Making money doing nothing sounds like a dream come true, right? At money-central.com, we’re here to tell you that while it might not be entirely “nothing,” there are definitely ways to generate income with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy life while your money works for you. Think passive income streams and strategic investments that require little to no ongoing work.
Ready to discover the secrets to effortless earnings? Let’s explore the world of passive income, investment opportunities, and smart financial strategies that can help you achieve your financial goals with minimal effort.
1. Sign Up for a Rewards Credit Card
Earning money effortlessly can be a fantastic idea. One way to achieve this is by using a rewards credit card. When you use this type of card, you can earn points or cash back on purchases you would make anyway.
When you sign up for a new card, you might receive a substantial signup bonus. Some cards offer bonus points, such as 50,000 or even more, as a welcome gift. However, you usually need to spend a certain amount of money first (such as $4,000 in the first 3 months).
Here is a table with the different types of rewards you might get:
| Reward Type | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Points | Use for travel and gift cards. |
| Cash Back | Money back on your purchases. |
| Mile Rewards | Miles to fly on planes for free airfare. |
I have a few rewards credit cards, and I earn points every time I use my credit card, such as by paying a bill or going grocery shopping. I actually just signed up for a new rewards credit card this week that has a great signup bonus value of over $800.
Two rewards credit cards that I personally like are:
Important note: Using credit card rewards is a good idea as long as you use your credit card responsibly. It’s not smart to go into debt just for rewards because having debt with interest is not free or helpful. To truly make money from credit card rewards, be sure to pay your full credit card balance every month.
According to a study by New York University’s Stern School of Business, consumers who strategically use rewards credit cards and pay their balances in full each month can effectively earn back a significant percentage of their spending, boosting their overall financial well-being.
2. Get Paid to Stand in Line
If you don’t mind waiting, you can earn money by standing in line for other people. Some companies and individuals pay for this service, especially when they’re busy or want to attend popular events without waiting.
Here’s how it works: You take someone else’s spot in line, like waiting for tickets or securing a spot at a busy restaurant. You do the waiting for them so they don’t have to.
You can earn approximately $25 to $35 per hour by just standing in line. The exact amount depends on your location and how much people need line sitters.
To get started, search for websites that link line sitters with clients, such as Taskrabbit, Same Ole Line Dudes, and InLine4You. Join the sites, create a listing for your services, and wait for someone to hire you.
3. Dividend-Paying Stocks
One of the best ways to make money without a job is to invest in dividend-paying stocks.
When you invest in dividend-paying stocks, you’re buying a piece of a company that gives you money regularly. Think of it like getting a small thank you for holding on to the company’s stock. These payments usually come from the company’s profits, and they’re called dividends.
Here’s how it works. You buy stocks that pay dividends, and then, every so often (usually every three months), the company sends you money. It’s a way to earn without doing much after your initial investment.
Now, a table to show you what to look for:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dividend Yield | How much you earn compared to the stock price |
| Payout Ratio | The part of profits used for dividends |
| Ex-Dividend Date | The day when you must own the stock to get paid |
Keep in mind, not all dividend stocks are the same. Some may lose value and payments could stop if the company isn’t doing well. So, it’s important to choose wisely, and you might want to seek guidance from someone who knows a lot about stocks.
For me, I love earning dividends. It’s like being rewarded for saving for retirement, and it is so easy.
Recommended reading: What Are Dividends & How Do They Work? A Beginner’s Guide
According to Forbes, dividend-paying stocks can provide a steady stream of income, especially during retirement, and often outperform non-dividend-paying stocks over the long term.
What is the ideal timeframe for holding dividend stocks?
The ideal timeframe for holding dividend stocks is generally long-term, as this allows you to benefit from consistent dividend payments and potential capital appreciation over time.
4. High-Yield Savings Accounts
When you put your money in a savings account, you want it to grow. High-yield savings accounts are like your regular savings account but with an extra boost for making your money grow faster.
The interest rate or annual percentage yield (APY) is what the bank pays you. The higher the APY, the more money you make. Good news! Some of these accounts offer APYs much higher than the usual, like more than 5%! That’s a lot better than the average savings account.
I personally use a high yield savings account as they have a very high rate. You can find my favorite high yield savings account here at this bank. You can get up to 4.00% at the time of this writing. According to this high yield savings account calculator, if you have $10,000 saved, you could earn $400 with a high yield savings account in a year. Whereas with normal banks, your earnings would only be $41.
You must be thinking, “What’s the catch?” Well, most of these accounts are from online banks. No biggie, just that you won’t have a bank branch to visit. They also tend to not offer other features, such as bill pay and checks – it’s simply a place to park your money and earn a lot more in interest.
According to the Wall Street Journal, high-yield savings accounts are a safe and effective way to grow your savings, especially during periods of rising interest rates, offering a competitive alternative to traditional savings accounts.
Are high-yield savings accounts FDIC insured?
Yes, most high-yield savings accounts are FDIC insured, meaning your deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank.
5. Sell Printables
If you want to earn money while doing nearly nothing on the internet, you can try selling printables online. Printables are files that you make once, like planners, invitations, flash cards, and worksheets, and then sell over and over again.
Yes, you will have to make the printables and open a store, but after a while, you can start making money from the same printables over and over again.
This is because printables are digital products that sell with just simple downloadable files.
I recommend reading How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy to learn more.
6. Share Your Opinions
You can earn money in your free time by joining paid market research studies. Keep in mind, it won’t replace a full-time job (they usually pay only $1 to $3 for each survey you complete), but you might make some extra cash.
When I was paying off my student loans, I did online surveys almost every day. I did them before work, during my lunch break, or after work. What I like about answering online surveys is that I can answer them whenever I want, such as while watching TV or eating lunch.
Some of the survey companies I recommend include:
Please head to Best Paid Online Surveys to read more.
According to a report by Statista, the market research industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, with companies constantly seeking consumer feedback to improve their products and services.
7. Rent Out Your Extra Storage Space
If you’ve got extra room at your place, you can make money by renting it out.
Think about renting out parts of your home, like an empty closet, your driveway or parking space, or your garage. Websites like Neighbor allow you to list these spaces for someone to store their belongings (such as a car, sofa, boxes, and more).
Neighbor is like the Airbnb of storage space. Instead of having guests over, you’re renting out your storage space to store other people’s belongings.
8. Sell Stock Photos
Selling stock photos is a good way to earn money through passive income without actively working for it.
You upload photos you’ve taken with your camera or phone to a platform like Depositphotos. When someone buys one of your photos, you get a commission.
Websites, companies, and blogs use stock photos for all different kinds of reasons. Businesses use them to improve their content, websites, or overall appearance, as they may not have the time to take photos of everything they need.
I personally use stock photos in my blog posts all the time, and I know many, many others who do as well. The photos throughout this article are all stock photos, so you can see how useful they are to website owners.
Stock photography includes pictures of things like:
- Travel, landscapes, and outdoor scenes
- Business settings like laptops, offices, and people working
- Family moments, including parents and children
- Household items, such as living areas and kitchens
- Animals, including pets and wildlife
- Vehicles like cars and boats
- Sports, from professional events to casual games
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
9. House Sitting
For some people, house sitting is the ultimate dream job. You may be able to watch houses around the world in dream destinations after all!
House sitting involves taking care of someone’s house while they’re away. It’s a way to earn money without much effort. Your responsibilities include staying in the house, making sure everything is safe, collecting mail, and sometimes looking after pets or watering their plants. Many times, people just want it to look like someone is living in their home so that no one will try to break in.
You can find house sitting jobs on websites like TrustedHousesitters and Care. You may also find these types of jobs through dog walking gigs, such as on Rover.
10. Invest in REITs
Investing in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is like buying a small piece of many buildings without the hassle of managing them.
REITs are companies that own many real estate properties, and they earn money by renting out space in those properties. Imagine shopping malls, apartments, and offices as examples.
Here’s how it works:
- Choose a REIT – Look for REITs with good histories, like those experts trust.
- Invest Your Money – You can start with a small amount of money.
- Earn Money – REITs make cash from their buildings. They share this cash with you through dividends.
REITs offer diversification and potential income, making them a popular choice for investors looking for exposure to the real estate market without the direct responsibilities of property ownership.
What are the tax implications of investing in REITs?
The tax implications of investing in REITs can be complex, as dividends are often taxed at ordinary income rates rather than lower qualified dividend rates.
11. Pose for Art Classes
If you can stay still for a while, you might like posing for art classes. When you pose, art students look at you and draw or paint your picture. It’s a way you can make money by just sitting or standing.
Most times, art models get about $20 to $30 each hour. You’ll usually be there for around three hours or more.
What will you do? You will hold a pose. A pose can be something like sitting in a chair, standing, or making an interesting shape with your body. These poses can last from five to twenty minutes. Don’t worry, you get breaks so you can stretch and rest.
Who can do this? You don’t have to look a certain way. Artists need all kinds of people to learn how to draw humans well. You just need to be okay with being looked at while you are posing.
Where to find these jobs? Check with local art schools, colleges, or community centers. They usually need new models. You can also look online for art model jobs in your area.
12. Listen to Music
If you enjoy music, you can actually make some money by listening to songs. You can use apps and websites that pay you just for listening. Companies want your opinion on new music, and they’ll pay you for your time.
Slicethepie is a popular site that pays you to listen to music. Other popular sites include Playlist Push, Current Rewards, and Hit Predictor.
Here’s how it typically works:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Find an app | Look for apps that offer payment for music listening. |
| Sign up | Create an account on these platforms. |
| Listen and rate | Start listening to music and provide your honest feedback. |
| Earn | Collect your earnings, usually through points that can be converted into cash or gift cards. |
According to a recent study, music consumption is at an all-time high, with streaming platforms driving revenue and creating opportunities for artists and listeners alike.
13. Get Paid to Work Out
Yes, you can get paid for being active, even while doing your regular workout!
Apps like HealthyWage make staying fit exciting by allowing you to bet on your fitness goals. You set a weight loss target, bet on yourself, and join others with similar goals. If you achieve your goal first, you win money from the prize pool. It’s a friendly competition with a chance to earn a financial reward.
Recommended reading: 19 Ways To Get Paid To Workout
14. Become a Notary
If you want to earn money with little effort, you might think about becoming a notary. As a notary, your job is to be a witness when people sign important papers and to check that the people signing are really who they say they are.
So, yes, you are still working a job, but you are simply watching people sign papers.
What notaries do:
- Meet people who need papers signed.
- Check their IDs to make sure they are who they say they are.
- Watch them sign the document.
- Use your notary stamp and write in your record book.
You can make anywhere from $9 to $21 per hour, but it depends on things like where you live and if you have to go to people or they come to you.
According to the National Notary Association, the demand for notaries is consistent, as their services are essential for verifying the authenticity of legal documents.
What are the requirements to become a notary public?
The requirements to become a notary public vary by state but typically include being at least 18 years old, a resident of the state, and passing a background check.
15. Mattress Tester
Testing mattresses is a unique side hustle where you can make money by just testing out mattresses.
As a mattress tester, you’ll test beds and write reviews about your sleep quality, comfort, and any other observations. Your feedback is valuable as it helps companies improve their products to better meet customer needs.
Some mattress companies pay individuals like you to test their products. This helps them figure out how comfortable their mattresses are and how they can make them even better.
You can find these gigs by researching local sleep clinics or mattress companies that offer paid studies or testing.
I have actually been paid to test mattresses in the past, and it is easy! I was only paid with free mattresses, but at one point in a single year, I think I received 5 or 6 mattresses. I ended up giving away a couple to friends and family because the work was so easy.
16. Join a Sleep Study
Similar to testing out mattresses, you may be able to get paid to join a sleep study.
Sleep studies are research projects that help doctors understand sleep patterns and disorders. If you’re interested in earning money while contributing to science, participating in one of these studies is an option. Typically, sleep studies seek specific types of participants, such as a particular age group or weight range. Your initial step is to determine if you meet their requirements.
After being accepted into a study, you’ll visit the center for tests. During the study, you might wear special equipment while you sleep. This equipment helps researchers monitor and track your sleep patterns.
The payment you receive depends on how long the study is, which might be for one night or even several weeks.
Many universities, like the Harvard Division of Sleep Medicine, pay for sleep studies.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), sleep studies are crucial for understanding and treating sleep disorders, contributing to improved health outcomes.
17. Put an Advertisement on Your Car
If you want to earn extra money without doing much, think about turning your car into a moving billboard. Companies will pay you to put their ads on your car.
To start, join a car wrap advertising company like Carvertise or Wrapify. They’ll place a special sticker, called a car wrap, on your entire car or specific parts of it. These companies seek drivers to display ads on their cars, and the more you drive and the places you go can increase your earnings.
Your car’s make and model, condition, and paint quality are important. They decide how well the ads will stick and look.
The type of ad wrap you choose changes how much you get paid too. The options are:
- Full wrap
- Partial wrap
- Just the windows
Here’s what you might be able to earn:
| Car Wrap Type | Possible Earnings |
|---|---|
| Full Wrap | $200 to $1000 per month |
| Partial Wrap | $150 to $250 per month |
| Window Ads | $100 to $250 per month |
Keep in mind that the earnings can vary. It depends on factors like how frequently you drive and where your car is visible.
Recommended reading: 6 Best Ways To Get Paid to Advertise On Your Car
18. Rent Out a Spare Room in Your Home
If you have an extra room in your house and want to earn passive income streams, you can make money by renting it out. This is a smart way to earn cash without much work.
I have had several roommates over the years. We would rent out our spare room to long-term renters and people that we personally knew (such as friends and my sister).
To find a roommate and earn rental income, you can advertise your space in various places. You can announce on your personal Facebook page, place an ad on websites like Craigslist, create a rental listing on Airbnb, and more.
Whether you have a house or an apartment, this may be an option available to you.
According to Airbnb, hosts can earn a significant income by renting out their spare rooms, providing affordable accommodation options for travelers.
What are the legal considerations for renting out a spare room?
The legal considerations for renting out a spare room include complying with local zoning laws, obtaining necessary permits or licenses, and adhering to landlord-tenant laws.
19. Use Cash Back Sites
When you shop online, you can earn money back on what you spend by using cash back sites.
Think of it like getting a discount, but instead of saving money right away, you get some cash back later.
I use cash back sites and apps pretty much every single time I shop – it’s easy, free money for me.
Popular cashback sites include:
For example: To get cash back, all you need to do is create a Rakuten account, visit their website, and click on the store where you want to shop (such as Target, Best Buy, Old Navy, etc.). They will then redirect you to that store, and you can shop online as you normally would to get cash back.
These types of sites typically pay via free gift cards or PayPal cash.
According to a survey by RetailMeNot, consumers can save an average of $400 per year by using cash back sites and coupon codes when shopping online.
20. Rent Out Your RV
Renting out your RV can be a way to earn extra money on something that might be sitting around collecting dust (and rust!).
By renting it out, you could potentially make $100 to $300 a day or even more.
RVing has become very popular these days, and people frequently rent RVs to explore on vacations or even to try out a specific RV model before making a purchase.
One RV rental platform that I recommend is RVshare. RVshare is basically an Airbnb just for RVs. It’s a site where you can list your RV for rent and RVshare will handle all payments and bookings for you.
Similar to this, you can also rent out your car on Turo!
Recommended reading: How To Make Extra Money By Renting Out Your RV
21. Receive a Pension
Getting paid to do nothing may sound like a dream, but if you have a pension, it’s a real thing that can happen when you retire.
A pension is money that you get regularly after working for a certain number of years.
When you work at a job that offers a pension plan, your employer puts money into this plan for you. When it’s time to retire, this money comes back to you, usually every month.
The amount you get usually depends on three things:
- Age – Generally, the older you are when you retire, the more you get.
- Salary – How much you earned at your job can affect your pension.
- How long you worked there – The longer you worked, the higher your pension.
Sometimes, you might have the option to receive all your pension money at once, known as a “lump sum.” It’s a substantial, one-time payment instead of monthly checks. Make a wise decision by considering what works best for you. If you’re unsure, seeking advice from someone knowledgeable about finances could help you decide.
Recommended reading: 10 Jobs With Pensions in the US
According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), pensions provide a secure source of retirement income for millions of Americans, offering financial stability and peace of mind.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking a lump-sum pension payout?
The advantages of taking a lump-sum pension payout include greater control over your retirement funds and the potential for higher investment returns, while the disadvantages include the risk of outliving your savings and the responsibility of managing your investments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Paid to Do Nothing
Below are answers to common questions about how to get paid to do nothing.
How can I get money for doing nothing?
You might be surprised, but there are ways to earn money with little to no effort. For instance, using a cash back credit card for your everyday spending allows you to get a percentage back. You can also do any of the things above, such as selling digital downloads online, finding a job that will pay you a pension once you retire, investing in dividend-paying stocks, and more.
What are jobs where you do nothing and get paid a lot?
So, it can be hard to work an actual job that pays you a lot of money to do nothing. After all, if that existed, then everyone would be doing it, haha! Some jobs do pay you, though, for simple tasks, such as being a notary.
Can I really make income by just being idle?
Yes, you can make passive income through methods like earning interest from a high-yield savings account or renting out your spare space.
Where can I find jobs that don’t expect much work from me?
Look for gig economy jobs where you can earn money based on the tasks you choose to accept, such as delivering food or charging electric scooters. There are so many other side jobs that aren’t even mentioned on the list above, such as creating an online course, becoming a taste tester, micro-investing (such as with the Acorns app), becoming a background actor, watching ads, affiliate marketing, delivering groceries, writing a book review online (such as for Kirkus Media), playing games, talking with an online companion or strangers, and more.
How to get paid to do nothing online?
Some ways to get paid to do nothing online include selling digital files and stock photos. These will both require initial work from you, but eventually, these will sell with little work needed by you.
What are the main factors to consider when evaluating passive income opportunities?
The main factors to consider when evaluating passive income opportunities include the initial investment required, the potential return on investment, the level of ongoing effort needed, and the associated risks.
How can I diversify my income streams to achieve financial stability?
You can diversify your income streams to achieve financial stability by exploring various passive income opportunities, such as investing in dividend-paying stocks, real estate, or online businesses.
What are the best ways to automate passive income streams?
The best ways to automate passive income streams include setting up automatic reinvestments for dividend stocks, using property management services for rental properties, and leveraging e-commerce platforms for online businesses.
How can I stay motivated and disciplined when pursuing passive income goals?
You can stay motivated and disciplined when pursuing passive income goals by setting clear financial goals, tracking your progress regularly, and celebrating your achievements along the way.
What are the common pitfalls to avoid when trying to make money doing nothing?
The common pitfalls to avoid when trying to make money doing nothing include falling for scams, neglecting due diligence, and failing to diversify your income streams.
How To Get Paid to Do Nothing – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to get paid to do nothing and found one or more gigs that fit what you’re looking for!
As you can see, there are many ways to get paid to do nothing (or almost nothing).
You can grow your savings effortlessly with high-yield savings accounts or make money by renting out extra storage space. Investments in stocks that pay dividends or REITs can give you money regularly without needing your daily attention.
Did you know that you can get paid to do nothing?
Ready to take control of your financial future and start earning money with minimal effort? Visit money-central.com today for more in-depth articles, helpful tools, and expert advice on passive income, investments, and smart financial strategies. Our comprehensive resources are designed to empower you to achieve your financial goals and live the life you’ve always dreamed of! Check out our budgeting tools, investment guides, and connect with financial advisors. Your journey to financial freedom starts now! Address: 44 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012, United States. Phone: +1 (212) 998-0000.
