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5 Easy Ways to Make Money Even if You're Unemployed

5 Easy Ways to Make Money Even if You're Unemployed

Photo courtesy of Creative Commons

Hannah Waters | Geezeo.com

March 23, 2009



As unemployment continues to rise, everyone is looking for other ways to bring in some money while still searching for another job.  Although a job is the conventional way to earn money, sometimes you need to think outside the box or search outside your comfort zone in order to try something new and bring in a little bit of money to help you out. 



1. Recycle
Think about how many bottles and cans you throw away every single day.  Collecting these in your garage or basement and then taking them to a grocery store or another location that has recycling machines can bring in a little bit of money.  Although five cents here and there may not seem like much, it can definitely add up more quickly than you think.  Some bottles are even worth a quarter! 

2. Babysitting
Everyone needs a babysitter.  Sometimes it helps if you have experience, but if you know families that need a babysitter you should definitely ask around.  People would rather hire someone they know than strangers so if you have friends with kids offer to look after them while they go out for a night.  Or if you have family members, offering up your services for a small charge can be beneficial to both you and them! 

3. EBay/Craigslist
People are looking for any types of deals right now.  You may have some “junk” lying around your house that is someone else’s treasure.  Never throw something away without trying to put in on EBay or craigslist in order to make some money first.  People buy anything and everything if the price is right.  With the current economy, people are even beginning to look on these websites for clothes that others are willing to sell at a discounted price.  Try your luck…you might earn more money than you ever anticipated.  Just remember that when you do post items, we are in a recession so don’t make your price too high.  If you were going to throw it away anyway, any little bit of money helps!

Next Page: Tips 4 & 5

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  • Metot_finale_max50

    metot

    3 months ago

    470 comments

    Great, nice article:)

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    Helenlanders

    6 months ago

    2 comments

    How can I be a "substitute teacher"? Don't you have to have a teachers degree or license? Thanks...Helen landers.helen@gmail.com

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    justangie

    7 months ago

    10 comments

    KristaJGizzzo whre do find the addresses or phone numbers for these focus groups. I have tried the online sureys but have not found any that actually pay me.

  • Water_lilies_max50

    l3wilso

    7 months ago

    202 comments

    Garage sales are great, but my subdivision only allows us to have one per year. Many of us have gotten around that by using each others drive ways.

  • Img_0089_max50

    KristaJGizzo

    7 months ago

    160 comments

    I just thought of another one: Paid Focus groups/studies. Depending on your interested, health, financial status and many other things you can receive money for participating in online questionaires. I've also been called in a few times to participate in various groups from a mock trial for a college course to participating in a studio audience for a new game show. The trick is to sign up with as many of the goods ones as you can find and to make sure that they are PAID focus studies. They usually email you when you could be of service and usually pay in cash if you are called in for something.

  • Img_2552_max50

    ysaylor

    7 months ago

    2 comments

    Thanks Dana_B for the info on shophandmade.com. I started a store there for my scrapbooking products. I put 3 premade layouts on there so far. I hope it works, looks like a great site!! My store is www.speedyscrappin.shophandmade.com

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    KristaJGizzo

    7 months ago

    160 comments

    You can also check out www.workwithmichael.com
    This odd job helped me out in the past couple months when I had no income.

  • Galia1web-bw_max50

    galiagichon

    7 months ago

    2 comments

    Another place to look for work is at places you already go to, such as your yoga center, favorite book store or knitting shop. Next time you are there, ask them if they need extra (paid) help. You already love being there, why not get paid for it?
    Galia Gichon
    Down-to-Earth Finance
    www.downtoearthfinance.com
    http://www.downtoearthfinance.blogspot.com/

  • Superwoman_max50

    Excelle_Editor

    7 months ago

    546 comments

    Consignment shops are also another way to go! Someone's no-thank-you-clothes may very well be another's treasure! Why not make a few bucks out of it instead of throwing it away or giving it straight to the Goodwill?

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    Dana_B

    7 months ago

    150 comments

    Another idea is shophandmade.com - you list, sell, buy handmade items. It's similar to Etsy - without the fees.

  • Outdoor_closeup_max50

    CoachLaura

    8 months ago

    16 comments

    Just yesterday I made over $100 selling an umbrella & stand that we'd had in our garage for over a year and some organic produce from our garden. Thumbs up on the ideas here...they work!

  • March_2009_4_max50

    jennifer41042

    8 months ago

    62 comments

    In addition to ebay and Craigst List, you can also sell books and cd's that you no longer want to dust (the ones you really love are always worth dusting!!) on Amazon.

    I actually went through some old software recently and was really surprised how quickly and how much things went for! The software from my first digital camera back in 1997 brought $75! It sold in about two weeks.

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