19 Ways To Raise Quick Cash

Don’t let a temporary cash flow problem bring you down. Just pick one or two of these tools until you get back on top again.

by Gary Foreman

Need some quick cash? Everyone does at one time or another. Here are some simple ways to fill your wallet:

1. Become an umpire or referee.

Both children and adult leagues need someone to officiate. You’ll take some guff from the fans but be paid for the effort. You could earn $15 or more per game.

2. Check for unclaimed funds.

States collect deposits, savings, and other accounts when the rightful owners can’t be found. A few minutes on the computer could net you money you didn’t know you had. Start your search at Unclaimed.org.

3. Skip the grocery store this week.

See if you can’t feed your family with the things that you already have in the pantry. You’ll save this week’s grocery bill. (See How To Avoid the Grocery Store for a Month.)

4. Join the online, small services marketplace.

Plenty of websites (think Fiverr and Upwork) allow you to offer your services for a fee. Consider your skills and research the best ways to quickly turn that know-how into extra money.

5. Deliver stuff.

Whether it’s restaurant food, groceries, packages or people, there are many opportunities now to get paid for delivering things.

6. Teach others your skills.

Whether it’s painting, cooking or another skill, other people may be willing to pay you to teach them what you know. Create a video course that you can sell on a site like Udemy.

7. Fill a temporary need.

Retail stores need clerks before Christmas. Florists need help around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Caterers are busy on holidays. Find a need and offer to fill it.

8. Sell something.

Do you have collectibles around the house? Designer clothes you no longer wear? Kids’ toys in good condition? Use the internet’s garage sale for quick cash. (See Old Stuff in Your Home That Could Be Worth a Lot.)

9. Walk the dog.

Neighbors go on vacation. The elderly become housebound. Dog walkers can earn $10 to $35 per walk.

10. Become an odd jobber.

Everyone is busy, but the leaves still need raking and the gutters need cleaning. Offer your time to someone who’s too busy to do it themselves. Sites like Task Rabbit can help you find local gigs.

11. Become a reseller.

Collectibles and other valuable items often go for peanuts at garage sales. Buy and resell online where there are plenty of collectors to buy your purchases.

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12. Donate plasma.

It might seem a little gruesome, but plasma can save lives, and you could earn $50 or more for your time and travel.

13. Become a pet sitter.

If you love animals, taking one or two into your home could provide love and a quick source of income. See if your vet will recommend you to his clients who are traveling. (See Starting a Home-Based Pet-Sitting Business: Tips and Considerations.)

14. Become an office fill-in.

If you have office skills and are free during business hours, let professional offices know that you’re available to be a temporary fill-in. Small offices struggle when their receptionist goes on vacation. You could be the smiling face they need.

15. Become a researcher.

Companies often do focus groups or surveys to find out what people think of their products. Many are even held online. Search for “market research firms” and apply to share your opinion. (See How To Find Studies That Pay You for Participating.)

16. Help at a food co-op or community pantry.

Many will give you food in exchange for your time. You’ll spend less on your next trip to the grocer.

17. Change your tax dependents.

If you’re getting a tax refund, too much of your paycheck is being withheld. Go to your HR department and ask them about changing your dependents.

18. Remove mortgage and credit card insurance.

You may be paying for insurance on your mortgage or credit card balance. If you’re not required to carry it, drop the coverage.

19. Ask for a raise.

This is especially important if you’ve saved your employer money or taken on additional responsibilities. (See 13 Ways To Score a Bigger Raise.)