Earn money quickly – Who among us doesn’t dream of having a little extra cash in their account? But before you dive into the world of quick income, you should know that many of these offers are risky and often unsustainable. With practical tips for everyday life – such as volunteer allowances, mini-jobs, or simple savings ideas – you can strengthen your finances in a targeted manner without falling victim to the “quick cash” hype.

Quick Cash? Not a solution!

Recently, I was sitting in the office with two colleagues, and we were talking about money. I asked you if I should write more about it – and most of you said it was a good idea. One reader said she’d be interested in hearing more about how to make money quickly. Because let’s be honest: Who doesn’t want to earn a little extra cash on the fly?

We live in a world where everything has to happen quickly. We are surrounded by influencers who promise us that problems can be solved with one click, for example:

Want to lose weight? Here’s this diet – you’ll see the results in just one week! No time for makeup? Here’s a filter that will make you look perfectly made up in seconds.

It seems like quick fixes are the key to everything. But is that really the case?

Why quick money is tempting – and what you can do instead

When it comes to money, it’s often similar. Advertising promises us quick income through side jobs, investments, or even gambling. I’ll be honest, I find most online tips on this topic extremely risky and irresponsible. They’re not intended to empower you or me as young people. Why do we take advantage of these offers? Perhaps because we have little money and have to make sudden expenses. Perhaps also because it’s tempting to have more money at our disposal without much effort.

I understand that it’s tempting to quickly solve all your money problems – who among us doesn’t know that? Especially when it’s a matter of survival or when you just want to treat yourself to something, quick cash feels like a quick fix.

Fast money can help in the short term, but it often also carries risks. Many quick methods are unsustainable or even lead us into bigger trouble. It’s a bit like eating: If you chew slowly, you’ll feel fuller than if you chew quickly.

“Ich bin keine Finanzexpertin, aber ich will lernen, bewusster mit Geld umzugehen und arbeite weiter dran. Hier sind ein paar Ideen, die mir helfen, meine Ausgaben im Blick zu behalten.”

Natascha

My ideas for secure and sustainable sources of income

1. Volunteer allowance: EVolunteering can also be a way to earn a little extra money. Have you ever considered a volunteer allowance? Many social organizations, such as church institutions or nonprofit associations, offer you the opportunity to volunteer and earn some extra money.
2. Instructor’s allowance: Social enterprises often struggle to find employees. If you enjoy sports or creative activities like crafts, theater, or music, you could work as an instructor at a local club or school. This is a great way to earn some extra money without investing a lot of time, as you often only work for a few hours per week.
   
3. Search for scholarships. Many foundations offer scholarships for female students or young women who demonstrate exceptional achievement or are committed to specific areas. Check with local or national foundations for more information – there are many opportunities you may not have discovered yet.
4. Go away and still save!Perhaps you’d like to lead camps or participate in youth conferences – you often receive free food and accommodation during these times, and sometimes even a small expense allowance. This way, you can not only save money but also gain valuable experience and do something meaningful! For example, I went to Estonia with a youth project, saw a lot, and saved on my own food costs. I even once cooked for a group in Holland for a week – and didn’t have to buy my own food for a whole week, allowing me to relax a bit while working.
   
5. Minijob: A minijob doesn’t always have to be a typical 8-hour week. You can also do something for 2-3 hours a week – whether it’s tutoring, cleaning for elderly people or neighbors, or helping out at your local supermarket. Delivering newspapers or flyers is also an easy way to earn a little extra money.

My decision?

Slow, conscious income that I’ve truly earned is better than quick money that comes with risks. Sometimes a positive balance in your account means saving money or consciously going without something instead of consuming immediately.

What’s your experience with “quick cash”? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear about your experiences!

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