No matter what you do for a living, there’s always an incentive to make more money. Maybe you’re trying to pay off credit card bills, save up for something special, or have a little cushion should something unexpected happen in your life.

It used to be that if you needed to make a bit of extra cash, you needed to pick up a second job, like bussing tables a few weekends a month or showing up early at the bakery to help with the ovens.

Now, thanks to the doors opened by the internet, and the ease of starting your own business, it’s gotten easier than ever to bring in some extra money without working yourself to death in the process.

Here are five ways you can make some extra cash in a pinch:

1. Sell your unused items. Look in your closet for old books you can sell? Is your closet full of outgrown or embarrassing clothes? Are your old computers taking up too much space? Sell them!

* Have a yard sale.?
* Sell your things to specialty shops like second hand clothing shops, used bookstores, used furniture stores, or even repair shops that need parts from what you have.?
* Use eBay. Lots of things without local markets have a national or global market, and there are people who’ll buy the oddest things on eBay.

eBay is a great way to earn extra money selling nik-naks, books, electronics and other fun stuff people might buy. Chances are someone wants it and is willing to pay a premium for it.

2. Ask for a raise at your current job. If you think you are invaluable, ask for more money and don’t be affraid. Most people are too scared to ask for a raise, so you can use this to your advantage.

State your case by assembling a list of accomplishments from the last 10 months.?

* Another way you may be able to make more cash at your job is to ask your boss if there’s extra work you can do to gain more hours or get paid more for increased responsibilities.

3. Trade skills for cash. Are you a skilled seamstress, writer, or graphic designer? Earning extra money is possible online at certain websites if you have specific skills.

Don’t know how to get started? Do an internet search. Resources abound on the ‘net that can help you find buyers for your skills.

4. Get a work from home job. Many companies are looking for work at home telephone customer service agents. Some of them pay remarkably well and all of them have relaxed dress codes to boot!

5. Start your own part-time business. A second business can come from your skills and hobbies. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as turning your love for something into a business and making it profitable.

Many of these money-making ideas will work fairly quickly with little effort. You can significantly increase your income working from home with your own business. Take action and you can make more money!