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Finding Extra Cash

© Jennifer Krausz

There are many reasons why a one income family might need a little extra cash. Maybe you overspent at Christmas, or you'd like to take a vacation this summer but can't spare the cash. Maybe you are working on debt reduction and would like to accelerate the process. Or maybe your family isn't quite making budget on just one income. Whatever the reason, here are some of the best ways I've found to get the extra cash you need.

Sell your unwanted stuff

Most of us have items in our house that we really don't need or use. Basically, it's just taking up space. Why not clean the clutter, simplify, and get some extra cash, too? Here are some ways to sell your stuff for the most possible cash.

--Try selling items in good condition on ebay. This is great for for collectibles, used kids' clothing in great condition (brand names), jewelry, and lots of other items. Do a search to find out what's being sold and for how much. Then follow the simple instructions. I just sold some of my husband's old concert tees and made $25.00.

--Do you have lots of books, CDs and video/DVDs you no longer want? I have made almost $150 on half.com, a division of ebay. Instead of auctioning, you set a price for each item and people purchase at your price. CDs and DVDs sell more quickly than books and videos; half.com also sells video and computer games as well. I go through my CD collection and bookshelves every few months for new items to sell. Visit half.com by clicking here .

--Do your kids outgrow their clothes and toys faster than they wear them out? Take everything in good condition to a children's consignment shop or better yet, a resale shop, which pays cash on the spot for clothes, toys, and equipment. You can also get credit toward purchases at the store. Most resale stores offer 60% credit or 40% cash, based on their pricing of your items. I make several hundred dollars a year doing this.

--There are many more ways to turn your unwanted stuff into cash. The above three are my current favorites, because they seem to generate the most profit with the least effort. I also hold yard sales, turn in books, CDs and computer software/games for credit or cash at local resale shops, and take my own used clothing (and my husband's) to local consignment shops, where I get 50% of the selling price.