How to Double 500 Dollars (10+ Proven Methods)

By Forrest McCall •  Updated: 01/18/24 •  9 min read

Looking to double $500? Check out these proven methods I've used to grow my money and build wealth!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Some of the best ways to double $500 include:

  • Investing in real estate with Arrived
  • Investing in stocks with Acorns
  • Starting a business
  • Flipping things online

1. Invest in Real Estate with Arrived

Arrived is a platform that opens the doors for you to invest in real estate with as little as $100. Imagine taking your $500 and putting it into residential real estate or vacation rentals. It's as easy as that.

Arrived Homes Investing

Your investment allows you to start earning from real estate assets without the need to manage any property yourself. Returns can come from rental income, and you could potentially benefit from appreciation over time. While it's a more long-term play, real estate could serve as a hedge against inflation, too.

The best part? You don't need to be an accredited investor. This means you and many others now have the opportunity to tap into a market that's been out of reach for most.

Remember, every investment carries risk. Real estate isn’t different, and factors like interest rates and market changes can affect your returns. Do your homework, consider your strategy, and think about how leverage and compound interest may work for you.

2. Invest in Stocks with Acorns

Acorns is a simple platform that eases you into the stock market without needing a ton of money or knowledge. In fact, you can get started with just $5!

Acorns Investing

Your money buys shares in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), known for being less risky compared to individual stocks. Plus, they’re automatically diversified.

Doubling your $500? It’s about the long game—compounding interest works as your silent partner, gradually increasing your asset value. Aiming to double might take time, so your time horizon matters but it's a proven way to double your money.

Remember, investing in stocks always carries risk, but with Acorns, you have a structured path to potentially grow your money. Register below to get $20 free!

3. Invest in Real Estate Debt with Groundfloor

Investing in real estate debt through Groundfloor can be a simple strategy for potentially doubling your money. As an investor, you lend to real estate developers, earning interest as they repay the loan. The interest rates can be attractive, many times higher than traditional bank deposits or bonds, reflecting the greater risk involved.

Your investment with Groundfloor could start with a modest sum, as they allow a low minimum investment of just $100. This makes it an accessible option if you're starting with $500. Remember, you're not buying property, but rather funding loans secured by real estate.

However, there are some risks, like all investments. Loan defaults can occur, and Groundfloor investments are illiquid, meaning you can't easily withdraw your money before the loan term ends. And no monthly distributions mean you must wait for the loan to mature to see returns.

4. Start a Business

With $500, one way to double your money by starting a business. This approach requires creativity and a business mindset but it can be a great way to grow your money.

First, identify a niche that corresponds to your skills or passions. This could range from online services to crafting hand-made goods.

Then, you'll need to put together a business plan that outlines everything about your business from the financials, to your marketing, and more.

Finally, you can get started operating your business.

You can also consider a side hustle that could grow into a full-time venture. By starting small, you can maintain a low risk while learning the ropes of managing a business.

While starting a business isn't easy, there are many benefits that can be life changing. It's a perfect way to flip $500 into more money.

5. Flip Things

When looking to double your $500, consider flipping items. This method involves purchasing undervalued goods and selling them at a higher price. Think of it as your side hustle, with garage sales and eBay as your marketplaces.

You'll want to search for items with potential for high returns. Look for things people value – vintage goods, rare collectibles, or brand-name products with future appeal are all great options.

The amount you start with doesn't need to be massive, either. Start small, negotiate for lower prices, and resell for a profit. Keep in mind the fees on platforms like eBay and the importance of a good listing with clear photos and descriptions.

Remember, doubling your money takes effort. But with smart choices and a bit of leverage, your returns might just surprise you. Your $500 can grow, one flip at a time.

6. Open a High Yield Account with Tellus

If you've got $500 and are looking to increase its value, a Tellus high-yield account might be a suitable option. Tellus offers Boost and Reserve Accounts, both intended for saving money with a focus on higher interest rates than typical bank accounts.

The Reserve Account grabs attention with a 6% APY on balances up to $2,500. That's a rate hard to ignore, especially when you're trying to save and grow your money.

Remember, the interest from these high-yield accounts compounds, setting you up for better potential growth over time than with savings bonds or accounts with lower rates of return.

However, Tellus isn’t FDIC insured, which is a departure from traditional bank savings accounts. Thus, it's crucial to understand where your money is going and the associated risks.

In essence, your $500 has the chance to flourish with a high APY, but it's not without risk. When engaging with any high-yield account, be sure to keep in mind the risks.

7. Invest in Cryptocurrency with Binance

Doubling your $500 with Binance isn’t a walk in the park but it’s not impossible.

Binance

You’ve got to start by selecting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Dogecoin. These coins can be volatile, which brings both high risk and the potential for high rates of return.

Your strategy could involve simple buying low and holding, hoping the price will shoot up. Or, if you’re up for it, there’s margin trading, which lets you borrow funds to increase your position. Be warned though, while your gains can magnify, so can your losses.

Crypto has become a mainstream investment for many people making it a great way to potentially double 500 dollars. In fact, sometimes you can double your money in a 15 days with crypto. Just remember, there’s no surefire way to double your money, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.

8. Start a Blog

Starting a blog might be your ticket to doubling $500, but it's going to take some time.

You're creating a digital asset here that can potentially offer higher returns over time. Think of your blog as a long-term investment where compound interest comes in the form of growing traffic and revenue.

Your initial investment goes into a domain name and hosting. These are your primary expenses, but they're relatively low. The rest is all about your effort and creativity. Blogging can be a rewarding side hustle if you consistently produce valuable content for your readers.

As your blog gains traction, you can monetize it through display advertising, affiliate marketing, or selling digital products. Remember, it's not a get-rich-quick scheme but a business that you're starting. Patience pays off.

Keep in mind that like any investment, there's risk involved. However, your potential to earn more increases as you put in work and learn more about engaging your audience. Stay focused on your goal, and you might just see your money grow.

9. Pay Off Debt

While this isn't a typical investment, consider paying off debt first. High interest rates on your debt eat away at any potential earnings from investments. Think of it this way: if your credit card charges 20% APR, and an investment returns 7% on average, you’re effectively losing money.

Start by reviewing your expenses and pinpoint where you can cut back. Every dollar you save can go toward reducing what you owe. Prioritize paying down high-interest debt, an action that guarantees a return equal to the avoided interest rate.

Remember, not all debt is bad. Loans with low interest rates can sometimes be justified if they finance an asset that appreciates or generates income. However, leverage amplifies both gains and losses, so use it cautiously.

Don’t forget the IRS may offer deductions for certain types of interest, potentially reducing your expenses. Always check or consult a professional for tax-related decisions. Your ultimate goal is to free up your money, making it work for you and not against you.

10. Invest in Yourself

When you decide to put your $500 into self-improvement, you're choosing an asset that can appreciate in value—yourself.

Think about the skills or education you could invest in that might lead to a better job or a promotion. Sure, it's not the instant gratification of doubling cash overnight, but it’s a way to work towards higher returns on your personal potential in the future.

You could use the money for courses or certifications. Learning something new could open doors, especially in fields where specific expertise is rewarded with better pay. Over time, this knowledge can compound, much like interest does in a bank account, expanding both your abilities and opportunities.

Remember, as inflation decreases the purchasing power of money, investing in yourself could actually save you from losing money down the line. While it may take time to see concrete returns on this kind of investment, the potential for long-term growth is significant.

Consider how this investment might pay off years from now. Imagine your future self thanking you for choosing a path that potentially leads to an enriched career and personal growth. It's about planting seeds that could blossom into a financial forest.

Final Thoughts

There are plenty of ways to double $500, but I recommend sticking to proven methods like real estate and the stock market. These can be a great way to grow your money over time so you can build wealth.

Forrest McCall

Forrest is passionate about helping others grow their passive income streams so they can reach financial freedom. He has been quoted in many popular finance publications including Business Insider, Bankrate, CNET Money, and more.