Repeat after me: The money I need will be available to me once I choose to go after it.
I love the debt free community! I love the inspiration they share about their own success and I love the tips they provide about money management. And I absolutely love that they are the people who “get it” when you are going against society to reach your financial goals.
However, there are a few things I dislike about the debt free community and personal finance bloggers. I don’t like that many paint extreme tactics such as never going to restaurants for a year as the only way to pay off debt quickly. I don’t like that they sometimes shame you for indulging in life’s simple luxuries now and then that help make life enjoyable. And I absolutely can’t stand that a majority of them constantly tell you places to cut back in your budget so you can pay off more debt. The reality is that many people really CANNOT cut back anymore than they already have. Hell, many are just trying to figure out how to pay their electric bill before it’s cut off and find the gas money to make it to work for the week. And that’s after they’ve already cut out cable, fast food, and having a social life.
I think many bloggers in the debt free community sometimes forget that others need to focus on how to make more money instead of how to cut back. What they need are suggestions on how to make more money when they have very little time. And those that do, only seem to suggest the same things. I mean, how many times do you need to be told that Uber, and Ibotta are great ways to make extra money? And I think we already know that blogging is a great side hustle, but it’s not for every one and it takes a lot of time before you see your first $100.
So I decided to take a different approach. I’ve decided it’s time to give you a list of ways to make side money whether you are trying to become debt free or make more money to go on a nice vacation. However, this list provides no gimmicks, no get rich quick schemes and no mention of signing up to sell Mary Kay, starting a blog or driving Uber. Just honest to goodness ways to make money when you have a tight schedule. Some of the suggestions on this list may not work for every one, and they may be no brainers. However, I truly hope it offers some constructive help for those struggling to find ways to make more money when you are short on time.
It’s possible to make money on the side that doesn’t involved selling Mary Kay, CBD Oil or starting a blog.
- Offer services on Fiverr
Fiverr is the freelance marketplace in which you can offer a number of services starting at $5. While I haven’t used it to make money, I have purchased services from the site before and I haven’t been disappointed. You can offer to do a number of things from creating memes, to helping people draft their fantasy football team.
2. Take Advantage of Referral links
Do you know there’s a reason why bloggers keeps suggesting the same apps over and over. It’s not just because they are fans of them. It’s because of referral links. Every time someone takes their suggestion and signs up through a link they’ve provided, they get paid. For example, Ibotta pays $5 for every referral. There’s no reason why you can’t do the same without a blog. The next time you suggest shopping on Zulily, using ThredUp or any other store make sure you use a referral link. Stick it in your email or text signatures and see what happens.
2. Buy domains
I don’t personally have experience doing this but it’s something I’ve always thought about. I’ve heard there is certainly money to be made from buying domains and flipping it for a profit. I just did a search for jerseygurl.com and noticed the owner is selling it for $3,000. Chances are the current owner bought it for no more than $15. Another domain was being sold for $69.
3. Sell on Teespring
We all know t shirts with catchy phrases are all the rage. Why not make some money from it? I’ve made my fair share of t-shirts on Teespring. Without any design knowledge or marketing, I’ve made about $75 from a single campaign. Granted its not much money. However, should you actually put a few hours a week into, I think it certainly holds some earning potential.
4. Sell on Zazzle
I sell products on the promotional site, Zazzle. I don’t treat it like a part time job, so I can’t exactly call it one but I do get some money from it here and there. All it takes is turning a few great vacation photos into some promotional items such as a keychains and post cards.
5. Become a fitness instructor
I cannot sing enough praise about being a fitness instructor. It offers a flexible schedule and doesn’t require a crazy financial investment to get started. For example, I teach one hour Zumba classes a few nights a week. Depending on your experience and location you can make up to $45 per one hour class. Most classes seem to start around $20 to $30 per class. And getting licensed to teach costs about $250 and takes a one day 8-hour training session. Not only is it a great part time job, but it’s a great way to stay in shape. Definitely a win-win situation.
5. Be a brand ambassador
If you like talking to new people, raving about products or attending new events, being a part time brand ambassador may be for you. Being a brand ambassador involves being the face of a particular company or product for a specific amount of time – usually 2 to 6 hours for a day. As people come by you usually provide a few facts about the product, pass out samples and take a few photos. I’ve been doing it for a few years and have made several extra thousand dollars per year – sometimes even an extra $1,000 per month. The company I do brand ambassador work with is based in NJ. However, there are several national companies to sign up with such as All Aces Promotions or Push Models.
6. open the gym
I don’t mean you should literally open a gym as a business. I mean be the gym opener and work the front desk in the morning. For years my, husband and I would work the opening shift at the gym from 4:30 am to 8:30 am right before the day job. Not only did we make some extra cash but we got a free gym membership as well.
7. Teach english to children online using VipKid
If you have a degree and speak English Fluently, you could be a candidate for VipKid. Vipkid is a platform in which you teach English to children in China. I haven’t done it myself, but I’m in the process of signing up and have read promising reviews such as this one. According to reviews, Vipkid pays $7-$9 per 25 minute class. I’ll be sure to update once I finalize the hiring process.
8. Delivery driver for your local pizza restaurant
I know being a delivery driver isn’t new, but I really think people underestimate the benefit. Sure it’s not a high paying job, but it’s got flexible hours. One man was able to pay off $45,000 in debt thanks to his pizza delivery job. If the pizza place doesn’t tickle your fancy, check out delivery gigs for Ubereats or Amazon.
9. Be a chauffeur
Don’t underestimate the amount of people who need rides to and from the airport or even a limo for a fancy date night. As long as you aren’t diabetic(many limo companies don’t hire diabetics) and have a clean driving record, being a chauffeur could be right up your alley.
10. Walk dogs
Another one I haven’t tried, but would if I was good with animals. Rover.com allows you to make money from walking dogs. According to this page, you can make $1,000 a month if you treat it like a part time job and walk 40 dogs a month – or walk 1 to 2 dogs every night for the month. It’s not exactly feasible for me, but it might be a good idea for someone who goes for an hour jog everyday after work.
11. Write lists for Listverse
How many times have you read these lists from bloggers in which they suggest freelance writing but no concrete advice on who to write for? Well, here I’m giving you an example. You can write lists for Listverse and get paid $100 for each one they accept for publication. Think Buzzfeed type articles with real potential to go viral.
12. Customer Service from Home
Arise and LionBridge are two companies that offer customer service jobs amongst others you can do from home. While I can’t personally attest to it, the company was recommended by several friends and received great reviews. They require a commitment of ten hours per week. If you can squeeze that it in, it might be worth a shot.
13. Become a virtual assistant.
In the digital age, virtual assistants are hot right now. Professionals everywhere need assistance with tasks such as organizing their inbox, managing their social media accounts or booking appointments. Check taskrabbit, freelancer and upwork to find these gigs.
14. Stock merchandise
I know you didn’t expect to see a store clerk on this list, but it’s honest work that people often forget about it. Many stores need help during off hours long after they’ve closed with stocking shelves, cleaning up and running inventory checks. It may not be glamorous, but the hours may be perfect for a stay at home mom looking to bring in some extra cash at night.
And there you have it – my list of 14 legitimate jobs to bring in extra money. No, it’s not the most innovative or trendy list. But I hope it gives you a solid foundation of some places to start looking and hope that you can make extra money without starting a blog or selling with It Works if you don’t want to.
Have you tried doing any of the jobs listed? What have you tried to bring in extra cash?
TERRIfic Words – If it costs your peace of mind, its too expensive.
Good ideas. However, the one about not being about to drive with Diabetes made me a little sad (and that’s not your faut). My son is 12 and has Type 1 Diabetes and as long as his sugars are stable, I’m hoping he will be able to drive and do anything he wants. I’m going to send your link to one of my writers who is looking for extra work. The Listverse one is perfect for her.
Author
HI Nancy. Granted I don’t know your son’s situation, but I see no reason why your son wouldn’t be able to drive. The comment about diabetes was in relation to a relative of mine who wanted to drive limos part time. Unfortunately, many limo companies find diabetics to be a liability due to possibility of fainting under low blood sugar, etc. Though my relative had a license, he found it difficult to find a limo company to hire him because of diabetes. However, he was able to find a company to hire him – diabetes and all – and has been driving with the company for years. That being said I wish you and your son well. Something tells me he’s gonna do just fine.
I agree with you I definitely need to know how to make more money with what I already have. Your list is good! I had to bookmark
These are great Ideas but why do I need someone to do at least 5 of these things for me. I dont any additional time after working my job and my blog is full time as well.
Great list! I have not tried any of these but I noticed an increase of people I knpw becoming part time Zumba teachers. Cant knock the hustle!
You have some really great options here that I never evens considered. I love the idea of flipping domains. I can definitely see a great profit in that for those that may have high demand.
This is a great list. I love the open the gym idea. I would definitely do that if they had a shift that started once my kids are in school in the mornings.
This is a great list! I feel like everyone always goes towards Blogging or MLM to make money but these are great suggestions
Great suggestions. I’m always looking for more ways to earn extra cash because you really can’t always count on blogging.
Everyone has been raving about the teaching english abroad via an online method. I am in the process of trying to get approval for this one. It seems worth it to me.
I like that you offered real suggestions. Things that people can do instead of telling them don’t do this and stop that. Your approach will reach more people in a positive way. Opening a gym is a great idea, I did not know that was a job. Great hours too.
Thanks for sharing these suggestions on making extra money in a realistic way! I think being the gym opener sounds pretty cool!
Some other things to consider…selling items you no longer use or want; house sitting; meal prep service (if you like cooking); resume writing or reviewing; pet sitting; tutoring; home organizer (think Marie Kondo); snow removal, renting out an extra room; teaching a skill you’re already great at; and because I personally love direct sales, I’m adding that too.
What ever you choose to do, do it with excellence and it will pay very well.