Getting a handle on your finances is an important aspect of living a financially free life. Most often, the emphasis is usually on cutting back expenses in order to make ends meet, but what if I told you there was another way? Yes, cutting back on expenses is a great place to start, but adding more money to your bottom line will not only give you the financial freedom you seek, it will also allow you the freedom to maintain your current lifestyle.
You don’t need a full-blown side-hustle to bring in extra cash each month. Here are 15 creative ways to make money that you haven’t thought of yet.
1. Sell things on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist is a great place to exchange goods and services and, for the most part, it is usually done for money. However, a little known fact is that Craigslist is also a great place to get freebies.
Whether someone is getting rid of something because they no longer have room for it or they have to abruptly leave their home, city, or state, there are some rare gems that you can resell for a decent return. The key is to look for free stuff on Craigslist that is currently selling on Craigslist or elsewhere. Some items will be in great shape, but if not, spruce it up and resell either on Craigslist, a flea market, or a garage sale.
If you have items in your home that you simply don’t use, it’s also a great way to declutter and make extra money and list them and try to sell them to other locals who will use them.
2. Sell your photos
Do you have a keen eye? Are your photos museum-worthy? Well, if you answered yes or no to any of those questions then you can sell your photos to stock photo agencies like Shutterstock, iStock, Adobe and other similar companies. It really doesn’t matter if you are a professional or novice; you still have the opportunity to make some money. Most work on a per download basis where you get paid a percentage every time someone downloads your picture.
3. Rent out a room
If you have a spare room in your living space and want to generate some side income, consider renting it out. Use Airbnb to put your home to work for you, whether you wish to rent out your entire home or a single room.
If you’ll be traveling a lot this year, rent out your home to make some money while you’re away that can help pay for all of those adventures. And don’t worry, there are security protections in place that help make this option less terrifying than most would think.
4. Sell your skills
Do you have skills that others would pay money for, like graphic design or editing? If so, sites like Task Rabbit and Thumbtack are great platforms to sell them. These aren’t only limited to those with creative skills; you can sell editing services, research services, typesetting, and the list goes on.
Starting a side-hustle takes both time and money, but starting with small, one-off projects is a great way to make money whenever you have some extra time.
5. Teach classes online
Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned professional, there is something that you are good at. I am stating this as fact because even if it’s something you have never gotten credit for, chances are you have a skill that others may find valuable. Using this skill to make some extra income is possible thanks to platforms like SkillShare, Udemy and Teachable.com. Many top experts use this as a lucrative way to earn passive income but you don’t have to be a top expert to take advantage of this option.
6. Become a field agent
You may think I’m talking about the FBI, but I am actually talking about the Field Agent app. You simply sign up for an account and do small tasks around town for different clients. Your task can range from checking prices at the local supermarket to conducting surveys. You get paid based on the assignment and you get to choose which you want to participate in.
7. Become a secret shopper
If you have a great memory, can pay attention to details, and report on what you see and experience, then making money as a secret shopper will be a cinch for you.
Becoming a secret shopper is as simple as you registering with a company that provides that service, then going undercover to different stores and reporting your experience as a customer. You are paid for your insight and while you are at it you can enjoy some free meals, traveling, and shopping. Not only are you earning money and perks, but you are also helping to set the tone for how real clients should be treated.
8. Offer to babysit for busy professionals
Babysitting may seem like an obvious place to start when wanting to make some extra money, and you may be thinking that you are not cut out to babysit, but here’s the twist: look for moms and dads who are busy professionals who have small children under five. They will most likely tell you that they don’t remember the last time they were able to enjoy a quiet night out. Offering your services to this niche population will not only be a lucrative undertaking, but an easy job to do as well because chances are you will be simply house-sitting as the children sleep. If you have extensive experience in child care, consider signing up for sites like Care.com where you can set your schedule of availability.
9. Give your opinion
When you were a child, you might remember your parents telling you to “mind your own business,” but as an adult taking heed to this advice can cost you. This is because you can get paid to mind other people’s business. There are companies that will pay you to participate in focus groups, phone surveys, online surveys, and even product trials.
11. Drive people around
You can really make a decent living becoming a driver for either Lyft or Uber. If a living isn’t what you are after, driving people around can still give you that needed boost in your finances by only working part-time, and when you find yourself with time to do so.
12. Get paid to listen
If you love music, you’ll love this gig. Simply head over to Slice the Pie and start reviewing unsigned artists and bands to earn some extra cash. Your payment per review is based on the quality of the reviews you turn out on the site, so it may take a little time to build up your reputation. But according to Slicethepie, “The better your review, the bigger the bonus payment.” The site also offers a referral program where if any of your friends sign up using your referral code and write reviews, then you’ll receive bonus payments for every review they submit.
13. Deliver meals
Join apps like GrubHub, Postmates, or Uber Eats and deliver to-go food on your free nights or weekends. You get the option to completely choose your own schedule and work when you have the time. The best part? Not having a car isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker. Depending on the city, you may be able to deliver with your bike or scooter too.
14. Clean our your closet
We’ve all stepped up to the consignment store counter to find out that the sweater from J.Crew we never had the chance to wear is only worth $3. Womp. By selling the clothes you no longer wear on apps like Poshmark, you have the freedom to set your price and wait. Bonus: Poshmark even provides the shipping label for you. If it doesn’t work out, you can always head back to your local consignment store or donate them to your nearest Goodwill.
15. Become a dog walker
Sign up with sites like Fetch or Wag! to walk dogs or care for pets and earn some extra cash. Sign on at your convenience and help out local pooches whose owners are stuck at work or out of town on business. If the apps don’t service your area, contact local grooming and boarding to let them know you are available for pet sitting or dog walking.
