I need money somewhat fast... what to do?

[FirstLight]

I don't know if I should post this in the Lounge or what, but I'm in a pinch and trying to figure out how to fix this quick...

Just got paid last Friday, after groceries and a couple bills I am now down to $3.70 for the next 2 weeks and kinda freaking out.
I gotta be able to put gas in the car to get to work and next payday is a week from Friday!
~~

Got a keyboard and a bike I can try and sell on FB Marketplace

Otherwise wondering what the heck can we do to create some $$ quickly.

I don't have time for online work. I *do* have 2 teens I might be able to pawn out for yardwork, but I don't even know where to start, or how safe it is...

I have a couple good comics I can unload, wonder where to do that? Craigslist?

Any input would help!!!

[jodymarie aimee]

1. How old are you?

First question I have.

[FirstLight]

13. 40's ...single mom... 2 teens

[Ohiogal]

2. Are there any consignment stores in your area

that accept "gently worn clothes" or other household items and pay you money on the spot when you bring them in? I used to take advantage of one like that years ago in my area.

[Sanity Claws]

3. Pet sit while folks are away on vacation

You could advertise on Craigslist.
Or some friends could spread the word for you.

Housecleaning? Maybe contact a housecleaning service and see if they could use you to replace someone who wants to take a vacation. Or you could list on Craigslist.

[FSogol]

4. Have a yard sale. n/t

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. The comics: if there's a comic store nearby talk to them.

Craigslist will probably take too long. Keep in mind, that a lot of comics aren't worth as much as their owners hope, but perhaps you are one of the lucky ones.

Anything of possible value, take to a pawn shop.

[yallerdawg]

6. Go get a payday loan.

If you have a job and verifiable pay, you can get enough to get you over the hump.

If all else fails - and you can't make it off of $3.70 - this is what these loans are for!

[mwooldri]

7. No. No no no no no.

Borrow from friends and relatives before this.

If you are going to do a Payday loan you have to be extremely disciplined. It is easy to fall into this trap.

Personally I'd recommend other things than going for payday loans. A high interest credit card. A personal loan. 30% interest is better than 300%.

[yallerdawg]

10. It's not 300% if you pay it back in a couple weeks (which would be required).

Now, I'm believing that posting this problem on an anonymous blog means there aren't a whole lot of "traditional" solutions.

These are just things we have to work through in life, and having 'quick cash' on demand can be a lifesaver.

[Ms. Toad]

17. Check the state.

They are horrendous ideas - designed to charge usurious rates to desperate people. That said, some states do cap the rates - so they are only bad, not incredibly unconscionable. Ohio caps the rate at 28% per annum, for example. BUT - - - and it is a big BUT - - - these lenders can tack on a fee that is not interest, and that is uncapped (which might well bring the rate to 300% per annum).

Count me in the never take out a payday loan camp.

[yallerdawg]

21. Payday loans have saved my ass multiple times.

The "fee" is a couple dollars based on the size of the loan limited to the size of your paycheck.

Then, you plan the pay-back. The "pain" you feel helps to offset this as a source of money, but shit happens in life.

I don't know any stranger that would lend me money on my word - and not charge me something for it. But feeding my family or keeping a utility on or getting gas to drive back to work for another week - there is nothing like the peace of mind of having the cash in hand to do what needs to be done.

[shanti]

29. thank you.

I have also used PL's in the past, but it was only short term, less than a month, to pay back. the surcharge wasn't that unreasonable to me. It's what you do when you are strapped and have no credit cards or rich family members.

[Ms. Toad]

49. There's a difference between charging something for it and charging usurious rates

Ohio has among the best payday loan rates - at "only" 28 percent before fees, which can be uncapped - but if the fee is treated as interest, Ohio's interst rates are similar to states in which interest rates are uncapped. A typical two-week payday loan with a $15 per $100 fee equates to an annual percentage rate (APR) of almost 400 percent. By comparison, APRs on credit cards can range from about 12 percent to about 30 percent.

A "reasonable interest" rate of 28% (without compounding) for a payday loan would literally be less than a couple of bucks - specifically $1.07 per 100 dollars borrowed. If you take into acccount contnuous compounding, it would be less than $1 per $100 borrowed.

[yallerdawg]

51. Nobody loans money for a couple cents.

I can't get cash on a credit card without paying an additional fee.

If you can't get the cash you need when you need it, the consequences of THAT can be even more brutal.

[Ms. Toad]

58. My point is that the rates are usurious - 3-400%.

When you get cash on a credit card, you are typically charged interest from the date of the charge (rather than having up to a month grace period). BUT the additional "fee" you are paying is the interest at the rate your credit card charges (typically less than 30% per year) - nowhere near the typical payday loan rate of 3-400% per year.

[yallerdawg]

59. Borrowing cash - paying off debts as an incentive for the card...

comes in under different fees and rates.

I have cards that explain to me how my minimum payment will take me 9 years to pay off, and how it will be significantly more than what I borrowed to begin with.

If you borrow what you need and pay it back immediately - like it's the emergency we are discussing here - it is not nearly as onerous as having your gas cutoff and then having to pay the balance off, then pay a reconnect fee, losing your job 'cause you can't get to work, going days without food for yourself and your family.

I'm not talking about borrowing money to play the slots down at the local casino. I'm talking about desperation, and no one else to turn to.

I'm talking poor people shit.

[Ms. Toad]

60. Then borrow it using your credit card,

and pay it back immediately. That way you will be paying back only a maximum of ~30% per year, rather than an average of 3-400% per year.

I have always had money in a savings account, since my age was in the single digits. I get that a lot of that is luck - having educated parents, having parents who instilled the value of savings, that my parents (and grandparents) were savers (which makes it easier for me to learn to save, as well as having some expectation that whey they die, there will be some additional money available to me), I was able to afford college - and have enough skills and luck that I've never been involuntarily unemployed since I was 12.

BUT part of being able to save money is also being money-smart and recognizing when you are paying 3-400% interests rates and recognizing that it is a REALLY bad idea to do so - and recognizing that you don't have to take 9 years to pay off the cash advance on your credit card - just force yourself to repay it with your next paycheck, the same way you are paying someone to force you to do with a payday loan, by paying them 3-400% interest for that privilege.

My sister - who has not had a dime in savings most of her life - and who had the same access to luck and parental guidance/example that I did, has led life filled with what I think of as fancy phones, cars, and coffee. Every penny that came in the door was spent by the next paycheck. Finally - in her late 50s - she had the sudden realization that if she didn't go to her fancy coffee shop she could save $3-$4/day. She now, finally, has about $800 saved up (after only 6 months).

So some of having money for emergencies isn't luck, it is making smart choices about what to spend money on.

If you have access to a credit card, get the cash advance and pay it back with your next paycheck. If you can't pay the cash back immediately (but could pay a payday loan back), that is a discipline problem (like my sister has had all of her life). In that situation, you are paying an arm and a leg to make someone force you to repay the loan with your next paycheck. If you have access to a credit card, force yourself. It will be a lot cheaper.

[yallerdawg]

61. Are payday loans the last thing you should do?

Yes.

That's what I am talking about.

I'm assuming - as I said earlier - that this OP was referencing the end of the rope. I am merely pointing out that if you have a job, you are gainfully employed, there is one more option.

Payday loans don't make you a shameful idiot.

You know, that is another stigma the working poor go through - being lectured as if they are just ignorant and all they need to do is "save money," get a low APR credit card, give up luxuries like "coffee" - "being smart."

Much appreciated.

[Ms. Toad]

62. You obviously didn't read carefully.

There are multiple things going on - some of which are beyond the control of people living in poverty. I happen to have been very lucky on a number of fronts.

But insisting that a payday loan is not 300% per annum (as I believe you did, above) suggests poor knowledge regarding financial choices - which will always make things cost more (making it even harder to ever get beyond living paycheck to paycheck). You can't make smart choices about about money if you don't have a basic understanding of the actual interest rates you are paying for the various options.

[yallerdawg]

63. Annual percentage rate is what it will cost you...

if it takes you a year to pay it back. Hence, annual percentage rate.

As I have failed to convince you that there are worse options than a payday loan, please, I implore you, never, ever, ever take out an unsecured loan from a stranger based on a handshake and a promise.

But go ahead and look down your nose at those who do. We're kind of used to it.

[safeinOhio]

22. I would sell blood first.

I donate now and it’s easy enough.

[jberryhill]

8. Never ever never never no

Sell blood plasma.

[yallerdawg]

12. I've known people who have made $200-400 a month "selling blood."

It's definitely 'a thing' one can do.

[Tipperary]

43. Why not? Curious.

I have never sold blood, only donated to the Red Cross. Wondering why you say that though?

[suprcali]

48. Replying to payday loan

I think that answer was a no to the payday loan. Sell blood instead.

[NCTraveler]

9. See Geithner.

Only take what you must and don’t make it a habit. My friend, there are zero frivolous expenditures if you take this path. That is covered in the price you will pay for the loan. Again, don’t make it a habit.

I’m sorry about your predicament.

This is only if you have gone through all friends and family.

[Totally Tunsie]

11. Put the kids on the bike and have them collect cans for redemption.

It can generate a few bucks quickly and helps the planet at the same time.

[FirstLight]

14. some good ideas

and no, I won't do the payday loan thing either.

I found a comic shop nearby that does online appraisals and will paypal you within a couple days.


Gonna look at Craigslist and see of there's any local gigs/events I could work as a hostess or marketing and get paid on the spot.

Also going to pursue the "yardsale" approach, just posting the good stuff on my local marketplace


I also have a couple friends I can hit up...offer to clean house or something for cash.
~~~~~

Also, this post is kind of meant to highlight how many of us are struggling just in the course of our regular lives. It would be devastating if we had a big medical or car problem ...not only the time lost off work but the NOT being able to afford it...
Times are tough, and they aren't getting easier!!!

[roamer65]

16. If you have non-maxed out credit cards call them.

They may be able to get you a direct deposit at a very decent rate. I use mine as a bank...literally.

They are sitting on a shitpot full of quantitative easing money and borrowing has still not come back to pre-Great Recession levels.

[Kajun Gal]

18. Go Fund Me page?

[DesertRat]

19. Do you or your kids like dogs?

I know someone who has made extra $$ walking/sitting dogs using the WAG app. https://wagwalking.com/

[JI7]

20. How much do you need ? And is this something that happens regularly ?

Or did you have more than usual expenses this time ?

If it's a one time thing depending on how much you need and ability to pay off easily i think the credit card would be ok if you do have any you can get cash with .

[TheBlackAdder]

23. My nephew was in a band, and ran short traveling. They got $200 in an hour asking at turnpike stop.

.

They were completely out of cash, no money for gas or food.

They asked folks for a buck and many would hand them fivers.

.

[smirkymonkey]

24. Do you have a 401K?

Most companies allow you to take loans from your 401k that you pay back to yourself through payroll contributions at a low rate of interest. The only problem is that it takes a month or two to get your money, but you could borrow from someone in the meantime knowing that you will be able to pay them off once the loan comes through. There is no tax penalty unless you leave the company or are laid off and don't pay the loan off in full at that time, so don't take out more than you really need.

[FirstLight]

25. another batch of ideas...

I will ask the kids to go hit up the neighbors, also the dog walking thing.

All credit cards are maxed, not that I have more than one anyway.
Large homeless population in our town, and it's a small town so panhandling isn't an option.
No 401K either

However, I *do* have a friend who is pretty flush, and hates cooking. I helped her out and cooked for her family a few weeks ago and she paid me...so I texted her and asked her if she needed her "personal chef" again

I might hit the pawn shop with some old jewelry for $20...that will help with gas.

It's not like this happens ALL the time, but it's still a little harrowing when you get your first good check of the summer season and it's eaten up by bills before the weekend is over!

Long term, I am watching for a better job situation.

[Blue_true]

35. Your kids may try larger health clubs.

Some hire high school kids to clean equipment and locker rooms. The dog walking thing seems to be something your kids can do also. But, regardless of what they do, you should screen first to insure the people that they will work with are safe to work with. Elderly women that have spare money to pay dog walkers would be the best choice for your kids to work with. Also, have them check nursing homes, they may be able to get work there cleaning floors and kitchens and things like that.

If you have it available, you may try public transportation, it can be a pain, but once you get the schedule down, you can save money, especially if you sit in traffic jams while driving.

I don't know how close you are to the edge when you get paid, maybe expenses simply are greater than income. The kids getting part time jobs can help. Whenever I evaluate cash flow, I always sit down and make out a budget, it does not matter what it is, I did it earlier today for business as I was costing out something. Keep track of your receipts and figure out where your money is going, I know, when things are really tight like your situation seems to be, tracking stuff seems to be a waste, but it may help. The maxed out credit card is not good, one goal should be to get rid of that somehow - you said that you have a friend that is flush, don't be ashamed, TELL her your situation, maybe she will help you pay off the credit card in exchange for you cooking or housecleaning for her a coupe times a week until the debt is paid off, if she is a good person, she may throw in some extra bucks to help you. I can't emphasize too strongly, the maxed credit card is bad, figure out a way to get rid of it and avoid maxing it out again - just the interest is likely causing issues for you - the next time you get your statement, READ the charges that are being applied each month, I am sure that it will shock you.

Lastly, if you are not widowed, the kids have a father who is getting some form of income. Is he helping you? If not, you should take legal action to get him to help, women's advocacy groups near you can provide pointers that should be helpful.

[beachbum bob]

26. sell plasma

[FirstLight]

28. I always thought

"nobody wants MY blood"

Does it matter f you smoke pot?
Or if you have Hypertension ?

I take Immunosuppressants for psoriasis, that could also be a problem

[missingthebigdog]

32. Call and ask

Some plasma places pay extra for plasma for people with certain conditions. Doesn’t cost anything to call.

The “gigs” section of Craigslist may have a task you or your kids can do.

How much do you need to raise?

[mercuryblues]

31. I would recommend this also

But a person needs to be screened 1st. So she needs to get through that process 1st. I suggest she do that and sell plasma as often as possible and save the money for times like these.

[Dream Girl]

27. Uber, Lyft or meal delivery service (Door dash)

If you have a nicer car and a clean driving record you could drive a lyft or Uber. A meal delivery service such as Door Dash or Grub hub could also get you some quick cash.

[FirstLight]

41. Those aren't much of an option, due to rural area.

but could work for others in more populated areas!

[CK_John]

30. Sell your blood.

[crazycatlady]

33. Are you on Reddit

If so, check out the 'beer money' sub.

[ellie]

34. There are several

apps that you can use to make money and I do this from time to time.

The apps are:

iSecretShop (I made $350 on this app last year)
Gigwalk
Easy Shift
Field Agent


These are a combination of secret shopping and audits where you have to go to a store and take a photo of a display and some delay payment but you can string a bunch of jobs together and make some cash.

Also, Ibotta will pay you cash for groceries etc., if you buy what they are looking for. You have to take a photo of your receipt and submit it. The threshold for payout is $20 through PayPal.

Sign up for Gearbubble to sell on Etsy or Zazzle and create personalized mugs and other types of merchandise. This is more of a long-term solution. I have a couple of stores and the money trickles in. I just sold a customized beer stein and Etsy pays next day.
www.gearbubble.com www.zazzle.com

Check out The Penny Hoarder at https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/ for more ideas.

As for payday loans, depending on what state you live in, you can apply online and have cash deposited into your bank account. Ace Cash Express has the lowest interest rate in my opinion. But, do not borrow more than you afford to pay off because once you get on the payday loan carousal it is hard to get off of it. Not impossible but difficult.

One more idea, I am not sure where you live but I read on Reddit where someone bought a small cooler to attach to a bicycle, filled it with popsicles, and pedaled down to the beach in their town and sold them. I don't know if you need a permit or what though.

I am all about the side hustle. I also write erotica and post it on Amazon.

[Ilsa]

36. Look for local food pantries.

Those groceries might carry your family over.

[hunter]

53. This is good advice in our city.

The community food bank here is awesome. They can turn a ten dollar donation into a hundred dollars of food delivered directly to the door of people in need.

People who volunteer at the food bank to box up food for delivery to house bond seniors and other people in need can take a box full of food home with them at the end of the day.

[csziggy]

37. My husband has been buying comics through Facebook

So you could sell those there, too.

Anything like a bicycle that would be a pain to ship, I'd sell through Craigslist - no shipping, take cash only so it's instant money.

The teens could advertise for yardwork on Craigslist, but be cautious about it.

[Luz]

38. Pawn shop. Your tv, game stations. Try to sell plasma. These

are quick fixes, and not much money, but in a pinch it'll work. Also, please, start saving your change. I probably have 3-400 hundred in change jars alone.

[Drahthaardogs]

39. Go to your local Catholic Church and tell them your situation.

They will probably help you, especially knowing you have kids.

[librechik]

40. this works even if you aren't catholic. Good idea!

[FirstLight]

42. Thank you All for the input...

Hooked up with a friend and am coordinating a BBQ tomorrow with food, she gave me grocery $ that will hold us beyond for a couple days...it's a start.

~ ~ ~

I guess the biggest thing I need to learn is that when I fear that it is at its worst, somehow we always make it through.
Even if I have a tendency to think this is about faith...I think it is more about how hard people work and how short the living wage is to reality.

I am not a "spender" I am a "what does it cost?" nickel-pincher... but daily life of food and gas, as well as the ever growing monthly charges are more than I can keep track of, much less afford.

And yet I am freaking out and trying to sell shit off just to make ends meet for 2 more weeks....welcome to life in poverty

my teen daughter has a habit of heading to the car when we hit the check-stand in the grocery store. She goes to the car because she is worried it will come up "declined" and I will have to put stuff back

How sad is that shit?

[Tipperary]

44. Teens should be working. I started working with a paper route at 13.

Then kept on working. Movie theaters, restaurants, retail stores, fast food are all good places to start off as a teen. It is summer now, so they do not even have to worry about school.

[B2G]

45. Agree. I started babysitting when I was 11

and have had a job ever since.

[Totally Tunsie]

46. With all due respect to your privacy, I wonder about your priorities.

From your Post #28 above regarding selling plasma,

I always thought

"nobody wants MY blood"

Does it matter f you smoke pot?

While enjoyable, pot is an expensive pleasure that costs more than a tank of gas to get to work, or groceries for your table. Maybe put it aside until you're more financially stable unless you require for medicinal purposes?

[FirstLight]

50. ...

It is a medicinal thing... and i dont pay for it, so not really an issue, thx

[Totally Tunsie]

54. Sorry to hear you also have medical issues to handle.

I hope life turns a corner for you and your family soon. Good fortune to you...

[Tipperary]

56. You get free weed?

Wow, pretty cool.

[FirstLight]

57. lol

I have friends in 'High' places....

[AC_Mem]

52. Childcare

Can you either watch a child or children in your home, or can you sit with an elderly person? I've given thought to sitting with an elderly person as a second (actually third) source of income. I'm on my own and have a job, but still struggle to make it paycheck to paycheck. I've always worked 2-3 jobs to have money to live and also TO LIVE, but due to some pretty severe disabling mobility issues, working 70-80 hours a week bartending, waitressing, etc. are no longer an option for me. I have a home business that brings in residual income (thank Heaven as it has saved me many times), but i have given much thought to what else i could do from my home to make some money. here are some of my ideas.

- i'm a VERY fast typist. there are transcription jobs that you can work from at home including close captioning of programming
- childcare, as a backup, in my home (fast cash)
- sitting with the elderly (evenings/weekends)
- Aromatherapy, energy (hands-on) healing work (I'm a Reiki master among other gifts), home parties, intuitive readings
- Washing clothes and ironing
- renting out my spare bedroom
- i sell things on fb marketplace all the time
- QVC or other customer service, virtual jobs that can be done from home

good luck to you as you make your way through this. I think we all need to get ready for things to get much worse before they get better, sadly. unless you are a billionaire, times are going to be very tough.

[Vinca]

47. If you have a couple of good comics, take them to a dealer for cash.

If you have any gold or silver jewelry, cash it in. You probably won't get top price for a fast sale, but it beats going hungry.

[TexasBushwhacker]

55. Not a short term solution, but are you getting child support?

If not, why not? If you are in contact with the father(s), could they help out?