by Karen Bledsoe

Created on: September 12, 2010

It's a week until payday, and you've run out of money before you've run out of month. You have kids to feed, and the gas tank is nearly empty. What are you going to do?

Don't waste your time fretting. Instead, it's time to exercise your imagination and find ways to raise cash quickly.

First, prioritize. What MUST you have money for? At the top of your list should be three items: food, transportation to work, and any prescription medications.  

Next, assess your resources. You have two ways of raising cash in a day or two: sell things, or sell your services.

If you live in an area that has a deposit on drink containers, see how many you have around the house. Scout the neighborhood for discarded cans and bottles. Fish them out of the trash cans at work. You might only raise a few dollars, but that can buy you a dozen eggs.

Any used books or comics in the house that you don't need? Some used bookstores pay cash for books.

Do you have stuff you can sell in a garage sale? Can you throw a sale together quickly to raise cash while cleaning out your garage? Get a few neighbors in on the sale, and you'll attract many more customers. 

Is there a plasma donation center in your area? Selling plasma may feel like a last desperate act, but if the $40-$60 you earn will feed the family until payday, give it some thought.

Does anyone you know need a babysitter? Or need their lawn mowed?

Do you play a musical instrument? If you're willing to be a street musician for a few hours, put out a hat and see how much cash you can collect. Or see if a restaurant will hire you to entertain for an evening.

Can you do magic tricks? If you amaze your friends, you can amaze paying customers, too. Many restaurants will pay to have a good magician go from table to table. You can also do street magic, with a hat out for tips.

Each of these ideas may only raise a few dollars, but the more you do, the more the dollars add up. Once you have cash in hand, use it wisely. Don't expect to dine on steak and asparagus. It's rice and beans time for you and your family. Don't let yourself be distracted by impulse items, either. Put them off until payday. If you have kids, be honest with them about your current finances so they understand and don't beg for treats.

Whatever you do, don't be tempted by payday loan companies. They may sound like your best friend at the moment, but they're in business to make money off of you by charging crippling interest.

Once payday arrives and the crisis is over,

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