So you're looking for a side hustle. A way to make a few extra bucks without burning the candle at both ends.
I feel you. I've been there. I once worked three jobs just to pay off my student loans. It was great. I know have permanent bags under my eyes from no sleep.
But today a side hustle doesn't have to mean working a million hours or losing sleep.
Whether you have a few minutes or a few hours you can easily make a few extra bucks every month. A few extra bucks that can be used from everything to booking a trip to taking your boo on a date or just topping off savings.
How to Pick the Best Side Hustle
Ok. So you're committing to finding a side hustle. I mean the money would be great right. But let's be honest with ourselves. Before you dive in and start downloading all the apps ask yourself a few questions:
(1) How much time do you have to spare?
Scalability and Schedule are key when deciding on a side hustle. So before you commit, make sure you know how much time you have to spare and whether your schedule is flexible or not.
(2) What is your skillset and how could you utilize it?
Maybe you are a graphic artist, a skilled piano player or good at math. Take into account your skillset. No matter how small you may be about to leverage your skill and make a few bucks from it.
(3) What is your worth?
The earning potential for side hustles can vary anywhere from $10/hour upwards to $100/hour. Depending on your commitment and skill level some side hustles may make more sense to you. Keep in mind that you may be ok making $10/hour if it means sitting in your pj's mindlessly plugging away while others would prefer to focus on the higher paying gigs that may require more commitment, time and skill.
Take a moment to think through these questions and write the answers out. It is important that you stick to this when deciding what side hustle is right for you. No matter how much money you make, being unhappy and burnt out it is not worth it.
Yeah, money can buy you happiness in the sense of having freedom, being comfortable [insert whatever you have heard here].. however it is not worth your health or your time spent with loved ones.
Side Hustle Apps
In this day and age, we live in a world where starting a side hustle can be as easy as downloading an app. Here are a few that may be of interest to you.
AirBnb
If you have room to spare then listing your space on AirBnb can be a great way to make extra cash. Signing up is easy. Just go to the sight and in a few minutes, you can list your entire space or just a room.
The app allows you to designate specific dates or full-time availability. So for example, if you are only looking to rent out your space on specific dates or months you can do that.
You can earn anywhere from a few hundred bucks a month to over $1000 a month depending on availability, amenities, and location.
Perfect For:
- You own your own home or have prior approval from your landlord
- Have a room, guest suite or even an entire home available to list
- Are available to answer any guests questions or needs
- An excellent way to make a passive income. You're pretty much earning while you sleep.
Not Best For:
- If you rent your space and have strict restrictions from your landlord
- If it is not permitted in your jurisdiction
- If you are unwilling to be available for guests needs and questions
VRBO
An alternative to AirBnb, VRBO is a great way to make a relatively passive income with your home. Rent your home while on vacation and make money while you're away.
Turo
If you have a car that you do not drive every day why not rent it.
Referred to as the AirBnb of cars, Turo allows you to list your car for rent. That's right. Let someone else drive your car when you are not using and get paid.
Turo is available in the US (except NY), Canada, Germany, and a few other select countries. It is pretty simple to quality. Your car has to be less than 12 years old, have less than 130K miles and have a clean title.
Depending on the model and make of your car you earn anywhere from $30/day to updates of $800 bucks a month.
Perfect For:
- You own a car that you do not use every day
- Are available to drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated locations
- An excellent way to make a passive income.
Not Best For:
- Cars that are not in good condition, have a clean title and not registered
- If it is not permitted in your jurisdiction
- If you are unwilling to be available to drop off and pick up your vehicle at designated locations.
Uber
If you have a car and a driver's license then driving for a Ride Share like Uber can be the perfect way to make a few extra bucks.
It is easy to sign up. Just go to the app and fill out the application.
Perfect For:
- You own a car and have a valid driver's license
- You have availability and are willing to commit to a few hours daily or weekly
- If you are looking for a flexible way to earn during your downtime
Not Best For:
- You do not have a valid driver's license.
- If it is not permitted in your jurisdiction
- You do not have availability
Lyft
Similar to Uber, Lyft is also another rideshare program where you can make a few extra bucks. Signing up is just as easy and some people will sign up to drive for both Uber and Lyft.
Just like with Uber Lyft is Perfect For:
- You own a car and have a valid driver's license
- You have availability and are willing to commit to a few hours daily or weekly
- If you are looking for a flexible way to earn during your downtime
Not Best For:
- You do not have a valid driver's license.
- If it is not permitted in your jurisdiction
- You do not have availability
HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive is a rideshare specifically geared to families and kids. Become a driver and help families and kids get to where they are going. Unlike other rideshares, the onboarding process requires at least five years of caregiver experience however you can make up to $32/hour on the app.
Deliv
If you're not interested in driving people around or being a food delivery person then Deliv may be a good option. Deliv offers same-day delivery service from several retail businesses. You can set your hours in advance, log into the app and see what your tasks are for the day.
DoorDash
Download the app, sign up to be a Dasher and you are on your way to make cash in your spare time. You will earn the delivery fee plus tips for every order you deliver. And with the app, it is completely up to you as to when you work and which orders you choose to deliver.
Keep in mind that while DoorDash is a great way to make extra cash it is based on demand. So if there isn't a demand in your area you may not get many opportunities.
Postmates
Another option to get paid to deliver food is Postmates. The app works similar to Uber. Sign up and log into the app whenever you are available and free to make some deliveries You make money for each delivery and can see your earnings on the app as soon as the delivery is complete.
Amazon Flex
Did you know you could earn up to $25/hour delivering packages for Amazon? It's as easy as downloading the app, set your schedule and you are on your way to earning.
InstaCart
If you like to shop and have a few hours to spare then you may want to consider becoming an InstaCart shopping. You have two options. You can either be a full-service shopper where you shop on behalf of customers and then deliver the goods or you can choose to be a shopper where you work in-store and just shop.
Full-Service Shoppers are independent contractors and are required to have a car. In-Store shoppers are part-time employees however they are not required to have a car.
Shipt
Get paid to shop with Shipt. Shipt partners with well-known retailers. Sign up, interview and start making money.
TaskRabbit
When the to-do list is just unbearable people flock to TaskRabbit for some help. Turn your skills into cash with TaskRabbit. You decide what services you want to offer (handyman, cleaning, a personal assistant just to name a few), how much you would like to get paid and the app will alert you when there is a match. You get to choose which jobs you want to take. It is that easy.
Handy
People always need an extra set of hands. Whether it is to help fix something around the house, build furniture, or to tidy up. You can earn money while helping people from cleaning to fixing things around the house. Make your schedule and start taking jobs.
Dolly
Help people move and make up to $30+ an hour. Those that have a pickup truck or van can earn more but all you need is a car to sign up to be a helper.
Fiverr
Use your skillset to earn money on Fiverr. Whether you're a graphic artist, social media expert, writer or copy editor list your gig on Fiverr and start taking on clients. There are a wide variety of skills you can offer. It's a great way to earn some extra cash in your downtime
GigWalker
Download the GigWalker app to find Gigs (quick jobs) in your area. This is great with people that want flexibility and are looking to make some money on their downtime.
Fat Llama
Did you know you can earn up to $3,000 a month just from renting your stuff? Have a DSLR camera collecting dust? Rent it. What about that drone you never use. Rent it.
Fat Llama is a great way to earn money by renting the stuff you already own that is currently collecting dust. You can even sell if you so choose as well.
This is perfect for things that you don't use all the time like camping gear.
Rover and DogVacay
If you love dogs then you need to sign up for Rover which is now partnering with DogVacay. Get paid to play with dogs or even have a doggie sleepover. How cool is that? Just set up an account, fill out the profile and you will be on your way to connecting with dog owners that are looking for someone to pet sit their beloved dogs.
Wag!
If you love dogs then you should sign up to become a dog walker with Wag! You choose how much you want to work. The more dogs you walk, the more money you make. It's that simple.
OfferUp
Similar to eBay but more geared to a local audience OfferUp is a way to sell and buy new and/or gently used stuff. If you have things collecting dust consider putting them for sell on OfferUp and watch the cash roll in.
FieldAgent
Becoming a FieldAgent is similar to mystery shopping. Get paid to complete a survey, do price checks, display checks and other jobs. The app is easy to you. Download it, fill out your profile and start earning.
Surveys On The Go
Get paid to take surveys with this easy to use app.
ThredUp
ThredUp is a great way to make money from clothes and accessories without the hassle of having to list on eBay or Poshmark. Request a cleanout bag, fill it up with anything you no longer want and send it back. Thredup will review your items and pay you for anything that it lists on the site. Any items that they are unable to list are donated. You can opt for credit to shop for gently used items or just cash your earnings out.
DeCluttr
Another app to list and sell items you no longer want or need. Make extra cash for all the stuff in your house that is otherwise collecting dust
TheRealReal
If you have designer clothes and/or accessories you can cosign them with TheRealReal and make extra cash. It is one of my favorite places to shop for designer goods.
BookScouter
List your textbooks and used books on BookScouter and make extra cash.
FOAP
The FOAP app lets you earn money selling your photos and videos. Download the app, upload your photos and start making cash.
Best Side Hustles
If you are looking for something a bit more passive and easy to do then these options are for you.
S'More
With the S'More app, you earn points and rewards from ads displayed on your phones lock screen. It is a relatively passive way to earn an income.
UserFeel
Become a tester with UserFeel and earn $10 for each test. With test averaging 10-20 minutes you can earn $30+ an hour.
Easy Side Hustles
Ebates/Rakuten
Ebates, now known as Rakuten is a way to get paid to shop. Download the app or chrome extension and start shopping. You can earn cashback at retailers such as Sephora, Amazon and Macy's just to name a few.
Ibotta
Get paid to shop with Ibotta. Every time you shop you earn. Download the app and browse for offers. Go shopping and upload your receipts. You will earn cash back on your purchases that you can then use for more shopping. Its a win-win.
SwagBucks
Get paid to take surveys. Every survey you complete is worth points that can be redeemed for gift cards.
InBox Dollars
Get paid to take surveys.
HealthyWage
Create a challenge and earn money for hitting your weight loss goals.
More Side Hustle Ideas
Zeel
If you are a massage therapist you can sign up to work with Zeel. Once you apply and are onboarded you can start taking on appointments.
Side Jobs for Extra Money-Start an Online Business
Take is a step beyond just downloading the app and make it an online business. Several people have used sites like eBay, Poshmark, and Etsy to start their own online business. From selling vintage second-hand clothes to handmade crafts there is truly a huge opportunity for anyone willing.
eBay
Take a look around you. I am sure there is plenty of stuff that is collecting dust. Why not sell it on eBay. You will be surprised at how much money you can make by listing items on eBay. From designer dresses to that wonky teapot someone gave you. eBay is a great way to make money on things you no longer want.
Poor In A Private Plane Tip: Not sure you want to part with something. List is anyway for a price you cannot refuse. If someone makes an offer or purchases that means it is time to part with it. And if they don't well it gives you more time to make a decision
Poshmark
Make money from things in your closet that you no longer need or want. Listing items on poshmark is easy. Take photos, set a price and watch the order come in. It is a win-win. Declutter, make room and earn money for things that Spark Joy.
Etsy
Do you have a craft or a product that you can sell? If the answer is yes then Etsy is the perfect place to make a few extra bucks. Let's say you love to knit or crochet hats. Why not sell them on Etsy. You can find anything from handmade jewelry to personalize luggage tag. Etsy is a great way to get paid for your hobby.
Make Extra Money on the Side with these Side Hustle Apps
Whether you're saving up for your next vacation, dream home or a rainy day fund try your hand at one of these side hustles. You will be surprised how quickly the dollars add up. And once you start seeing that cash get a jump start on that savings by checking out these money saving challenges.
And when you have all the extra cash don't forget to always shop smart and make that dollar go further.
Don't forget to pin and share these ideas for later.
Aileen says
I’ve tried quite a few of these! For a time I was on TaskRabbit, Uber, Lyft, PostMates, and DoorDash.
I find that choosing a certain category and then having a few apps within that category works for me. So with my car, I chose to do rideshare and delivery.
With multiple apps, I can switch to different gigs to keep me going throughout the day.
Taima says
That’s a great idea. That makes a lot of sense.
nial.oliin says
perfect ideas here. I’m searching for ideas to make money, what works for me the best so far is Honeygain app that pays for being online. I get more than 1$ a day just by having this app installed on my laptop.
Taima says
That is great. It’s amazing how many apps there are out there now that can help you make extra cash.