When life throws you curveballs, and you find yourself thinking, “I need money desperately,” high-interest loans or credit cards look attractive to get cash fast.
But fear not! There are plenty of feasible options for fast cash that fill up your bank account without making you pay out the wazoo later.
From freelancing to selling items, renting out space, and even borrowing from family, these ideas can help you avoid the pitfalls of loans and interest.
Let’s delve into 17 feasible strategies to earn fast cash to help you manage your financial crisis and return to stability.
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Quick Picks
- Best Long-Term Money Option – Freelancing
- Fastest Cash Payouts- Online Surveys
- Best Scalable Business Idea- Dropshipping
- Start An Emergency Fund – Chime
I Need Money Desperately: 17 Feasible Ideas For Fast Cash
If your mind is racing and you’re thinking, “I need money desperately, oh god, what do I do??” don’t worry- I’m here to give you the best ideas to get money.
No need to check for bad credit, no emergency loans, just ways to get money with the skills and time you have right now.
1. Start Freelancing
Freelancing can be a fantastic way to bring in quick cash while doing something you enjoy.
You can use any skills or experience you have to work on projects for other people.
Platforms like FlexJobs allow you to offer your skills in fields such as writing, editing, graphic design, and more.
You can create a FlexJobs profile listing your resume for clients to view, list your services and required hourly rate to get hired, and apply for jobs that interest you.
Plus, if you build a solid reputation, you could even land higher-paying jobs on these platforms and earn more money with this as a full-time job.
Join the #1 job site to find vetted remote, work from home, and flexible job opportunities since 2007.
2. Paid Surveys & Games
If you need money fast, taking paid surveys or getting paid to play mobile games can be one of the easiest ways to earn a few bucks a day.
These platforms allow you to earn money flexibly, fitting in around your other commitments. While you won’t get rich overnight, they can be a handy source of additional income.
Each completed survey and every game played earn points you can later redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards.
Here are my favorite survey sites to get paid for easy tasks:
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3. Sell Stuff You Don’t Need
Another quick way to make money is by selling items you no longer need.
Whether it’s clothing, electronics, or even unused gift cards, platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark make it easy to find buyers.
Not only will you make some extra cash, but you’ll also declutter your space and potentially help someone else save money by purchasing second-hand items.
Decluttr is a smart, sustainable, and trusted palce to buy and sell tech, including phones, DVDs, and more!
4. Flip Flea Market Finds
Got a keen eye for finding treasures at flea markets? Why not turn that skill into a profit?
You can make a sizable profit by purchasing items at low prices and reselling them online.
This is called flea market flipping, a scalable business anyone can start without much money.
You could find appliances such as blenders, TVs, pasta makers, and more for $5+ and sell them for $20+, making a profit of $15 in some cases.
Sites like eBay are perfect for reselling vintage clothing, antique furniture, or collectible items.
If you want to know more about flea market flipping, check out this free workshop to learn how to make a profit from cool finds.
Turn your passion for visiting thrift stores, yard sales & flea markets into a profitable Reselling Business!
5. Start Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a popular eCommerce business model that lets you sell products without holding inventory.
By partnering with suppliers who store, package, and ship the products on your behalf, you can focus on marketing and growing your business.
Just have a link and pictures on a shop like Shopify, connect with customers online, and let the suppliers handle the nitty-gritty of delivering goods.
Shopify makes it easy to set up a dropshipping store, and with hard work and dedication, you could turn it into a profitable income stream.
To learn more about opening a dropshipping store that can go the distance and bring in thousands, check out this free workshop from Drop Ship Lifestyle.
How to Build a High Profitable, Semi-Automated Dropship Business.
15,000+ Students. 10+ Years of Results.
6. Sell On Etsy
If you’re a creative soul with a knack for crafting handmade or vintage items, opening an Etsy store could be a fantastic way to earn fast cash from selling online.
Some popular items you can sell on Etsy include:
- Unique jewelry
- Custom artwork
- Handmade clothing and accessories
- Vintage home decor
- Personalized gifts
Etsy is the go-to platform for one-of-a-kind products and has thousands of buyers every hour!
Setting up an Etsy shop is quick and easy, and by promoting your items on social media and building a loyal customer base, you can turn your hobbies into a profitable side hustle.
7. Online Tutoring
Share your knowledge and make money by offering online tutoring services.
Whether you excel in math, science, languages, or any other subject, there is likely someone out there who could benefit from your expertise.
Platforms like BookNook connect you with students needing assistance in various subjects, mainly English and math.
You can get paid per hour of tutoring, and many platforms will provide worksheets and materials for your students to save you time.
As a bonus, online tutoring offers flexible hours and the ability to work from the comfort of your own home.
8. Deliver Food
If you have a reliable vehicle and some spare time, delivering food for companies like DoorDash or Uber Eats can be a smart way to make extra cash.
Not only do you get to set your own schedule, but you can also enjoy the freedom of being on the road while earning money.
With food delivery services becoming more popular, there’s never been a better time to get started.
You can take a few deliveries daily and earn $50 fast when needed.
9. Chauffer People
Rideshare services like Uber offer another option for making money with your car.
Driving people around your city offers the opportunity to earn money according to your own schedule and potentially encounter fascinating individuals en route.
Just make sure you meet the necessary requirements, such as having a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a clean driving record.
10. Rent Your Rooms
If you have extra space in your home, why not rent it out on platforms like Airbnb?
This is a great way to earn extra income on space you don’t need. Plus, if you’re out of town, your house is basically making money while you vacation.
Just be sure to check local regulations and take necessary precautions to protect your home and belongings.
11. Rent Your Storage Space
Do you have unused storage space in your home or garage? Consider renting it out to others in need of storage.
Websites like Neighbor Storage can help you connect with people looking for a place to store their belongings.
This can be a low-effort way to make some extra cash and make money consistently.
12. Rent Your Car
If you don’t use your car all the time, consider renting it out through platforms like Turo.
Renting out your car when it’s idle provides an effortless way to make extra money.
Just make sure your car meets the necessary requirements and make sure it stays in nice condition.
13. Sell Stock Photos
If you have a talent for snapping pics, selling stock photos may be a great way to make some extra money.
Websites like Shutterstock allow you to showcase your work and earn royalties whenever your photos are downloaded.
The more high-quality photos you have available, the more potential income you can generate.
14. Do Odd Jobs
For those who enjoy variety in their work, completing odd jobs on platforms like TaskRabbit can be a great way to earn quick cash.
Some examples of odd jobs you can find on TaskRabbit include:
- Assembling furniture
- Running errands
- Cleaning houses
- Painting rooms
- Organizing closets
- Mounting TVs
- Gardening and landscaping
Offering your skills and services lets you earn money and contribute to your local community simultaneously.
15. Pet Sit & Walk Dogs
Animal lovers can turn their passion into profit by offering pet sitting and dog walking services through Rover.
By signing up and creating a profile, you can connect with pet owners looking for assistance caring for their furry friends.
You and set your rate- make $20+ an hour and work when you want- the best when you need money desperately!
This flexible side hustle allows you to make money while spending time with animals – a win-win situation for an enjoyable side hustle.
16. House Cleaning
Providing house cleaning services to friends, family, or neighbors can be a great way to earn extra cash and help others maintain a clean and organized living space.
Offer your services through word of mouth or advertise on local community boards.
You can grow your client base and increase your income by providing top-notch service and building a strong reputation.
17. Borrow Money From Family
Borrowing money from family members can be a viable short-term solution for urgent financial needs.
Setting clear expectations and repayment terms with your family helps to prevent miscommunication and sustain harmonious relationships.
This option can provide quick cash without needing credit checks or collateral, making it a suitable solution in times of need, even for those with a limited bank account.
Quick Cash “Hacks” To Avoid
While exploring ways to earn fast cash in emergencies is important, it’s equally crucial to avoid risky financial options that can lead to long-term problems.
Many people will suggest you get a cash advance, a payday loan, or other emergency loans- but let me tell you, those could follow you for years to come!
Cash advances could be okay- depending on the cash advance apps you use! But you need to choose them wisely and know what you’re getting into.
Let’s delve into why it’s prudent to steer clear of cash advances, payday loans, and maxing out credit cards:
Credit Card Cash Advances
A credit card cash advance is a type of loan or credit card transaction that allows you to borrow money against your credit card’s line of credit.
While they may seem like a quick solution, cash advances typically have higher fees and interest rates- an expensive option for fast cash.
Some people get 25% on their credit cards- that’s not something you’ll want to carry around on a credit card for long, plus what it could do to your credit score.
Payday Loans
Payday loans, offered by payday lenders, are a type of payday loan that is:
- Short-term loans
- Need to be repaid on your next payday
- Often come with extremely high interest rates and fees
- Lands borrowers in a cycle of debt
Payday loans come with many disadvantages you should avoid, even if you need money desperately.
Maxing Out Credit Cards
Maxing out your credit cards can seem like an easy solution to meet urgent financial needs, but it can have long-term consequences.
It will create a bad credit score for you and result in high-interest rates, late fees, and other penalties that stack up against you for years to come.
Additionally, this behavior can negatively impact your credit report and overall credit scores.
Cash Advances & Payday Loan Alternatives
Many loan options can put you into debt deeper and faster than others- you need to pick your options wisely.
For a cash advance or payday alternative loan option, consider less costly reputable online lenders and credit unions offering better rates on a personal loan.
My credit union had a 3.4% interest rate when I wanted to switch our loan for the windows we replaced- Discover was at 12.5%, and the difference was huge!
But don’t forget that loans aren’t the only option you have to get money fast when you need it.
Explore safer options to get money, like borrowing from friends or family, taking on a side gig, or selling stuff you don’t need.
FAQs
What are ways to get money immediately?
Immediate ways to get money include selling items you no longer need, freelancing your skills and hobbies, starting side hustles, and borrowing from family members.
Each of these options can provide quick cash without the need for credit checks or interest rates, making them suitable solutions for urgent financial needs.
The great thing about these is that you can do a bunch at once- you could borrow money from family members and let them know you’re also starting a side hustle to get money quickly.
They’re more likely to lend you money if you show you’re working hard to get more money and can repay them.
How can I make fast money online?
Making fast money online is possible through freelancing, selling items, or offering services like tutoring.
Freelancing platforms like FlexJobs connect you with clients looking for your skills, while websites like eBay and Etsy allow you to sell items to a global audience.
Offering online tutoring services through platforms like TutorMe and Tutor.com can also be a lucrative way to earn money from home.
Join the #1 job site to find vetted remote, work from home, and flexible job opportunities since 2007.
Why are payday loans a bad idea when I need money?
Payday loans are a bad idea because they come with extremely high-interest rates and fees that can lead to a cycle of debt.
Borrowers often can’t repay the loan in full, meaning people have to renew or roll over the loan with additional fees and interest.
People end up paying back hundreds more because of interest, which drags you down into debt.
Instead, consider safer alternatives like personal loans through credit unions, secured loans, or borrowing from friends or family.
If you can, start a side hustle and earn more money to avoid borrowing money with interest rates attached.
Is freelancing really a fast-paying side hustle?
Freelancing can be a fast-paying side hustle, depending on the platform and type of work.
The more in-demand your skills are, the more likely you’ll be able to find well-paying gigs quickly.
As you build your reputation and portfolio, you may find that freelancing can become a reliable source of income.
Platforms like FlexJobs offer quick payment options for completed projects, and thousands of jobs are listed for you to check out.
How can I make more money at my job?
To make more money at your job, consider asking for a raise, promotion, or additional responsibilities.
Research market rates for your position, list your accomplishments, and practice your negotiation skills.
By demonstrating your value to the company and making a strong case for why you deserve a higher salary or promotion, you may be able to increase your income without changing jobs.
Can I get fast cash for a family member or medical emergency?
Fast cash options for family or medical emergencies include selling items you no longer need, borrowing from family members, or taking on side gigs like freelancing or pet sitting.
Each option can provide the emergency cash you need in a pinch, allowing you to focus on addressing the emergency at hand.
Be sure to explore all available options and consider the long-term implications of each before making a decision.
How can I grow my savings?
Growing your savings involves creating a realistic budget, cutting expenses, and establishing an emergency fund.
By tracking your spending and budgeting and saving money by skipping some stuff or using coupons, you can increase your savings over time.
One way to do this is by efficiently managing your checking account, planning to spend only $X amount per month, and sending money right to your savings account.
Additionally, consider exploring side hustles or finding ways to increase your income at work to boost your savings further.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re saying, “I need money desperately,” know there are numerous ways to earn fast cash without resorting to high-interest loans or credit cards.
By exploring the 17 feasible ideas I’ve shared, you can get money now, better prepare yourself to handle financial emergencies and avoid long-term financial problems.
The key to financial success is being proactive, exploring all available options, and making informed decisions that will benefit you in the long run.
Sign up for survey sites to make fast cash while you watch TV, start a side hustle to make money in your free time, and consider opening a business that could pay out for years to come.
Now, go forth and get the money you need!
Want to make money from your couch? Survey Junkie pays out over $40,000 daily to its members for taking paid online surveys. Get your share today!
