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In a day where grocery costs have increased 25 percent over the past four years, you need all the help you can get to just simply survive. As a military spouse and stay-at-home mom, I know the struggles all too well. Trying to make ends meet is a part of my daily routine. Through sheer necessity and desperation, I have researched every small and miniscule way one could earn an extra buck or two. Whether it be to pay my son's preschool tuition or to pay the air conditioning man when our heat goes out in the dead of winter, I've managed to make it happen. I want to share with you the ways I made an extra dollar when I was in a financial pinch in hopes that you can too.
1. Sell Stuff You Don't Want
Whether it's a blender you never use or a dress you know you'll never wear, cash it in! There are many places to sell your things, but my favorites are Facebook Marketplace, "Once Upon A Child", "Plato's Closet", the Next Door app, and Craigslist. You can sell just about anything on Facebook Marketplace, and people are always looking to buy things they may need. At the nationwide store "Once Upon A Child", they will pay you cash for clothing that your child has either worn and grown out of, or clothing that your child was gifted but never wore. "Plato's Closet" is similar in that they pay you cash for clothing you have already worn or have been gifted but won't wear. The Next Door app is another favorite of mine. Like Facebook Marketplace, the Next Door app allows you to list items for sale that those in your area may be interested in purchasing from you. And, finally, Criagslist. Craigslist allows you to sell anything from furniture to concert tickets from the convenience of your home.
2. Deliver Groceries
Instacart is an app that allows people to order groceries and have them delivered directly to their home. You can sign up to become a driver and earn up to 18 dollars an hour by simply driving to the store, picking up groceries, and dropping them off at someone's house. It's that easy.
3. Drive People Around
Did you know that some people bring home 500 dollars a week just driving for Uber or Lyft? In big cities, you can make even more. Picking someone up from the airport and transporting them to their destination can actually really pay off.
4. Take Surveys
Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Inbox Dollars, and KashKick will literally pay you to complete surveys on their website. Yes, you read that right. Not only that, but they also can offer you free gift cards and cash for playing games or completing online tasks.
5. Teach English to Kids Online
At VIPKid, you can teach English to children in China, and you don't need a degree in Education to apply. Earn anywhere from 14 to 22 dollars an hour from the comfort of your couch.
6. Walk Dogs
Apps like Rover and Wag allow you to walk people's dogs and get paid for it. For those that work out of the house or are simply taking a vacation away, there are always dogs that need to be taken out on a walk. If you're a dog lover, this is the perfect gig for you.
7. Rent Out Your Car
Yes, this is a real thing. On Turo, you can list your car for rent just like if you were to list your home on AirBnB. The driver handles the pick-up and drop-off, so you don't even have to leave the house. This is a great option if you are looking for passive income.
8. Do Odd Jobs for Others
With apps like Taskrabbit, you can get paid to complete regular tasks for others. This can range anywhere from assembling furniture, to helping someone move, to doing yard work and home repairs. There is a plethora of options to choose from.
9. Join a Focus Group
At websites like User Interviews, you can get paid to participate in online focus groups. Whether it's learning about a new product on the market or offering feedback on a business venture, people want to hear from you. And, they are willing to pay!
10. Deliver Packages for Amazon
Amazon Flex is a quick and easy way to make some extra money when you need it. All you have to do is deliver packages for Amazon, and you can choose your own schedule which makes it all the more flexible. Most drivers bring in 18 to 25 dollars an hour.
Don't let your financial troubles get in the way of your goals. There are ways to earn extra cash today.
I know the feeling of being in survival mode when it comes to finances. Feeling like you are absolutely drowning in bills and debt. Luckily, there are places out there that can offer you a couple extra bucks for your participation and for your time. Get started today and collect what is rightfully yours!