We’ve all been there: financial troubles. Maybe your car’s tire blew out but you don’t have the money to replace it. Or maybe an unexpected expense came up and now you’re $250 short for this month’s rent. Despite doing our best to plan ahead, financial emergencies are a part of life.
So what can you do when you need money fast but don’t get paid for another two weeks? If you’re willing to put in the time, there are many options for making quick money that can help to ease your financial situation.
Keep reading to learn how to make money fast so that you can get the money you need.
1. Take Paid Online Surveys
One of the quickest ways to make money is to take online surveys. Websites like Survey Junkie, My Points, and Vindale Research will pay you for taking the time to share your opinion. On average you can complete a survey in less than 5 minutes. Surveys typically pay between $0.50 and $1.50, though you may qualify for higher paying in the future.
Once you meet the website’s payout threshold, you’re able to cash out all of your earnings. Some sites pay via PayPal while others allow you to put your earnings towards a gift card.
If you have a few hours each day to dedicate to taking surveys, you can easily make $50 a week. Though you won’t become rich overnight, it’s nice to make money doing mindless tasks that don’t take up all of your time.
2. Sell Unwanted Items
Over the years we tend to hold onto items, even though we no longer use them. Instead of allowing your home to become cluttered with boxes of unused items, now is a great time to sell them. If you need quick cash, this is an effective option for obtaining it.
Items that are likely to make you a good amount of money include:
- Electronics
- Televisions
- Clothing/shoes (in good condition)
- Handbags
- Jewelry
There are many different ways you can sell unwanted items. Locally you can hold a yard sale or use an online listing site like Craigslist or Offer Up. If you have collectible items, you may make more money by selling them on eBay, eBid, or even on Amazon.
3. Rent Your Space
Do you have an extra room or an unused finished basement in your home? If so, you can make fast money by renting the space out. Airbnb allows you to rent out your home to guests who are looking for short-term lodging. There are also long-term options if you want to make a steady stream of income.
As an Airbnb host, you set per night rates for guests to stay in your home. Make sure that you price your home competitively, but don’t undersell! If your home offers amenities above and beyond the standard stay, such as a pool, hot tub, private bathroom, or washer and dryer access, it’s worth to up your price a little bit.
The key to being a successful Airbnb host is to receive good reviews from guests. The higher your rating, the more likely guests are to choose your home over another local option.
4. Become a Pet or Babysitter
For quick cash that you can make on the spot, consider offering pet-sitting or babysitting services to friends, family members, and neighbors. If you like pets and/or children, this is a great option to make quick cash. You can charge your own rates and offer services whenever you’re available.
To find petsitting and babysitting jobs in your area, sign up for apps/websites like Rover, PetSit, Care.com, and Bambino. On these sites, the higher of a rating you have, the more likely you are to be selected.
5. Drive for Lyft or Uber
Traditional taxi service is quite expensive, which is why millions of people have switched to using ride-sharing apps like Lyft and Uber. These alternatives are cheaper and more convenient for today’s riders.
My becoming a driver, you can pick up a lucrative side hustle that can bring in some serious cash. What’s great is that you make your own schedule and work when you want for as long as you want.
Depending on where you live and how much you work, you can easily make $100 by working just a few hours throughout the week. This is the perfect option for students, busy parents, and anyone with a car and free time.
Conclusion
Many falsely assume that making money fast is nothing more than a dream. But, making money quickly is possible if you know how to do it. If you need money and can’t wait until your next paycheck comes in, try these 5 options to make quick cash.
