6 Things To Do If You’re Barely Scraping By Financially

Quick ways to earn cash without a second job

1. Give plasma: You can typically make anywhere from $30-$70 each time you give, with some centers offering new donor bonuses as high as $700 for the first month. Plus, you can go as often as twice a week.
2. Sell your stuff online: You can sell just about anything on Facebook Marketplace with relative ease. From clothing to furniture to kitchenware, if you have stuff just taking up space, see what you could earn listing it online.
3. Use money-earning apps: Take surveys, test games, upload your shopping receipts … the list goes on. There are a ton of apps that offer rewards and cash for various simple tasks. In fact, you’ll find some options in this list.
4. Sell unused gift cards: Seriously. If you have gift cards lying around, you could sell them for up to 92% of their value with sites like CardCash.

See if your credit card debt is eligible for this debt relief program

If you have a lot of debt, getting out of it can feel stressful (and nearly impossible). Here’s the problem: the longer you put off tackling it, the harder it may get to fix. If you don’t take control of it early on, it can add undue stress to your life for years. But what if there was a way to get out of debt once and for all?

National Debt Relief could help. If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their certified debt specialists may be able to help you resolve your debt for less than you owe — with one low monthly program payment.

Best of all? There are zero upfront fees, and you could be debt-free in 24-48 months. To get started, just answer a few simple questions and get connected with a caring debt specialist. The consultation is completely free and only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify!¹ <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible for National Debt Relief

Earn a $200 bonus with this incredible cash back card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^®(Rates and fees) lets you earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. 

In addition to this welcome offer, this card lets you earn cash back on everything you buy. Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

And it gets better (really): This card also gives you 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. That means you could finance large purchases or pay down high-interest debt for over a year. After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. Oh, and the annual fee is $0. 

It's almost a no-brainer to apply. 

Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Find creative ways to earn cash during your free time

1. Thrift and flip: Head to local thrift stores, estate sales, or pursue free listings online. With a little skill and elbow grease, you could repurpose old furniture and other goods and sell them locally or online.
2. Do work for older neighbors or family: From mowing the lawn to helping replace light bulbs, chances are there is someone nearby who could use your help. Beyond making a few extra bucks, they are sure to love the company.
3. Haul large items with your truck: If you drive a pickup, you could advertise haul-away or large item delivery services in your area on sites like Craigslist.
4. Pick up photography: You don’t need to have an official business or work weddings for this side gig. Head out to festivals, nightclubs, or popular areas in your city and offer to take people’s photos. Then airdrop or email the photos of your subjects for a small fee.

Save up to $2,000 on every flight you take (yes, it’s crazy)

Sounds kind of insane. And maybe you’re skeptical if this actually works or not. But either way … you’re probably curious. If you want to save a ton on travel (even international), Dollar Flight Club makes it so you could potentially pay less for any flight you take.

They’ve been helping travelers save since 2016 (so you know they’re the real deal), shipping crazy flight deals straight to your email — up to 90% off normal price for many flights. Just pick your destination and let them do the rest. They hunt deals 24/7 so you don’t have to.

Now, some insider info: They *do* offer a free version … but it puts you on a 2-3 month waitlist. Skip the wait and get instant access to the best deals with a Premium+ membership instead. For a limited time, FinanceBuzz readers can try Premium+ free for 14 days!

How to try Premium+:

1. Enter your email at the link below.
2. Pick your departure airport and dream destinations.
3. Enter your payment info and start your free trial of Premium+.

This is the fastest way to unlock the best flight deals that could save you up to 90% off flights. At the end of the trial, you’ll be upgraded to the $99 per year membership.

Enter your payment info here to start your free Premium+ trial

Earn up to 5% cash back at restaurants and home improvement stores with this incredible card (unlock up to $1,070 in value over the next year!)

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing welcome bonus and benefits. Apply for the Discover it^® Cash Back(Rates and fees) and you can earn up to 5% cash back at restaurants and home improvement stores now to June 30, 2026, on up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate. 

There's no annual fee, and Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. This generous welcome offer and the top-notch cash back rewards provides an estimated $1,070 value in the first year!² <p class="">These values are based on the <a href="https://financebuzz.com/financebuzz-credit-card-valuation">FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model</a>, which takes a look at rewards earned via spending, the welcome offer, and the annual fee. We used a valuation of 1 cent/point unless otherwise stated above. These are estimated values - your actual earnings will depend on how much you spend and in what categories.<br></p>  Plus, you'll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically. The welcome offer combined with the up to 5% cash back reward rate could be worth up to 10% cash back in the first year!

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then APR 17.49% - 26.49% Variable. That means you could use this card to fund large purchases or even potentially get out of debt. If you dine out or shop at home improvement stores even once a month, this card is practically a no-brainer!

Click here to apply now for the Discover it^® Cash Back.

Pick up gig work from a trusted website

1. Deliver packages with Amazon Flex: Use your own vehicle to deliver Amazon packages during your off-hours. According to Amazon, most drivers can earn between $18-$25 an hour.
2. Do odd jobs on Taskrabbit: Sign up to be a tasker, and choose small jobs in your area in over 50+ service categories. You get to keep 100% of what you chargem, plus tips. Tasks can include moving furniture, running errands, IKEA assembly, and more.
3. Pick up freelance microtasks: Check out a freelance platform like Upwork and look for postings for simple tasks like data entry, proofreading, image tagging, and more.
4. Event staffing: You could pick up work for events like weddings, business conferences, or festivals. Just do a quick internet search for companies in your area. Beyond pay, some people report scoring added perks like free food for their time.

Pay no interest on balance transfers into 2028 with this no annual fee card

If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt, this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to completely pause the interest on balance transfers into 2028 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.

The Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card(Rates and fees) is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 21 months from date of account opening on balance transfers (then 16.49% - 27.24% (Variable); balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening). That's right — you can now transfer crippling high interest debt to this card and let your payments go directly to paying down your balance, without piling on additional interest charges — all with no annual fee.

But it doesn't end there, because this card comes with an additional perk: If you have a large purchase coming up, finance it easily with 0% intro APR for 12 months from date of account opening on purchases. After the intro period, the APR for balance transfers and purchases is 16.49% - 27.24% (Variable). Don't delay — apply for the Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card(Rates and fees), finance the large purchases you've been waiting on, and pay down crippling high interest debt!

Apply now for the Citi^® Diamond Preferred^® Card

Ohio homeowners borrow from your home’s equity

HELOCs are experiencing a resurgence among credit-worthy homeowners, who see them as a cost-effective way to eliminate high-interest debt or finance home improvements.

The best part is you can actually keep your current mortgage rate by getting a HELOC with this genius product! No hassle.

See if you qualify!³ <p>All mortgage lending conducted by Upstart Mortgage, LLC dba Upstart Home Lending. NMLS #2443873. Equal Housing Opportunity.</p>

How to get started:

1. Check out Upstart Home Lending at the link below.
2. Answer a few questions about your home.
3. See if you qualify and get your personalized rate and payment.

See if you qualify

Earn a bonus worth $200 to use toward your next flight or hotel 

If you're planning a trip, apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card(Rates and fees) here and you can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $500 in the first 3 months — that's worth $200 toward travel!

There is no extra work beyond the spending requirement to earn the early spend bonus, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fee. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card also lets you earn 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

Redeem miles for flights, hotels, and car rentals, OR statement credits, gift cards, and transfers to over 15 airline or hotel partners! If you travel even once a year this card could is worth it and could net you with $100s in rewards to use toward travel. Don't delay — apply today!

Recommended for good or excellent credit.

Click here to apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card now

Get financial guidance without the cost with this 100% free plan

Financial plans don’t need to cost hundreds or require meeting with an advisor. Studies show that simply having a plan significantly improves confidence and outcomes.⁴ <p>Source: Charles Schwab Modern Wealth Survey 2024</p>

Our tool creates a 100% free personalized financial plan — no advisor fees, no sales pitches, no pressure. Just clear guidance based on your financial situation.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Click the link below.
2. Answer a few quick questions: your goals, income, and spending habits.
3. Securely link your accounts through Plaid (checking, savings, cards, etc.).
4. Receive your personalized money plan instantly, including recommended spending ranges, savings targets, and simple steps to feel more in control.

The tool analyzes your real spending patterns and gives you a clear breakdown of where your money should go each month, without guilt or guesswork. It’s 100% free, and you’ll finally know exactly what to do next with your money.

Click here to get your free financial plan and see the advice that an advisor might charge you hundreds for.

Ask this company to help you pay off your late tax debt

Past-due tax debt is overwhelming.

It weighs on your mind and causes massive anxiety. You end up emotionally and physically drained. Even worse when the IRS starts sending letters threatening wage garnishment and huge fines.

Easy Tax Relief is designed specifically to help you get out of tax debt faster and could reduce some of the debt you owe.

While most tax companies just put you on a payment plan and file your taxes for you, Easy Tax Relief talks to the IRS directly. They can help you pay off your tax debt faster while potentially reducing what you owe.

Important: Not everyone will qualify. To take advantage of this special program you must owe more than $10,000 in past-due taxes.

Answer a few questions to get started

Access up to $500K of your home equity with no additional monthly payments

If you want to access your home equity — but don’t qualify for a traditional HELOC — Splitero could be perfect.

How it works: Splitero is a Home Equity Investment product that bets on your home's future value going up. You get cash now, and when you cash settle, sell, or refinance, you give Splitero a small portion based on how much your home is worth then.

(By the way, if your home value decreases, the value of the percentage Splitero is entitled to also decreases. That could be a lot safer for you.)

Splitero is rated “A” by the BBB and you can use the money however you like. Pay off debt, renovate your home, or invest, all without worrying about additional monthly payments.

You may qualify if you:

1. Have some equity in your home — 30% or more.
2. Have a credit score of 500+.
3. It’s your residence, and you live there.