Being broke or having an extra bill without enough money is frustrating. It happens to almost everyone eventually. Sometimes the economy is bad, maybe your kids need braces or your car needs a repair. Whatever the reasons for needing extra cash, it is easy to panic and wonder what you will do. However, there are ways to find the money you need by examining your skills, resources and creativity.
Drive for Dollars
Place ads for companies on your car. Major companies sometimes pay drivers to place advertisements or decals on their car. According to an article on Wired.com, drivers who covered part of their car with a "half wrap" of banners and text were paid in cash to drive their car an agreed upon amount of miles per month. Wired also states that companies realize cars are one of the most frequently seen things outdoors by potential consumers. This makes your car their traveling billboard while adding to your bank account.
Sales
Sales are as individual as the person doing the selling. If you are a sales party type person comfortable giving demonstrations, there are a number of companies that pay you to show their products in person. If demonstrating is not appealing to you, you might be interested in selling online products for various companies or even for yourself. Place your gently used items on an online auction site for people to bid on.
Skills
Ask yourself what type of skills you have that translate into moneymaking opportunities. For example, having expertise at a craft or advanced computer skills are frequently sought after by adult education organizations. Find out what is needed and how much is paid locally by making calls to the YMCA, churches and other places that might require adult education course teachers.
Errands and Tasks
People today are busier than ever. Work, family and more fill 24 hours and beyond. Some would love to have someone do their grocery shopping, walk the dog or even cook a homemade meal and deliver it. Place an ad in the paper to attract time-strapped customers.
Laundry
Do you live in a college town? College students frequently have little time or desire to do laundry. In addition, if it is a large college, many of the students are from out of town, so they cannot just go home to their parents to wash their clothes. Turn your washer and dryer or even a local laundromat into a source of income by offering this valuable service.
Doggie Daycare
Dogs are said to be man's best friend, and they can be yours when it comes to making money. Just think of how much dog owners love their pet. Many owners hate the thought of leaving their fur baby home alone while they are at work and would be willing to pay someone to care for them. The idea of their dog enjoying playtime with other tail-wagging friends and being fed and petted is appealing. Just be sure you really do love dogs and have the time and care to participate fully in their day.
Search
Do not forget an easily overlooked option. Go on a money search in your home and car. Coins often fall out of pockets or get misplaced. Look in cushions, car floors, behind dressers and anywhere else you usually handle money.
Take Pictures
If you happen to be handy with a camera, hire out your camera and you for children's birthday parties and small weddings. In addition, take candid shots of everyday objects. These are in demand for stock photography needs for writers, web designers and more.
Shop
Become a mystery shopper. Mystery shoppers go into places of business behaving like a regular customer. They make a purchase and make a mental note of the customer service experience. Then at home, they write a report about the experience and send it off to the mystery shop company they work for. The mystery shop company pays for the time spent shopping and reporting plus reimburses any money spent on the product. Some reimburse travel expenses as well, plus you get to keep the purchased product. For more information, visit secretshopnet.com.
Win
Save money by winning free prizes or even cash. Every day contests run on the Internet and locally giving away thousands of dollars in merchandise and money. For example, fast-food places often have no purchase necessary contests. Pick up a free game piece. You just might be the next winner. If not, at least it will be fun to do while using other ways to make the cash.
