15 Unexpected Ways to Make $1000 Fast If You’re in a Pinch

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We all could use an extra $1000 now and then. In life, unexpected expenses can pop up when we least expect them. Whether it’s a sudden medical bill, car repair, or an unplanned trip, sometimes we find ourselves in need of cash—and fast. Here are 15 unexpected strategies to help you make $1000 fast when you’re in a tight spot.

Take Paid Online Surveys

Survey sites like SurveyJunkie pay out rewards and gift cards for sharing your opinions. You could earn $1000 with dedication.

Sell Your Old Smartphone

Sites like Decluttr pay top dollar for used devices. Or you could sell it online at a site like Mercari. Remember to wipe your data before shipping it off.

Sign Up for a Paid Clinical Trial

Research studies and medical trials offer compensation for participation. Short studies can earn over $1000.

Drive With a Rideshare Service

Driving for Uber, Lyft or DoorDash provides quick cash, especially during peak times and weekends.

Rent Your Home on Airbnb

List an empty home or spare room on Airbnb and earn up to $1000 for just a few night stays.

Take on Freelance Gigs

Sign up for Fiverr and Upwork to access freelance writing, design, programming and other short term projects.

Complete Random Tasks on TaskRabbit

Earn cash by helping locals with moving, cleaning, delivery, handyman jobs and more simple tasks.

Sell Your Extra Gift Cards

Exchange unused gift card balances for cash on sites like CardCash and GiftCash.

Sign Up For Paid Online Focus Groups

Share your opinions in a focus group and earn up to $150-300 per hour-long video chat session.

Sell Your Old CDs, DVDs and Video Games

Did you know Amazon buys a host of entertainment media, smart products, even video games. Use the Amazon trade in program to earn gift cards in exchange for your stuff.

Wash Cars in Your Neighborhood

Offering basic car washing services can easily earn $50-100 per day on weekends.

Run Errands or Grocery Shop

You can be the one getting paid by running others’ errands like grocery shopping.

List Services on Craigslist

Advertise handyman, cleaning, delivery, pet sitting, computer help and other local services on Craigslist.

Join Product Testing

Test products and conduct taste tests and surveys for companies by becoming a product tester.

Enter Online Contests and Sweepstakes

You’d be surprised what you can win with a lucky entry.

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