Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t have the means to pay for something you needed? Whether you need $100 to come up with your car payment, or you’re trying to save up a quick $50 to take someone out on a date, there are ways to make a quick buck.
The following are perfectly legal ways to pick up some quick cash. Having said that, don’t confuse legal with smart. Not all of these suggestions are considered smart financial choices. Take a look and implement accordingly.
1. Donate Blood Plasma
You’ve probably heard people joke about donating plasma when they need some money, but it’s actually a viable option. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows up to two donations per seven-day period and most donation centers pay between $30-$40 for a 90-minute visit. Assuming that you’re 18-years or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, are in good health, and provide proper identification, you could potentially make $300 to $400 in a month donating plasma.
2. Fast Track Your Tax Refund
It’s tax season, which means that magical refund is right around the corner. But what if you don’t want to wait for your tax refund to come through? Did you know that it may be possible to get your refund now? Some companies will actually give you up to a $1,000 refund in as little as 48 hours. Then, once your full refund comes through, you simply repay the loan plus a little interest.
3. Drive for Uber
It’s a common suggestion for people who need to make money on the side, but driving for Uber really is a great opportunity. Not only is it flexible, but you can actually make a pretty decent hourly rate once you figure out how to maximize efficiency.
According to a handful of Uber drivers, you can make anywhere between $10-$30 per hour (including tips, which aren’t required). Even with a full-time job and personal responsibilities, you should be able to find an extra three or four hours per week to potentially make $50 to $100.
4. Complete Tasks With Mechanical Turk
Amazon’s Mechanical Turk is a legitimate platform that allows people to complete small tasks for businesses in return for compensation. While you aren’t going to get rich performing a single task – many pay just a few pennies or dollars – the money can add up. One user has made a total of $21,000 in his time. He says one of the biggest benefits is that you can perform the work from home whenever you have a few spare minutes.
5. Sell Used Items on Amazon or eBay
While you don’t have a lot of cash lying around the house, you probably have some possessions that are worth something. Thankfully, selling used items has never been easier or more convenient. With platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy, you can sell everything from books and smartphones to homemade goods. The earning potential is unlimited, considering that it all depends on what you own or which skills you have.
6. Ask for Overtime
With the economy kicking on all cylinders right now, many businesses are backlogged and looking for ways to reduce pressure. This could mean that your employer needs people to step up and work overtime. Inquire about opportunities and you may be rewarded with additional hours.
Consider the Consequences
As mentioned previously, these aren’t all long-term viable solutions to make more money on an ongoing basis. Use them as needed to get yourself out of a bind, and look into starting a side hustle if you need to earn a more stable income.