Take Action Now: 25 Ideas to Make Cash Today in 2024

How to make cash this year

Need extra cash today? Have you been searching for ways to make it happen?

Take these steps to make extra cash (fast)

Take action now with these 25 ideas on how to make quick cash in 2023. Whether you need some extra money for a fun weekend trip or saving towards something special, these ideas can help get the ball rolling. From gigs that don’t require any experience to traditional side hustles like pet sitting and more — this blog post has everything you need to start pulling in money quickly!

Don’t wait around anymore! Get started with these easy and creative ideas and make cash today. The best part is — there’s no long-term commitment once your goals are met. Imagine what all that extra financial freedom could do for your dreams.

How to Make Cash Today: 25 Ways

Here are 25 ways to make fast cash today.

1. Online surveys

source: https://www.surveyjunkie.com/

Making some extra cash online is easy with online survey sites. Paid survey sites offer different options for different people, from stay-at-home parents to students and beyond. You are free to join and require minimal effort to complete surveys or tasks. You can make money by filling out online surveys, which can be done conveniently in your home.

Depending on the website you use, you could earn gift cards, cash payments through PayPal or other payment methods, or even coupons and discounts. Many survey sites are available for anyone looking for an easy way to make extra money online quickly.

Survey Junkie, Branded Surveys, and Swagbucks are some of the best sites that offer surveys.

2. Earn cashback and rewards

source: https://www.rakuten.com/

Online shopping doesn’t have to be just an expense — it can be an earning opportunity. With sites like Ibotta and Rakuten, you can receive cashback, rewards, and discounts while you shop. Use Upside to get special offers on gas and groceries. Shopping smartly can help you make money while shopping, turning your purchases into a lucrative investment. You can save while shopping online with the right resources and insider knowledge.

3. Cash in unused gift cards

source: https://www.raise.com/sell-gift-cards

Cashing in unused gift cards is a smart way to use their value before expiration. One of the easiest ways to get some cash is to sell unused gift cards on various online platforms like Raise. These marketplace websites allow you to register, upload your gift card details, and set a reasonable selling price. You can search for the going rate of similar cards to select the best price. Once a buyer shows interest and purchases your gift card, the money is transferred to you. It’s a hassle-free process that lets you unlock the potential of those gift cards sitting idle in your drawer.

Be aware that these marketplaces charge a fee to use their sites. For instance, Raise charges a 15% fee to sell a gift card on their site.

If you want to avoid setting the sale price while waiting for someone to buy your card, you can sell your card to sites. These sites will buy your gift cards at a discount. CardCash will buy them via their website, while Prepaid2Cash and CardSell each have an app that makes selling your gift card easy. They will verify the card’s validity and buy it outright, so you don’t have to set the selling price.

4. Consolidate your debt

Consolidating your debt can be a great way to increase your cash flow. By transferring high-interest debts into one loan with a lower rate, you can save money in the long run and free up extra cash today to help pay expenses or put toward your savings bank account.

Look for options with no fees, low-interest rates, and flexible payment plans. With some research, you can find the best debt consolidation solution that works for you and make more of your money now.

5. Ask for a raise

Asking for a raise can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re earning less than you should, it might be time to take the plunge. Here are a few tips on how to successfully ask your boss for a raise and get the cash you deserve:

Know Your Value: Before speaking with your boss, know precisely why you should receive a raise. Write down your successes and qualifications that prove your value, and reference them during the conversation.
Do Your Research: Do some research into similar positions in the industry. Knowing what other professionals are getting paid in your field may help justify why you deserve a raise.
Be Confident: Ultimately, your success may come down to belief in yourself. Showing confidence and conviction when asking for a raise can go a long way toward convincing your boss to give it to you.

Asking for a raise is never easy, but if done correctly, it could increase cash flow, improving your life.

6. Sell items

source: https://www.ebay.com/sl/sell

Making extra cash doesn’t have to be complicated. Selling your old items can be a great way to make money today. Check out Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay for selling various items you no longer need or use. Many people can make money by selling things they own — from clothing and jewelry to furniture or electronics.

Take some time to research the different platforms available for selling items.
Figure out what platform works best for you and how much time you need to put into it.
Start by gathering all your unwanted items and ensuring they look their best before listing them online.
Take good photographs, describe your items accurately, and make sure your prices are reasonable — but also competitive with other sellers in the same market. Don’t forget to factor in costs for shipping and handling.

7. Participate in paid research studies

Participating in online research studies is an easy way to get paid while giving your opinion. Engage Studies, Respondent, User Interviews, and Rare Patient Voice are great platforms to find studies in your area of expertise.

With Engage Studies you can quickly sign up as a research participant and earn cash fast. These studies are for medical, consumer, and business research studies and pay $50-$250 per study.
Respondent also pays for research participation, allowing you to choose which studies fit your skillset the best. Respondent studies are targeted at business professionals and pay between $100-$750 per hour.
User Interviews let you join a network of over 40K professionals who regularly participate in research studies from top companies around the world. You’ll be compensated each time you provide feedback on products or services, up to $120 per hour.
Rare Patient Voice helps people with rare diseases connect with researchers who need input from those living with similar conditions. This is a fantastic way to make some fast money and contribute to improving treatments and care for those with rare illnesses. Rare Patient Voice pays $120 per hour.

By taking advantage of these opportunities, in a few hours, you can make money while helping shape the future of products and services along the way!

8. Test websites

With the help of platforms like TestingTime, UserFeel, Experience Dynamics, TestIO, and UserCrowd, you can earn money with an internet connection by testing websites. Feedback on website navigation, design, and functionality is in high demand. Companies are more than willing to pay for honest user opinions on their sites. All you have to do is sign up on a platform like the ones mentioned above and start testing. Start earning money while helping to shape the future of online usability today.

TestIO: Earn up to $50 by testing games, apps, and websites for bugs. You could earn even more if you find critical bugs. There are at least 5 opportunities to test per day.
UserFeel: Earn $3 to $30 per test that takes approximately 20 minutes. If you do 3 tests per hour, you could make up to $30 per hour.
UserCrowd: Answer quick user experience surveys and earn $0.20 per credit. Cash out once you have accumulated $10.
UserTesting: Get paid for testing products and websites, but the payment amount varies per test.
Experience Dynamics: Participate in usability testing, user research, interaction design, and visual design. Earn incentives ranging from $50 to $150 per study, depending on the test’s scope.
TestingTime: Participate in irregularly scheduled tests and get paid more for in-location tests in Europe (Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom).

9. Rent out a spare room

Renting out a room with Airbnb is a great way to make extra money with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for supplemental income or just want to unlock the value of a spare room, Airbnb offers you the opportunity to monetize your space.

You can set your own rates and decide who rents your room. Plus, you can choose which days of the week you’d like to rent out your room. With Airbnb, it’s never been easier to make money from home. However, the amount you make depends on your location, the condition of the space you rent out, and the frequency you rent it out.

10. Rent a garage or storage space

Renting out a garage or storage space is one of the best ways to make money without a hassle. With Neighbor, you can list your garage or storage space online and start earning as soon as today.

The listing process is straightforward, and you can determine your rates. You also get to choose who rents your space and for how long. Then, set a competitive rate that aligns with similar spaces in your area for the best results.

11. Join the gig economy

Joining the gig economy is a great way to make quick money easily. With Uber, Lyft, Instacart, Grubhub, and Shipt offering flexible part-time jobs, starting your side hustle has never been easier.

These companies have different pay structures, so you can choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and income needs. Getting paid in this gig economy is just a few clicks away – join today and start making money.

12. Pet sit or walk dogs

source: https://www.rover.com/become-a-sitter/

If you’re fond of animals and looking for an easy way to make some extra cash, watching pets or dog walking might be the perfect job. Fortunately, with services like Wag and Rover, offering your pet care services is easy.

You can easily set up your account and create your profile, highlighting your experience with pets and your availability. Once you’ve set up your profile, you can set competitive service rates. Usually, a 30-minute dog walk can fetch you between $20 to $50, depending on your location and competition.

You can also offer overnight boarding services for animals, resulting in even more money. If you pet sit, dog walk, or offer both services, the opportunities to earn money while spending time with adorable pets are plentiful. You can quickly turn your love for animals into a source of income.

13. Become a caregiver

Being a caregiver is not only a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it can also be a great way to make money on the side. Many options are available for caring for others – from babysitting to pet sitting, child care to senior care, and special needs care.

With SitterCity, it’s easy to find jobs related to all these areas quickly and easily. By becoming a caregiver, you can help families needing caregivers while making some extra cash.

14. House sit

source: https://www.housesittersamerica.com/

House sitting is a fantastic way to earn cash while also enjoying the opportunity to travel and explore new destinations. Various house-sitting websites like House Sitters America and Housecarers.com can help you connect with homeowners who need someone to take care of their home, pets, and property.

These membership sites allow you to create a profile that showcases your experience with house sitting, your availability, and the types of services you can offer. Once you pay the annual membership fee, you can browse available house-sitting opportunities and apply for the ones that appeal to you.

15. Sell clothes/jewelry

source: https://us.vestiairecollective.com/journal/start-selling/

Selling clothes and jewelry is a great way to make fast cash – and with Poshmark and other related sites, it’s easier than ever. You can list items you no longer wear or use or buy items from thrift stores and resell them online. Some of these sites also offer the option to consign or trade in your items for store credit or cash. You never know how much money you could make by selling clothes and other products!

Other sites similar to Poshmark are thredup.com, Depop, and Vestiaire Collective. Each site offers a unique platform for selling used clothing, shoes, and accessories online. You can also visit eBay or Craigslist for more local options.

16. Return unused items

Returns can be a great way to make cash today. However, it’s essential to consider your options when returning unused items. Depending on the store, you may have 30 to 90 days for a full refund. Some stores allow returns for up to a year or with no end date.

Consider taking advantage of stores with generous return policies like Costco, Kohl’s, and Ikea. Doing so could save you money in the long run!

17. Find money

Finding money you didn’t know you had can be an exciting experience. If it’s a forgotten bank account or unclaimed funds from a deceased relative, searching for unclaimed money could be the game-changer that puts extra cash in your pocket.

If you want to see if any lost funds are waiting for you, start by checking out Unclaimed.org – they have free resources available to help you look up any potential money that may have gone uncredited. You may just find a pleasant surprise with a little effort!

18. Exchange coins for cash

source: https://www.coinstar.com/

Have a forgotten coin jar in your house collecting dust? Turning your coins into cash can be a great way to get free money. Many banks will offer coin-counting machines that allow you to deposit your coins into their system and receive cash in return. However, the fees charged by these banks vary.

Alternatively, services like Coinstar provide an even easier way of turning coins into cash – with no fee for receiving gift cards for your coins. However, Coinstar charges up to 12.5% + $0.50 transaction fee for exchanging your coins for cash. These fees may vary by location.

19. Hold a garage sale

Get rid of your clutter and make money at the same time! Hosting a garage sale is one of the best ways to quickly create extra cash. Use it as an opportunity to sell off any unused or unwanted items you have lying around the house — someone else can definitely get some use out of them.

Make the most of your old items! If you have any items, you couldn’t return to the store, why not hold a garage sale and make a few bucks from them? It’s a great way to recoup some of your losses.

With some preparation, planning, and determination, anyone can turn their space into a mini marketplace in no time.

20. Sell videos and photos online

source: https://www.stocksy.com/cta/welcome

Making money from your videos and photos can be as easy as signing up with a stock imaging service like Stocksy, Alamy, Shutterstock, or Adobe Stock. These services allow people to host their digital media on their sites and then generate revenue when someone else purchases them. With competitive prices and a wide variety of content, it’s no wonder many photographers use these services to turn their passion into a profitable business.

Sell your digital media with these services:

Shutterstock offers a commission rate ranging from 15% to 40%, with an earnings rate that increases as you license more content.
Stocksy offers a high payout of 50% royalties for standard licenses, ranging from $15 to $400, and 75% for extended licenses ranging from $100 to $10,800.
Adobe Stock offers 33% royalties for downloaded photos.
Alamy offers up to 50% for exclusive images and up to 40% for non-exclusive photos, providing a fair commission rate based on the exclusivity of your content.

21. Sell handmade crafts

To make cash on Etsy selling homemade crafts, you need to produce high-quality and unique items that stand out in the marketplace.

Identify what type of craft you will produce, such as jewelry, home decor, or clothing. Consider what materials you will use, what makes your products unique, and what target audience you want to appeal to.
Set up an Etsy shop and invest time and effort into creating engaging product descriptions and high-quality images that showcase your products.
Promote your Etsy shop through social media, including Facebook and Instagram, as well as through local craft fairs and other events.
Remember to price your items appropriately for each item’s materials and labor costs.

You can make cash on Etsy selling your homemade crafts by following these steps and continually improving your craft.

22. Sell blood plasma

Selling blood plasma is a great way to make quick cash without wasting too much time or effort. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood, which contains proteins and other vital substances; it can be used for medical treatments.

To sell your plasma, you have to visit a specialized clinic where it will be collected and processed. After that, you can receive payment in cash or be credited with an account so that the money can be transferred directly into your bank account. As long as you meet the requirements and are healthy enough, plasma donation is a great way to make money while helping people in need.

Biolife plasma services offer up to $900 for your first month of blood plasma donation. If there is no Biolife donation center near you, you can contact the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA) for alternate donation center locations.

23. Do odd jobs

Doing odd jobs is a great way to make some fast cash. There are plenty of sources where you can find tasks and projects that need to be done, such as task-specific websites like Taskrabbit or even local gig postings.

Some of these jobs require little to no particular skill set and can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. However, these tasks typically involve manual labor. They may include small-scale cleaning, yard work, furniture assembly, moving furniture, and more.

If you want to make some additional cash, doing odd jobs is an excellent way to supplement your income.

24. Reduce current expenses

One of the most effective ways to make cash is to reduce your current expenses. Look at where you can make cuts, such as cutting back on eating out, switching to a cheaper phone plan, or canceling subscriptions you don’t use.

You’ll also want to shop around for better deals on groceries and utilities. Again, doing this will help you save money and leave more money in your pocket for other investments or activities.

25. Offer online tutoring

Online tutoring is a great way to make cash while helping others. It is flexible and convenient, and you can also use your existing skills and expertise to teach courses in subjects such as English, Math, Science, or even a foreign language.

Plus, with online tutoring platforms like Cambly offering competitive rates for online tutors, it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved. Whether you’re looking for some extra money or hoping to supplement your income, online tutoring is worth considering.

Ways of Making Cash to Avoid

While we provided several ways to make easy cash, there are a few methods you should skip. Instead, if you want to make fast cash, consider other options such as side jobs or pawning items of value.

Title loans

Title loans may seem like a reasonable option to make some money, but they come with several risks. Title loans are short-term loans secured against your vehicle title; if you fail to repay the loan within the specified timeframe, the lender has the right to repossess your car.

These loans have very high-interest rates and fees that can add up quickly; sometimes, paying off the loan requires additional financing.

Payday loans

A payday loan can be appealing when you need quick cash, but it should be approached cautiously. Payday loans typically come with extremely high-interest rates and fees that can add up quickly and make it difficult to pay off the loan within the given timeframe.

Payday lenders may require you to provide personal information such as your bank account or social security number, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft and other security risks.

Credit card cash advance

Credit card cash advances can be tempting when you need quick cash, but they should be avoided whenever possible. Credit card cash advances also come with high-interest rates and fees that can add up quickly, making it challenging to repay the loan without taking on additional debt.

Credit card companies may charge a fee for each advance and can report any late payments or defaults to the credit bureaus, which could hurt your credit score.

Personal loans

Personal loans can be a convenient way to access funds for various purposes. However, they also come with some pitfalls to be aware of.

High-interest rates can make the repayment of the loan very expensive.
Taking out a personal loan can negatively impact your credit score if you miss payments or default, making it harder to get credit in the future.
You may be tempted to borrow more money than you can afford to repay, leading to a cycle of debt and financial stress.

It’s essential to carefully consider the terms and conditions of the loan and assess your ability to repay it before taking out a personal loan.

Borrow money from family or friends

Borrowing money from friends or family is usually a bad idea, as it can potentially lead to strained relationships. Turning to those closest to you might be tempting if you are in a tight spot and need financial assistance. However, your loved ones could feel uncomfortable if they don’t have the funds to lend or if the borrowing process goes awry.

Without a binding contract, it can also be problematic for either party to keep track of payments and amounts owed; this often leads to confusion and arguments that can damage your relationship.

It is best to explore other options whenever possible instead of relying on your friends or family for a loan.

What Can You Do Today?

Today is the perfect day to start. If you want to make money quickly, many options are available, from selling unwanted items online to taking on odd jobs or tutoring students online. You can also participate in surveys and focus groups or even start a side hustle. With just an hour or two of your time, you can easily make a few hundred dollars today!

FAQs

How can I make quick cash?

Making quick cash can be simple. There are several ways to make money fast, such as selling unwanted items online, doing odd jobs like delivering food or completing tasks on Taskrabbit.

Other options include selling items on eBay or starting an online shop on Etsy or Shopify. You could also offer house cleaning, lawn mowing, dog walking, tutoring, or virtual assistant work. With creativity and hard work, you can quickly boost your income with these side hustles!

How can I make $100 today?

Making $100 today can be done with some hustle and creativity. For example, you could sell items you no longer need through an online marketplace, sign up for freelance gigs on websites like Fiverr or Upwork, participate in focus groups and surveys, or take on a part-time job. With the right commitment, it’s possible to make $100 today.

How can I make $1000 at home?

Making $1000 from home is entirely possible with the right approach and mindset. There are many ways to earn money from home, such as freelancing, online tutoring, web design, content creation, and more.

One possible approach is to focus on building skills in a particular area and offering those skills as a service. For instance, if you have expertise in a particular field, such as graphic design or writing, you could offer your services to businesses or individuals needing support.

Another option is to sell products online through platforms such as eBay, Amazon, or Etsy, or simply start an online store. The key is to find a method that works for you and dedicate time and energy to building it up to generate a steady income stream.

For more ideas, see these tips on making $1000 fast.

Conclusion

Making money quickly doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Creativity and dedication make it possible to make a few hundred dollars in just an hour or two. Whether you want to rent out space in your house or garage, sell items you no longer need, take on odd jobs like delivering food, or offer freelance services such as web design or tutoring – plenty of opportunities are available for those who are willing to work hard. It all comes down to finding your best approach and committing yourself to achieve financial freedom!

Ellen Cibula is the founder of EllenCibula.com, where she helps businesses with financial technology, security, and payments. She has over 15 years of experience in the financial technology industry.

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