How to make money fast: real ways to get cash this week

Make money today: sell things you don’t use

This is usually the fastest cash there is. Local pickup on Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp can turn into money the same day.

• Electronics, tools, furniture, baby gear and gaming systems sell fastest.
• Price a little under similar listings if you need it gone today.
• Meet in a public place, like a police station parking lot, and take cash or an instant payment.

Return things you haven’t used

Look around for anything still in the box or with tags on. Many stores take returns for weeks after you buy, and that money goes back to your card or account.

Gig apps that pay out fast

Delivery and shopping apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Instacart let you start working once you’re approved, and most let you cash out the same day for a small fee. Approval can take a few days, so sign up now if you think you’ll need it.

Remember gas and wear on your car come out of what you earn. Short shifts at busy mealtimes usually pay best.

Odd jobs in your neighborhood

• Offer yard work, moving help, cleaning or furniture assembly on Nextdoor or a local Facebook group.
• Pet sitting and dog walking through apps like Rover, or just by asking neighbors.
• TaskRabbit for handyman jobs, if you have the tools.

Neighbors often pay cash on the spot.

Check for unclaimed money

States hold money people never collected, like old paychecks, deposits and refunds. Search your name for free at MissingMoney.com. It takes a few minutes, and you should never have to pay to claim it.

Get paid sooner for work you’ve already done

Ask your employer if they offer early access to pay you’ve already earned. Some do it through payroll apps. If you’re paid by the job, ask a regular client if they can pay this invoice early.

Plasma centers also pay donors, and new donors often get a higher rate for the first few visits. Check the center’s requirements before you go.

Scams to watch out for

• Anyone who sends you a check and asks you to send part of it back. The check will bounce and you’ll owe the bank.
• Jobs that make you pay upfront for training, a kit or a “starter fee.”
• Anything promising hundreds of dollars a day for easy work from home.

Try to avoid payday loans too. The fees can turn a short gap into a much bigger bill.

Ask for help with the bill itself

If you’re trying to cover one specific bill, you don’t have to earn it all yourself. A clear goal with the exact amount lets friends and strangers chip in. See how to raise money fast for a bill.