With inflation still making it harder for many people to stretch their income, you might be thinking about ways to make a little extra cash.
NerdWallet has put together a list of 25 practical ways to make money from home, online, or out in the world. Each option includes details on how to get started, age requirements, and how quickly you can expect to be paid. While it’s tempting to focus on the faster-paying gigs, don’t overlook the “slower” options—they often pay off better over time.
How to Earn Money Online
1. Try Freelance Work Online
Make money online using websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. These sites offer various freelance jobs, from writing, programming, and design to marketing, data entry, and virtual assistant work. If you’re fluent in another language, try translation sites like Gengo or Blend Express. Whatever your freelance skill, check the going rates so you know what to charge. For instance, some freelancers earn up to $100 an hour for writing jobs.
2. Test Websites and Apps
Get paid for giving feedback on websites and apps with UserTesting.com. After a quick screening test, you’re eligible for paid opportunities.
3. Learn to Use AI Tools
With AI rapidly growing, now is a great time to earn money by using AI tools. Some AI side hustles include integrating AI for digital products, editing AI-generated content, and teaching others how to use AI tools.
4. Take Surveys for Money
Earn a little extra from home by taking surveys on sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. These platforms typically offer gift cards rather than cash, so manage expectations.
5. Make Money From Blogging with Affiliate Links
If you run a blog with decent traffic, consider joining an affiliate network. Bloggers get paid when readers click through their links and make purchases on partner sites.
6. Sell Crafts on Etsy
If you make crafts like woodworking, jewelry, or pottery, Etsy is a popular site for selling handmade items.
7. Self-Publish an E-book
You can publish your own book on Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing and earn up to 70% of the sale price as royalties.
8. Earn Ad Revenue on Your Blog or YouTube Channel
With a big enough audience, you can earn money from ads on YouTube or your blog. YouTube requires at least 1,000 subscribers for ad revenue, while blogs can use Google’s AdSense platform for earnings.
9. Become an Instagram Influencer
If you have a strong following on Instagram, you could make money promoting products.
10. Monetize Your Twitch Channel
If you enjoy gaming, a steady Twitch following could help you earn money from donations, subscriptions, and ad revenue.
11. Sell Your Photography
Photographers can sell prints and merchandise featuring their photos on sites like Fine Art America or SmugMug.
How to Earn Money from Home
12. Walk Dogs with Rover or Wag
If you enjoy dogs, apps like Rover and Wag connect you with dog-walking jobs in your area.
13. Sell Unused Gift Cards
Trade in unused or partially used gift cards on websites like CardCash, which offers up to 92% of the card’s value.
14. Rent Out Your Spare Room on Airbnb
Renting out your home or a spare room on Airbnb can generate extra income, but check rental agreements or HOA rules before starting.
How to Earn Money Offline
15. Sell Gently Used Clothes
Selling clothes you no longer need is a quick way to make some money. Try local consignment shops for faster sales or online sites like ThredUp and Poshmark.
16. Trade in Old Electronics for Cash
Sell old electronics like phones and laptops on Swappa, Gazelle, or Facebook Marketplace.
17. Get a Babysitting Job
Babysitting is a popular job for people of all ages. Start with word-of-mouth referrals, or create a profile on Care.com or Sittercity.
18. Rent Out Your Car
If your car isn’t used regularly, consider renting it through services like Getaround or Turo.
19. Sign Up for TaskRabbit
If you enjoy helping people with various tasks, TaskRabbit connects you with people who need help with everything from moving to delivery services.
20. Become a Private Tutor
If you’re knowledgeable in subjects like math, science, or languages, tutoring can be a rewarding side gig.
21. Drive for Uber or Lyft
Join Uber or Lyft to earn by driving passengers. You’ll need an eligible car and must pass a background check.
22. Deliver for Amazon, Uber Eats, or Instacart
Make deliveries through services like Instacart, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash, or Amazon Flex.
23. Work as a Housesitter
If you’re responsible, housesitting can be a low-stress way to make extra money.
24. Become a Mystery Shopper
Sign up with sites like IntelliShop, BestMark, or Sinclair Customer Metrics to provide businesses with feedback on their customer service.
25. Use Your Drone to Make Money
Drone photography and video are in demand, especially for real estate listings and aerial mapping. You’ll need to pass a test and register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Be Aware of Scams
The internet is full of opportunities for making money online and at home, but not all are legitimate. Avoid offers that ask for upfront fees, Social Security numbers, or financial information. To confirm if an opportunity is legitimate, check reviews on forums like Reddit or look up the company on the Better Business Bureau’s website.
This list includes real options for earning extra money. Just take the time to find what works best for you.
