More than four in 10 U.S. adults don’t have enough money to cover a $400 expense.
Shocking, right?
But there’s more. In the U.S., the median out-of-pocket cost of a medical emergency is $1,000. Such emergencies are very common, proven by the fact that there were 145.6 million ED visits in 2016.
What then, can you do, if you find yourself in such a situation wherein you’d need cash now?
Luckily, you have several options, many of which can yield cash on the same day. They’re quick, easy, and most importantly, legitimate ways to come up with $$$.
Ready to learn what your options are if you’re in dire need of cash? Then let’s get this list started!
1. Need Cash Now as in Now? Your Own Home May Be Your Saving Grace
Many families in the U.S. sit on a gold mine — their own home is home to all sorts of 300,000 things.
That’s right!
With so much stuff lying around at home, it’s very likely that some of them have value. Some, like your shorts, jeans, and jackets, may even have forgotten $$$ in their pockets.
That said, the first thing to do if you need money now is to check your own home. Aside from clothes pockets, go through bags you rarely use, as you may have stowed cash in them before.
Of course, you can only expect some loose change from your hunt. Still, you may end up finding your “lost” wallet or purse, which 20% of U.S. adults say they misplace once a week.
2. Recycle, and You Shall Receive
10 states, from California to Vermont, have bottle deposit and refund laws. In many of these states, you can get 5¢ for each bottle (made of aluminum, glass, or plastic) that you return. Liquor bottles in Maine and Vermont are worth more, at 15¢ apiece.
This further highlights how your home could indeed be a gold mine. So, as you rummage through your stuff, set aside all recyclable bottles you find. Drop them at the local supermarket and you can get some quick cash from them.
3. Try an Online Lender
For situations wherein you need quick cash but can wait for at least the next day, an online lender can help. Some lenders, like Captain Cash, offer loan amounts of $500 or more that you can pay back over three months.
Before accepting a loan offer though, be sure to check and compare interest rates. Also, make certain that the online lenders you’ll share your info with are legit. Check for complete addresses and avoid those that only list P.O boxes.
4. “Share” Your Plasma
Did you know that only 400,000 people all over the world suffer from hemophilia? That makes it a rare condition, but life-threatening nonetheless. For one, people who have it suffer from excessive bleeding, even with the most minor injuries.
It’s for this reason that “donation” centers accept plasma and pay those who “donate” it. If you’re in general good health, you can sell your plasma, which can also prove to be a life-saver. This is one of the best ways to get fast cash, as the centers often pay right after the procedure.
Check out local plasma donation facilities and call them up beforehand. They’ll ask you a few health-related questions to determine if you’re a good candidate. If so, then go ahead and share your plasma — it’ll only take about a couple of hours (including filling out forms).
5. Part with Your Dust-Collecting Electronics
One in three U.S. households has at least three smartphones. Almost a quarter also own at least three desktops. Furthermore, 17% own three or more tablets.
If you belong in any of these groups, chances are, some of these devices are no longer used. In that case, consider selling one or all that just sit there, collecting dust.
EcoATM is one of the best places to get cash fast out of your old electronics. To begin, you only have to enter your location in their online ATM kiosk finder. If there’s one, simply bring your old cell phones, MP3 players, or tablets to the kiosk.
Aside from cell phones, you can also sell iPhones and Samsung Galaxies. The machine uses scanning technology to check for model numbers and condition. After that, it’ll give you an offer price based on current resale values.
Agree to price, and the kiosk will disburse your cash on the spot.
One thing to remember: Bring a valid ID when you head to the ATM! The machine will ask you to present this as proof of identity.
6. Deliver Groceries (and Rake in Tips Too)
Take advantage of the fact that a lot of people don’t have the time to do their grocery shopping. These folks need you to shop for and deliver their purchased items to their doorstep.
A good place to start is Instacart, which offers grocery delivery services to clients. As a member, you’ll buy and deliver items to Instacart’s customers. Aside from what the company pays you, you can even get tips from people you deliver to!
Keep in mind though that Instacart, like many other delivery services, pay on a weekly basis. While this may not be the quickest money-making strategy, it’s still a good way to get extra cash every week. Plus, seven days is much quicker than a paycheck that often gets released every 15 or 30 days.
7. Get a Freelancing Gig that Pays Daily
There are many websites dedicated to the 53 million American freelancers out there. Upwork, Fiverr, and Indeed are just to name a few. Either way, these platforms let you work on short-term projects in various sectors.
The most common are blogging, writing articles, proofreading, web design, and graphic design. Many potential employers offer projects paid right after completion. If you’re lucky, you may find one with a small project you can finish in one or two days.
Give these Quick Money-Making Hacks a Try Now
There you have it, some of the best strategies you should give a try if you need cash now or as soon as possible. They’re all legit, so need to worry about getting into trouble with the 5-0. You should, however, still practice caution when you opt to sell items or services online.
Ready for more money-making tips that can help you make ends meet or even boost your future finances? If so, then be sure to check out the rest of our blog posts for more inspiration!