Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate
When you’re looking for ways to make extra money, flexibility and convenience are key. Whether you’re saving for a big purchase, want to pay down debt fast or have a little bit of extra cash for a rainy day, learning how to earn extra money is a great way to boost your income.
To help you get started, we’re breaking down 15 easy ways to make extra money and help you gain more financial freedom.
How to make more money online
1. Freelancing
Freelancing is one of the most versatile ways to generate more income. Websites like Fiverr or Upwork can help connect you with clients all over the world looking for individuals to assist them with copywriting, editing, graphic design, programming and more.
Pros
- Decent earnings: Depending on the client and their skills, freelancers can earn $15–$50 per hour or more.
- Flexible schedule: Keeping any due dates in mind, it’s easy to set your hours while freelancing. This allows you to work and complete projects when it is convenient for you.
Cons
- Saturated market: The versatility of the freelancing world can make it easy to join, but this may mean more work upfront to build a portfolio and reputation that catches the eye of potential clients.
- Unpredictable workflow: Unless there is a signed contract, consistent client work can be difficult for some. This can make it difficult to predict how much extra income will be rolling in regularly.
2. Online tutoring
If you have teaching experience or excel in a certain field, consider providing online tutoring services through sites like VIPKid or Chegg Tutors. These platforms can help connect you to students who need guidance in subjects such as language, math and science. Tutors can typically make anywhere from $10–$25 per hour.
Pros
- Flexible schedule: Much like freelancing, tutoring can also provide flexible hours, making it convenient to do on your own time to earn that extra cash flow.
- Rewarding: Helping students excel in a field you are passionate about can help provide fulfillment day-to-day.
Cons
- Qualification requirements: Some platforms may require certain certifications or degrees.
- Time zones: If you’re working with students worldwide, a large time zone difference can reduce flexibility with your scheduling.
3. Cash-back apps and survey apps
Cash-back rewards apps that can help you earn extra money on purchases you were going to make anyway. Rakuten, Honey and Upside are easy to install and don’t require any special skills to get started. Similarly, survey apps like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie can be an easy way to earn extra cash without requiring upfront skills.
Pros
- Free to use: Most cash-back apps don’t require any fees.
- Passive income: Save a bit of cash on online purchases you would make anyway.
Cons
- Low earnings: Since these apps are free to use and are either providing coupons to save cash or a cash-back reward, they won’t earn you as much as skills-based side gigs.
- Slow to accumulate rewards: It can take time to generate enough rewards to cash out.
4. Creating and selling digital products
If you have a creative side you’d like to tap into for some cash, sites like Etsy and Teachable allow you to sell digital content like printables and e-books.
Pros
- Creative freedom: Create your own products based on art, writing, teaching or anything else you’re passionate about.
- More income and time: You can sell the same digital item multiple times, meaning you don’t have to spend as much time creating multiple products while still generating income.
Cons
- Unpredictable demand: There is no guarantee your product will generate demand once it is up for sale. Consider marketing trends when deciding what you’d like to create.
- Upfront cost and time investment: Having the tools to create products can be costly and take a considerable amount of time to complete.
5. Virtual assistant work
As a virtual assistant (VA), you can provide administrative support to business owners and entrepreneurs remotely. You could be working on tasks such as email management, scheduling or customer service.
Pros
- Flexible work: You can work with multiple clients and set your own hours.
- High demand: Many small businesses and solo entrepreneurs need virtual assistants.
Cons
- Time management: Juggling multiple clients can be challenging for some individuals based on scheduling.
- Varied tasks: You may have to handle a range of tasks, some of which could be tedious or skills-based.
6. Online coaching or consulting
Offer expertise in areas like fitness, business or life coaching through online sessions or courses.
Pros
- High-value service: Charge premium rates for specialized knowledge.
- Global reach: Reach clients worldwide.
Cons
- Client acquisition: Building a client base requires marketing effort.
- Time commitment: Personalized coaching can be time-intensive, and it’s difficult to build a reputation quickly.
How to make more money offline
7. Petsitting or walking
Apps like Rover and Wag! connect animal lovers with pet owners looking for sitters and dog walkers. While it can take some time to build up a reputation, these types of jobs can often lead to regular clientele if you build the trust that you can care for their furry friends.
Pros
- Flexible schedule: Choose when and how often or long you take on jobs.
- Fun for animal lovers: It’s a rewarding job if you enjoy being around pets and can dedicate the time to their care.
Cons
- Inconsistent work: Pet-sitting jobs may not always be available.
- Physical demands: Walking multiple dogs or caring for pets over long periods can be tiring and may be challenging for individuals with limited mobility.
8. Selling secondhand items
Selling unused items on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark is a quick way to earn extra money.
Pros
- Declutter your space and earn cash: Selling items you no longer need for a profit can also be a great incentive to clean up your space.
- Low upfront costs: Most platforms are free to use, like Facebook Marketplace, or only charge small fees or commissions on sales, like Poshmark.
Cons
- Time investment: Listing items and managing sales requires effort.
- Shipping logistics: If you sell online, you’ll need to manage shipping costs, packaging and drop-off at shipping locations.
9. Ridesharing or delivery services
Driving for Uber or Lyft or delivering food through DoorDash and Uber Eats is a popular way to earn extra money on your own time. Drivers for these apps can typically earn anywhere from $15—$25 per hour, plus tips.
Pros
- Extra tips: Drivers get to keep most, if not all, of their tips. In turn, this will increase your earnings.
- Quick earnings: Most apps will let you cash out as soon as you hit a certain threshold, meaning you can get paid quicker than a regular pay schedule.
Cons
- Rising gas prices: Higher fuel costs can cut into your earnings.
- Vehicle maintenance: Driving regularly increases wear and tear on your car. This can lead to more maintenance trips over time. You’ll also need to make sure your car insurance is adequate.
10. Grocery shopping and delivery
With the rise of platforms like Instacart and Shipt, grocery shopping and delivery gigs have become more popular in the last couple of years. It’s a flexible way to earn extra income, particularly if you enjoy shopping and have access to reliable transportation.
Pros
- Flexible schedule: You can choose when to work, making it easy to fit around other commitments.
- No experience needed: No special skills are required to start, and the apps provide easy-to-follow instructions for each order.
Cons
- Peak hours pressure: During busy periods (weekends or evenings), the job can become stressful with tight delivery windows and large orders.
- Vehicle wear and tear: Frequent driving can increase fuel costs and wear on your car.
11. Stock photography
Sell high-quality photos to stock photography websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock for use in advertising, websites and publications.
Pros
- Global market: Reach a wide audience of buyers.
- Passive income: Earn royalties on each downloaded photo, meaning you do not have to keep taking more.
Cons
- High competition: A saturated photographer market creates high competition in the field.
- Quality standards and investment: Images must meet professional standards, so you may need to invest if you do not have the equipment.
12. Rent out rooms or your entire home
Platforms like Airbnb and Neighbor allow you to rent out rooms, storage spaces or even your driveway.
Pros
- High earning potential: Especially in popular travel destinations with plenty of access to attractions.
- Passive income: Once rented, there’s minimal ongoing effort.
Cons
- Legal restrictions: Some cities have strict regulations on short-term rentals.
- Property upkeep: You may need to clean or maintain the space between guests.
13. Handyman or home improvement services
Providing services like handyman work, cleaning or landscaping through platforms like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack can be highly profitable, especially if you have the skills to provide.
Pros
- High pay potential: Depending on the service, you can charge $20 to $50 per hour or more.
- Variety of tasks: You can choose from a wide range of services to offer, from mounting televisions to cleaning to helping a family with their landscaping.
Cons
- Inconsistent work: Demand may fluctuate based on the season or local market.
- Physical labor: Many of these jobs require hard work and physical effort. This means they may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
14. Babysitting
Babysitting is a tried-and-true way to make extra money, especially if you enjoy working with children. You can offer your services to neighbors and friends or use platforms like Care.com to find clients.
Pros
- Flexible hours: You can babysit on your schedule, making it easy to balance with other commitments.
- High demand: Many parents need childcare, especially in the evenings and on weekends.
Cons
- Certifications: Many parents or platforms may require certain certifications like CPR before you can babysit. This will require extra time before you can begin.
- Responsibility: Caring for children requires focus and commitment, which can be stressful at times.
15. House sitting
House sitting involves taking care of someone’s home while they’re away, often including basic tasks like watering plants, collecting mail or taking care of pets. It’s a simple and low-stress way to earn extra cash.
Pros
- Low-stress environment: It’s often a calm and low-stress job where you can work on other tasks while watching the house.
- Minimal effort: House sitting typically requires performing light tasks.
Cons
- Irregular work: House-sitting jobs can be sporadic, depending on the travel habits of clients.
- Trust building: You need to build a reputation and trust with homeowners to secure regular gigs.
The bottom line
Whether you’re looking for flexible online gigs or practical ways to earn extra money offline, there are plenty of opportunities to earn extra money to fit your schedule. From freelancing and tutoring to offering local services like home improvement work or pet sitting, many options can put a little more cash in your pocket and help you reach your financial goals faster.
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