It’s a horrible feeling when you can’t pay your bills or you run out of money before the end of the month. When you’re not even half-way through the month and already know for sure your account will be hitting zero soon it can be even worse.
Before depression sets in or you hit panic mode, stop and take a deep breath. There are solutions when you need extra cash this month.
Sell Stuff
When you need extra cash this month, start your spring cleaning early. Take an hour or two to go through the clutter in your home or apartment.
If you are like me chances are you usually put it off until you have time. But what better time than when you need some extra money?
Tackle that closet or dresser that is stuffed with clothes that don’t fit or new items you never used and won’t miss. Then, go online to eBay, Amazon, Letgo, or some other site and give it a new home.
Fill Out Surveys
Have you ever considered filling out surveys to make some extra money? There are plenty online to choose from that are willing to pay for your opinion of their products or services.
Some pay more than others, of course, but you could make anywhere from an extra few dollars to $90 or more. Regardless of the amount, if you have a computer already and a little extra time on your hands you could be making money in no time.
Ask for a Raise
Another thing to do when you need extra cash this month is ask for a raise. Obviously you will want to make sure you have been doing an exceptional job before you approach your supervisor. But this is one way to get some extra money in your budget when you need it.
Drive for Uber or Lyft
If you don’t mind driving you could use your car to earn some extra money. Sign up for Uber or Lyft and within a few days you could be chauffeuring others around and earning money for it.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a car. You can still sign up through HyreCar. Just fill out the paperwork and they will do a background check before matching you to a car you can rent.
Rent Your Extra Bedrooms
Having an unused bedroom can help when you need extra cash this month. With a little time and preparation you could rent it to other people such as vacationers or those traveling for business.
Check out the requirements with Airbnb to see if your home qualifies. You can either be absent or present when guests are there as long as you notify them before they rent.
You might be able to offer travelers additional services for extra money too, such a meals or transportation. However, if you do offer extras, make sure the prices are stated up front.
Offer a Variety of Services
Often people just need someone to fill the gaps in their lives. You could be that person. Advertise on Facebook, Twitter, and other places so that your community knows you are available.
The services you could provide are only limited by your imagination and what others need. You could babysit, animal sit, clean houses or businesses, paint, detail cars, tutor, clear snow, clean gutters, wash windows, buy and deliver groceries, run errands, and more.
Mend and Alter Clothes
If you have a sewing machine and are good at sewing you could tailor, mend, and alter clothes for other people to bring in extra cash. Some communities have a need for these services with no one to fill it.
Check with bridal shops, dry cleaning services, and clothing stores to see if you can get referrals. You may even be able to turn your temporary side-hustle into a permanent side business.
Bake or Cater
If you love to spend time in the kitchen and are a good cook, turn it into a money maker. Decide if you want to cater full meals or bake cookies, cakes, and other sweets.
Then, advertise and share a few samples to get customers fast. Before you know it you will be raking in the dough.
As you can see, when you need extra money in pretty short order there are things you can do to get it. Choose one or two of these ways to add to your income and help you breathe a little easier.
Have you ever fallen short on cash before? If so, what did you do to solve the problem?
Jeanne is a married mother of 2 children who works as a full-time freelancer and also helps out occasionally on the farm she and her husband own together. Her background is mostly finance and medical office management. She’s currently working to improve her financial well-being and hopes to help others improve theirs as well.
