7 Side Hustles to Make Extra Money
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Current situation: Your finances are out of wack because, life. You either need to make more or cut spending. Story of my life. If cutting spending is just too basic for you, check out my side hustle ideas.
No, I'm not talking about the dolphin, although I love that movie! I wonder if I can watch it free on streaming? Ok, focus! A flipper is someone that buys stuff that is way undervalued and then resells it. If you have an eye for nice or niche things, this could be right up your alley. Sometimes people just give things away on social marketplaces like craigslist or Facebook. If you can see what they didn't - that priceless vintage piece that it is - snag it up and sell it for more!
Also try shopping local thrift stores and garage sales. If you make it a point to do this frequently, you will be surprised at the gems you will find. Plus, the people watching is on-point! And don't underestimate decluttering your own house to find items to sell.
Here are some products that are often undervalued and could end up adding a little extra cash in your pocket if you resell:1
If you don't know the monetary value of an interesting item, just ask. "OK Google!" By looking up different items people give away - or throw away - you could earn yourself some cash. With a little research and a keen eye for inventory, you can get ready for some extra moolah coming your way!
Okay, hustler. There are LOADS of companies that empower individuals to represent their business, all while you choose when and how much time you spend working. Work your own hours and be your own boss? I dig it.
Don't know a stranger and enjoy driving? Check out Uber and Lyft.
Love being around food and making people smile? Try food deliver services such as DoorDash and Postmates.
Do you like to shop? Instacart allows you to shop for other people and deliver their goods.
Are make-up and beauty products totally your game? Look into companies like Rodan+Fields or classics like Mary Kay or Avon.
Do you love to cook and enjoy the latest baking gadgets? Pampered Chef is an oldie but goodie.
Are you handy with house projects? Enjoy working with your hands? Like some good ol' manual labor with heavy-lifting? Try your hand at TaskRabbit.
Would you believe there are tons of research companies that want to know your opinion; and they're willing to pay you for it? Well, there are. According to Making Sense of Cents, there are several companies that want you to test their products, be a secret shopper or take informational surveys, and they will pay you with a check, Paypal or gift cards. Signing up is free.
Do you have an extra room in your home or apartment? Maybe even an RV that you're willing to lease out? Airbnb allows you to list your room or area on their website without sign up charges, though they do charge host service fees.
You're responsible for:
Airbnb offers set up help, guest booking guidance, hosting support and each booking is covered with $1 million in property damage protection and $1 million in accident insurance.6, 7
Be your own boss. Create your rules. Choose your hours. Set your pay scale. Sounds pretty rad, right? Freelancers are definitely in demand as the corporate world is changing. Freelance opportunities include - but aren't limited to - writing, virtual assisting, photography, computer programming, marketing and sales.
Freelancers are usually paid per job and can negotiate pay based on experience and skills. You'll need to put your networking skills to work, but technology is definitely on your side. With job marketplace platforms online such as Guru, Upwork and Fiverr, looking for freelance work is easier than ever to pursue. Freelancing can be demanding on time and energy, so be sure to pick something that can be flexible with your other responsibilities.8
Pro Tip: Freelancing doesn't mean you're free from taxes (although, wouldn't that be neat?!) Money Under 30 gives some useful tips on how to deal come tax season. P.S. You may want to look into hiring a Certified Public Accountant.9
Do you have a hobby that you absolutely love? And ... you're quite good at it?
You can advertise your side hustle on craigslist, social marketplaces or the classified section of newspapers. Get more business by spreading the word through family and friends, and creating a social following.
Take a little time and ask yourself, "What's something I enjoy doing?" Then, research if it could be your new side hustle. The suggestions above could help you pay down some students loans, build a savings account, or get you the latest tech gadget. Good luck, hustler!
Sources:
1 Staff. (2017, April 2). 6 Things to Look For at Thrift Stores to Resell. Retrieved from Flipping Income: http://flippingincome.com/things-to-look-for-at-thrift-stores-to-resell/
2 Hardry, A. (2019, August 17). These 6 Stores Buy Used Clothes. Here's How to Get the Best Cash Offer. Retrieved from The Penny Hoarder: https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/make-money/side-gigs/sell-used-clothes/
3 Cipriani, J. (2019, October 31). Best Places to Sell Your Used Electronics in 2019. Retrieved from C-NET: https://www.cnet.com/how-to/best-places-to-sell-your-used-electronics-in-2019/
4 Hoyt, Bobby. (2019, January 18). How to Make a Full-Time Income Flipping Furniture from Home. Retrieved from Millennial Money Man: https://millennialmoneyman.com/how-to-make-a-full-time-income-flipping-furniture-from-home/
5 Schroeder-Gardner, M. (2015, May 11). 75+ Ways to Make Extra Money. Retrieved from Making Sense of Cents: https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2015/05/75-ways-to-make-extra-money.html
6 Hayes, A. (2018, May 18). Could Airbnb Pay Your Mortgage? Retrieved from Dough Roller: https://www.doughroller.net/earn-extra-income/airbnb-pay-mortgage/
7 Staff. (n.d.). How to Start Hosting. Retrieved from Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/d/setup
8 Muhammed, A. (2017, January 31). Why Now is the Best Time Ever to Become a Freelancer. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/abdullahimuhammed/2017/01/31/why-now-is-the-best-time-ever-to-become-a-freelancer/#697a85497b32
9 Carlozo, L. (2019, May 22). Got Freelance Income? 7 Money-Saving Tax Tips. Retrieved from Money Under 30: https://www.moneyunder30.com/taxes-for-freelancers
10 Cornelius, S. (2019, May 28). How to Become a Dog Sitter on Rover & Pet Sitting Business Tips. Retrieved from Canine Journal: https://www.caninejournal.com/how-to-become-a-dog-sitter-on-rover/