Earn More

Rent it out
Have a spare room? Consider renting it out to travellers for short stints, especially if you live near a beach or shopping district. "I advertised my spare room on www.gumtree.com.au and had hundreds of responses within just a few days," says Clare, 28, who adds that spending several weeks in a hotel can be too expensive for many tourists. "But they're happy to pay a couple of hundred dollars a week, which is great for my rent."

Sell your spare stuff
One in five women own handbags they no longer want, according to a recent eBay survey. So, if your home is filled with unused items - while your bank account is empty - sell them online. Or, take your spare stuff to a consignment store, where they'll sell it on your behalf (usually at 50 per cent of the original price) and split the profit. Jackie, 41, has sold shoes and sunglasses at The Frock Exchange in Sydney and says the process was hassle-free. "You don't need to monitor [the sale]," she says.

Sublet your skills
More than one in 20 Australians has a second job*, and if you need cash fast, this is a great way to boost your bank balance - whether you open a market stall, contract out your skills, or even babysit. "I earn $20 to $25 an hour babysitting," says Sarah, 28, who posted a notice on her company intranet. "It's really flexible; I can set my own hours." Visit www.findababysitter.com.au to access potential clients.

SPEND LESS

Savvy style
Attending a special event but loathe to spend hundreds on a new outfit - especially if you suspect you'll only wear it once? Try hiring a dress from www.dressedup.com.au, which offers pieces from designers like Nicola Finetti. "I wanted something new, but relatively inexpensive for a black-tie wedding," says Tessa, 25, who hired a $759 Manning Cartell dress for $129 for one week. "It was a cost-effective alternative to the $1500-plus Willow dress that I had my eye on."

Eat on the cheap
Next time you head out for dinner, consider booking a table at a hospitality school restaurant. As the chefs are still in training, meals can be as cheap as $10. Visit www.angliss.vic.edu.au or www.sit.nsw.edu.au/theapprentice for more information. Mary, 31, says training restaurants are a great idea for a fun and casual group meal out. "They're great value - and it's good to support students."

Buy in bulk
Work out which non-perishable items - whether it's toilet paper or tea - you buy most often, and head to a discount store like Campbells Cash and Carry or ALDI, where you can buy in bulk and save up to 30 per cent. Or, go to Kmart during its annual sale. Alex, 27, buys wine in bulk from liquor outlet Dan Murphy's, where she saves up to 50 per cent on some brands. "I go once a month to save money. It's much cheaper than going to my local bottle shop."

*Multiple Jobholding in Australia, Australian Bureau of Statistics