Five Easy Ways to Earn Extra Cash

As the economy continues to stumble, more and more people are struggling to make ends meet. There's only one way to balance your budget - earn more than you spend. For many families, expenses have been cut as far as they can be. The only other option, then, is to increase your income.

Here are five simple ways to generate a little additional cash and ease some of those budgetary concerns.

Sell What You Have

Take a quick inventory of your home. Do you have books that are collecting dust? Have you downloaded your favorite song from a CD to your iPod and now have that jewel case in storage? What about DVDs that you know you'll never watch again? There's even a small market for your old VCR tapes.

There are several avenues whereby you can turn unwanted items into some much needed cash. One of the most well-known is to have a yard or garage sale. While some people really enjoy getting up at 6:00 on a Saturday morning to set up card tables in their drive-ways, it's really not my cup of tea.

I prefer the on-line venues. Both Amazon and Ebay allow individuals to list items for sale. Amazon and half.com (an eBay affiliate site) allow listings for free. There are no start-up fees either. This means that if the item doesn't sell, you're only out the time it took you to post the item to the site. Selling fees vary, not only by site, but by the item you are selling. Shipping reimbursements vary as well. So, be sure to check all the fees and costs before setting your price.

Tip: When shipping a book or DVD, check to see if the United States' Post Office's Media Mail rate is less expensive than first class or even parcel post. CDs, because of their weight, will usually ship cheaper first class, but you can check that as well if you'd like. To estimate your shipping costs before setting your selling price, weigh the fully packaged article (I use my kitchen scale.) and then go to www.usps.com. The site has a postage calculator that will give you an estimate of the postage cost based on destination, size and weight of package, and delivery method. I've estimated several items, and the estimate has always been right on the money. Also be aware that Media Mail is for specific items only - like books, CDs, and DVDs - and cannot include any first-class correspondence.

Don't want to bother with shipping? Check out an FYE store. You can locate one near you at www.fye.com. They will purchase used DVDs, CDs, and video games for cash or give you a bonus if you take store credit.

If selling your CDs and DVDs is still not of interest to you, consider trading them in for an iPod or iPhone. The website www.ipodmeister.com offers iPod Nanos, the iPod Touch, the iPod Classic, iPhones, even external hard drives in exchange for gently used CDs and DVDs. Free shipping is offered, and they will convert the music on your CDs to mp3 files for an additional fee - payable in CDs and DVDs as well. There are stipulations on what they will accept, so be sure to check out their website for the criteria.

No electronics you want to get rid of? Rummage through your (and your children's) closet for gently used clothes that no longer fit or you just no longer want. Then, call your local consignment shop.

Plato's Closet is a national chain that purchases used name brand clothing, accessories, footwear, outerwear, and even books, CDs, and DVDs. You can find a store and check out their most wanted designers at www.platoscloset.com.

Sell What You Know

If you are proficient in just about anything, consider teaching a continuing education course at your local community college. Continuing education courses are offered in a wide-range of topics, everything from business proficiency and foreign languages to music and drama. A quick check at the continuing education website for Clayton State University in the Atlanta area revealed that they are actively recruiting for instructors for medical billing and coding, photography, pharmacy technicians, and web design courses.

Unlike standard college courses, degrees and teaching certificates are usually not needed, or the requirements not as stringent, to teach continuing education. In addition, most continuing education classes are held in the evenings or on Saturdays, usually only once or twice per week, to facilitate professionals attending. This schedule also makes teaching a viable job option for those currently working weekly day jobs.

Sell What You Make

Are you creative? Market those novel arts and crafts at your local church or school bazaars. Even if tables must be rented, the cost is usually minimal, especially in comparison to large arts & crafts shows.

Sell by word of mouth. If you make personalized handbags or garments, wear them or carry them wherever you go - it wouldn't hurt to enlist the help of close friends and family. When someone asks where you got it, be ready to hand them a business card (250 for free at www.vistaprint.com).

Sell What You Do

Are you a musician or a singer? Check with your local coffee house. They may welcome some great entertainment for their Friday or Saturday night customers. Don't be turned off if they ask you to play for free, it still may lead to making some money. Just make sure you have the ability to sell your merchandise - CDs, T-shirts, photos - with no kick back to the house. Keep those business cards handy as well. You never know who may be looking for a wedding singer or a guitarist for their band.

Speaking of weddings - go by a number of local venues that cater to parties and weddings and leave your card. Hotels and community clubs don't usually have house bands but often recommend local talent to those booking their facility. Consider offering a free or discounted gig to get your foot in the door and be sure to ask for references from those who have hired you.

Are you handy around the house or mechanically inclined? Consider becoming a rent-a-husband. There are plenty of folks out there - men and women - who need someone to fix a broken toilet, trim some hedges, or change the oil in their car. For minor repairs, folks are hurting to pay a plumber or other professional $75 - $100 an hour.

Women - ever thought of being a rent-a-wife? Put those cleaning, cooking, and organizational skills to work for someone who may be lacking in those areas.

Make sure you check with your county or city government for any necessary occupational licenses, insurances, or certificates needed to operate legally. A citation, fine, or law suit can quite quickly outweigh any extra cash earned.

Sell You...Literally

Hair. Have you got long tresses that you'd be willing to cut? Consider selling those locks. Check out www.thehairtrader.com for classified ads placed by folks looking to purchase human hair - you can list your hair for sale on this site as well. In researching the site, we even found an ad from a business that will buy before, during and after photographs of you having your long hair cut short.

Plasma. Actually, you are being paid for the time it takes you to donate the plasma, and this information is given for educational purposes only and not as an endorsement or suggestion that anyone donate plasma for payment. There are risks involved.

In Tampa, Florida, DCI Biologicals currently pays for plasma donation. They even have a coupon on their website that's good for a bonus $5.00 on your second visit and another $5.00 on your fourth. At this particular company, you must be between the ages of 18 and 65 and weigh at least 110 lbs. The first visit will take a little longer because of registration and testing. After that, they estimate you will be on site about one hour. There are hundreds of plasma centers throughout the country.

While none of these recommendations will permanently put an end to your financial woes, utilizing just one or two could certainly give you some short-term budgeting relief.