Let's start with a few offline options that you can take advantage of to get your hands on some quick cash legally.
1. Offer Small Services in Your Neighborhood
With Christmas coming, it could be an ideal time to offer your services to help neighbors and families put up Christmas lights.
You can advertise your service through flyers distribution, or simply post them on those bulletin boards of the grocery stores.
The rate may vary depending where you are, but I think it is reasonable to ask for about $100, perhaps more if there is more work.
You can charge your service based on an hourly rate, but most homeowners would be more comfortable dealing with a flat rate.
Get on with the idea now.
Start knocking on doors straight away as there are families who have already get started with their holiday decoration.
You will come across families who want your engagement only some weeks down the road.
Don't get discouraged by that.
At least you are guaranteed of some income in the future.
- Design a service package that is attractive. For example, you can propose to hang Christmas decoration and lights and take them down when Christmas is over. Always include family and friends in your distribution list designed to publicize your service. Make a habit of using calendar/appointment book so that every detail (like schedules and addresses) of each transaction is recorded. This helps you to make sure you don't inadvertently skip any appointment. Anybody can hang lights unless you have a problem with ladders or heights. If Christmas lighting is not your thing, you can always choose housecleaning or snow shoveling.
Turn It into a Long-term Business
Well, there is always the New Year's celebration right after Christmas, so you could be assured of plenty of casual work in the days after Christmas.
If you like getting paid for surveys, and are going to join only one site, I would recommend you choose Ipsos-iSay. Ipsos is the most fun and well-paying panel. Give it a try to see how you like it. It is free anyway!
People will always need somebody to cut the grass, organize the garage, rake the leaves, etc.
I was once paid $70 just to set up a plug and play entertainment center.
I also got $50 for clearing garden and $25 for shoveling snow.
The opportunities are out there, you just have to be willing to get down and dirty.
Don't forget Craigslist. It's the best place to find quick and easy gigs in your local area that can put fast cash in your pocket.
2. Donate Blood Plasma
This is perhaps the fastest way to get the cash.
Many blood donation centers will actually pay you as soon as they get your blood.
Do a simple search online, or check out this post to find the nearest blood donation centers. You will have your cash in hand within hours.
3. Sell Some Clothes to Your Local Plato's Closet
Another great way to hold the green in your hand within an hour or so is to sell your clothes.
Take some of your clothes (preferably old and unused ones) to your local Plato's Closet (or an equivalent store).
They pay you cash right then and there.
On top of selling clothes, you can also sell them sunglasses, belt, shoes, and other accessories.
4. Pawn
I usually don't like to recommend this as most pawn shops give you a small fraction of the value of what you are pawning,.
But as a last resort, it's an option that exists.
