5 Ideas for Making Extra Money

Finding ways to make a little extra cash is a way to pay for splurge items for some people, but for others it is a way of life and making ends meet. Whether you’re looking for extra income ideas to fund something fun, pay off debt, handle bills, or anything else we’ve put together a fun list of possibilities for you to consider!

Freelance Services

Freelancing has never been easier with the plethora of available websites that allow you to post your services, book clients, and even collect payment for your work. Not sure which services you would offer? Consider these easy to start side income ideas that can be done from home:

• Proofreading
• Copywriting
• Content Creation
• Social Media Management  
• Web Development

Consider the following side hustles that are service oriented:

• Interior Design
• Professional Organization
• Home Cleaning
• Yard Work
• Grocery Shopping
• Meal Prepping
• Personal Training

Relying on apps to help you book jobs can be a great way to gain exposure and meet new potential clients. However, grassroots efforts like social media connections through Facebook and Next Door can be a great addition to presence on sites like Upwork that are centered around booking jobs via freelancing and sometimes more reliable.¹ Keep in mind that some services, like personal training for example, could require a certification depending on your state of residence. Stretch those hustle muscles and build a business that can help you through tough times or help you get ahead financially while having a little fun!

Get Paid for Helping Pets

Fur babies are the best, but if you’re on the fence about getting a little one of your own a great place to start while earning extra cash is pet sitting or dog walking.² You can even start a business giving pets baths and freshening them up for their owners! Another great opportunity is to offer pet sitting services.  Sites like Rover can help you connect with potential customers. If you love pets, this may feel like an easy way to make side money.

Virtual Assisting

Being a virtual assistant³ is a great way to bring in extra income or create a full-time job. The startup costs are minimal even if you want to launch a full-scale operation, and you can do the work from anywhere that has an internet connection. I used to have a virtual assistant that lived halfway around the world and another that lived on the other side of the country. As a virtual assistant you can handle all sorts of tasks depending on your skillset—from simply answering emails to helping with marketing initiatives. You can use the opportunity to also learn more about different companies when you work with them to perhaps find a full-time position. You can find opportunities on Facebook or through networking, typically. Going to a few local networking events for small business owners can quickly help you build your business.

Drive for Dollars

The road to extra cash might be sitting in your driveway!⁴ If you have a reliable car, you may be able to make the income you need from either driving for a rideshare service or delivering goods to customers. Uber and Lyft are the tried-and-true options for rideshare work, and apps like Uber Eats and Door Dash are popular for food delivery. You can work on your own schedule and get payouts rather quickly. Driving for dollars is a great way to supplement your income and can be picked up or stopped as needed, making this one of the simple side hustles you can start quickly and easily.

Creativity Can Equal Cash

If you’re artistic, you can create an additional stream of income⁶ by selling your work! If you are a maker, you can sell your work on sites like Etsy. If you’re a photographer, you can sell your photographs or even start a photography business. Taking family pictures is not only a great way to earn money on the side, but it’s a fun and rewarding experience! Prefer digital art? Graphic design work is never in short supply if you have the skillset.

No matter the side hustle you choose these ideas for making extra money can help you cover costs month after month. If you find yourself in a jam, however, CheckSmart is available to help. We have various loan options available (depending on your state of residence) that can help you with the funds you need to handle expenses that pop up from time to time. If you need help creating a budget that can make it easier to stay on track, check out our guide to budgeting!

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