How to Make Cash in a Day

Overview

There are the nice long-term goals in life that include developing a six-month emergency fund, but sometimes there comes a need for immediate cash today. If you find yourself in this situation, you are not alone, and there are several strategies you can put into action to get cash by nightfall. Steer clear of the scams that get you further in the hole--like cash advances and payday loans--and try putting in a little sweat equity for pay.

Step 1

Dress respectably. Put on a clean pair of slacks and an unwrinkled shirt. You will be out in public asking people to trust in your ability to do work for them or to convince them to buy something from you. You will have more success if your look responsible and clean.

Step 2

Liquidate your assets. This is fancy talk for holding a yard sale or doing the virtual version: posting to your local Craigslist (see Resources below). People scour Craigslist postings for second-hand furniture, children's items, clothing, accessories, tools, car parts, antiques, collectibles, electronics--there is a category for just about everything. If you do not have a digital camera or an Internet connection, ask a friend to post for you.

Step 3

Sell a service. Draw up a poster or a notice. Knock on doors in the neighborhood, offering an immediate service for cash. Mowing lawns, weeding gardens, doing exterior paint jobs, and helping people move are popular odd jobs for the summer months. In the fall or winter, offer to rake leaves, shovel snow, unpack boxes, move furniture, or clean houses. Advertise a dog walking service. Offer to drive people to appointments or deliver groceries. Offer to deliver a homemade dinner to a busy single mom. Play guitar on the street corner for tips. Offer to type up someone's resume.

Step 4

Sell a product. Impromptu bake sales can be great for grabbing some quick cash. Set up a table with cookies and a pot of coffee. You can be the budget Starbucks. If you have artistic skills, try painting a few greetings cards or bookmarks to sell.

Step 5

Grab your old best-sellers and head to the used bookstore. Take the record albums you never play to the nearest deejay-friendly record store. Clean up some old planters or ceramic pots; paint or decoupage them. Pop in a plant or flower; put it up for sale.

Step 6

Thank everyone. When the day is done and you have cash on hand, express your gratitude to the people that helped you. Some of them may become ongoing clients or references for future clients. Your efforts today could be your small business of tomorrow.

How to Make Cash in a Day by empiremoneymaker.com