How To Increase Income: 25 Creative Ways To Make Money

With the rise of flexible work options, many people are looking for creative ways to make money. Side hustling has grown as more people realize they can't sustain their lifestyles on one income alone. This shift encourages individuals to own their talents and abilities, build resilience through continuous learning, and proactively create diverse income streams.

Over one-third of U.S. adults now earn extra money beyond their main job; side gigs have become essential for many to cover daily living expenses like rent and groceries. In fact, 32% of side hustlers believe they'll always need this additional income to make ends meet, as they continue to navigate the challenges of inflation and rising living costs. On average, side hustlers make $891 per month, up from $810 in 2023, with younger generations like Gen Z and millennials leading the trend. This extra income plays a vital role in helping people reach their financial goals—whether for discretionary spending, savings, or paying off debt.

Despite the challenges, side gigs offer valuable opportunities to grow beyond these limitations. Keep reading for 25 creative ways to increase income in 2024 and gain greater financial flexibility.

Note: The use of the word “income” in this article isn’t confined to a fixed salary. Income can be any amount of money that you frequently earn through active (like part-time jobs and side hustles) or passive (like appreciating investments and renting out assets) methods. Income also may not always come in regularly. For example, freelance gigs help you get paid frequently, but the intervals between payments might differ from time to time.

1. Negotiate a raise

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Many working professionals find themselves stuck working jobs that don’t pay well enough, leaving them feeling unsatisfied and overworked. Why does this happen? Often employees simply don’t ask for a raise at the right time.

If you think the compensation for your services doesn’t accurately reflect your contribution to the company, asking for a raise might be a good idea.

Do some research to know when to push for a raise to keep moving forward in your professional career. You should keep close track of what the average salary is for your job title in your industry and try to negotiate with your employer accordingly. The end of a contract term and during annual reviews are generally the best times to negotiate a raise.

Examples

The end of a contract term and annual reviews are times that clients and employers look at the value you’ve shown and assess their expectations of you in the near future. This creates an opportunity to discuss your expectations for yourself and of your client or employer—including your salary.

Consider a marketing professional who researched industry salary standards, noting the average pay for their position. Armed with this data, they scheduled a meeting with their boss near the end of their contract term. They confidently presented their contributions, highlighting the value they brought to the company. By using evidence and keeping the conversation professional, they’ve opened up this aspect of their work to negotiation.

By timing your request when these conversations are expected—during reviews and contract negotiations—you can avoid some of the awkwardness that comes with discussions of pay.

2. Search for a higher-paying job

Sometimes, asking for a raise doesn’t yield the desired results. If you’re stuck at a full-time job that doesn’t pay as well as you’d like, a raise may not be enough. In these situations, you may need to improve your skills and look for higher-paying jobs that can help you achieve your financial goals faster.

Online courses through distance learning sites like Coursera and Udemy can help you gain relevant skills and certifications from the world’s leading universities. With these credentials on your resume, you can start applying for new jobs where your skills are valued much more, with appropriate compensation.

Examples

Perhaps you work in digital marketing. You could take an online course in advanced SEO techniques, gaining a valuable skill that's in high demand. With your new expertise, you start applying for positions at top companies. Before long, you land a job that both recognizes your skills and offers a much more substantial paycheck.

Or maybe you're a graphic designer, but you've always been curious about coding. Enrolling in a coding boot camp could open doors to high-demand tech roles with lucrative salaries. By continuously improving your skill set, you're positioning yourself for a career leap that offers both personal and financial fulfillment.

3. Look for ways you can cut your expenses

Cutting expenses where possible can add to your savings. Start by tracking your personal finances using an app such as Credit Karma. Try to cut out luxury expenses (like eating at expensive restaurants, shopping for clothes you don’t really need, and racking up credit card expenses). Work systematically on reducing the more significant expenses.

The goal should be to replace your larger expenses with more viable options that can help you save money in the long run. For example, try to carpool with a friend or colleague and skip regular Uber or Lyft rides to save a little extra money.

Examples

Use apps like Credit Karma to monitor your spending. Trim luxury indulgences—especially if their real value is short-lived. Focus on big ticket items first, but also pay attention to recurring costs. Going ten minutes out of your way to wait in line for another ten minutes to get an expensive coffee may be trendy—but making a cup of joe at home can save you both time and money.

Consider looking into more affordable options for services like cable TV. You can choose streaming platforms that provide better value for your money—and you can quickly cancel or rejoin those services depending on your current viewing habits. Rocket Money and other apps can help you find and remove subscriptions you no longer need. By making strategic choices to reduce your expenses, you're freeing up money to fuel your savings, ensuring a more secure financial future.

4. Automate your savings

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Cutting your expenses can help you manage your money better, but it’s only the first step toward maximizing your savings. Any money you save each month should be automatically credited to a separate savings account you can use for future investments.

You can also set your bank account to automatic debit, where a small portion of what you earn each month is directly transferred to your savings account. If you plan to do this for the long term, you may also be able to enroll in your employer’s 401(k) program or an individual retirement account (IRA). These programs help you automate your retirement savings and also offer additional incentives and tax benefits.

Examples

You might consider setting up an effortless saving routine. Let's say you save $200 each month. Have this sum automatically diverted to a dedicated savings account. Over 30 years, this would add up to $72,000 plus interest. This ensures that you're consistently building a financial cushion without even thinking about it.

Now, picture this: Your bank automatically transfers 5% of your monthly earnings directly into that savings account. It's a small, manageable amount, but over time it adds up, especially with compound interest, and you're pleasantly surprised by the growing balance.

For long-term security, consider enrolling in your company's 401(k) program. Your contributions are tax-advantaged, plus some employers match part or all of your input, increasing your retirement savings. Similar benefits can be reaped from an individual retirement account (IRA).

5. Sell used items online

Many of the items you already own but use infrequently can be sold online. You may need to invest a little to get them repaired, refurbished, or repainted to sell them at higher prices.

Sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Poshmark allow users to sell used items such as books, jewelry, and vehicles. Try to sell used clothes through thrift or consignment stores. Sustainable fashion is trending, and you may be able to capitalize on that.

Brands such as Vestiaire Collective even give customers the option to buy and sell second-hand luxury goods from leading retail brands, including Hermès and Gucci.

Examples

You can turn unused items into cash by selling them online. Let's say you have a collection of books you no longer read. List them on platforms like eBay, reaching a wide audience of book lovers. Maybe you have some jewelry you no longer wear. Poshmark is an excellent place to find interested buyers.

If you have a knack for fixing things, consider refurbishing old electronics or furniture before listing them. People are often willing to pay more for items in good condition. Alternatively, if you're into fashion, sell pre-loved clothes through thrift stores or specialized online fashion resale platforms.

6. Pursue side gigs

Side gigs are a tried and tested way of adding to your monthly income. Look for part-time jobs that pay on a contract basis or choose to freelance in your spare time. Side gigs can help you get industry experience with a skill you possess but have not been able to put to use in your full-time job. For example, consider looking at websites like Craigslist, Nextdoor, and TaskRabbit.

Monetizing skills like event planning, packing and moving support, and driving can help you earn extra cash. Pursuing these interests may open alternate career options as well.

Examples

If you're skilled at event planning, offer your services for small gatherings or local events.

Another option is to tap into the growing trend of gig-economy driving, whether it's rideshare services or food delivery.

Additionally, if you're skilled at packing and moving, promote your skills on platforms like TaskRabbit.

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7. Use Upwork to source gigs

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For some people, freelancing is their full-time job. For others, freelance gigs are a great way to put their spare time to use and earn money on the side. Freelancing often allows for flexible scheduling—there are deadlines to meet, but when you work is largely up to you. And you can work contracts that pay on an hourly or project basis, depending on your skills and services.

Upwork is the world’s leading marketplace for trained professionals offering freelance services. Clients from a variety of industries look to Upwork to source freelancers in order to increase their speed-to-market and access hard-to-find skills, among other reasons.

If you already have a portfolio, you can showcase it on your Upwork account. If you have the skills but don’t yet have a portfolio, you can find smaller contracts to grow your resume, possibly leading to high-paying gigs. Many valuable skills, from UI (user interface) design to translation services, can be monetized using Upwork.

Examples

If you’re a skilled graphic designer, join Upwork to earn extra income. By showcasing your portfolio and delivering high-quality work, you can gain a positive reputation that can lead to more clients seeking your services. The more in-demand you are, the more you can increase your hourly rate.

Or maybe you’re a bilingual professional, capitalizing on Upwork's translation services demand. You can offer your expertise in English-Spanish translations. By completing multiple projects, you’ll establish yourself as a reliable translator, leading to steady work and extra income.

8. Invest a portion of your budget

Smart investments are the key to generating a stable supplementary source of income. After you’ve met your basic budget needs, try to set aside a portion of your monthly salary for the purpose of investing it in various assets. You can choose to make both long- and short-term investments. Systematic investment plans (SIPs) and bonds are long-term investment options that you might explore.

Once you become proficient in investing, you may want to expand your portfolio with more specialized assets, such as cryptocurrency, debt funding, and real estate investments. These investments can help you diversify your portfolio, possibly making it eligible for tax benefits and other incentives.

Examples

Suppose you’re a software engineer with a steady income. After covering expenses, you dedicate 20% of your monthly earnings to investments. You start with an SIP in a diversified mutual fund, aiming for long-term growth. Over time, this could yield substantial returns.

As your confidence grows, maybe you decide to dabble in real estate. You purchase a rental property, generating monthly income while benefiting from potential property value appreciation. This hands-on investment helps secure your financial future.

Additionally, you invest in cryptocurrency, understanding the risks but seeing the potential rewards. Although volatile, a well-timed investment could lead to significant gains.

9. Start a side business

Starting a small business as a part of your side hustle is an excellent way of supplementing your earnings. Many side businesses have found success through social media marketing and a consumer shift toward authentic, homegrown brands.

Consider seeking assistance from organizations in your community that help fund and manage small startups. Some American banks also offer manageable interest rates on loans for innovative entrepreneurial ventures.

You need to highlight your business’s authentic products and capitalize on the power of social media marketing. Small, community-centered businesses may find great success on sites like Instagram, Facebook, Amazon, and Etsy if marketed well.

If you can consistently supply quality products to your customers, your side business can be profitable in the long run.

Examples

One inspiring way of starting a successful side business is selling handcrafted jewelry. If you have a passion for crafting, begin making unique, handcrafted jewelry in your spare time. You can leverage social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Etsy to showcase your stunning creations, gradually gaining a loyal following. By consistently engaging with your audience, offering personalized pieces, and sharing your creative process, your business could take off.

Another example is opening a computer repair shop. Maybe you’re a software engineer by day, turning your passion for computers into a side business. You can hone your PC repair skills and start selling your services on Upwork.

10. Create a passive income

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Passive income is the income you generate from a rental property, a limited partnership where you’re the silent partner, or any other venture that doesn’t require you to be actively involved. The definition of active involvement tends to vary. While rental properties are generally considered textbook examples of passive income sources, they require some time and effort for upkeep and maintenance on the owner’s part.

The idea of passive income is to create an income stream that doesn’t require a lot of work from you. The incoming money can be through appreciating assets (such as bonds and stocks) that add to your portfolio income or through utility-based assets like rental houses, spare vehicles, and vending machines that you can rent out.

You can even consider exploring more unorthodox methods of generating passive income, such as domain name investing. Alternatively, if you have expertise in a certain niche, you might be able to create an online course or write an informative ebook about the topic of your expertise and sell these items online on marketplaces like Udemy or Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. Based on subscription or purchase, you’ll continue to receive money from these endeavors over time.

While the income from passive assets might initially not be as substantial as other additional income sources, it can accumulate to be a great stream of income in the long run.

Examples

Consider real estate rentals. If you purchase an apartment, condo or house and rent it out, proper property management may allow you to keep about 5% of the gross rent after expenses, mortgage, and depreciation. So if the monthly rent is $2,000, you could have a cash flow of  around $100 per month, giving you an extra $1,200 a year without extensive active involvement.

Invest in dividend-paying stocks. Let's say you invest $10,000 in a dividend stock with a 3% yield. You'd receive $300 annually without having to sell your shares.

Or try automated vending. Place a few vending machines in high-traffic areas. If each machine can generate an average of $50 per month, you’ll earn $600 a year per machine. Many vending machines are placed in office buildings with an agreement with the building owner. You’ll likely also need a license from your local regulating authority, such as a business license, as well as a food or beverage service license if your vending machine sells food or beverages.

Another idea is to create a comprehensive online course on a subject you're knowledgeable about that’s of interest to others. If you achieve steady sales of 50 per year, even if you sell each course for only $20, you could  make $1,000 or more per year. You can create and sell an online course through an online platform such as Teachable.com or Udemy.com.

11. Rent your vacation home

Renting properties you own but aren’t occupying is one of the most highly recommended ways of earning supplemental income. While these properties may require a fair bit of upkeep, they can be very valuable assets.

Real estate companies allow you to lease your rental property through them for a nominal fee. You can also choose to make the property available through lodging services like Airbnb, which can be especially fruitful if the property is in a location that sees a lot of tourist traffic.

Examples

Imagine you own a charming cottage near a popular tourist destination. By listing it on Airbnb, you could generate significant income during peak seasons. With proper marketing and great reviews, you might earn thousands more annually.

If you own multiple properties, consider hiring a property management company to handle rentals. This allows you to scale your income without the daily hassle of tenant management. And with several properties, upkeep and responsibilities can quickly add up.

Participating in a vacation home exchange program doesn’t help you earn income, but it can reduce some discretionary costs. This unique approach lets you swap homes with other travelers, saving on accommodations costs when you travel.

If your property is in a business hub, target corporate travelers by offering furnished rentals for short-term stays. Business travelers often prefer the comfort of a home over a hotel, and you can charge premium rates for these high-demand rentals.

12. Sell your handmade creations

Leverage your creative skills by using platforms like Etsy to sell your crafts and creations. For beginners seeking extra income, turning your crafting skills into cash is a smart move.

Every personalized item you craft has the potential to not only express your creativity but also pad your wallet. Whether it's handcrafted jewelry, custom art prints, cozy knitwear, or even beautifully designed home decor, marketplaces like Etsy provide an audience of eager shoppers seeking handmade crafts.

The best part? You control the process, from creation to pricing, giving you the autonomy to grow your side hustle at your own pace.

Examples

Suppose you're a graphic design enthusiast. Why not sell custom prints or digital art on Etsy? Or if knitting is your talent, you can create unique handmade scarves or blankets. Or if you have woodworking skills, you could craft stylish home decor to sell.

Imagine you’re a health care professional with student loans. An Etsy side hustle might just be the solution. It's all about embracing your creativity, connecting with others, and watching your income rise.

13. Rent out equipment

Renting out your high-demand equipment is a great method for increasing your income. As a beginner, this path may seem unfamiliar, but the earning potential is real.

Keep your equipment in good shape, set competitive rates, and offer excellent service. Before you know it, you'll be turning that idle gear into a steady income stream, all while helping fellow renters get the tools they need.

Examples

Say you've got a professional-grade camera sitting around. Consider listing it for rent on specialized platforms or local rental shops. New photographers or video creators would be thrilled to borrow it at a reasonable fee. Or maybe you have a selection of power tools that a DIY enthusiast could make use of. Renting them out can be an effective way to boost your income.

Another idea to make money from your equipment could be starting a YouTube channel sharing DIY projects. It's a great way to showcase your equipment, establish expertise, and attract potential renters. The content you create could lead to a solid following and have more people interested in renting your equipment.

14. Participate in clinical trials

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If you're healthy and meet the eligibility criteria, participating in clinical trials is a way to earn some extra bucks while contributing to medical research. As a beginner in this field, you’ll want to choose trials carefully, prioritize your safety, and understand the commitments involved. Your participation could lead to a healthier bank balance while advancing medical knowledge.

Examples

Imagine a medical research facility is conducting a trial for a new drug. They're looking for participants who fit certain criteria, and that's where you come in. Maybe they need non-smoking, healthy adults within a specific age range. You could spend a few days under observation, maybe take a new medication under medical supervision, and  be compensated for your time and effort.

Another example is a trial for a medical device or treatment. Perhaps they're looking for participants with a certain condition or background. You could be eligible for a paid trial if you match the description. You need to understand the potential risks and benefits, so make sure to do thorough research and consult with medical professionals.

15. Promote products with affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is a lucrative form of internet marketing, especially for beginners seeking extra income. Here’s how it works: You promote products online and earn a commission for every sale made through your unique referral link.

Once you get started, affiliate marketing has the potential to generate a substantial amount of money, even in your spare time. Plus, it doesn't require large investments or complex skill sets. It's a creative way to expand your income sources, aligning with your personal finance goals. Remember to disclose your affiliate status, ensuring transparency with your audience.

Upwork offers a range of affiliate marketing professionals who can help you set up your own affiliate marketing business.

As you explore this income stream, be mindful of scams. Stick to reputable affiliate programs and platforms and be cautious of any opportunities that promise quick riches. Start small, track your progress, and watch the extra cash flow into your bank account.

Examples

Leverage your social media presence. Share links to products you genuinely love and believe in. Whether it’s fitness gear on Instagram, tech gadgets on X, or skincare products on Facebook, your authentic endorsements can yield substantial extra cash.

If you’re a video content creator, affiliate marketing is a great fit. Review and recommend relevant products in your videos. For instance, if you're a fitness enthusiast, review workout equipment and include affiliate links in your video descriptions.

Or start a blog around a specific interest or industry. Discuss and review products related to your niche and use affiliate links to monetize your blog. For example, if you're passionate about graphic design, you could review design tools, software, and resources on your blog.

16. Invest in stocks

Research and invest in stocks for potential capital gains if you're looking to level up your earning potential this year. If you're a beginner, start with mutual funds to spread your risk by diversifying investments across multiple assets.

Research is crucial, but one of the best ways to mitigate your risk is to diversify your investments. You can also diversify by investing in different types of stocks, industries, and even across different markets.

Examples

If you’re just starting out with investing in stocks, consider investing a portion of your earnings in reputable mutual funds. As you gain confidence, explore individual stocks. Keep an eye on health care and tech, because these sectors often perform well.

You can steer clear of scams by watching out for the most common tricks in the stock world:

• Pump and dump schemes
• Offshore and penny stock scams
• Advance fee fraud
• Unregistered brokers
• Phishing and identity theft

Avoid these examples of common scams to help you do well when investing in stocks.

17. Dropship online products

You can earn extra cash with dropshipping while avoiding the need to hold inventory. To start a dropshipping business, you set up an online store in a specific niche, and when a customer makes a purchase, the supplier ships the product directly to them, eliminating the need for storage and other upfront costs.

Start small, learn the basics of dropshipping, and monitor your progress. As you expand your online store and customer base, you could see a substantial boost in your earning potential. The advantage of dropshipping is that it allows you to run your store in your spare time, making it a flexible option to supplement your income and move closer to your financial goals this year.

Examples

Consider opening a store selling eco-friendly home products. Partner with reliable suppliers who handle shipping directly to customers, saving you inventory costs. Market the products as a sustainable choice, tapping into the growing environmentally conscious market.

Another niche for your shop might be pet accessories. Source unique, high-quality items from a dropshipping supplier specializing in pet products. Curate a collection that includes everything from stylish collars to organic treats. Leverage social media and pet enthusiast forums to reach a targeted audience.

Lastly, think about personalized gifts. Collaborate with a partner and offer customizable items. Offer monogrammed items, photo-printed mugs, and engraved jewelry. Market these as heartfelt gifts for special occasions.

18. Learn new in-demand skills

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Expanding your skill set can open doors to more income opportunities. Focus on acquiring skills that are in high demand, such as digital marketing, coding, graphic design, or project management. Our team at the Upwork Research Institute reports a growing demand for AI and machine learning professionals as companies increasingly embrace these technologies. Many of these skills can be learned through online courses and practiced in your spare time.

The more versatile your skills, the more opportunities you can access for higher-paying roles or freelance gigs. Keep an eye on current industry trends to ensure the skills you’re learning are relevant and lucrative.

Examples

Consider enrolling in a coding bootcamp to learn programming languages like Python or JavaScript. With these skills, you could start your own coding side hustle in web development or chatbot development, or pivot into a new tech-focused career.

If graphic design piques your interest, learning Adobe Creative Cloud can allow you to create custom designs for small businesses, blogs, or social media influencers. Start by offering your services on freelance platforms like Upwork to build your portfolio and credibility.

19. Teach online classes

If you have expertise in a particular field, teaching online is an excellent way to make money while sharing your knowledge. Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable allow you to create and sell courses in subjects ranging from business to art.

This can become a passive income stream, as once the course is created, you can sell it repeatedly without significant ongoing effort. Plus, it's a way to leverage your experience and help others develop their skills. While preparing or delivering the class, you’re also likely to deepen your own understanding of the subject matter, boosting your earning potential.

Examples

If you’re skilled in photography, create an online course teaching the basics of composition, lighting, and editing. You can promote your class on social media or YouTube to attract students.

Are you an expert in SEO? Create a step-by-step guide on how to optimize websites for search engines. Market your course to small business owners and freelance writers looking to improve their online presence.

20. Start a podcast about something you're passionate about

Podcasting is a growing platform for content creators looking to share their passions while earning money. As your audience grows, you can monetize your podcast through sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and listener donations via platforms like Patreon.

‍Choose a niche that you’re excited about and can talk about for hours. Consistency is key, as building a loyal audience takes time, but the potential income opportunities are worth the effort.

Examples

Launch a podcast on personal finance tips for Gen Z. Share advice on budgeting, investing, and earning extra income through side hustles. You could attract sponsors from financial services or promote affiliate products like budgeting apps.

Or, if you’re into pop culture, start a podcast reviewing movies and TV shows. As your listener base grows, you might get sponsorship deals with streaming services or entertainment brands.

21. Start a YouTube channel  

YouTube provides endless opportunities for content creators to earn money through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. If you’re knowledgeable or passionate about a topic, you can create Youtube videos to share with a wide audience.

As your channel gains subscribers, you’ll unlock more earning potential. Consistent uploads and engaging content are essential to building a successful, well-branded channel.

Examples

Start a YouTube channel focused on DIY home improvement projects. Share tips, tricks, and tutorials on how to renovate on a budget. Partner with home improvement brands for sponsorships and include affiliate links to products you use in your videos. 

If DIY isn't your thing but you love cooking, start a food vlog (video blog) showcasing your favorite recipes. Once your channel grows, you can collaborate with food brands, promote kitchen gadgets, or create sponsored content.

Consider building a subscriber base by creating videos that feature affirmations, which are popular in wellness communities. These videos feature positive phrases or sounds designed to help with self-improvement, such as boosting confidence or reducing stress. It’s important that viewers are given a transcript of the affirmations, so they know what they are listening to and feel aligned with it. By tapping into trending topics like manifestation and mindfulness, you can grow a loyal audience and monetize your channel with ease. You could also partner with sponsors like BetterHelp or Calm, featuring a brief ad or sharing a referral code to earn commissions while offering viewers a relevant service.

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22. Sell customized digital goods

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Selling digital goods online is a scalable way to earn income without managing physical inventory. You can create customized digital products like printable planners, eBooks, design templates, or stock photos, or you can hire freelancers to create digital goods for you.

Once created, digital products can be sold repeatedly on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Creative Market. This allows for a passive income stream as your products continue to sell without ongoing production costs.

Examples  

Design and sell customizable wedding invitations or digital prints on Etsy. Buyers can easily download the files, and you won’t have to deal with shipping or inventory.

You could also create social media content packs for small businesses. Offer templates for Instagram posts, Pinterest pins, and Facebook ads. These ready-made designs are in high demand among entrepreneurs who need quick solutions.

23. Create videos for product reviews

If you enjoy testing new products, consider creating product review videos for YouTube or social media. Brands are willing to pay influencers to review and promote their products, especially if you have an engaged audience.

Honest, detailed reviews help consumers make informed purchasing decisions, and affiliate marketing can also play a role in generating additional income from product recommendations. Informative unboxing videos are especially popular because they simulate the buyer’s full experience, from receiving a product to taking it out of the packaging, noting its appearance, and seeing how it works. 

Examples

Start a YouTube or Tiktok channel reviewing tech gadgets like smartphones, laptops, and gaming consoles. Include affiliate links in your video descriptions, allowing viewers to purchase the products while you earn a commission.

Or, if you’re passionate about beauty and skin care, create video reviews of new makeup products. Brands might send you products to review, and you can partner with affiliate programs to earn money from each sale through your links.

24. Test apps and websites

Many companies pay individuals to test their websites or apps, providing feedback on user experience and functionality. Platforms like UserTesting and Trymata connect testers with businesses looking for insights to improve their digital products.

This side gig doesn’t require specialized skills, making it a simple way to earn extra money from home. Plus, testing sessions are often short, allowing you to fit them into your schedule easily.

Examples

Sign up on UserTesting to test new apps and websites. You’ll be asked to complete tasks while recording your thoughts and screens, earning money for each test you complete.

Alternatively, join Trymata to evaluate user interfaces. You’ll provide feedback on how easy or difficult it was to navigate a website or app, helping companies improve their products.

25. Become a virtual assistant

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‍Virtual assistants (VAs) provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location. This role is highly flexible, and you can offer specific services such as email management, social media scheduling, or customer support.

Many small businesses and entrepreneurs are looking for VAs to help them with daily tasks, which can be a consistent income stream if you build a reliable client base freelancing as a VA. This role can be part-time with one or more clients or grow into full-time work.

Examples

Offer virtual assistant services to busy entrepreneurs who need help managing their email inboxes, scheduling meetings, or organizing projects. Platforms like Upwork are great places to find clients.

If you have experience with social media, offer to manage social media accounts for small businesses. Schedule posts, engage with followers, and track analytics to help businesses grow their online presence.

Easy ways to make money offline  

Exploring offline opportunities can be a simple and effective way to increase your income without relying solely on the internet. Here are some of the easiest ways to make money offline:

• Freelancing. Offer your skills, such as writing, graphic design, or photography, to local businesses and individuals.  
• Tutoring. Share your knowledge in subjects you excel at by offering tutoring services to students in your community.  
• Handyman services. If you’re skilled in repairs or maintenance, consider offering handyman services to those who need help around their homes. 
• Pet sitting or dog walking. Combine your love for animals with a side gig by providing pet sitting or dog walking services for busy pet owners.  
• House cleaning. Start a cleaning service, offering to clean homes or offices for clients in your area. Many local companies hire house cleaners quickly for one-off or repeating needs.
• Yard work or landscaping. Help neighbors maintain their lawns and gardens, offering services like mowing, weeding, and planting.  
• Selling crafts or handmade goods. Create unique items and sell them at local craft fairs, markets, or consignment shops.  
• Substitute teaching. If you have a four-year degree, most local school systems will accept this qualification for teaching K-12 grades as a substitute. Working as a substitute teacher is an especially good fit for seniors looking to fill their time or earn extra income.
• Participating in focus groups. Join focus groups that pay for your opinions on products or services, often held by market research companies.  
• Providing child care. Supply babysitting or childcare services for families in your neighborhood who need help with their kids. You can go through a local agency or advertise your services directly.

Side hustles and money-making methods to avoid

While many side hustles can provide valuable income, some methods are less ethical or can lead to negative consequences. You don’t want to practice these “creative” ways to make income. Steer clear of these common pitfalls:

• Pyramid schemes or multi-level marketing (MLM) operations. Pyramid schemes focus primarily on recruiting new members to generate income, often without a legitimate product or service. MLMs are structured around selling products through a network of distributors, leading to an unstable business model. Examples of such exposed schemes include Herbalife and LuLaRoe, both of which faced legal challenges for their misleading business practices.  
• Fake charities. Be cautious of scams that solicit donations for nonexistent charities, especially during crises or emergencies. You can identify a fake charity by researching its legitimacy, checking for proper registration with regulatory bodies, looking for transparency in financial practices, and being cautious of high-pressure donation requests or vague descriptions of how donations will be used.
• Cash-only jobs. While not inherently unethical, jobs that pay "under the table" may indicate an attempt to avoid taxes or other regulations. It could expose you to further risks, including lack of job security, benefits, or worker protections.
• Online surveys for minimal pay. Many sites promise quick cash for surveys but often pay very little for your time and effort, and sometimes, they don't even pay you in cash. Promises of cashing in gift cards or special credits or badges often result in wasted energy.
• "Get rich quick!" schemes. Be wary of any opportunity that promises substantial returns with little effort, as these often turn out to be scams. One of the most typical get-rich scams today involves flashy online entrepreneur courses that promise quick wealth, often relying on high-pressure sales tactics following a "free webinar” to entice buyers.
• Selling stolen goods. Engaging in selling stolen property not only is illegal but can also lead to severe legal consequences. People may unknowingly sell stolen goods, so verify the source and watch for missing documentation, unusually low prices, or high-pressure tactics to avoid this risk.
• Misleading investment opportunities. Avoid any investment that seems too good to be true or lacks transparency regarding risks and returns. A common investment scam often promises high returns with little risk, using tactics like pressure to invest quickly, vague details about the investment, and testimonials from seemingly satisfied clients to lure in unsuspecting victims.

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Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

This article is intended for educational purposes and should not be viewed as legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult a professional to find the solution that best fits your situation.