In the face of prolonged inflation, many individuals are seeking methods to augment their cash flow. Even earning a modest additional income of $100 sporadically can provide you with extra spending capacity and serve as a safeguard against debt. The tranquility of knowing there is readily accessible money to meet your genuine life necessities can make it easier to sleep at night.
Whether you’re aiming to support your living expenses or simply looking to fund some weekend enjoyment, here are ten straightforward approaches to swiftly generate $100.
1. Return unused items
If you recently made regretful purchases or received unwanted gifts, consider returning the unused items to the store for a refund. This simple and efficient method can help you generate cash quickly without much effort or time. In fact, you might even end up with $100 or more by the end of it all.
2. Drive for Uber or Lyft
If you possess a strong driving record and own a newer model car, you might want to consider becoming a driver for a ridesharing company. This opportunity allows you to work flexible shifts outside of your regular job, including evenings and weekends.
According to Salary.com, both Uber and Lyft drivers earn an average hourly pay of $18. With just a few shifts, it’s possible to make $100 or even more.
3. Sell your unused gift cards
According to a recent survey on unused gift cards, almost half (47 percent) of adults in the United States possess at least one gift card or store credit that they haven’t used. On average, these unused cards hold a value of $187 per person. Take a moment to check your wallet, purse, or even your junk drawer to see if you have any of these forgotten treasures.
If you find any unused gift cards, you have the option to sell them on platforms like CardCash or Raise. While it’s important to note that you may not receive the full value, it can still be a convenient way to quickly and easily make some extra money.
4. Do food delivery
By delivering for popular services like Doordash, Grubhub, or Uber Eats, you have the potential to earn $100 or more in a single day. In addition to a base rate, tips from food deliveries can significantly boost your earnings.
Similar to ridesharing, setting your food delivery hours around a regular 9-to-5 job is convenient. Depending on your location, you even have the option to make deliveries on foot or by bicycle, eliminating the need for a car.
5. Rent out your parking space
If you own a parking space but don’t have a car, you might be sitting on a hidden source of easy income. By placing an ad or asking around, you can easily find someone eager to rent the spot. Take some time to research and determine the appropriate rate for your parking space. In busy urban areas, you could potentially earn well over $100 per month for the spot.
6. Tutor
If you excel in subjects like Math or English, consider exploring tutoring opportunities. Utilize social media or your network of friends to spread the word, and you may discover numerous potential clients seeking your services.
Conduct research on the prevailing rates for tutoring and establish your own fees based on your level of expertise. Depending on the rate you charge per session, it’s feasible to earn $100 in just a few sessions.
7. Sell your stuff online
If you have valuable items lying around your home that are in good condition but rarely used, consider selling them online. You could easily earn $100 or more by listing items like jewelry, a musical instrument, an empty fish tank, a bicycle, or designer clothing.
If you’re open to shipping your items anywhere, platforms like eBay and Poshmark are great options. On the other hand, if you prefer local transactions, you can explore Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
8. Find freelance gigs online
If you’re a freelancer looking to find gigs, there are apps available to assist you in this endeavor. While it may require some initial onboarding, these platforms offer the opportunity to earn cash relatively quickly. Particularly if you possess digital marketing skills such as web design, copywriting, photography, or social media management.
One noteworthy app for freelancers is Fiverr. The application process involves watching training videos and providing details about your skills and background. Upon approval, you can set your gig package prices ranging from $5 to $995. Fiverr deducts a 20 percent commission, and your earnings are transferred to your account once you complete a buyer’s order.
9. Cash in savings bonds
You may have tucked away one or more savings bonds that you received years ago. If that’s the case, chances are you’ve completely forgotten about them. Whether you possess paper bonds or electronically issued ones, it’s time to assess their value and consider whether it’s the right moment to cash them in.
For electronic Series EE bonds, the process is straightforward. You can simply go online to redeem them, and within two business days, the funds will be directly deposited into your bank account. On the other hand, redeeming a paper bond is a slightly lengthier process. You’ll need to fill out a form and mail it to the federal government. However, some banks may offer the option to redeem paper bonds in-person.
Don’t let these hidden treasures go to waste. Take the time to evaluate your savings bonds and make the most of their value.
10. Host a yard sale
If you have some free time, consider organizing a yard sale. It’s a fantastic way to declutter your home while making some extra cash. You could easily earn over $100 by selling unwanted items.
Commonly sold items at yard sales include clothing, accessories, tools, kitchenware, books, video games, and small appliances. To maximize your sales, advertise on social media and price your items fairly. With these steps, you can expect to sell many of your items within a day or even less.
Bottom line
There are numerous avenues through which you can swiftly earn $100 or more. One of the most gratifying approaches is by engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as writing, driving, designing, or selling items online. Whether you seek a one-time money-making opportunity or a recurring side hustle, it is imperative to evaluate what aligns best with your skills, possessions, and time availability.