Over 38 million Americans have filed for unemployment due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. That number is equivalent to the population of 21 states combined.
If you find yourself struggling during these uncertain times, it’s safe to say that you aren’t the only one. While your health should be your number one priority right now, you also need to consider how you’ll pay your bills without a steady paycheck.
If you are in need of money due to the pandemic, you need to think outside the box in order to make enough money.
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Keep reading to find out how
1. Food Delivery Services
If you need money now, delivering take out is a great way to generate some income. Many people are unable to leave their homes and are tired of cooking every single meal. That means they’re ordering take out a lot more often than they normally would.
Sign up for a food delivery service like GrubHub or DoorDash. Customers order takeout meals with these services. You choose an order to fulfill, drive to the restaurant to pick up the meal and deliver the food to the paying customer.
Depending on the demand where you live, you can make a lot of money just off your tips. If you enjoy driving and don’t mind that your car will smell like food for a while, this could be your solution.
2. Sell Your Belongings
With all the extra time on your hands, it’s the perfect opportunity to go through your belongings and downsize. By selling off the items you no longer use, you can make some extra money while also minimalizing your life.
Websites like Poshmark or even Facebook Marketplace are great resources to make some cash. First, find belongings around your house that you’re willing to part with. Things such as electronics, clothing, children’s items, and furniture are great money-makers.
All you need to do is take good quality photos of the items you’re selling and figure out how much money you want for them. Then, post your listing and wait for someone to buy it.
3. Donate Plasma
If you’re in good health, consider sharing your good with others while making some extra cash.
Plasma is part of your blood that helps with blood-clotting and can fight off some diseases. Because of this, many people are in need of plasma donations to stay healthy, meaning businesses are willing to pay you for your plasma.
To donate plasma, you’ll want to find a medical facility near you that specializes in this practice. Once you set up an appointment, the actual process will take around an hour and a half. During this time, your blood is drawn, the plasma is removed, and your plasma-free blood is returned to your body.
Depending on how many times a month you donate, you can make around $300 and help someone in the process.
4. Monetize Your Hobbies
Unemployed with a lot of free time on your hands? This might be the perfect opportunity to pick up an old or new hobby and monetize it.
Maybe you love to draw portraits of people’s pets. Perhaps you’re great at pottery and want to start creating dinnerware. Or, you may enjoy knitting and trying new designs.
If so, get crafting and list your finished products for sale. You can start by selling to your friends and family members to see if people like the products you’re offering. Then, move on to sites like Etsy to reach customers from across the world.
5. Shop for Groceries
Many people who are sick or living with compromised immune systems are quarantined to their homes. This makes it hard for them to receive their daily necessities like groceries. By shopping for others, you can assist those in need and fill your wallet.
Instacart and Shipt are great companies to look into if this sounds like a gig for you. Just like food delivery services, you’ll accept an order and then do a customer’s grocery shopping for them. You’ll pay for the groceries with a special debit card provided by the company and receive a tip once you deliver the customer’s order.
6. Research Your Assistance Options
With so many people across the country in the same financial situation, there are a lot of assistance options out there if you know where to look. Taking the time to research your options can pay off big time.
Thanks to the CARES Act, unemployment benefits are available to more people than ever before. If you lost your income due to COVID-19, odds are you qualify for unemployment benefits.
In addition, check your current bills to see if they’ve changed due to the pandemic. Federal student loans are currently in a forbearance state, so you don’t currently have to pay them. Many utility companies and lenders are offering similar benefits.
7. Get a Payday Loan
Have you already tried a few of these options and are still coming up short of paying for your necessities? If so, you can always apply for a payday loan to help get you through the pandemic.
Payday loans are a common way to get unemployment loans fast. Wondering how payday loans work? They work like a cash advance, giving you money quickly, with very few requirements to receive one.
In normal situations, you’d have to provide proof of income to qualify for certain amounts. But due to the ongoing pandemic, many lenders are currently making exceptions.
Be aware that these loans can come with high-interest rates. Apply for one as a last resort only.
In Need of Money? Try a Few of These Options
If you’re in need of money due to the ongoing pandemic, using these options can help you generate a decent income.
Depending on how much money you need, you can use one or multiple ways to generate income at the same time. Just remember to give yourself time to breathe and protect your mental health during these uncertain times.
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