Spending less has its limits, but earning more offers endless possibilities. While securing overtime can boost income for hourly workers, those on a salary often need alternative strategies to increase their earnings.
If you’re not sure how to start, don’t worry. Side hustles come in all shapes and sizes, and they fit whatever skills or time you have. We’ve put together a list of easy side hustles that just about anyone can do – yes, even your grandma!
These are great ways to make more money without needing to learn anything too complicated. Want to boost your income? Here are some simple side hustle ideas to get you going.
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1. Renting Out Extra Space
Have a spare room or a little extra space at home? Why not rent it out? It’s a super easy way to make some extra cash. You don’t need any special skills – just a clean, comfortable room or area you’re willing to share.
You can go for short-term rentals to travelers, or find a long-term tenant for more consistent income. It’s a straightforward way to turn unused space into money, and you might even meet some interesting people along the way!
2. Participating in Paid Surveys
While it’s easy to be skeptical about online survey sites, many of them are completely legitimate and a simple way to earn a bit of extra cash. Sites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks are examples of reliable platforms.
With Swagbucks, you can earn virtual currency by engaging in various online activities such as taking surveys, browsing the web, playing games, and completing other straightforward tasks.
The more you participate, the more you earn. You can then convert your accumulated points into retail gift cards, PayPal cash, or other exciting rewards. As of November 2023, Swagbucks has distributed over $600 million in rewards to its users, underscoring its credibility and popularity.
Rideshare driving is not only for the younger crowd. Grandma could very well be the next great Uber or Lyft driver. The requirements for these rideshare services are pretty straightforward: a clean, reliable car, a good driving record, and a smartphone that can run either of the apps.
What’s great about rideshare driving is its flexibility. It’s the epitome of a side hustle – you decide when you want to work. When you’ve had enough or it’s time to head home, simply turn the app off.
4. Earn Cash by Searching Online
Did you know you can get paid just for searching the web? Make Swagbucks your default search engine and start earning every time you look something up online. It’s as simple as that.
When you first switch to Swagbucks for your web searches, you can even earn a bonus of 20 SB on your initial search. This side hustle requires no special skills or effort – just do your regular internet searches through Swagbucks and watch the rewards roll in.
5. House Sitting
You don’t need any special skills to work as a house sitter. It’s a straightforward gig where you look after someone’s home while they’re away. Your main jobs might include collecting the mail, watering plants, and just keeping the house secure.
It’s flexible, stress-free, and you can pick assignments that suit your schedule. Plus, you might get to stay in some nice places for free! Just sign up on a Trusted Housesitters website, find a job that fits, and start working.
6. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
It’s as simple as looking after someone’s pet in their home or taking dogs for a stroll around the neighborhood. This gig is super flexible; you can schedule it around your day and choose how often you want to do it.
It’s a great way to get some exercise, spend time with furry friends, and earn extra cash. To get started, just sign up with a pet-sitting service or let your local community know you’re available.
7. Virtual Assistant
Being a virtual assistant doesn’t mean you have to be a tech whiz. In fact, many virtual assistants do simple, everyday tasks that almost anyone can handle. Think about tasks like answering emails, posting updates on Facebook or Twitter, or creating basic documents in Word.
These are common responsibilities that don’t require specialized skills but are incredibly helpful to busy professionals or small business owners. To find virtual assistant jobs, start with websites like Upwork and Fiverr.
With a wide array of options to make extra cash, there’s hardly a reason not to give it a shot. Think about what kind of work suits you and start planning how to get clients and promote your side hustle.
It may not be the job of your dreams, but a bit of extra cash is always helpful. Who knows, with the right approach, your side hustle could even become your main source of income. If grandma can do it, you definitely can too.
More From Dollar Sanity:
33 Ways to Earn Money Online Without Investment
10 High-Paying Low-Stress Jobs Without a Degree
10 Slow-Paced Jobs That Pay Well With No Experience
Peter is a serial entrepreneur and founder of DollarSanity blog who created and ran a variety of businesses. You can learn more about him at the DollarSanity About Me page. He’s been featured in the Washington Post, Yahoo Finance and MSN Money.