It’s an all-too-familiar scenario: You need an extra $100, and you’re wondering how to make that cash quickly. Whether you’re trying to cover a bill, save for something special, or just have some extra spending money, figuring out how to earn $100 can feel daunting—especially if you’re trying to do it quickly. The good news? Earning that extra cash doesn’t have to be difficult, and there are many different avenues you can explore, each offering varying levels of creativity, effort, and time investment.
In this article, we will explore several different ways you can make $100, offering real-life examples, potential risks, and ways to get started. Whether you’re looking for quick cash or a more sustainable side hustle, you’re bound to find something that works for you.
1. Sell Unused Items Online: The Minimalist’s Cash Flow
If you’re looking to make $100 quickly, one of the easiest ways to start is by selling items you no longer need. We all have things lying around our homes that we don’t use—whether it’s old electronics, clothes, or even furniture. These items can often fetch surprising amounts online through marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Mercari.
Example:
Sarah was looking to declutter her home and realized she had a number of items she hadn’t used in years, including an old iPhone, some gently-used designer clothes, and a couple of decorative pieces. She listed them online with clear photos and detailed descriptions. Within a week, Sarah had made over $200 just by clearing out things she no longer needed.
Getting Started:
Begin by walking through your house and identifying items that are in good condition but no longer serve a purpose in your life. Next, research which platform will give you the best chances of selling. Electronics tend to do well on eBay, while clothing might perform better on Mercari or Poshmark. Be sure to price your items fairly and write detailed descriptions, as this can help your listings stand out.
2. Gig Economy Opportunities: Tap into Local Services
The gig economy has exploded in recent years, offering flexible options for making extra money. Apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, TaskRabbit, and Instacart allow you to monetize your time by performing tasks for people in your local area. Whether you enjoy driving, delivering food, or assembling furniture, there’s an option for you.
Case Study:
John was in between jobs and needed some extra cash to pay his rent. He signed up for DoorDash and started delivering food during peak hours in his city. After just a few days of driving, John made over $100 in tips and delivery fees. He found that working during lunch and dinner rushes brought the most income, especially on weekends.
Getting Started:
To join the gig economy, simply download an app like DoorDash or TaskRabbit, and go through their registration process. Typically, you’ll need to provide identification, banking details, and sometimes a background check. Once you’re set up, you can begin accepting tasks or delivery orders and start making money immediately.
3. Freelance Skills: Turn Your Expertise into Cash
If you have specific skills or expertise, you can earn money quickly by freelancing online. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to offer your services to businesses and individuals around the world. Whether you’re a graphic designer, writer, programmer, or marketer, you can tap into a global marketplace of clients who are looking for freelancers to help them with their projects.
Example:
Jessica was a talented graphic designer with a few hours of spare time each week. She created a profile on Fiverr, offering logo design services. By the end of her first month, Jessica had landed several small projects that paid her a total of $300. Not only did she make some extra cash, but she also built her portfolio and gained valuable client feedback.
Getting Started:
To start freelancing, identify what skills you have that are in demand. Set up a profile on one or more freelancing platforms and highlight your expertise. You can start by offering lower prices to attract clients and build up reviews, then gradually raise your rates as your reputation grows.
4. Online Surveys and Microtasks: Cash in Spare Moments
Online surveys and microtasks offer a low-effort way to make some extra cash in your spare time. Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Amazon Mechanical Turk, and InboxDollars allow you to earn small amounts of money for completing surveys, watching videos, and performing small online tasks.
Case Study:
Mark wanted to make some extra cash during his downtime. He signed up for a few survey websites, including Swagbucks and InboxDollars. In his spare time, he completed surveys and watched videos, earning $100 within three weeks. Though the tasks didn’t pay a lot, they were easy to do while he watched TV or waited in line.
Getting Started:
Sign up for several survey or microtask websites to increase your chances of earning. Be patient, as these tasks generally pay small amounts, but they can add up over time. Some tasks pay better than others, so focus on high-paying surveys or videos to reach your $100 goal faster.
5. Rent Out Your Space or Equipment: Passive Income Opportunities
If you have unused space or equipment, you can rent them out for a quick influx of cash. Platforms like Airbnb allow you to rent out a room or your entire home, while websites like Fat Llama let you rent out items like cameras, tools, and even musical instruments.
Example:
Emily had a spare room in her apartment that she rarely used. She decided to list it on Airbnb. Within just a few days, she had her first booking and made $150 for a weekend stay. Not only did she meet new people, but she also made extra money without a significant time investment.
Getting Started:
To rent out your space on Airbnb, ensure your home or room is clean, safe, and well-presented. Take high-quality photos and create a detailed listing to attract guests. If you’re renting out equipment on Fat Llama, be sure to document the condition of the items before renting them and have a clear agreement with the renter on usage.
6. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking: For Animal Lovers
If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking can be a fun and rewarding way to make extra cash. Apps like Rover and Wag connect pet owners with sitters and walkers in their area, making it easy to find opportunities near you.
Case Study:
Megan was a college student who loved dogs but couldn’t have one of her own. She signed up for Rover and started walking dogs in her neighborhood. Within her first month, Megan had made over $300, including tips. She enjoyed spending time with the dogs and found it to be a stress-relieving side hustle.
Getting Started:
To get started, sign up for pet sitting or dog walking services like Rover or Wag. Create a profile that highlights your experience with animals and your availability. Many pet owners are willing to pay for reliable sitters and walkers, so offering flexible hours can increase your chances of securing gigs.
7. Start a Small Service-Based Business: Hustle Locally
If you’re handy or have a specific skill, you can start a small service-based business to earn extra cash. Services like lawn mowing, cleaning, car washing, and babysitting are always in demand, and you can often get started with little upfront investment.
Example:
David was looking for a way to make extra money after work. He noticed that many of his neighbors had overgrown lawns and didn’t have time to maintain them. David invested in a lawn mower and started offering lawn care services on the weekends. Within a few weeks, he had earned over $500 and even received repeat business from satisfied customers.
Getting Started:
Identify a need in your community and think about what skills or services you can offer. You can advertise your services by putting up flyers, posting on local social media groups, or simply knocking on doors. Offering competitive pricing and excellent service can help you build a reputation and gain repeat customers.
8. Invest for Short-Term Gains: Low-Risk Opportunities
Investing isn’t just for long-term financial growth; there are short-term opportunities that can also yield quick profits. With platforms like Robinhood, Acorns, and E*TRADE, you can start investing with a small amount of money and potentially see gains in a matter of days or weeks.
Example:
Matt had $50 to invest and wanted to make a quick profit. He researched stocks and found a company that had solid fundamentals but was currently undervalued. Matt invested his $50, and within two weeks, the stock had increased in value by 20%. He sold his shares and made $10 in profit. Over the next month, Matt continued to make small investments, ultimately earning over $100 in profits.
Getting Started:
If you’re interested in short-term investing, start by educating yourself about the stock market and different investment strategies. Keep in mind that while investing offers the potential for quick gains, it also comes with risks, so never invest more than you’re willing to lose.
9. Participate in Market Research: Get Paid for Your Opinion
Companies are constantly seeking consumer opinions to improve their products and services. By participating in market research studies or focus groups, you can get paid for sharing your thoughts. Companies like UserTesting, Vindale Research, and FocusGroup.com regularly offer opportunities to participate in studies, which can pay anywhere from $25 to $100 or more per session.
Case Study:
*Laura signed up for several market research companies and was invited to participate in a two-hour focus group discussing new grocery store products. For her time, Laura was
paid $150, and she enjoyed the experience of contributing her opinions to new products.*
Getting Started:
Sign up for market research websites and be prepared to answer screening questions to qualify for studies. The more websites you sign up for, the more opportunities you’ll have to participate. Focus groups tend to pay the most, but online surveys and usability tests can also add up over time.
Conclusion: Creativity and Hustle Pay Off
Making an extra $100 might seem like a challenge at first, but with creativity, persistence, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone, it’s entirely achievable. From selling unused items and freelancing to participating in market research and investing, the possibilities are vast.
The key is to assess your personal strengths, interests, and available time to find the best method for you. Whether you prefer passive income opportunities or more hands-on side hustles, there’s always a way to bring in extra cash. The best part? These opportunities often open the door to long-term earning potential, so while you might start out aiming for $100, you could end up building a consistent source of income over time.