What to do When You’re Tight on Cash

IOU in a piggy bank

If you constantly find yourself low on funds by the end of the month, running short occasionally, or have fallen on tough times, it might be necessary to make some big changes that will help you start living comfortably within your means. There are several things you can do to help you find some extra money in your pocket and allow you to pay your bills without stress.

Cut Monthly Expenses Drastically

Most people are making monthly payments for services that simply aren’t necessary. If you’re having difficulty making rent, it’s probably a good time to give up the extra-fast internet, expensive unlimited-data phone plan, and the cable TV with HBO. By calling the various companies you pay money to every month and getting yourself on cheaper plans or cutting off service altogether, you will find yourself banking possibly hundreds of dollars more each month, and you might also realize how little you need those bells and whistles and enjoy time playing games with friends or reading a book from the library instead of watching yet another episode of America’s Got Talent.

Sell Your Stuff on Craigslist

If you looked carefully around your place, you’ll probably find at least a few things that you don’t use or need. That old guitar you promised you’d learn to play or the camera you set aside when you got your phone can get you some extra cash if you sell it on Craigslist. Even if you think you may want the item someday, think of Craigslist as a method of storage. You can sell it now and get it out of your house, but if you ever truly want that type of object again, you can go on Craigslist and find a similar one. In the meantime, you don’t have to store it, you have the money in your hand, and someone else gets to enjoy it.

Find Side-Jobs Online

The internet is filled with easy ways to make some extra cash. You can do something to earn a few bucks quickly, like taking surveys or writing a couple of articles to sell, or you can create a long-term income stream by creating a website and/or blog that will eventually make you cash through ad revenue, as long as you make it appealing to a lot of people. Getting high traffic takes time and effort, though, so only go this route if you’re prepared to put in the necessary work to make it productive.

Make Good Choices

If you’re not sure where all your money’s going every month, it’s time to take a closer look at your expenses and start making some conscious changes that will keep more of your cash in your bank account. Avoid places that cause you to spend money like the mall or restaurants, and avoid watching advertisements. Go to the grocery store with a list and stick to it. Lots of little choices add up to large amounts of money, so making wise, cash-conscious decisions can lead you on the path to wealth.

If you have problems with money, there are a myriad of ways to fix the issues and leave you with more money every month, allowing you to pay your bills without worry. Making extra cash, along with being happy living on less, will leave you richer and more relaxed, which makes any of the work and changes worth it.

– John Henry writes articles for financial blogs. If you need money to be here now, and want an extra income to help pay bills, check out this page at makemoneyfast.org.