Making extra money doesn’t always require a big investment or a huge time commitment. Whether you’re saving for a goal, paying off debt, or just want more breathing room in your budget, here are 10 practical ways to earn extra income every month—starting now.
1. Freelance Your Skills
If you have skills in writing, design, web development, marketing, or even admin support, you can make money on platforms like:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Freelancer
- Toptal (for advanced professionals)
Start with small jobs, build your reputation, and raise your rates over time.
2. Sell Unused Items
Declutter your home and turn it into quick cash. Sell:
- Clothes on Poshmark or Depop
- Electronics on eBay or Facebook Marketplace
- Books, DVDs, and games on Decluttr or Amazon Trade-In
You’d be surprised how much money is sitting unused in your closets and drawers.
3. Deliver Food or Groceries
Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, and Grubhub allow you to work flexible hours delivering food or groceries.
- Work evenings or weekends
- Get paid weekly
- Tips can add significantly to your income
4. Teach or Tutor Online
If you’re knowledgeable in a subject, offer tutoring services online or locally.
- Teach English via VIPKid or Cambly
- Offer academic tutoring on Wyzant or Preply
- Sell lessons or coaching sessions on Zoom
5. Rent Out a Room or Property
If you have extra space, you can earn consistent income renting it out:
- Short-term via Airbnb
- Long-term to a tenant
- Even storage space via Neighbor.com
6. Participate in Online Surveys or Market Research
While not high-paying, surveys can be an easy way to make $50–$100 a month in your spare time.
- Swagbucks
- InboxDollars
- UserTesting (get paid to test websites)
- Respondent (higher-paying interviews and studies)
7. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Animal lovers can make extra money with apps like:
- Rover
- Wag
- Care.com
Offer pet sitting, dog walking, or drop-in visits in your neighborhood.
8. Start a Low-Cost Side Hustle
Try a side business that doesn’t require much upfront investment:
- Lawn care or snow removal
- House cleaning
- Mobile car detailing
- Selling handmade products on Etsy
Many of these can start with little more than supplies and word of mouth.
9. Rent Out Your Car
If your car sits idle most of the time, rent it out using:
- Turo
- Getaround
You can also earn passive income if you’re not using it during work hours or on weekends.
10. Monetize Social Media or a Hobby
If you already spend time online, turn it into income:
- Start a TikTok or YouTube channel around your hobby
- Use affiliate links in your content
- Build an audience and work with brands
This takes time to grow but can become a serious income stream.
Final Thoughts
Start with one or two options that fit your lifestyle and schedule. Making an extra $200–$1,000/month is realistic for most people using these methods. With consistency, even small amounts of extra income can make a big difference over time.