Increase your income (Cont...)

1) You might get paid for taking up a research study at a hospital or college. There are marketing companies that pay people to share a certain product or service as a part of a focus group.

2) You may be able to get some monetary help from some public aid or charity. Carry food from home, and stop eating out. You might consider using the electricity or gas a little less than usual everyday, so that you see a noticeable difference at the end of the month.

3) You may be able to “find” some extra money if you can return some un-used items to the store for a refund. You can sell off the gift certificates, and cancel the magazine subscriptions and get a refund of the unused part.

4) If you work, check your last three years' income taxes to make sure you took all the deductions available to you. File an amended return if you find more deductions. Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Credit, and Child Care Credit if you are eligible.