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:

Side Hustle Series - Mystery Shopping

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a side hustle but I haven’t forgotten.

If you love shopping then Mystery Shopping might be just the thing for you. It is unbelievable that you can get paid to shop but it’s true. There are companies who want to be sure that their customers are getting the best service possible. After all it is customers that keep businesses in business.

As a mystery shopper you simply visit different establishments and report on how they treat you, the quality of the products, and the appearance of the establishment. The type of companies you visit varies from apartment complexes to banks to restaurants.

Side Hustle Series – Mystery Shopping

It’s been a while since I’ve posted a side hustle but I haven’t forgotten.

If you love shopping then Mystery Shopping might be just the thing for you. It is unbelievable that you can get paid to shop but it’s true. There are companies who want to be sure that their customers are getting the best service possible. After all it is customers that keep businesses in business.

As a mystery shopper you simply visit different establishments and report on how they treat you, the quality of the products, and the appearance of the establishment. The type of companies you visit varies from apartment complexes to banks to restaurants.

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.

Side Hustle Tips for Octuplet Mom Nadya

Nadya, the Octomom, is getting hammered in the media right now. Last night I saw a clip with reporters hounding her as she tried to get to her car. Both large and small press outlet seem obsessed with her and are digging up as much dirt to discredit  her.

Now granted, she is a bit…ummm, different. Why would any woman, much less a single woman, want to have some many children? Why bring them into the world with no way to support them? There are a million questions that can be raised but none of them will change the situation.

What Nadya needs are solutions right now.

Side Hustle Tips for Octuplet Mom Nadya

Nadya, the Octomom, is getting hammered in the media right now. Last night I saw a clip with reporters hounding her as she tried to get to her car. Both large and small press outlet seem obsessed with her and are digging up as much dirt to discredit  her.

Now granted, she is a bit…ummm, different. Why would any woman, much less a single woman, want to have some many children? Why bring them into the world with no way to support them? There are a million questions that can be raised but none of them will change the situation.

What Nadya needs are solutions right 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:

Single Mom Side Hustle Series: Cater to Kids

Single moms are pretty much experts when it comes to kids. From birth, tots, tweens and teens, single moms experience every phase of parenting these little people. To make money from your expertise cater to kids or other parents. Child care is always in demand so if you have extra space and time consider being a baby sitter, offer after-school care, or weekend care.

Here are 10 ways to ways to make capitalize on your talents and love for kids:

Single Mom Side Hustle Series: Cater to Kids

Single moms are pretty much experts when it comes to kids. From birth, tots, tweens and teens, single moms experience every phase of parenting these little people. To make money from your expertise cater to kids or other parents. Child care is always in demand so if you have extra space and time consider being a baby sitter, offer after-school care, or weekend care.

Here are 10 ways to ways to make capitalize on your talents and love for kids:

Side Hustle Annoucement: US Census Bureau Hiring

I just came across this annoucement on one of the social networks that I belong to.

If you are looking for a lucrative side gig check out the US Census Bureau.

"The US Census Bureau has announced they are hiring for Census Takers/Supervisors. The rate of pay is $18.00 per hour. Anyone interested should apply at the U.S. Census Bureau or link to http://www.census.gov/2010censusjobs/index.php or call 1-866-861-2010 to sign up for testing."

Don't take too long to go and sign  up. I'm sure there will be an overwhelming number of applications over the next few days.

Side Hustle Annoucement: US Census Bureau Hiring

I just came across this annoucement on one of the social networks that I belong to.

If you are looking for a lucrative side gig check out the US Census Bureau.

"The US Census Bureau has announced they are hiring for Census Takers/Supervisors. The rate of pay is $18.00 per hour. Anyone interested should apply at the U.S. Census Bureau or link to http://www.census.gov/2010censusjobs/index.php or call 1-866-861-2010 to sign up for testing."

Don't take too long to go and sign  up. I'm sure there will be an overwhelming number of applications over the next few days.

Side Hustle Series: Sell Your Body

I am always on the look out for ways to make money. I firmly believe in having multiple streams of income, because if one dries up you have other sources to fall back on.

So I visit Craigslist.org often to see what is on the jobs site, especially the ETC. section. There are a lot of interesting things there and that is where I find many focus group and survey opportunities.

Egg Donors Wanted

Recently there have been quite few ads for egg donors. Yes there are companies that pay you for your eggs, as in ovaries.

Side Hustle Series: Sell Your Body

I am always on the look out for ways to make money. I firmly believe in having multiple streams of income, because if one dries up you have other sources to fall back on.

So I visit Craigslist.org often to see what is on the jobs site, especially the ETC. section. There are a lot of interesting things there and that is where I find many focus group and survey opportunities.

Egg Donors Wanted

Recently there have been quite few ads for egg donors. Yes there are companies that pay you for your eggs, as in ovaries.

Side Hustle Series: Ironing and Mending

A little while ago I gave some thought to start an ironing service. I actually like ironing better than any other clothing maintenance tasks. It all started with my dad who taught me how to iron his shirts and pants to a crisp. The starch had to be heavy so that the pants would stand up on their own, lol. So ironing is a must in my house because I can’t have my kids going out like they just stepped out of a trash bag.

My mom used to work for a laundry service a few years ago. She did the garment mending within the establishment and saw how profitable the business was. The basic clientele were businessmen and women. The just don’t time to do their own laundry or don’t know how. This is a great business to start if you live in or near an area where there are a lot of businesses.

So what would you do? How would you get business? In the beginning you would need to post flyers in fitness centers, grocery store, and office complexes. You might even get the business relationship person in human resources to post an ad in the offices.

You will have to develop a system to pick-up and drop off the clothes. In addition to ironing clothes you may offer mending services such as sewing on buttons, repairing rips, and hemming pants and skirts if you have the skills.

Though at first look this side hustle seems demeaning, there are individuals that make good money taking care of other people’s laundry.