How to Make Some Extra Money Fast
No matter how well you plan, the unexpected tends to happen at the worst possible time. If you need to make extra money quickly, take stock of what you have to offer that might be of value to others, whether it is goods or services, put a dollar amount to it and get the word out. You may be surprised at what other people will pay you for.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Assess your current situation. Put a figure to how much you would like to make and in what time frame. This will help you set prices and determine strategy.
-
2
Make a list of all your skills, experience and knowledge, and see how well you can monetize them. If you have experience with children or pets, you can go to sites like SitterCity.com or Care.com and pick up a childcare, dog-walking or pet-sitting position rather quickly. Crafty types can sell homemade articles of all kinds on Etsy.com or MadeItMyself.com, while sites like Fiverr.com and Craiglist.org allow your creative nature to come out. If you live near the ocean, offer to take pictures of custom messages written in the sand, or offer to perform online research if you are Internet savvy.
-
-
3
Look at your possessions to see if there is anything you can sell or rent. "Wall Street Journal" finance columnist Jilian Mincer suggests selling unwanted items or bargains picked up at consignment shops on eBay, Craigslist or at a yard sale, or renting out a room in your home for some extra money.
-
4
Use your professional skills as a freelancer. Join sites such as Elance.com, vWorker.com, Guru.com or oDesk.com and bid on jobs that fit your qualifications and that have a delivery date that fits your timing. Many of the jobs posted are looking for administrative support, writers or editors, or are computer related, although there are some very niche jobs posted as well.
-
5
Research the competition. Know what others are charging for similar products and services, and set your prices accordingly. Undercutting what a job is worth is not always the best option, but if you need extra money quickly, it might be the right strategy for you.
-
6
Advertise your products and services. Get the word out by advertising on multiple online services, place an ad in your local newspaper and put notices up on bulletin boards in public spaces such as the library or grocery store. The more people who know you are selling goods or services, the better chance you have of landing a buyer or client quickly.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Be creative above all else. MSN Money columnist Donna Freedman says there is often a market for obscure talents or simple, mundane tasks. If you can speak another language, are adept at Twitter, take good photos, can draw cartoons or are adept at organizing, chances are there is someone willing to pay for it.
Think twice before you answer a "make money working at home" ad. Perform an Internet search to see if anyone has had a bad experience with the company first or whether it is a scam.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit PhotoObjects.net/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
