How to Make $500 Fast: 23 Proven Ways to Earn Extra Cash

From leveraging online platforms to utilizing skills you already have there’s no shortage of opportunities to generate $500. 

The best part? Many of these methods don’t require special qualifications or a huge time commitment – just the right approach and dedication to get started.

23 Ways to Make $500

Here’s a comprehensive list of proven methods to earn $500 through various income streams and opportunities.

1. Sell Stuff You Don’t Need

Go through your home. Sell old electronics, furniture, or collectibles on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. 

A single sale of a laptop or jewelry could get you close to $500.

2. Join Delivery Services

Sign up for apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. 

Work during peak hours (dinner time or weekends) to boost your pay. You could earn $100 a day if you hustle.

3. Freelance Your Skills

Offer skills like writing, graphic design, or virtual assistance on Fiverr or Upwork. 

Even small jobs can add up quickly. 

Aim for high-demand tasks and charge competitive rates.

4. Sell Handmade Goods on Etsy

If you’re crafty, sell handmade items or digital products like printables on Etsy. Personal gifts or seasonal items are popular and can net you steady sales.

5. Pick up a side gig

Get a part-time job in retail or hospitality. 

Working 15 hours a week at $15/hour can get you to $500 in less than a month.

6. Teach Online

If you have knowledge in a subject or speak a second language, teach online. 

Platforms like VIPKid or iTalki pay $20–$30 an hour.

7. Rent out a spare room

If you have extra space, rent it out on Airbnb. 

Even a few nights at $100 per night could hit your $500 goal fast.

8. Offer Lawn Care Services

Offer to mow lawns or do yard work in your neighborhood.

Charge $50–$100 per yard and you’ll hit your target quickly.

9. Clean homes or offices

House cleaning services can pay well. 

Charge $100–$200 per job, and with just a few clients, you’ll earn $500 in no time.

10. Flip Used Cars

If you know a bit about cars, buy and fix up a used car to resell. 

A few smart flips can bring in $500 or more quickly.

11. Work Overtime

Ask for extra shifts at work if you’re hourly. 

Many companies pay 1.5x for overtime, making it a fast way to boost earnings.

12. Participate in Market Research

Sign up for focus groups or surveys. 

Companies pay $50–$150 per session. Try sites like UserTesting or Respondent.

13. Rent out your car

Use services like Turo to rent your car when you’re not using it. 

Depending on the model, you could earn $50 or more per day.

14. Become a Social Media Manager

Help local businesses with their social media accounts. 

Charge $300–$500 per month per client for content creation and management.

15. Sell Photography or Videography Services

Offer to shoot family portraits or small events. 

Even one session can earn $500, depending on the project.

16. Host a Garage Sale

Clean out your home and sell items you no longer use. 

Multi-family sales can bring in $500 or more in a weekend.

17. Offer Fitness Training

If you’re certified or experienced, offer personal training sessions. 

Charge $50–$75 per session and quickly reach your goal.

18. Babysit or Petsit

Offer babysitting or pet sitting services. 

Parents and pet owners often pay well, especially for last-minute help.

19. Sell Digital Products

Create and sell e-books, courses, or printables. 

Digital products have high margins and can provide passive income.

20. Deliver Groceries

Sign up for services like Instacart and deliver groceries. 

Evening and weekend shifts can help you reach $500 quickly.

21. Offer Oddjobs

Sign up on TaskRabbit to help with tasks like assembling furniture or moving. 

Many jobs pay $50 or more.

22. Flip Thriftshop Finds

Buy items at thrift stores and resell them on eBay or Poshmark. 

With the right finds, you can turn a quick profit.

23. Try Affiliate Marketing

Promote products on your social media or blog. Earn a commission on each sale through platforms like Amazon Associates.

Tips for Long-Term Success

By following the strategies we’ve discussed, you’ll be well on your way to making $500 fast. Here are a few tips to help ensure you stay on track:

• Set realistic goals. Be realistic about how long it will take you to earn $500. Track your daily income targets and break down monthly goals into weekly achievable amounts. Use a spreadsheet or an income tracking app to help monitor your progress 
• Manage your time. Use your time effectively when deciding which strategy to use. For example, schedule high-paying gig work during peak hours or block out time in your schedule to listing iteams on marketplace platforms. 
• Scale your income. Why stop at $500? If you have the time, transform your one-time earnings into recurring revenue. Use things like referrals, expanding your services, or reinvesting your profits to grow your income. 

Final Word

Making $500 doesn’t have to be a daunting task. 

I’ve shared numerous methods that can help you reach this goal whether you need quick cash or want to build lasting income streams. 

The key is choosing the approach that best fits your schedule skills and financial needs.

I recommend starting with one or two methods that align with your strengths and gradually expanding your income sources. 

Remember that consistency and dedication are crucial – even small daily efforts can add up to significant earnings over time.

Frequently Asked Questions