Single Mom Advice: How to Make Cash Quickly

Recently I received a letter from a mom whose ex-husband lost his job and probably won’t have money to pay child support for a while. Her hours at work were reduced and she is scrambling to find a way to make extra money or start a side business to supplement her income.

She asked for my advice so this post will serve to answer her question.

I dug through the Rich Single Momma archives and found 9 articles that speak to her question. There are over 15 ways listed within these articles for this single mom to begin making extra money today.

Sell Possessions for Quick Cash

To sum the articles she can begin by selling some of her possessions either through the local classified ad, through craigslist, or at the local pawn shop. Having a yard sale (especially during this time of year) is also a very good option.

Cook or Bake for Quick Cash

If she has cooking and/or baking skills she can buy some ingredients to make cakes, cookies, or whatever her specialty item is and sell them to the neighbors and co-workers. If she makes up some samples to give away she could get pre-orders.

Use Everyday Skills for Quick Cash

If cooking is not her thing, she could use her everyday skills to make extra money. Whether it’s typing, sewing, crafts, or whatever she can do, there is a way to make money from her skills and talents.

The Biggest Reason We Fail

The biggest issue many people have is fear of their plan failing. They are afraid to try because it might not work. This is a very valid fear. When I first started making money on the side I was not all that confident.

I tested things out first to see if there was any interest. The way most products or services sell is through word of mouth or recommendations. People do it everyday. A friend or family member has a good experience with a product or service and they tell someone else.

Spread the Word to Make Quick Cash

The key is to beginning telling people about what you are offering. If you are giving samples of food it should be fairly easy to get things going. If people are asking you for certain things all the time it may be a clue that what you have to offer is or can be in demand.

First Things First for Quick Cash

If this single mom is in desperate need of money then I suggest she begin selling possessions first. It can be books, popular DVDs, small electronic items, instruments, clothing, furniture, or other valuables. Selling her gold jewelry is also a very good way to get a good amount of money fast.

These tips will help this single mom make money quickly. She doesn’t have to struggle or be afraid there are no options for her. The reality is there are many ways to make extra money in a short period of time.

Below are links to the archived articles on what I like to call side hustles or how to make extra money.

Make Money Ironing and Mending
Make Money Renting Your Space
Make Money Baking
Make Money Through Temp Work
Make Money Side Hustling
Make Money Selling Your Stuff
Make Money with Your Change
Make Money the Quick and Easy Way

I hope you enjoyed reading How to Make Cash Quickly.

Do you have any specific questions you’d like to ask me about making extra money or how to reduce your stress as a single mom? Send me an email to samantha at richsinglemomma.com or simply leave a comment below.

7 Money Tips for Single Moms (and the Redbox Code)

The relationship between single moms and money is turbulent. Her struggle to get more to take care of her family seems endless and the more she tries it seems the more illusive it becomes. But a bigger issue with money is how to manage what she has and discover new ways to get a little (or lot) extra.

Here are seven tips for single moms that may make the relationship more agreeable:

7 Money Tips for Single Moms (and the Redbox Code)

The relationship between single moms and money is turbulent. Her struggle to get more to take care of her family seems endless and the more she tries it seems the more illusive it becomes. But a bigger issue with money is how to manage what she has and discover new ways to get a little (or lot) extra.

Here are seven tips for single moms that may make the relationship more agreeable:

Operation Nurture Mommy: Free and Low Cost Ways to Take Care of Myself without Breaking the Bank

I am worn out, emotionally that is. Over the last couple of months I have been doing a lot of extra giving, especially to my kids. I love them so much and want them to have the best of me. I want to be emotionally present and assure them of my love and interest in their lives.

It seems the fallout of being a single mom is the need to over express and give abundant reassurance that my kids are okay. They are loved and wanted.

Operation Nurture Mommy: Free and Low Cost Ways to Take Care of Myself without Breaking the Bank

I am worn out, emotionally that is. Over the last couple of months I have been doing a lot of extra giving, especially to my kids. I love them so much and want them to have the best of me. I want to be emotionally present and assure them of my love and interest in their lives.

It seems the fallout of being a single mom is the need to over express and give abundant reassurance that my kids are okay. They are loved and wanted.

Side Hustle Round-up

Over the last few months I’ve been sharing ways to make extra money on the side. I’ve covered most interests but there are still many more to consider.

If you got a copy of the Side Hustles for Single Moms ebook, you know that there are over 200 ways to make extra money. But repetition always leaves an impression so I’ll review a few of the past side hustles now.

Side Hustle Round-up

Over the last few months I’ve been sharing ways to make extra money on the side. I’ve covered most interests but there are still many more to consider.

If you got a copy of the Side Hustles for Single Moms ebook, you know that there are over 200 ways to make extra money. But repetition always leaves an impression so I’ll review a few of the past side hustles now.

Simple Savings Tips for Single Moms

Now this is an interesting story I read on CNN.com about ways to make money. Remember the change jar side hustle? Well I’m not the only one with this idea. In New York one family has made it a family affair. They pick up any coins they find on the streets, even in the snow. Now that’s dedication!

Even though the whole collecting change idea is not new, it is gaining popularity these days. Found money can come from many sources and its fun to see how much you can collect.

Simple Savings Tips for Single Moms

Now this is an interesting story I read on CNN.com about ways to make money. Remember the change jar side hustle? Well I’m not the only one with this idea. In New York one family has made it a family affair. They pick up any coins they find on the streets, even in the snow. Now that’s dedication!

Even though the whole collecting change idea is not new, it is gaining popularity these days. Found money can come from many sources and its fun to see how much you can collect.

Side Hustle Series: Profit from Your Green Thumb

Some people are born with a green thumb and others have to cultivate it. Then there are others who simply aren’t interested in digging in the dirt. If you happen to belong to the first group you can use your talents to provide a service for the later group.

When I was girl my parents had a garden. To this day I still enjoy gardening and seeing vegetables grow. I am not very good with houseplants though so artificial plants are best for me.

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Side Hustle Series: Profit from Your Green Thumb

Some people are born with a green thumb and others have to cultivate it. Then there are others who simply aren’t interested in digging in the dirt. If you happen to belong to the first group you can use your talents to provide a service for the later group.

When I was girl my parents had a garden. To this day I still enjoy gardening and seeing vegetables grow. I am not very good with houseplants though so artificial plants are best for me.

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Weird and Proven Ways to Make Extra Money

A few months ago I talked about way to make money if you are broke. One of the things I mentioned was participating in focus groups and surveys. I have been participating in both side gigs since September and to date I’ve earned over $300 in cash and gift cards. This week I have two focus groups that I am participating in. One is a taste test and the other is a focus group on local media. The payout is $75 and $40 for just a few minutes of my time. This will bring my earnings up to over $400.

I probably could have made more had I been persistent but life happens and I don’t follow through sometimes. To find focus groups in your

Weird and Proven Ways to Make Extra Money

A few months ago I talked about way to make money if you are broke. One of the things I mentioned was participating in focus groups and surveys. I have been participating in both side gigs since September and to date I’ve earned over $300 in cash and gift cards. This week I have two focus groups that I am participating in. One is a taste test and the other is a focus group on local media. The payout is $75 and $40 for just a few minutes of my time. This will bring my earnings up to over $400.

I probably could have made more had I been persistent but life happens and I don’t follow through sometimes. To find focus groups in your

Side Hustle Series - Seasonal Tax Employee

Even though the holidays are here it is not too late to think about the upcoming tax season. Now is the time to apply for seasonal jobs in the tax offices that will be in full operation by January. If you have clerical, accounting, or data processing skills you are a prime candidate for working in your local tax office.

Hiring has already begun but it may not be too late to apply.

Side Hustle Series - Seasonal Tax Employee

Even though the holidays are here it is not too late to think about the upcoming tax season. Now is the time to apply for seasonal jobs in the tax offices that will be in full operation by January. If you have clerical, accounting, or data processing skills you are a prime candidate for working in your local tax office.

Hiring has already begun but it may not be too late to apply.

Side Hustle Series – Rent out your space

We live in an age where people accumulate stuff and refuse to let it go. That is why there are so many storage rental places popping up all over the place. Depending on the size the space the rental fee can range from $25 to $125 a month to store all the, ummmm, stuff that can’t fit in the house. Sometime though, people, other single moms, students, or people in transit need a temporary place to store their goods. T

Side Hustle Series – Rent out your space

We live in an age where people accumulate stuff and refuse to let it go. That is why there are so many storage rental places popping up all over the place. Depending on the size the space the rental fee can range from $25 to $125 a month to store all the, ummmm, stuff that can’t fit in the house. Sometime though, people, other single moms, students, or people in transit need a temporary place to store their goods. T

Side Hustle Series – Deliver Newspapers

As hard as it is to believe, there are people who still subscribe to the local newspaper. The internet has taken quite a few former newspaper readers online, but there are some who are die-hard real newspaper fans. They expect their newspaper at their door step every morning like clock work. The postal service is not in the business of delivering papers so somebody has to do it so why not you.

Delivering newspapers is a great way to earn extra money on the side while working your regular job. Most of the time newspapers are delivered early in the morning, usually before sunrise between the hours of 4am-6am. Those early hours are great because you are making money early and easily.

This is one job that you can take your kids on. You can put them in your car and let them sleep while you drive. Take a small snack, a pillow, and blankets and do your rounds. You will fall into a great routine over time so your mornings will go buy effortlessly. Since you are already up you won’t have to struggle to get ready for work.

There is a downside to delivering newspapers though as with all things. You may encounter late delivery at your pick up station which will make you late delivering. Some customers may blame you for that. You have to pay for the wear and tear on your car and pay for your own gas.

The popularity of newspapers is going down because of Internet access to the news. So this may limit the number of newspaper delivery jobs right now. There are other types of delivery that can be done such as phonebook, community newspapers, free newspapers, and free magazine delivery to storefronts and other public gathering places.

Side Hustle Series – Deliver Newspapers

As hard as it is to believe, there are people who still subscribe to the local newspaper. The internet has taken quite a few former newspaper readers online, but there are some who are die-hard real newspaper fans. They expect their newspaper at their door step every morning like clock work. The postal service is not in the business of delivering papers so somebody has to do it so why not you.

Delivering newspapers is a great way to earn extra money on the side while working your regular job. Most of the time newspapers are delivered early in the morning, usually before sunrise between the hours of 4am-6am. Those early hours are great because you are making money early and easily.

This is one job that you can take your kids on. You can put them in your car and let them sleep while you drive. Take a small snack, a pillow, and blankets and do your rounds. You will fall into a great routine over time so your mornings will go buy effortlessly. Since you are already up you won’t have to struggle to get ready for work.

There is a downside to delivering newspapers though as with all things. You may encounter late delivery at your pick up station which will make you late delivering. Some customers may blame you for that. You have to pay for the wear and tear on your car and pay for your own gas.

The popularity of newspapers is going down because of Internet access to the news. So this may limit the number of newspaper delivery jobs right now. There are other types of delivery that can be done such as phonebook, community newspapers, free newspapers, and free magazine delivery to storefronts and other public gathering places.

Side Hustle Series - Bake Up Some Profits

With the holiday season ramping it now is the time to use your baking skills to earn some extra Christmas money. If you make exceptional cakes, cookies, and/or pies you are one of the few people that will be in demand. Not everyone can bake and the thousands of people around you with a sweet tooth will beat down your door once they find out that you can bake.

How do you get started? Make some samples and place them in the employee, teacher, or nurses’ lounge. Put your baked goods where people gather and leave a note letting people know how to get more. You could give out samples as an early holiday gift, sort of a holiday kickoff things. Attach your business card (make some up), brochure, or mini-flier to the package.

You will have to come up with a system to take orders and deliver your product. Another option is to bake up a batch of cookies, brownies, or other easy to bake and take item and sell them from you office desk or locker.

If you are daring place a classified ad on Craigslist.org, Backpage.com, or Kijiji.com. You can also sell your goodies (the baked ones) on eBay. They have a classified ad option for $10 that will remain on the site and searchable for 30 days. That's not a bad value at all!

So there you have it. Another side hustle idea that you can run away with. Tweak it and make it yours. Let me know how it works out for you.