We know that the advice about maintaining an emergency fund and being ready for financial surprises is standard. However, life doesn’t always go according to our plans, and even if we have tried, we might still find ourselves in a difficult situation. If you’re having financial difficulty or an unexpected expense arises, you may need to know how to generate 500 dollars quickly.
$500 can feel like a lifesaver in times of financial hardship. If you can stay within your budget for the month, then an extra $500 can be a godsend. Maybe you’ve been holding off on paying certain bills, but suddenly find yourself needing to pay several additional expenses.
These suggestions are ways for you to earn money to cover the unexpected expenses you may encounter. You don’t necessarily have to do all of these, and you might not do any of them for the rest of your life.
But they’re excellent ways to make ends meet and help you avoid predatory lenders until the next payday (and avoid payday loans altogether). They can also be useful resources to rebuild your emergency fund after it’s gone.
How to make 500 dollars fast with signup bonuses
An easy way to earn 500 dollars quickly is to sign up with institutions that offer attractive bonus offers. Many institutions have promotions that are essentially free cash. I’ll explain.
Bank account bonuses
Banks and financial institutions love to offer out bonus cash. It’s a way they entice clients into doing business with them. Even if you already have a bank you like, there is no rule prohibiting you from opening a separate account elsewhere.
Search online to find the best bank account signup bonuses and you will find many offers, many of which can only be found at online-only banks. The rewards might be as much as $100 or more. I did this about a week ago to earn a $150 signup bonus, and it was extremely easy.
One thing to keep in mind with bank signup bonuses is that you may have to wait some time before receiving the cash. Because the account must be open for at least three months, you might not see the money in your account for several days. You must also have a minimal account balance, which might be difficult if you’ve just begun receiving a paycheck for the first time.
Bundle rewards are a simple way to earn a few hundred dollars quickly, but not as quickly as you would like.
Credit card signup bonuses
If you’re trying to get paid quickly, credit card perks can help you get part of the way there. Credit cards don’t always provide cash rewards, but some rewards, such as bonus points or miles you can use to pay expenses, are available.
However, it’s important that you are aware of your spending habits. If you have a habit of overspending on credit, you should pass on credit card bonuses, since you could spend more than what you received.
But if you can responsibly use credit cards and you know that you’ll pay off your balance in full each month, you should go for it. Be wary of opening additional credit card accounts at once, as that might lower your credit score.
Signup bonuses for online brokerages
Some brokerages, such as Robinhood, offer free stock to new account holders. Accounts will most likely be credited a free share of stock when they eventually trade.
If you haven’t yet opened an investment account like this, this is a great time to do so. Robinhood says the value of the gifted stock could be up to $225, although it has a high likelihood it will be worth between $2.50 and $10.
How to make 500 dollars fast with driver and delivery work
Countless opportunities exist for you to earn money quickly, particularly in the driving and delivery service industries. Consider taking up gigs during downtime to make a quick profit.
Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft are great places to earn extra money if you have a vehicle and can drive passengers around your area. You can transport passengers and earn quite a bit as a driver.
This work allows you to get started quickly and has an incredibly good pay rate. That’s wonderful if you need money now! However, if you despise sitting in traffic and are reluctant to cause damage to your vehicle, it’s not a good choice.
Instacart and Postmates
If you haven’t delivered food before, you probably know someone who has delivered groceries in recent years. Postmates and Instacart are two of the companies you might work for as a provider of groceries and food.
These are terrific gig opportunities that allow you to work when you want to and where you like. You’re not obligated to follow a set schedule. In addition, the tips may be useful. A friend of mine has been driving for a grocery-delivery app for some years. He helped his customers save hundreds of dollars with his most significant recommendation, which was $200 for a single delivery.
Similar delivery gigs
There are numerous delivery and driving jobs to choose from. Whether you are seeking a short-term source of income or are seeking something more permanent, these gigs can be just the thing to tide you over.
Working for a food-delivery app allows you to make an income even if you aren’t qualified. All you really need is a driver’s license and a vehicle to get started making money.
If you’re interested in how to earn an additional $500 per month consistently, delivering gigs may be the answer.
How to make 500 dollars fast with paid surveys
If you want to earn $500 in a day, you may be able to try just about anything. While online surveys don’t pay much, they do give you money for the amount of time you invest in them.
When you have some free moments just sitting on the couch, why not find a survey website and earn a little bit?
Some survey sites you can try are SurveyJunkie, InboxDollars, and Swagbucks. Be sure to read the eligibility requirements and rules before signing up. Be mindful that the pay is low, so you should focus on jobs that earn more.
Join a focus group
Focus groups are like taking surveys, but the pay is usually higher. You’re able to give your opinions to companies to assist them make important decisions about their services and products.
In addition to the higher pay, the difficulty of qualifying for high-quality focus groups is also a big draw. Merely search for “focus groups near me” to find local opportunities that match one’s qualifications.
How to make 500 dollars fast through caregiving or tutoring
Are you a caring and compassionate individual? Do you have teaching skills or experience in caring for others? If so, tutoring or caregiving could be a great side job for you, either on a temporary or permanent basis.
Babysitting and child care
Of course, parents will always need high quality childcare. This is where you come in if you enjoy being around children and want to make some additional money.
There are so many ways you can provide this valuable service to other moms and dads. Perhaps you could offer nutritious after-school care or care for off days, if your schedule permits it.
You may also accept weekend or holiday babysitting gigs that can pay you good money. You can charge by hourly rate or flat fee for multiple children, and you can make a large amount quickly.
Another option is to trade services using the bartering system. You could exchange services with someone else’s children one day, and she might be able to return the favor the next. It doesn’t pay, but it is a useful exchange!
Pet care
Do you want to make an additional $500 a month doing something you enjoy? Become a pet sitter!
Pets need care just as children do. If you love dogs or cats or all animals, taking care of pets can be a good side business.
I’ve had to find people to take care of my dogs and cats over the years, and it’s such a hassle. You can sign up with Rover.com and make $500 in just a few days of work.
Another way to find pet-sitting gigs may be to simply inquire around your neighborhood. Tell neighbors and family members that you’re willing to step in and walk their pets, feed their fish, and so on.
Tutoring
For individuals with a background in education, tutoring may be the quickest way to make 500 dollars a day. Tutoring is an excellent choice even if you do not find students in your local area, because you can tutor people anywhere in the world. All you need is a good internet connection and the ability to make video calls to get the ideal work-from-home position.
Many adults and children are seeking tutoring. Perhaps you can use your fluency in French to tutor a family before their trip to Paris. You can start up a tutoring group, which would allow each student to pay, increasing your income per hour.
How to get 500 dollars fast by renting out your stuff
Renting out items you already own is a simple way to earn an additional 500 per month easily.
It’s a great way to cash in on a quick investment of time and earnings. You can rent cars, apartments, houses, and more.
Rent out your car
With services like Turo and Getaround, many people are earning money by renting out an asset they already own. For example, their cars, motorcycles, or other vehicles are a valuable asset.
The money you make from renting out your car may assist another individual and support your savings account. Particularly if you work at home and don’t need a vehicle during large portions of the day, it may be a good choice.
Wrap your car in advertising
Not all businesses are the same, but you can make $500 quickly by “wrapping” your car. All you need to do is do it once and then drive around to make the money.
Wrapping your car in advertising is another way to earn some emergency cash if you drive a minimal amount. This is just one way to help you reach your target for when you need money urgently.
Rent out an apartment or living space
Renting out a room in your home or apartment is another great way to earn 500 bucks quickly. It is also a fantastic home-hacking trick! You may not have an extra apartment available to rent on Airbnb, but there are other ways to earn money from your extra space. Perhaps you have a spare bedroom or apartment-like space in your home, and you could rent it out.
Airbnb and other similar services, such as Neighbor and Store At My House, allow people to rent out the living space in their homes for living or storage. Given that most of us have too much stuff, renting out storage space for money is an attractive option.
How to make 500 dollars fast through creative work
Are you an innovative person? Consider whether your hobby or creative talent can be monetized.
Sell handmade goods on Etsy
Etsy is one of the best websites for artists to sell their work. You could sell your crocheted baby clothes or custom screen-printed t-shirts on Etsy. Perhaps you know how to beautifully design greeting cards and decor.
Whatever you make, you can sell on Etsy. The platform is not free to join, but you can earn more exposure there than we can on our own. Selling crafts is a good way to make $500 in a few days while doing something you enjoy.
Sell crafts on your own website
If you prefer to avoid Etsy, you might consider setting up your own website. This route takes more time and effort to set up, but some individuals enjoy this option.
Selling your products through social media sites can also work. Be sure to read the policies of your favorite platform before doing so. A lot of people choose to buy through social media networks because they want to support local artists or personally made merchandise.
How to get 500 dollars fast by freelancing
Freelancing is simply taking jobs in whatever skill you have that people need. You’re not bound down to any single employer, and the freedom of freelancing is unrivaled. Here are several ways to get $500 fast (and possibly more) as a freelancer.
Types of freelance jobs
Freelance work involves performing a wide assortment of tasks. Here are some of the most common. If you’re a gifted writer, you could be a freelance proofreader or virtual assistant (VA).
There are others to consider.
Freelancing is a great way to earn an additional 500 per month even if you are a beginner!
Find jobs on Upwork or Fiverr
If you’re unfamiliar with how to become a freelance worker in your area of expertise, these platforms offer numerous types of jobs ranging from data entry to software development. While some people might complain about the low pay rates on sites like Upwork and Fiverr, they could be an excellent starting point if you’re new to freelancing.
You might earn only $5 for an early task on these platforms, but it can help you gain experience. It helps improve your skills, and that leads to better pay.
Once you’ve completed some tasks efficiently, you can branch out to other clients. Search for freelance work on online job boards and join social media groups (search “freelance ___ jobs” to get started). Not only can freelancing earn money for you immediately, but this may also lead to full-time work.
How to make 500 dollars fast by selling stuff you don’t need or use
Just like you can rent out your possessions and spaces to earn money, you can also make $500 quickly by selling things you no longer need. If you haven’t ever done a major decluttering of your living space, perhaps now is the time to do so!
Use social media to sell stuff
We all know that social media has many problems, but one of its great advantages is that it lets you auction gently used or new items. Facebook Marketplace is an excellent place to post items for sale. Craigslist is another good option.
How can you get started selling your products? Well, sort through your closets, garages, storage lockers, and cabinets. You might find still-wrapped dishes and cookware, or clothing you or your family members no longer wear. You can find lots of used furniture, sporting equipment, handbags, children’s toys, and more at Operation Once Again. You can also make money for your used items while helping a good cause.
I moved house three times in 3 years, and believe me, I used the hell out of Facebook Marketplace to get rid of things we didn’t want to take with us. It was a hassle-free way to lighten our load and earn a bit of money at the same time.
Have a garage or yard sale
While looking to make $500 in a matter of hours, don’t forget to go to the tried-and-true garage sale. This is an excellent way to quickly make money, especially if you have many items to offer.
The downside of garage sales is that they are a lot of work to set up. You need to clear your garage or outdoor space for the sale, organize where everything goes, and set a price. Of course, garage sale shoppers want to find a good deal. Therefore, do not expect to get what you paid for items at a garage sale.
A yard sale is a great way to get rid of numerous unwanted items that may be just perfect for a new family. There will likely need to be lots of high-priced furniture and other high-value items, but there are also many lower-valued items like used baby clothes that can save you a lot of money.
Flip the script: cut your spending to save $500 fast
Now that you know how to make $500 more per month, let’s shift gears and talk about saving more money. Instead of focusing on earning income, don’t underestimate the power of saving money. Of course, this is finite. You can’t severely cut expenses. Before you do other work, though, you should take a look at where you can cut down on expenses.
Cancel unused subscriptions
This is a helpful personal finance tip. If you want to save money, a good place to start is by trimming your expenses. Subscriber services are particularly hazardous because we sometimes neglect that we have them.
Whether you have scrupulously saved for years or are a budget novice, it is a good idea to review your budget from time to time. Some of the typical causes of wasteful spending include gym memberships, streaming subscriptions, and magazine subscriptions.
Cutting out subscriptions can accumulate quickly in your endeavor to make and keep more of your money. The average gym membership costs $37.71 per month in 2021. Netflix is $8.99 to $17.99 per month. You may enjoy these comforts, but getting back on track financially is worth forgoing for a few months.
Negotiate your bills
While some of your costs are not flexible, some types of businesses may be able to negotiate with you on your bills. You may need to consult with a billing negotiation service for assistance. You can call the company.
If you’re struggling to cover your bills, talking to electricity and phone companies to see if they can help may work out well. They might be willing to work out an agreement to reduce your payments for a few months if you’re unemployed for a little while.
You could try a bill negotiating company, such as BillCutterz, BillFixers, or Truebill. Do some research to find out what their fees are, of course, but they can often help if nobody else has managed to negotiate a good rate.
If you’re asking for a cheaper price or a more flexible payment plan from a phone or internet company, shop around first. If you find a better offer elsewhere and are willing to give up your service, you might be able to use your existing provider’s desire to please you as a negotiating tool. They want to work with you, so see what they will do to help your business.
Drop eating out and luxuries
This goes along with your unused (or unnecessary) subscriptions: if you don’t want it anymore, don’t use it. Sometimes life throws you curveballs, and you need to take drastic action.
If eating out is a habit for you, you may possibly for one day just give up this facet of life. You may just curtail your consumption, but if you can’t afford expensive items, going cold turkey may be the most sensible option. It depends on whether you can make 500 dollars quickly (or less).
Many of us have things that we “can’t imagine” doing without, but the fact is that we’re more than able to get things done. Whether it’s a specialty latte at the local cafe, monthly haircuts, dining out several times a week, you can almost certainly drop them-at least for now.
We do not require luxuries in order to live. Figure out your needs, and make your purchasing around them. If you’re in financial difficulty or dealing with upcoming pricey expenses, it’s time to give up some of your more expensive goods (sadly!).
Making more money at work can help you make $500 fast
Now that we’ve discussed side gigs and saving money, don’t forget the obvious reason. By simply working more at your “regular” job, you can greatly improve your income and find career success.
Take extra shifts or work overtime
Although I would not recommend working overtime for a long period of time, it can be very helpful in emergency situations. Are you currently working a full-time job? This would be a good strategy to request more shifts or overtime hours.
Some tasks may not allow for overtime, but if you work in a department that permits it, let your boss know you’re available to work extra hours for a bonus. Say that you are available for holiday work as well for extra pay, if possible. You may earn more money, quicker, by accepting the occasional side jobs than by doing the tasks offered by random companies.
Ask for a raise
Getting paid more is a great way to earn an additional $500 per month! If you haven’t asked for a raise at your work yet, now is the perfect opportunity to do so, since focusing on your accomplishments can show your value to your boss. You may be getting much less pay than you deserve.
I’m thinking of a family member of mine who has repeatedly complained about her employer never giving her a pay increase. But I wonder if I ever asked her supervisor for a pay increase. If not, she is mostly to blame.
Be sure to do a good job at your job, and determine an approach. Check out these tips on how to ask for a raise. You could be earning more in no time!
Take another job
Just as we have discussed with the various kinds of gig work and freelance work, you could get another job to make money. Check out LinkedIn and job postings for local vacancies and job boards for suggestions.
Even if you can only work 5-10 additional hours per week, this can be enough to help you avoid the rough times.
How to best use the $500 (or more) you make!
It certainly would not be smart to work harder for more money only to wind up wasting it right away. Make sure that you make a plan for your newly earned money, which you should use wisely.
Cover emergencies and build an emergency fund
The first priority is to alleviate your current financial concerns. Whether it’s a medical emergency in the mail, a car repair, or damage to your roof, pay what you owe as soon as you can.
These medical emergencies should be treated immediately with any recently-acquired money. Afterward, rebuild your savings account, as you may not have anything saved there. You can begin with a small amount such as $500 and add as much as needed to cover 3-6 months of expenses. A good emergency savings fund is a good way to help you avoid the stress of needing money immediately.
Save for a future expense
If there’s no urgent financial matter to address, you can start saving for a future expense and call these “sinking funds.” These are intended to cover expenses that will come up in the future.
This is an excellent time to think about future expenses such as a new car, vacation, summer camp for kids, or a wedding gift. Think about things like potential future furniture replacements, home repairs, and holiday gifts.
You might not know how much you will need to pay now for this particular expense, but if you routinely save a little now, you’ll have it available when you need it.
Invest your money
Outside of your sinking budget and your emergency fund, you should begin investing for the future. Investing is the best way to ensure your money will grow, not just sit in a checking account.
A high-interest savings account is a good place to put away cash you may require swiftly. You earn a small amount of interest (not much, but more than a standard savings account). This is also a good place to store part of your emergency fund or sinking funds since your money is safe.
For a novice investor, index funds are often an excellent way to invest. They often offer low prices and provide good returns on your initial investment.
The numerous funds that make up the allocatory fund give you diversification, thereby lowering your risk and increasing your odds of receiving a good reward over time.
Leverage these options on how to make 500 dollars fast and start saving!
While making money may not be simple, there are definitely ways to make $500 quickly if you do the work. Believe in your abilities and your ability to perform the task. No matter the difficulties you may experience today, you are in a position to make things better.
