Top 10 Best Way Make Extra Money This Year
Looking for the best way make extra money? This guide breaks down practical and proven methods to help you boost your income. From side hustles to online opportunities, you’ll find various options that can fit into your lifestyle.
Key Takeaways
Starting a side hustle, like freelance writing or pet sitting, can significantly boost your income, adding up to $1000 a month.
The internet offers various ways to earn extra money, such as online surveys, selling items, or testing websites.
Renting out unused assets, offering professional services, and participating in gig economy jobs are effective strategies for making extra cash.
Start a Side Hustle
Starting a side hustle is one of the most popular ways to make extra money. A side hustle can complement your full-time job and help you save money for significant life events. Popular side hustles include freelance writing, pet sitting, and social media management.
Dedicating some spare time to these activities can significantly boost your income, potentially adding up to $1000 a month by combining multiple side hustles. Here are some specifics about these side jobs.
Freelance Writing Services
If you’ve got a knack for writing, freelance writing services can be a lucrative way to make extra money. Platforms like:
Upwork
Fiverr
Freelancer.com are great places to start. You can find jobs that involve creating content for blogs, articles, or websites, and you can start writing within 24-48 hours of setting up your profile.
With the right writing skills, freelance writers can charge around $100 an hour or more, making this side hustle a couple hundred bucks not only profitable but also flexible and rewarding.
Pet Sitting
Animal lovers rejoice! Pet sitting is an excellent side hustle that allows you to spend time with pets while earning extra cash. Services you can provide include feeding, dog walking, and even giving medications. If you want to earn more, consider offering to pet sit as well. As a bonus, many pet owners appreciate reliable help.
Platforms like Rover and Wag can help you find pet sitting jobs. Whether you check in on pets, stay at a client’s house, or have pets stay with you, pet sitting is a flexible and enjoyable way to earn money.
Social Media Manager
In today’s digital age, companies are eager to boost their social media presence on various social media platforms, which is where a social media manager comes in. This role involves managing social media accounts, creating strategies, and helping with content. Key skills include creativity, the ability to connect with others, and knowledge of social media channels.
Given the growing demand, this role can evolve into a glamorous job that allows you to collaborate with various companies and brands.
Make Extra Money Online
The internet is a treasure trove of opportunities to make extra money online. Whether you’re looking to:
Participate in online surveys
Sell items
Test websites, there are many websites to explore. These online platforms cater to different skills and preferences, ensuring there’s stuff online for everyone.
Here are some of the most accessible and rewarding ways to earn extra money online.
Online Surveys
Participating in online surveys is a straightforward way to earn extra money online. Survey sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie reward you with cash or gift cards for your opinions. While it’s not a get-rich-quick plan, completing a specific number of surveys can help you earn cash and cash out your earnings.
You can start taking surveys within minutes of signing up.
Sell Items Online
Got clutter? Selling items online can help you make extra money while cleaning up your home. Platforms to sell unwanted items, crafts, or vintage finds include:
eBay
Craigslist
OfferUp
Facebook Marketplace
Etsy
EcoATM kiosks also offer immediate cash for old phones, quickly turning unwanted items into extra cash. Be aware that garage sale items might fetch lower prices than expected.
Test Websites
Websites like UserTesting.com pay you to test websites and apps for usability. As a user experience tester, you can earn $10 for a standard test and up to $120 for live conversations.
All you need to get started is:
a device
internet connection
a microphone
to complete a sample test
It’s a simple way to earn extra money online while helping companies improve their digital products.
Rent Out Your Assets
If you have unused assets, why not turn them into a source of extra income? Renting out assets like:
garage space
parking spots
extra rooms
textbooks
cars can help you make extra money while putting idle items to work.
Let’s explore how you can earn extra cash by renting out your spare bedroom, car, or baby gear.
Spare Bedroom
Renting out a spare bedroom on platforms like Airbnb can generate significant income, especially in tourist-heavy areas. Creating a listing on Airbnb is straightforward and can be done in just a few nights.
With Airbnb’s rating system for hosts and guests, you can ensure safe and reliable transactions while earning money from your spare room.
Car Rental
If you have a car that’s not in constant use, renting it out through platforms like Turo can be a lucrative side hustle. Turo allows car owners to earn substantial yearly income by renting out their vehicles when not in use.
This way, you can capitalize on your vehicle’s idle time and generate meaningful revenue.
Baby Gear Rental
For families with unused baby gear, renting out items like:
strollers
car seats
cribs
high chairs can be quite profitable. Platforms like BabyQuip allow you to list your baby gear, meeting the needs of traveling families and helping you earn up to $1,000 a month.
Offer Professional Services
Leveraging your professional skills can be a smart way to earn extra money. Examples include:
Tutoring
Virtual assistant tasks
Handyman services Offering professional services not only provides additional income but also allows you to utilize your existing skills.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these opportunities.
Tutoring
If you have expertise in a specific subject, tutoring can be a rewarding way to earn extra money. An online tutor may need a four-year degree or relevant certifications, depending on the subject or tutoring company, which may have changed over the few years.
Specializing in subjects like math, science, foreign languages, or test preparation can help you command higher rates.
Virtual Assistant
Working as a virtual assistant allows you to help business owners with various administrative tasks from a remote location. Typical tasks include managing emails, scheduling appointments, and handling customer inquiries.
Platforms like Upwork and Zirtual can help you find virtual assistant job opportunities.
Handyman Services
If you’re handy with tools, offering handyman services can be a steady source of extra income. Tasks like fixing leaky faucets, painting rooms, and assembling furniture are always in demand.
Local advertising or joining platforms such as TaskRabbit can help attract clients for your handyman services.
Participate in Gig Economy Jobs
Gig economy jobs provide flexible, short-term work opportunities that are perfect for earning extra income on your own schedule. Whether it’s food delivery, rideshare driving, or completing tasks, these jobs offer quick ways to get paid with minimal commitment.
Let’s explore some popular gig economy jobs.
Food Delivery
Food delivery services like:
Uber Eats
DoorDash
Grubhub
Postmates enable individuals to deliver food during their spare time. Drivers can earn up to $22 per hour and typically get paid weekly or faster.
Plus, with the flexibility to choose your own hours, food delivery is a convenient way to earn extra cash.
Rideshare Driving
Driving for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft allows you to set your own schedule and get paid quickly. Becoming a rideshare driver requires signing up and passing a background check.
With the ability to work as much or as little as you want, rideshare driving is a flexible and profitable gig.
Task Completion
TaskRabbit is a platform that connects users with short-term tasks and errands to earn extra income. Tasks can include moving, cleaning, and handyman services. You can set your own rates and work on your own schedule, making it a versatile way to earn money.
Monetize Your Creative Skills
If you have creative skills, there are numerous ways to turn them into extra income. From photography and print on demand to starting a YouTube channel, creative skills can be monetized with the right approach.
Here’s how you can use your creativity to make money.
Photography
Freelance photography can be lucrative, especially if you focus on niche markets or sell prints through online platforms. Selling your photos on stock sites like Shutterstock can earn you money on each download.
A portfolio showcasing your best work can attract clients and help establish your own business photography business.
Print on Demand
Print on demand services like Printify allow creators to design products without upfront costs, making it accessible for anyone to start. Popular products include T-shirts, coffee mugs, and stickers.
Platforms like Amazon Merch on Demand handle printing and shipping, allowing you to focus on creating designs.
YouTube Channel
Starting a YouTube channel can be both fun and profitable. Here are some important points to consider:
Applying for the YouTube Partner Program requires at least 1,000 subscribers.
Consistent content creation is key to growing your viewership through youtube videos.
Engaging with your audience helps increase ad revenue.
Once you reach the required milestones, you can monetize your channel through ads, earning money for every view.
Engage in Seasonal Work
Seasonal work is a great way to earn extra money during peak demand periods. From snow removal in winter to lawn care in summer, these jobs can significantly boost your income. Seasonal work can diversify your income streams and help you capitalize on busy periods.
Here are some common seasonal job opportunities.
Retail Positions
Part-time retail jobs are especially plentiful during the holiday season. Popular employers like Target, UPS, and FedEx often hire additional staff for a part time job to handle the increased workload.
These roles offer a great way to earn extra money and gain valuable work experience.
Event Staff
Event staffing offers flexible job opportunities at concerts, sports events, and festivals. Roles can include ticket takers, security personnel, and merchandise sellers.
Joining event staffing agencies can help you find gigs that fit your schedule, allowing you to earn extra money while enjoying the exciting atmosphere of events.
Lawn Maintenance
Spring and summer are prime times for lawn care services, as homeowners seek help with yard work. Offering services like mowing lawns, removing weeds, and cleaning gutters can be particularly lucrative during these months.
Lawn maintenance is a practical way to make money while enjoying the outdoors.
Invest in Passive Income Streams
Building passive income streams can supplement your regular earnings with minimal ongoing effort after the initial setup. Investing in dividend stocks, real estate, or peer-to-peer lending can offer financial stability and additional income.
Here are some common passive income opportunities.
Dividend Stocks
Investing in dividend stocks offers a straightforward method for generating passive income. Companies that consistently pay dividends are often more stable and less likely to encounter financial distress. Prioritize stocks with robust financials and stable cash flows for reliable returns.
This approach provides a reliable income stream, especially favored by those seeking financial stability during market fluctuations.
Real Estate
Owning rental properties can provide consistent monthly income and potential appreciation in property value over time. Investing in rental properties requires management and maintenance effort, but the financial benefits can be substantial.
This form of passive income can be a stable and lucrative addition to your personal finance portfolio.
Peer-to-Peer Lending
Peer-to-peer lending platforms allow individuals to lend money directly to borrowers, earning interest rates typically higher than traditional bank savings. While this investment carries risks such as borrower default, diversifying your portfolio across multiple loans can help mitigate these risks.
Peer-to-peer lending can offer attractive returns and is a viable option for those looking to earn additional income.
Utilize Cashback and Rewards Programs
Cashback and rewards programs are excellent ways to save money and earn extra cash on purchases. By using mobile apps and credit cards with rewards programs, you can accumulate points and cash back, effectively reducing your overall spending.
Let’s delve into some of the best cashback and rewards opportunities.
Cashback Apps
Cashback apps like Ibotta and Rakuten provide cash rewards for shopping at participating retailers. These apps offer an easy way to earn money back on grocery shopping and other purchases, increasing your overall savings.
Exploring different cashback apps can significantly boost your savings over time.
Credit Card Rewards
Credit cards with rewards programs typically offer a percentage of cash back for every dollar spent on qualifying purchases. Some cards provide higher cashback rates for specific categories like groceries or gas.
Many credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses that can substantially increase your rewards earnings.
Loyalty Programs
Joining loyalty programs at your favorite online store can help you maximize savings and enjoy discounts on products you frequently buy. These programs allow you to accumulate points through purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts or free items.
Combined with cashback and rewards credit cards, loyalty programs can enhance your overall savings.
Volunteer for Medical Studies
Volunteering for medical studies is a unique way to earn extra money while contributing to important research. Clinical trials, health surveys, and case studies often provide financial compensation for your time and commitment.
Here’s a closer look at these opportunities.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials test new medical treatments and typically pay volunteers for their participation. Compensation varies from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the trial’s complexity. Phase 1 trials usually offer the highest payments, averaging around $2,000 due to the higher risks involved.
Health Surveys
Participating in health surveys can provide compensation, which varies depending on the study’s nature and requirements. These surveys often require sharing personal health information or completing questionnaires related to data entry, essential for gathering relevant data.
You can find health surveys through universities, research organizations, or dedicated platforms.
Case Studies
Participating in medical case studies can provide unique opportunities for individuals with specific medical conditions. These studies often seek participants with unique health profiles to better understand the effects of new treatments. By joining as a case study participant, you not only aid in medical advancement but also gain personal insights into rare conditions.
Summary
Making extra money this year is within your reach, whether through a side hustle, online gigs, renting out assets, or offering professional services. The diversity of opportunities ensures that there’s something for everyone, regardless of skills or availability. Take action on the ideas that resonate with you, and start turning your spare time and assets into additional income. Remember, every little bit counts, and the effort you put in today can lead to significant financial rewards tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What side hustles pay the most?
If you're looking for high-paying side hustles, consider starting a dropshipping business or teaching online courses. Marketing strategy and writing website content also bring in solid daily earnings, so there are plenty of options to boost your income!
