In today's fast-paced world, finding ways to earn extra income has never been easier. Whether you're looking to pay off debt, save for a vacation or simply boost your monthly earnings, there are numerous side hustles that can help you achieve your financial goals.
Here’s a list of 10 side hustles you can start today to make extra money – half of which you can do right from the comfort of your home!
Work From Home
1. Freelancing
What it is: Freelancing involves offering your skills and services to clients on a project-by-project basis. This could include writing, graphic design, web development, digital marketing, even chatbot training for the age of AI.
How to start: First, identify any marketable skills you may have. You can either capitalize on what you already do for work or pick something more akin to a hobby that you can enjoy doing on the side. Then, you can sign up on freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer or advertise your services via social media. Create a compelling profile showcasing your skills, experience and portfolio. Start bidding on projects and build your reputation through positive reviews!
2. Online Tutoring
What it is: Online tutoring is teaching students over the internet. You can tutor in subjects like math, science, languages or even provide test preparation for exams like the SAT or ACT.
How to start: Platforms like Chegg Tutors and Tutor.com connect tutors with students. If you have a network of colleagues or relationships with teachers, you can also spread business through word-of-mouth. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and the necessary teaching materials. Certain websites or advanced subjects may require certifications, but many just require you to take some proficiency assessments and watch brief training videos.
3. Selling
What it is: Selling items you no longer need or use can be a quick way to make extra cash. Additionally, you can handmake crafts such as jewelry, repurposed thrift store finds or candles to sell online or by consignment.
How to start: Use platforms like eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark to sell clothes, electronics, furniture and more. Platforms like Etsy and Handmade at Amazon are great places to sell your homemade creations.
Invest in quality materials, take high-quality photos of your products for sale and write detailed, honest descriptions to attract buyers.
4. Renting Out Your Space and Equipment
What it is: If you have tools, sports equipment or other items that you don’t use all the time, you can rent them out to others. You can also rent out extra spaces in your home, such as a spare room or a finished basement, for short-term stays.
How to start: List your items on platforms like Loanables or Marketplace. Ensure your equipment is in good condition and clearly describe its features and usage. To rent out extra spaces, you can use sites like Airbnb or Vrbo. Ensure your space is clean, well-decorated and stocked with essentials to receive positive reviews.
As with any rental agreement, there is a level of risk. When it comes to renting out your belongings, prepare yourself for damage and breakage and set clear expectations with your renters. If you decide to rent out your space, make sure you have safety precautions in place and thoroughly vet anyone that will be staying in or near your home.
5. Participating in Online Surveys and Market Research
What it is: Companies pay for consumer opinions to improve their products and services. Participating in online surveys and market research can be an easy way to earn money in your spare time.
How to start: Sign up on survey sites like Survey Junkie. Complete profiles to receive surveys that match your demographic. There are also sites like Swagbucks that offer cash or gift cards for things such as taking surveys, playing mobile games, trying out apps and even exploring lending and finance options or making referrals. Simply remaining an active participant and completing qualifying activities regularly can really help the money add up.
Work From Anywhere
6. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
What it is: Pet sitting and dog walking involves taking care of pets while their owners are away or assisting them with other activities. This can include feeding, walking and playing with the animals.
How to start: Use platforms like Rover and Wag! to connect with pet owners in your area. You can also advertise your services on local community boards or social media. If you have experience around pets and love animals, this might be a great option for you – and a lucrative one at that, particularly if you’re required to care for the animals over long absences.
7. Delivery Services
What it is: Delivering food, groceries or packages can be a flexible way to earn extra money.
How to start: Sign up with services like DoorDash, Postmates, Amazon Flex or Instacart. You’ll need a reliable vehicle and a smartphone to manage deliveries. After supplying required information like a valid driver’s license and passing a background check, you’ll be ready to go! The beauty of being a delivery driver is the flexibility to do so when you want, ensuring you can work around your full-time job, school hours or other obligations.
Some platforms, like Amazon Flex, have you reserve a “block.” This is a set period of time (usually 2-5 hours) that you reserve for deliveries. Others, like Instacart, let you turn your availability off and on anytime, enabling you to drive and deliver for as short or long as you’d like. As an additional perk, many offer promotions for new drivers that sign up. These can be guaranteed earnings, sign-on bonuses and more.
8. Notary Services
What it is: Notaries public verify signatures on legal documents, such as loan documents, real estate transactions and affidavits.
How to start: Apply to become a notary public in your state, which often involves passing a test and paying a fee. Advertise your services on notary directories and through local networking. You can do in-home notary services or travel to the client, often enabling you to charge a premium for the extra effort.
Being a notary is fairly simple and straightforward, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with rules and regulations to ensure you’re being compliant. You’ll primarily be dealing with important legal documents, after all.
9. Mystery Shopping and Product Testing
What it is: Mystery shoppers are paid to visit businesses and provide feedback on their customer service and operations, while product testing involves trying a new or improved product and giving a detailed evaluation.
How to start: Sign up with mystery shopping companies like Market Force or Second to None. Once approved as a shopper, you can sign up for various shops. Some will be local and require you to visit a physical location to evaluate, while other assignments may consist of an email or phone call you can complete from home.
There are also product testing companies like Influenster or Clicks Research. You can sign up to test different products, ranging from cosmetics to toys, and then fill out questionnaires to give your honest opinions. Some tests pay you after completion while others just allow you to keep the product you’ve tested. Either way, you’re coming out ahead!
Whether mystery shopping, product testing or both, follow the instructions for each assignment carefully and provide detailed and thorough feedback.
10. Cleaning Services
What it is: There is always a need for quality cleaning services for homes or office spaces.
How to start: Advertise your services through local directories, social media or platforms like Handy. Ensure you have the necessary cleaning supplies and equipment. As an alternative, you could apply part-time at local cleaning companies who often provide the equipment and supplies, plus a likely steady schedule.
If you are a hard worker and don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty, this might be a great option for you!
Tips for Success
- Time management: Balancing a side hustle with other responsibilities requires good time management. Create a schedule and stick to it.
- Skill development:
Continuously improve your skills to stay competitive. Take online courses, attend webinars and read industry-related content to stay sharp.
- Networking: Join online communities and social media groups related to your side hustle or consider local in-person opportunities. Networking can lead to new prospects and collaborations.
- Financial management: Keep track of your earnings and expenses. Use accounting software to manage your finances effectively. Remember that you will still be responsible for tracking extra earnings for tax purposes if you make over the threshold in a year.
Pro tip: Open a checking or savings account specific to your side job(s) to make tracking significantly easier. This is also a great idea if you are saving for something specific or want to keep the money separate from your main finances. - Stay motivated: Setting clear goals and celebrating small achievements can help you stay inspired. Remember, every small step brings you closer to your financial goals.
Side hustles are a fantastic way to make extra money from anywhere. With dedication, a little skill and strategic planning, you can turn your side hustle into a significant source of income. Explore the options that align with your interests and abilities and start your journey towards financial freedom today. The long days and hard work will be worth it!
OMB and its affiliates do not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decision.
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