Ways to Earn Extra Money in Southern California

Here are unique ways of making extra money in Southern California. Since California's unemployment rate stands at 12.2% and the rate is similar in Los Angeles County, then these are worth considering. I will stress that while these methods will put extra money in your pocket, money should not always be the motivating factor or they become less enjoyable.

Hosting a foreign student
Students coming from other countries to study in Southern California may need a place to stay for a month, a semester or entire school year. Some programs will pay up to $ 1,000 per month while others will pay around $ 750 per month.

There are also programs that seek volunteers.

Host families are often required to provide transportation for high school students and supply breakfast, dinner and food for lunch.

Families should also enjoy doing this out of care for the student and look out for that person's best interest.

Lifelong friendships can form as a result.

Check with local churches and the help wanted or seeking housing flyers they publish. Also, check with international student associations at local community colleges and universities.

Officiating high school sports
I am a high school soccer referee and it's nice to pick up additional pay for officiating matches. I've previously volunteered as a ref, and still do so, for the past 10 years.

It's possible to officiate more than one sport. I know some officials who do volleyball or football in the fall, soccer in the winter, and lacrosse in the spring.

Volleyball referees in Southern California may earn up to $ 100 per match while soccer officials will earn about $ 55 to $ 65 depending on whether the match is junior varsity or varsity.

Go to the CIF sports southern section web site and click on the "officials" tab.

Becoming a movie extra
If you need extra cash, then becoming an extra for movie or television may be the right thing. No need to worry about head shots. In fact, extra casting agencies prefer full body shots and they don't need to be professionally photographed.

While actors aiming to get a shot at lines become extras for the money and to network, it's also possible for anyone to take part.

Shooting days are usually at least 8 hours and they'll sometimes go to 12 hours. Meals are provided. Bring a book or books and a lounge chair.

Google "extra casting in Los Angeles" or also log on to www.extrasaccess.com as one place to start.

Other unique ways of making money are promoting events at clubs and vehicle wraps. I'll be writing about these in an upcoming article.