For many people I speak to who want to start their own business or begin some other new project, finding a small amount of start up capital is a stumbling block! Before I started my own business, a $100 was a BIG amount in my head – so I totally get it!

I spent some time talking with other business leaders and friends who came up with creative ways to get that first $100, and here they are for you! I hope you find them helpful!

20 Ways to Save $100

Garage Sale – This is what many people think of, and there’s a reason! All of us have things sitting around the house collecting dust that likely have value to someone! Have a quick garage sale and you’ll often have more than $100!

Craigslist – Selling online has rarely been any easier than just listing on Craigslist! This is best for lower end type products and services, so don’t expect top dollar and potentially having to haggle.

Sell Blood and/or Plasma – If you are in good health, you can often make some quick cash by selling plasma at a plasma center and make $20-$30 a visit and you can donate up to 2 times a week! Sometimes there’s even a new customer signup bonus!

Drive for Uber/Lyft – I LOVE Ridesharing, my family and I have used it quite often. It’s basically a chance to use your own car to give a lift to someone who needs it for a fee. You get paid quickly, and if you put in the hours you can really bring in some fast cash!

Sell an old Smartphone/Tablet – A service like Gazelle is great for quickly getting cash for a retired smartphone that still works and it’s super easy!

Consignment Stores – If you have some nicer items that you think have some value, this can be a great option to generate cash for yourself! This is especially good if your items are children’s or women’s clothing, higher end toys, etc.

Return Something – If you have some recently purchased items that you have never actually used, consider returning them! Sometimes that will generate your $100 right there 🙂

Selling Handmade Crafts – If you already do crafts, you may be able to sell enough to generate $100 pretty quickly from your supply on a site like Etsy.

Share Your Home – If you are comfortable with it, you can generate quick cash by renting out a spare bedroom, basement, garage apartment, etc. This is especially lucrative if you live in an more expensive area and attractive to tourists.

Rent out Your Garage – If you have some garage space, you can likely offer to house someone’s car or boat for them easily getting you your $100.

Baby Sitting – I’m amazed at how much a good babysitter is worth nowadays! Do a good job, build up some referrals and you can generate cash quickly this way!

Yard Work – Especially for guys this can be attractive. Most people HATE cutting their grass. Do a good job and make the price right and you can have $100 in just a few yard cuts.

House/Pet Sitting – You can usually check  Craigslist or local facebook groups for people who travel often and need someone to keep an eye on their home, feed their pets, etc.

Photography – If you are a decent amateur photographer, you can make some quick cash by doing inexpensive photo sessions for friends or other contacts. Just don’t tackle a big event like a wedding without having some experience first (you only get 1 shot at those type of photos!).

Join a Focus Group – Local universities, research groups, and marketing companies often will pay a fee for a few hours of your time to test out a new product, give feedback, etc. Check with your local university and craigslist to see what’s out there!

Wash, Wax, and Detail Cars – If you like cleaning cars (while most of us HATE IT), then you can be a mobile car wash!

Setting Up Holiday Decorations – Again, some people love to do this, and others HATE putting up Christmas lights. If you can be careful and detailed saving someone time can be valuable to them!

Tutor – If you are strong in certain subjects, you can often make $30/Hour tutoring Math, Science, Testing, etc.

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