Quickest Ways to Make Money: 4 Ideas for Fast Extra Income

Offer gardening and landscaping services

If you enjoy working outdoors, home gardening services are a quite practical way to make quick money. Many families, cafes, or rental homes need someone to regularly maintain their gardens but don't have the time to do it themselves.

• Clearly define the services you can provide

  • Mowing and garden cleanup

  • Trimming trees, bushes, or hedges

  • Cleaning dry leaves, weeds

  • Planting flowers or tending to plant beds

• Promote services in your area

  • Print and distribute flyers in residential areas

  • Prepare business cards to introduce your services

  • Post in local Facebook groups about garden care services

• Only take on jobs that match your experience

  • Avoid complex tasks if you don't have the skills yet

  • Excel at basic tasks like mowing, trimming, and garden cleaning to build a reputation

  • Satisfied customers are more likely to rehire you

• Leverage referrals from previous clients

  • Ask satisfied customers to refer you to their friends or neighbors

  • Word-of-mouth is the most effective way to find new clients

  • With many repeat clients, the work can become a source of stable long-term income

Depending on the size of the garden, hourly or per-job gardening services can yield 150,000 – 500,000 VND per job, becoming a quick way to earn money locally that many people are adopting.

Method 5: Quick money from odd jobs

Do odd jobs for seniors

A rather practical but often overlooked quick way to make money is to help seniors with daily odd jobs. Many elderly people need help with simple tasks but don't have relatives nearby.

• Jobs you can take on

  • Grocery shopping or buying things for them

  • Cleaning and tidying the house

  • Paying electricity, water, internet bills

  • Assisting with minor home repairs

• How to find clients

  • Ask for information at community centers or churches

  • Post ads on local classifieds websites

  • Ask friends and neighbors if anyone needs assistance

• Work with a flexible schedule

  • Work a few hours each week

  • Help with recurring tasks like grocery shopping or house cleaning

  • Agree on a suitable time for both parties

• Build trust for long-term clients

  • Be punctual and meticulous

  • Maintain a polite and patient attitude with seniors

  • When you do a good job, they often refer you to their acquaintances

Income from hourly odd jobs services typically ranges from 80,000 – 200,000 VND per hour, making it a quick local money-making method suitable for students or those looking to increase their income after hours.

Method 6: Quick money from online odd jobs

Find extra work online

The internet is where many people look for quick ways to make money online through simple tasks. By simply searching every day, you can find many task-based paid odd jobs.

• Find work on freelance platforms

  • Access websites like Fiverr, Craigslist, or Zaarly

  • Find short-term jobs that match your skills

  • Check for new job listings daily to not miss opportunities

• Common jobs you can do

  • Run errands for others

  • Distribute promotional flyers for events

  • Clean up trash or assist with area sanitation

  • Minor repairs or home maintenance

• Use odd job apps

  • Install apps that connect people who need work with those who provide it

  • Examples include GigWalk or TaskRabbit

  • Take on tasks near your living area to earn money quickly

• Be cautious when taking jobs online

  • Avoid jobs that promise unusually high income

  • Never transfer money upfront to anyone

  • Only accept jobs from reliable accounts or platforms

These online task-based jobs typically pay 50,000 to several hundred thousand VND per task, making them the quickest way to earn money in your free time that many people are using to supplement their income.

Idea 2: Effective Ways to Make Money Online from Home

Method 1: Making money from a blog or website

Create a blog or website to earn money online

If you want to build a long-term income stream, blogging to earn money online is a sustainable way to make money online adopted by many. You can create a website to share knowledge, experiences, or topics you are passionate about.

• Choose a topic you know well

  • Share knowledge about studying, business, technology

  • Write about personal experiences such as travel, food, or finance

  • Focus on topics that readers often search for on Google

• Post useful content regularly

  • Write new articles regularly to attract readers

  • Provide practical, easy-to-apply information

  • The more useful the content, the more readers will return to the website

• Ways to earn money from a blog

  • Place display ads on the website

  • Sell paid content or membership packages

  • Sell digital products like ebooks or courses

• Earn money through affiliate marketing

  • Place referral links for products from platforms like Amazon or other online stores

  • When readers click on the link and make a purchase, you earn a commission

  • This is a popular form of affiliate marketing for earning money online

• Things to note when starting

  • Earning from a blog often requires time to build content

  • Competition is quite high, so perseverance is needed

  • When the website has many readers, income can increase steadily

Many now view blogging for money as a long-term online earning method, because when content ranks high in search results, the website can generate passive income for a long time.

Method 2: Earn money quickly through freelancing

Become a freelancer using your professional skills

If you have a skill that is in demand, working as an online freelancer is one of the fastest ways to earn money and can bring in a decent income. Freelancing means you work independently and take on projects directly from clients.

• Identify skills you can monetize

  • Programming or software coding

  • Website design

  • Graphic design, logo, or banner design

  • Writing articles, content editing

  • Proofreading and editing text

  • Professional consulting if you have experience in a specific field

• Create a portfolio to find clients

  • Build a personal website showcasing your services

  • Prepare a portfolio demonstrating your completed projects

  • Clearly describe your skills and experience to build credibility

• Find projects on freelance platforms

  • Create accounts on websites like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr

  • Find projects that match your skills

  • Send proposals to clients

• Promote your services to gain more clients

  • Print business cards for referrals when needed

  • Ask satisfied clients for new referrals

  • Post articles sharing your expertise to build personal credibility

Many people start earning money online through freelancing as a side job, but when they have a stable client base, this can become a main source of long-term income.

Method 3: Earn money quickly through surveys

Do online surveys to earn extra money

Participating in online surveys for money is a fairly simple quick way to earn money online. Although the income is not high, if you use your free time to complete many surveys, you can still accumulate money or gift cards.

• How to start doing online surveys

  • Register accounts on survey websites

  • Fill in profile information for the system to send suitable surveys

  • Complete survey questionnaires to receive rewards or money

• Some popular survey platforms

  • Global Test Market

  • Survey Junkie

  • UserTesting

  • MindField Online

• Income from online surveys

  • Each survey typically pays from a few thousand to tens of thousands of VND

  • Some longer surveys may pay more

  • Once you accumulate enough points, you can exchange them for cash or gift cards

• Notes to avoid risks

  • Do not pay fees to register for surveys

  • Reputable survey websites will not ask you to pay money

  • Be cautious of sites promising excessively high income

• Tips for effective survey taking

  • Create a separate email just for online paid surveys

  • This helps you manage easily as platforms often send many survey invitation emails

Although not the fastest way to earn a large income, online paid surveys are still a simple option to utilize free time and gain a small extra income each month.

Idea 3: Resell goods to increase income

Method 1: Sell used items to earn money quickly

Liquidate unused items for immediate cash

One of the fastest ways to earn money at home that many people apply is to sell used items they no longer need. Items that seem like they should be thrown away might still be valuable to someone else.

• Check items you can sell

  • Clothes in good condition

  • Repair tools or equipment

  • DVDs, CDs, music records, or old tapes

  • Video games, books, comics

  • Seldom-used household appliances

• Organize direct sales

  • Hold a yard sale in front of your house

  • Invite neighbors or friends to browse and buy

  • This is a quick way to sell used items for money as no intermediaries are needed

• Sell to second-hand stores

  • Some stores specialize in buying used clothes, books, or video games

  • Search for second-hand stores in your area for quick sales

• Sell used items online

  • List products on platforms like eBay or Amazon

  • Or sell on local classifieds like Craigslist

  • Take clear photos and describe the product's condition for easier sales

Selling used items for money not only helps you get cash but also declutters your living space. This is a simple quick way to earn money at home that anyone can start right away.

Method 2: Earn quick money by reselling clothes

Buy clothes cheap and resell for profit

One of the quickest ways to make money from online sales is to buy clothes or accessories at a low price and resell them online. Many people are currently earning extra income by reselling second-hand items or items purchased during sales at stores.

• Find cheap sources

  • Buy clothes at thrift stores or second-hand markets

  • Look for items at clearance sales or garage sales

  • Prioritize new products from popular brands

• Choose easy-to-sell products

  • Clothes from well-known brands

  • Handbags, fashion accessories

  • Products in good condition, with few defects or still new with tags

• List for sale on online platforms

  • Sell on websites like eBay, Etsy, or Depop

  • Take clear product photos to attract buyers

  • Write a detailed description of the product's condition

• Price to ensure profit

  • Find the selling price of similar products online

  • Calculate shipping costs before setting a price

  • Ensure the selling price is profitable after deducting all costs

• Focus on areas you understand

  • Choose product types you are familiar with to easily set prices

  • For example: branded clothing, designer handbags, or vintage items

  • When you understand the market well, you will easily find valuable items

• Take advantage of sales to buy and resell

  • Hunt for heavily discounted products at major stores

  • Combine discount codes or member rewards

  • Then resell online for profit when products are out of stock or increase in price

Although reselling clothes online can take time to sell items, if you choose the right products, this can become a stable online earning method and even develop into a small business model.

Method 3: Earn quick money from selling used books

Hunt for cheap used books and resell online

One quick way to make money from reselling used items that many people are adopting is to buy cheap used books and resell them online. Some books have high value on e-commerce platforms but are sold very cheaply at used bookstores or clearance sales.

• Use ISBN scanning apps

  • Download an app with an ISBN scanning feature for books

  • Scan the barcode on the book cover to check the current selling price

  • Compare prices on platforms like Amazon to see if it can be resold

• Find cheap book sources

  • Used bookstores

  • Second-hand stores

  • Clearance sales or garage sales

  • Libraries or individuals selling large quantities of used books

• List books for sale online

  • List products on Amazon or eBay

  • Take clear photos of the book's condition

  • Provide a detailed description of the edition, publication year, and book quality

• Patiently find valuable books

  • Not every book can be resold for profit

  • You may need to scan many books before finding a high-value one

  • Patience is a crucial factor when doing the used book reselling for money model

• Work discreetly and efficiently

  • Focus on finding valuable books instead of buying in bulk

  • Keep purchase costs low to ensure profit when reselling

If done consistently, buying used books to resell online can become a quick way to make money from price differences, especially with rare books or academic books in high demand.

Method 4: Earn money by house flipping

Buy old houses, renovate, and sell for profit

In real estate, house flipping for profit is a quick way to make money from asset value appreciation. The main idea is to buy a house at a low price because it needs repairs, then renovate it and sell it for a higher price.

• Find properties priced below market value

  • Old houses needing repairs

  • Houses for urgent sale or liquidation

  • Properties in developing areas

• Prepare capital to buy the house

  • Borrow from banks

  • Partner with investors

  • Calculate purchase and renovation costs before deciding

• Renovate to increase the house's value

  • Repaint walls and ceilings

  • Upgrade kitchen and bathrooms

  • Repair electrical, plumbing, and interior

• Resell after completion

  • Re-evaluate based on the current market

  • List for sale on real estate platforms

  • Profit comes from the difference between purchase price, renovation costs, and selling price

• Notes before starting

  • Flipping houses for profit requires knowledge of renovation and real estate

  • The actual work is quite arduous and risky

  • If you lack experience in home renovation, you should carefully consider before participating

Although not the fastest way to make money for beginners, for those with renovation experience and market understanding, house flipping as a real estate investor can bring significant profits.

Idea 4: Make handmade products to sell

Method 1: Earn money from handmade items

Sell handmade crafts or jewelry

If you are skilled with your hands, selling handmade items online is a popular way to earn quick money at home. Unique handmade products are often loved by many for their personal and non-mass-produced nature.

• Create products from craft skills

  • Make handmade jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces

  • Make home decorations or gifts

  • Create innovative handmade products from fabric, wood, or paper

• Open an online store

  • Set up a shop on platforms like Etsy

  • Post clear product photos and detailed descriptions

  • Share your shop on social media to attract customers

• Sell products at local events

  • Register for a booth at fairs or festivals

  • Participate in weekend markets or community events

  • Display products beautifully to attract buyers

• Price products reasonably

  • Calculate the cost of raw materials used

  • Factor in the time you spend creating the product

  • Price to ensure you still make a profit

• Notes when selling at events

  • Some events require a booth rental fee

  • It's best to inquire about costs before registering to participate

If you can build your own brand, selling handmade items online is not only a quick way to earn money from a hobby but can also develop into a long-term business.

Method 2: Earn money from freelance photography

Sell photos online or take event photos

If you have a good camera and photography skills, freelance photography is a quick way to earn money from personal skills. Many photographers start by taking event photos or selling photos on online platforms.

• Take photos for events

  • Photograph birthdays, family parties, or small events

  • Photograph weddings, anniversaries, or meetings

  • Provide event photography services for individuals or businesses

• Sell art photos or stock photos

  • Photograph landscapes, daily life, or architecture

  • Create decorative art photos to sell to photography enthusiasts

  • Sell stock photos online on specialized image platforms

• Upload photos to specialized websites

  • Upload photos to platforms like iStock, Shutterstock, or Alamy

  • Each time a photo is downloaded or used, you will receive royalties

• Build a portfolio before accepting clients

  • Create a collection of beautiful photos to showcase your skills

  • You can photograph a few initial events for free to gain experience

  • With many high-quality photos, clients will trust you more easily

• Notes on image usage rights

  • If photographing people, you should ask for consent for image use

  • This helps you avoid legal issues when selling photos

With the growth of social media and online advertising, selling stock photos and freelance photography are becoming ways to earn money online from photography that many people pursue, especially those with a passion for creative imaging.

Method 3: Earn money from furniture restoration

Buy old furniture and refurbish it for resale

A common way to earn quick money from old items is to buy old furniture and restore it for a higher price. Many items like tables, chairs, or wooden cabinets can significantly increase in value after restoration.

• Find sources of affordable furniture

  • Used furniture stores or secondhand shops

  • Liquidation sales

  • Online classifieds

• Clean and treat wood surfaces

  • Sand the surface to remove old paint

  • Smooth out scratches or uneven surfaces

  • Remove old paint or finishes if necessary

• Repaint or apply a new finish

  • Use a specialized solution to remove old color if you want to re-stain the wood

  • Prime before applying new paint

  • Apply at least 2 coats and allow 24 hours to dry between each coat

• Upgrade details to increase value

  • Replace cabinet handles or metal fittings

  • Repair loose or damaged parts

  • Polish the surface to make the product look new

• Sell the product after completion

  • Sell on local classified sites like Craigslist

  • Or sell on handmade platforms like Etsy

  • Take before and after photos to attract buyers

With a bit of repair skill and creativity, refurbishing old furniture can become a quick way to earn money from price differences, and even develop into a small business if you do it regularly.

Principles for effective quick money-making

Determine market demand before starting

Before choosing a product or service to make money, it's important to see if there's market demand. You'll earn money more easily if you sell something many people need.

• Understand customer needs

  • See what people are searching for online

  • Observe best-selling products on e-commerce platforms

  • Join social media groups to understand real needs

• Choose products or services with high demand

  • Services that save others time

  • Products that solve specific customer problems

  • Trending or highly sought-after items

By understanding demand correctly, you will choose the quickest way to make money that suits the market.

Saving money is also a way to increase income

Many people focus only on making money quickly, but in reality, managing expenses is equally important.

• Reduce unnecessary spending

  • Limit impulse purchases

  • Compare prices before buying products

  • Utilize promotions or discounts

• Build good financial habits

  • Create a monthly spending plan

  • Allocate a portion of your income for savings

  • Reinvest in new money-making opportunities

Combining earning and saving money will help you improve your finances faster.

Be wary of get-rich-quick schemes

While looking for quick ways to earn money online, you might encounter many attractive advertisements. However, you need to be especially cautious.

• Recognize risk signs

  • Promises very high income in a short time

  • Requires an upfront fee before starting

  • Lack of clear information about the company or organizer

• Safety principles

  • If an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it's likely a scam

  • Always verify information before participating

Understanding these principles will help you choose how to make money quickly and safely, avoiding wasted time and money on untrustworthy schemes.

References

1. CNBC. (2022). In-demand side hustle for 2023 is online tutoring: How to start. Retrieved from: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/14/in-demand-side-hustle-for-2023-is-online-tutoring-how-to-start.html
2. Entrepreneur. (2017). 7 realistic ways to make money online. Retrieved from: https://www.entrepreneur.com/starting-a-business/7-realistic-ways-to-make-money-online/299728
3. Entrepreneur. (2017). How to make money flipping houses. Retrieved from: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/298348
4. Indeed Career Guide. (n.d.). Surveys for jobs: What they are and how they work. Retrieved from: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/surveys-for-jobs
5. Save the Student. (n.d.). 10 quick cash injections. Retrieved from: https://www.savethestudent.org/make-money/10-quick-cash-injections.html

Translated by: Lesley Collins Tran.