It’s Dave Ramsey’s first baby step and for a few more days you can win a fully-funded emergency fund. Dave is giving away nine emergency funds worth $999 until September 18, 2009. There’s a new keyword each day which you need to enter the $999 Giveaway. Find the keyword on Dave’s website.
Besides entering the contest you can also take advantage of two other offers from Dave Ramsey. First of all, all of Dave’s books, CDs and DVDs in his online bookstore is just $9.99. You’ll also have a chance to sign up for Dave’s Mobile Money Makeover. Or you can sign up right now by texting “DAVE” to “99158″. You’ll receive four or five text messages each month that include news, updates, tips and offers from Dave Ramsey. The service is free, but standard text messaging rates apply.
In honor of Dave’s $999 Giveaway, here are some ways you can earn your own fully funded emergency fund:
1. Hold a yard sale (Dave’s favorite suggestion)
2. Sell stuff on Craigslist
3. Take a few odd jobs in the evenings and on weekends
4. Turn a hobby into extra cash
5. Sell some plasma
6. Take in a roommate
7. Take clothes or furniture to a consignment shop
8. Ask friends and family for cash instead of birthday gifts
9. Take a part-time job
10. Baby-sit for friends or family
11. Sell coupons on Ebay
12. Take paid surveys online
13. Sign up for a focus group
14. Become a secret shopper
15. Ask your boss for overtime
16. Cut memberships
17. Cancel non-essential services
18. Sell CDs and DVDs to a used music and movie store
Have other ideas? Let us know what you did to start your emergency fund.