No matter your goal - saving, paying off student debt or simply having extra funds available to spend - side hustles are an excellent way to earn extra cash and add to your bank balance.
Here are 6 easy and straightforward side hustles you can start today that require minimal training to begin earning extra income. Some are offline while others online, all will help get one step closer towards reaching your financial goals.
1. Pet Sitting
Pet sitting can be an ideal side hustle for animal-lovers looking to earn some extra income. Depending on your location and rates charged, this side gig could become highly profitable.
Experience and training aren't required to become a professional pet sitter; however, having previous animal care experience and strong references can increase earnings potential.
Pet sitting services such as Pawshake or Scout can help you connect with clients online, or through word of mouth. In addition, consider selling pet-related products that add convenience for pet owners while giving you the chance to showcase your knowledge.
2. Driving with Uber or Lyft
Starting up Uber or Lyft can be relatively quick and easy, making them great options for increasing short-term earnings. Minimizing expenses and optimizing taxes are keys to increasing your bottom line and growing your profits.
Uber or Lyft driving can be an excellent way to supplement your earnings during weekends and special events, or as part-time work during the week.
If you don't own a vehicle, consider delivering for Grubhub or DoorDash as both platforms offer flexible scheduling with additional payments during peak hours. But before beginning work with them it is essential to carefully evaluate insurance costs and hidden fees before diving in!
3. TaskRabbit
No matter your savings goals or student loan debt situation, having a side hustle can be an effective way to earn extra cash and add some breathing room into your budget. Most side gigs don't require extensive training or time investment - making side gigs an easy and efficient way to add extra revenue streams!
To determine which of these side hustles might work for you, consider your skills and lifestyle before making a decision. It may also help to consult personal and professional networks for advice before embarking on any new endeavour. SoFi provides free checking and savings accounts with competitive APY that make saving gig income simple; try them out now - linking accounts can make managing funds even simpler!
4. Flipping Furniture
Furniture flipping can be one of the more profitable side hustles you can start for a relatively modest investment, while simultaneously serving as a fulfilling hobby.
Start by watching neighborhood groups on social media for people selling old furniture they no longer need. Yard sales, thrift stores and auctions may also provide some opportunities.
Rustic farmhouse and mid-century modern styles often hold great appeal. You can add value to your pieces by customizing details like dovetail joints or painting them in colors of your choosing.
5. Freelance Writing
As long as you possess a knack for writing and can meet deadlines, freelance writing can be a lucrative side gig. Freelance websites such as Fivver and Upwork connect writers with clients looking for content creation services.
Becoming a virtual assistant (VA). VAs provide various administrative services to businesses or individuals, including email management, appointment scheduling and data entry.
If you have an abundance of hair, consider selling it through HairSellOn as an income stream diversification strategy to lessen reliance on just one source and better adapt to economic swings and falls.
6. Selling Your Hair
Human hair has long been in high demand for use in extensions or making natural-looking wigs, due to its popularity with consumers. Real hair offers greater versatility compared to synthetic varieties which may look unnatural and feel stiff; unlike these options, which require significant manipulation from you before they look good enough.
If you have long, healthy hair, selling it as an additional income stream could be lucrative. There are various online and local companies that purchase hair for use in making wigs; or you could sell your locks using apps such as OfferUp, Carousell and LetGo that allow users to list items quickly with secure messaging systems for buyers.