10 Profitable Side Gigs for Quick Cash

Julie Boehlke Make Money , , , ,
10 Profitable Side Gigs for Quick Cash

Times can be tough. Even working a full-time job can often leave many of us falling short by the end of the month. There is a solution: finding a side gig to supplement your income. While income flow can be unpredictable these days, hard work and perseverance pays off. Whether you’re looking for a way to start saving up some cash for a rainy day, or need to pay off a past due utility bill, check out these side gigs now. 

1. Food Delivery

During the pandemic, many restaurants were closed to the public, forcing people to stay home. So food delivery was in high demand. The good news is, it still is. It’s a convenient way to have dinner and it’s delivered right to your doorstep. It’s also still a lucrative way to make some money. Companies like Postmates, Grubhub and DoorDash offer ways for you to score extra cash in your spare time. Some people report making up to $30 an hour!

2. Microtasks

So many people are working online these days. Maybe your dream is to land the perfect computer job where your commute is simply to your living room couch. Doing things like micro-tasking gives you the flexibility and convenience of doing just that. If you have a laptop, sign up for accounts through sites like Spare5 and Amazon Mechanical Turk. If you’re good, accurate and fast, you can build up your clout, and earn a decent paycheck. 

3. Pet Sitting

Pets are life and our world revolves around making them happy. Pet owners don’t want to stress out about how they are cared for while they are away at work or on vacation. This is where you come in. If you’re good with animals and love interacting with them, start a pet sitting business. The income potential is limitless because you set your own rates. Grow your clientele and watch your business soar. 

4. Fiverr

Thousands of registered users login to Fiverr daily to search for and accept jobs. With everything from resume writing to creating company logos, if you can dream it, you can do it. Just pick a niche you’re good at and post your portfolio. Business owners will come to you for your expertise. Don’t let the word five in the title fool you to thinking it’s a cheap gig. You can raise your rates as you build your portfolio. It’s a great way to land a profitable side project and build your brand. 

5. Create a Blog

If you love to write and have a true passion for a particular subject, give blogging a try. It’s easy to set up a website, and then you just need content. From mommy blogging to food photos and how-to’s, topics are diverse and plentiful. You just need to plug into social media, and connect with others to drive up blog traffic. 

6.  Become a Vlogger

Blogger, vlogger, what’s the difference? Unlike a blogger, a vlogger grabs the video camera and talks about their story, rather than typing it out in a blog post. All you need is a big, free platform to reach your audience. Do this through YouTube. Pick a subject like makeup, shopping, or pranks on grandma. Gain loyal followers, traffic and advertisers. Before you know it, you’ll be making bank like some of the wealthiest YouTubers on the planet. 

7.  Self Publishing

Have you always wanted to publish your short story, just don’t know where to start? Try self-publishing. There are no harsh rules or requirements and you are free to say and shape your story to your own specifications. The best part? You can gain an audience overnight and get paid for it. Amazon self-publishing is the platform to do it. This is a serious and highly profitable side-gig if you can write and gain a loyal following. 

8. Become a Driver

Many people still need to make their way across town. With public transportation being hard to access and pricey, they turn to personal driving companies for assistance. This is where you come in. Sign up to be a driver for Uber or Lyft and build your reputation and your pocketbook. Pay is competitive and tips are often generous. 

9. Shop for Others

Many people just want to avoid crowds and other people these days. Or maybe they simply can’t get out and do their own grocery shopping. This is where you come in. If you’re already a fast and savvy shopper, this gig is perfect. The faster and more accurate you are, the more money you can make per hour by shopping for others. Instacart is a good place to check out. 

10. Sell Stuff

Getting a hold of items for cheap and turning them for a profit is a great way to make fast cash. Sites like Poshmark and eBay are some of the leading resale platforms. If you love dumpster diving, garage saling and thrifting, this is a perfect opportunity. Look for these top selling items:

  • Vintage or name-brand clothing
  • Handbags
  • Electronics
  • Antique or vintage home decor

As long as you sell items that are in demand and people want to buy them, you can create a turn-key business and a profitable side-hustle for yourself. 

Using any of these 10 ways to make some quick cash can be a lifesaver. Some may not be for you, while others may be able to help you out of a financial bind. Piggyback a couple or several for even more profit. Get your personal hustle game on and start making your dreams a reality now.  

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

Copyright 2021, Nurturingcents.com

Want to Improve a Weak Credit Score Fast? Don’t do This

Julie Boehlke Credit and Debt , , ,
Want to Improve a Weak Credit Score Fast? Don’t do This

If you haven’t been in the market for a new car, apartment or home recently, you may not have paid much attention to that three-digit magical number—your credit score. But if you have, you realize how valuable it is to securing the best deal possible and lowest available payment. Also referred to as a FICO number, it’s a vital tool to maintaining your finances and living a comfortable lifestyle. 

The highest possible FICO or credit score you can get is 850. The lowest is 300. And there are variable ranges in between. In addition, every lender is different with their criteria and requirements depending on the loan you’re applying for. Yes, it can get a little complicated. And truly it really isn’t cut and dry. 

A high FICO score is worth its weight in gold! It gives you the buying power and clout you need to get ahead in life. Did you pull your score only to realize the number is on the low side? This can be troubling because raising your score is not an easy feat, and it doesn’t happen overnight. 

Everyone knows that late payments and a big debt load cause FICO scores to plummet. But are there any other ways to raise it fast? There actually is. Let’s focus on what NOT to do. 

Don’t Ignore Existing Debt

Multiple credit card obligations, monthly utilities, car payments and a large mortgage. The bills just keep rolling in. An income loss or even a temporary layoff due to the pandemic can cause a trickle-down effect with late payments. Credit collectors start calling and sending letters to your home. Yikes!

People overwhelmed with debt want to get out from underneath it as quickly as possible. In fact, a high debt-to-income ratio or DTI can lead to a low credit score. 

The ideal DTI is around 35% or less. It pertains to all of your monthly debt obligations divided by how much income you have. This is one important factor in keeping your score high. 

Bottom line, if you have late payments, don’t ignore your creditors. Try to work out a reasonable repayment agreement. You don’t want debt going to collection. This can really cause your score to nosedive quickly.

Don’t Hire a Credit Repair Company

When you have a lot of credit cards and payments going out each month, it can seem impossible to get it paid off and start rebuilding a solid credit score. 

Turning to a credit repair agency may seem like the light at the end of the tunnel, or a fast fix, but it can make matters worse. Many are not out for the consumer’s best interest. They may charge huge fees and are sometimes scam worthy. 

Here are telltale signs that a credit repair company may be a scam:

  • They want a large up-front fee.
  • Offers to raise or erase your existing credit score.
  • Wants to keep credit reporting agencies out of it.
  • Discourages you from running your credit report.

A scam company will promise you the moon and to banish all your debt overnight. If you need help with your debt, select a reputable credit counselor who can assist you with managing your credit and obtaining solid resources. 

The best solution? Work on your own debt-repayment program. The debt-avalanche is a good one to start on. 

Don’t Apply for Secured Credit Cards

When your credit score pummels into the 500 or 600 range, you may suddenly find yourself with a lot of new credit card offers. Or companies that want to transfer your existing balances to a new card to reduce your debt load. This can be very tempting, especially when you’re broke. The problem? They are often secured cards with charge colossal amounts of interests and fees. The really bad news? They don’t raise your FICO score, they lower it. 

To improve your score, avoid these tempting new credit card offers.  

Don’t Extend Credit Limits

You already have an established credit card and they are offering to raise your limit and buying power. Don’t fall for it. While you could really use the cash to pay for your weekend getaway, giving into temptation will cost you your credit score. 

Don’t Accumulate New Debt

This goes beyond credit cards. It pertains to a new car loan, cell phone or anything that will come back as a hard credit inquiry on your credit report. Maybe your daughter applied for a new phone using your personal information. Just one quick application can drop FICO points fast. 

There are many things we can do to build up our score and boost credit worthiness. But avoiding some pitfalls is essential in making sure we can reach the top of the FICO realm sooner rather than later. With a little hard work and perseverance, your best score awaits!

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

Copyright 2021, Nurturingcents.com

5 DIY Landscaping Tips on a Budget

Julie Boehlke Budgeting , , ,
5 DIY Landscaping Tips on a Budget

Spring is just around the corner! It’s time to start thinking about how your outdoor space is going to stand out and offer stunning curb appeal. The issue is, it can be costly to hire someone to landscape your yard, so doing it yourself is the next best option. Prepare to grab your garden tools and evaluate your yard space. Here are 5 landscaping adds to implement this spring without emptying your wallet. 

1. Don’t Pay Top Dollar For Garden Tools

A discouraging factor for many people is that they don’t have fancy garden tools and gadgets in their garden shed. This shouldn’t be a deciding factor on revamping your outdoor space. There are several places to look for slightly used garden equipment that can make life easier. Check out:

  • Your local online marketplace
  • Auctions and swap meets
  • Garage and estate sales
  • Thrift and recycle stores

There are people eager to trade out or discard their slightly used garden tools. You really just need the basic tools to get started. Knowing where to look results in super cheap finds. 

2. Clear Out Beds and Trim Back Plants

One of the best landscaping tips is to clear out clutter in the garden. If you’re strapped for cash and can’t afford to add plants right now, at least tidy up garden beds. Trim back overgrown bushes and plants. Get rid of old landscaping rocks and ripped weed blocker. Repair fences and borders, and if you can’t fix them now, tear them out.   

3. Consider Mulch Alternatives

Mulch is the icing on the cake when it comes to the final presentation of your  landscape. It not only looks great, it keeps weeds at bay and helps plants retain their moisture. But it can be pricey. Consider some alternatives:

  • Pine needles
  • Compost
  • Newspaper
  • Straw

While these are temporary mulch solutions, they help get the job done. 

4. Revitalize What You Already Have

While it’s nice to dupe a garden look displayed on your favorite website or garden magazine, it can go beyond your budget. Take a close look at what you already have. Split up clumps of plants and disperse them elsewhere in your garden or give them away. Trim back trees and overgrown bushes. Transplant perennials to bare areas to fill in empty spots. 

5. Hit the Clearance Rack

In the back of most nurseries and garden retailers are clearance racks. Those dilapidated, wilted plants that no one wants. Don’t pass them by! You can save a fortune by revitalizing them. Some are pennies on the dollar of the original retail price. Go home and soak them, fertilize, and trim back. They may not be plant-in-the-ground ready just yet, but in time, they could be the showcase of your garden. 

Getting your yard in tip-top shape this spring starts with planning now. A little hard work and ingenuity will have your property looking top notch. Nothing beautiful happens overnight, but implementing a few landscaping tips will pay off big in the long run. 

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

Copyright 2021, Nurturingcents.com

5 Ways to Make Your Tax Refund Check Work For You

Julie Boehlke Editor's Pick , , , ,
5 Ways to Make Your Tax Refund Check Work For You

Many Americans are happy to know that their tax refund money is about to hit their bank accounts. It’s your money and you earned it. But as fast as it arrives, it can quickly be depleted. Because the economy is on a downward spiral, now is not the best time to go on a shopping spree.

Whether you need it desperately to pay for groceries or to simply splurge on something fun for yourself, it’s wise to think twice about how it should be spent. Here are 5 ways to make your tax refund dollars work to your advantage. 

Pay down past-due bills. If you’ve been affected by a layoff or monetary setback due to the pandemic, chances are you may have made a late payment or two. The main benefit of utilizing a tax refund is to get out of a financial hole and back on track with your monthly obligations. Get caught up on payments and pay down high balances on all of your bills if you can. 

Invest in penny stocks. Newer up-and-coming companies often sell their shares under a $1. This is enticing because it gives you the chance to invest a small amount of cash into these businesses. The result? The possibility of a generous return and a great way to get your feet into investing. The main caveat to consider is that these micro-cap companies may lack liquidity and they may not be as financially stable as others. Investing is always a risk, so using tax money is a more attractive option. 

Start a life insurance policy. One thing COVID has taught everyone is that life is unpredictable. Not only from an economic perspective, but health-wise too. Do you have loved ones who depend on your income? Now is the best time to think about your legacy and what you will leave behind for your family after you pass away. If you don’t have a life insurance policy in place, now is the time to set one up. Some can be started with just a few bucks and offer a good return at an affordable monthly payment. 

Add to your emergency fund. Job closures, layoffs and unemployment are at an all-time high. So money for daily survival is a top priority. Keeping up with your emergency fund is vital. Whether you have funds set aside or not, using your refund check to stash cash away is a great way to build a security cushion. Start with $1,000 and build it up from there. Shoot for around three months of your average monthly income.

Do some home improvements. If you own a home and have all your debts in check, put your tax refund to good use by investing in your property. Spruce things up around the house by doing a small home improvement project or two. It enhances your lifestyle and also boosts the value of your home. 

Whether you plan on indulging with a new wardrobe or need to put food in the fridge, your tax refund is designed to help. Being creative about that newfound money in your checking account can go beyond temporary and reshape your future for the better.  

Here’s to Saving and Thriving Daily!

Copyright 2021, Nurturingcents.com

Welcome!

Julie Boehlke About , ,
Welcome!

Hi! Welcome to Nurturing Cents! A premier financial lifestyle blog! We are SO glad you stopped by. Here we share some of our favorite financial tools, tips, and other vital tidbits of information to help you succeed with your personal finances. Unlike a lot of other business sites that overload you with information, we strive to keep things simple, easy-to-follow and straight-to-the point.

There are oodles of finance gurus and financial self-help pros everywhere you turn. So why read our stuff? We like to break things down into small, digestible chunks that make sense to everyone. Again, we want to share only the best, latest, and, did we say, easiest? Ways to make and save money today and beyond.

Prosperous side hustles, budgets for big families, credit card rewards, dealing with debt—this blog is for everyone! We may also throw in some recipes, household saving suggestions, and travel tips from time to time.

Nurturing Cents does not discriminate. Whether you make six figures or are having trouble making just six bucks, you’ll find something here to enhance and improve your lifestyle.

Learn how to budget and save the right way! Our goal is to help you find simple ways to nourish the cents you already have and build a solid nest egg and a comfortable future. It’s about saving and thriving every day.

Stop worrying about money and start enjoying life. Your next adventure awaits!

-Julie

CEO and Founder of Nurturing Cents