Ad Disclosure: This article contains references to products from our partners. We may receive compensation if you apply or shop through links in our content. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site. You help support CreditDonkey by using our links. (read more )Extra income can help you crush your financial goals faster. But where do you start? Here's how to actually make decent money from side hustles.Side hustles are any job a person takes to make money outside of their full-time job.And who doesn't want some extra income on the side?A good side hustle gives you the freedom to pursue your passions and live financially stress-free. Many revenue streams don't require a huge initial investment or special skills to start.But be careful. Some opportunities are shady and not worth your time at all.To get started, check out this list of smart side hustle ideas.Starting Your Side HustleDepending on what you choose, it may take some time to establish your side hustle. Here are some ways to market yourself:Use social media to connect with the local community.Check a freelance website, like Fiverr or Upwork.Create your own website and promote it via ads or social media.Search directly for part-time work or remote, freelance work on job sites dedicated to the topic, like Remote.com or industry-specific job sites.Read on for a list of the best and most profitable side hustle ideas for every interest and skill set.What are some good side hustles?Rideshare driverRent out your carWrite resumes and cover lettersFlip itemsWhat tools or resources do you have that you want to use for your side hustle?RidesharingDriving for a ride-sharing service is an easy way to earn money on a flexible schedule. However, it may only be worth it once you consider your total expenses.ProsSet your own scheduleChance to meet interesting peopleConsWear and tear on your carYour score may depend on arbitrary measuresYou'll need to drive often to make it worth your whileHow to StartFirst, pick your application. Uber or Lyft are the most common and most popular ride-sharing apps. Once you've picked your platform, download the app and sign up.To sign up, you'll need:Valid driver's licenseProof of insuranceRegistrationWhen you submit this information, the company will conduct a background check. In addition, you'll need to have your car inspected. Uber or Lyft will give you options on where to inspect your car.Once all of this goes through, you can start driving.Earning PotentialUber claims that drivers can make $25 an hour, but prices fluctuate depending on the time of day and demand. In addition, the base fare for drivers varies from city to city.Keep in mind that the driver does not get the full price that the rider pays. Uber takes a 25% cut of all fares—and that's before you factor in any expenses like gas or maintenance.Scalability: LowTime commitment: MediumHow many hours per week are you willing to dedicate to a side hustle?Deliver food and other itemsDon't want to deal with people? With contactless food delivery apps, you could get paid without having to interact with people. Some apps can connect you with local restaurants and groceries stores.ProsSet your own scheduleDiscover new restaurantsDon't have to interact with people as much as ridesharingConsWear and tear on your carYour score may depend on arbitrary measuresYou'll need to drive often to make it worth your whileBut each app will have slightly different requirements. So be sure to check their onboarding process very carefully.Earning PotentialDelivery apps generally pay $10 - $25 per hour plus tips. Great customer service can help you earn more.Scalability: LowTime commitment: MediumStart Your Own BlogIf you're willing to work hard without immediate payoff, a blog can become a profitable side hustle after just a few months.If your blog becomes successful, there are several ways you can make money from it: Affiliate marketing, advertising, selling your own products, and partnerships.ProsEngage with people who have similar interestsDevelop a fan baseConsNo guarantee that your blog will succeedUpfront costs to set up your blogUpkeep required, such as running social media accountsTechnical skills may be requiredHow to StartYou'll have to set up your own website. This requires some technical expertise. Many new bloggers use a WordPress blog hosted through Bluehost ($2.95) per month. It's designed for beginners who want to take their blog seriously and potentially make money in the future.Earning PotentialStarting a blog will not generate income immediately. However, there's a lot of room to grow if you're willing to invest the time. Some successful blogs can earn thousands of dollars a month.To create a profitable blog, you'll need to create and maintain a website that you feel comfortable using. This guide from GreenGeeks breaks down everything you need to know to choose the right platform for you and to get it up and running.Scalability: HighTime commitment: HighTeaching English online is a lucrative and popular option. Because many people looking to learn English are in different time zones, this side hustle can be done at any time.ProsWork outside of your normal hoursYou have an advantage as a native English speakerConsTEFL and TESOL certificates take time and money to acquireYou might work for multiple back-to-back classesHow to StartYou can find students through platforms like italki or VIP Kid. You'll need a computer, Skype account, webcam, headset, and strong Wi-Fi connection. Most schools require teachers to have a bachelor's degree in English or a related field.In addition, you may need a TESOL or TEFL certificate to teach English as a foreign language.What's the difference between TESOL and TEFL?TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)This prepares you to teach English to someone whose native language is not English.TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)This prepares you to teach English in a country where English is not the primary language. This is the most common and most popular teaching certificate for people who teach English abroad.Earning PotentialMost hourly positions teaching English will earn around $20 an hour, depending on the time zone and the days of the week. The rate will also vary depending on the number of students in the class.Virtual teachers who commit to semester-long classes for high school, for example, can earn around $40,000 a year.Scalability: LowTime commitment: HighFreelance WritingIf you write for a living, freelance writing jobs may be an easy way to earn extra money on your own time. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.ProsSet your own rateWork from anywhere with an internet connectionConsPlatforms like Fiverr and Upwork take a percentage of your earningsUpwork charges money to pitch to potential clientsDifficult to find work without using major freelance sitesHow to StartYou'll find most freelance jobs through platforms for remote work, like Fiverr and Upwork.Earning PotentialExperienced writers and editors can make $30–$40 an hour, though you'll likely need to settle for less in the beginning.With some freelance sites like Upwork, you can set a preferred hourly rate, but clients are able to negotiate. Plus, Upwork takes a 20% fee on your total project earnings or hourly earnings.Scalability: LowTime commitment: MediumAs you start earning from freelance writing or other side hustles, managing your finances effectively is crucial. Setting up the best bank account for freelancers can help keep your income and expenses in check.Rent Out Your CarRenting out your car is a great option for people who own their cars, but don't use them much. Many services allow you to rent your car out when it is most convenient for you.ProsWith most major services, you set your availabilityThe only thing you need is a carConsThere are only so many times you can rent out your carIf your car isn't rented out often, it might not be worth itYou will not be able to control how other people treat your carHow to StartThere are three popular services to choose from:GetaroundGetaround is a newer car renting platform.Getaround: Earn Money Sharing Your CarClick Here to Get DealMake extra moneySet up your own scheduleIncludes insurance and roadside assistanceMavenThis car-sharing service has a specific scope—GM cars.Earning PotentialDepending on schedule and availability, renting out your car can earn you around $500 a month .Scalability: HighTime commitment: LowRent Out Your HouseVacation rentals have become a popular way for people to travel. Renting out your home will capitalize on that trend—especially if your home is in a great location.ProsGuests can come and go without you needing to be there.Everything can be handled online.High earning potential for homes near convention centers or sports venues.ConsSome landlords do not allow tenants to list their units.Rowdy tenants may wreak havoc on your space.You'll need to invest time and money into making your space guest-friendly.How to StartFirst, you'll need to list your home on a short-term vacation rental site like Airbnb or VRBO. Set up a profile, share information about yourself, and verify your profile with a passport or driver's license. This reassures guests that you're legitimate.Airbnb will help you calculate a nightly rate based on the location, number of rooms, and other factors.Consider adding additional perks to help draw customers. Some suggestions are free Wi-Fi, coffee and tea, basic cooking essentials, and toiletries.Earning PotentialIn most big cities, a room in a house or apartment can go for around $100. An entire apartment can cost upwards of $200 a night. But that doesn't include cleaning fees or the percentage that the platform takes.All things considered, you can earn around $1,000 a month for renting out your entire home or apartment. However, where you live and your living space will factor into the price you can command.Scalability: HighTime commitment: LowSome cities have rules and regulations against renting your property out. In New York City, for example, you cannot rent out your home for shorter than 30 days unless you are present during your guests' stay. (1) (2)Data EntryData entry jobs are easy work-from-home opportunities. These positions work best for people who thoroughly understand Microsoft Office and don't mind excessive typing. All you need is a computer and a Wi-Fi connection.ProsNearly all data entry jobs can be done remotelyMultiple websites and platforms to choose fromOpen to anyone with access to a computerConsFast typing skills are needed to make it a cost-effective jobYou may be required to take a typing testSome data entry jobs do not pay wellHow to StartSeveral websites connect companies with freelancers. Check out these popular examples:FlexjobsPopular for data entry jobsSigTrackCross-check petition signatures with voter registration recordsMicroworkersQuick, brief tasksCertain large companies will directly hire remote freelancers to do data entry work. These include:Birch Creek CommunicationsWork as a remote contractor to finish data entry jobs involving transcription, data processing, and market research.DionData SolutionsThis company provides data services to government agencies and other organizations.Capital TypingFreelancers are hired as independent contractors to perform data and clerical services.But most employers will pay per job, not per hour. To make the most money, you will have to work fast.Scalability: LowTime commitment: MediumIf the opportunity requires you to pay money in advance or buy anything in advance, it's a scam. Be careful when choosing a data entry job website.Resume and Cover Letter WritingIf you have experience hiring people or working in human resources, editing resumes and cover letters might be a good fit for a side hustle.Having insight into what makes a resume stand out from the crowd will give you an advantage.ProsCan be done remotelyThose with HR experience will have an advantageThese services are always in demandConsCan be time-consuming for the amount of money you will earnYou may need a webcam if you want to Skype with your clientsEarnings may stagnate if you don't expand your business to higher-level clientsHow to StartThere are a few ways to start this side hustle.First, you can look for freelance jobs through remote websites like Upwork or Fiverr. On Upwork, employers and people will list jobs for hourly or flat-rate fees.Second, try to network and build clientele through local Facebook community groups, Nextdoor, or Craigslist. Parents and students on those platforms may be more open to hiring someone from their own community.Consider offering free services initially to grow your clientele and build word-of-mouth support.Earning PotentialResume writers working with college students and young adults tend to charge around $100 for their services. People working with higher-level clients can charge far more.Wages will also be higher for people working in metropolitan areas, where there is more demand and more clientele.It's important to remember that pricing will affect how people perceive your services. Don't undervalue what you offer.A domain name is like internet real estate. As the internet grows, they become more and more valuable.Selling and reselling domains is one of the easiest side hustles you can do from the comfort of your own home. You can get a large return on your investment if you have a good eye for potentially popular domains.ProsLow-effort side hustle with potentially high rewardCan buy a large quantity of domains upfrontCan sell domains for a significant markup priceConsNeed a good eye for potentially popular domain namesNeed cash upfront to buy domains usually $15 or moreCursory knowledge of building websites requiredHow to StartStart by making a list of potential domains. You'll want to keep your focus narrow: Think of topics you have an interest in. In-depth knowledge of specific fields will give you a better idea of what people will be looking for.Once you have your list, check if the domains are available by clicking here. You can use this website to compare prices for similar domains.Once you have the domain, you'll want to make sure people can find it. Make sure your landing page has contact information and a place for people to place an offer.Earning PotentialBuying the domain names will cost you as little as $15. You can sell them for $400–$500, depending on demand. Some domains sell for $5,000–$10,000.There are plenty of domain name options out there: .com, .app, .biz, and .info, to name a few. Typically, domain names with a .com ending will be more in demand.Scalability: HighTime commitment: MediumIf you have experience doing payroll and running numbers, working as a freelance bookkeeper for businesses can be quite lucrative.Before you start, think about what types of services you will be offering to clients. Being as specific as possible will help set clear expectations.ProsCan be done anywhere, anytimeRoom to grow, especially with word-of-mouth referralsSteady income (over time)ConsRates vary depending on your area and clientsUpfront costs of bookkeeping software or certificationsMight need to work for free when starting outDifficult if you do not already have this skill setHow to StartYou'll most likely need accounting or CPA software like QuickBooks. Also, consider seeking out certifications to show clients that you are legitimate.One way to get started is to introduce yourself to CPAs locally or online and see if they will refer you to their clients.You can also use online freelancing platforms, like Upwork or Fiverr.Earning PotentialYou can earn between $20 and $50 an hour. Your rate will depend on whether you charge hourly or bill at a flat rate. In most cases, you'll want to bill hourly to ensure fair payment.Consider calling local bookkeeping agencies to ask what they charge for various services. This will help give you an idea of where to set your rate.Keep in mind that rates will vary depending on the area and clients you service. When you first get started, you'll have to be willing to compromise on your rate.Scalability: LowTime commitment: MediumFlipping ItemsWith this side hustle, you buy items and resell them online using sites like Amazon or eBay. It will likely require a lot of driving around. You'll need to go to garage sales across your city and have a good eye for valuable items.ProsFun for those who like "treasure hunting"ConsNeed an eye for high-quality productsA fair amount of driving is requiredEasy to lose money if you don't know the market wellHow to StartYou'll need to find local garage sales and estate sales. Most of these take place on weekend mornings, so you'll want to get there early to beat the crowds.Always target wealthier neighborhoods in your area to increase the odds that you'll find something valuable.Do research on how much certain items are worth. Consider how much money you may need for any renovations and whether they're worth the cost.You can use places like Craigslist, Free Stuff, and Facebook groups that give away free items to get free products and flip them for money.Earning PotentialIf you buy and resell items, expect to earn anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 a month. The amount of money you earn will depend heavily on what you sell.Scalability: HighTime commitment: HighFreelance Your Current JobThis option works especially well for anyone in IT, writing/editing, social media, and teaching.ProsAlready have the skills you needYou can charge higher rates because of your experienceConsDoing more of the same work might feel monotonousPositions might not be remoteHow to StartThe two most popular sites for freelancing are Upwork and Fiverr.Earning PotentialThe earning potential for this side hustle will depend on your industry.If you're working in IT, for example, you can easily charge $100 an hour, depending on your experience and area of expertiseIf you're working in writing and editing, you can expect to earn anywhere from $25 to $50 an hour, depending on your experience.Scalability: LowTime commitment: MediumVirtual AssistantVirtual assistants (VAs) do everything from running social media accounts and websites to scheduling appointments.If you have a wide range of skills and are looking for a flexible side hustle, this job may be a good fit for you. Plus, many people turn this side hustle into a full-time job.ProsRoom for growthNo highly specialized skills necessaryWork remotelyMake your own scheduleConsWorking from home can be difficult and distractingNo paid vacations and/or paid sick daysSetting a rate can be tricky.Upwork/Fiverr take a percentage of your earningsKeep a few things in mind when setting your rates:VAs are not employees. Be aware of how this affects your rates and which tax forms you'll use.You will not have any of the benefits of a full-time employee, like paid sick days or health insurance benefits.Overhead expenses, like website maintenance or any membership fees for programs you use, are your responsibility.Earning PotentialVirtual Assistants usually make $12 - $18 per hourScalability: LowTime commitment: MediumIf you're tech-savvy, our list of the best money making apps is worth checking out. With the right app, you earn extra income straight from your phone.Start a Dropshipping BusinessEcommerce stores are super popular nowadays. And you can set up an online shop easily with dropshipping. Basically, you let a third party handle inventory and shipment. Just transfer the customer's orders and shipment details to someone else to ship out. The third party is usually the manufacturer, another retailer, or a wholesaler.As long as you have a reliable supplier, dropshipping is a profitable and low-risk business model.ProsLess riskVery little overhead costWork remotelyMake your own scheduleScalableConsLow profit marginsInventory issuesShipping can get complicatedHow to StartFind a nicheResearch competitor's productsWork with a reputable dropshipping supplierBuild your online storeEarning PotentialHow much you'll earn depends on the retail price and how much you sell.Scalability: HighTime commitment: HighWhat's your top motivation for starting a side hustle?The most obvious reason to start a side hustle is money. You can use the extra cash to boost your savings, pay off existing debt, or even take a well-deserved vacation.But a side gig comes with other benefits, too. These include:Peace of MindMost of our financial futures are tied to our jobs. But a side hustle can make you less dependent on that one source of income. This can reduce stress if disaster strikes.Acquire New SkillsNew jobs bring new responsibilities. Side hustles give you a chance to learn new skills or sharpen the ones you already have.Improved ProspectsYou never know where your next opportunity lies. Some side hustles—like becoming a virtual assistant—can develop into full-time jobs later.Explore new placesTime to save up for a vacation that's just a few months away.Destroy any debtImagine if you had an extra $500 - $1,500 per month to put towards it.Build a better cushion for your retirement fundHave you crunched numbers and realized that you need to add a few hundred more each month to your nest egg? All the more reason to find a side hustle.How to Start a Side HustleAre you set on starting a side hustle? Good, here are a few important moves to start a side hustle today:Brainstorm what you're interested in - Write a list of things that make you "tick." Being passionate about your side hustles will motivate you to stick with them.Decide how much money you may need to invest - Will you need a web hosting platform, branding, marketing, or other tools? What if your business grows and attracts more customers? Figure out your potential spending before you start.Make sure there are no conflicts of interest with your day job - It might be a good idea to work a side hustle with connections to your regular job.Carve out time for your new gig - Things get busy. So you'll need to schedule time for your goals. Maybe start with 3 evenings a new week for your side hustle.Don't forget about your day job - This is a big one. Be sure to focus on your day job when they're there. You still need a check from your employer before you get the side hustle off the ground.Balancing between a day job and a side hustle can be challenging. If you're in the market for a less time-consuming or flexible side hustle, here are odd jobs you can try out.What Experts SayMaking a living isn't always glamorous. Lots of people are afraid of getting stuck in unfulfilling jobs.In an unpredictable job market, you don't have to go it alone. As part of our series on gig work and employment, CreditDonkey asked a panel of industry experts to answer some of readers' most pressing questions:How should people manage a full-time job and side hustle without getting burned out?How do you find your purpose and do what you love?Could gig work put an end to traditional employment?How is the gig economy changing the workforce?What jobs are the happiest?What will the future of work look like?Here's what they said:How is the gig economy changing the workforce?Markie KeelanCareer and Life Coach at Growing SelfThe gig economy is changing the workforce in multiple different ways. The first way, is that it's giving people more opportunity to change the ... (Continue reading)How should people manage a full time job and side hustle without getting burned out?Joseph MazzolaAssociate Professor of Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Meredith CollegeDoing a full-time job and side hustle is definitely a recipe for burnout. Research shows that those working 50-60 hours per work routinely are ... (Continue reading)What jobs are the happiest?Michelle GomezThe Latina Life & Career Coach, Author, Speaker, Coach and Founder and CEO of Michelle Gomez Coaching, LLC.The answer is a bit layered. It really depends on the season that someone is in within their life. (Continue reading)Jenn DeWallCareer and Life CoachThe first thing I would say it depends on the type of person you are. Are you a person that derives happiness by liking what you do? Or do you ... (Continue reading)How do you find your purpose and do what you love?Wendi WeinerAttorney and Career Expert at The Writing GuruDiscovering your purpose and what you love doing isn't always easy. Sometimes we are pushed into different directions. (Continue reading)Could gig work put an end to traditional employment?Angela HeathCEO of TKC IncorporatedI do not believe we will see the end of traditional employment. Sweeping corporate change happens over long periods of time. Many corporate ... (Continue reading)What will the future of work look like?Mary AbbajayPresident of Careerstone Group and author of "Managing Up"I think that the gig economy is here to stay. I think that for a couple reasons. I think once we get through our current recession, I think that ... (Continue reading)Bottom LineSide hustles are a great opportunity for full- or part-time workers to supplement their income and develop additional skills.Consider your schedule, what upfront costs you can afford, and how much work you're willing to put into it. It may take some time for your side hustle to be lucrative, so be patient.Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.Subject to background check and availabilityWhat tools or resources do you have that you want to use for your side hustle? 85% Laptop or Computer 8% Car 2% Bicycle or Motorcycle 5% Spare room or house Source: CreditDonkeyHow many hours per week are you willing to dedicate to a side hustle? 67% Less than 10 hours a week 12% 10 to 20 hours a week 8% 20 to 30 hours a week 12% 30+ hours a week Source: CreditDonkey. Totals may not add to 100% due to rounding.What's your top motivation for starting a side hustle? 100% Extra income Source: CreditDonkeyMake money and build wealth. Sign up to get our FREE email newsletter.Payday loan apps can let you borrow up to $750 without a credit check. And most of them are free. So what's the catch?
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