Sick of living pay to pay and never getting ahead? Or worse still, you’re drowning in debt. Perhaps you’ve been landed with a massive bill and your budget is maxxed. Either scenario, you need to make money fast. Well, thanks to the gig economy and sites like Gumtree and Airbnb, coming up with cash quickly isn’t as hard as you may think. Here we discuss some ideas that may help.
1. Cash in your skills
From writers to graphic designers, cleaners and taxi drivers, there’s a way for you to sell your skills for extra cash. Websites like Uber, Freelancer and Airtasker have created an entire new economy based around selling your time and skills on a casual basis. This is a great option to make quick cash as there’s no initial investment or capital outlay. Just sign up and start working!
2. Sell your stuff
Thanks to Marie Kondo’s best-selling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, decluttering has become a movement of its own. The best part? Not only does your space look neat and tidy all the time, but you can actually make money off your unwanted clutter. Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and eBay are great online selling options. Or if you want to go old-school, hold a garage sale or book a stall at your local market instead.
3. Rent your assets
Have a spare room? You could always rent it out. Airbnb is super easy to sign up to and requests come in quite quickly if your space is nice and in a desirable area.
4. Rejig your budget
If technology isn’t your thing you could always go back to basic budgeting. Start by looking at your current budget and break every expense into sub-categories so you can really drill down into what’s essential and what can be trimmed or cut entirely. If you’re new to budgeting, it’s time to start one. Once you see where your money is going, you’ll have the clarity to make changes that will keep you out of the red.
5. Control your debt
The problem with debt is that the more you have, the more it costs you. Fees, interest rates, hidden charges… these things quickly add up. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your debt, it might be time to look into solutions like debt consolidation loans or balance transfer credit cards. The key is adopting a holistic financial plan, setting goals and taking action immediately so you don’t fall too far behind or let stress get the better of you. Seeking professional help through a financial planner is always advised, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you need it.
6. Start a side hustle
That secret passion you have burning inside you is ready to be shared with the world, especially now you need some money. If you love dogs, knock on a few doors and start a dog walking business. If painting is your thing, start some social media accounts and push your work out there. Whatever it is that you’re passionate about, do it (and then sell it like your life depends on it)!