Feeling that familiar pinch in your wallet? We’ve all been there. Knowing you need to Make Spare Money is the easy part – a quick glance at your bank balance usually tells the tale. The real challenge lies in figuring out how to actually generate that extra income.
In today’s economy, the concept of a side hustle is no longer a novelty; it’s becoming the norm. People are leveraging side gigs, renting out their assets, and selling unwanted items to make spare money and bolster their financial well-being. It’s inspiring to see such resourcefulness! But how do they discover these money-making avenues? Often, it starts with stumbling upon a comprehensive list of ideas, much like the one you’re about to explore.
Consider this your definitive guide to transforming your financial situation. It’s time to move beyond just wishing for more cash and actively pursue your money goals. Whether you’re looking to make spare money from the comfort of your home, online, or through side hustles in your local community, we’ve got you covered. And rest assured, these are all legitimate, proven methods to make spare money – no get-rich-quick schemes or dubious tactics here. We’re focused on real, achievable ways to increase your income.
So, let’s get down to business and uncover the best strategies to make spare money and take control of your financial future!
Jump to Ways to Make Spare Money Online or From Home
Explore Side Hustles to Make Spare Money
Learn How to Make Spare Money by Selling or Renting
Don’t Overlook This Smart Way to Increase Your Income
How to Make Spare Money Online or From Home
In today’s digital age, the internet offers a plethora of opportunities to make spare money without even stepping out your front door. If you’re looking for flexible, home-based income streams, these online avenues are worth exploring.
1. Become an Online Tutor
Think you need to be a straight-A student with a PhD to become a tutor? Think again! Online tutoring platforms like Tutor.com, TutorMe, and Studypool are constantly seeking individuals with expertise in a wide range of subjects. You don’t need to be a know-it-all; you just need to be knowledgeable and passionate about a particular subject. This is a fantastic way to make spare money by sharing your skills and helping students succeed.
However, a word of caution: be discerning when choosing tutoring opportunities. Some students on these platforms might be seeking shortcuts rather than genuine learning assistance. Be sure to focus on legitimate tutoring requests and avoid assignments that promote academic dishonesty. Your integrity and the student’s learning journey are paramount.
2. Test User Experience for Websites
Every online business is striving for the perfect website – one that’s informative, engaging, goal-oriented, and ultimately, profitable. But how do they know if their website is truly hitting the mark? That’s where user experience (UX) testers come in. Companies rely on testers to provide valuable feedback and identify areas for improvement. This is a straightforward way to make spare money simply by surfing the web and sharing your thoughts.
If you have a knack for spotting user-friendly (or not-so-user-friendly) website design, companies like UserTesting and TryMyUI will pay you for your insights. Many platforms advertise earnings of around $10 per test, with opportunities to earn up to $120 for live conversations! This is a great option for those who enjoy web browsing and have an eye for detail, offering a simple way to make spare money in your downtime.
3. Participate in Online Surveys
Looking for an incredibly easy way to make spare money? Consider online survey sites like MyPoints and Survey Junkie. These platforms reward you for simply taking surveys and sharing your opinions on various topics. It sounds almost too good to be true, right?
While it’s not a path to instant wealth, participating in surveys can be a consistent way to accumulate extra cash over time. Keep in mind that survey sites often have specific demographic requirements, so you might not qualify for every survey you encounter. Also, most platforms require you to reach a certain points threshold before you can cash out your earnings. Patience and persistence are key, but if you have some spare moments and enjoy sharing your thoughts, online surveys can be a simple way to make spare money.
4. Earn Cash Back with Reward Apps
In the realm of effortless ways to make spare money, cash back apps reign supreme. Numerous mobile apps offer opportunities to earn rewards and cash back simply for doing things you already do, like shopping. We’re talking about incredibly easy actions, like scanning your receipts after grocery shopping or making online purchases through specific app links.
Explore popular cash back apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, Shopkick, Receipt Hog, and Dosh to unlock spare money opportunities with minimal effort. These apps essentially put money back in your pocket for your everyday spending, making them a smart and simple way to boost your income without significant changes to your routine.
5. Teach English Online
If you’re drawn to the idea of tutoring but with a global reach, teaching English online could be a perfect fit to make spare money. Companies like VIPKid connect English teachers with students around the world, primarily in China. This is a particularly popular option among those seeking flexible, home-based work, and it’s highly recommended by members of the Ramsey Baby Steps Community.
Worried about lesson planning and grading? Don’t be! Many online English teaching platforms provide the curriculum and handle administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on teaching. However, most companies require a bachelor’s degree (in any field) and some experience in teaching, tutoring, or coaching. If you meet the qualifications and have a passion for language education, teaching English online is a rewarding and effective way to make spare money.
6. Monetize Your Creative Talents as a Freelancer
Do you possess creative skills just waiting to be unleashed? If you’re a writer, editor, graphic designer, voice-over artist, or have other creative talents, freelancing platforms like Fiverr can connect you with clients seeking your expertise. This is an excellent way to make spare money by leveraging your skills and setting your own terms.
On Fiverr, you create a profile – a blend of an online portfolio and a resume – showcasing your experience, rates, and specialties. Potential clients can browse profiles, review your work, and hire you for projects that match your skillset. Whether you’re looking for occasional gigs or seeking to build a consistent freelance career, Fiverr and similar platforms provide a valuable marketplace to make spare money by doing what you love.
7. Offer Virtual Assistant Services
Are you highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrive on challenges? Do you dream of working from the comfort of your home? Becoming a virtual assistant (VA) could be your ideal path to make spare money. Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a remote location. The work is varied, engaging, and in high demand.
Virtual assistants help businesses and individuals manage tasks like scheduling, email management, social media, customer service, and more. If you have strong organizational and communication skills, and enjoy supporting others, explore platforms like Upwork and Zirtual to find virtual assistant opportunities. This role offers flexibility, variety, and the chance to make spare money while making a real difference for your clients.
8. Become a Social Media Influencer
If you’ve cultivated a significant following on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or even through a blog, you have the potential to make spare money as a social media influencer. Brands are increasingly seeking influencers to promote their products and services to engaged audiences.
Whether your niche is fashion, food, fitness, home décor, or anything in between, you can become a valuable resource for businesses seeking online visibility. To get started, identify brands you genuinely admire and reach out to them, expressing your interest in collaboration. Explore affiliate marketing and sponsored content opportunities through platforms like ShareASale and Amazon Associates to further monetize your influence and make spare money through your online presence.
9. Manage Social Media for Businesses
Perhaps you love social media but prefer to work behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight. You can still make spare money by helping businesses manage their social media presence. Many companies, especially small businesses, recognize the importance of social media for marketing and customer engagement but lack the time or expertise to manage it effectively.
This is where your skills come in. If you have a creative flair, a passion for connecting with people online, and a solid understanding of various social media channels, you can offer your services as a social media manager. Tasks might include content creation, scheduling posts, community engagement, running ad campaigns, and analyzing social media performance. This is a valuable and in-demand skill that allows you to make spare money by helping businesses thrive in the digital landscape.
Side Hustles to Make Spare Money
Beyond the digital realm, numerous side hustles offer tangible ways to make spare money in your local community. These often involve leveraging your skills, time, and assets to generate income outside of traditional employment.
10. Sell Your Photos Online
Do you have a gallery of stunning sunset photos, perfectly styled food pics, or captivating travel snapshots gathering digital dust on your phone or camera? You can turn those visual treasures into spare money by selling them online. Platforms like Foap allow you to upload your photos and sell them to brands and individuals. Foap can pay up to $10 per photo (and sometimes more for special “missions”), although they do take a 50% commission.
While there’s no guarantee that every photo will sell, this is essentially earning spare money for something you may already be doing for fun – capturing moments of your life through photography. Even a few sales can add up and provide a little extra cash for your wallet.
11. Drive for Ride-Sharing Services
If you need to make spare money but value a flexible schedule, consider becoming a driver for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. You can set your own hours, drive as much or as little as you want, and be your own boss. Plus, you get the chance to meet new people, explore your city, and have interesting conversations along the way.
Your earning potential depends on your location, the demand for rides, and how often you drive. But if you have some free evenings or weekends, ride-sharing can be a practical way to make spare money while exploring your city and enjoying the open road.
12. Deliver Food for Restaurants
If you enjoy driving but prefer less passenger interaction, food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, or Postmates offer a great alternative to make spare money. Food delivery allows you to set your own schedule and work when it’s convenient for you.
This can be a perfect side hustle to fit into your free time, whether it’s evenings, weekends, or lunch breaks. Plus, while you’re making deliveries, you can catch up on audiobooks, podcasts, or your favorite music, making your driving time productive and enjoyable while you make spare money.
13. Participate in Paid Focus Groups
Do you enjoy sharing your opinions and insights? If so, participating in focus groups could be a fun and easy way to make spare money. Market research companies and businesses often conduct focus groups to gather feedback on new products, services, or marketing campaigns. Check for local focus group facilities in your area or search for online opportunities. FocusGroup.com is a good place to start.
Focus groups often involve taste tests, product trials, or discussions, and they typically pay participants for their time and input. Make sure you meet the specific demographic or interest criteria for each focus group before applying, but if you qualify, this can be an engaging way to make spare money simply by sharing your thoughts and experiences.
14. Become a Grocery Delivery Shopper
If you love the act of shopping but want to earn rather than spend money, becoming a grocery delivery shopper with companies like Shipt or Instacart could be an ideal side hustle to make spare money. You get paid to shop for groceries and deliver them to customers’ homes, offering convenience and saving them time.
Shipt advertises that their shoppers can earn up to $22 per hour! That’s a significant hourly rate for a task many people find enjoyable. Grocery delivery offers flexible hours, the chance to be active, and the satisfaction of providing a valuable service while you make spare money.
15. Offer Babysitting Services
Babysitting is a classic and reliable way to make spare money, and it’s not just for teenagers. Many parents are seeking trustworthy and responsible babysitters for date nights, errands, or work commitments. You can tap into this demand and offer your childcare services.
Let your friends, neighbors, church community, and colleagues know that you’re available for babysitting. Word-of-mouth referrals are often the most effective way to find clients. Alternatively, you can register on platforms like Sittercity or Care.com to connect with families seeking babysitters in your area. You set your own rates and schedule, and babysitting can be a consistently available way to make spare money, especially if you enjoy spending time with children. Hourly rates typically range from $15-$25 or more, depending on location and experience.
16. Start a Pet-Sitting Business
If you’re an animal lover, pet-sitting is a natural fit to make spare money. Many pet owners need reliable individuals to care for their furry, feathered, or scaled companions while they’re traveling, working, or simply need extra help. You can offer services like dog walking, pet visits, overnight pet-sitting, or pet boarding.
Advertise your pet-sitting business through social media, neighborhood flyers, or online platforms like Rover and Wag. These platforms connect pet sitters with pet owners and handle bookings and payments. You set your own rates and availability, and pet-sitting can be a joyful way to make spare money while spending time with animals. Keep in mind that Rover and Wag typically take a percentage of your earnings as service fees.
17. Turn Your Car into an Advertising Billboard
Looking for a truly passive way to make spare money? Consider car wrap advertising. Apps like Wrapify connect drivers with brands seeking to advertise on vehicles. You essentially get paid to drive your car as you normally would, but with an advertisement wrapped around it.
Once your car is wrapped (professionally installed and removed), you simply drive your regular routes. The more you drive, the more you earn. Wrapify estimates that drivers with full car wraps can earn between $264 and $452 per month on average! This is a unique and surprisingly lucrative way to make spare money with minimal effort, simply by leveraging your daily commute.
18. Offer Task-Based Services
If you’re handy, enjoy tackling small jobs, or are willing to run errands for others, platforms like TaskRabbit can connect you with individuals seeking assistance with various tasks. This is a great way to make spare money by utilizing your skills and time to help busy people.
TaskRabbit offers a wide range of task categories, from furniture assembly and home repairs to yard work, moving help, cleaning, and errands. You can browse available tasks in your area, set your own rates, and choose jobs that fit your skills and schedule. TaskRabbit is ideal for those who are versatile, enjoy problem-solving, and want to make spare money through varied and flexible work.
19. Deliver Packages for Amazon
The demand for package delivery is constantly growing, and Amazon’s delivery service, Amazon Flex, offers an opportunity to make spare money by delivering packages in your local area. Amazon Flex drivers use their own vehicles to deliver packages on flexible schedules, choosing delivery blocks that suit their availability.
You can sign up to be an Amazon Flex driver and select delivery blocks in your area. This is a good option for those who enjoy driving, are familiar with their local area, and want to make spare money on their own terms. The pay rate varies depending on location and delivery block, but it can be a reliable way to supplement your income.
20. Monetize Your Commute
Think about all the time you spend in your car commuting to work, running errands, or driving kids to activities. What if you could turn that commute time into spare money? Apps like Roadie allow you to get paid for delivering packages or even pets along routes you’re already driving. Roadie connects individuals and businesses with drivers who can transport items efficiently and cost-effectively.
Another innovative approach is carpooling apps that reward you for sharing your rides. In some cities, apps like Hytch partner with businesses to incentivize carpooling, offering rewards for drivers who share their commute with others. Explore options in your area to see how you can make spare money simply by optimizing your existing driving routines.
21. Become a Part-Time Photographer
If you have a good camera and a keen eye for capturing moments, photography can be a fulfilling and profitable way to make spare money. You can start part-time, offering photography services for events, portraits, or local businesses. The level of commitment is entirely up to you, from weekend family photoshoots to building a full-fledged wedding photography business.
Begin by defining your niche, whether it’s family portraits, pet photography, event coverage, or product photography. Research the going rates for photography services in your area to price yourself competitively yet fairly. Remember to factor in editing time and client communication when setting your rates. Even charging $75-$100 for a one-hour session can quickly add up and help you make spare money doing something you enjoy.
22. Offer Car Washing and Detailing Services
Are you meticulous about car care and enjoy making vehicles shine? Car washing and detailing services are consistently in demand and can be a great way to make spare money, especially if you’re a car enthusiast. Many people are willing to pay for the convenience of having their cars professionally cleaned and detailed.
You can offer mobile car washing and detailing services, bringing your business directly to customers’ homes or workplaces. This eliminates the need for customers to travel and wait at a car wash. You may need to invest in some basic equipment and supplies to get started, but the startup costs are relatively low. Promote your services locally and tap into the demand for convenient and high-quality car care to make spare money.
23. Become a Financial Coach
Do you have a passion for personal finance and enjoy helping others take control of their money? You can make spare money by becoming a part-time financial coach. Financial coaching involves guiding individuals and families towards their financial goals, providing support, accountability, and education.
No specialized financial certifications are necessarily required to start as a financial coach, especially if you focus on basic budgeting, debt management, and saving strategies. Consider pursuing financial coach training to enhance your skills and credibility. Your passion for financial wellness and your ability to empower others can translate into a rewarding side hustle to make spare money while making a positive impact on people’s lives.
24. Start a Blog
If you have a passion, expertise, or unique perspective to share, starting a blog can be a long-term strategy to make spare money online. Blogging allows you to create content around topics you’re interested in, build an audience, and eventually monetize your blog through various methods.
Choose a blog topic that genuinely excites you, whether it’s cooking, travel, personal finance, technology, or any other niche. Be prepared for a slow start, as building a successful blog takes time, consistent effort, and quality content. Monetization strategies include advertising networks like Google AdSense, affiliate marketing (earning commissions by promoting products), selling digital products, and sponsored content. While it requires patience and dedication, blogging can become a sustainable source of spare money and even passive income over time.
25. Launch Your Own Online Business
For those with entrepreneurial aspirations, the internet has made it easier than ever to launch your own online business and make spare money. Whether you have a product idea, a service to offer, or want to sell handmade goods, online platforms provide the tools and reach to turn your business dreams into reality.
Platforms like Etsy are ideal for selling handmade, vintage, or unique items. Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) allows you to sell products on Amazon, leveraging their vast customer base and fulfillment network. Big Cartel is tailored for artists and creators to sell their work online. Starting an online business requires more upfront effort than some other side hustles, but it offers significant potential for growth and long-term income generation, allowing you to make spare money and build something of your own.
Quick Tip: Find Your Perfect Side Hustle
Feeling overwhelmed by the options and unsure where to start? Take a free side hustle quiz to get personalized recommendations based on your skills, interests, and schedule. This can help you narrow down the choices and identify the best side hustles to make spare money that align with your unique profile.
Take the Side Hustle Quiz Now
How to Make Spare Money by Selling or Renting
Unlocking the potential to make spare money can be as simple as leveraging assets you already own. Selling unused items or renting out underutilized possessions can generate surprising amounts of extra income.
26. Rent Out Your Home or Spare Room
If you have a spare bedroom, an entire apartment, or even just a couch to offer, consider renting it out on platforms like Airbnb to make spare money. Short-term rentals are in high demand in many areas, particularly for travelers seeking alternatives to hotels.
Let’s say you rent out a guest room and bathroom. In many cities, this could potentially generate hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month. Airbnb provides tools for managing bookings, communicating with guests, and handling payments. Concerns about property damage or liability are addressed by Airbnb’s host protection programs, including damage coverage and host liability insurance. While it requires some effort to manage bookings and guest interactions, renting out your space can be a significant source of spare money.
27. Rent Out Your Car
Do you have a car that sits idle for extended periods, perhaps during work hours or while you’re traveling? Car-sharing platforms like Turo allow you to rent out your car to others and make spare money from an asset that would otherwise be depreciating. Turo estimates that car owners can earn an average of over $10,000 per year by renting out their vehicles.
Turo provides liability insurance, as well as options for damage and theft protection, offering peace of mind when renting out your car. You set your own rental rates and availability, and Turo handles bookings and payments. Renting out your car can be a surprisingly lucrative way to make spare money with minimal ongoing effort.
28. Sell Old Phones and Electronics
In today’s fast-paced tech world, upgrading to the latest gadgets is common. But what do you do with your old phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles? Instead of letting them gather dust in a drawer, sell them to make spare money and declutter your home. Platforms like Swappa and Gazelle specialize in buying used electronics.
These sites offer a convenient way to get cash for your old devices. You typically get a quote based on the device’s model and condition, and if you accept, you ship it in and receive payment. Selling old electronics is a simple way to make spare money and contribute to electronic waste reduction.
29. Sell Used Movies and Music
In the age of streaming, physical media like DVDs, CDs, and Blu-rays can become obsolete. If you have collections of movies and music gathering dust, consider selling them to make spare money and simplify your entertainment setup. Decluttr is a popular platform for selling used media items.
Decluttr makes the process easy. You can scan the barcodes of your DVDs, CDs, and games using their app, and they’ll provide instant offers. If you accept, you ship your items to Decluttr for free and get paid. Selling used media is a quick and convenient way to make spare money and declutter your living space.
30. Rent Out Baby Gear
If you have baby items like cribs, strollers, high chairs, and car seats that are no longer in daily use but you’re not ready to permanently part with them, consider renting them out to make spare money. Platforms like BabyQuip specialize in baby gear rentals, connecting parents with travelers or local families who need temporary baby equipment. BabyQuip providers report earning around $1,000 per month renting out baby gear!
Renting baby gear is a unique and surprisingly lucrative way to make spare money from items that might otherwise sit unused. It also provides a valuable service to families who prefer to rent rather than buy bulky baby equipment, especially when traveling.
31. Sell Unwanted Household Items
Take a look around your home – closets, attics, garages, storage spaces. Chances are you have items you no longer use, need, or want. Selling these unwanted household items is a classic and effective way to make spare money and declutter your living space.
Traditional platforms like eBay and Craigslist remain viable options for selling a wide range of items. However, don’t overlook newer apps and online marketplaces like OfferUp, VarageSale, Poshmark (for clothing and fashion items), thredUP (for used clothing), and Facebook Marketplace. These platforms often offer user-friendly interfaces and broader reach, making it easier to make spare money by selling secondhand goods.
32. Sell Your Kids’ Outgrown Clothing
Children grow out of clothes incredibly quickly. Instead of letting piles of outgrown kids’ clothing accumulate, sell them to make spare money and recoup some of your clothing expenses. You have several options for selling kids’ clothes:
Traditional yard sales are always an option. Consignment stores specialize in selling gently used children’s clothing. Social media marketplaces and local online groups can be effective for selling within your community. And dedicated apps like Kidizen are specifically designed for selling kids’ clothing online. You can also use general marketplaces like Poshmark, thredUP, Craigslist, and eBay to sell children’s clothes and make spare money from your kids’ closets.
33. Sell Unused Gift Cards
Gift cards can be thoughtful gifts, but sometimes you receive cards for stores you don’t frequent. Instead of letting those gift cards sit unused and potentially lose value, sell them to make spare money. Websites like Raise provide a marketplace for buying and selling gift cards.
Raise and similar platforms allow you to sell unwanted gift cards for slightly less than their face value. While you won’t get the full value, you’ll get cash for a gift card you wouldn’t otherwise use, turning an unwanted gift into spare money you can actually spend where you choose.
34. Rent Out Your Belongings – Almost Anything!
Beyond homes, cars, and baby gear, you can rent out a surprisingly wide range of belongings to make spare money. Fat Llama is a popular platform that enables you to rent out almost anything you own, from tools and equipment to sporting goods and party supplies.
Popular rental items on Fat Llama include camera gear, projectors, lighting, and audio equipment, making it a great option for photographers, videographers, and tech enthusiasts to make spare money from their equipment when it’s not in use. But the possibilities extend far beyond tech. You can rent out lawnmowers, power tools, camping gear, bikes, musical instruments, and much more. Explore the Fat Llama platform and consider what items you own that could generate rental income and help you make spare money from your existing possessions.
Don’t Forget This Key Step to Maximize Your Spare Money!
Now that you’re armed with a wealth of ideas on how to make spare money, it’s time to take action! Try a few of these strategies, or challenge yourself to explore as many as possible to see how much extra income you can generate.
But earning spare money is only part of the equation. To truly maximize its impact, make sure you have a plan for how you’ll use that extra cash. Budgeting is the key to ensuring your spare money works hard for you. Use a budgeting tool like EveryDollar to allocate your extra income strategically – whether it’s paying down debt, saving for a specific goal, investing for the future, or simply building a financial cushion. By combining your efforts to make spare money with smart budgeting, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your financial goals and building a more secure future.
