By Rhett Power , Head coach, Power Coaching and Consulting @rhettpower

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Do an internet search for ways to earn legitimate cash fast, and you’ll be faced with a dizzying list of hundreds of options. When you need money fast, you don’t have time to wait for a second job’s paycheck  or to  start a new venture . Here’s my list of 10 smart ways to make money fast  that are completely legitimate and diverse enough that you’ll likely find something that can work for you.

This isn’t as nebulous as it sounds at first. Every day, people list and sell their new or used items on   eBay for nearly immediate cash, and so can you. From gently used scrubs to puzzles, and everything in between, eBay is a great way to generate quick cash. You may not land a sale for a single cornflake in the shape of Illinois (that already sold for $1,350 a few years back), but chances are good that you’ll be able to generate quick cash just from things you have around your house. 

In just about every community in the nation, there are  temp agencies  that are always scrambling for people willing to take short-term or temporary work assignments. This is a great way to generate legit cash quick without spending days and weeks in a job hunt.

3. Check out job boards on social media

Social media is about more than just making social connections. It can also be a great way to find quick employment. Check out    Facebook   jobs groups in your city, where you can get hired almost immediately for things like yard work and child care. If you’re wise and ask for references, so you can check out the person hiring, this is a great way to earn money fast. 

Just about everyone has a talent for making something that can be turned into cash. From simple soap making  to furniture making, How To Go Viral on TikTok in 2023: 13 Easy Tricks with just a little work you can have a steady supply of homemade items to sell on sites such as eBay, Best Craft Business Ideas Craigslist, or at a community sale.

No list of ways to earn quick cash would be complete without mention of yard sales. But there are smarter ways to use  yard sales  to help reduce frustration and increase the cash in your pocket. Whether you want to turn old fishing poles into cash or need to clean out the kids’ closets, joining together with other families to make a larger, well advertised sale event will help attract more potential buyers. 

Everyone got started somewhere, right? If you have skills and an itch to test the freelance waters, check out sites such as  Upwork.com  or  Guru . The key to keeping it legit is to only use freelancing sites that offer integrated payment collection, so you’re not left having to chase down customers who owe you money.

From camping equipment to prom dresses, renting out what you have to others willing to pay for it is a great way to generate quick cash. Use free sites like  Craigslist  or subscription sites like  Loanables  to get the word out.

This is an often overlooked, smart way you can earn legitimate money. From renting out a room to renting out storage space in your garage or even a parking space, this is a fabulous way to put cash in your pocket.

You can use sites like  Zaarly  to let people know you’re available for work. From dog walking to housecleaning, construction work to yard work, by getting your name out there, you’ll stand a good chance of finding quick cash.

Take a look at your neighborhood and the businesses close to you. Let everyone know you’re looking for smart ways to generate money, and be persistent. By being proactive and making connections, you’ll find legitimate money-making opportunities that you might otherwise miss.

If you’re looking for smart ways to earn money fast, this list will get you started. Be smart by staying away from places that ask you to pay money to make money. Be willing to start small and build up your experience. Then, be proactive and persistent. Whether you have an unexpected expense or simply want to generate a little fun-money , you’ll be well on your way to finding what you need.