How to Come Up With $500 This Weekend

People want extra money for a variety of reasons, often tied to both practical needs and personal goals. In a pinch for an extra few hundred dollars? You’re not alone. About 38%–40% of U.S. adults currently have a side hustle—earning extra income beyond their full-time job.

Here’s the Wealth Elf's quick ways to make $500 this weekend:

1. Sell used goods on a platform like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, EBay, or OfferUp. This is our fastest option with no upfront money needed. Buyers are typically searching for brand new or secondhand electronics, clothes, furniture, and tools. You’ll have to start small at first building up your reputation - but over time it’s easy to accrue a following.

   
   

   Clear, keyword-rich titles with attractive images generate the best results. Over time and with consistency, you can use several tools to grow and scale. Try eBay Seller Hub to track listings, sales and performance or Terapeak (free for sellers) lets you research item trends and pricing.

2. Gig/Side Work. Leverage your skills freelancing. Use Upwork, Fiverr, or TaskRabbit to pick up side work in a pinch by creating a quick free account. Alternatively you can provide professional services leaning into your skillset as a handyman or complete yard work.

   
   

   In just a few hours you could do things like help someone move or assist on a garbage haul to make extra cash. For any of these services the more reviews you have the more you'll attract prospects for future work.

3. Pet sitting or dog walking is a fun way to earn extra cash if you love animals. Try Rover or local Facebook groups to build up your clientele.

   
   

   A dog sitter typically feeds and exercises dogs, provides companionship and administers medication if needed. Owners will trust you to keep pets safe and comfortable and you may stay overnight or visit during the day only.

4. There’s always rideshare services or delivery if you want to monetize your downtime. If you have a valid license consider Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart.

   
   

   How much you can make as a driver in a weekend depends on several factors, including your city, hours worked, demand, and expenses. However, two shifts approximately 15 hours total could put $225-$375 (gross) in your pocket.

5. Seek out temporary work or day labor on the weekend. Check temp agencies or day labor sites. Some pay daily or at the end of the shift.

   
   

   Outside of offering quick income and minimal long-term commitment - temp gigs are a great way to build experience or bridge employment gaps. They're used by everyone from students and retirees to full-time workers needing extra cash.

   
   

   The following are app-based platforms where you can pick up short-term jobs, often on the same day.

   • Instawork – a great resource for hospitality work, events and warehouse support

   • Wonolo – from warehouse events, to delivery and general labor.

   • Bluecrew – Bluecrew offers entry-level hourly jobs with flexible scheduling.

   • PeopleReady – Daily labor gigs which pay the same or next day.

Other companies for short term staffing assignments include: Randstad, Adecco, Kelly Services, Manpower and Express Employment for office/admin, industrial, seasonal, and professional placements. Some opportunities will offer training and certifications for higher paying assignments.

How many weekends will it be until you are on your way to saving thousands?!

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