Dear Grandpa Robert -- Emergency Cash

Dear Grandpa Robert,
I feel like such a failure as a mother, times are so hard and we're on our last dime. Do you have any tips for making emergency cash?

First of all practically every family goes through hard times. With today’s economy your situation is very common. The fact that you are concerned and want to do something to change you situation tells me that you are not a failure, rather someone your children will be able to immolate.

Since I don’t know your skills let me provide some information that paints a wide swath. I’ll start with a few items from my book, The Ultimate Guide for Stay-at-home Parents, and end with information on “Job Scams”.

There are many jobs you can do at home to supplement your income. You can write articles for newspapers, put together scrapbooks or photo albums, sew, or create decorative baskets or centerpieces for tables. Do the things that come easy to you and that you enjoy.

Writing takes skill and newspapers do not pay very well, so don’t expect to make a lot of money off of this type of work. Many newspapers need articles about upcoming events and activities in the area that they serve, as well as activities in the surrounding areas. If you are interested in doing this work, contact the editor at the paper and inquire. Most papers have multiple editors that cover different features such as sports, community, news, etc. Contact the one that oversees the area in which you can contribute.

You might also consider writing a book. This is not an area where you can get quick money. Becoming a published author takes time, and becoming a well-known author that can land six or seven figure advances on contracts takes even longer. There are numerous books on the subject that can help you. Check used book stores, or search the web for reduced prices but a great way to start is to find a local writing group. There are groups dedicated to practically anything you can think of. Attend the meetings and talk to the members of the group. You find out what it takes, acquire information on how to start and discover if it’s really something you want to pursue.

If you have craft skills, there is always a market. Small retail shops are always looking for homemade crafts. Decorative baskets, center pieces for tables, attractive metal sculptures, birdhouses, boxes, chairs, etc. can bring in good money. You can sell your products at a local flea-market, conventions and home shows, or advertise through newspapers.

Practically everyone wants photo albums and scrapbooks, but many folks don’t have the skill or the time to create them. Chances are good that you know people who have boxes overflowing with pictures waiting to be organized. You might even be one of them. Arranging photos in a photo album or a scrapbook takes skill and time, but is an activity that can bring in extra money.

This is another area that requires a skill many people do not have. Sewing machines come with many accessories and can stitch, monogram, create logos, and make practically anything you can imagine. You can create made-to-order items or make items on speculation.

If you have computer skills you might be able to type reports, design web pages, or provide a wide spectrum of other computer services. Check with you local companies. Many have work-at-home programs.

The easiest and fastest way to earn extra cash is with a part time job. If you have the time and someone to watch the children, there are a few jobs that pay well and often. One is pizza delivery. You need a car and will put miles on it. The pay is low but the tips are usually very good. Also there is a large turn over in this type of job so it is a job where you can usually find a quick opening.

Another is babysitting. This can be done in your home and doesn’t require extra help. You can notify your neighbors as well as daycare centers that do not stay open in the evening. Many places that deal with young parents will also let you put up a flyer advertising babysitting. Local coffee shops are good places for these.

Many fast food restaurants need people to work flex-hours. That is the time they need people to cover a large customer time or times when they have the fewest people available.

Many towns have car washes and this is another job where there is a large turnover. It is hard work, but again you very well might be able to set hours that are more convenient to you.

Many of the jobs I have listed are not long term jobs that will give you a career, but they are jobs that can help you with your financial crisis. Don’t limit yourself, look around and you will find jobs where you can say to yourself, “I can do that.”

Be aware that many of the “work from home” jobs are scams, designed to do nothing more than take your money. Many of the ads are very appealing and on the surface appear to be perfect job for someone unable to seek work outside of the home. Such ads are everywhere. They are on television, newspapers, the internet, and even the corner telephone pole. Proceed with caution.

Beware of ‘jobs’ that require you to pay for things, whether those things are cheap fliers, expensive credit card machines or anything else. Also, understand that you may have to work many hours without pay, run your own newspaper ads, and buy all of your own supplies. Many of these companies require you to buy a book, pay a set-up fee, or purchase a computer guide.

You should consider before taking any “job” such as these as “starting your own business”, and make sure it’s a business worth devoting time, energy and money to. In almost all cases, you’ll see that it’s not.

If you want to find out the latest information on work-at-home scams go to the Federal Trade Commission web site at http://www.ftc.gov. Type “work-at-home schemes” or “work-at-home scams” into the search function. You will find information that will help you avoid getting caught. You can also check out companies by going to the Better Business Bureau web site at http://www.bbb.org. You can easily check out a business or even find a Better Business Bureau accredited business. You should also check out the company with your local consumer protection agency or state Attorney General. Find out information from agencies not only where the company is located, but also where you live. These organizations can tell you whether they have received complaints about the work-at-home program that interests you. Be wary, the absence of complaints doesn’t necessarily mean the company is legitimate. Unscrupulous companies may settle complaints, change their names, or move to avoid detection.