Did you know that a recent study found that middle class workers had the least amount of cash on hand of any group? Even of those in the lowest income groups! As a group, Americans have been spending $1.22 of every dollar earned. Basically, we are not covering our expenses.
If you are like most of us, then you probably are always out of money. Your emergency fund is now empty and you need to search for a new pile.
Of those surveyed, nearly 35% of us feel like we don’t earn enough money and a full 40% would like to earn more money to feel “comfortable”.
High dollar items such as cars, appliances and even vacations are being drastically reduced or phased out of our budget and luxury items are just not being bought at all. Also, with the high price of gasoline, rising cost of groceries and other basic necessities it’s no wonder there are more than 1.3 million Americans filing for bankruptcy. While not technically in a recession yet, (says who, right?) we are finding it more and more difficult to make ends meet.
Not surprisingly, we are increasingly looking for alternative means of supporting ourselves. Secondary incomes are rapidly becoming the norm while the creativity to find a solid second financial income stream that doesn’t take up too much time is increasing. Many people are looking to the internet to subsidize their lives.
Selling a kidney is hardly a realistic substitute; however there are a few ideas that can come in handy on those rainy days when cash is needed. You know, those days when it’s really pouring.
You’re going to need to come up with a quick fix so here are a couple ideas for you to think about.
The first thing to do is to host an on the spot yard sale. You don’t have too much time for planning, so do a quick survey of your personal belongings. Come up with clothes that no longer fit, but that are in good condition, knick-knacks, dishes, and books as well as stuff you bought but no longer use. Throw it all together, quickly. Put some notices up the same day at laundry mats and grocery stores around town, and remember to place a sign at the end of your driveway. You can make a quick $300 this way with very little time and effort.
While you’re hosting the yard sale, pull out the big items. You don’t want to be haggling over the price with a nice piece of furniture, television, baby item, etc. Advertise these types of things on Craigslist as you’ll be able to get more money for them. Also, go through your Christmas decorations and any authentic collectibles that you can part with should be sold on eBay. Now is the time to sell these items for more money.
Start an on line business. Chances are you have some intelligence up there that could be put to good use even if it’s just doing data entry at night instead of watching television.
Let’s face it, coming up with a few extra dollars takes thinking that is a bit more creative than just burying your head in the sand.