussiness when the bank balance is in the red.

What about doing a paper route? Paper routes are not only for kids on bikes. These days adults with transport can earn up to $400 a week doing a paper route! Chat to the editor of your local rag and find out if there are any routes not being serviced.

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