Struggling to make end meets is not a good feeling especially if you are deeply in debt. There are different ways to earn extra cash, which you could use to pay off your debts. If you have high interest debts, you should pay off those debts first to ensure that your interest payments do not accumulate.
Planning
Before you take a second job, first determine your total debt. That way, you will be able to come up with a clear plan and the type of job you’ll need in order to raise the required amount of money.
Change your withholding
Changing the amount of money withheld from your paycheck will earn you extra money each week. This may not appeal to you if you are used to receiving a big refund each year. Using this extra money to pay off your debt is worth it because it will help you eventually become debt free. Avoid withholding more than your allowable deductions as you could end up owing the IRS.
Earn extra money with your clutter
Sell those things that you have but don’t need such as old furniture, curtains and clothes. You will find that you are not only getting rid of clutter but making money as well. You could sell the things via eBay or Craigslist. When you run out of things of your own to sell, you could go to neighborhood garage sales where you might be able to buy second hand items cheaply and then sell them for a profit.
Earn extra cash with garage sales or consignment shops
This option is good for those items that do not sell easily via eBay. These may not represent a steady source of income but the money you earn can be used to pay down your debts.
Work online
One of the best ways to earn extra money is working online as a freelancer or as an affiliate marketer. Once you get the gist of online jobs, you might be able to quit your day job and take up freelancing full time. The extra money you initially earn should be used to clear your debts.
Look for seasonal jobs in your area
You can get a job in a store or mowing lawns or babysitting. The money may not be much but it will help you pay off your debts. The best thing about these jobs is that they are short term so they won’t interfere with your regular job.
Have a yard sale
Yard sales are mainly used to raise money for charity. However, desperate times call for desperate measures. If you have clothes, furniture or anything else that you bought using your credit cards and that you no longer need or can do without, you could sell it in a yard sale. Invite your friends, relatives and neighbors. By the end of the day, you may have collected a significant amount of money that can be used to pay off your debts.
Cut back on entertainment
Go out less and eat at home more frequently. You’ll be surprised to find out that the money you spend one night eating out is enough to last you a whole week if you cook at home. You can also cut down on your cell phone usage to save a few dollars. By saving money in various areas, you will find that you will have extra money, which can be used to pay off your debts.
Work for neighbors and friends
Look for baby sitting and house sitting opportunities while your friends are away. Distribute fliers around your neighborhood offering to do odd jobs. Do not limit your imagination. If you think creatively, you can discover a lot of ways to earn money to pay off debt
