| Doris Dobkins is the publisher of $mart Money New$. You can subscribe by
visiting her web site at
CreativeFinances.com |
Are
you in debt? If so, then you may be struggling for extra cash to pay
off your debts and this article was written for you. We'll list a
few ideas here for you to get some extra money. Now just promise to
spend that money on your debt and not at the mall!
1. Have a yard sale. Are you still
saving a bunch of stuff in your garage for a rainy day? Why not pull
it out, clean it up and sell it for a few dollars. Your garage will
look better and your debt balance will be reduced. Don't forget to
check the closets and attic. Get the neighbors to join you and
you'll draw more attention for your sale.
2. Get a part-time job. Even if it's
just a few hours on the weekend, you can put that money towards a
debt and achieve your financial freedom goals a lot quicker. If you
want to be at home, have you considered baby sitting or tutoring? If
you want to work out of the home, there are many places to select
from. Look for something that you enjoy doing. Determine how much
you want to earn and apply every paycheck to debt. Once you've
reached your goal, quit, unless you enjoy it so much that you want
to set another goal for yourself.
3. Sell something that is a cash
drain. Do you have a boat in your backyard? How about a motorcycle
or extra car that you never drive? Sell it. These items can drain
you financially like water dripping from a leaky faucet with
insurance, registration, maintenance and other costs.. If you use
them a lot, great, but if you've taken the boat out once in three
years, sell it.
4. Rent out a spare room. This can
bring in some good quick money. You'll lose some privacy but if you
really need the cash, it might be worth it for a short time. Be sure
and do a thorough reference check on your guest.
5. Quite drinking and smoking. The
amount spent on these two items might surprise you. Can you give it
up? If you don't drink or smoke, try giving up juice and soda for a
month and drink water instead. Not only is it much healthier but it
will save you even more.
6. Track your spending for one month.
Every time you spend money (no matter how little), write it down in
a notebook. Account for every penny spent for one whole month and
you will be much more aware of where your money is going and where
you can cut back. You may even find yourself with some extra money
at the end of the month. If so, put it on debt.
7. Cancel cable TV. Yes, you can live
without it for 6 months or so. Determine how much you want to save,
calculate the length of time needed to save that money and then each
month, write a check to your savings account or credit card company.
8. Recycle some trash. Collect cans,
glass bottles, newspapers or whatever a recycling center will pay
you for. Get your family involved and collect as much as you can
during the month. Make money while making the world a better place.
9. Turn a hobby into cash. Is there
something you love to do that you can profit from? There are many
local retail stores or consignment shops that may be willing to
place samples or sell on consignment terms.
10. Pack your own lunch and coffee.
Just those two purchases alone can add up to quite a sum of money on
a monthly basis. If you are used to eating out every day and
stopping for coffee in the morning, try reducing it to just 1 or two
days a week. Pack it from home the remaining days. Apply your
savings to debt.
There you have it: Ten easy ways to
get some extra cash. Pick one and start today. If you are really
brave (or serious) pick three or four and reach your financial goals
even sooner.
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