One grey, rainy afternoon years ago, I was sitting at my kitchen table, staring at my dwindling bank balance, wondering whether and how I could make £100 in 24 hours.
At the time, I had no savings to dip into, no convenient fallback. It seemed impossible at first—like magicking money out of thin air. But when you have no choice, your only option is to start seeing opportunities.
This is the story of how I turned nothing into £100 in a single day and how you can too.
The beauty of this challenge isn’t just the extra cash—it’s the confidence that comes from knowing you can create value when you need it most. If you’re ready to hustle, stick with me.
The First Step: A Mindset Shift
Before I could do anything, I had to change my mindset or, put simply, get my head straight. Panic and self-doubt weren’t going to help me find solutions. I reminded myself that making £100 shouldn’t be that hard—it’s out there, waiting to be earned.
All I needed was an excellent plan and the courage to act on it.
The key to making money fast is understanding that money follows value. If you can solve a problem, meet a need, or save someone time, they’ll pay for it.
With this in mind, I looked around my house and my community and dipped into my experience for opportunities to create value. And that’s when the ideas started flowing.
Sell What You Don’t Need
The first place I looked was our own home. Over the years, we’d accumulated all sorts of things we didn’t use, like clothes that no longer fit, gadgets gathering dust, old bikes and children’s toys and books I’d already read. I started with our wardrobe, pulling out a never-worn pair of jeans that hadn’t seen the light of day since I bought them. Next, I grabbed an evening gown I had worn once and some old phones.
I snapped some quick photos, listed them on Facebook Marketplace and eBay, and waited. Within an hour, I had messages about the jeans and the phone. By the end of the evening, I’d made £60.
(Next, my husband listed an old but sturdy climbing frame, a couple of scooters and bikes on Facebook Marketplace. Within two days, they had sold, which brought another £98. But this is another story.)
It was exhilarating to see how much value was hidden in things we no longer needed. It also reminded me how much people are willing to pay for convenience. By reasonably pricing the items and offering local pickup, we made the process seamless for the buyers and quick cash for us.
Offer Your Skills
With a bit of money in the kitty, I turned my attention to something even more valuable: my skills. (This is especially important when looking to make money sustainably.)
We all have something we’re good at—something others are willing to pay for. For me, it was proofreading. I’d done it casually for friends, but I’d never thought about charging for it. That night, I posted on local community groups and freelancing sites, offering to proofread CVs, essays, or business documents for a small fee.
Within hours, someone contacted me needing urgent help with a cover letter. They were applying for a job and needed it polished by morning. I charged £20, spent an hour editing it, and sent it back. The client was thrilled, and I had another £20 in my pocket.
What struck me was how quickly I could turn a skill into cash with minimal setup. Whether it’s writing, graphic design, babysitting, or even assembling furniture, there’s a demand for your talents—you just need to let people know you’re available.
Embrace the Gig Economy
By the next morning, I was still short of my £100 goal. That’s when I turned to the gig economy. Platforms like TaskRabbit and Uber Eats are perfect for anyone looking to make fast money. I signed up for a local delivery app and started picking up food orders.
It wasn’t glamorous work, but it was surprisingly efficient. Within two hours, I’d made £25, bringing my total to £105. The experience taught me that while these gigs might not make you rich, they’re an excellent way to bridge financial gaps in a pinch. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about seeing your earnings grow in real-time with each completed task.
The Unexpected Power of Asking
What surprised me most during this whirlwind 24 hours was the power of asking for help—or, rather, asking for opportunities. I reached out to friends and neighbours, letting them know I was looking to make extra cash. One neighbour asked if I could help organise her garage, offering £20 for a couple of hours of work. Another friend needed someone to walk their dog during a busy day, paying £10 for an hour-long stroll.
These weren’t jobs I’d have thought to pursue on my own, but by being upfront about my goals, I unlocked opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise found. People are often happy to pay for help—they need to know you’re available.
Lessons from the Hustle
By the end of my 24-hour challenge, I had not only reached my goal but surpassed it. Making £100 in 24 hours felt good, but the real treasure was what I’d learned along the way.
First, I realised how much value I could create with minimal resources. From selling unused items to leveraging my skills, I discovered opportunities in places I’d never looked before.
Second, I learned that speed comes from action. It’s easy to overthink or wait for the perfect opportunity, but success often comes from trying something—even if it’s small or imperfect.
And finally, I was reminded of the resilience that comes from taking control of your finances. Knowing that I could make money when I needed it gave me a sense of confidence that was, and still is, priceless.
Your Turn to Act
If you’ve ever found yourself in a bind, wondering how to make money fast, I want you to know it’s possible. Whether it’s selling, freelancing, or diving into the gig economy, there’s always a way to create value and earn cash—the secret lies in acting and being resourceful.
So, what’s stopping you?
Look around your home, think about the skills you can offer, and let people know you’re available. Here are some hustle ideas to get you started.
The opportunities are out there, waiting for you to seize them. And who knows? That £100 might just be the beginning of something much bigger.
Photo by Katie Harp on Unsplash