How to Get $500: A Few Different Ways to Earn

Life often presents situations where having an additional $500 can provide significant relief or enable important purchases. Whether unexpected expenses arise or a specific savings goal is within reach, quickly acquiring this sum is a common financial objective. Fortunately, various legitimate and accessible avenues exist for individuals to earn an extra $500. This article explores several distinct approaches that can help achieve this financial target.

Selling Unused Items

Generating $500 can begin by decluttering your home and identifying items that are no longer needed but still hold value. High-demand goods such as electronics, designer clothing, and quality furniture are often sought after by buyers. Unused gadgets, vintage pieces, and even old textbooks can quickly convert into cash.

Several platforms facilitate the sale of these items. For general used goods, online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace offer broad reach, with eBay providing options for auction-style or fixed-price listings. Mercari is another option for general used items, while specialized platforms cater to specific categories; for instance, Poshmark, ThredUp, and Vinted are popular for selling clothing and accessories. When selling electronics, platforms like Swappa or ItsWorthMore.com allow you to list devices or receive offers for them, often providing prepaid shipping labels. Preparing items by cleaning them thoroughly, taking clear photos, and providing accurate descriptions can enhance their appeal and lead to quicker sales.

Engaging in Short-Term Work

Quickly earning $500 is often achievable through various short-term or gig-economy work opportunities that offer flexible earning potential. Ride-sharing and food delivery services are popular options, allowing individuals to earn income on their own schedule by using their vehicle. The earnings in these roles can vary based on location, demand, and hours worked.

Other accessible services include:
Pet sitting, where rates depend on the number of pets and duration of care.
Babysitting, with average hourly rates in the United States typically ranging from $16 to $28, influenced by location, experience, and the number of children.
Tutoring, leveraging academic knowledge, with private tutors generally charging between $25 and $80 per hour, though specialized subjects or test preparation can command higher rates.
Handyman services, such as minor repairs or assembly tasks, which can generate income with average hourly pay around $25.

These opportunities are often found through dedicated apps, local community boards, or word-of-mouth referrals.

Participating in Paid Studies and Surveys

Participating in various paid studies and surveys is another way to earn $500, as they compensate individuals for their opinions or participation in research. These activities can range from answering online questionnaires to engaging in more involved focus groups or clinical trials. Online survey sites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and PrizeRebel allow users to earn points redeemable for cash via PayPal or gift cards for completing surveys. While individual survey payments might be modest, typically ranging from a few cents to a few dollars per survey, consistent participation can accumulate earnings over time.

Focus groups offer a higher compensation rate for sharing opinions in a group setting. Participants can generally expect to earn between $50 and $200 for a few hours of their time, though some studies may pay more. Clinical trials involve participating in medical research and can offer substantial compensation, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the trial’s duration and complexity. Compensation for clinical trials is often provided to offset time away from work, travel costs, or other inconveniences. Individuals can find these opportunities through reputable survey platforms, university research departments, or dedicated clinical trial registries.