My salary typically drops about $500 a month during the summer and this past summer was pretty tight. I'm starting to brainstorm on some type of side work I can do next summer. Putting extra money back during the school year would be ideal, but I'm having to put that money toward the only non-mortgage debt I have from car work and the latest round of attorney fees. Can y'all throw our some things y'all have done in the past?

I have 4 yards I cut in my spare time. Two I only cut once a month. None of them take more than 1.5 hours. It equates to about $500 each month. I could easily double that if I wanted by picking up more yards.

Mowing yards is good money for sure.

Building decks.

Start a side business that uses your skill set. (whatever that might be)

X2

If I had a new(ish) riding mower and a utility trailer to tote it, I'd pick up a few yards to cut myself

My salary doesn't change but my cost goes through the roof in summer. Mowing, spraying and keeping my AC set on 60 probably costs me an additional $500 a month, or more. If my AC would set lower than 60 I would set it lower. Money well spent.

Well at least you make up for it when it’s cold. I would assume. Dang that’s cold.

Cutting yards certainly came to mind. All I have is a push mower with one wheel no longer adjustable for height.

Buddy of mine started doing handy man work and printed business cards. Not his primary source of income. Didn’t take but a few weeks and he had all he could handle.

Dang my AC won’t get lower than 65 in the summer

This, my buddy did the same thing before Christmas time last year. He's almost to the point of quitting his very well paying job to take on his "side business" as his main source of income. He is constantly telling people no because he can't keep up as it is. Wish I was handier, I'd start my own handy man business.

If you’ve got 4 majors, could you tutor undergrads?

Sounds like someone needs to invest in some insulation

Pressure washing/house washing
If I actually advertised, I could probably work 7 days a week most of the year.

For handy man jobs, think how many people are divorced in this country and their children are "too busy" to help or parent does not want to "bother them".

Yep

Ha...not 4 college majors. Played baseball in college and team mascot was an army Major. I do make decent side money tutoring geology students during the spring and fall semesters, but never have gotten any requests during the summer when only a couple geology courses are offered.

I know a guy makes good money building swings n picnic tables in summer

Lifeguard at local pool?

I like the sound of that...

I was knocking out over $500 a week in 1992 doing yards. Did not unload my equip for less than $25.00