How to find money you already have in a financial pinch. Creative money making. Part 1

It's funny how important money is in our life. If you think about it, it is an intangible thing, it is simply an exchange of goods and services. For example, you work (services) for money to buy food (goods), pedicures (services), gas (goods),a home (goods),a car wash (services), and etc. I know I have come across times when I am in a pinch, and I need money fast. Here is a list of some creative ways I have made money.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Time!

1. Write articles for websites such as http://www.ehow.com (of course!), http://www.epinions.com, http://hubpages.com/, and many more. Google websites to see what comes up.
   
   If you are reading this, I am assuming that you have an interest or already write for ehow.com, so get to it! LOL!
2. Read the want ads!
   
   I actually had the privileged to write for some companies freelance via the internet. I continuously browse websites such as, http://www.craigslist.org to find immediate listings. I also post my own to offer my writing/consulting services. The great thing about craigslist, is that it is free. :)
3. Look at your statements!
   
   Corporations aren't perfect, and sometimes they may bill you incorrectly. I used to work in customer service, so I know this to be true. Sometimes we get so caught up in our lives, that we don't read our bills in detail. Look to see if there are mistakes that could refund you some money.
   
   Or take time to see if service plans have changed. Companies sometimes come out with new plans, they could have a plan with more minutes or services for the same price or less. Will they personally call you to tell you? No!
   
   Many companies hire bill auditors, especially corporations, because they know billing is not always perfect, and it is worth paying an auditor to review their bills to save them cash. They are hip to the game, so why aren't you?
4. Cancel memberships!
   
   Sometimes I sign up for something, and never really use it. I ask myself, "why do I still have this?", so I cancel it, and get a refund.
   
   Additionally if you are debating canceling, and call the company to mention you are canceling, they may offer you a lower rate. For example, I called a company once and told them I wanted to cancel. I really did, but a part of me still wanted the service. Since I paid annually, they reduced my annual rate, and refunded me the difference. Instant cash!
   
   Also consider suspending your service. For example, sometimes I suspend my gym membership if I am going on vacation for an extended amount of time or if I know I will not use it that month.
   
   Warning: Some companies charge you to suspend, so weigh your options. Luckily, some don't, so that is more money in your pocket. Cha-ching!
5. Return things!
   
   Ok.. I don't recommend you return clothes you have worn, but sometimes I buy things that I never use again. For example, I bought a vacuum, and I used it once. It was okay, not great, so I kept it. After all it was only $50.
   
   After a week, I thought "why am I disrespectful to my money?$50 is alot," so I returned it within the return period, and was refunded my cash.
6. Sell your stuff!
   
   Do you have old books and textbooks laying around? Will you ever read them again? If not, post them for free on http://www.amazon.com, and if they don't sell no biggie, it was free to list anyway. If they do sell, cash for you. Horray!
   
   Have old textbooks? List them too! The reason I say this, is because as a student, I almost always buy the outdated editions. Many people don't realize that outdated editions of textbooks are maybe 1% difference than newer editions that burn a hole in your pocket for the 1% difference. So, my point is that there is a market for outdated books, because some smart students are hip to that. Happy listing!
7. Shop around for insurance.
   
   Many people think they have to wait until the end of their policy to cancel their car insurance. This is not true, even if you pay annually.
   
   I use a very good online company named Unitrin Direct, http://www.unitrindirect.com/ , they have been really good to me, and blew all the other companies out of the water. (Even Geico) I canceled my old policy, and was refunded my money. I used part of the refunded money to buy a year of insurance with Unitrin, and kept the difference. Not bad!
8. Sell your hair if you have any.
   
   You can list your hair for free on www.thehairtrader.com, and see if someone wants to buy your hair for your price.
   
   I have never done this myself, so let me know about any experiences anyone has encountered.
9. Go prepaid for a while if you can.
   
   Recently I realized that I pay $50 a month for my cellphone that I hardly use. When I was working, I needed my phone everyday, but now that I am at home, I have tons of leftover minutes. I bought $100 prepaid (Go phone) card that will expire in 1 year. $100 will probably last me more than what I would be paying for two months of contract service.
   
   The good thing about Cingular, is that I was able to use my old phone, and they have rollover minutes on certain cards. It costs $1 per day if you use it, but it is unlimited minutes to any other Cingular customer. Then the normal 10 cents per min and other details apply.
10. Make your own coffee!
    
    Do you realize how much a gourmet cup of coffee costs? In San Francisco, a medium cup runs about $4, and during the course of a 5 day work week, it would cost you $20. That equals $80 a month, or $960 a year. Wow!
11. Visit your local library.
    
    Your local library is more than just a place for old books. With all the access we have to the internet, some people feel like they don't have a use for library anymore. So not true! Did you know that your library rents DVD and Movies? At times when money has been really tight, I had to cancel my cable. At those times, the library DVD selection was golden for me. Many libraries now have free wireless internet as well. Hip Hip Horray for the library! This is coming from a bookworm of course. :)
12. This is Part 1. Stay tuned for Part 2, it is coming soon. Is it possible to find more ways to make cash, of course, it just takes some creative thinking.
    
    -Ana M Soriano