Quick Money

In this flaky economy it is common for people to need extra money or a payday loan.  Things like taking on a second or third job or selling on eBay are common avenues.  However, these things can take time and often are not as fruitful as the worker would hope.  A little imagination and some bravery can go a long way in making some quick money.  Whether it’s needed to pay the bills or have spending cash, it’s available for those willing to look for it.

There are more common ideas than others.  Dog-walking, for example, as been discussed and used in movies for years and is a great way to make some quick money.  Often, a dog-walker can charge around $10 to $15 an hour per dog.  If you’re good with dogs and can handle more than one, an hour could be very profitable.  There are also websites and discussion forums available for suggestions and ways to get started available on the internet.  Another great way to get started would be to contact a local pet-shop or veterinary clinic and ask if they would allow you to advertise or work with them. 

If you would rather work from home, there are many companies who offer to pay for surveys taken online.  It is important to be wary of these services, however.  If a large sum of money is required up front, make sure the company is reputable and that you will make the money back relatively quickly.  Some web pages offer incentives besides a paycheck.  Sites like My Points allow points to be gained and then cashed in for gift cards to certain retailers.  Although this can take some time, it is relatively low maintenance.

Another quick way to get some fast cash is to donate plasma at your local blood bank.  It is important that you’re ok with needles to take this option.  Also, there are restrictions as to how often you can donate to give your body time to build plasma back up.  This avenue is especially popular with the college-student-crowd.

Mystery shopping can be an option for those who like to shop and are looking for some quick money.  Often companies offer their clients payment in the form of the merchandise they buy while shopping.  There are several different types of companies that provide this service.  You can shop certain retailers or a wide variety.  Your responses to the post-shopping survey help each company evaluate how they are being perceived by the public and adjust their training accordingly. 

If you are proficient in certain subjects or love to work with kids, you could offer tutoring to students in your city.  This could be done free-lance, or in applying for a job with companies like Sylvan Learning Centers, local tutoring agencies, or online.  Tutoring is great because it has a flexible schedule and you can work as little or as much as you like.  Also, it gives a wide variety of ages that would be interested in the service.  Anyone from elementary school on up to college students often look for help in certain areas.  Contacting a local college or university could begin a very fruitful tutoring side-job. 

Another avenue that uses the education industry would be writing papers or documents for people.  If you are good at writing and research, busy business people and students may find your skills valuable.  Free lance writing would be a similar way to make some money.  Making your services available to a wide variety of print industries may bring in some unexpected offers.  Even if you are unfamiliar with the subject, willingness to learn about it will open many doors.

Using your personal set of skills and interests to find ways to make some extra money can be both fulfilling and enjoyable.  It may be surprising, once you brainstorm, how much quick money you can make just by offering a service in an area you like.