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 credit card 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 gets 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 resolve your debt once and for all?

ClearOne Advantage can help.¹ <p>ClearOne Advantage, LLC is a debt settlement company, not a lender, loan broker, creditor, credit services organization, or debt collector. ClearOne Advantage, LLC does not assume or pay any debts; receive, hold or control funds belonging to consumers; or provide bankruptcy, legal, accounting or tax advice. You should review full program terms and conditions before enrolling. To the extent that any aspect of the debt settlement services relies on or results in the consumer’s failure to make timely payments to the consumer’s creditors or debt collectors, the use of the debt settlement services: (1) Will likely adversely affect the consumer’s creditworthiness; (2) May result in the consumer being subject to collections or being sued by creditors or debt collectors; and (3) May increase the amount of money the consumer owes due to the accrual of fees and interest by creditors or debt collectors. Not available in all states. Some third-party fees may apply. C.P.D. Reg. No. T.S. 12-03822.</p> <p>ClearOne Advantage is not a credit services organization, and we do not make any claims regarding improvement of a consumer’s credit scores. Entering into a debt settlement program could adversely affect your credit score.</p> If you have more than $30,000 in debt from credit cards, medical bills, collections, or personal loans, their representatives 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 representative. The consultation is completely free and only takes a few minutes to see if you qualify!

See if your $30k+ in credit card debt is eligible for ClearOne Advantage

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.

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.

Earn 10% cash back on your next Walmart purchase

If you're still using an account that charges monthly fees and you earn next to nothing on your savings, you need to try OnePay. When you bank through OnePay, you get a mobile banking app and secured credit card with no monthly fees, no minimum balances, and no overdraft fees.² <p>OnePay is a financial technology company, not a bank. Builder Cards through OneProgress Services LLC (NMLS 2460509) are issued by banking partners Coastal Community Bank or Lead Bank, Members FDIC, pursuant to a license by Mastercard® International Incorporated</p>

Sign up for OnePay here and you can earn 3% cash back on Walmart, gas, or dining on up to $150 spent per month, with eligible deposits.³ <p>Only available to customers who either (i) received $500+ in direct deposits or (ii) had a total balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. Cash back is earned as OnePay Points, redeemable into a OnePay deposit account or other available options. You must select your cash back category in the OnePay app monthly and you begin earning on the date it is selected. Eligible purchases are based on MCC. Individual reward details can be found in the OnePay app. For certain reward offers utilizing the OnePay CashRewards Card, and third-party cards linked in the OnePay Wallet, purchases must be made using the physical card. See terms at <a href="https://www.onepay.com/legal/onepay-rewards-terms?%24web_only=true&amp;_branch_match_id=1558140187896023793&amp;utm_medium=marketing&amp;_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQqAMAwEwBfZ3AXx4EOk4moLbRM2gd58uzMlwnwVKWhNkw6kbCbEzLx9CbD7%2FhEPyDre86JOB7ejUDt%2B8XOCZz0AAAA%3D">onepay.com/rewards-terms</a>.</p> On top of that, you can earn 3.35% APY on your savings with eligible deposits⁴ <p>3.35% annual percentage yield (APY) applies to the Savings balance of OnePay deposit accounts that have either (i) received $500+ of Direct Deposits in the current or previous month or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. 3.35% APY is also earned on Pay Autosave balances without deposit or balance requirements. 3.35% APY is limited to a total Savings balance of up to $250,000. All other Savings balances will earn 1.00% APY. APYs are as of 5/13/2026, but may change at any time before or after account opening.</p> and get paid up to 2 days early when you set up direct deposit.⁵ <p>Direct Deposit is required. Funds may be available up to 2 days in advance, depending on when your employer sends paycheck data</p>  And you can earn 25¢/gallon extra cash back on your first gas purchase.⁶ <p>Bonus Term 10/27/2025 – 12/31/2026. Bonus applied to your first purchase of gas using an Upside Offer for gas (“Gas Offer”). Use of a Gas Offer must be made during the Bonus Term to earn the Bonus. Limit of one per customer. Cash back is provided as OnePay Points, which can be redeemed as a deposit into a OnePay deposit account, or other available options. Gas Offers are not available in New Jersey or Wisconsin. Cash back amounts and caps vary by gas station and are subject to change at any time. Any gallon or spend caps applicable to a Gas Offer will also be applicable to the Bonus. See <a href="https://www.onepay.com/legal/onepay-rewards-terms?%24web_only=true&amp;_branch_match_id=1207782460763901308&amp;utm_medium=marketing&amp;_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQqAMAwEwBfZ3AXx4EOk4moLbRM2gd58uzMlwnwVKWhNkw6kbCbEzLx9CbD7%2FhEPyDre86JOB7ejUDt%2B8XOCZz0AAAA%3D">onepay.com/rewards-terms</a>.</p>

You also get fee-free overdraft with eligible deposits,⁷ <p>Fee-Free Overdraft is available to OnePay deposit accounts that have either (i) received Direct Deposits totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. You must be 18 or older. When on, Savings Backup will be used before Fee-Free Overdraft. Overdraft balance is due right away. Eligible transactions are at the discretion of OnePay and may exclude certain transactions (e.g., bill pay, global transfers). <a href="https://support.one.app/hc/en-us/articles/360052260773-Savings-Backup-and-Overdraft-Protection">See details</a>.</p> fee-free cash withdrawals at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide,⁸ <p>For all other ATM transactions, the Cash Out fee will apply and third-party ATM fees may be incurred.</p> and free bill pay with eligible deposits.⁹ <p>Only applies to OnePay deposit accounts that have either (i) received Direct Deposits totaling $500+ in the current or previous month, or (ii) have a balance of $5,000+ at the end of the previous month. For all other accounts the $3 Bill Pay Fee applies for each bill paid.</p>

Limited time offer: earn 10% cash back on your first Walmart purchase made within your first month, on up to $200 spent.¹⁰ <p>Only available to customers who initiate their account application through certain channels from 3/21/25 - 9/30/26. Cash back earned as OnePay Points. See terms at <a href="https://static.one.app/terms-and-conditions/t/5210c05b/10firstpurchasefulllongformterms43026.html?%24web_only=true&amp;_branch_match_id=1558140187896023793&amp;utm_medium=marketing&amp;_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAAwXBQQqAMAwEwB%2B1ehXEQx8iWrY2qGnYRrz5dmequ%2FUpxqYIm1m4RM84DgZmqBdhd3uY6%2FIRBaTose5sbwfnVNlu%2FPhynH5CAAAA">OnePay.com/10percent</a>.</p>

Open a OnePay deposit account today

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

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.

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!¹¹ <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.

Take control of high interest debt payments

If you have credit card debt, that monthly bill could feel impossible when your bank balance is already running on fumes.

This new tool could help you regain control over your debt quickly. You’ll get tailored recommendations and matches from companies based on your debt situation that could help you pay down your debt quickly and possibly with less interest

Here’s how to get started:

1. Click the link below.
2. Answer a few quick questions about your income and financial situation.
3. Securely connect your accounts through Plaid (banking, savings, credit cards, debt, investments).
4. Instantly receive a personalized debt solution plan, including which companies could best match your situation.

This service is 100% free. Click the link below and see which programs you might match with.

Click here to see which options you could match with

Set up direct deposit - pocket $400

Set up an eligible direct deposit with SoFi Checking and Savings and you could pocket a bonus of up to $400. Make the switch, set up direct deposit, earn the bonus. It basically takes no extra work at all other than following these steps. 

Why people are switching: This account earns up to an insane 4.00% APY¹² <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on one SoFi Savings account with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 3/31/26) for up to 6 months. Open your first SoFi Checking and Savings account and receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 12/31/26. Rates are variable, subject to change. Terms apply at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> on savings (3.30% APY standard + 0.70% APY boost for six months) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.¹³ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits&nbsp;received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more) OR $400 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct&nbsp;Deposit of $1 or more). Cash bonus amount will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit received within 25 calendar days of your first Eligible Direct Deposit of $1 or more. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in&nbsp;your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 5/15/2026 and will be available through 12/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/">sofi.com/banking/checking-offer/</a></p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct&nbsp;Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on&nbsp;checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time.&nbsp;These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> That's way better than the measly 0.38% (as of 4/20/26)¹⁴ <p>Based on <a href="https://www.fdic.gov/national-rates-and-rate-caps">this</a> FDIC data, as of 4/20/26.</p> national average savings accounts offer. 

No monthly fees and no surprises. Open your account and earn up to a $400 bonus

Turn your home’s value into extra cash

If you want to pay a large expense now, like a home improvement project or credit card debt, you may have considered using your home equity as leverage to borrow a large sum of money.

But with interest rates rising in recent years, a cash-out refinance or home equity loan may not make financial sense.

Here’s a potential solution: Get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) instead.

Using LendingTree’s simple HELOC matching tool¹⁵ <p>LendingTree, LLC is a Marketing Lead Generator and is a Duly Licensed Mortgage Broker, as required by law, with its main office located at 1415 Vantage Park Drive, Suite 700, Charlotte, NC 28203, NMLS Unique Identifier #1136. LendingTree, LLC is known as LT Technologies in lieu of true name LendingTree, LLC in NY. LendingTree technology and processes are patented under U.S. Patent Nos. 6,385,594 and 6,611,816 and licensed under U.S. Patent Nos. 5,995,947 and 5,758,328. © 2026 LendingTree, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This site is directed at, and made available to, persons in the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii only. Terms and Conditions may apply. </p> (yes, the company from the commercials), you can compare rates and see what works for you.

How a home equity line of credit is different: Your line of credit acts similar to a credit card, where you can withdraw funds when you need them, and you’re only responsible for minimum monthly payments for what’s called the “draw period,” which is usually 10 years. After this borrowing period ends, you pay off the rest of your balance during an extended repayment period, which is usually 20 years.

Plus, as a revolving line of credit, rates are usually variable, so you won’t be locked into a fixed rate if they ever go lower.

To get started:

1. Check out LendingTree’s HELOC matching tool.
2. Answer a few questions.
3. Be matched with personalized offers for you.

Visit LendingTree

Pay no interest into 2027 + earn as high as a $200 cash back bonus with this no annual fee card

If you're struggling to pay down high interest debt (or you're planning a major purchase this year), this might be the exact thing you need. There's a card that allows you to completely pause credit card interest into 2027 ... and the best part is that it could be easier than you think.  

Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express (See rates and fees) Terms Apply is an extremely powerful card that gives you 0% intro APR for an astounding 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. (Then APR is 19.49%-28.49% Variable.) That's right — you could finance large purchases you've been sitting on without paying massive interest. Or, 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. The Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express card also lets you earn 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on eligible purchases in each category, then 1%). Plus, as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases on the card in the first 6 months (welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer; cash back is received as reward dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at amazon.com checkout; terms apply; apply and find out your offer)!

Learn how to apply for the Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express card

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