5 Simple Ways To Make Some Extra Money This Week

I’m not talking about thousands of dollars but I thought it would be helpful to share some of the ways I have found to make some extra money. I’m not one to turn my back on money – no matter how insignificant the amount might be. A bunch of $3 checks might let me double a payment on my credit card one month.  Nothing on my list is too time intensive so without further ado here are my top 5 ways to make some money with only a little bit of effort.

1. Sell Unwanted Electronics

I don’t know how many people know this but I just found out – you can sell your unwanted electronics to best buy. You just put in the model number and condition of the item and they give you an estimate of what they can pay you. They pay you with a best buy gift card which is not quite the same as cash but still useful. They buy everything from old phones to laptops and GPS systems to cameras and car audio. It is definitely worth looking into. I know most people have an old phone or dvd player they don’t use anymore.

2. Sell Some Books

To those that live in New York, there is a bookstore called the Strand bookstore. They buy back all books (except textbooks) from you. I have found this to be more lucrative than selling on half.com as there are no commissions to pay anyone.  They pay more for hardbacks than paperback and like the books to be in pretty good condition. I can’t speak for other cities but I’m sure you can find similar places in any major city. On a side note, this is also a pretty good place to get brand new looking books for cheap.

3. Sell (Old, unwanted, too big, too small) Clothes

Moving away from books, you can also make some quick money by selling your clothes. It’s time too get rid of that collection of clothes that you are “waiting” to fit into (some of you ladies know what I mean) or clothes you haven’t worn in the last 5 years. On the east coast we have places like Platos Closet and Beacon’s Closet that buy back clothes. Obviously, the better condition your clothes are in the more money you receive.  I know Plato’s closet is located it numerous states but if it’s not available near you,  you should definitely look for something similar in your area. It’s a great way to clear out your closet and make some money.

4. EBAY

No list would be complete without talking about ebay. The only thing I have against ebay is the listing fees which is basically what you pay to post your items on their site. They are not high but I see how they can deter someone who is not sure if their item would sell. I think the best way to look at it would be to think of it as paying to list something in a newspapers classified section. You wouldn’t expect to do that for free would you? Ebay has so many users that I think it’s worth it. Someone will be interested in you mickey mouse shot glass that you got in 1979.

5. Take Online Surveys

I am putting online surveys last because they take a little more time to do. I belong to a bunch of survey sites; pineconeresearch, suveyspot and toluna to name a few. Even though the surveys take about 20-30 mins to fill out, I think they are worth it.  I have made about $150 in the last 3 months or so. It’s not an earth shattering amount but for me it’s valuable because I can put that much more against my debt.

(editor’s note: try Cash Crate)

So those are my picks folks. If you have any other ideas you’d like to share, feel free to do it in the comments section. Also, if you’ve had any experience with anything on my list, I’d like to hear about it – especially if you know of places like the Strand and Plato’s closet in your area.