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Side hustles are no longer just a trend — they’re a lifestyle. About 4 in 10 working Americans have one right now. And for good reason: they help you save more, pay down debt faster, and get closer to financial independence without quitting your day job.
Whether you want to make a few hundred bucks a month or start something that could grow into a full-time gig, here are 10 beginner-friendly side hustles I’ve either tried myself or seen work firsthand.
When I first started looking for a side hustle, I didn’t want something complicated or time-consuming. I just wanted a simple way to make extra money without burning out. If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
Sell Stuff You Don’t Use Anymore
I started with this one — and honestly, it surprised me how fast the money added up.
We all have stuff lying around that we don’t use:
Clothes that don’t fit
Kitchen gadgets collecting dust
Old tech (phones, tablets, cameras)
Unused furniture or decor
I listed everything on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Mercari. Within a week, I’d made over $200 just clearing out clutter. Bonus: my place felt cleaner, too.
What you need: A phone to take photos, and 30 minutes to list a few items
Where to sell: Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Poshmark, eBay, Mercari
Freelance Your Skills (Even if You Think You Have None)
At first, I didn’t think I had any marketable skills. But once I started looking, I realized I could:
Write social media captions
Proofread blog posts
Create simple Canva graphics
Do basic data entry
You don’t need to be an expert to get started. There are tons of beginner gigs on websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.
What I learned: People will pay for stuff you think is “easy.” So if you enjoy writing, organizing, designing, or even just Googling things — there’s a gig out there for you.
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
I love animals, but I can’t have a dog full-time. So I started walking dogs on the weekends — and it felt like getting paid to hang out with furry friends.
Sites like Rover and Wag let you connect with pet owners who need help:
Walking dogs while they’re at work
Pet sitting during vacations
Dropping in for feedings or playtime
I made around $15–$25 per walk, and even more for overnight stays.
Bonus: You get fresh air, a little exercise, and tail wags for your effort.
Rent Out a Room (Or Just Your Driveway)
If you have extra space — even a parking space — you could be sitting on a cash opportunity.
I’ve seen people make money by renting out:
A spare bedroom on Airbnb
Storage space in their garage
A driveway in a busy area (through sites like Spacer)
You don’t need a vacation house to get started — just a little extra room and a willingness to host.
Tip: Make sure your rental terms and insurance are clear, especially if it involves overnight stays.
Flip Thrift Store Finds
This one’s part hobby, part hustle — and surprisingly fun.
Here’s how I got started:
Went to a few local thrift stores and garage sales
Looked for items that were underpriced or rare (books, vintage clothes, small electronics)
Checked prices on eBay to see what they were selling for
Bought a few items, cleaned them up, and re-listed them online
It took a little patience, but my first flip — a $4 board game I sold for $28 — got me hooked.
Key: Start small, track what sells, and reinvest profits into new finds.
Deliver Food or Groceries
If you have a car, bike, or even a scooter, you can start making money right away with apps like:
DoorDash
Uber Eats
Instacart
Shipt
I tried DoorDash for a month and made about $400 driving just a few evenings a week. The flexibility was the best part — I could turn the app on whenever I had free time.
Pro tip: Deliver during lunch or dinner rushes for the most consistent earnings.
Offer Local Services (Offline Hustles Still Work!)
Some of the best side hustles don’t require an internet connection.
If you’re handy or helpful, people in your area might pay for:
Lawn mowing or yard cleanup
House cleaning
Junk hauling
Tech setup for elderly neighbors
Helping someone move or assemble furniture
I once made $150 in a single weekend helping a friend’s neighbor clean out their garage.
Check out Nextdoor, Craigslist, or local Facebook groups to find people looking for help.
Teach or Tutor Online
If there’s something you’re good at — even if it’s just basic math, writing, or English — you can get paid to teach it.
There are platforms for:
Tutoring kids (Wyzant, Cambly, Preply)
Teaching music or language (TakeLessons, iTalki)
Creating your own mini-courses (Teachable, Gumroad)
I tutored a middle schooler in writing once a week and made $30/hour — all from Zoom.
It’s not just about what you know, but how you explain it.
Take Online Surveys or Test Websites
I won’t lie — this won’t make you rich. But if you’re watching Netflix anyway, it can be a way to earn some easy gift cards or cash.
I’ve tried:
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
UserTesting (pays more for website feedback)
For every 30–60 minutes, I’d earn around $5–$15. Not life-changing, but hey — it adds up if you’re doing it while chilling.
Start a Blog TikTok or YouTube Channel (Long-Term Hustle)
Okay, this one takes time. But if you stick with it, it can grow into real, passive income.
I started FIREInstitute.com because I wanted to help people get better with money — and over time, it’s become part of my income too.
You can blog or make videos about:
A skill you know
A journey you’re on (like paying off debt or learning to invest)
A niche you love (like biking, tech, or even side hustles)
You can monetize through:
Affiliate links
Ad networks
Selling digital products
Sponsorships
If you enjoy writing or creating, this might be the most rewarding hustle of all.
Pick One and Start
Side hustles don’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need a business plan or fancy website to start making extra money.
Just pick one idea that fits your lifestyle, try it for a month, and see where it leads.
Here’s what helped me:
Start with something easy and low-risk
Use your evenings or weekends (not your life savings)
Focus on learning — not perfection
You never know what a small side gig could turn into. For me, it started with selling a few things on Facebook. Now I’m building multiple income streams.
What to Do Now
- Choose one hustle to test this month
- Set a small goal (like $200 profit in 30 days)
- Track your progress — and celebrate even small wins
- Come back here for more tips when you’re ready to level up
You don’t need more time, just a starting point. Let this be it.
