While some of these ideas may not seem like what you'd consider a homebased business, these are viable options for earning extra income and getting cash in your hands almost immediately. Obviously, for continued financial security, you'll probably want to pursue other home based business options, but if you need money right away, you might consider some of the following.

1. Cash in recyclables. Cans and other metals, bottles (in some areas), even newspapers can garner you extra income quickly if you have enough of them. A lot of non-profit organizations use this as a very successful ongoing fundraiser by asking everyone they know to contribute cans, in particular.

2. Sell a junk car. If you have an old clunker that's sitting in the driveway and hasn't been driven in 15 years, let it earn you some extra income. Call a junkyard and see if they'll haul it off. Most of them will pay you up to $100 for the value in the metal and parts.

3. Clean out your garage and anyone else's who'll let you. With free advertising resources like Craigslist, you can sell things you and your friends no longer want or need to earn extra income fast. And if you enjoy doing this, it can become a very profitable home based business, especially if you can find people to donate their unwanted items to you to sell.

4. Become an online content writer. There are several websites that offer almost unlimited options for a reasonably talented writer to earn extra income selling his words. Typically, you'll need to register for the site, submit a sample article, and then be approved before you begin. But you can be writing articles and earning cash easily by week's end. And the greater following you build, the more you'll earn in most cases since many of the sites also offer incentives for getting more readers.

5. Sell your services. If you can mow a lawn, load a moving van, repair a car, deliver groceries, cook a meal, babysit, tutor, or any number of other things, you can easily begin to earn extra income right away. Call friends and family members to offer your services for pay. If they can't hire you, ask them if they know someone else who might. Diligence and hard work can quickly pay off in the form on extra cash.

6. Earn extra income on clothes you never wear anymore. Simply go through your closets and find items that are in good condition with no stains or tears, and take them to a local consignment shop. While this may be a bit slower process, you should still be able to earn some money within a week or two at the outside.

There are more desperate measures for getting extra income such as selling your blood to a local blood bank, selling your car or furniture, or getting a title loan on a vehicle. But with even a little planning, one of these less drastic options should help you get some added cash fast enough to see you through a crisis.