Need Cash? Here Are Three Ways to Get Some

At one time or another we all need money. Here are three ways to get the cash you need to live and help others live:

1) Recently, I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in a while, and she said that three of her family members found money using this site! Maybe now it's your turn . . .

There is great site that allows you to check for unclaimed money and other assets that may belong to you or your family. On my first visit there, I put in a family surname and found that the children of two of my deceased cousins have money waiting for them. I got in touch with them immediately to let them know.

To start your free search, visit the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, a nonprofit organization. Check back regularly; you never know what you might find!

2) E-waste is the tons of waste from electronic tools and gadgets that poison the environment, poison people and animals, and help fund civil war. You can and should recycle rechargeable batteries from cell phones, cordless phones, power tools, computers and the like. You know that the recycled materials will be refurbished or used to make new batteries. But did you know that you can get paid to recycle these materials?

The mission of Cell for Cash is "to help consumers and businesses capture the value of their unused cellphones." All you do is enter your cell phone manufacturer and model. They'll tell you how much you'll get. (I could have gotten $8 for the phone I recycled a few months ago.) Enter your address to request a free postage paid box to send your phone. When it arrives, mail off your phone, then sit back and wait for your check!

There are over 100 million unused cellphones in the hands of U.S. consumers and businesses. This is a great way to get rid of them! Now you can eliminate e-waste in a socially and environmentally responsible manner, while you do something useful for the humanity and the environment, and GET PAID! How much better could it be?

3) And of course, you can always just get a job. Consider working for an organization whose purpose and mission you agree with morally and ethically. Often that can be accomplished by working for a non-profit organization. By definition their goal is not making money. One of my friends just left a large corporate law firm to work at a nonprofit, and she's so much happier. Consider these sites to start your non-profit job search:

* www.idealist.org
* www.opportunityknocks.org
* www.nonprofitjobs.org
* www.non.profit.jobs.com
* www.jobsatnonprofits.com

Consider working for one of the organizations you support financially or with your time. They'll already be aware of your commitment. Or investigate schools, libraries, churches and other organizations that have a mission other than profit. Note that you'll have to do off-line work as well. Brush up on your networking skills, get business cards, and polish your resume (consider putting it online or on your own website for easy access). Feel free to share your tips as well. Good luck!

Now that you have some cash, don't be stingy. Don't be selfish. Be sure to share it with others.

"The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppose." - Frederick Douglass