Want More Stimulus Money? 8 Ways to Get It Yourself

Lawmakers recently passed a $900 billion coronavirus relief bill that includes a round of stimulus payments worth $600 each, and while there's talk of follow-up relief with much larger checks, that's not guaranteed. If you're unhappy with your $600, the good news is there are steps you can take to score a higher bonus payday.

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Need additional stimulus cash? If you spend less, you'll have more of your own paycheck left over -- it's that simple. Get yourself on a budget so you can see where your money goes every month, and then identify expense categories you can slash to keep more cash for yourself.

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Boosting your income serves the same purpose as a stimulus check -- it gives you more money to work with. Though the economy isn't as open as it was before the pandemic, you can still score a side gig -- you just need to know where to look. There's huge demand right now for grocery delivery, childcare providers, and educational support in light of the fact that so many students are learning remotely. See what's out there so you can pad your wallet.

Dividend stocks pay you money every quarter that you can either spend or reinvest, depending on your goals and circumstances. If you like the idea of an ongoing stimulus check, consider adding some dividend stocks to your portfolio.

Municipal bonds pay interest semiannually, so like dividends, they're another income stream that can provide you with bonus cash when you need it. Best of all, municipal bond interest is always exempt from federal taxes, and if you buy bonds issued by your state of residence, you'll avoid state and local taxes on those interest payments as well.

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Most of us have stuff lying around we don't have much use for. And given that we're just coming off the holidays, you probably have a handful of gifts you can do without. Selling those items is a good way to drum up extra cash, all the while clearing out closet space.

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If you're disappointed in your stingy stimulus, a larger tax refund can help make up for it. To score one, start reading up on the tax credits and deductions you may be eligible for this year. Capitalizing on the right tax benefits could put serious cash in your pocket.

Believe it or not, your credit card could actually serve as a source of extra cash. Many cards these days offer sign-up bonuses that give you a chunk of money for racking up a certain level of purchases within weeks or months of opening your card (for example, you might score $500 cash back for spending $3,000 within your first three months as a cardholder). It pays to see what sign-up bonuses you qualify for.

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If your goal is give yourself access to extra money, a lower monthly mortgage payment could be your ticket. That's where refinancing comes in. If you manage to exchange your current home loan for one with a much lower interest rate, you'll shrink your monthly payments, and from there, you'll have additional cash to enjoy.

A lot of people feel that a $600 stimulus check falls short of the aid the public really needs. If you're disappointed that your stimulus payment wasn't higher, create your own. It's a great way to buy yourself more financial flexibility while working toward different goals.

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