Engineer your Finances - There have been times in my life when I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it to the end of the month, let alone cover the bills for the next one. Whether I was a starving student, a struggling young professional, or navigating the ebb and flow of freelance work, life is difficult without money. However, you have to find ways to stretch your budget without breaking it. Here are 3 things you can do if you’re barely getting by and need some extra help.
3 Things You Can Do When You’re Barely Getting By
When you need money, most people give you unhelpful advice about getting a better job or a loan. Sometimes you can find ways to skim off expenses from your monthly budget. But, what if you need help now? Here are 3 things you can do when you’re barely getting by.
Sell blood plasma. Selling plasma is one of the most popular options because you can walk out after your donation with money in your pocket. Most centers usually only pay $50-$75, depending on how much plasma they can safely take. However, demand is high. So, most are running incentives for larger payouts. Although they won’t give you cash, you will receive a reloadable or prepaid debit card for your time.
Consider renting out your assets. Another option is to generate money from the assets you already own. For example, if you have a spare room, you can rent it out for overnight guests through sites like Airbnb (NASDAQ:ABNB). But, some people are interested to rent more than just a room. You can also rent your car or truck through sites like Turo or Fetch for extra cash. Or, you can use sites like FriendWithA and Loanables to advertise your tools, household items, outdoor gear, and other miscellaneous items. I’ve even heard of some people renting storage spaces such as their garage, attic, closets, or basement for peer-to-peer storage. If you don’t use these assets often, they could help ease your financial burdens.
Look for assistance from local food pantries. With current inflation rates, many people are struggling to afford groceries. It becomes even more difficult when you are trying to feed an entire family. But, there are community resources that can help. Many organizations partner with local pantries and meal programs to provide free groceries. If you need support, Feeding America can help you find food today. When you visit their site, simply enter your zip code and it will share local partners and their hours for distribution.
Seeking Assistance
Although many people are embarrassed to admit they need help, we all struggle sometimes. I’m not ashamed to say that I’ve used all of these options at one point. Hopefully, you will never find yourself completely without options. But when you are in desperate need and barely getting by, there are resources you can turn to for assistance.
If you are in dire straits and have exhausted your budget, try contacting a community action agency organization to find the support you need.