Finance >> Browse Articles >> Featured Writers
Finance >> Browse Articles >> Finances
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!

metot
about 1 year ago
558 comments
Great, nice article:)
Helenlanders
over 1 year 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
justangie
over 1 year 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.
l3wilso
over 1 year 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.
KristaJGizzo
over 1 year ago
158 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.
ysaylor
over 1 year 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
KristaJGizzo
over 1 year ago
158 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.
galiagichon
over 1 year 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/
Excelle_Editor
over 1 year ago
552 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?
Dana_B
over 1 year ago
150 comments
Another idea is shophandmade.com - you list, sell, buy handmade items. It's similar to Etsy - without the fees.
CoachLaura
over 1 year 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!
jennifer41042
over 1 year 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.