We’ve all found ourselves in the position where we need to make some extra cash quickly for one reason or another. Life happens, cars break down, kids need clothes, disconnect notices come in the mail and sometimes that paycheck just can’t stretch any further. Or perhaps you’re in a similar situation as mine, and you’ve been laid off from work recently. As a result, perhaps you are just taking it one day at a time, one bill at a time, or even one meal at a time. To help you make some cash fast, I’ve put together this list of 10 Easy ways to Make Money NOW!
- SELL YOUR GOLD AND SILVER
This is probably one of the easiest ways to make some cash really fast without much effort. If you don’t own gold or silver, or none that you would be willing to part with, pretty much anything of value can be taken to your local pawn shop. Electronics, tools, jewelry and musical instruments are just to name a few. You can sell your items to them or you can take a loan out and use those items as collateral. Let me warn you that you will not get market value this way and you will have to pay interest if you decide to take out a loan.
- GO THROUGH YOUR CLOSET
There are many thrift stores that will buy clothes, shoes, purses and other accessories that are in like-new condition. Name brand or unique items seem to sell best. There are also many local yard sale Facebook groups where you can list unwanted items. In the Facebook search field type in “yard sale sites” or “yard sale groups” and a list of groups will come up that you can search through. You can also type in your town, city or county for a more specific search. Join the ones local to you as a great source for selling items without having to spend all day hosting a yard sale.
- SELL PLASMA
I’m always surprised at how many people are not aware that you can make money by basically giving blood. That’s right, everyone’s got it and assuming you’re healthy you could walk out within a few hours with around $50 depending on where you live.
- WORK FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS
Winter or summer, everyone has yard work and odd jobs that need to be done around the house. A friend of mine a neighbor approach her with certificates he had made and printed out himself. Each certificate was good for an hour of shoveling snow or yard work for $20 each. Since you know I despise snow – I thought this was a genius idea. Even if your neighbors or family members don’t need anything done today, consider pre-selling labor or services to them to be used in the future.
- SELL YOUR FURNITURE
If money is tight, and you have an important bill to pay – consider excess furniture you have on hand. Post it on Craigslist (for much less than it is worth) and it will probably sell right away. This is a great alternative to having a garage sale which can be time consuming to put together. And be sure to check to the garage sale groups on Facebook for your area. Just remember to be safe when selling online – especially items that require them to come to your home.
- GO THROUGH YOUR OLD BOOKS AND DVDS
Instead of letting them continue to collect dust on your bookshelf, go through your old books and take them to your local used bookstore. Many will buy books, DVDs and sometimes even video games. You’ll get the most money out of items that are in like-new condition. When my stepdad passed away he had a ton of DVDs that mom and I had no use for, though I saved a couple of his favorites. I used the Decluttr app and was able to offload a bunch of the DVDs that friends and family did not want. The take CDs, DVDs, games and books. Like yard sales, Craigslist and other options – do not expect top dollar for your items.
- CASH IN YOUR TERM LIFE INSURANCE
You may have to wait a few days for a check, but if you have life insurance policies call your insurance agent to see if you are able to take out the cash value. I personally think that this option, and taking a loan from your 401(k) or similar should be a last resort. However, if you are really in a tight spot – explore all your options and find the one that works best for your circumstances.
- STORE RETURNS
If you have items that you’ve recently purchased and haven’t used, take them back for a refund. Many stores even keep the receipts electronically on file if you no longer have the paper receipt. If you can’t get cash back, ask for a store credit. The credit may help you get things you do need like food, diapers or medication.
- BABYSIT
Chances are you have friends or family with children that would love a day off or date-night out. Finding a good babysitter who is trustworthy can be difficult, so this could turn out to be a regular source of income for you if you’re willing. (To my friends and family reading this…you will know I am totally desperate for money when I offer to babysit. Says the girl who just published Just Say No…To Kids.)
- SELL YOUR UNUSED GIFT CARDS
Check your wallet for unused gift cards! I have a habit of using gift cards right away so this isn’t typically an option for me. But, I know someone who found a $50 gift card to Victoria’s Secret under the seat of her car. That was “found” cash. There are places you can sell your gift cards for cash online. Keep in mind you’ll have to wait a few days to receive payment. Check with friends and family first to see if they’d like to buy it from you for cash at a lesser value. As a result, you’d both be getting a good deal this way!
Do you have any suggestions for earning some quick cash?
Leave a comment to let others know what has helped you in the past. I mean, who doesn’t love a little extra cash now and then?
P.S. Bonus cash tip…don’t forget to sign up for Ebates to earn cash back on your online purchases. It isn’t instant money in the bank, but when you get your notice that a Big Fat Check is on the way, it’s well worth it! I am $2.02 shy of earning $300.00 cash back!
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