An urgent plea from a family on the brink...

[Essence]

So, after 2 years of being unemployed and barely scraping by month after month with IM, unemployment checks, and church charity, we had a blessing.

My wife got a job at the Olympia, WA Chamber of Commerce. At the same time, my article-writing WSO (glances at sig) took off well enough to help us catch up on several long-overdue bills. All of that catching up left us broke, but we figured we had my wife's new income to depend on.

Then, today, the first day of my wife's new job, the transmission on our only vehicle ground itself into tiny little pieces with no warning whatsoever. We literally don't have enough money to buy a bus pass. Estimate on repair: $4000. That's more than we've made in the last 4 months put together.

There's simply no charitable organization (or family member or friend) capable of giving out 4 grand. Trust me, I've spent the last 9 hours on the phone making absolutely sure of that fact.


When I was desperate and looking for a mentor last year, I found help here, and with Michael Oksa's amazing guidance, I've gone from a complete failure at selling a product to actually seeing trickling income.


SO, I'm coming back and putting it out there to all of the experts and gurus and philanthropic people here.

I have $20 in my PayPal accout from articles that I wrote last week, and that's literally everything. On the other hand, I'm smart, I can write all kinds of copy and articles and newsletters, and I have all the time in the world.

SO, gurus and giants:

If you were me -- no money, all time, and with a specific, definite one-time goal of $4000 -- needed literally in the next week -- what would you do?

I am willing and able to put in 12-16 hour days for the next week if that's what it takes. I just need the right direction. Is there someone who has an idea -- any functional idea -- of how I can get us back to function?

(Feel free to PM, Email, or Skype me (Arananthi) if you have input you're not comfortable sharing with everyone.)

[shaddai]

Check your PM's.

[Rob Whisonant]

Have you thought of going to a buy here pay here used car lot? You can grab a used car for under $1,000 that will at least get her to and from work. That way you only need to come up with about $300 for the down payment.

Re's
Rob Whisonant

[Izesta]

I don't have any super duper ideas for getting that kind of rapid cash together, but I will put something through to your Paypal account.

Respond via PM with your email address.

It's tough out there right now and I do wish you the best.

[francof]

If you're good at writing... one thing that comes to mind is creating a membership site where you'd create monthly PLR products, ebooks, articles, whatever you can make and that is high quality and that marketers could make money off of. Make it a monthly membership but make a killer deal for X amount of people for a 1 year or lifetime membership... so if the deal would be 200$ for lifetime membership, you could say you're limiting the sale to the first 20 people ONLY and stick by that (20 X $200 = $4,000 ). You could even sweeten the deal further and promise those people they'll each get a unique product created just for them that they have full rights to... a product done on their specifications just for them.


The 200$/20 sales is just an example but you get the idea.

Good luck. I also like Rob W. suggestion above, seems like a much easier goal

[lazavas]

oh please, not one of these threads again!

[pcpupil]

I agree with Rob,for 4,000 dollars i could buy 3 vehicles,lisence them,insure them,and drive all 3 for 2 weeks on whats left over for the gas.
I would go to some churches and ask if they had any work that needed to be done.
Raking leaves,clearing out gutters from leaves so the snow that melts has some where to go.
getting ready for winter,ect...
Then go put a small down payment on a VW,gremlen,vega,honda civic,something thats cheap,decent gas milage,and easy to fix or repair and doesnt break down much at all.PRE 1980.
Im an ex mechanic,trust me.
I see in your sig you have the article writing.How about a warrior special:
Article Marketers Dozen:
13 niche articles,plus keywords,$77.00.--articles 300-350 words apiece.
Write 10 sets now,sell them.
$770-$500 for used car-DPay
$270 left--$220 for insurance,tags,gas,for 4 weeks.
$50 left for food.
1st car Payment due in 30 days of around $100-$150.

[Michael Lewis]

If your really desperate hire yourself out to people. Elance.com or warriors for hire will probably land you a quick job. At least get that bus pass and work your way up to a car.

[GarrieWilson]

I would:

1. Do the WSO you was selling about making $Xx in Y time
2. Rake leaves for people
3. Sell plasma
4. Pawn all your electronics
5. Wash business windows
6. Pick-up cans

But I know the purpose of your post was to ask for money w/out asking. It's obviously you cant get the IM thing going so go get a freaking JOB even if its at McDonalds.

[Essence]

GarrieWilson, you are a cynical and mean person. I'm NOT asking for money. I'm asking for ideas -- tools that I can use to get myself past this obstacle. Please re-read what I said above. Getting a job doesn't work unless you can get there.

And I have a source of income - I work freelance on Odesk with some success, and I write articles here. The problem in front of me isn't that I'm a slacker. It's that a massive unexpected debt landed on me, and I'm looking for ideas and tools to help me cope with it.


Rob, The idea of getting an old beater is a good one; I'm totally going to do that. I'm appalled that I didn't think of it myself. I've been so fixated on getting "my car" back that it never occurred to me to look outside the box. THAT's the kind of thing I needed. Thank you!


Jesseray, I'm already on Odesk and making money from it. The point here is NOT that I need a job; I'm making money working from home -- just not nearly enough to be able to get my wife a vehicle so SHE can work as well. The bus pass is an option if I can conjure a WSO or something to get enough money to buy one.


francof, the idea is good, but I don't have enough cash to buy a domain, hosting, and a WSO. But I really appreciate the thought, and I can post a smaller WSO just to make the money to pay for the rest of it. Even if I make $40, it'll be enough to get started.

pcpupil's idea, for example.

I think that may be a workable plan. Are there any decent (free) tools/scripts you're familiar with for setting up a membership site? I'm afraid I don't have the programming skills to put anything together like that on my own...

[Vikuna2009+]

Originally Posted by lazavas

oh please, not one of these threads again!

You know, life happens, hope it is not you next time but then again, maybe you would understand...

[bravo75]

A bit sad really. But this a "be a fu&^%er or F*&&ee world!

[christftw]

I haven't seen many lately (not too active either) but a little bit ago, before my reg date (lurked for awhile), there was a making money offline trend. Someone posted the simplest method of finding local businesses with no opt-in on their web site, and a great little piece to use to sell them on the idea. I believe he made around $250 a deal for something as simple as setting up an opt-in on their homepage. I'm having trouble recalling it but around that time there were quite a few posts like this. Try searching around on the forums.

I realize you have no means of transportation, but I'm assuming you live in walking distance of brick-and-mortar businesses (and you can try calling some, too). Things may have changed since all of the doom-and-gloom about the recession, but I believe this will be a lot easier than doing something online if there aren't any other Warriors in your area doing it already, since you need such a large amount of money so quick.

God bless & good luck,
Jesse

[Kurt]

Can you place an ad on Craigslist.org seeking someone for your wife to carpool with? Also, post on every bulletin board in neighborhood grocery stores, as well as at work, etc.

Explain your situation, I'm sure you can find someone that will understand and let you help out with the gas after your wife gets paid. Save the money you would have spent on a car and put it to your business for a few months.

You have a tough month ahead of you, but with your wife working, things will get better quickly after that. Just need to find her a way to get to and from work.

[HenrikC]

Here's a tip that might help you.

I haven't tried this method fully yet, but I know it can be powerful when made right.

It's a free method, and it's based on article marketing, which you seem to have good knowldege in already.

The method I am talking about is writing and submitting articles to Ezinearticles.com.

Guess many of you know about this method ready..

But the "secret" here is that every time an article gets approved, your article will show up in the category most recent published article, under every article in the same area. (For example the health-&-fitness category.)

Here is also where you can see an increase in traffic to your website, because many times people who read an article, also look for related articles under the article they have read already.

This is temporary, but could give you a suddenly increase in visitors.

And articles from ezinearticles can basically be found all over the search engines such as Google, Yahoo & MSN.

So if you are good at writing articles, try to write 5 articles or more per day, and submit them to Ezinearticles.com.

When I did this (in the weight loss area, where the traffic seems to be the highest), I sometimes got over 100 (free) visitors to my website from just 1 article.

In my case I directed people from the articles to my opt-in form which worked very well for me.

But you could also direct link to an affiliate product for example.
(From Clickbank or similar. Try to find a good product with many testimonials here then.)

So if you write a good article (in the weight loss area which I recommend) and link to an affiliate or PLR product in your resource box (or your op-in page), the chance is also that you could get a couple of sales here (or new subscribers).

So try this method, and I hope it will help you!

[DonnaLeona]

Hi,

You can place an ad on craigslist for free and sell the parts from your car for lots of money! I've bought a lot of used car parts over the years. I paid $100.00 for a used car door. Even the seats are worth quite a bit. It all has value. Your money is in your driveway!

Call a junkyard that sells car parts for ideas on what to charge. Or look at the other ads on craigslist.

And while your selling stuff on craigslist check out the gigs for day labor type things. Offer to work for less if they give you a ride to and from the job.

Then buy an old car that will run for awhile. But a bus pass is a great way to travel too, I willingly ride the bus and enjoy it even though I have a car.

You may even be able to trade your labor for a used car in the barter section.

Just start brainstorming and the answers will come.

Good Luck, there are lessons even in the hard parts of life when we look back.

~Donna

[Holland]

Hi Essence

Sorry to hear about your situation, which i'm sure a lot of other are in at this moment. Life can be very tough for a lot of people out there, hope you will find a way to move forward with your family.

I have a free ebook, showing people how to set up highly succesful sites selling physical products, using the best affiliate program out there. Which i don't think will make you $4000 in the next week, but thought may help to find ways of gradually build up another stream of income.

http://enichepublications.com/FreeReports/amazon.pdf

Hope that helps a little.

That idea of the membership re you writing articls and do a PLR membership, only 20 lifetime for $200 is a great idea. Especially if you are good at writing articles.

Good luck and god bless.

Angelina

[lazavas]

Originally Posted by Vikuna2009+

You know, life happens, hope it is not you next time but then again, maybe you would understand...

yes life does happen, and its happened to me as well, but i would never come on here and post something like this, im gonna be blunt but im sick and tired of people doing this, do we really want this forum to be the place people come to and ask for help, this may be a legit situation and im sure it is but open ur eyes! MILLIONS of people are going through this and yes i have been one of them and i do "understand" but give me a break!

ive never made a paypal donation to one of these and i NEVER will!

u gotta fight, simple as that, u gotta FIGHT in this life

sorry if this is a bit harsh but that is EXACTLY how i feel and i aint gonna be scared to voice my opinion like many others on here

[Steve36]

Stay strong and carry on working hard.

I know exactly what it's like, I am will be living in a homeless shelter within a week. Working with my laptop and mobile broadband, the only things I have of value. If I don't make a few sales this month (have made 3 ever) I may not be online next month (or the month after that!)

Moral of the story. Keep on going. What ever happens, I'm going to make it eventually. I don't think about my circumstances (having a laptop in a shelter isn't a good idea!) but I concentrate on how things will be a year from now.

I know my circumstance are different from yours, but all I'm trying to say is that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep at it and try to stay positive!

Steve

[Kevin Riley]

$4000 to fix a tranny?

For 8 years I drove a mini van that I bought here for $6300 (and we're supposed to be an expensive country). I think you're driving the wrong kind of car. You should read about Warren Buffett's car (he bought a car fixed up from an accident). Sounds like it's time to pare the expenses and overhead.

[John Taylor]

Originally Posted by Essence

If you were me -- no money, all time, and with a specific, definite one-time goal of $4000 -- needed literally in the next week -- what would you do?

I'd question and challenge the guy that told you it
would cost $4k and I'd go to at least two other
places to get a better price. $4k is totally unrealistic.

I'd look around my house to see what I have of value
that I could sell to raise some seed money.

I'd get out into my immediate neighbourhood and I'd
offer to do any task I could to raise extra cash.

I'd call on local businesses and offer to help them to
get online, improve the effectiveness of their existing
websites or to increase the SE Ranking.

John

[Eric Lorence]

Don't know about Washington State, but in Michigan the tranny for a one-ton HD pickup cost me $3500 replaced ... Unless your car is an MB or BMW - $4k is unrealistic.

Sell that car till your IM business can justify such an expense.

Get on the automotive forums and look for a better deal in your area.

Good luck ...

[Johnny Slater]

$4K for a trans is actually a realistic price. Many mid range cars here in the US have trans in them that are worth more than the car itself. My wife's grandfather was a mechanic and he had 15 cars sitting in his yard that only needed a new trans. On every one of them, the price for a replacement trans was between 3 and 4 thousand.

[John Cabral]

Originally Posted by Izesta

I don't have any super duper ideas for getting that kind of rapid cash together, but I will put something through to your Paypal account.

Respond via PM with your email address.

It's tough out there right now and I do wish you the best.

Yes it is very tough out there. I am feeling it big time and reason I came vack to warriors in hopes I can learn something to make $$$.

I live in Florida which has the second highest unemployment rate next to CA and 2 years ago I was let get from a job where I was making good money as a controller for a property management company. Since then its been heel finding work and have only worked 7 months in the last 24 months.

I have 20 years in my field and degree'd and still having no luck. I am a single full-time dad to an 8 yr old son and its been hard on us. Pretty much living off my credit cards and had to move back in with parents which is a stressful and makes me feel like a failure.

I am trying to be positive so you hang in there buddy. On a good note you have been able to make some money online, I still have to make my first dollar.

Good luck and god bless.

[Alexa Smith]

Originally Posted by Johnny Slater

My wife's grandfather was a mechanic and he had 15 cars sitting in his yard that only needed a new trans. On every one of them, the price for a replacement trans was between 3 and 4 thousand.

I must say, a transmission-replacement on my car would possibly be worth nearly as much as the car. But in such circumstances, the solution is surely to replace the vehicle instead. It may not help you today or tomorrow, I do appreciate, Essence, and the last thing I want to do is to sound unsympathetic (which I'm not, at all) but really the "emergency money" you need to raise here is surely more like $1,000 - $1,500 than $4,000?

Wishing you well ...

[Allen Graves]

Not sure why I opened this thread, bu I'm glad I did.

Gosh I hope I don't come across as being an ass, but I was there and I have to tell you what I did.

You say you have all the time - why are you not spending that time looking for a job instead of posting on a forum?

I was in your position and realized that IM wasn't going to give me what I needed at the time, so I bit the bullet and got a job. Now, 5 years later I am a full time IMer and without that job I wouldn't be whereI am today.

You can get a pretty reliable used car for a couple thousand dollars - and even at minimum wage, you can make that in a month. Coupled with your online tricklings, you'll be OK.

So from personal experience, I have to say for you to go get a job. There ARE jobs out there. If you are hurting like you say, you won't have a problem taking anything you can get.

Its easy to sit there for 8 hours watching your stats. Its commendable to go out and get a job and get your family back on track.

With respect as a family man who's been there,
Allen

p.s. Honesty, Integrity, Reliability and Dignity will get you where you want to go.

[jazbo]

My suggestion would be to sell the car for scrap, buy a $500 dollar car or a couple of bikes and go out and get a proper job so you can get enough financial breathing space to then worry about making it rich online.

[Scott Ames]

$4,000 for a transmission. Wow.

As others have suggested. I would first buy a beater for $1,000 and run that a while. Park the broken one or sell it.

Later if you want to get the tranny fixed I would do this:

1. It doesn't have to be a new tranny. Search for used car parts online or in the junkyard.
2. Go to Craigslist and find a mechanic that will install it for you for an hourly wage or one price.

The idea is you get a used part, then find someone that can put it in. You'll cut the price by a ton.

Then.. once your tranny is fixed, sell the beater, but, clean it, replace anything like broken mirrors, etc.. and make it look really great. You might make money on it if you bought it right.

After that write a report on your experience. Tell readers how to get parts cheaply, how to find a mechanic, how to fix up an old beater to sell. Market that report or book to folks in your situation, or put it as a PLR WSO.

[RobFighter]

It appears you live near a major metro so I would look into your local police/sheriff vehicle auctions...some have them weekly. I have a nephew who recently got a decent Toyota that runs good at one of these for $100.

If you plan to repair your current tranny look into high schools and vocational schools in your area that have automotive programs. Often you can get repairs done at these for only the actual cost of the parts needed. Or, if that isn't an option, you may be able to find someone at either of the above who will do the job for you after hours much more reasonably than a normal shop.

The people who posted about parting out your current vehicle are also correct. Look closely at ebay and see what people are getting for various parts on your model of vehicle. You may be able to make many times what your vehicle is worth this way and do so pretty quickly.

All the best,

Rob

[R Hagel]

Originally Posted by Essence

Rob, The idea of getting an old beater is a good one; I'm totally going to do that. I'm appalled that I didn't think of it myself. I've been so fixated on getting "my car" back that it never occurred to me to look outside the box.

That's a good plan.

Now let me ask: Are there other things in your household that you've been thinking of as "yours"... but they could easily be liquidated for cash? Electronics, collectibles, antiques, books, furniture, etc? Maybe rummage through the garage and the attic. You might be able to come up with several hundred or even several thousand dollars worth of stuff that you can put on CraigsList or eBay.

Cheers,
Becky

[Martin Luxton]

Unless I misunderstood the OP all they need is the price of a bus pass until his wife gets her first salary.

How much are monthly bus passes?

His wife will be working at a Chamber of Commerce. Don't all offline golders say those places are a goldmine for picking up business?

Martin

[seobro]

A friend of mine is selling a geo metro that looks like hell for $500 it runs OK, but you still need plate and pip. An even better idea is to get a 50cc scooter used for $300. They are easy on gas, no license, no pip, etc - even cheaper is a bicycle I got one at a garage sale for $10. As for food, there is a sale on potatoes, a 20lbs bag for $4.99.

Best way to make money is to sell links on your websites. OK since you need money fast, permalinks are the way to go - price depends on traffic and pr.

[Shotgunner]

I don't think you can make too much money working for other people, as in writing copy and stuff like that. You should invest in a couple niche sites and pour your heart and soul into those. With that kind of effort, you could not only reach your goal, but have a continuing stream of income after that.

[Kirahster]

Hi Essence,

I am sorry that you are going through such a hard time. Times like this are certainly not fun but at the end of the day you WILL get through it. It will not be easy but you have to just keeping battling on.

From reading your post, I am struck by the thought that you seem to be panicking.
I know that it is hard not to panic but you need to take a step back and realize that things are not as bad as they seem.

Your wife has just gotten a job. You will have money coming in soon.
You do not need $4000 for a new transmission.
You can buy a "new to you" car for cheaper that.
You have public transportation that you can rely on.

I am fairly sure that a charity will give you the money for a bus pass.
You will not starve. There are food drives.
You have skills that you can use to make money online.

If you can write then do that. Write a set of 25 articles.
You can do this today.
Make them Christmas or holiday related because these will be popular at this time of year.
Pick good keywords and just start writing.

This is a set of Christmas PLR articles that I am sure people will be willing to buy as a WSO.

I think if you stop panicking and take a step back and look at your situation that you will see that things are not as bad as you think they are.

[Jill Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Essence

francof, the idea is good, but I don't have enough cash to buy a domain, hosting, and a WSO. But I really appreciate the thought, and I can post a smaller WSO just to make the money to pay for the rest of it. Even if I make $40, it'll be enough to get started.

pcpupil's idea, for example.

I think that may be a workable plan. Are there any decent (free) tools/scripts you're familiar with for setting up a membership site? I'm afraid I don't have the programming skills to put anything together like that on my own...

I need an outline/report of some kind (in the next day) on how someone who is a freelancer would approach odesk as a place to put their services. Details on signing up and what to look for on the site. I am making a video about it, so need an introduction to the site, and some tips on using that site in general, how successful it is etc.

Pm me what you would charge for this.

Thanks.

Jill

[Jill Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Shotgunner

I don't think you can make too much money working for other people, as in writing copy and stuff like that. You should invest in a couple niche sites and pour your heart and soul into those. With that kind of effort, you could not only reach your goal, but have a continuing stream of income after that.

What? Are you kidding me? There are people who do copy and are raking it in.

Here is a picture for that other guy who is "calling people out" - LOL

[Gail Sober]

I've been in a few financial crunches in my life. Here's what I did.

1. Get up and head to day labor.
2. Go out in evenings and paint house numbers on curbs
3. Install peep holes in doors

That's good for $100-$200 per day. I didn't say a quick/easy $200. It's long days and hard work and going door to door can suck but you could have enough to buy some kind of car in a weeks time.

If your car is worth keeping, keep it. Just don't fix it right now.

Buy a beater, you can easily pick one up that runs good for under $1000 and fix your transmission when it is more financially reasonable then sell the beater for what you paid.

Good luck.

[GoGetta]

I would agree with Allen and a few others on here,

I think right now, your situation is pointing towards a job. You may be working in IM and earning a little but a job to supplement this will help!

As far as transport to get a job, a bus pass can't be much. Use the last $20 in your paypal account to run a WSO offering your writing skills. There is someone offering $97 ebooks at the moment and the thread is on fire.

You don't have to do that but maybe articles or blog posts etc. Offering services will put money in your back pocket today!!!!

Once you get a little money, buy the bus pass and find a job to supplement.

In 7 days you can earn money this way, probably enough to buy a run around next week ($500?)

GoGetta

[Kurt]

I did a quick check and you can get a monthly bus pass in Olympia for $30 a month, or less...Daily passes are only $2. They also offer some car-pooling options, as well as bike racks, which means your wife can ride a bike to the bus stop, then put it on the bus and take it from there...
Welcome to Intercity Transit

BTW, they claim to have won an award for the best "mid size city" bus service.

If you do good work on articles, I'm sure a few of us will hire you so you can make enough for food/bus until she gets paid.

[Ken Leatherman]

Hey Folks,

I don't know Michael, but never the less here goes...

You know there are some really great ideas here and then there are a few, which imply Michael is not doing the best he can. We don't know all his circumstances which have him staying at home and working his IM business.

I took the time and checked out his signature file for his classified ad. Then I went over to his profile in Ezine Articles, checked it out and read several of his articles. Here's his stats:

Status: Basic PLUS Joined: EzineArticles Member since May 27, 2008 Location: United States Articles: 63 Active articles, resulting in 8,490 views

Michael can write and there is no question about it. It's obvious to me he knows his keyword research, (8,490 view) his articles contain fresh helpful information (which means he knows how to research his topic) and he writes a mean resource box.

I'm going to put my money where my mouth is and hire him for a special project. I know he may still be asleep as it's only 6:17 A.M. his time but it will be there when he wakes up. O.K. now I'm off to P.M. him.

Have a great day everybody.

Ken Leatherman
The Old Geezer


P.S. Some will say I'm just a bleeding heart. So be it! I think it's just the right thing to do.

[Izesta]

Originally Posted by Ken Leatherman

Hey Folks,

I don't know Michael, but never the less here goes...

You know there are some really great ideas here and then there are a few, which imply Michael is not doing the best he can. We don't know all his circumstances which have him staying at home and working his IM business.

I took the time and checked out his signature file for his WSO. Then I went over to his profile in Ezine Articles, checked it out and read several of his articles. Here's his stats:



Michael can write and there is no question about it. It's obvious to me he knows his keyword research, (8,490 view) his articles contain fresh helpful information (which means he knows how to research his topic) and he writes a mean resource box.

I'm going to put my money where my mouth is and hire him for a special project. I know he may still be asleep as it's only 6:17 A.M. his time but it will be there when he wakes up. O.K. now I'm off to P.M. him.

Have a great day everybody.

Ken Leatherman
The Old Geezer

That's great Ken. Hope it's a winner for everyone. I'm gonna take a look at his ezine work. Got distracted yesterday and didn't get back to it.

[hotftuna]

I'll hire you for a handful of articles. If I like them, I would be happy to hire you on a regular basis. PM me.

[Jill Carpenter]

Thanks alot Ken,

I really wanted an odesk report, but I have a feeling I have been outbid.

Looks like I will have to actually work today.

[Ken Leatherman]

Wa-Ha-Ha, got you Jill. I'm first in line. The rest of you guys are just plain ... My wife said I had to play nice.

Ken

[kumar]

Originally Posted by avenuegirl

Thanks alot Ken,

I really wanted an odesk report, but I have a feeling I have been outbid.

Looks like I will have to actually work today.

Hi Jill,

I am working as a provider on Odesk for the past one year.
If you still need any inputs on the report you are planning,
let me know. That is, if Essence has already been made busy
by Ken Leatherman . If he can spare time for your project
too, please give him first preference.

Thanks!

[Chrissy Allen]

Hi Essence

Sorry to hear about your position, i know the script.

First of all keep smiling and keep believing ok, you have to keep visualizing the positive outcome ok.

People may not agree with me but trust me when i say this... DONT FOCUS on the problem at all.... FOCUS on what you need they are 2 different things.

Now i am not a guru or a IM high flyer but 1 thing i know for a fact will generate cash fast for you and again people may not agree with me is EBAY. Its cheap to list items takes a few minutes to snap the pics and list the items and you have paypal. Im sure it would be very easy to find things in your home that you dont use very much, if you dont think you have these items open a cupboard or a draw and go into the loft/atic.
There will be what you think is JUNK everywhere...these are perfect !!
Take a some pics and get listing, do a 3day auction and start at 0.99.

Im not sure if you will generate 4k in a week but you will generate cash almost imediately, if you have items that are quite random do a buy it now ! & best offer!

This is all about you and if you are prepared to spend 3hrs out of your 12-16 (available) listing things on ebay you will get cash with out fail.

IM as you know takes time and you dont have much so dont be wasting it.
Do something that works now right now.

Remember to see the result and not the problem and you can and will do it.
If you need a hand on ebay PM me ok. Im a power seller and i make money on there every day of the week.

Just makesure that wotever you decide to do you are doing it with or for someone who is actually making money not someone trying to make money again there is a big difference.

Good Luck

Chunkynuts

PS My signature is ironic i know but merely a coincidence !

[Steven Carl Kelly]

Here's my best advice:

Take the bus.

[John Cabral]

Get a job, clean car windows etc etc. As someone who is also not working I love the advice of some and really wonder if they themselves would follow it. Sometimes it seems like a put down than a helping hand. I could be wrong here but thats how I have felt sometimes.

First off getting a job is not as easy as some think depending on your past jobs and family issues.

I haqve been doing accounting for over 20 yrs last 10 in either a controller or assistant controller status and have my degree.

When I lost my job my boss gave me two weeks severance pay and said you will have a job in 2 weeks. Funny how 8 months later I was still looking and had pretty much exhuasted my savings. I had just about every agency looking and I got **** from them.

I found a jb on my own but it was like 1 plus hours away and even though it paid 20K less I took it and drove 1-1.5 hours one way. 2 months later I was let go because I could not work past 5PM due to distance as I have a small son who I am the only one who can take him to school and get him after work.

The jobs that don't pay much won't hire me as they look at my experience and feel I won't stick around. Even if they are getting more for their buck they will pass me up.

Because of my son I am limited to where I can work and hours which makes it harder.
Most places don't give a rat's ass about your situation and are only concerned with their bottom line.

Things are getting worse by the day and the people running this country have their heads up their butts and have no clue what to do. All they are doing is a giving money to things that don't really provide jobs. Unemployment is a JOKE.

After 20 years of working I got a total of 7K, $900/month which barely paid for rent. I was spending 400-500 a month just on gas...

I agree that you should not count on IM to save you unless you get real lucky. I know I am not.

Again I am not sure if we are paying attention to what we say in effort to help but somethings it feels like you are hurting rather than helping.

Just my 2 unemployed cents...

[Shane Dolby]

John you have a degree in accounting? why not get hooked up and do taxes for people and businesses on the side? or even at hr block or something.

Heck write a report on business taxes/deductions even personal taxes and sell it i see people all the time asking for tax help and its getting to that point in a couple months.

Shane

[Allen Graves]

I'm sorry, but if it comes down to my family, I will go and flip burgers at McDonalds for minimum wage - I don't care.

I was there and I did it (actually I got a software customer service job for peanuts).

Sitting around waiting for your Internet Marketing ship to come in is doing nothing but getting you further in the hole.

Christmas is coing up - even a seasonal job could help. Go look on Toys-R-Us.com or go to your local mall. Get in the frickin' car and drive around town. Restaurants - Retail Stores - Fast Food - Manual Labor - Telemarketing - Office Jobs - Post Office.

Plus there's Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, HotJobs.com and a ton of other job placement assistance websites.

I'm not trying to be mean or spiteful, I'm just trying to bring things out of the IM trance and into reality. If you are financially unstable, there is a very common solution that 99% of people do - get a job.

I know that the allure of working from home is very strong. But if things are just getting worse for you, I think you need to get out there and start pounding the streets.

Allen