I started making extra money and side hustling around 15 years ago, and since then I have done over 20 different side hustles.

I started so that I could stop living paycheck to paycheck, and so that I could pay off my student loans quickly (I ended up paying off $40,000 in student loans in just 7 months thanks to side hustling!).

Some were short-lived, while others turned into steady streams of income (and are even my full-time income today). Each side job taught me something valuable about money, time, and effort. I juggled everything from reselling clothes online to being a virtual assistant, mystery shopping, answering online surveys, having roommates, and more.

There isn’t one best way to make extra money; it depends on what you’re good at, what you like, how much time you have, and more.

If you want to start a side job, my experiences can help you decide. I’ll tell you what I learned from each one I tried, so you can see the pros and cons of each.

My Side Hustles Review

Below is my review of the different side hustles I have tried over the years. These are in no particular order.

1. Blogging

Blogging can be a great way to earn money while writing about topics you love. I’ve done it for years and have seen how it can grow from a hobby into a full-time job.

I enjoy blogging for many reasons such as:

• It’s flexible – You can blog from anywhere, anytime.
• It’s affordable to start – You just need a computer and internet.
• It’s a great creative outlet – Share your thoughts and passions with the world. I enjoy blogging and running a website.

While there are a lot of great reasons to start a blog, there are some challenges such as it can be time-consuming and there is no guarantee that you will make money.

When I first started my blog, I was working over 40 hours a week on it and making nothing. It took me 6 months to make my first $100 from it, actually!

But, it was all worth it in the end.

Blogging used to be my side hustle and it is now my full-time job where I have earned over $5,000,000 over the years.

I would definitely say that blogging is my favorite side hustle.

For me, it was a great second job because I could work on my blog before my day job, during lunch, after work, and on weekends. You can make your own schedule, which is a big bonus!

2. Paid Online Surveys

Paid online surveys offer a straightforward way to earn extra cash in your spare time. With just a few clicks and honest responses, you can watch your earnings add up.

Companies conduct surveys to gather customer feedback on their products and services—and they’re willing to pay for it. By sharing your thoughts, you help them improve their offerings, and in return, they compensate you for your time and insights.

On average, you can earn $0.50 to $5 per survey, depending on its length and complexity. Most surveys take 10 minutes to an hour to complete, so they’re not a high-income stream, but they’re easy to fit into your routine.

Over the years, I’ve taken countless surveys, and what I love most is their flexibility. You can do them in the morning, during lunch breaks, or before bed—whenever works for you. There’s no strict schedule, and they require minimal effort.

My Tips for Success:

• Sign up for multiple sites: This boosts your chances of receiving more survey opportunities and increasing your earnings.
• Complete your profile: Many sites match surveys to users based on their profile details, so filling it out thoroughly helps you qualify for relevant surveys.
• Be honest: truthful responses maintain your eligibility for future surveys—companies rely on accurate feedback.
• Payment methods typically include PayPal cash, bank transfers, or free gift cards (e.g., Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks).
• You won’t get rich from surveys, but they’re a great way to earn extra spending money. I know some people dismiss them as a waste of time, but I (and others I know) enjoy them for their flexibility. The key mindset is to not expect wealth—some surveys take longer to earn $5, but the ease of use makes it worthwhile.
• Recommended Survey Sites:
• Freecash, American Consumer Opinion, Testerup, Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, InboxDollars, Branded Surveys, Prime Opinion, Five Surveys, PrizeRebel, Pinecone Research
• Recommended Reading:How I Made $15 in 2 Hours Taking Surveys – Is It Worth It?

3. Focus Groups & Paid Research Studies

Participating in focus groups and paid research studies is another way to monetize your opinions. Companies pay for your feedback to enhance their products, services, apps, and websites—making it a more lucrative alternative to basic surveys.

While similar to online surveys, focus groups and research studies usually offer higher pay.

User Interviews is a leading platform for finding these opportunities. Major brands like Pinterest, Spotify, Macy’s, Home Depot, TripAdvisor, and Amazon use User Interviews to gather feedback on new products, features, and digital platforms.

Earnings typically range from $50 to $100 per hour, and some studies pay even more. I once participated in a user interview via video call (discussing a website’s new feature) and earned $400 for just one hour of work—it was simple and fully remote.

Learn more about User Interviews here.

If you’re open to it, paid medical research studies can also be extremely high-paying. My husband participated in a few when we needed extra cash, earning around $1,000 per week for his time.

Note: This is a screenshot from this month—I earned around $300 just playing games on my phone!

4. Rewards Sites (GPT Sites)

Rewards sites—also called Get-Paid-To (GPT) sites—let you earn money by completing simple online tasks. Common tasks include:

• Playing games
• Taking surveys
• Reading emails
• Watching videos
• Online shopping
• Testing new apps/services
• Clicking ads
• These platforms have stood the test of time as a reliable way to earn extra cash. While individual payouts are small, they add up over time. For example, Swagbucks has paid out over $80 million to its users.
• To maximize earnings, use multiple GPT sites. They’re flexible: fit tasks into your free time without a big time commitment.
• Critical Note: Choose reputable sites to avoid scams. Stick to popular, well-reviewed platforms to ensure you get paid for your work.
• GPT sites won’t replace full-time income, but they’re a fun way to earn extra money.

Top GPT Sites to Try:

• Freecash (I made $302 in one week playing Bingo on my phone!)
• Testerup (I earned $72.50 recently playing games like Monopoly Go!)
• Swagbucks (I’ve earned over 110 free gift cards over the years)
• KashKick
• Prime Opinion
• InboxDollars

5. Flipping Items (Buy & Sell)

Flipping items—buying low and selling high—is a fantastic side hustle. It offers:

• Flexibility: Work on it in your free time.
• Profit potential: Earn $50 to $5,000 monthly (or more).
• Fun: The thrill of scoring great deals and turning a profit.
• I’ve flipped dozens of items over the years, and even ran a small reselling business at one point—it’s an enjoyable way to make extra money.

Downsides to Consider:

• No guaranteed profits (market shifts or overvaluing items can lead to losses).
• Time-intensive: Researching products, finding deals, and managing listings takes effort.
• High competition: Many flippers drive down prices.
• Learn More:How I Made $40,000 In One Year Flipping Items

6. Selling Used Clothing

Selling pre-loved clothes is a sustainable, low-cost side hustle with high demand. You can source clothing from thrift stores, clearance racks, garage sales, or your own closet.

I’ve sold clothes on eBay and in-person at places like Plato’s Closet, plus modern platforms like Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace.

Pros:

• Low startup costs (start with clothes you already own).
• Eco-friendly (supports sustainable fashion).
• Flexible schedule: Work on your own timeline.
• High demand: Trendy and vintage items sell quickly.

Cons:

• Time-consuming: Sorting, cleaning, photographing, and listing items takes effort.
• Shipping costs eat into profits (especially for heavy items).
• With years of experience (including working at a secondhand clothing store and running a small resale business), I can attest to its earning potential.
• Learn More:16 Best Places To Sell Clothes For Cash

7. Social Media Management

If you love creating content and engaging with online audiences, social media management is a rewarding side hustle. You’ll handle businesses’ social accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X), creating posts, replying to comments, and growing their follower base.

Pros:

• Flexible hours: Schedule posts in advance and work anytime.
• Creative outlet: Express yourself through content.
• Location-independent: All you need is a laptop and internet.
• Cons:
• Stressful: Constant engagement and tight deadlines can be demanding.
• Time-heavy: Quality content and community management take hours.
• Fast-paced trends: Social media evolves quickly, so you must keep learning.
• It’s not for everyone, but if you enjoy creativity and online interaction, it’s a fun way to earn extra money.

8. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) role is one of my favorite side hustles—it’s flexible, remote, and offers variety. As a VA, you handle tasks for clients/businesses, such as:

• Email management
• Proofreading
• Appointment scheduling
• Research
• Data entry
• Why I Love It:
• Full control: Set your own schedule.
• Work from home: No commute.
• Diverse tasks: Choose projects that match your skills.
• All you need is a computer and internet to start. It’s a flexible, accessible way to earn extra cash with endless task options.

9. Freelance writer

As a freelance writer, you get to write for different clients and websites. You can work from home and set your own hours. This side hustle can be very flexible, especially if you enjoy writing.

I’ve been a freelance writer for many years, and I really enjoy it. I’ve written for lots of different websites and companies, and I’ve made good money doing it.

The positives of being a freelance writer include:

• Flexible schedule: You can write during your free time.
• You get to decide what you want to write about: You get to write about different topics.
• Work from home: No need for a commute.

There are some cons, though, such as income can vary, with some months being busy while others are slower. Finding clients requires actively searching to keep work steady. Plus, meeting deadlines can also be stressful, adding pressure to the job.

Freelance writing is a great side hustle if you love to write and want to make extra money. It takes time to build a steady income, but it can be very rewarding.

You can learn more at 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs – (Start With No Experience!).

10. Receipt scanning apps

Using receipt scanning apps is an easy way to earn some extra money. You just take a picture of your receipts from shopping, and these apps give you points or cash back. Here are some of the best apps to try:

I’ve been using receipt-scanning apps for years, and I love how easy they are to use. You can earn points or cash without spending much time. Plus, since I already have the receipts, it’s great to make some extra money by doing almost nothing.

My favorite receipt-scanning apps are:

• Fetch Rewards
• Ibotta

I like to use both Fetch Rewards and Ibotta on all of my receipts (yes, at the same time to stack rewards).

Receipt-scanning apps can be handy, but they do have some downsides. One of the main drawbacks is that the rewards are usually small, so it can take a while to earn a significant amount. You also have to remember to scan receipts regularly, which can be time-consuming and easy to forget.

For me, though, I like to use them on all of my receipts as it only takes a quick moment to do.

11. Mystery shopping

When I had student loans to pay off, I turned to mystery shopping to make extra money. It didn’t make me rich, but it helped increase my income and allowed me to enjoy some free meals and free stuff (like free makeup and household goods).

Mystery shopping involves acting like a regular customer and then reporting on your experience. You might review a restaurant, shop at a store, or even evaluate a phone call. Companies use your feedback to improve their service.

What I like about mystery shopping:

• Extra cash (typically $10 to $15 per mystery shopping task)
• Free items or meals (you’re usually given an amount to spend in the store or restaurant)
• Flexible schedule

Mystery shopping helped me make around $100 to $200 a month.

Joining a reliable mystery shopping company is important, though, as there are a lot of scams. I used Bestmark and had a good experience with them.

Mystery shopping won’t replace a full-time job, but it’s a fun way to make some extra money.

You can learn more at How To Become A Mystery Shopper.

12. Babysitter

Being a babysitter is a flexible side hustle. You can choose your own hours and accept jobs that fit your schedule.

Parents often need help on weekends or evenings, which can be perfect if you are busy during the day.

What I liked about babysitting:

• Good pay – around $15 to $25 per hour (depending on where you live)
• Helps develop responsibility
• Flexible hours

Of course, there are downsides to being a babysitter, such as it can be tiring watching kids for long periods, and sometimes this side job means that you’ll be working late nights or weekends.

I was a babysitter when I was younger and I really liked it. The kids I babysat were fun to be around!

13. Coaching

Coaching can be a great side hustle. You get to help people grow and achieve their goals. It also offers flexibility because you get to be your own boss and decide your work hours.

I used to offer blog coaching in the past, and I enjoyed helping people learn how to grow their blogs and make money blogging.

It was also really easy for me to do, as I have been blogging for many years and have learned a lot about what to do and what not to do.

If you have the expertise and enjoy motivating others to improve, then there is probably a topic that you can coach others on.

14. Course creator

Creating an online course can be a game changer for your income. I launched my first course, Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing, in July 2016. Within the first year, it brought in around $434,698. This wasn’t due to any fancy marketing techniques but mainly through word-of-mouth.

Even though the course was successful, it didn’t come easy. I was nervous about it, especially since it was my first. I had worries that no one would be interested. Plus, many people said that your first course usually isn’t great.

Yet, the desire to help others understand affiliate marketing kept me going. By sharing my knowledge, I aimed to help bloggers increase their income. Online courses are beneficial because they can include interactive materials, workbooks, and community support, which go beyond what an ebook offers.

Here are some success stories from my course:

• One student increased their monthly income from $272 to $4,400.
• A new blogger got their first affiliate sale just two days after taking the course.
• Another went from earning $87 a month to over $1,700 the next month.

And I have helped countless bloggers earn well over $100,000 a year from their blog and turn it into a full-time income.

Creating a course is a lot of work, but it can also be very rewarding. It allows you to reach a wider audience and can become a substantial income stream. If you have knowledge to share, you may want to try creating your own online course.

This is a business idea that I recommend more people start! I enjoy taking courses from people and sign up for them all the time. I love learning, and so do others.

15. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the most popular side hustles. It’s easy to start and doesn’t need a lot of money up front.

You promote products and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link. This can be done on social media, a blog, a YouTube channel, and more.

What I like about affiliate marketing:

• Low start-up cost: You don’t need much money to start.
• Flexible schedule: Work when you want.
• Passive income: You can earn money even when you’re not working.

Affiliate marketing can be a fun and profitable side hustle. Just remember to stay patient and persistent!

16. Rent out a room in your home

Renting out a room in your house can be a simple way to make extra money. If you have unused space, like a spare bedroom or basement, you can turn it into a rental.

I have had several roommates in the past, and I liked this side hustle a lot.

What I liked about making extra money by renting out a spare room:

• Extra income to help pay the mortgage
• If you have unused space, then this can be a good way to fill it

Of course, there are challenges to having a roommate, and it isn’t always perfect. Sometimes, it can be hard to share common spaces (like the kitchen and bathroom), and it can also take time to adjust to someone else’s lifestyle.

Renting out a room isn’t for everyone, but it can provide steady income with minimal effort.

17. Shop at cash back websites

Shopping at cash back websites is an easy way to earn extra money. These sites give you a percentage of your purchase back as cash. You just have to sign up, shop through their site, app, or browser extension, and earn rewards.

I like cash back sites because they are easy to use and you don’t have to pay anything extra for using them.

Shopping through cash back sites can give you a nice little bonus on things you already planned to buy. It’s like getting paid to shop.

My favorite cash back sites are:

• Rakuten (for online shopping like clothing, home goods, etc.)
• Upside (for gas)
• Fetch Rewards (for groceries)

18. Dividends

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a side hustle, but it is a way that you can make more money so I wanted to include it here, especially since it’s one of my favorite ways to increase my income.

Dividends are an awesome way to earn passive income. You don’t need to do much work, and the money comes in. Many companies pay dividends to their shareholders regularly.

Here are a few benefits of investing in dividend stocks:

• Regular income: You can receive payments quarterly or even monthly.
• Low effort: Once you buy the stock, you don’t have to do much else.

A dividend is a portion of a company’s profits given to its eligible shareholders. You can receive dividends in cash, stock, or even options to buy more stock.

If you own shares in a company that pays dividends, you’ll get a dividend for each share you own.

For example, if you have 10 shares in Company XYZ and they pay $5 in cash dividends each year, you’ll get $50 in dividends for the year. Dividends are usually paid out quarterly, which means 4 times a year. So, in the example, the $5 in yearly dividends would likely be paid as $1.25 per quarter for each share you own.

You can learn more at What Are Dividends & How Do They Work? A Beginner’s Guide.

19. Brand ambassador

Being a brand ambassador is one of the more popular side hustles.

You represent a company and help promote its products. Often, you act as a public spokesperson. You can find opportunities on Facebook and many cities have brand ambassador groups where gigs are posted.

Brand ambassadors can earn between $15 to $20 per hour. Some high-end gigs can pay up to $100 per hour.

Benefits of this side hustle include flexible hours and the chance to work for brands you like. You may be able to get free products or swag, too, and this is one thing I really liked about being a brand ambassador in the past.

20. Newspaper delivery

Delivering newspapers can be an easy way to make money. It’s a job you can do before school or work, and it lets you get exercise too. You may drive, ride your bike, or walk to each house and leave the newspaper by the door.

The benefits of newspaper delivery include:

• Exercise: If you walk or ride your bike, you can get plenty of fresh air and exercise.
• Scheduling: Most routes are in the early morning, so you still have the rest of the day free.
• Tips: Some customers might give you tips during holidays or for good service.

But, there are some downsides, with the main one being that you typically have to wake up really early for this job. For newspaper delivery, you usually have to wake up very early in the morning, often around 3:00 to 5:00 AM. The exact time depends on how big your delivery route is and what the newspaper company requires. The goal is to have all the newspapers delivered by the time most people wake up, usually around 6:00 or 7:00 AM, so starting early is really important.

The other main negative is that a big collection of newspapers is, of course, heavy!

When I was younger, I helped a friend’s family with their newspaper run whenever I slept over at their house. They used their van to deliver a bunch of newspapers, and I got to tag along.

21. Help others with their resume

Helping others with their resume can be a rewarding side hustle. You can earn extra money while also making a big difference in someone’s job hunt.

When I was in my last year of college as well as about a year after I graduated, I helped several people with their resumes. I didn’t charge a lot (and many times worked for free or for a free meal), but I liked looking at resumes and finding ways to make everything sound better.

I was also really good at it and it came so easy to me!

Some benefits of this side hustle include:

• Flexibility: You can do this from home.
• High demand: Many people need help with their resumes.
• Work at your own pace: There’s no rush, and you can take on as many clients as you want.

By helping others with their resumes, you can earn money and provide help. It’s a great way to use your skills and make a difference in someone’s life.

22. Enter contests and giveaways

Entering contests and giveaways can be a fun and rewarding side hustle. You will definitely not win every time, but the more you enter, the higher your chances. People have won cash, gift cards, vacations, and electronics through these events.

You can spend a little time each week entering different contests. You can find them online, on social media, and in emails from brands you follow. Some people set aside about an hour each week to enter as many as they can find.

I found success this way. For example, I once won $10,000 from a financial blog’s anniversary contest, and this was a major win early on in my side hustle journey.

Remember, entering contests should be fun. Think of it as a hobby that could pay off with some great surprises. You most likely won’t get rich nor win the lottery doing this.

23. Earn credit card rewards

Using credit cards (the smart way) can help you earn rewards like cash, travel points, and more.

I’ve been using rewards credit cards for years, and now they’re the only cards I use. They help me save money on travel, earn cash back, and more. I’ve gotten free business class airfare to Europe, free flights to beach destinations and Alaska, and even just cash back on my everyday purchases.

By choosing the right credit card and using it wisely, you can enjoy great rewards and make the most of your spending.

Remember, carrying a balance on your credit card can lead to interest charges, which can outweigh the benefits of rewards. Always try to pay off your full balance each month to avoid these fees.

You can see my favorite credit card rewards at Best Rewards Credit Cards For This Year | What You Need To Know.

24. Test websites (User Testing)

Testing websites, also known as user testing, is a popular side hustle. You get paid to visit a website or app and give feedback on your experience.

You will need a computer, a reliable internet connection, and sometimes a microphone.

User testing is flexible. You can do it in your free time from the comfort of your home. This side hustle is great if you like trying new things and providing feedback.

I have personally been paid to do user testing in the past, as well as paid others to do user testing on this very website, Making Sense of Cents. I thought it was an easy side hustle where you just share what you honestly think of a website.

25. College textbook resale

Selling your college textbooks is a great way to make some extra money.

When I was in college, I sold all of my college textbooks once I was done, and I always tried to make the most money (so, that typically meant that I never sold it directly back to my college bookstore, because they usually paid the least amount).

Reselling college textbooks as a side hustle has its ups and downs.

On the plus side, there’s a high demand for cheaper, used textbooks, so you can make good money if you buy low and sell high. It’s easy to start, especially if you begin with your own used books, and it’s a great way to encourage reusing materials.

But the market is seasonal, with most demand at the start of each semester, so your income might be inconsistent. New editions can come out, making older books less valuable, and storing a lot of books can be tough. Plus, shipping heavy textbooks can cut into your profits if you’re not careful.

Recommended reading: 17 Best Places To Sell Used Books For Cash

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about finding the best side hustle.

What are the top side hustles that can bring in good money?

Top side hustles that can bring in good money include freelancing, blogging, flipping items for resale, and renting out rooms in your home.

How can I find side hustles that pay me every week?

You can find weekly pay side hustles through gig economy platforms like Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash. Freelancing on websites like Upwork or Fiverr might also pay weekly, depending on your agreement with clients. Another option is finding part-time jobs at local businesses that pay weekly wages.

Can you suggest some side hustle ideas I can do from my house?

There are several home-based side hustles. You can start freelancing in areas like writing, graphic design, or social media management. Another idea is to sell virtual assistant services. Teaching online courses or tutoring students in subjects you excel at is also a great way to earn from home.

What side jobs are out there for someone with no experience?

There are many side jobs for beginners. You can try pet sitting or dog walking through apps like Rover. Babysitting is another option if you like spending time with children. Delivery driving for companies like Uber Eats or Instacart doesn’t require much experience and can be started quickly too.

My Favorite Side Hustles – Summary

Now that we have gone over my full list, I want to talk about one of the main deciding factors of a side hustle.

Your time is important. Some side jobs take a lot of time but don’t pay well, while others pay more with less time.

Think about how much free time you have after your main job and how much money you want to make. This balance is very important. Track the hours you work and the money you earn to see if it’s worth it. The best side job fits into your life without stressing you out.

Also, another important deciding factor is choosing a side hustle that aligns with your skills and lifestyle. If you’re good at something, you’re likely to enjoy it more and perform better.

So, I recommend thinking about your current skills and hobbies. Matching your side hustle to your skills makes it easier and more enjoyable. Plus, you’re more likely to find success and earn extra income.