If you can't decrease your overall expenses, then maybe it's time to figure out how to start making more money. You could change careers. You could pick up a second job. Or, you could really dig in to the many different sites on the internet to try to pick up some spare change. Many people I know give away items in their home thinking there is no value to what's in the junk drawer. Perhaps you have books, cd's, or old items sitting on some shelves in your basement. Either way, here are five ideas for you to pick up some money now to pay some of those late bills, or stash some cash for upcoming holiday season.
- DVD's and CD's - When DVD's first came out, everyone was collecting their favorite flicks. Now, almost everyone I know has a cabinet full of movies including Scarface, Caddyshack, and whatever else came in that first six DVD's for a penny deal. Now that almost everything can be seen on demand from your cable or dish company, how can you make a few bucks on those DVD's or CD's you have at home. www.secondspin.com and www.dvdpawn.com are two sites where you can unload your goods. If you sell enough DVD's, www.dvdpawn.com may even pick up the shipping.
- Jewelry - They say you should buy low and sell high, right? Well, if you have gold jewelry or diamonds, now would be that time. There are lots of different sites to sell your stuff, but if you got something from a relationship where you broke up, try www.exboyfriendjewelry.com where you don't want it and he can't have it back. www.etsy.com is also another really large website to put your stuff up for sale.
- Electronics - Do you think you are the only one who got a power cord and a car charger for your last three mobile phones only to amass a drawer full of what you now consider junk? Remember, every time you upgrade, there may be someone else who can use your chargers. Consider websites such as www.gazelle.com or www.adorma.com to potentially sell some of your used gadgets or accessories.
- Books - We all know about the major websites where you can sell your used books. One of the subsidiaries of EBay is a website called www.half.com where you can sell used books and textbooks. Another great resource is a website called www.bookscouter.com where you can also unload some of those old books. It may only be .50 cents or a $1 per book, but it can all add up to put some extra cash in your pocket.
- Take A Survey - We all hate to get those calls at 6 p.m. from some telephone solicitor asking us to take a survey. With the internet today, there could be some good cash to be made by taking surveys on line. As always, you should make sure that the rules are in writing to avoid any scams out there. www.zoompanel.com may be one of the quickest ways to earn rewards quickly. Another neat site to earn reward cards is a website called www.opinionplace.com. Both of these sites may put some extra money in your pocket.
There's no need to look underneath the cushions for some spare change. With a little bit of elbow grease and getting your drawers cleaned out, you may just be able to earn enough extra money to get you started on your financial goals!
Written by:
Ted Jenkin, CFP®, AAMS®, AWMA®, CRPC®, CMFC®, CRPS®
Co-CEO and Founder oXYGen Financial, Inc
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