With higher inflation likely to persist for a while, many people are looking for ways to increase their cash flow. Even earning as little as $100 in extra income here and there can give you added spending money or help keep you from going into debt. It can be easier to sleep at night knowing there is money available to cover the things that are truly needed in your life.
Whether you’re looking for ways to help fund your living expenses or just a little extra cash to pay for some weekend fun, here are 10 simple ways to come up with $100 in short order.
1. Return unused items
Whether you went on a recent shopping spree that you regret or you received gifts you have no use for, bring the unused items to the store for a refund. This is one of the easiest ways to come up with money fast since it requires little effort and considerably less than a day’s worth of your time. There’s a good chance you’ll end up with $100 or more when all is said and done.
2. Underwater welder
National average salary: $47,746 per year
Primary duties: An underwater welder gets brought down into the water by a manually operated chamber and works on construction in regard to the repair and replacement of pipes, mainly for oil and gas enterprises. Depending on the job they undertake, they can make up to $120 per hour if it’s difficult to complete. Some jobs may require the welder to be at sea for 30 days.
Education requirements: A high school diploma and GED is required, along with two to five years of experience with welding on land. You also need to pass the physical exam for dive school and earn your certification in welding and commercial diving. This certification process can take five to 18 months to complete
3. Sell your unused gift cards
A recent Bankrate unused gift cards survey found that nearly half (47 percent) of U.S. adults have at least one unused gift card or store credit — with an average value of $187 per person. You may know of one or more such cards stuffed in your wallet or purse — or search your junk drawer to see if you can find any.
Unused gift cards can be sold on sites such as CardCash or Raise. Keep in mind that you likely won’t get full value, yet it’s still a way to potentially make some money quickly and easily.
4. Do food delivery
You often can earn $100 or more in a day by delivering for a service such as Doordash, Grubhub or UberEats. In addition to a base rate, you’ll earn tips when making food deliveries.
Like with ridesharing, it’s easy to set your food delivery hours around a regular 9-to-5 job. Depending on where you live, you may even choose to forego driving and make your deliveries by walking or riding your bike.
5. Rent out your parking space
You might have some easy income right under your nose if you own a parking space yet you don’t have a car. Place an ad or ask around, and you may have an easy time finding someone who’s eager to rent the spot.
6. Tutor
If you’re good at subjects such as Math or English, look into tutoring opportunities. Spread the word on social media or among your friend network, and you might just find plenty of clients looking for your services.
Research the going rates for tutoring, and set your own based on your level of expertise. Depending on the amount you charge per session, you could easily earn $100 in just a few sessions.
7. Sell your stuff online
If you have big ticket items sitting around your home that you never use and are in good condition, consider listing them online. It’s often not hard to bring in $100 or more by selling items such as your jewelry, a musical instrument, an empty fish tank, a bike, or designer clothing.
If you’re willing to ship your items anywhere, look to sites such as eBay and Poshmark. If you’d rather keep it local, consider Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
8. Find freelance gigs online
If you’re a freelancer looking to be connected with some gigs, there are apps that can help with that. It may take a little onboarding time, yet you can often earn some cash relatively quickly. These opportunities come in handy if you have digital marketing skills such as web design, copywriting, photography or social media management.
One such freelancer app is called Fiverr, which requires candidates to watch some training videos and provide information on their skills and background. If your application is approved, you can set your gig package prices between $5 and $995. Fiverr takes a 20 percent cut, and your pay is transferred to your account once you complete a buyer’s order.
9. Cash in savings bonds
You may have stashed away one or more savings bonds you received years ago — and if so, you’ve likely forgotten about them. Whether you have paper bonds or ones that were issued electronically, determine their value and decide whether it’s time to cash them in.
Electronic Series EE bonds can be cashed in online, and the money is deposited directly into your bank account within two business days. Redeeming a paper bond takes a bit longer, since you’ll need to fill out a form and mail it to the federal government — although you may be able to redeem paper bonds at your local bank.
10. Host a yard sale
Depending on how much time you have on your hands, you may be able to organize a yard sale quickly. It’s a great way to clear out your home of unwanted items, and you’ll likely earn well over $100 in the process.
Items commonly sold at yard sales include clothing and accessories, tools, kitchenware, books, video games and small appliances. Advertise on social media and price the items fairly, and you’re bound to sell many of your things in a day or less.
Bottom line
There are many ways you can quickly earn $100 or more, and one of the best ways is by doing something you enjoy — such as writing, driving, designing things or selling items online. Whether you’re looking for a single money-making opportunity or an ongoing side hustle, consider what makes the most sense based on your skills, your possessions and your time.
