We all face financial hardships in life, but knowing this really doesn’t make them any less stressful. If you’re finding it hard to make ends meet, you may be racking your brain for ways that you can make some quick money so that you can get back on your feet. Most people would pick up a second job to have some extra income but when you need money now, you can’t wait weeks for your first paycheck to come in.
Thankfully a second job isn’t the only way to lessen your financial situation. Instead, there are all sorts of side hustles that you can pick up in order to make some extra cash so that you have what you need it to pay a bill or to put food on the table.
Here are 4 actions you should take if you need money.
1. Sell stuff
One of the quickest and most effective ways to put more money in your pocket is to sell items you no longer need. Chances are you’ve got plenty of things in your home that you really just don’t use anymore. Instead of letting them sit around and take up space, sell them for cold hard cash.
Using websites like OfferUp, eBay, and Craigslist, you can list and hopefully sell some of your belongings. People are always browsing these sites looking for home goods, furniture, clothing, name brand items, and even collectibles.
The condition and type of items you’re selling greatly impact how much money you can expect to make. If your items are in good shape and are in demand, you could easily make a couple hundred extra dollars.
2. Rent your stuff
Don’t have much that you’re willing to part with? That’s okay! Another way to make money off of the things you already own is to rent them. For example, if you have extra living space in your home, you could rent it out on Airbnb. As an Airbnb host, you get paid 24 hours after a guest has checked into your home. Using Airbnb you can have a consistent flow of extra money each week.
You can also make money by renting any musical instruments you own. Aspiring musicians are always looking for low-cost alternatives to playing and recording. Become a member of Sparkplug, which allows you to list and rent your musical instruments and equipment.
There are also plenty of other things you can rent for money. For example, you can rent college textbooks, photography gear, your bike, and even your vehicle.
3. Take paid online surveys
One of the best ways to make money online is through paid online surveys. There are all sorts of websites that pay its users for simply providing their feedback. Top options include:
By signing up for one of several of these websites, you can take short surveys and earn money. What’s nice is that you can complete surveys from the comfort of your own home, and they generally take no more than 20 minutes to complete.
Depending on the websites that you choose to use, you may be paid in cash outright, or you may earn points that can be redeemed for cash. Many paid survey sites also allow users to put their points towards gift cards. This can be beneficial if you need help with groceries or new clothes for your family.
4. Try a flexible side job
Unlike a standard job, one of the key benefits of having a side job is that you make your own hours and schedule. This flexibility is important for busy adults, parents, and college students who need to make extra money but don’t have the ability to commit to a set schedule. With a side job, you are your own boss. If you want to work 2 hours one day and 5 the next, you have that option!
These days there are all sorts of side jobs that you can pick up to make some extra cash. Some of the most popular include becoming a Lyft or Uber driver, working as a food delivery driver for companies like GrubHub or Doordash, and freelancing.
When choosing a side job, find one that interests you, even if just a little bit. This way it feels less like a job and more like a quick and easy way for you to pull in some extra cash.
Conclusion
When money is low and your stress is at an all-time high, it can be hard to think about ways to dig yourself out of your financial hole. Thankfully there are many options available to you so that you can better your situation without having to overwork yourself.
