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Americans are experiencing the beginning of the worst recession since 1980-82. Economic growth contracted the past two quarters and is expected to do the same during the current government accounting period. The financial meltdown, combined with a housing bust, could lead the nation into a prolonged economic malaise. Recessions typically mean reduced working hours and possible layoffs. Now is the time to prepare for the lost income by making some extra money.

There are a number of ways to earn some extra cash. You want to find income producing opportunities that don't require any formal training and can be completed outside of your normal working regimen. The following are some fast and simple ways to augment your income.

YELLOWBOOK

Yellowbook is a phone directory that is published on annual basis like At&T's Yellow pages. The company seeks independent contractors for every market that they serve. You are paid after successfully completing a delivery route.

All you need is a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. You can deliver anytime during daylight hours, including on the weekends. Yellowbook's pay scale is much more generous that AT&T's, working out to an average of $15-20 an hour. Gasoline, while costly, is your only expense. You can mitigate the high price of gasoline by delivering to areas near your home.

When I was downsized in 2004, I contacted Yellowbook after seeing a recruitment advertisement in my local newspaper. I worked for five weeks and grossed over $2500, working about thirty hours a week. I had ample time to prepare for interviews and conduct a job search.

Time flexibility is the advantage of delivering Yellowbook telephone books.

ODD JOBS

As a child, many of us grabbed the family snow shovel and hit the streets looking for cash after a snowstorm. The same principle applies today. All you need to do is devise a pay scale for yourself and procure a snow shovel. Most significant snowstorms preclude occupational responsibilities. Take advantage of a snow day by shoveling the white stuff for cash in your neighborhood. There are no age restrictions.

My brother cuts grass for my parents, grandparents, and his ex-wife's parents. The additional income he generates allows him to participate in hiking trips with a local club. He cuts grass on the weekends or after work during the longer days of summer. He doesn't have to invest in lawn care machinery or pay for gasoline. He just shows up, cuts the grass, and leaves with a check.

That kind of

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