Struggling to save money? Side gigs can help you feel more financially confident, and an additional $100 a week can make a significant impact on your savings and investments. You may already have a side gig in mind, but if you’re still searching for the perfect hustle, here are some ideas to consider.
Dog Walker
You may not realize it, but there’s a surprisingly high demand for dog walkers. After all, people want what’s best for their pets. Not only does dog walking offer you some quality time with man’s best friend, it is also a generally healthy activity all of us should pursue more anyway. On average, a dog walker makes about $15 an hour, but some make $30 or more. Add in flexible hours and as many dogs as you can handle, and you can begin earning a decent side income in no time. If you walk one dog for one hour each day at $15/hr., by the end of the week you could pocket an additional $105.
Freelance
Lockdowns created opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs as businesses scrambled to go virtual. Despite being a crowded space, there’s still significant demand. Businesses everywhere are revamping their online presence and freelancers of every specialty are needed. Writers, photographers, graphic designers, programmers, and social media managers are among the most popular freelance gigs available.
Marketplace websites like Upwork and Fiverr have made it easier than ever to offer your services to potential clients. Average earnings will depend on your craft, but many freelancers make upwards of $20 an hour. Do what you love and set your own hours, and you could earn $100 with only five hours of work each week. Think of what you could earn in your spare time.
Sell items online
Selling items online isn’t just for making space in your home. Plenty of people make good money re-selling items they own at a higher price than they originally paid. If you enjoy thrifting or antiquing, selling your finds may be an enjoyable way to make extra cash. Your smartphone makes it easier than ever to do quick research when you think you’ve found a diamond in the rough.
OfferUp, Ebay, Poshmark, and Mercari are a few examples of apps designed for resale. You can sell your items for up to 80% or more of what you paid for them. Books, clothing, cookware, toys, and art are all examples of potentially cash-generating items. And even if it’s not your cup of tea, how much stuff do you have lying around that you could turn into money? Some light spring cleaning could make you extra cash.
Drive professionally
Whether you want to drive for a ride-sharing company like Uber, or deliver food and groceries, there’s an app — and a job — for that. This is a great side hustle for someone who loves driving and can be ready to go at the drop of a hat. If you live in a city, you can be certain to make cash at any hour you choose, whether you’re picking people up from airports, delivering food, or safely getting people home after a night out. The pay is variable, though according to GoBankingRates, the hourly average for most drivers hovers slightly above $9 an hour. Providing excellent service can help you rake in additional tips though.
Working a little bit here and there, especially when you’re already out, can make you $100 in about 11-12 hours. If you have the time and driving is your thing, this may be a good fit.
Teach virtually
Have a skill that others want to learn? Teach online. There are several ways to do this that can turn a profit. Sell tickets to an online Zoom class, create a YouTube channel, or build a profitable course. Sites like Udemy, Skillshare, or even Airbnb online experiences make this easy. No matter how you deliver your course, consistency and social promotion are key.
Whether you’re skilled in music, fitness, languages, or any other teachable skill, you can make money sharing your skills. Hours and pay will vary depending on your field, but the good news is this is a highly scalable method. You could charge a $10 cover fee for a yoga class once a week, and if ten people show up you’ve made $100. Want to host classes multiple times a week or at different hours? Go for it. The sky is the limit with online teaching.
If You Can Dream It…
…you can do it. Businesses exist to solve problems, so you can make money if you can create solutions. We’ve only outlined a few of the simple and fun ways you can use your skills and make money in your spare time, but they could eventually turn into something more if you nurture the idea. Starting a side gig has never been easier in this digital age, and it may be just what you need to begin your investing journey.
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