10 Quick Ways to Make Money
Whether you’ve encountered an unexpected expense or simply want to boost your savings, there are many ways to make money quickly, both online and offline. You can explore a range of flexible options suited to your skills, interests and time. Let’s walk through 10 quick ways to earn extra income, plus some borrowing options if you need money quickly.
How to Make Money Quickly Online
Thanks to the rise of digital platforms, earning money in your free time has never been easier. If you have internet access and a smartphone or laptop, you can work from home in a handful of ways. Just be sure to take precautions against online scams and potentially dangerous situations.
1. Find freelance work.
One of the fastest ways to make money online is by offering freelance services. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer connect people with a variety of skills to those willing to pay for short-term tasks. Whether you’re a graphic designer, writer or virtual assistant, there’s almost always someone looking for what you offer. Freelancing also allows you to set your own rates and work on a project-by-project basis, making it a flexible option to bring in extra cash.
2. Become an online seller.
If you have items you no longer use, or you have a knack for crafting, reselling or curating items, selling online can be a fast way to make money. E-commerce sites like eBay, Etsy, Amazon, Poshmark, and Mercari allow you to sell products ranging from clothes to electronics and homemade crafts. Setting up a shop or listing items is relatively simple, and with the right strategy, you can start generating sales within a day or two.
3. Take surveys.
While surveys won’t make you rich, they can be a simple and fast way to earn small amounts of money or gift cards in your spare time. Survey sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie and InboxDollars offer payouts for completing surveys, watching videos or performing small tasks. Many of these platforms also have low payout thresholds, so you can cash out relatively quickly. Though the pay for each survey is typically small, combining this method with other online money-making strategies can add up.
4. Test websites and apps.
If you enjoy trying out new tech, you can get paid to test websites and apps. UserTesting, Trymata and Userlytics offer payouts for providing feedback or participating in focus groups about website functionality, user experience and navigation. Generally, the process involves recording your screen and voice as you explore a website or app, offering feedback on ease of use. Tests typically last between 10 to 20 minutes, and pay can range from $10 to $60, depending on the platform and complexity of the test. It’s an easy and relatively quick way to earn money.
5. Teach or tutor online.
If you have expertise in a particular subject, offering online tutoring or teaching online courses are other ways to make money fast. Online platforms like VIPKid, Cambly and Chegg Tutors allow people to teach English or provide tutoring in subjects ranging from math to science. These platforms are often looking for instructors, and getting started is usually as simple as signing up and completing a background check. Tutoring allows you to set your own schedule and often pays well, with many platforms offering between $10 and $30 per hour.
How to Make Money Quickly Offline
If you’d rather earn money outside of the digital space, there are several offline ways to bring in cash quickly.
6. Become a dog walker.
For animal lovers, dog walking is a fast and fun way to make easy money. Many busy pet owners need help during the day to exercise their dogs, and apps like Rover and Wag make it easy to find dog-walking gigs near you. You can sign up, create a profile, and begin accepting clients once you pass a background check. This gig not only gives you the chance to be around pets, but you can also set your own hours and rates. The more clients you take on, the more you can earn quickly. You may even pick up pet-sitting jobs on the side.
7. Drive for a rideshare or delivery company.
Driving and/or delivering for companies like Uber/Uber Eats, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart is a popular way to make money fast. With a relatively new car, a clean driving record and a smartphone, you can start earning money almost immediately after signing up and getting approved. One of the advantages of rideshare driving is the flexibility it offers. You can choose when and how long you want to drive, allowing you to maximize earnings during peak times, such as weekends and evenings.
8. Sell unused items and clothing.
Selling your unused items is one of the simplest ways to make quick money. Whether it’s old clothes, electronics or furniture, you likely have something around the house that could fetch a decent price. Holding a yard sale or garage sale is one offline option, but for a quicker turnaround, consider taking items to local consignment shops or pawnshops.
If you have designer clothes or high-end items, these can often be sold for a good price at consignment stores. You’ll receive immediate payment or a percentage once the item sells. You can also take this side hustle online via Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.
4. Offer handyman services.
If you’re good with tools, offering handyman services can be a fast way to earn cash. Tasks like furniture assembly, yard work, fixing small home repairs and mounting TVs are always in demand. Apps like TaskRabbit connect service providers with local clients in need of assistance. With the right skills and tools, you can start working and earning money within days.
5. Babysit or offer childcare services.
Babysitting is another flexible and fast way to earn money offline. Parents are often in need of last-minute childcare or regular sitters for weekends or evenings. You can advertise your services locally or use apps like Care to find families in your area.
Childcare is typically well-paid, especially for longer hours or weekend shifts, and it allows you to earn money on a part-time basis without much of any upfront investment.
Borrowing Options for When You Need Money Fast
Sometimes, earning extra money quickly isn’t enough to cover an urgent financial need. If you need money now, borrowing options may be worth considering.
Installment Loan
An installment loan allows you to borrow a lump sum of money that is repaid in regular, fixed payments over time. This is a good option if you need cash fast and can repay it over a few months or years. Personal loans and auto loans are common types of installment loans. Keep in mind that interest rates can vary, so be sure to shop around for the best terms.
Line of Credit
A line of credit offers flexibility for those who may need to borrow money multiple times. Similar to a credit card, you’re given a set limit, and you can borrow as much as you need within that limit. You only pay interest on the amount borrowed, making it a versatile option if you’re not sure how much cash you’ll need. Lines of credit can come from banks, credit unions, or online lenders, and some offer quick approvals.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking to make some quick cash online or offline, there are plenty of opportunities available. From freelancing and online surveys to dog walking and selling unused items, you can find a side gig that fits your skills and schedule. If you’re in a bind, borrowing options like installment loans or lines of credit can also provide immediate relief. The key is to pick something you enjoy or are skilled at, and then taking action!
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only, and should not be considered financial, investment or legal advice.
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