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

Last updated June 23, 2026 | By FinanceBuzz Editors

You've got just enough money in your bank account to last until Friday … but then Monday rolls around, and you're in the same situation. Again.

Food. Bills. Rent. Gas. They dry up every bit of your take-home pay. 

But it doesn't have to be this hard. With a few smart moves, you could supplement your income — without doing much extra "work," or even getting a side job!

Here's what to do:

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.

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 3.80% APY1on savings (3.10% APY standard + 0.70% APY boost for six months) on top of that $50 or $400 bonus.2 That's way better than the measly 0.38% (as of 4/20/26)3 national average savings accounts offer. 

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

Stop getting ripped off by high interest debt payments

If you have credit card debt, you know that paying your bill each month is anxiety-inducing … and sometimes close to impossible with what you have in the bank.

If that’s you, a company called LendingTree4wants to help. They can match you with loan providers that could help you pay off your debt quickly.

Think about it this way: For example, $30,000 in credit card debt at 25% APR will cost you $622.60 every single month in interest alone. But, with a rate as low as 6.50% APR (possible through LendingTree’s lenders), you’d only pay $160.69 interest.

That’s over $460 a month you’d get to keep for yourself in this scenario! Even better, you don’t need a perfect credit score, and checking for loans won’t affect your credit.

Truthfully, this company exists to help you get ahead in life. They have a 4.5/5 rating on TrustPilot with more than 15,000 verified reviews, and you can see your options in a matter of minutes. It’s certainly worth a shot if you’re feeling suffocated by debt.

See if your $30K+ credit card debt is eligible for options with LendingTree

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.
Enter your home address here to pre-qualify in less than 2 minutes

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!5

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

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.

You could be overpaying for your retirement planning

Fees matter. High fees can cut into your returns and affect your overall nest egg. But the ways fees are levied vary. Some are “fee only,” charging a flat rate regardless of usage. Others take a percentage of all assets under management. Some earn commissions directly from mutual funds or other financial products, which presents a significant conflict of interest.

This free matching quiz helps Americans get matched with up to three fiduciary advisors who serve their area so they can compare and decide which advisor to work with.

Earn $250 by doing this

Few things in life are this simple. Open this account, route two qualifying direct deposits of $500 or more within 75 days, and a $250 bonus lands in your new account.6

Most bonus offers want you jumping through hoops. Not this one. Just a couple of paychecks routed in and the bonus is yours.

Get your $250 bonus

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.

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

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!7

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

Diversify your hard-earned retirement savings with gold

You've spent your whole life building up your retirement savings, but market volatility and inflation could be threatening everything you've worked so hard for.

Patriot Gold Group is actively helping Americans like you find greater retirement security with precious metal investments. They offer everything from physical ownership to IRAs in gold and silver that have a proven track record during unstable markets.

In fact, from 2005 to 2020, the price of gold increased by 330%. And during the stock market crash of 2008, the value of gold actually increased by 25%.8

Take control of your legacy today in 3 easy steps:

  1. Request your FREE IRA investor's kit and see if you qualify for no fees for life on your precious metals IRA.9
  2. Speak to a dedicated specialist about the best option for you.
  3. Transfer or invest to better diversify your portfolio.

You're in good hands, as they boast an A+ rating with the BBB, have been named the #1 gold IRA dealer by Consumer Affairs for 10 years running, and are trusted by over 100,000 Americans with an "Excellent" 5-star TrustPilot rating. If you have at least $20,000 to invest, take control of your savings now.

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

This plan helps protect select Ohio homes from many expensive appliance and home repairs (see if you qualify)

Everyone talks about home insurance, but hardly anyone talks about this. If you live in Ohio and own your home, you could save $1,000s on home repairs without much work at all.

American Home Shield is currently helping homeowners slash appliance repair bills. Instead of paying $1,000s, you pay for a monthly plan and a simple one-time service fee per covered repair.

Getting a monthly plan could help you tap into immense savings for nearly any system or appliance in your home that’s covered.

Not everyone is eligible for this plan so here’s how to check:

  1. Click the link below and enter your name, address, phone number and email.
  2. Hit the “Get Free Quote” button.
  3. If you qualify, select a plan.

Complete this short form to see if you qualify

P.S. Use the link above, and you'll get 50% off your first year on select plans!10

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.

Tax Relief Advocates 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, Tax Relief Advocates 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

Ohio residents, save big on new windows

Old windows drive up your home's electric bill. But if you live in Ohio and your windows are 5+ years old, you could save big.

Renewal by Andersen is actively helping homeowners score huge savings. Their certified master professionals install high-quality, energy-efficient windows that could help reduce energy bills and improve comfort.

They make it extremely easy to upgrade your windows with financing options available and special limited-time offers. The entire process is hassle free.

Get started now if you check these 3 boxes:

  1. You own your home.
  2. Your windows are 5+ years old.
  3. You live in an available ZIP code.

Complete this short questionnaire to get started

BONUS: For a limited time, buy one get one 40% OFF.11 Plus, get $200 off your purchase!11

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!12 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.

How Ohio homeowners are preventing roof rot, mold, and foundation damage for good

Most homeowners think of gutters as just a cleaning chore. The bigger risk is what happens when they clog. Overflowing gutters can lead to water damage, roof rot, mold, even foundation problems, the kind of repairs that run into the thousands.

If you own a home in Ohio, HomeBuddy offers a powerful, one-of-a-kind gutter guard built to prevent exactly that. Their micromesh filter keeps common debris out, so your gutters stay clear and your home stays protected. And because it actually works, you may be able to stop hiring gutter cleaners altogether. The company will even clean out and realign your gutters before they install.

Don't waste money on cheap, ineffective guards that claim to be clog-free. This one's built to last.

See if you qualify today: Click the link below, enter your ZIP code and home info, and a representative will reach out to schedule a free estimate.

See if you qualify

Let's find you a better credit card ... or help you save on the debt you already have

If your credit has taken some hits, getting approved for a new card isn't always a sure thing. But that doesn't mean you're out of options.

Answer a few quick questions and we'll try to match you with a card that fits your situation. And if a new card isn't the right move right now, we may still be able to help you lower the interest you're paying on existing balances — which could save you real money every month.

Free, no commitment, and no impact to your credit score.

See my options (no credit impact)

Pay no interest on balance transfers into 2027

Imagine getting 15 months with 0% intro APR on balance transfers (APR then 18.24% - 27.74% Variable). Sounds great — right? You could dramatically change your financial picture with this industry-leading low-interest card - the Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees).

If you want to kick high-interest credit card debt to the curb, this is one of the leading get-out-of-debt cards available. Transfer your high interest debt to this card with a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months. Your payments can go directly to paying down your balance without incurring a pile of additional charges. That could save you hundreds of dollars in interest! After the intro period, the APR is 18.24% - 27.74% Variable. 

The best part? The annual fee is $0.

Click here to Apply Now to the Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Earn 3% cash back at Walmart, gas, or dining

If you shop at Walmart even once a month, you need to see this. It's been reported that more than 40% of Americans buy their groceries at Walmart,13but if you pay with a regular debit card, you could be missing out on a chance to earn solid cash back.

OnePay changes that. Right now, new members can earn 10% cash back on their first Walmart purchase within the first month, on up to $200 spent.14After that, you keep earning 3% cash back at Walmart every month on up to $150 spent, with eligible deposits.15

But you don’t just earn cash back at Walmart with OnePay — you can also earn on gas, dining, and more. 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.16

Plus, you can earn 3.35% APY on your savings with eligible deposits17and can get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit18and fee-free cash withdrawals at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs worldwide.19And you can earn 25¢/gallon extra cash back on your first gas purchase.20

Bank through OnePay and earn 10% back at Walmart on your first purchase

See if you’re eligible to cancel your money-draining timeshare contract

Are you stuck in a timeshare contract? The average timeshare owner pays roughly $1,200 a year in maintenance fees,21and those fees tend to rise 5% or more annually, often for a property they no longer use.

The Stonegate Firm is a consumer advocacy firm that focuses on timeshare cancellation. They employ licensed attorneys and provide their clients with legal representation via their partners at Stonegate Law (full service consumer protection law firm).

Their attorneys, case managers, and paralegals review your timeshare contract to determine if legal grounds exist to cancel it, using consumer protection laws and contract analysis.

See if your timeshare may be eligible:

  1. Answer a few questions about your timeshare and contract.
  2. A Stonegate Firm specialist will review your case.
  3. If you qualify, they walk you through the cancellation process.

You’re in good hands. The Stonegate Firm is BBB Accredited with an A+ rating.

Check Your Cancellation Eligibility Free - 30 Second Assessment

Ohio residents, see if you could save on a walk-in shower upgrade

Design your perfect shower without breaking the bank. If you live in Ohio and your bathroom is stuck in the past, it's time for an upgrade you'll actually use every day.

HomeBuddy connects you with pre-screened local pros who install modern walk-in showers built around your style, your space, and your needs.

Skip the runaround. Get matched with a contractor and secure a free estimate in minutes. No pressure. No hassle.

Get started now if you check these 3 boxes:

  1. You own your home.
  2. You're ready to ditch the old tub.
  3. You live in an available ZIP code.

Get your free estimate to get started

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

National Debt Relief
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National Debt Relief Benefits
  • No upfront fees5
  • One-on-one evaluation with a Certified Debt Specialist
  • For people with $30,000 in unsecured debts and up
Visit National Debt Relief