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38 Ways to Earn Extra Cash With a Cool Side Hustle

Coming up with extra cash to pay the bills, cover unexpected expenses, boost savings, accelerate your 401(k) or perhaps even finance a dream vacation isn't as hard as it seems. Plenty of legit, and many unique, moneymaking opportunities are out there for you to capitalize on at your convenience, with the perk of no long-term commitment and, in most cases, setting your own hours.

Updated for 2020, our diverse list of side hustles is packed with more tactics to earn extra cash than ever -- 38 ideas for you to consider, along with resources and pointers to get you started. Some are good for a fast buck, while others could turn into consistent streams of income. Find out which cash-generating ideas could work best for you.

Become an Election Officer

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You can cash in on our right to vote on Election Day. Many localities need election officers, especially those who are bilingual. And while the hours may be long, the pay isn't bad for a day's - in some cases 5 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. - work.

For example, in Fairfax County, Va., which needs thousands of poll workers, election officers are paid $175 for a full day (step up your game and get paid $225 as an assistant chief election officer and $250 as a chief election officer). In Monterey County, Calif., election officers are paid $135 (for clerks) and $185 (for inspectors).

Generally, to qualify, you must be at least 18 years of age and a registered voter in the state, be a U.S. citizen, read and write English, and have transportation to the polling place. You'll likely also have to devote time to attend a training class. Here's a video about becoming an election officer.

Pro tip: Bring plenty of snacks. It's a very long day, and you cannot leave the polling place to grab some chow.

Coach a Youth Sports Team

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This one may require some creative workarounds with your full-time job - but that's the deal with most moonlighting work. In the case of coaching youth teams, it often means late-afternoon, evening and weekend availability, plus knowledge of the intricacies of a sport - soccer, hockey, softball, you name

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