Hey, we’ve all been there before.
At one point or another, we get in a jam and need money pronto—like, yesterday!
Coming up with emergency money can be a challenge. In fact, only 28% of Americans have an emergency fund. You can’t always plan for life’s big emergencies, but there are options to make money when you absolutely need it.
If you need money now, check out these easy ways to get cash fast.
1. Sell Old Belongings
You can always start a side hustle and earn $100 every day. But these gigs often take a few weeks or so to ramp up.
When you need instant cash, the easiest solution is to sell old items you no longer want or need.
Go through your attic or basement for items that sell well on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. For example, you might sell a quality bicycle you no longer ride or a treadmill that is mostly used to hang clothes.
What do you have lying around that other people value? The answer to that question may fetch you enough to overcome your financial emergency.
2. Seek Help from Family or Friends
Yes, it’s awkward and difficult, but asking for a loan from a family member or friend is often the quickest way to get through a tough spot.
You may be surprised to find that many times, your loved ones are genuinely happy to give you some emergency funds.
If you’ve always been there for family and friends, they may jump at the chance to help you out and show they care about you.
3. Drive for Uber or Lyft
It doesn’t take long to sign up for a popular rideshare service.
The background test may take a few days, but once you pass, you’re ready to earn. If you like driving and getting to know new people, it may be the gig for you.
The best part is that you work when you want. Simply turn on the app and start earning.
How much can you earn?
In researching for this article, we found several different figures, ranging from $11 to $23 per hour. Various factors affect your potential income, like the size of your city and the number of popular events nearby. These are factors that often lead to peak pricing rates which increase your income.
4. Need Money Now? Flip Free Stuff
In this technological era, you can get a lot accomplished in a short amount of time—which leads us to flipping.
No, not house flipping, although you can sell a house to fast property home buyers lickety-split. We’re talking about flipping free items found online.
You can make serious cash quickly by checking the free section of Craigslist. Many people need to get rid of items fast, and they are often in good condition. You could find a washer and dryer, a musical instrument, furniture, and more.
Some items may need a bit of clean-up before you can sell them. In other cases, you might be able to sell the item for a profit the same day.
A word to the wise: if you want to make money this way, you have to be quick as many of these items are snatched up fast.
Earn and Save for the Future
If you need money now, you have several options to earn cash fast.
For the future, we recommend starting a side hustle and saving for an emergency fund. Most side gigs are pretty simple, and the extra income can help you guard against further financial emergencies.
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