Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Hey there, fellow hustlers! Daniel G. Taylor here, CEO of Mayer Marketing Agency and mentor to young male entrepreneurs like yourself. Let’s talk about something we’ve all faced: the need to make money fast. Whether you’re funding your startup or just trying to keep the lights on, sometimes you need cash ASAP. I’ve been there, and I’m here to share the fastest, easiest, and cheapest ways to make extra money.
Remember, there’s no shame in doing what it takes to make ends meet (legally and ethically, of course). It might take some humility, but that’s part of the entrepreneurial journey. Let’s dive in!
Table of contents
Key Takeaways:
- Fast, easy, and cheap ways to make money exist
- Developing sales skills can boost your earning potential
- Humility and a willingness to work hard are key
The Ultimate Money-Making List
I’ve ranked these opportunities based on how fast, easy, and cheap they are. Those scoring 3 points (fast + easy + cheap) come first, followed by 2-pointers, then 1-pointers. Let’s get to it!
3-Point Money Makers
1. Online Surveys
Fast: ✓ | Easy: ✓ | Cheap: ✓
Sites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks pay you for your opinions. It’s not big money, but it’s quick and easy. You can do these in your downtime, like while watching TV or waiting for a bus.
2. Microtasks
Fast: ✓ | Easy: ✓ | Cheap: ✓
Platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk offer small, simple tasks you can complete for cash. These might include data entry, image tagging, or short transcriptions. It’s a great way to earn a few bucks when you have spare moments.
3. Sell Unused Gift Cards
Fast: ✓ | Easy: ✓ | Cheap: ✓
Got gift cards collecting dust? Sell them on sites like CardCash for quick cash. You might not get the full value, but it’s better than letting them go to waste.
4. Recycle Cans and Bottles
Fast: ✓ | Easy: ✓ | Cheap: ✓
It’s not glamorous, but it’s fast money. Plus, you’re helping the environment! Check your local recycling center for rates. Some states offer 5-10 cents per container.
5. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Fast: ✓ | Easy: ✓ | Cheap: ✓
Love animals? Apps like Rover connect you with pet owners who need help. You can often start within a day or two of signing up. Plus, who doesn’t love getting paid to play with pets?
2-Point Money Makers
6. Freelance Writing
Fast: ✓ | Easy: ✗ | Cheap: ✓
If you’ve got writing skills, sites like Upwork offer quick gigs. You might write blog posts, product descriptions, or even social media content. It takes some effort to land your first job, but once you do, the work can be steady.
7. Food Delivery
Fast: ✓ | Easy: ✓ | Cheap: ✗
Apps like DoorDash let you deliver food on your schedule, but you’ll need a vehicle. This is great for flexible hours, and you can often start within a week of signing up. Just remember to factor in gas and vehicle wear and tear.
8. Sell Stuff Online
Fast: ✓ | Easy: ✓ | Cheap: ✗
Declutter and make money on Facebook Marketplace or eBay. You need items to sell, though. Look around your home – you might be surprised at what people will buy. Old electronics, clothes, and books are all fair game.
9. Rent Out a Room
Fast: ✗ | Easy: ✓ | Cheap: ✓
If you’ve got extra space, Airbnb can turn it into cash. It takes time to set up, though. Make sure to check local regulations and consider the impact on your living situation. But once you’re set up, it can be a great passive income stream.
10. Transcription Work
Fast: ✓ | Easy: ✗ | Cheap: ✓
Sites like Rev.com pay you to transcribe audio. It’s fast money if you can type quickly. This skill improves with practice, so don’t get discouraged if you’re slow at first. Medical and legal transcription can pay even better, but require specialized knowledge.
1-Point Money Makers
11. Freelance Web Development
Fast: ✗ | Easy: ✗ | Cheap: ✓
If you’ve got coding skills, this can be lucrative. But it takes time to find clients and complete projects. Start by building a portfolio, even if it’s just personal projects. Networking events and online communities can help you find clients.
12. Start a YouTube Channel
Fast: ✗ | Easy: ✗ | Cheap: ✓
It’s free to start, but it takes time to build an audience and monetize. Focus on a niche you’re passionate about. Consistency is key – regular uploads help build your audience. Don’t forget to optimize your titles and descriptions for search. Semrush offers a free YouTube SEO course.
13. Flip Items
Fast: ✗ | Easy: ✗ | Cheap: ✓
Buy low, sell high. It can be profitable, but requires knowledge and initial investment. Start small with items you know well. Thrift stores, garage sales, and clearance aisles can be goldmines for flippers.
Apart from the above ideas, there are other ways to make money online.
The Power of Sales Skills
Here’s a pro tip: to make money fast, you often need strong sales skills. Whether you’re selling items online, pitching your services, or negotiating rates, the ability to sell is crucial (copywriting is using the written word to sell). As entrepreneurs, we’re always selling something – our products, our ideas, ourselves. Honing these skills won’t just help you make quick cash; it’ll serve you throughout your career.
In fact, you can learn to sell even when you hate selling.
But how do you develop these skills? Start by studying successful salespeople. Watch how they interact with customers, how they handle objections, and how they close deals. Practice your pitch – whether it’s for a product you’re selling or a service you’re offering. The more you do it, the more natural it becomes.
Remember, good sales isn’t about being pushy or manipulative. It’s about understanding the customer’s needs and showing how you can meet them. Listen more than you talk. Ask questions. Show genuine interest in solving their problems.
And don’t forget the power of storytelling. People connect with stories. If you can weave a compelling narrative around what you’re selling, you’re more likely to make the sale. This could be the story of how your product was developed, how it’s helped others, or even your own journey as an entrepreneur.
Mastering the Art of the Side Hustle
As young entrepreneurs, we’re in a unique position. We have the energy, the tech-savvy, and the flexibility to take on multiple income streams. This is where the concept of the “side hustle” comes in.
A side hustle is more than just a way to make extra cash. It’s a testing ground for your entrepreneurial skills. It’s a way to explore different industries, build new skills, and expand your network. And who knows? Your side hustle today could become your chief business tomorrow.
One of my side hustles is as a mental health speaker and one kind of talk I give is a workshop on improving men’s mental health.
The key to a successful side hustle is balance. You need to find something that fits into your schedule without burning you out. Something that energizes you rather than drains you. And ideally, something that aligns with your long-term goals.
For example, if your dream is to start a tech company, a side hustle in web development or app testing could give you valuable insights and connections. If you’re interested in e-commerce, selling items online could teach you about inventory management, customer service, and digital marketing.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to make money (although that’s important, and saving is even more important). It’s to learn, to grow, and to position yourself for future success.
Conclusion
Making money fast isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely possible. The key is to do what others won’t. It might mean swallowing your pride and picking up cans, or pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to pitch to clients. But remember, every dollar you earn is a step towards your bigger goals.
As young entrepreneurs, we have a unique advantage. We’re adaptable, we’re tech-savvy, and we’re hungry for success. Use these qualities to your advantage. Be creative in your approach to making money. Don’t be afraid to try new things or to fail. Each experience, whether or not successful, is a learning opportunity.
And most importantly, don’t lose sight of your long-term goals. These money-making methods are great for short-term cash, but they’re also stepping stones. Use them to fund your bigger dreams, to learn new skills, and to build your network.
In our next post in this series, I introduce you to the 50/30/20 rule spreadsheet — a way to budget.
Action Steps:
1. Choose 2-3 methods from the list that fit your skills and situation.
2. Set a specific income goal for the next 30 days.
3. Track your progress and adjust your approach as needed.
4. Use this experience to identify potential long-term income streams.
5. Invest time in developing your sales skills.
6. Consider how your money-making methods align with your long-term goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Kids can earn money by doing chores, selling lemonade, or helping neighbors with yard work. Always get parent permission first!
Teens can try babysitting, tutoring younger students, or doing online surveys. Many of the methods in this article work for teens too.
Focus on leveraging your skills and network for quick opportunities. Examples include online surveys, pet sitting or dog walking, and recycling cans and bottles.
Teens can explore part-time jobs, freelance work like graphic design or writing, or even start a small online business.
Summer jobs like lifeguarding or camp counseling are great. You could also mow lawns, wash cars, or sell crafts online.
Remember, the journey to entrepreneurial success isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it means doing whatever it takes to keep moving forward. Stay hungry, stay humble, and keep hustling. You’ve got this!