Do you need to make $200 fast?

Sometimes in life, we need ways to get hold of relatively small amounts of cash quite quickly. You may have fallen behind slightly on your monthly bills, student loans, and credit cards.

Or you might have encountered a surprise situation where you don’t have an emergency fund, and $200 is just what you need to get by.

The truth is, there are loads of ways you can legitimately make money online or get cash quickly by thinking outside the box. And when you’re in a tight financial situation, finding a reliable solution to your cash flow needs is a must!

That’s why this article is the definitive answer to the question ‘How to Make $200 Fast‘!

Related Slideshow: 43 money moves to make in your 30s

Money moves for your 30s — A lot is going to happen in your 30s. You may buy a house, get married or grow your family. Your 30s have emotional and financial milestones. We’re here to help with the latter.

Here’s our list of 43 money moves to make in your 30s.

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1. Establish credit — Having an established credit history is going to help you out when you apply for a loan to buy a car or home.

One way to establish credit is using and making payments with a credit card. How much and often you make those payments is recorded to show your history of managing debt. When you apply for financial products like a mortgage, lenders will pull your credit report to assess your risk.

Your credit report will also be used to calculate your credit score—the higher the number, the better. Having good credit will show lenders you are a safe investment and can even lower your interest rates. More on that later.

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2. Improve your credit — Once you’ve established credit, you’re going to want to maintain it and aim for a high score. The best way to do this is paying off your credit card and other loans on time.

It’s important to remember your score won’t peak overnight. Your credit history is called a history for a reason: The longer you show good behavior the higher your score will become. Your credit score also considers your credit card limits and how much of it you use, known as your credit utilization rate. The less money you spend compared to your credit limit the better. For example, if you have a $10,000 credit limit, try not to charge more than $3,000.

Make sure to check your credit report on a regular basis and make note of any errors. A mistake on your credit report, like a loan application you don’t recognize, can drag down your credit score.

Mistakes could happen for a handful of reasons, and it might not always be nefarious. If you see an error, be sure to report it right away.

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3. Make a budget — Life looks a little different in your 30s, so if you haven’t updated your budget since your last pay increase or lifestyle upgrade, it’s likely time for a refresh.

Experts recommend setting a monthly budget that tracks where your money is coming from and where it goes. That includes bills, expenses, savings contributions, side hustle income, investments, etc. You don’t need to readjust your budget on a monthly basis if your income doesn’t change significantly. But if a big financial change happens, like buying a car, you’re going to want to refresh your budget.

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4. Build an emergency fund — A common rule of thumb is saving three to six months’ worth of expenses in an emergency fund, but that may no longer be enough. Many experts now recommend having up to a year’s worth of expenses saved. Your expenses are going to change throughout your 30s as you grow your family or move homes.

It’s important to re-evaluate and boost your contributions anytime your financial picture changes. Otherwise, you may not have enough saved to cover all of your bills.

If an emergency happens and you use up your savings, don’t panic—that means the years of saving paid off. When you’re financially ready, you’ll want to start rebuilding your fund.

Check out our guide to rebuilding a depleted emergency fund.

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5. Start a side hustle — A side hustle can be a great way to earn money doing something you’re passionate about outside of work. The first thing you’ll need to do is find your niche and figure out how much time you’re willing to put into it. If you want to sell artwork, for example, remember it can take a lot of time to create before it ever hits the market, compared to renting out a car or second property.

Before jumping into a side gig, consider start-up and maintenance costs. Do you already have the tools you need, or do you have to buy supplies? For example, if you’re interested in being a virtual assistant, you’ll need a computer and Wi-Fi access. You’ll also need to find out if you need additional certifications or licensing.

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6. Protect your identity — We share a lot of personal information on the internet. Data breaches and hacking scandals are becoming more widespread, but you can take an active role in protecting your information. For example, don’t save your credit card information on your devices or purchase items with social media apps. Taking pre-emptive measures like changing your passwords often or filing your taxes early can prevent online data exposure. If you believe your information was leaked in a data breach or hack, don’t panic. Here’s are some good first steps:

Confirm the hack or breach directly with the company

Determine what information was leaked

Find out what resources the company is offering to help

Change all of your passwords immediately

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7. Find a financial adviser — It’s important to plan for your financial future as early as you can. It may be hard to save for a wedding, baby, house or retirement fund when you’re not at that stage in life. But planning for it now will help make paying for it in the future easier. Having someone to help you plan for those milestones can not only keep you accountable for hitting your goals, it can also show you paths to get there you may not have considered.

Look for a financial adviser, human or robot, that offers services you’re interested in, aligns with your morals and financially makes sense. A majority of financial advisers are certified financial planners and have gone through extensive training to make the best financial decisions for you. A robo-adviser will manage your money based on automatic algorithms, quantitative data and the objectives you set for it. They’re usually cheaper than human advisers, who can offer personalized advice.

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8. Invest — Investing your money can help you achieve future financial goals. Investing can be risky, but the earning potential is far greater than a traditional savings account.

If you haven’t started investing, the process doesn’t have to be as daunting as it sounds. Here are the main your options:

Stocks are a share of ownership in a company. They are bought and sold on the stock market, including the New York Stock Exchange. Prices can fluctuate based on a variety of social, political and economic factors. Here’s our guide to picking stocks.

Bonds are a loan to the government or corporation to be paid back with interest at a certain time.

Mutual funds are a mix of stocks and bonds handled by a professional investment manager.

Exchange traded funds are a bundle of securities that can be bought and sold on the stock exchange or with brokerage firms.

There are a few ways you can invest: with a professional, by yourself or investing apps. Investment professionals will invest on your behalf for a fee. Make sure you understand how someone makes money by investing for you.

Doing this solo may be financially advantageous if you have the time and understanding of market behavior. Investing apps can meet you in the middle but come with their own risks. First, even if an app says it’s free — it will likely charge you in other ways. Make sure you do your research on investing apps like Betterment, Acorns or Robinhood and beware of stocks that seem too good to be true.

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9. Pay off debt — Paying off your debt should be one of your top priorities. Waiting to pay off large debts, like student loans or credit cards, can prevent you from accomplishing financial goals like buying a house.

Student loans can be particularly hard to pay off when you start adding more expenses in your life, like children. Find time to independently, or with a financial adviser, review your overall financial picture and develop a plan for paying off your debt.

**Related:** **Here’s what to do if you’re being sued for debt**

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10. Save for retirement — The earlier you start saving for retirement the better. The amount of money you’ll need to retire will depend on where you live and your financial situation at the time. The most common ways to save for retirement are employer-sponsored 401(k)s, individual retirement accounts, Roth IRAs and annuities.

You’re going to want to take advantage of a 401(k) program if your employer offers it — especially if there’s a matching program.

Another option is saving money with a traditional IRA or Roth IRAs. Traditional IRAs typically have a wider selection of investment options and lower your taxes. Roth IRAs let you grow post-tax dollars and offer tax-free withdrawals when you retire.

Here’s our guide to estimating how much you’ll need to retire.

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11. Fund long-term money goals — Your 30s can be full of a lot of firsts: your first car, home, wedding, baby, etc. Hitting significant milestones can show you how important it is to financially plan for the future.

Future-focused investments include buying a home, retirement plans, setting up a 529 college savings plan and purchasing insurance. Your first priority should be paying off debt, like student loans. That will help free up money down the road to fund your long-term savings goals. As you’re developing your plan, don’t be afraid to include fun goals, like buying a vacation home or starting a rental empire.

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12. Fund short-term money goals — If you’re gearing up for a short-term financial goal, like putting a down payment on a home or buying a car, you’re not going to want to risk your savings in the stock market. Short-term goals can be anywhere a few months to about two years, whereas long-term goals are decades away and can handle more risk. Keeping your money safe and accessible for a short-term goal should priority No. 1.

Saving your money in a traditional savings account can keep your money safe and easy to access but will barely earn you any interest. But there are a handful of options that can earn you interest and give you some access to your savings, like a high-yield savings account.

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13. Prepare for a recession — The economy moves up and down all the time and you may face a recession or two at some point in your 30s. The market may react if the government changes monetary policy or Reddit bros hype up a stock online. If the market takes a downturn, it’s important to keep your cool.

Pulling your money from the stock market or retirement accounts in a bear market could cost you more than keeping your money where it is. The average long-term return can be anywhere from 7% to 8%, but it won’t feel like that each year. The best way to protect yourself from major market dips is diversifying your investments. You’ll want a mixed portfolio to plan for short-term and long-term goals.

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14. Find a new job — You could be on hunt for a new job for a number of reasons, like switching career paths or looking for a pay boost. Workers are usually offered higher salaries to quit and join another company. Before you make your move, it’s important to check-in with yourself. Ask yourself what you want to work on, why you’re not doing that at your current workplace and what you want to get out of a new job. That could be getting a better job title, going after a bigger salary or switching career paths all together. Discuss your aspirations with your partner, if you have one, because your career move could also affect them.

Be aware of how your income could change, if you’ll need to put in more time at the office or if there’s a potential for relocation. You’ll also want to consider rolling over your 401(k) to your new employer’s plan.

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15. Negotiate a job offer — If a company has extended you a job offer, they want you to work for them. Don’t be afraid to ask for more, whether it’s compensation, remote work or benefits. It’s important to go into negotiations with a goal in mind. Jot down your ideal salary, benefits you must have and any perks you’d like to have. The worst thing that can happen is they say no. It’s unlikely for a company to rescind an offer just because you tried to negotiate. In fact, most employers expect potential employees to negotiate a job offer.

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16. Negotiate a raise — Asking for more money at work can be intimidating, but you can take small steps to prepare yourself for the conversation. Expect to negotiate with your employers and never back down on your asks; it’s important to know your worth.

You’re going to want to approach the conversation with a well-thought-out course of attack. Highlight the work you’re doing that exceeds expectations. Having metrics that show the impact of your work will only help your case.

If you’re approved for the raise, take another look at your budget and look for areas of improvement. For example, boosting your savings, retirement and investment contributions or rebuilding a depleted emergency account. If you’re rejected for a monetary raise, negotiate other financial benefits like more vacation time, bonus eligibility or stock options (if applicable).

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17. Pick employer benefits — It’s important to have a good understanding of the benefits your employer offers. Every company will offer something different, but the biggest parts that make up a benefit package are insurance options, retirement plans, parental leave options, paid time off, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.

Here’s our guide to choosing your benefits during your work’s open enrollment period

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18. Get health insurance — Getting health insurance can help pay for medical expenses on a daily basis, like paying for doctors’ appointments or emergency room visits. Health insurance can get costly, so it’s important to shop around and know your options.

Health insurance can be complex, so you’re going to want to find the right insurance to cover your needs. Here’s how to get affordable health insurance

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19. Get disability insurance — Even with health insurance, your finances could suffer if you have to miss work for a long time. Disability insurance is an added layer of protection that can cover your regular paycheck if you can’t work due to illness or injury. There are two main types:

Long-term coverage will cover up to 60% of your gross income if you can no longer work from a disability.

Short-term coverage can cover your paycheck until long-term coverage kicks in. It lasts anywhere from three to six months and pays up to 80% of your gross monthly income.

**Learn more about how disability insurance works**

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20. Deal with medical debt — Even with the best health insurance, you’ll likely face a large medical bill at some point. The biggest thing to remember is not to panic — you have options to reduce medical debt.

Don’t pay anything right away, but don’t ignore it. There is a 180-day grace period before medical debt is reported to credit bureaus.

Review your medical bill for mistakes and report any errors.

Check what your insurance does and does not cover.

Use your health savings account or flexible spending account for eligible medical expenses.

Negotiate your bill or hire a medical billing advocate.

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21. Prepare for a job loss — You should always be prepared for the possibility of losing your job, even if things seem like they’re going well.

Losing a job can be emotionally and financially straining. You’re going to need to get your financial house in order while you search for new jobs.

You’re going to want to talk about financial benefits with your former employer when you leave a company. Some employers offer things like severance pay and COBRA insurance coverage. You’ll also want to file for unemployment benefits as soon as possible. It’s important to revisit your budget after losing a job. Make any necessary changes to help you stay afloat while you look for another job.

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22. Get a prenup — A prenup is a written agreement that acts like insurance: it spells out how property (money, home, children, etc.) if the marriage ends. You can also add specific clauses to a prenup that would void a prenup, like if a partner is unfaithful. Just remember you will have to spend money to protect your money. The average cost for a prenup in 2021 is $780. Getting a prenup can be costly but could save you money in the future.

Considering a prenuptial agreement doesn’t necessarily mean you’re planning for the worst — it’s a good way to discuss where your partner stands financially and their thoughts on having children.

You have options if you don’t have time to get a prenup before the wedding, or you’re considering one after exchanging rings. You can get a postnuptial agreement after your wedding outlining the division of assets, debt and other financial properties.

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23. Get married — Weddings can cost thousands of dollars, so it’s important to have a plan for paying for it and not going broke. You also need to plan for what comes next because your finances are going to change after your wedding.

There are a handful of financial pros and cons to getting married. You have the option to file joint taxes and have access to (future) child tax credits. You’ll also have more retirement and insurance options from your you and your partner’s companies. On the flip side, your tax bracket may change, and you might take on your partner’s debt.

Regular financial conversations shouldn’t stop after getting married; things will only get more complex over time. For example, you may tackle buying your first home together, having children, insurance and estate planning (just to name a few).

Before you walk down the aisle, talk to your partner about finances. You’re going to want a full picture of your partner’s finances so you know exactly what you may be walking into. Here are the three biggest questions you should ask your partner if you’re thinking about getting married.

If you’re planning a second (or third, etc.) wedding, then you’re no stranger to the trials and tribulations of marriage. It’s important to get on the same financial page as your future spouse before walking down the aisle. Make sure your short-term and long-term goals align. If children are involved, you’ll want to get on the same page about financial support. You’ll also want to make sure your emergency contacts and estate plan are updated accordingly.

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24. Merge your accounts — Many experts say couples don’t need to merge bank accounts to be happy. But it could make it easier to track major expenses.

Policygenius’ annual Couples and Money survey found one in five couples manage money separately. Having separate accounts can give you a sense of independence and ownership over your financial life, but it could make you less prepared as a couple for emergencies.

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25. Learn how to to deal with divorce — Sometimes even the best marriages break up. Getting a divorce can be emotionally and financially draining. The best way to prevent divorce proceedings from going off the rails is getting a prenup.

Don’t feel bad if you didn’t — you can still protect your money. Big-ticket items, like a house or children, will probably be handled by your lawyers. This can make it easier to forget about smaller things, like streaming accounts or safety deposit boxes.

Make sure you get a copy of your personal and joint financial statements and highlight any bills you pay together, like a cell phone plan or gym membership. If you don’t have any joint accounts, you could still be on the hook if your ex is authorized to use your credit card.

**Here’s how your taxes will change after a divorce**

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26. Buy a home — Buying a house can take months of planning and involves a lot of moving parts. There are a handful of pros (mortgage interest deductions) and cons (property taxes). It’s important to enter the homebuying process with realistic expectations of what you can afford. That will help you figure out how much you’ll need to save for a down payment. Once you find your potential new home you’ll need to apply for a mortgage, a loan from a bank or credit union to buy a house with the expectation you’ll pay it back over time with interest. Before you close on your home, make sure to personally read over your mortgage paperwork.

Depending on interest rates, you may have a chance to refinance your mortgage. Refinancing your home could get you lower interest rates and a shorter mortgage, but the process can get pricey.

**Use our mortgage calculator to see how much you can afford.**

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27. Get home insurance — Protecting your home in case of an accident, emergency or disaster can save you thousands, if not millions, of dollars. Options will vary depending on where you live, what you own and coverage needed. Homeowners insurance will cover your home and everything in it. Policies typically cover a home break-in or property damage and reimburses you for temporary housing if you need to evacuate your home. You can also be covered if someone is injured on your property and sues you.

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28. Renovate your home — Renovating your home is a costly investment that can upgrade your standard of living and boost its resale value. Some home improvements can even lower your homeowners insurance rate.

When you’re considering remodeling your home it’s important to crunch the numbers and be sure the money you’re putting into it is worth it. You’ll need to create a realistic plan and budget for how you plan to pay for the renovations. Factor in some emergency cash for unexpected snags like mold or permitting issues. There are a handful of loan options for home renovations.

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29. Sell a home — Selling your home can be just as stressful as buying one. The value of your property will depend on where you live, the state of your home and the housing market. You can increase the value of your home by doing renovations and upgrades. The way your home is staged for potential buyers can also make a difference on potential offers. When you sell your house can also affect its value.

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30. Move — Moving to a new house can be overwhelming, especially if it’s to a new city or kids are involved. The actual process of selling and buying a new home can be draining, so it’s important to financially prepare for the actual move.

Create a budget for moving costs, like hiring movers and a cleaning service after everything is gone. If you’re moving for work purposes, your employer could cover some moving costs. Try and purge any unwanted items and consider donating anything that’s been sitting untouched for years. Don’t forget to budget in time to unpack and adjust to your new home.

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31. Buy a car — If you need to get around for your daily tasks you may want to buy a car. You’ll want to take a look at your monthly budget to see what kind of car and down payment you can afford. You’ll want to consider overall price, monthly payments, insurance, maintenance and upkeep (like gas). It’s important to note that cars do lose their value once you drive it off the lot and you’ll have to pay for repairs and upkeep. It’s also possible for your credit score to even go down after paying off the car.

**Here’s our guide to negotiating at the car dealership.**

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32. Get car insurance — Driving a car comes with its own risks and there’s always a possibility you could be involved in a car crash. Car insurance will give you financial protection if your car is damaged, involved in an accident or gets stolen. You’re going to want to consider what kind of coverage you want and how much you’ll actually need. It’s important to shop around for the best rate. You can switch providers if you think you can get a better rate or you’re unsatisfied with the claim filing process.

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33. Start a family — Having a baby will change your life forever, emotionally and financially. It can cost almost a quarter million dollars to raise a child until they’re 17. You’re going to want to prep your finances for your growing family. Here’s what to include on a financial baby checklist:

Add your newborn to your health insurance policy

Create a baby budget that includes delivery costs, diapers, breast pumps, clothes, nutrition etc.

Emergency fund for unexpected medical costs

Review parental leave policies

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34. Get life insurance — Life insurance will provide financial support to your family when you die. The cost of your insurance will depend on how much coverage you get, the length of your policy and your level of risk.

There are several types of life insurance, but the simplest is term, which pays out if you die while the policy is active, usually for a 30-year period.

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35. Budget for childcare — If you’re a working parent, you’re going to need a plan for childcare. There are a number of options that can help you budget and plan for family costs.

Dependent care flexible spending accounts: FSAs are offered by some employers and let you save tax-free dollars for eligible childcare expenses.

Child and dependent care tax credit: You can get a tax credit on childcare costs for kids under 13, up to $8,000 for one child and $16,000 for two under President Biden’s 2021 stimulus law.

Assistance programs: Low-income families can qualify for child care assistance on the local, state and federal level.

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36. Start a college fund for your child — If you have the financial means to save for your child’s education, you have a few options. The most common way to save for higher education is a 529 plan. Plan options vary by state. Some plans let you save on tuition by paying ahead of time and others let you open a tax-advantaged investment account to earn money for education expenses. Once your child is older, involve them in the conversation about college. They may be interested in contributing to their own college savings or have an alternative plan in mind.

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37. Teach your child about money — You’ve probably realized your kids are like a sponge. They absorb all of the information around them, including interactions with money. The younger you introduce money concepts to your kids, the more it will help them digest larger financial concepts in the future. You can look into money-themed board games or books. It’s also important to involve your kids in money discussions that affect the family, like moving homes or losing a job.

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38. Figure out allowance — Giving your child an allowance can give them freedom to make their own financial decisions and incentive to do their chores or get good grades. There is some debate about an appropriate amount to give your child.

Policygenius’ Parents & Money survey found 40% of parents give their kids $20 per week. Some experts suggest paying extra for things like acing an exam. But don’t over-promise anything. It’s important to use an allowance as a pathway to discussing good money habits with your child.

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39. Do taxes — Your taxes are going to start changing when you make financial moves like investing or donating to charity. They will also change for milestones like moving, getting a raise, adding side income, getting married and having children. It’s important to get the right advice when filing taxes. There are a number of free resources and tax professionals that can help you file taxes.

**Here’s our guide to filing your taxes**

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40. Make an estate plan — Creating an estate plan is one of the best financial decisions you can make. An estate plan spells out how you want your health care, assets and estate handled if you can no longer take care of yourself. You can create an estate plan with a few simple documents:

A will is the most basic document of the estate planning process. It appoints an executor who will manage your estate, determines guardianship of your children and your burial wishes. It’s important to remember that wills are loose guidelines, and your estate will still have to go through the probate process. People can also challenge your will in court, potentially altering its contents.

A trust has the same legal standing as a will but has specific benefits. There are a lot of different kinds of trusts, but they’re designed for the same purpose: to provide something for a trustee. A trust can have several conditions to it detailing how assets are divided and who gets what. Trusts may seem like they have more options than a will, but trusts have limitations. For example, only a will allows you to name a guardian for your child or an executor for your estate. Wills also let you outline how your taxes and debts are dealt with.

**We debunked common estate planning myths**

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41. Donate to charity — Before giving away your money, make sure you research the organization to make sure it’s legitimate and your money will be allocated appropriately. It’s important to remember that a small contribution can have a huge impact. You can maximize your impact by taking an investor’s approach and diversifying your donations.

You can claim charitable contributions on your taxes for a deduction. Deductions lower your taxable income, ultimately lowering the amount you owe in taxes for the year. Meaning if you paid *too much* to charities, you may be eligible for a tax refund.

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42. Plan long-term care for your parents — There may come a time when your parents need additional care to perform daily tasks. It may be a hard conversation to have with your siblings or family, but the sooner it happens, the more you can save for your parents’ long-term care.

Deciding the right kind of care for your parents will take time. You’ll want to consider your budget and your parent’s needs.

Here’s how to financially prepare to care for your parents.

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43. Prepare for your parents’ death — When your parents die, the last thing you’re going to want to worry about is the financial aftermath. The average funeral can cost between $8,000 and $10,000. Even if your parents had financial protections in place to cover funeral costs, you could face other financial strains. For example, settling outstanding debts and making sure your parent’s final income tax return is filed.

Your parents’ identity could be at risk after they die. Some fraudsters actively look at obituaries to steal dead people’s identities. The two biggest things you can do to protect their identity is guarding their information and letting people know when they die.

You could also inherit property, investments or money from your parents after they die. Be mindful that you may have to pay taxes on the estate and inheritance taxes. It’s important to handle the windfall mindfully, so you don’t spend it all in one place.

*This article originally appeared on Policygenius.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.*

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More from MediaFeed — Why a frugal lifestyle is powerful, painless & fun

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1. User Testing

One of the easiest ways to make money fast is with user-testing websites. It’s one of the best ways to make easy money because it’s free to signup, easy to do, and completely trustworthy. I’ve been using a number of different platforms for a while now and wholeheartedly recommend it.

So what exactly is user testing, and how can it make you quick cash?

Well, the concept is pretty straightforward. Companies and businesses that operate websites and applications like to monitor and improve user experience by testing out their services. That means all you have to do is answer some pre-set questions in real-time whilst completing some basic tasks. And you get paid for doing it!

If you want to be successful with user testing, then here are a few ways to massively increase your chances of success.

Follow instructions exactly as written.
Speak clearly and slowly whilst completing tasks.
Complete tasks accurately.
Appear enthusiastic and engaged.

The only problem with user testing is the frequency with which opportunities become available. Though lately, this seems to have not been an issue. Just check out how many popped up on my email over the course of a few days:

You can expect to earn about $10 per test and they usually take around 15-20 minutes. Sometimes there are extended user tests you can participate in, and these can pay around $60 for about an hour’s work. The best sites to get started with are:

UserTesting
Userlytics
Enroll
TestingTime
Validately
TryMyUI

Just remember to be professional when delivering your verbal explanations and offer detailed and descriptive answers. The more insightful you can be, the more likely you are to have your feedback approved and get paid!

2. Sell on eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace

If you need to quickly make money then you always have the option to sell something you already own. You may be surprised at how much stuff you accumulate over the years. And have you actually asked yourself do you really need it?

I needed some money urgently a few years ago, and in a moment of desperation looked around my house to see what I could sell. After dismissing a number of small-ticket items I came across my Ibanez electric guitar – packed away in its bag and hidden behind the wardrobe.

I loved to dabble with it when I was a student, but I hadn’t used it in years, and in all honesty, getting rid was no great loss to music! So I listed it on eBay and it sold for over $400. The whole transaction took a few days. and the guy came and picked it up. Now that’s fast money!

You can sell your unused and unloved items for quick money at some well known and trustworthy places such as:

eBay
Craigslist
Facebook Marketplace

Don’t be afraid to sell stuff you no longer use. There’s no place for sentimentality when you need fast easy ways to make money.

3. Overtime

It might not be the answer you want when asking how can I make $200 fast?

But if you’re in a position where overtime is a possibility then it is one of the best ways to get money fast going.

You will need to ensure you are able to fit the overtime work into your life schedule. But remember, overtime is not permanent, and if you just need a bit of extra cash it might be a perfect short-term solution.

There will be some added benefits to doing a little overtime as well, including:

Career Advancement – Going above and beyond the call of duty will put you in good standing with the higher-ups. And this will more than likely be taken into consideration when it comes to promotion opportunities.
Increased Job Performace – If you are putting in a few extra hours each week then your productivity will increase. This should give you the ability to perform better in your role.
Immediate Returns – Unlike getting a second job, you will not require any new skills or training. The wait time to see the extra money will be nominal – as the position and payment procedures are already in place.

And don’t forget, if you just need $200 fast, then at $10/hour that’s just 20 hours extra for one week or 10 hours a week over a fortnight. Job done!

4. Part-Time Job

If you’re really on a mission to get more cash then getting a second part-time job is a sure-fire way to fill your wallet. Although this won’t be an ideal solution for everyone, the benefits are quite obvious.

You can be selective in the type of work you do. This means you will be able to make it work depending on your prior time commitments and availability. Usually, with part-time jobs, you can be more selective with the hours you wish to work.

Delivering food for Instacart, for example, is a great way to earn money quickly. There are no set hours or days and you can shop as much or as little as you want. Anytime you feel!

You can also check out FlexJobs for a huge range of flexible remote positions that cater to a wide range of skillsets.

Having a second job that is part-time is a real actionable solution to getting more money, fast! You also have the option to leave the position once your financial situation is resolved. And you’re good old 9-5 will still be there.

Finally, once you start a part-time job, you have the ability to dip in and out of it over the course of a number of years. And this gives you a secret weapon when it comes to financial hardship and stress. Whenever you need quick legitimate ways to make money, you have an option.

5. Surveys and Sign-Ups

Ok, so this is a great little cash earner to have on the back burner. Taking online surveys is never going to make you rich, but if you play it smart, it could give you access to some quick cash when needed.

The best way to approach online surveys is ‘little and often’. If you like to sit in front of the TV for a few hours in the evening (who doesn’t?) then multi-task and spend a little time online and hit those surveys.

You will find that after a few months, the balance will grow nicely, and before you know it you’ll have a few $100 ready to cash out when it’s needed.

I like to think of online survey sites as the modern-day piggy bank! But instead of low denomination coins, you’re banking credits in exchange for a bit of your time. And those credits add up to a worthwhile PayPal payout!

I recommend you get started here:

Inboxdollars – Sign Up for free and get a $5 welcome bonus.

Swagbucks – Earn free gift cards and cash in exchange for the points you earn.

Survey Junkie – Lots of surveys and a number of different payout options available.

Remember, ‘little and often’ for that eventual 200 dollars fast cash!

6. Weight Loss

If you want to kill 2 birds with 1 stone then consider getting paid to lose weight! Yes, you heard me right, you can actually make money to shed those unwanted pounds.

HealthyWage is a genius way to encourage healthy weight loss by financially incentivizing the activity – which is scientifically proven to work. (Money as an incentive, who’d a thunk it?).

The basic premise is you use their calculator to determine your weight loss goal, how long you need to achieve it, and how much you’re prepared to wager. From there, you can compete either individually or as a team, and if you’re successful, you win cash prizes. Which can be up to an incredible $10,000.

If you’re looking for an alternative way to make $200 fast, then losing weight is a really unique opportunity to consider. Not only do you get to bank the dollar you need, but you also get to look good doing it!

7. Declutter

You might have 100 ways to make $100 just lying around your house and you haven’t even realized!

The modern-day world of online streaming had made DVDs all but redundant – albeit for the avid collector and technologically disinclined. But if you happen to one of those people with a DVD collection running into the hundreds and pilled up to the ceiling, you could be sitting on a boatload of cash!

Declutrr is a great website that lets you sell your old DVDs, CDs, and video games by simply sending them in the post – hassle-free. And you get paid for every item you send in. And guess what, you can get an instant quote on their site by just entering the barcode.

If you had just 200 DVDs then you could have over $300 coming your way if you sign up and sell them on Declutrr.

8. Rent Out A Room

Are you looking to make $200 a week?

It might take a little bit of time to set up and require some flexibility, but renting out a spare room (or even your entire place) is a real way to earn extra money.

Airbnb is a fabulous way to get involved in the short-term rental market. To get started, you simply need to create a profile and set up your listing. Make sure to include all the relevant information and be as specific and detailed as possible.

You will then need to wait for your profile to be verified before you can start accepting guests. The great thing about Airbnb is you can choose when your place is available and set your own nightly rates. But make sure to be realistic and competitive otherwise, you won’t get any business.

You will also want to take some great pictures of your place to entice potential guests – remember, a picture says a thousand words.

The average Airbnb host makes $924 a month – but this will vary greatly depending on your personal availability, location, size, and overall quality of your space. But either way, if you’re looking for some fast cash – a couple of Airbnb gigs could be just what you’re looking for.

9. Sell On Fiverr

So you want to know how to make big money quickly?

Well if you happen to have an in-demand skill then getting gigs on Fiverr is where you need to be. Fiverr is a freelancing marketplace that connects sellers with buyers to perform what they call ‘gigs’. The concept was originally to sell things for $5 but the platform has since evolved and you can now pretty much charge what you want.

The services offered are mainly for creative and professional tasks. There are over 3 million gigs being offered in over 196 countries and opportunities in over 100 categories (including logo design, transcription, video editing, voiceovers, and photography.)

To get started you can sign up for free, create a profile, and begin to offer your services to the rest of the world. You need to make sure you create a strong profile that includes good images, clear and precise descriptions of services and keywords.

If you want to consistently make money selling gigs on Fiverr then you’re going to live and die by the reviews and feedback you receive from customers – as is the way of the modern world. So make sure you do good work, maintain timely communications, and deliver on deadlines.

If you get it right, Fiverr is a fantastic way to make money fast, and the more work you get, the more money you make! (Side note – the logo on THIS site was a Fiverr gig).

10. Side Hustle

You may need a way to make $200 fast – but how does the saying go? ‘Give a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and feed him for life.’

The side hustle is a phenomenally underutilized strategy in the Netflix binging age. That’s why having an extra source of income outside of your full-time work can be so beneficial. It not only helps alleviate financial pressures but also gives you opportunities beyond your normal financial constraints.

People with a myriad of skill sets and talents can find a side hustle that works for them and seriously boost their earnings. It’s not easy, but these things seldom are. You’re going to have to cut back on the box sets and movie nights, but side hustling is a legitimate way to make money quickly and repeatedly.

Here are a few great proven side hustles you could start to make some fast money:

Flea Market Flipping
Proofreading
Bookkeeping
Carer
Personal Shopper
Dog Walker

You could even check out this awesome side hustle idea I put together where you could make $1000 a month or even a full-time income:

11. Pay Less For Bills

If you found a way to save $200 on your monthly bills, then guess what?

You would have an extra $200 in your wallet!

Bill Shark can save you money without the hassle of having to ring around companies trying to negotiate better prices. They do all the hard work for you for a one-time fee of 40% of savings. If they can’t save you money, you don’t pay a fee.

The types of bills they cover include internet, wireless, TV, and satellite radio. And the best thing is they have a 90% success rate in saving you money!

In fact, the largest saving they managed to make for a single customer was an eye-watering $9,500! Just imagine how much extra cash you would have by paying 25% less on your monthly bills – and without any of the effort to sort it out.

This has to be one of the easiest ways to make $200 fast. And if you are paying more than you need to on bills, getting it put right is a no-brainer!

12. Start A Blog

Ok, so I’ll be honest here, blogging isn’t the quickest way to start making money. But once you’ve put in the hard graft, mastered the skills, and started getting traffic, blogging can be an incredible source of income.

The fast cash comes once you have your income-generating revenue streams set up and people are actually visiting your blog.

In fact, once you’ve got traffic coming to your site, especially if it’s targeted traffic that usually comes from Google search – you can actually enjoy a pretty passive income.

You can make sure you get your blog set up the right way by reading through my guide on 7 Steps to a Self-Hosted WordPress Blog on SiteGround.

And once your set up you will definitely want to get eyes on your baby from the daddy of internet search, namely Google. The best way to learn how to ensure your blog is optimized for Google is to invest a small amount of money in fantastic education. And there is no one better than Mike Pearson with his course Stupid Simple SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

Seriously, Mike is a great guy and really knows his stuff. He is also really active in his private members’ Facebook group to answer questions and offer guidance.

13. Teach Your Skills

I have always been a firm believer that everyone has a skill. Even if you haven’t discovered what you’re great at yet. But for those that are fortunate enough to have found their hidden talent already, teaching it to others is a genuine way to make some fast money!

Outschool is an online learning platform that connects educators with students (up to the age of 18). You can teach a wide variety of subjects, including music, arts, life skills, teaching English, and many more!

Signing up is easy and free and Outschool simply takes a 30% commission charge from your enrollments. And the best part is you get to charge what you like! But obviously, you need to be realistic and fair.

If you have a subject matter that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about then this really could be a great way to make $200 fast!

Actually, if you are able to deliver popular classes that provide great value, you could make $200 week in week out!

14. Be A Tasker

I am literally the last person in the world you would ever ask to help assemble a wardrobe, change a fuse, or even paint a wall for that matter! These are just not the sorts of skills I am good at! And do you know what, I’m not alone!

There are countless others just like me. So much so in fact there is actually a demand for people who do possess these skills. And there is a way to bring these people together – if you haven’t guessed already I’m talking about TaskRabbit.

If you are particularly good at household tasks then you can sell your services on TaskRabbit. If someone wants a new set of shelves fitted or the garden shed painted then you can perform these tasks and get paid.

The average ‘tasker’ makes $110 a month, but the more tasks you do the more you will earn. This is a great option to make some quick money. So if you have a useful hidden talent – why not monetize it now!

15. Negotiate Pay Rise

The fastest way to earn more money is to simply get paid a higher rate for the work you already do. Sounds simple, right?

But asking for a pay rise is something many of us find difficult and awkward.

But it doesn’t need to be hard. Remember, you are entitled to be paid a fair wage for the work that you do. And simply by asking for a pay rise shows you are committed to the company you work for and value yourself and the skills you bring.

I own my own business and can honestly say that I don’t mind when staff asks me for a pay rise – if it’s done correctly:

Be reasonable and realistic.
- If you earn $50,000 per year then don’t ask for $100,000.
- Ask for an increase in percentage terms ( 2-5% is a good baseline).
Be polite and courteous
- Ask calmly and in a professional setting (request a formal meeting, don’t ask after a few drinks at the Christmas party).
Be prepared to be told no
- This can happen and you should not let it affect your work. If you are unhappy then reconsider your options.

It really could be the fastest way to make $200, if not more.

For example, if your take-home annual pay is $50,000 then a 3% pay rise equates to $1500 a year more!

It’s worth asking the question, the worst they can say is no!

16. Get Other Peoples Groceries

If you want to know another way to legitimately make money fast then you should consider delivering groceries for Instacart.

You can either pick the shopping in-store or deliver it as well. You will need a car to be a full-service shopper, but if you haven’t got access to transport then simply going around the store is fine as well.

Working for Instacart is extremely flexible and you can choose your own hours. They also pay pretty good rates as well – shoppers will earn at least $5 for each delivery-only batch and $7 to $10 for each full-service (shop and deliver) batch.

So if you need $200 fast and you’re able to deliver groceries as well as pick them – you simply need to perform 20 full-service shops.

That’s 5 shops a day for 4 days and you’re done!

17. Pet Sit

If only you could make a full-time living by looking after cute little kittens all day. That’s the dream, hey?

Thankfully we’re not looking for high-paying career jobs here, but simply a quick way to make a few hundred dollars.

And if you like pets (who doesn’t) then this could be a perfect quick and easy way to make some extra money. In fact, you can charge in the region of $10 per hour for pet sitting, and it also comes with some added benefits.

You will likely have no other duties other than watching over the owner’s animal within the comfort of their home. This means you can get on with other work you may have or simply just chill out and watch TV or read a book – whilst getting paid!

A friend of mine did pet sitting when we were at University, and it was the perfect way for him to study whilst earning some extra money. If you get a couple of clients on board and manage to book a couple of gigs a week – you could easily earn $100 or more. So over a few weeks, you will definitely have hit the $200 mark – and that’s not bad for sitting on your backside whilst stroking a kitty!

If you think pet sitting sounds like a fun way to make some money quickly, then check out these services and sign up now:

Care
Rover

Just remember, you have to say goodbye to ‘fluffy’ when the job is over!

18. Cashback

A really fast way to get your hands on a little extra cash is to make sure you’re utilizing the power of ‘cashback’. Admittedly, this one only works if you’re spending money – but who in this world doesn’t have to spend money?

Signing up to a couple of cashback services, and more importantly, making sure you are actively using them is a sure-fire way to make some money.

Cashback works because companies will pay for people to promote their products and services. And if you buy via the cashback provider that’s promoting them, you both get paid. Albeit your cut will be smaller, but it’s better than nothing.

And in most cases, the cashback will not be an inconsequential amount. I have enjoyed cashback rates ranging from 2% – 30%, which on larger purchases is a real chunk of change. In fact, my dad is an avid user of cashback and has made thousands of dollars back over the years.

The reason cashback works so well is because it’s free, and you were going to make that purchase anyway. So you may as well get some of that money back!

You can get started with earning money through cashback with these top providers:

Ibotta
Swagbucks
Topcashback
InboxDollars

19. Transcription

As with all things in life, the more work you put in, the more you get out.

And becoming a transcriber is one of those things. It is not the easiest way to make money on this list. But if you put the effort into learning and developing the skills needed, you can make lots of money quickly, whenever you need it.

You will be required to listen to audio and write down on your computer exactly what is being said in a certain way.

Transcription work is in high demand and a reasonable going rate would be around 0.75 cents per minute. Now, as a beginner, you’re probably not going to be that fast.

According to Rev.com, the average person can transcribe one audio hour in about 4 hours. And it takes most people about one hour to transcribe 15 minutes of a clear, slow audio file.

So at 0.75 cents per minute of audio transcribed you’re looking at $45 for an hour of audio. If this takes beginners around 4 hours – then that’s $11.25 per hour. But as you get faster, the amount you can earn goes up.

If this seems like a cool way to make some fast money, then you should definitely check out the TranscribeAnywhere free mini-course. And if it seems like a good fit, take their full course and become a pro transcriber. That $200 could be close than you think!

20. Borrow

Sometimes you need to get your hands on some cash quickly. You might not necessarily be broke or financially destitute. In fact, there are countless reasons why people may be looking for fast easy access to extra money.

Therefore, we should definitely include on this list the financially sound alternative to the pay-day-loans industry. And that my friends, is Earnin.

The app lets you access up to $100 per day from the pay you’ve already earned, without fees or interest. You will need to be a salaried employee and be able to prove your earnings – either by uploading photos of your timesheets or connecting the app to your works online timesheet system.

If you need money, the Earnin app first verifies the number of hours you’ve already worked for that paycheck. You’ll then get the money the next business day straight into your account. When payday comes from your employer, Earnin will subtract what you borrowed directly from that paycheck.

Earnin makes it’s money by users leaving tips – and this is any amount that ‘you feel is fair’, and that can be $0.

So if you’re in a real bind and desperately need $200 – Earnin is a genuine way to get hold of some of what you’ve already earned.

FAQs

How can I make $100 a day fast?

If you are looking to make $100 a day fast then you will need to have a business or side hustle set up and established. You will then be able to enjoy relatively stable levels of earnings that could equate to $100 a day or more.

How do I get money immediately?

If you need immediate access to cash then you should consider using Earnin. If you are a salaried employee then you can access up to $100 a day from the pay you have already earned.

What is the best way to make money right now?

There are many great ways to make money. But by far the most reliable source of money is income from either employment or self-employment. And the easiest way to make more money is to request a pay-rise from your current employer. The self-employed should look to increase productivity and cut costs – thus increasing profitability.

How can I make a passive income?

Investments are one of the most reliable sources of passive income. You should conduct your own research and consult a financial advisor before making any investment decisions. You can also check out 7 Passive (Mostly) Income Ideas for more great was to earn a passive income.

This article originally appeared on Lifeupswing.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

11 ways to earn passive income with crypto

How to Earn Passive Income with Cryptocurrency — Like many investments, you can earn returns not only through buying and selling crypto, but also by using it to generate passive income.

When you earn passive income, you are able to earn money on your assets without active involvement on your part. The concept is the same as compounding interest or reinvesting dividends in the traditional financial world or earning rent on investment properties. In this article, you’ll learn how to earn passive crypto income.

It is possible to earn passive income with crypto, but returns will depend on the method chosen and the amount of crypto you have to start. Given its volatility, there’s no guarantee that any crypto strategies will deliver any returns.

Still, those holding large amounts of crypto have several avenues to potentially generate yield with crypto. It’s up to you to weigh the risks of trying to earn a yield on their crypto and its potential rewards versus the risk/reward ratio of simply holding for potential long-term gains or cashing out some or all of your holdings.

**Related: 32 money-saving resolutions for the new year**

Cylonphoto / iStock

Ways You Can Earn Passive Income With Crypto — Many of the potential ways to earn passive income with crypto involve lending and borrowing. Other methods, including running a node, mining or staking coins, are more technical.

Here are 11 ways to earn passive income with different types of crypto.

nicoletaionescu / istockphoto

1. Proof-of-Stake (PoS) Staking — Proof-of-stake is a consensus method used in blockchain technology that serves as an alternative to Bitcoin’s proof-of-work. PoS networks agree on which transactions are valid through a process that involves nodes locking up, or “staking,” large amounts of tokens for a time. Crypto staking replaces the role of mining.

Instead of “miners” receiving new block rewards as in PoW, “validators” receive new block rewards in PoS. Validators do not need expensive computer hardware, but they do need to have sufficient tokens to have a chance at adding the next block to the chain. Many networks require an initial investment before allowing staking.

Some popular cryptocurrencies available to stake on large exchanges include Cosmos (ATOM), Tezos (XTZ) and Cardano (ADA).

Vichai / iStock

2. Interest-Bearing Digital Asset Accounts — A number of service providers allow users to deposit their crypto and earn a yield on it as they might with a savings account. This has become an attractive product for investors because traditional cash savings accounts yields have fallen so low in recent years.

To use such simply open an account and deposit their crypto or stablecoin. There might be a “lockup period” involved, where users can’t access their funds for a fixed amount of time.

In exchange for the deposit, users earn interest on crypto. Stablecoins like U.S. Dollar Coin (USDC) and Dai (DAI) often have the best interest rates. BlockFi, Celsius and Vauld are a few popular companies offering these types of accounts.

Zerbor/istock

3. Lending — There are several ways that investors can lend out crypto. In all cases, the idea is to loan crypto to someone else for a time in exchange for a fee. The amount earned will depend on three things:

The total value of crypto being lent

The duration of the loan

The interest rate

Higher rates, longer loans and larger loans can lead to more income from the interest paid by borrowers. In some cases, those earning crypto passive income in this way get to choose the terms of the loans they create. In others, a third party negotiates the terms ahead of time.

peshkov / iStock

Types of Lending — **Margin Lending:** Margin lending is lending crypto to traders who want to trade using leverage from borrowed funds. This allows traders to amplify their positions with those assets and repay the loans with interest. Crypto exchanges handle most of the details on your behalf in this case. Users only need to make their digital assets available.

**Centralized Lending:** Centralized lending involves relying on the lending infrastructure and terms set by a third party. In this case, the interest rates and lock up periods will be fixed ahead of time. Users must deposit their crypto to the lending platform before earning interest.

**Decentralized Lending:** Also known as DeFi lending, this option involves using lending services directly through the blockchain. There are no intermediaries, and lenders and borrowers interact through smart contracts that automate interest rates.

**Peer-to-Peer Lending:** Platforms that enable peer-to-peer lending make it possible for people to borrow from each other directly. Users have to first deposit their crypto into the lending platform’s custodial wallet. Then they can set the interest rate, terms of the loan, and decide how much they’d like to lend. This gives users some control over the crypto lending process.

AndreyPopov/istock

4. Cloud Mining — Mining proof-of-work cryptocurrencies requires substantial investment in computing hardware along with the necessary technical knowledge. Cloud mining contracts offer an alternative.

Instead of setting up a new mining rig, people can simply “rent” hashing power from an established operation. In exchange for a fixed sum of money, people can buy cloud mining contracts that entitle them to a certain hash rate for a certain period of time. The contract owner receives new coins in proportion to the size of their contract.

Warning: Many cloud mining scams exist. Those interested in cloud mining would do well to do as much research as possible and make sure the company offering the contract is legitimate.

bernardbodo / iStock

5. Dividend-Earning Tokens — Tokenized stocks are cryptocurrencies backed by shares of equity in a company. Sometimes these tokens offer dividend payouts in the same manner that shareholders receive dividends. Dividends are usually paid on a quarterly basis.

ajr_images / iStock

6. Yield Farming — The term “yield farming” became popular in 2020 and 2021 with the rise of decentralized exchanges, which rely on smart contracts and liquidity provided by investors.

To yield farm, investors deposit tokens into a special smart contract called a liquidity pool. Those who provide liquidity in this way receive a portion of the fees generated through traders accessing the pool.

Yield farming is one of the more complex options listed here and will require a lot of additional research for those interested. But it can also be one of the most lucrative options available to make passive income with crypto.

Yield farming often requires some Ethereum (ETH) along with a DeFi token of some kind like Uniswap (UNI) or Pancake Swap (CAKE) or possibly a stablecoin like Tether (USDT).

NiseriN / istockphoto

7. Running a Lightning Node — The Bitcoin Lightning network is a layer-2 scaling solution that allows for lightning-fast affordable micropayments at scale. The nation of El Salvador, which has made Bitcoin legal tender, uses Lightning for its Bitcoin transactions, for example. Lightning nodes facilitate these transactions. Those who run nodes receive a small portion of each transaction fee that gets routed through their node.

Running a Lightning node generates very little income. Because fees are so low, those who run a node might only make a few dollars per month in Bitcoin, or less. Some users report earning as much as $25 in one month, though (this also depends on the price of BTC versus a user’s local fiat currency).

This method doesn’t generate that much Bitcoin passive income. Most participants do it to support the use of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange. And as the Lightning network grows and more transactions get routed through it, the income for node operators will presumably rise as well.

DepositPhotos.com

8. Affiliate Programs — Affiliate programs exist for many different business models, one of them being crypto-related products and services. Some exchanges offer affiliate programs, for example.

To participate, users simply have to:

Sign up, submit an application, or share an affiliate link

Introduce a platform or product to their friends, family, or social media followers

Get paid each time someone takes a certain action, like signing up for an account on a given exchange

For example, at the time of publishing Coinbase offers a small Bitcoin incentive to those who get a new user to sign up for an account through their affiliate link. Affiliate programs might not be the fastest way to generate passive income with crypto, but they could be one of the easiest.

CarmenMurillo / iStock

9. Master Nodes — Some blockchain networks, like DASH, contain a specific type of node referred to as “master nodes.” Those who run these nodes can receive large payouts.

This won’t be available to the average person, however, as running a master node often requires holding a significant sum of the network’s cryptocurrency.

To run a DASH masternode costs 1,000 DASH, or about $130,000 at today’s prices. Masternodes receive a portion of the block rewards each time a new block is mined.

Adrian Black / iStock

10. Forks and Airdrops — Forks happen when an existing coin branches off into a new chain. Airdrops happen when new coins are created and “dropped” onto users as a reward for one reason or another.

Users don’t have any control over when these events might occur. But being active in the crypto ecosystem increases the odds.

In 2017, for example, everyone who held Bitcoin (BTC) received an equivalent amount of Bitcoin Cash (BCH) when the network hard forked. Someone who had one BTC, for example, would have received one BCH.

In 2021, users of the KeepKey hardware wallet (among other groups) received an airdrop of FOX tokens from the company that runs the ShapeShift platform. Those who had logged into ShapeShift during a certain time period automatically received the tokens in their crypto wallets.

**Recommended: Different types of crypto airdrops and how to find them**

Michael Burrell / iStock

Sun Exchange is a South Africa-based company that crowdsources funding for solar power projects. Customers can purchase solar cells used for community projects in South Africa and receive a regular payout once the projects begin producing solar power.

Customers can pay for solar cells in either fiat currency or Bitcoin and can also receive their payouts in fiat or Bitcoin. This method of generating passive income with crypto differs from the others in that there’s a tangible investment. While the other options are financial products, Sun Exchange allows people to invest directly in renewable energy projects built in South Africa.

The returns from solar projects are typically small, paid out monthly, and spread out over many years. Over time, the returns could add up to much more than the initial investment.

thesunexchange.com