Whether you’re saving for a vacation or just want some extra spending money, there are numerous ways you can earn additional income each month. What’s great is that over half of the techniques on the list below don’t even require you to leave the house. As your income grows, be sure to track it using our application, and analyze how it compares to your spending.
From weekend remote work to freelancing on the side, here are the best ways to earn extra income each month.
Flip Thrift Store Finds
Glamorized by TV shows, the art of reselling has become more competitive over the years. Nonetheless, there’s still money to be made. The concept of flipping is relatively simple: you buy an item at a low cost (preferably something with high demand) and then resell it either online or in-person. Some of the most popular platforms to sell flipped items include eBay, Etsy, Poshmark, and Amazon.
Some people – including this couple from Florida – have turned flipping into their full-time job. While most don’t make a living from flipping, it’s an entertaining way to make money, especially if you like shopping. Most people source their products from thrift stores such as Goodwill and The Salvation Army. You can also find flippable items at garage and estate sales, as well as flea markets.
Become a Freelancer
Freelancing is hot right now, especially since many people yearn to leave the rat race and work remotely. You don’t need extensive skills to become a freelancer, but it certainly helps to have a specialty. For example, if you’re a programmer at your day job, you could supplement your income by finding freelance software development projects that you can complete on the weekends.
Arguably the most challenging part of freelancing is getting your first few clients. Many people who want weeknight and weekend remote work don’t know where to start. Some of the most popular freelancing platforms include Upwork, Fiverr, and Guru. These platforms are a great way to get your feet wet. Nevertheless, you’ll often make more money picking up side gigs through LinkedIn and other social media channels.
Find a Part-Time Job
If you’re looking for a more “guaranteed” way to earn extra income each month, finding a part-time job is perhaps the best option. Even if you just work one day a week, getting a side job is one of a handful of side hustles that can actually provide a consistent stream of income.
The caveat here is that working two jobs can cause burnout, especially if you’re doing the same thing at both. Imagine that you’re an accountant that works a standard 40-hour week at your full-time job. If you pick up a 20-hour-a-week side hustle that’s also in the accounting field, you’ll likely be sick of looking at debits and credits by the end of the month. For that reason, many people opt for side jobs in entirely unrelated fields. Financial and IT professionals might elect to work as a bartender or server – not only as a way to make money but also to make new connections and meet new people.
Start a Side Business
Although it is easier said than done, starting a side business is a phenomenal way to earn extra income each month. However, side businesses can often be money losers if not adequately nurtured. Creating your own business as a side hustle requires more time and dedication than what you may have seen presented on social media videos. The world is your oyster – you could start a business in an area that you’re familiar with or venture into a space entirely new to you. And if you strike gold, your side business might even turn into a full-time gig.
Take Surveys
Taking online surveys is one of many side hustles that actually work. However, don’t expect to get rich. With a little bit of patience, you can quickly bring in an extra $500 per month. Legitimate survey websites include Amazon Mechanical Turk, Prolific, and YouGov. In most cases, you’ll participate in academic surveys or consumer research. You can expect to earn anywhere from $0.1 to $10 per survey.
On the Chunk app, you can stay abreast of your newly acquired earnings with our “Balance Update” notification feature. So, even if you’re only earning a few dollars a week with surveys, you’ll still be able to see your checking or savings account balance grow. Likewise, our platform provides purchase alerts, making it easier to stay on top of your spending.
Create a Blog and Earn Affiliate Commission
You don’t need to be a trained writer to create a blog, but a knack for writing certainly comes in handy. Developing and monetizing a blog is a long process, and it might take months before you see your first dollar. However, after you have a respectable amount of content on your blog, you will see an influx of organic traffic from search engines such as Google and Bing. Over time, you can eventually start to earn passive income through affiliate links. Amazon Associates is one of the most popular programs for those new to the world of affiliate marketing.
As your income grows, be sure to increase awareness of your financial situation with a suite of valuable tools on the Chunk app. With our spending insights, you may find that you can modify your budget and avoid working two jobs, meaning more time to relax and recharge.