more money without taking a second job ... 1 . Become a focus group participant : An old co-worker turned me on to focus groups about 8 years ago and after I made 75 bucks giving my opinion on a series of coffee ads , I immediately went home , opened the phone book -LRB- remember those ? -RRB- , and called dozens of market research companies to get my name added to their databases for future groups . Over the years I 've made thousands of dollars telling people what I think about ads , product concepts , packaging , services , and the taste of food and beverages . Once , I even made $ 200 tasting vodka for an hour . Talk about easy money ! Check the `` Etc. '' section of Craigslist for current focus groups in your area , or do an online search for market research recruiting companies and then can call and have your name added to their databases . 2 . Use your blog : If you have a blog -- and who does n't these days ? -- you 're sitting on valuable real estate . Depending on the size
-LRB- The Frisky -RRB- -- Despite the tough economic times , you ca n't just expect to stop lusting after those Frye riding boots you 've had your eye on forever , or that your longtime trusted hair stylist is going to suddenly start cutting her prices . From hobbies to bake sales to your own Web site , there are ways to make extra money in your spare time . The fact is no matter how frugally you learn to live , there are still going to be some things you 'll want to splurge on , and that 's okay . I mean , this is a recession , after all , not a potato famine . You do n't have to give up all your luxuries or switch to low-cost everything ; you just have to get savvier about making extra money for those treats you enjoy . But I 'm not talking about getting a second job or really working that much harder ; a true recessionista knows how to make extra cash for little luxuries while leaving plenty of free time to enjoy them , too . After the jump , seven ways to make