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“I’m screwed,” you think as you open your laptop and frantically type how to make $1,000 fast into Google.
You just realized rent is due Monday, but so are your student loan and car payments. You’re down to your last few dollars and your paycheck doesn’t hit for another week.
You panic.
If this has happened to you, you’re not alone. Bankrate’s 2024 annual emergency savings report found that 27% of Americans have no savings at all.[1] It’s stressful when an emergency happens, your savings account is depleted, and you must come up with money immediately — here’s how to do it.
How to Make $1,000 Quickly
If you need to make money fast, there are plenty of gig-like ways to earn cash quickly. If physical labor isn’t an option — or time is of the essence — we’ve included some safe borrowing-oriented methods for acquiring $1,000 at the end of this article.
1. Sell your stuff
One of the quickest ways to make $1,000 is by selling items you no longer need or use. Go through your home and identify valuable items such as electronics, jewelry, furniture, collectibles, and gently used clothing. Popular selling apps like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are great places to start.
You can also use apps like Mercari and OfferUp to reach a local audience quickly. For specific items like books, CDs, and tech gadgets, consider using Decluttr for a streamlined selling process.
If selling online isn’t your thing, a good old-fashioned yard sale will do. My family cleared north of $900 just this past weekend holding a two-day garage sale when the rain pushed us for cover, coming close to our $1,000 goal.
2. Deliver food
Delivering food is another straightforward way to make $1,000 quickly. Sign up with popular platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, where you can start earning money within days. These apps allow you to choose your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. Other options include Grubhub and Instacart, which also offer flexible schedules and quick payouts.
Really, you can make money delivering just about anything to customers in your local area, taking advantage of peak activity times to maximize your earnings.
3. Test apps and websites
Companies are eager to understand how real users interact with their products, and they’re willing to pay for your insights. To get started with app testing, sign up on platforms like Freecash, where you can earn money by testing new apps and providing feedback on your experience. Just last month I made just over $200 testing apps and completing offers on the platform.
For website testing jobs specifically, platforms like UserTesting, TryMyUI, and Userlytics are great places to begin. These sites connect you with companies looking for feedback on their websites. You’ll typically need to complete tasks such as navigating the site, completing specific actions, and sharing your thoughts on usability and design.
4. Pick up shifts as a bartender or server
Becoming a bartender or server is yet another tried-and-true way to come up with a good chunk of change in a pinch. With the right job, you can start earning money almost immediately, often bringing home cash tips at the end of each shift. To boost your earnings, aim to work during peak hours, such as evenings and weekends, when tips are typically higher.
This may require being assertive about your availability, but anything you can do to land those hours will ultimately put more dollars in your pocket. In time, lateral moves to work at busy or upscale restaurants and bars can significantly increase your tip income.
5. Offer to help friends and family
Though a bit awkward, turning to friends and family for work is often a high percentage play. Let them know you’re looking to make some extra cash and offer to help with tasks they might need done.
This could include babysitting, outdoor work, house cleaning, or even helping with a small business. The personal connection often means you can start working and earning almost immediately.
6. Rent out your empty space
DollarSprout reader Justin Cambra earns $1,000 per month renting out parking space on his vacant lot.
Whether you have a spare room, a basement, or even just a parking spot, platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo make it easy to rent out your space and start earning money quickly. If you live in a desirable location or set up shop during a busy time of year, you can command higher rates and fill up your booking calendar quickly.
For a faster turnaround, consider renting out your space for events or as a temporary office. By offering a clean, comfortable, and well-presented space at competitive rates, you can maximize your earnings and reach your goal in a few weeks or less.
7. Participate in market research
You’ve probably seen ads to take paid surveys or participate in market research studies and thought they seemed like a scam. Fortunately, they’re not. In fact, there’s a huge market for consumer data that companies use to improve their products and increase sales.
That data comes from real consumers like you. Companies want to know what you think about the products and services you use every day, and they’re willing to pay you for it. Websites like Branded Surveys, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie offer various ways to earn money through surveys, product testing, and focus groups.
Additionally, these platforms often hand out anywhere from $1 to $30 in welcome bonuses just for signing up.
8. Offer freelance services
Freelancing is a fantastic way to make $1,000 fast — and it’s often the most realistic route for many readers. Many companies are turning to freelancers for a variety of tasks, allowing you to pick projects that match your expertise. Here are but a few of the freelance services one can offer:
- Graphic Design: Create logos, marketing materials, and social media graphics.
- Bookkeeping: Manage records, invoices, and payroll for small businesses.
- Web Development: Build and maintain websites, optimize for SEO, and fix bugs.
- Video Editing: Edit video content for YouTube, Reels, TikTok and more.
- Translation Services: Translate documents, websites, and marketing materials.
- SEO Consulting: Optimize websites for search engines, conduct keyword research, and improve site rankings.
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer make it easy to find clients and start earning. With the right skills and some diligence, you can quickly secure projects and make $1,000 in a matter of weeks.
9. Write for websites
As a freelance writer, you create content for various clients, including blog posts, articles, website copy, and marketing materials. To get started, build a portfolio showcasing your best work.
Next, sign up on freelance platforms like Upwork, ProBlogger, and Freelancer to find writing gigs. These platforms connect you with clients looking for writers, allowing you to bid on projects that match your skills. To increase your earnings as a writer, focus on niche topics where you have expertise, as these often command higher rates. Networking on LinkedIn and joining writing communities can also help you find opportunities and build your client base.
10. Become a pet sitter
Pet sitting pays instant cash, and if you love animals, it’s a relatively easy gig for anyone who needs to make $1,000 fast. Rover makes it easy to find clients and build up your new or existing pet-sitting business. You can choose whether you offer in-home stays, doggy daycare, or just daily drop-ins.
All you need to do to get started with Rover is complete a brief application and complete your profile. You can set your own rates, how many clients you have, and which breeds you care for. You can even offer to watch cats or other pets to earn extra cash.
11. Get paid to tutor
As a tutor, you can help students improve their understanding of subjects ranging from math and science to language arts and test preparation. To get started, identify the subjects you are most comfortable teaching. You can offer your services locally by advertising at schools, community centers, or through word-of-mouth.
To increase your earnings, consider specializing in high-demand subjects or test prep, which often command higher rates. Online tutoring jobs can also expand your reach to students beyond your local area, giving you more opportunities to earn. Create a profile on tutoring platforms such as Wyzant, Tutor.com, or Chegg Tutors, where you can connect with students in need of assistance.
12. Freelance photography
As a freelance photographer, you can offer your services for events, portraits, real estate, product photography, and more. To get started, create a portfolio showcasing your best work. This can include photos from previous projects or personal shoots that highlight your skills and style. Set up a website or use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to display your portfolio and attract potential clients.
Finding gigs can be done through various channels. You can join freelance marketplaces like Upwork or Fiverr, where clients post photography projects. Additionally, networking within your community and reaching out to local businesses, real estate agents, or event planners can help you find opportunities.
13. Rent out your car
Renting out your car is a smart way to make a significant amount of money quickly, especially if your vehicle often sits unused. By leveraging car-sharing platforms like Turo or Getaround you can turn your idle car into a money-making asset. These platforms allow you to list your car, set your own rental rates, and manage bookings through their apps. They also provide insurance coverage for your vehicle while it’s rented out, giving you peace of mind.
Ensure your car is clean and well-maintained to attract renters and receive positive reviews. High-demand areas, such as cities or tourist destinations, can help you maximize your earnings. Additionally, offering amenities like phone chargers and child seats can make your listing more appealing. Renting your car during peak times, such as weekends, holidays, or local events, can significantly boost your income.
14. House sit
As a house sitter, you stay in someone else’s home while they’re away, ensuring everything remains in order and providing peace of mind to the homeowners. To get started, create a profile on house-sitting platforms like TrustedHousesitters, HouseSitter.com, or MindMyHouse. These platforms connect you with homeowners looking for reliable sitters. Highlight your experience, trustworthiness, and any relevant skills, such as pet care or home maintenance, to make your profile stand out.
House-sitting assignments can vary in length from a few days to several weeks or even months. By taking on multiple assignments, especially during peak travel times like holidays and summer vacations, you can accumulate a significant amount of money quickly. Extra services like pet sitting, plant care, or light cleaning can justify higher rates and boost your earnings to over $100 per night.
15. Look for handyman work
If you’re skilled with tools and enjoy fixing things, looking for handyman work is a great way to make $1,000 quickly. Many people need help with various tasks, from minor home repairs to assembling furniture, and they’re willing to pay for your expertise. To get started, sign up on gig-specific apps like TaskRabbit and Handy, where you can find a variety of odd jobs posted by people in your area.
These platforms allow you to create a profile, list your skills, and set your rates. You can choose tasks that match your abilities, such as painting, plumbing, electrical work, or general maintenance. You can also find handyman work by advertising your services locally. Post flyers in community centers, hardware stores, or online community boards like Craigslist and Nextdoor.
16. Pick up work as a virtual assistant
As a virtual assistant, you can offer a variety of services, including email management, scheduling, social media management, customer service, and more. To get started, identify your skills and the services you can offer. Create a professional profile on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, where you can connect with clients looking for virtual assistants.
Here are some common services virtual assistants provide:
- Email Management: Organizing and responding to emails, managing inboxes.
- Scheduling: Manage calendars, book appointments, and coordinate meetings.
- Social Media Management: Create and schedule posts; engage with followers.
- Customer Service: Handling customer inquiries, providing support.
- Data Entry: Inputting and organizing data, maintaining records.
- Research: Conducting research and compiling information.
Other Ways to Make $1,000 (With a Slightly Longer Horizon)
These methods may take a bit more time but can still help you reach your goal of making $1,000 over the next few weeks and months.
- Get a second job. Taking on a part-time job can help you earn extra income quickly, especially if you find work in a busy retail or service environment.
- Negotiate a pay raise. Asking for a raise at your current job can boost your income, particularly if you have been performing well and taking on additional responsibilities. (Here are some tips for doing so.)
- Earn cash back on everyday purchases. Using cashback apps and credit cards can help you save money on things you already buy.
- Look for investment app deposit bonuses. Microinvesting apps like Acorns and Robinhood often dole out sizeable bonuses and allow you to invest small amounts of money, which can grow into larger sums over time.
- Try crypto staking. By staking your cryptocurrency, you can earn rewards over time as your holdings contribute to the network’s operations.
- Compete in play-to-earn games. Engage in blockchain-based games where you can earn cryptocurrency and other rewards for achieving in-game goals.
- Create a knowledge course. Developing and selling online courses on platforms like Teachable or Udemy can generate passive income from your expertise.
Backup Options
These loan-like options should only be considered if you have nowhere else to turn, or you’re not physically able to work.
- Borrow from family or friends. Consider borrowing money from trusted individuals, ensuring clear terms to avoid relationship strain.
- Personal loan. Apply for a loan from a bank, credit union, or online lender.
- Sell investments. Liquidate stocks, bonds, or other investments to access cash.
- Tax refund advance. Get an advance on your anticipated tax refund.
- Cash advance. Access cash quickly, but be aware of high interest rates and fees.
- Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Use your home’s equity to secure a loan. Approval times vary and involve your home as collateral.
How to Prevent This Situation in the Future
Trying to pull together money for bills or emergencies at the last minute can feel difficult and stressful. To prevent it from happening again or falling into the payday loan trap, there are a few steps you can take.
- Open a separate savings account. If you don’t already have one, consider opening a savings account at an online bank with higher interest rates, sign-up bonuses, or rewards for diligent savers. If you prefer a traditional bank for your savings, open your account at a different bank than your primary one. This will make it more difficult for you to withdraw the money; you might even forget you have it.
- Automate your monthly savings. Automating your savings takes the control out of your hands and ensures your savings goals are met every time. To do so, all you need to do is set up a fixed transfer for every payday and your bank will automatically withdraw that money and deposit it into your linked savings account. It’ll be an adjustment at first, but eventually, you’ll get used to not budgeting for that money.
- Have a budget (and stick to it). If you don’t already have one, it’s essential that you create your budget. It’s not the most exciting thing to do, but having a solid plan in place can give you peace of mind. Check out our guide on how to make a budget for help getting started.
Although these strategies can’t guarantee that a financial emergency won’t happen, they can help you prepare for one. And if putting $1,000 in a savings account seems impossible right now, start small. Add $10, $20, or even $100 when you can. Over time, it’ll add up and you’ll have a comfortable emergency fund.