When you’re staring down an empty fridge and an even emptier wallet, you don’t have weeks to build a business—you need cash fast. Whether you’re between paychecks or just need a little extra to cover essentials, a quick side hustle can make all the difference.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to earn money within days—sometimes even hours. These five side hustles can be launched this weekend, with payouts that could put money in your pocket by next week.
1. Deliver Groceries or Takeout
If you have access to a car, bike, or scooter, you can start earning within hours through delivery services like Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats, or GrabFood. These platforms allow you to work on your schedule, making deliveries in your local area and earning based on order volume and tips.
Potential Earnings: $15–$25 per hour in high-demand areas
Time to Start: Sign-up approval can happen within a few hours
How to Get Started:
- Download the app and create a driver profile
- Complete a background check (if required)
- Start accepting delivery requests and earn per completed order
If you live in a busy city or near popular restaurants, this side hustle could have money in your account by tomorrow.
2. Offer Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Love animals? Apps like Rover and Wag allow you to create a profile and get paid to care for pets in your community. This is a great weekend side hustle, especially if you’re near pet-friendly areas or high-travel seasons when people need sitters.
Potential Earnings: $20–$40 per gig, depending on pet care services
Time to Start: Instant profile setup, first gig possible within days
How to Get Started:
- Sign up on Rover, Wag, or offer services locally via social media
- Set your rates for dog walking, pet sitting, or drop-in visits
- Accept bookings and start earning
If it’s a holiday weekend or peak travel time, you could book multiple clients fast and earn real money by Monday.
3. Flip Items on Facebook Marketplace
The fastest way to get cash is to sell what you already own. Odds are, you have unused electronics, furniture, or collectibles that could sell for quick cash.
Potential Earnings: $50–$200 depending on item value
Time to Start: As soon as you post an item
How to Get Started:
- Gather items you no longer need
- Take clear photos and list them on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or Craigslist
- Arrange local pickup and get paid in cash instantly
Bonus tip: Look at free or low-cost listings like garage sales or thrift stores and flip items for a profit.
4. Become a Tasker on TaskRabbit
People always need help moving furniture, mounting TVs, or assembling items. If you’re handy, organized, or simply willing to lift heavy objects, platforms like TaskRabbit let you set your own rates and accept jobs immediately.
Potential Earnings: $25–$60 per task
Time to Start: As soon as your profile is approved
How to Get Started:
- Create an account on TaskRabbit
- Choose tasks that match your skills, such as moving, assembly, or organizing
- Accept local gigs and earn money per completed job
Even one or two quick tasks can cover your groceries for the week.
5. Freelance Your Skills Online
If you have skills in writing, graphic design, proofreading, or even voice-over work, sites like Fiverr and Upwork connect you with paying clients. While landing your first gig may take a few days, many jobs pay within 48–72 hours of completion.
Potential Earnings: $50–$500 per gig
Time to Start: Gig posting can begin today, first order within days
How to Get Started:
- Create profiles on Fiverr, Upwork, or PeoplePerHour
- List services such as writing, design, resume creation, or editing
- Complete small gigs quickly and cash out earnings fast
Even one quick gig could cover multiple grocery trips.
Take Action Today
The key to earning fast money isn’t overthinking—it’s acting. Choose one of these side hustles that matches your skills or lifestyle and start this weekend.
Every dollar earned brings you closer to a full grocery cart, so take the first step, start earning, and secure the money you need for next week’s groceries.
