Top 25 Proven Ways to Earn Side Cash This Year

Need extra cash? Here are 25 proven ways to earn side cash quickly and easily. Start boosting your income today with these actionable tips.

Key Takeaways

Online surveys, freelance writing, and virtual assistant roles are accessible side hustles that require minimal investment and can generate extra cash from home.
Platforms like Turo, Airbnb, and Etsy provide opportunities to leverage personal assets (like your car or spare room) into significant income streams.
Engaging in activities such as mystery shopping, tutoring, and social media management allows for flexible schedules and the potential for substantial earnings based on individual effort and skill.

Online Surveys for Extra Cash

One of the simplest ways to earn extra money online is by taking online surveys. Platforms like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie make money incredibly easy to get started—just register, and you’re good to go. The beauty of this side hustle is its accessibility; all you need is an internet connection and some spare time.

Maximize your earnings by signing up for multiple survey sites. Doing so increases your chances of qualifying for more surveys, thus boosting your income. Although the payout might not be huge, taking online surveys can help you save money on everyday expenses or even fund a night out.

Qualifying for enough surveys to cash out might take some time, but the required effort is minimal compared to other side hustles. Plus, you can do it from the comfort of your home or even while commuting. It’s a straightforward way of taking surveys to earn cash and make extra money without much investment.

Freelance Writing Services

Freelance writing is a fantastic side hustle for those with strong writing skills and a knack for storytelling. Platforms like:

Upwork
Fiverr offer numerous opportunities to find jobs in various niches, such as:
blog posts
social media content This flexibility allows you to tailor your workload to fit your schedule.

To attract clients and build a successful freelance business:

Build a solid portfolio.
Showcase your best work and highlight your creative skills to stand out in a competitive market.
Network with other writers and industry professionals to find more job opportunities.

Freelance writing offers the advantage of passive income. Content that continues to attract readers over time can generate ongoing earnings long after the initial work. It’s a lucrative side hustle that offers both flexibility and financial rewards.

Become a Virtual Assistant

If you’re organized and enjoy tackling a variety of tasks, becoming a virtual assistant could be the perfect side hustle for you. Virtual assistant roles can range from administrative support to project management, offering a wide array of opportunities. Many businesses seek virtual assistants for specialized tasks, which means there’s always demand for skilled professionals.

Enhance your skills and marketability through:

Training programs
Online courses and certifications, which can give you an edge over the competition and make you more attractive to potential clients
Networking through social media groups and platforms like Zirtual, which can lead to job offers and help you build a robust client base.

Working as a virtual assistant helps business owners achieve work-life balance and allows you to earn money from home. It’s a flexible and rewarding side hustle that can easily fit into your schedule.

Test Websites and Apps

Testing websites and apps is an excellent way to earn extra money online. Platforms like UserTesting, uTest, and Userlytics connect you with testing gigs to provide user experience feedback. This side hustle is perfect for those who enjoy exploring new apps and websites.

The payment rates for testing websites and apps can be quite lucrative. For example:

You can earn between $10 to $120 for user experience tests.
Some 60-minute app tests pay up to $100.
Payments are usually received within 14 days. This makes it a quick and easy way to make extra money.

Start by ensuring your device meets the necessary requirements, and make sure you have an internet connection and a microphone. Approval for testing opportunities usually takes a few days, but once you’re in, you can start earning money by providing valuable feedback on website usability.

Sell Items on Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace offers a quick and effective way to earn extra money locally. Listing items for sale requires minimal setup, making it easy to target your local community. From household items to clothing, you can sell clothing almost anything on Facebook Marketplace.

Increase your chances of making a sale by:

Using high-quality photos and detailed descriptions.
Creating clear and attractive listings to help potential buyers understand the item’s condition and value.
Pricing your items competitively based on similar listings to speed up the selling process.

Safety is crucial when meeting buyers. Always opt for public places or daylight hours to ensure a secure transaction. Responding promptly to inquiries can further improve your likelihood of completing a sale, turning your unwanted items into extra cash quickly.

Start a Blog for Passive Income

Starting a blog is an excellent way to generate passive income online. While it requires an initial investment of time and money, the potential rewards are significant. For just about $2.75 per month, you can start your blog and begin creating content. The key to success is building an audience by consistently providing valuable and engaging content.

Monetize your blog through various strategies like ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts. Affiliate marketing, for example, involves earning a commission by promoting products or services, making it a lucrative option. Google AdSense is another popular method, but you need to meet a $100 payout threshold before you can start earning.

Building a successful blog requires time and consistent effort. It may take at least two months for ad revenue to start trickling in, but once established, a blog can provide a steady income stream. It’s a long-term side hustle that offers the potential for significant financial rewards.

Rent Out Your Spare Room

Renting out a spare room can be a lucrative side hustle. Platforms like Airbnb make it easy to create a listing and start earning money quickly. You can have your listing live within hours, ready to attract guests.

Before diving into this side hustle, consider rental agreements, HOA rules, and zoning restrictions to ensure everything is in order. Airbnb also provides a rating system for both hosts and guests, adding a layer of security and accountability.

Renting out your spare room can provide a substantial extra income. Whether it’s for a few nights or longer stays, this side hustle allows you to make the most of unused space in your home. It’s a flexible and rewarding way to boost your earnings.

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Pet sitting and dog walking are excellent side hustles for animal lovers. Platforms like Rover let you offer services ranging from dog walking to overnight pet sit. This flexibility means you can set your own schedule and prices based on the services you provide.

Earn significantly more money by offering overnight boarding services. The Rover Guarantee adds an extra layer of security for pet owners, covering vet care reimbursement if needed. This assurance helps build trust and attract more clients.

Using apps like Rover makes it easy to manage your schedule and client requests. It’s a side hustle that offers both flexibility and the joy of spending time with animals, making it a rewarding way to earn extra money.

Participate in Focus Groups

Participating in focus groups offers a way to earn extra money by sharing your opinions on products and services. These sessions can be conducted in-person, over the phone, or online, providing flexibility in participation.

Earnings for focus group participation can range from $50 to $350, depending on the study’s requirements and engagement level. Typically, participants are selected based on specific criteria outlined by the focus group organizers, ensuring a diverse range of opinions.

Online focus groups often require participants to have a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Payments are usually issued within 10 business days after completing the session, making it a quick and easy way to earn extra money.

Drive for Rideshare Services

Driving for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft offers a flexible way to earn extra money. You can set your own schedule, working as much or as little as you want. This flexibility makes it an ideal side hustle for those looking to supplement their income.

After completing a ride, drivers can get paid very quickly, either instantly or within a few days. Rideshare drivers can also earn bonuses during peak times through incentives such as Turbo and Ride Challenges. These bonuses can significantly boost your earnings.

Successful rideshare drivers possess qualities such as being friendly, punctual, and having good driving skills. On average, drivers receive about 70% or more of the passenger payments after fees, making it a lucrative side hustle.

Deliver Food or Groceries

Delivering food or groceries offers potential for significant earnings. Apps like:

Instacart
Uber Eats
DoorDash let you choose your own hours and receive tasks based on your availability. This flexibility makes it easy to fit into any schedule with food delivery and to deliver groceries.

Grocery delivery services like Shipt can pay around $22 per hour, with earnings available as soon as two hours after completing deliveries. To become a delivery driver, you need to be at least 18 years old and pass a background check.

This side hustle not only offers the potential for extra income but also provides the convenience of receiving payments quickly. It’s a great way to make extra money while enjoying the freedom to work on your own terms with various side hustle ideas.

Sell Digital Products

Creating and selling digital products is a great way to leverage your skills and earn money online. Platforms like:

Etsy
Gumroad make it easy to set up an online store and start selling your creations. The possibilities are endless, including:
e-books
digital art.

Self-publishing e-books on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing can be particularly lucrative, with individuals earning up to 70% from each sale. However, you need to meet a $100 threshold to receive payment for your e-book sales.

Promoting your digital products on social media with free samples or discount codes can help attract more customers. It’s a side hustle that requires minimal investment but offers the potential for significant earnings.

Offer Social Media Management

Helping businesses enhance their social media presence can be highly rewarding. As a social media manager, you’ll develop strategies that boost online visibility and engagement. This involves creating tailored content for various social media platforms to connect with the target audience effectively.

Effective social media management can lead to improved customer loyalty and trust, which in turn can boost a business’s bottom line. Regular posting, consistent branding, and monitoring audience engagement are key components of a successful strategy. Utilizing data analytics helps in optimizing these strategies to achieve better results.

Social media managers can find job opportunities through freelance platforms and local Facebook groups. This side hustle offers the flexibility to work from anywhere and the potential for significant earnings, especially as businesses increasingly recognize the importance of social media accounts and a strong online presence.

Become a YouTube Creator

Becoming a YouTube creator is a great way to earn extra money while sharing your passions with the world. To monetize your content, focus on creating engaging videos and shorts that attract a large audience. You must reach certain milestones, such as having at least 1,000 subscribers, to apply for the YouTube Partner Program.

After meeting these milestones, start earning advertising revenue. Additional monetization strategies include teaming up with brands and directing viewers to products, further increasing your earnings. This multifaceted approach can make YouTube a highly lucrative platform.

Growing a following on YouTube requires consistent effort and creativity. Focus on creating high-quality content and engaging with your audience to build a loyal subscriber base and turn your YouTube channel into a profitable side hustle.

Teach English Online

Teaching English online is a lucrative side hustle, especially with the high global demand for ESL teachers. Many online platforms offer various benefits, such as:

VIPKid offers pay rates of up to $22 per hour.
Some platforms prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree.
Many platforms do not require formal qualifications.

Teachers can select platforms based on their preferences for teaching age groups, whether it’s children or adults. Most online teaching roles require a stable internet connection and internet access in a quiet environment to conduct lessons. This setup allows you to teach from the comfort of your home.

In addition to regular payment schedules, many platforms offer bonuses based on performance or attendance. This side hustle not only provides a steady income but also the satisfaction of helping others learn a new language.

Participate in Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping offers an easy way to earn extra cash while enjoying a free meal or services during assignments. The application process is typically quick, but the approval period can vary. Once approved, you can start evaluating customer service at local businesses.

You can sign up for mystery shopping gigs through platforms like IntelliShop, BestMark, and Sinclair Customer Metrics. Compensation can vary widely and may include cash, reimbursements for purchases, or both. This variety makes it a flexible and rewarding side hustle.

When evaluating mystery shopping opportunities, it’s important to vet companies through online reviews and discussions to ensure they are reputable. This diligence will help you avoid scams and maximize your earnings.

Freelance Graphic Design

Freelance graphic design is a lucrative side hustle for those with creative skills and expertise in design software. Build a professional portfolio to showcase your work and attract potential clients. This portfolio will serve as your primary marketing tool.

Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer numerous opportunities for graphic design jobs, ranging from logo creation to web design. Creating a proposal template can simplify the process of responding to inquiries from potential clients, making your workflow more efficient.

With the right skills and marketing strategies, freelance graphic design can turn into a profitable side hustle that offers both flexibility and financial rewards. It’s an excellent option for those looking to leverage their artistic talents.

Rent Out Your Car

Renting out your car on platforms like Turo is a straightforward way to earn extra income. Car owners can generate an average of $906 monthly by renting their vehicles. The process of creating a listing is quick and easy, taking under 30 minutes.

To share a car through Turo, the following conditions must be met:

The car must be a model year 2016 or newer.
The car must have less than 80,000 miles.
Renters must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license.

Turo offers liability insurance coverage of up to $750,000 for vehicle rentals, adding an extra layer of security.

This side hustle allows you to make the most of a vehicle that might otherwise sit unused, turning it into a source of significant extra income. With the dedicated support team, managing your listings and earnings becomes a hassle-free experience.

Become a Financial Coach

Becoming a financial coach is a fulfilling and lucrative side hustle. As a financial coach, you help people take control of their finances by providing tools and strategies for effective money management. While no formal certification is required, obtaining credentials can enhance your credibility.

Financial coaches can focus on specific demographics, such as immigrants or the LGBTQ+ community, tailoring their approach based on individual needs. Most financial coaches charge between $100 and $300 per hour, making it a highly profitable side hustle.

Marketing through social media and personal branding is crucial for building a client base. By establishing yourself as a trusted expert in personal finance, you can attract clients who are eager to improve their financial well-being and start their own business.

Sell Photography Online

Selling photography online is an excellent way to monetize your creative skills. Platforms like Shutterstock and Getty Images let you upload and sell your photos, reaching a global audience. Building a professional portfolio is essential to showcase your work and attract buyers.

Other platforms like Fine Art America and SmugMug also offer opportunities to sell your photography. Limiting the number of prints sold, known as editioning, can significantly increase the value of your photographs. Understanding the submission guidelines of each platform is crucial for success.

Marketing your photography through collaborations with organizations and events can help you reach new audiences and increase sales. It’s a side hustle that offers both creative satisfaction and financial rewards.

Offer Tutoring Services

Offering tutoring services is a flexible and rewarding side hustle. Platforms like Cambly, TutorOcean, and Preply provide opportunities to teach various subjects online. Tutors can set their own hourly rates and find job opportunities through sites like Tutor.com and Care.com.

Tutoring can cater to a wide range of students, including those in K-12, college, and adult education. Creating an online course can enhance profitability, providing a steady stream of income from one-time efforts.

The time taken to start tutoring and get paid can vary, but once clients are found, payment is usually quick. It’s a lucrative side hustle that allows you to share your knowledge and skills with others while earning extra income.

Create Handmade Goods

Creating handmade goods is a great way to turn your hobbies into a profitable side hustle. Platforms like Etsy allow you to sell various crafts online, from jewelry to knitting and painting. Sellers on Etsy can receive payments daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly, providing flexibility in managing earnings. Additionally, exploring hustle ideas can further enhance your creative business idea.

To sell on Etsy, you must be at least 13 years old. Additionally, users under 18 are required to adhere to extra policies. This side hustle offers minimal effort for those with creative skills and the potential for significant earnings.

Marketing your handmade goods through local businesses and a local market can also help increase sales. It’s a rewarding way to make extra money while doing something you love.

Advertise on Your Car

Advertising on your car is a simple and effective way to earn extra income. Wrapping advertisements around your vehicle lets you earn money while driving around your local area through local advertising. This side hustle requires minimal effort and offers a steady stream of income.

Earnings can range from $264 to $452 per month, depending on the campaign and the advertiser’s budget. It’s an easy way to make extra money without changing your daily routine.

Join Task-Based Platforms

Joining task-based platforms like TaskRabbit is an excellent way to find quick jobs and earn extra money. These platforms offer various tasks, such as:

Yard work
Furniture assembly
Moving
Cleaning
Handyman services

The flexibility to choose tasks based on your skills and availability makes it an ideal part time job and side hustle, as well as a glamorous job in your free time.

Getting started on TaskRabbit involves:

Spending just a few hours to set up your account.
Waiting for approval.
Once approved, you can start receiving task requests.
Getting paid a few days after completing a job.

There is a $25 fee to start working, but the potential earnings make it worthwhile.

Task-based platforms provide a steady stream of opportunities to earn extra income, making it a valuable side hustle for those looking to supplement their earnings alongside their day job.

Become a Social Media Influencer

Becoming a social media influencer is a highly sought-after side hustle. Success requires:

Building a dedicated and engaged following on platforms like Instagram
Creating a compelling profile
Developing a content strategy These elements are crucial for attracting and retaining followers.

Engagement is more important than follower count for attracting brand partnerships. Building trust with your audience can lead to higher conversion rates when promoting products. Authenticity and relatability are key factors in maintaining follower loyalty.

Once you have established a following, you can secure sponsorships from brands and monetize your social media account through partnerships and affiliate networks. This side hustle offers the potential for significant earnings and the opportunity to turn your social media presence into a profitable venture.

Summary

In summary, there are countless ways to earn extra money this year, from online opportunities like taking surveys and freelance writing to local gigs like pet sitting and renting out your spare room. Each side hustle offers unique benefits, allowing you to choose the one that best fits your skills, interests, and schedule.

By exploring these 25 proven ways to earn side cash, you can achieve greater financial freedom and reach your financial goals. Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a big purchase, or simply have more disposable income, these side hustle ideas provide the perfect starting point. So, take action today and start making extra money!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money can I realistically make with online surveys?

You can realistically make enough from online surveys to cover some everyday expenses or small activities, especially if you sign up for multiple survey sites. Just remember, it won't make you rich, but it’s a nice side earning!

What skills do I need to become a successful freelance writer?

To become a successful freelance writer, you'll need strong writing skills, creativity, and the ability to meet deadlines. Don't forget to build a solid portfolio and network with other writers to open up more job opportunities!

Is it safe to rent out my spare room on Airbnb?

Yes, renting out your spare room on Airbnb can be safe thanks to their rating system for hosts and guests, but make sure to check any rental agreements and local regulations first. It's all about being informed!

How do I get started with pet sitting and dog walking?

Getting started with pet sitting and dog walking is simple—just sign up on platforms like Rover, where you can manage your schedule and set your own prices. It's a great way to earn money while spending time with pets!

Can I really make money as a social media influencer?

Absolutely, you can make money as a social media influencer if you build a dedicated and engaged following. Focus on fostering trust with your audience, and you'll open doors to brand partnerships and sponsorships.