12 Ways To Make Extra Cash
From online teaching to selling your gently used stuff on the internet, there are plenty of ways to make extra cash. Whether you’re trying to cover monthly expenses or you’re looking for ways to pay down debt faster, here are 12 ways you can add to your income.
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Ways to make money online
1. Online tutoring
If you’re particularly knowledgeable in a particular subject, you can make some extra cash by tutoring students. This is a job that could be done online or in person. Available opportunities and how much you make may depend on prior teaching experience.
You can find online gigs by signing up on sites like Care.com and Tutor.com. You can also reach out to local schools and colleges to find opportunities. Keep in mind that some schools may require you to be licensed before you can work as a tutor there.
- Estimated pay: The national average pay for an online tutor is $25 per hour.
- What to know: You may need to join and/or get certified as a tutor with organizations such as the National Tutoring Association in order to establish yourself and attract more opportunities.
- Requirements: You may need to submit to a background check and meet educational requirements, such as having a bachelor’s degree or other certifications.
2. Sell stock photos
If you’re already doing photography as a hobby in your spare time, why not make some money off of it? Consider selling your photographs as stock images on sites such as Depositphotos and Shutterstock, where people can purchase your photos and use them.
You could also upload your photos on websites like Fine Art America and sell them on T-shirts, mugs and tote bags.
- Estimated pay: How much you make will depend on the quality of and demand for your photos.
- What to know: When and how much you get paid will depend on the platform you choose to work with.
- Requirements: You’ll need to be sure you have the right to sell the photos you plan to submit. You may also need photo editing software and camera equipment, which can be pricey.
3. Transcribe audio
Fast typing skills and attention to detail could land you a side gig transcribing audio. In fact, if you have other skills and experience — like in the medical or legal field — or you can speak more than one language, you’ll be even more marketable as a transcriptionist. This job would allow you to work from home and on your own schedule.
Sites like TranscribeMe, SpeakWrite and Transcript Divas employ transcribers of all backgrounds and skills. As an audio transcriber, you may have to work on anything from phone calls and video files to PDFs.
- Estimated pay: TranscribeMe pays $15 to $22 per audio hour, while Transcript Divas pays an average of $1.23 per minute of recording. Payment may be much higher or lower depending on the platform.
- What to know: Audio transcription jobs offer flexibility; you can choose when you work. Keep in mind, however, that if you don’t have prior experience or expertise in certain fields, you may not make much money at first.
- Requirements: You’ll need access to equipment such as headphones and a computer. Some companies may require you to pass a typing and accuracy test when applying for a job.
4. Participate in user testing
If you’re interested in giving feedback and learning how websites and apps work, consider applying at sites such as UserTesting and UserZoom. Companies pay sites like these to get access to feedback from their target audiences regarding the experience on their website, app or product.
When working for these sites, you’ll record yourself interacting with the client’s website and providing feedback according to your experience.
- Estimated pay: How much you get paid for user testing will depend on which site you work for and how long the testing process is. With UserZoom, for example, online surveys commonly pay between $2 and $10 each.
- What to know: You may need to pass a sample test before you are approved for user testing.
- Requirements: You’ll need internet access and certain equipment such as a laptop or computer, smartphone and tablet. You may also need a microphone and a way to record video.
Ways to make money off your home and belongings
5. Sell old clothes online
Many online platforms make it especially easy to sell everything from clothes to furniture to baby gear. The higher the quality and the more popular the brands you are selling, the more income you have the potential to make.
Here are few sites to consider:
Before committing to a particular site, however, be sure to check for any fees you may have to pay to sell on the platform. Those that don’t charge fees may require more upfront work on your end.
- Estimated pay: How much you make on these sites depends on the quality and demand of what you’re selling.
- What to know: Some platforms may charge you a fee for each purchase. For instance, Poshmark charges a $2.95 flat fee for sales under $15 and a 20% fee for any sales above $15.
- Requirements: Items must be new or gently used, and some companies — such as thredUP — may inspect items for quality.
6. Sell unwanted electronics
Got old cellphones and long-abandoned tablets lying around, collecting dust and taking up space? Instead, you can turn those tech relics into some quick cash by selling them.
Decluttr provides near-instant quotes for your items. They’ll take everything from CDs, DVDs and games off your hands, provide free shipping, then pay you quickly after the items have been inspected. Gazelle and Swappa are other popular sites that follow a similar model.
- Estimated pay: The quality and value of what you’re selling will determine how much you’ll make.
- What to know: Payment for the electronics you send in may depend on how quickly the item sells.
- Requirements: The products you’re selling should be in relatively good shape and still work. You may have to provide proof that any old cell phones you turn in are not stolen and aren’t under a payment plan.
7. Rent out your car
If you work remotely and don’t leave your home often, you may consider renting out your vehicle. Instead of you driving around people via Lyft or Uber, apps such as Getaround and Turo allow you to rent out your vehicles instead.
You can rent out your car by the hour or by the day. Keep in mind, however, that these apps may pocket a portion of the cost to cover your vehicle for insurance. How much they deduct from your pay depends on the level of coverage you want.
- Estimated pay: Turo estimates that the average annual income of renting out one car is around $10,516.
- What to know: When you rent out your car for someone else to drive, you run the risk of damage to your vehicle. The speed with which you’re paid will also depend on the platform you use.
- Requirements: Not only will you need to own your vehicle, but it must meet age and maintenance requirements designated by the platform.
8. Rent out your home
If you have an extra bedroom or travel often, posting your home on Airbnb could help offset your expenses. This could be particularly lucrative if you live in an area that draws a lot of tourism.
However, renting out your home means that you may have to spend extra time and money cleaning the place. You also may risk possible damage to your home or violating your lease or homeowners association (HOA) agreement.
- Estimated pay: Airbnb hosts typically make an average of $13,800 per year.
- What to know: Airbnb will collect a 3% flat rate fee for each booking. You’ll typically get paid within 24 hours after your guest checks in.
- Requirements: Before listing your home to Airbnb, be sure to check for local ordinances around renting out your home. If you don’t own your home, you’ll also need to check your lease agreement.
Ways to make money outside your home
9. Babysitting or pet sitting
Whether it’s someone’s fur baby or human child, watching over someone’s loved one while they’re away could be a lucrative side gig for those looking to make extra money. Aside from networking within your own personal circle, you can also use sites such as Rover (for pets) and Sittercity (for children) to find potential jobs.
Believe it or not, even virtual babysitting exists. The Babysitting Company, for example, offers digital singalongs, meditation, dance, story time and more in addition to in-person care.
- Estimated pay: On average, babysitters make about $18.50 per hour with Sittercity, while pet sitters make around $16 per hour.
- What to know: Babysitters and pet sitters typically get paid after they’ve finished the job for a price agreed upon ahead of time.
- Requirements: Depending on who you’re babysitting for, some clients may prefer that you have previous child care experience and know how to administer first aid. Some pet owners may prefer that you have previous experience caring for a pet.
10. Deliver food and packages
If you’ve got a car, you can earn cash by picking up and delivering takeout orders or groceries to people’s homes. These delivery jobs can cater to your schedule and offer flexibility other side gigs may not offer. If this interests you, the following companies may be good places to start:
If you’re interested in delivering more than just food, Amazon Flex is another way to monetize your free time and take advantage of the company’s vast supply of products. With Flex, you block a chunk of time to make Amazon deliveries, then get paid.
- Estimated pay: How much you earn will depend on the company you work for. For instance, DoorDash delivery drivers earn around $25 per hour, including tips, while Instacart workers can earn between $13 to $17.50 per hour. The hours you choose to work and your local market can also impact your earnings.
- What to know: You may have to submit to a background check before you can work, which can take several days. Tips may play a large role in how much you get paid, making your earning potential a bit unpredictable.
- Requirements: You’ll need to have dependable transportation in order to be a delivery driver, and depending on the company, you may also need to be above a certain age.
11. Clean homes or offices
Marketing yourself as someone who knows how to tidy and disinfect a home or office could serve you well if you need to make some extra money. Amassing even a small collection of repeat clients and some positive word of mouth can add up quickly when it comes to drumming up fast money.
You can either strike out on your own and launch a side business or connect with an established cleaning service company. Sites like TIDY pair you with clients and allow you to set your own hours.
- Estimated pay: The national average pay for house cleaners is $16 per hour, while office cleaners make an average of $15 per hour.
- What to know: Cleaning as a side gig can offer flexibility if you already have a busy schedule. This type of work may require you to be on your feet for several hours and lift heavy objects.
- Requirements: Some clients may require prior cleaning experience and knowledge of how to effectively organize and use cleaning chemicals.
12. Work a seasonal job
While it may not be glamorous, a simple way to make money could be to apply for a part-time seasonal position at a local retail shop or grocery store. You can ask for hours that cater to your current schedule and specify how many hours a week you’d like to work.
Typically, these types of seasonal jobs don’t have certification or educational requirements, so they may be easier to attain than other jobs. Keep in mind that seasonal jobs usually come with an end date and are not year-round employment.
- Estimated pay: The national average pay for seasonal jobs is $13 per hour.
- What to know: Unlike other types of side gigs, seasonal jobs tend to come with conventional payroll procedures and schedules. Not only will income taxes be withheld, but you can expect a paycheck on a regular basis.
- Requirements: The criteria you’ll need to meet for a seasonal job will depend on the position. You may need to be able to lift heavy items, be on your feet for hours at a time, be above a certain age or have a driver’s license.
Beware of money-making scams
While there are plenty of legitimate opportunities out there to earn money, it’s important to be on the lookout for scams. The following are red flags that an opportunity may not be on the up-and-up:
- If a company asks you to provide your Social Security number, credit card number or other financial information
- If a company requires an upfront fee
- If a company wants you to pay to become certified upfront
- If a recruiter is hesitant to tell you the name of the company
If you believe you’ve been scammed, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or to your state attorney general.
Frequently asked questions
As inflation has risen, finding ways to bring in extra income has become a necessity for many people — in fact, 44% of Americans claim they have a side hustle. If you’re looking for a second income, it’s important to prioritize work that already falls within your skill set, experience and availability. For instance, if you have a background in the medical field, you may have a good chance of getting meaningful work transcribing audio for medical companies or writing health-related articles.
Online opportunities may depend on your prior experience and access to equipment such as a smartphone, laptop or microphone. Common ways to make money online include selling old electronics or clothes, becoming an online tutor or user testing. Each of these side gigs provide flexibility; if you already have a full-time job, you can work around your schedule.
It’s difficult to make money instantly. After all, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Many side gigs require time and patience as you build up a client base or wait for payments. However, if you need quick cash, consider using online sites such as Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to sell items you no longer want.