by Charleen Larson

Created on: December 30, 2008

You had it all planned, didn't you, coming into the fall of 2008. With cash set aside for Christmas shopping and most of your savings in stocks and mutual funds just as the experts advised, the forecast for the rest of the year was clear and sunny with no black clouds.

When the market crash reduced your holdings to rubble, you scrimped where you could but ultimately there was too much Christmas, too little cash and one too many unexpected emergencies.

It's time to put your financial life back together.

"The bills are mounting." Have unused gift cards lying around? SwapAGift is a website that will pay 65 to 70% of a gift card's value to a creditor of your choice. Simply send them the card and the bill, and SwapAGift will do the rest.

"I need some quick cash." Rummage through your drawers and jewelry boxes for old or broken gold jewelry you no longer wear or want. MyGoldParty will send, on request, a scrap box. You mail it back, they weigh your gold and make you an offer. If you decide not to take the offer, your items will be returned. A couple of necklaces and a bracelet could net you hundreds of dollars. Scrap sterling silver finds eager buyers on eBay. Weigh it and check the spot price for silver before listing.

"The interest on my credit cards is appalling." If you look around you'll find a list of 0% balance transfer credit offers. If you can't pay off one of your high-interest cards right away, you can keep interest charges from accruing, at least for a while.

"I want to start a part-time business." Do you collect Roseville pottery, Lladro figurines, antique buttons or the like? Collectors morph into dealers when money gets tight. Then they start buying again, but this time to re-sell.

"I'll do anything." Would you sell some of your blood? Payments range from $25 to $40 per donation if you qualify. Consult your Yellow Pages. Have asthma or another chronic condition? Check for clinical trials in your area.

"I have a friend who can help." Excellent. Have a garage sale or buy a space at the flea market. Price your items at least 50% off retail so they'll sell. Or follow the lead of an enterprising friend: Consign your castoffs to other peoples' garage sales and promise them a percentage of the proceeds. While others were manning the sales, she was at home listing the best items on eBay.

"I'm good with animals." Lucky you! There's a whole host of opportunities waiting, from dog walking to grooming and from petsitting to pet photography. There's even a market for people who will transport animals to the vet.

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