Los Santos has this funny way of making you feel rich and broke in the same hour, and the Jan 8–14 bonuses lean hard into that. If you're logging in and wondering what's actually worth the effort, start with anything that doesn't ask for upfront cash or a perfect crew. I'd rather stack smaller wins than chase one "big score" that turns into a two-hour headache. That's why I'd point new players toward GTA 5 Money talk and simple weekly boosts first, then build from there once you've got a routine and a little breathing room.
Free property, quick bonus, no excuses
The standout "starter" play is the free Car Wash business. Free is free, and in GTA that's basically a miracle. Claim it, then focus on the three Car Wash missions tied to the weekly challenge. They aren't glamorous, and you're not rewriting the criminal handbook, but you'll be done fast if you don't overthink it. Knock those out and Rockstar throws you a $100,000 bonus. It's not life-changing, but it's clean money with zero buy-in, and that matters when you're still counting ammo purchases.
Fast modes for players who just want action
If you're in the mood to mess around and still get paid, "Hasta La Vista" on double cash and RP is the easy pick. The whole thing is dumb in the best way: bikes vs trucks, lots of near-misses, and at least one player who swears the lobby is "rigged." Matches are short, so even if you get flattened early you can queue again and keep the money ticking. The Community Series is also paying double, and the payouts can be nice if you land a good playlist with a full lobby. That's the catch, though—sometimes you'll spend longer matchmaking than playing.
HSW races and Paper Trail, good but not magic
The 4x HSW race money sounds huge until you remember how quick those races end. If you're winning consistently, great—money per hour can add up. If you're mid-pack, it's more like pocket change and bruised pride. For bigger chunks, Operation Paper Trail paying double (or more with GTA+) is a solid grind if you like mission strings and a bit of story. Just don't go in underprepared. The later fights can get messy, and Juggernauts will chew through you if you forget snacks, armour, or patience.
Counterfeit Cash sells are the real weekly push
Serious grinders should be glued to the Counterfeit Cash Factory while sell missions are doubled. This is where the week flips from "nice little bonuses" to "okay, that's real money." The big decision is lobby choice: invite-only is calmer, public lobbies pay more. If you've got the nerve, sell in a packed session and chase the High Demand bonus, but don't pretend it's chill—one bored Oppressor can ruin your night. Still, when a clean full-stock sale lands, it can beat hours of smaller activities, and it's the closest thing to a payday feeling in this game without browsing GTA 5 Money for sale in RSVSR options during the week's rush.