Originally posted on https://captaincash.ca/blog/are-you-unemployed-and-need-money-10-fast-ways-to-get-cash/

 

Are you struggling to make ends meet while being unemployed? Three million workers were displaced between January 2015 and December 2017, so you’re not alone.

Going without a regular paycheck doesn’t mean you have to go without money, though. Doing odd jobs, selling things, or providing services can help you when you need money quickly. It can help you get through your financial emergency.

Check out these ideas for making cash quickly.

1. Sell Old Items

Look around your house, and you’ll likely find multiple sources of income. Those old books, decorations, appliances, clothes, and other items you never use can net you cash fast.

Selling to local buyers is the fastest way to get your money. Post the items on Facebook swap groups, Craigslist, or other community sites to connect with local buyers. Meet buyers in public spaces for safe exchanges.

If you have a lot of items you want to sell at once, consider a garage sale. It takes work upfront to sort and price items, but you get the money immediately and you don’t have to mess with separate meet-ups for each item.

Specialty items may sell better on sites like eBay where you can reach a larger audience. You’ll have to ship the item if the buyer isn’t local, but you may get more money for it.

You’ll pay a fee for selling on many websites. You may also have to wait a while to get your money.

If you run out of items around your house, scout the neighborhood for free items on the curb. Check the free section on your local Craigslist site for free items. Thrift stores and garage sales are good places to find inexpensive items that you can flip for a profit.

2. Create a Product

Are you the creative type? Start making and selling a custom item either locally or online.

Ideas include soap or other personal care items, crafts, jewelry, clothing, and baked goods. Check on local regulations to verify that you’re allowed to make and sell specific items from home. Some areas require permits or special certification processes.

Online sites such as Etsy work well for selling handcrafted items. Locally you can sell at craft shows, vendor fairs, festivals, and similar spots. Some local boutiques or cafes might let you display your items in their brick-and-mortar stores.

You can also create a virtual product, such as an ebook or an online course. Those items take more time to develop before you earn money. But they require little additional work once created, and you can sell multiple copies of one product without continuously creating more inventory.

3. Provide a Freelance Service

Did your previous job or your life experiences provide you with a marketable skill? Offering those talents as a freelancer can make you extra money while you’re unemployed.

Companies often use freelancers to save money over hiring an employee. This might include tasks such as writing, graphic design, video production, photography, translation, voice-over acting, transcription, and computer programming.

Experience you gain by freelancing can help you land more work. You can use it to build your freelancing portfolio to find additional freelance clients. The experience is also a good resume builder if you’re looking for a full-time job.

4. Pet Sit or Babysit

When you’re unemployed, you have more flexibility in your day to help people while they’re at work. Pet sitting and dog walking are options for animal lovers. You can line up multiple clients easily for this option to increase your income.

If you prefer kids, consider babysitting. You can set up an in-home daycare to take on regular clients if your area allows it. Or you can offer occasional babysitting if you don’t want a full-time commitment.

5. Do Ride Share or Delivery

If you own a car, it could be the key to cash. Rideshare services let you taxi people to various destinations for a fee. Check with your car insurance company to ensure you’re covered.

Delivery services are also an option. Many services deliver groceries, take-out food, or other items to customers. You choose the jobs you want, pick up the items, and deliver them.

6. Donate Plasma

Donating plasma isn’t just for broke college students. If you meet the eligibility requirements, donating plasma is an easy way to make cash.

You get paid when you’re done, so you don’t have to wait for your money. Many plasma donation centers offer incentives for new donors. This may earn you a bigger payout when you start donating plasma.

7. Take Out a Loan

Borrowing money can be a quick way to keep your personal budget on track. Online cash advance and payday loans usually have minimal requirements.

If you don’t qualify for a personal or payday loan, borrowing from a friend or family member is an option. Make sure you can pay back the loan, though, to avoid friction in the relationship.

8. Rent Out What You Own

Whether it’s space or a physical item, renting things you own lets you earn a recurring income without any expenses. Renting a room or entire house to travelers via Airbnb and similar services is a popular option.

If you live in a city where parking is at a premium, consider renting out your driveway. You can rent it out on a daily basis or monthly basis if you don’t need the spot.

You can also rent out tools and other items you own. Renting them lets you earn cash on something that would otherwise sit unused.

9. Perform Services

If you’re in good shape physically, help out others by providing services. In the summer, that might include mowing, weeding, trimming shrubs, and other yard work. In the winter, grab your shovel and scoop sidewalks or driveways for cash.

Running errands for a fee is something you can do year-round. Cleaning houses is another service business that doesn’t cost a lot in supplies. If you have some basic handyman skills, you can help people do small projects around the house.

Advertise your services on local websites. Apps and websites such as TaskRabbit and Zaarly can help you connect with local people who need help.

10. Complete Surveys

Online survey sites won’t make you rich, but you can earn a little cash from home. You may have more opportunities for earning the more surveys you complete. Signing up with multiple survey sites helps you earn even more.

Sometimes you earn cash for your time. Other times you can earn points toward gift cards.

What to Do When You Need Money

When you’re unemployed and need money, your stress levels can feel high. Testing out different methods of making money quickly can get you back on track and help pay the bills until you find another job.

Are you strapped for cash? Then click here to see if you’re eligible for a loan!