How to Make $500 This Week (Step-by-Step Guide)
Need $500 This Week? Let’s Make It Happen!
Have you ever looked at your bank account and thought, “I need $500 — like, now!” 😅 Yeah, I’ve been there. Whether it’s an unexpected bill, a gift to buy, or just wanting some extra breathing room, needing quick cash happens to all of us.
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And the good news is that you don’t have to rely on magic, luck, or some get-rich-quick scheme to make $500 this week — you just need smart strategies and action steps. This guide will show you how to make $500 this week efficiently.
In this article, I break down proven online and offline ways to earn $500 this week — including side hustles you can start right away, step-by-step instructions, estimated earnings, and tools to use. No fluff, no “make money while you sleep” nonsense — just real ideas that work. Are you ready to take action? Let’s go! 🚀
YouTube Guide — Real Ways to Earn Fast
Here’s a helpful video that highlights strategies for making money quickly, including online skills and side hustles you can start this week:
Make $500/Day With THIS Boring Side Hustle!
This video covers methods that can translate well into making $500 over a short time period — and some ideas below expand on those principles.
Quick Overview — Where You Can Make $500 Fast
👇 Here’s a quick table summarizing real ways to make $500 this week with estimated earnings and effort required:
| Method | Online or Offline | Estimated Earnings | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freelance Work | Online | $50–$200+ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sell Items Online | Online/Offline | $20–$400+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pet Sitting / Dog Walking | Offline | $20–$70/day | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Food Delivery | Offline | ~$80–$150/day | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Renting Space/Items | Offline | $50–$150/day | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Paid Surveys / Tasks | Online | $10–$100+ | ⭐⭐ |
| Tutoring | Online | $20–$60/hr | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gig Apps | Online/Offline | $100+/day | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Microtasks | Online | $30–$150 | ⭐⭐ |
| Tutoring | Online | $150–$300+ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Note: Estimated earnings depend on location, effort levels, and hours worked. (“Side Hustle Nation”, “NerdWallet”)(Side Hustle Nation)
How to Think About Making $500 This Week

Before we dive into the ideas, let’s lay out a simple earning plan that you can follow:
Step 1: Pick 1–2 methods you can start immediately (like selling items online or gig apps).
Step 2: Set mini daily goals — e.g., $70/day for 7 days = $490.
Step 3: Combine online and offline strategies so you’re not reliant on just one income source.
Step 4: Track your progress — if something isn’t moving fast enough, pivot quickly.
This mix makes it much easier to reach $500 within a short window.
1. Freelance Paid Work (Get Paid for Your Skills)

If you have skills — even basic ones — you can earn money fast by offering services as a freelancer.
For example:
- Writing
- Graphic design
- Virtual assistance
- Data entry
- Proofreading
These gigs let you work online and get paid per project or per hour.
How it works:
Create profiles on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer. Post a few service offerings and start pitching clients. Many beginners get their first clients quickly with good proposals and clear pricing. You can also use social media to advertise your services to friends and local businesses.
How you make $500:
Aim for small projects that pay $50–$100. If you complete 5–10 of those gigs this week, you’re already at $500. (Medium)
Why it works:
Freelance platforms connect you with real demand, and with a strong proposal, you can secure work before the week ends.
2. Sell Unwanted Items Online (Fast Cash)

Have things around the house collecting dust? You can sell them fast and earn quick money.
Think about:
- Clothes, shoes, and accessories
- Electronics (phones, tablets, laptops)
- Small furniture
- Books, games, DVDs
Where to sell:
Use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, or OfferUp. These let you reach buyers locally or online and often sell within a few hours or days.
How you make $500:
List high-demand items like tech or brand-name fashion. If you sell five items for $100 each ($500 total), your goal is reached. Many people do this every weekend successfully. (Reddit)
Tips:
- Take clear photos.
- Write honest descriptions.
- Price slightly below market to sell fast.
Local pickup often speeds up payment.
3. Food & Grocery Delivery (Drive or Bike)
Delivery jobs are one of the most accessible ways to start earning this week.
Platforms include:
- DoorDash
- Uber Eats
- Instacart
These apps let you pick up orders and deliver them using your car, bike, or scooter.
How you make $500:
Work during peak hours (lunch and dinner) when demand — and tips — increase. Many drivers report earning ~$100 per day on busy days — work five days, and you’re there. (Side Hustle Nation)
Why this works now:
People order food constantly, and these platforms pay weekly or even instantly (with cash-out options).
4. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
If you enjoy animals, pet care can be a fun and profitable way to earn cash.
Platforms like Rover and Wag! connect sitters and walkers with pet owners. You can:
- Walk dogs
- Sit during the day
- Host overnight stays
How you make $500:
Many dog walkers charge ~$25–$30 per walk, and pet sitters charge $50–$70 per day. A combination of a few days of sitting plus walks can bring in $500 quickly. (Side Hustle Nation)
Bonus: You can schedule multiple walks per day and earn more.
5. Offer Tutoring (Online or Local)
Teaching someone else — whether in person or online — can be a high-paying way to earn fast.
Common subjects include:
- Math
- English
- Test prep
- Music lessons
You can use platforms like Wyzant or Tutor.com to find students.
How you make $500:
If you tutor for $30/hour, just 17 hours of sessions this week gets you to $510 — which is totally doable with after-work or weekend scheduling. (Buildfire)
Pro tip: Use social media to advertise within your local community — sometimes parents want in-person tutoring and pay higher rates.
6. Quick Microtasks & Online Gigs
Online microtask sites let you complete small online tasks for pay — like surveys, reviews, labeling images, or data tasks.
Platforms include:
- Prolific
- Swagbucks
- Clickworker
These won’t always earn much per task, but they’re flexible and accessible. Combine these with other strategies to fill gaps and boost your earnings.
How you make $500:
Pair microtasks with higher-paying side hustles above; even $50–$100 here helps close the gap by week’s end. (Whop)
7. Same-Day Labor (Local Gigs)
If you need offline cash fast, connecting with local quick gigs can be a lifesaver.
You can find day-labor work — like:
- Yard cleanup
- Moving help
- Handyman tasks
- Cleaning
Try local staffing agencies or Craigslist “gigs” section.
How you make $500:
If you book a few gigs that pay $100 daily in a week, you’ll reach your goal. People often hire help for physical tasks, and paying in cash or same-day payout is common.
8. Rent Out Items or Space
If you have
- A spare room → Airbnb
- Camping gear → rent
- Cameras, tools → rent to neighbors
Platforms like Airbnb let you list unused space and earn daily. Renting gear or equipment locally can also bring in cash quickly.
How you make $500:
Even five nights of Airbnb at $100/night gets you there. (Side Hustle Nation)
Tips:
Good photos and accurate descriptions help you book quickly.
9. Freelance Digital Services
If you have digital skills (design, social media, marketing, video editing), you can pitch short-term gigs online.
Sites:
- Fiverr
- Upwork
Create short offers — like “1-hour social media setup” or “logo redesign in 24 hours.”
How you make $500:
Many small services start at $50–$100. Two or three clients this week can get you to your goal. (HostAdvice)
10. Flip Thrift or Garage Sale Items
Hit thrift stores or weekend garage sales for undervalued items — then sell them online for profit. This is a classic resale model and can be surprisingly fast if you know what to look for. (Reddit)
How you make $500:
Find items that sell quickly (electronics, brand shoes, collectibles), list them for higher, then sell on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Mercari.
Putting It All Together (Sample Plan)
Here’s a simple weekly plan to hit $500:
| Day | Action | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Sell unused items online | $150 |
| Tue | Deliver food after work | $100 |
| Wed | Pet sit/walk | $60 |
| Thu | Freelance online | $90 |
| Fri | Tutoring online | $80 |
| Sat | Gig labor / flipping items | $120 |
| Sun | Wrap up listings / Instagram promo | $50 |
Mix and match based on your time and skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really make $500 in a week?
Yes, combining online and offline side hustles — like gig apps, selling items, and serving clients — makes it achievable within a week. (NerdWallet)
Do I need experience?
No — many listed methods (delivery, selling, surveys, basic freelancing) require minimal experience.
How do I get paid fast?
Many platforms offer weekly payouts, instant cash-outs, or direct local payments (like cash upon pickup). Ask clients about payment timing upfront.
Are these methods legit?
Yes — but avoid pay-to-start or “get rich quick” scams. Legit methods require work and effort. (NerdWallet)
Conclusion — You Can Make $500 This Week

There’s no single magic trick — but with a smart mix of online gigs, local side hustles, selling items, and flexible work, you can generate $500 within a week. Track your progress daily, adjust based on what pays fastest, and stay consistent. Whether you want extra cash for bills, a short-term goal, or new part-time income, these strategies give you real options that work.
Ready to start? Pick 2–3 ideas from above, set daily goals, and take action today — your $500 week starts now! 💪










