How to Earn Dividends

Research companies in order to find out which firms are currently paying dividends. Not all companies pay dividends. You can use Yahoo! Finance, Google Finance or any other financial source that will display if a company currently has a dividend yield. If a company is preparing to pay out dividends, it will have a declaration date when the board of directors sets the dividend and announces the ex-dividend date.
Purchase shares of stock in a company using your brokerage account prior to its ex-dividend date. In order to qualify for the dividend payment, you must be on the list of shareholders during the record date. Because pending transactions take a few days to settle, the ex-dividend date, which is two to four days before the record date, is the cutoff date to receive the dividends.
Hold the shares of stock until after the record date. Afterward, you can sell off the shares and you will still receive the dividends on the payment date.
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How to Earn Extra Money

Ask your employer if it is possible for you to work overtime or pick up extra shifts. Your employer may even have a special project or extra work you can take on for a little more pay.
Evaluate your skills and interests and find a niche for a small part-time business or job you would enjoy doing. Generate ideas by writing down a list of all the jobs you've held and skills you have.
Approach local businesses for a potential match. For example, if you have sewing or quilting skills you could ask local fabric or craft stores if they know of any leads for work. If you're an accountant or particularly good with numbers you could earn extra money by preparing taxes during tax season.
Sell your baked goods at church bake sales or other community sales. If you are skilled at making jewelry you can create pieces to sell at craft fairs. Convert your hobby into a source of extra income. Many scrap-bookers and greeting card makers sell their creations or services as a way to make extra money. Sell your wares through Craigslist, eBay or Etsy.
Plant vegetables seeds in the winter and transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they are several inches tall. Sell these at your local farmer's market or flea market in the spring.
Gather up the belongings you no longer need and sell them at a flea market or community yard sale where there is plenty of foot traffic. Price your items to move but also to give you the cash you need. List big-ticket, expensive items on Craigslist.
Offer babysitting or daycare services on the weekends or at special events. Contact wedding or special events coordinators to see if you could offer your child care services at events they coordinate.
Develop or hone writing skills and become a freelance writer. You could offer your services for online content or blogs, especially if you have expertise in a certain area.
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