We had a huge storm yesterday and the power went off around lunchtime. More than 24 hours later, we’re still waiting for it to come back on.
Which means no proper internet, no working at my desk and no chance of getting my usual post out on time…
But here it is, albeit a little late. I’m writing this on my phone, hoping the battery lasts long enough to send it!
Anyway, sitting here surrounded by candles got me thinking about emergencies. Specifically, financial ones.
Because with Christmas less than two months away, I know plenty of people are wondering how on earth they’re going to find the extra money.
So this week I thought I’d share some genuinely useful ways to bring in extra cash, including a few you might never have heard of.
Some could put money in your pocket within days. Others take a little longer but could become a useful source of additional income.
And none requires you to start a complicated new business. Some may be UK or US only but there should be something here for everyone.
1. Sell something you already own
I know this sounds obvious, but it’s probably the fastest way to generate cash without investing anything.
And October is a particularly good time to start selling unwanted toys, games, clothes, electronics and anything that might make a Christmas present.
Try:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace
My tip? Look at completed sales rather than asking prices. Something is only worth what someone will actually pay for it.
And if you need the money urgently, price it to sell.
2. Get paid to test products before they’re launched
Did you know that companies will sometimes pay you to try out products before they reach the shops?
Everything from skincare and cosmetics to household products and technology.
You might be asked to use something for a few days, keep a diary of your experience or give feedback in an online interview.
Take Part in Research currently lists opportunities including a £45 haircare product test, an £85 beauty product study and a two-week pet-owner project paying £120.
You’ll need to qualify for individual studies, but it’s well worth investigating.
3. Get paid to talk about something you know
This is one of my favourites because you don’t necessarily need any special qualifications.
Companies want to understand how real people use their products and services, and they’re prepared to pay for that information.
Respondent connects researchers with people willing to take part in interviews and studies.
It advertises an average payment of around $75 for a typical 45-minute session, although actual fees vary.
You might be asked about your work, your shopping habits, software you use or an industry you know well.
https://www.respondent.io/become-a-participant
You won’t qualify for everything, but your everyday experience could be worth more than you realise.
4. Help shape government policy (and get paid for it)
Here’s one I suspect many people won’t know about.
FieldMouse recruits ordinary members of the public to take part in research that often helps inform government policy and public services.
You might be invited to discuss housing, transport, employment, healthcare or other aspects of everyday life.
The company advertises payments ranging from around £50 for a 90-minute focus group to £500 for a longer research project involving several sessions.
https://www.fmresearch.co.uk/take-part
Imagine getting paid simply for having an opinion!
5. Become a mystery shopper
Ever wondered who checks whether shops and restaurants are delivering the service they promise?
Sometimes it’s ordinary people being paid to visit them.
Mystery shopping assignments might involve visiting a store, asking questions, checking displays or reporting on the service you receive.
Depending on the assignment, you could receive a fee, gift vouchers, reimbursement or free products.
Here’s somewhere to investigate:
https://www.mystery-shopper.com
Just make sure you understand exactly what you’ll be paid and whether you’ll need to spend any money upfront.
6. Rent out something you already own
Here’s a clever alternative to selling your possessions.
What if something sitting unused in your cupboard could be earning money instead?
Think cameras, projectors, power tools, camping equipment or specialist gadgets.
Platforms such as Hygglo allow people to rent items from one another.
Obviously, you’ll want to check insurance, security deposits and the arrangements for returning your belongings.
But if you’ve got useful equipment gathering dust, it could be worth investigating.
7. Sell something you’ve already created
Now we’re getting into territory I particularly like.
Have you ever created a spreadsheet, checklist, template, planner, worksheet or guide that someone else might find useful?
Perhaps you’ve got something sitting on your computer that could be turned into a simple digital product.
You could list it on:
The advantage is that you don’t have to create the same thing every time somebody buys it.
Of course, you’ll still need to find customers. But if you already have an audience, even a small one, this could be worth exploring.
8. Find money that’s already yours
Here’s one that often gets overlooked. Before you start looking for ways to earn more, check whether you’ve got money sitting somewhere you’ve forgotten about.
Unused gift cards, old PayPal balances, cashback accounts, refundable subscriptions, unclaimed reimbursements or money somebody owes you.
You might also have items you bought recently that are still eligible for a refund.
Spend half an hour checking.
You could find that the quickest way to improve your bank balance doesn’t involve earning anything at all.
9. Ask for the money upfront
If you’re self-employed or already sell products or services, this is worth considering.
Could you offer a limited number of appointments, a seasonal package or a special deal to existing customers?
Could you invoice for work you’ve completed but haven’t billed yet?
Or follow up politely on outstanding payments?
Sometimes the money you need is much closer than you think.
So where should you start?
If you need cash urgently, I’d begin with selling unwanted possessions, chasing outstanding payments and checking for money you’re already owed.
Those are the things most likely to produce a quick result.
Then investigate some of the research opportunities. They won’t necessarily pay immediately, and you may have to apply for several before you’re accepted, but they could be a useful way to earn extra money in the run-up to Christmas.
And please be wary of anyone promising guaranteed earnings or asking you to pay to access a job.
My suggestion is to pick two ideas from this list and spend an hour taking action today. You never know what might come of it.
A TED Talk worth watching
This week’s recommendation is 3 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was Broke, by Vivian Tu.
Vivian is a former Wall Street trader turned financial educator who has made a career out of explaining money in language ordinary people can understand.
In this talk, she shares what she learned about financial insecurity and how we can start thinking differently about money.
It’s well worth a watch, particularly if money has been causing you sleepless nights.
And on that note, I’m going to conserve what’s left of my phone battery and hope the electricity returns before I have to start cooking dinner by candlelight!