It’s no secret that everything has become more expensive, and like many of you, I have been searching for ways to boost my income. I’ve found some incredible ways to make money on the side, and I want to share my absolute favorites with you!
1. Pay-to-play mobile games
Gaming has always been a hobby of mine, but I never thought I would be paid real money to play games (I’m certainly no pro). That changed when I discovered an online platform that rewards you for playing games.
I spent a few hours each evening playing mobile games I already loved and, to my surprise, earned about $600 in a month. But the highest-earners make up to 5k each month on the platform I used:Â
If gaming is already part of your daily routine, why not turn it into a way to make extra income?
2. Find sign up offers that pay
Signing up for free trials and offers can be a surprisingly easy way to earn cash. Many platforms connect you with brands that reward users for signing up and trying their services.
I earned money just by signing up for products I was already curious about. It’s a low-effort hustle that can bring in steady rewards if done consistently.
You can’t put as many hours into this as gaming, but it has an excellent ratio of time spent to reward.
3. Complete paid surveys
Your opinions are worth more than you think! I discovered this while trying out paid surveys on a platform that rewards you for sharing feedback on shopping, entertainment, and more.
What I loved about this hustle was the flexibility, as I found a platform that let me do it all from my phone, including cashing out!
If you’re curious about earning extra money by sharing your feedback, this method is an easy and flexible option to explore.
4. Dog Walking
If you’re a dog lover, this side hustle is as fun as it is profitable. I started by walking my neighbor’s Labrador during my lunch breaks.
Word quickly spread, and within weeks, I had a small group of regular furry clients who brightened my mornings with wagging tails and happy barks.
It’s a hustle that pays well, keeps you fit, and lets you spend time outdoors. If you love animals, this is a no-brainer.
5. Food Delivery
Food delivery apps offer unmatched flexibility. One rainy evening, I decided to try delivering food during peak dinner hours, and it turned out to be surprisingly profitable.
In just a few hours, I earned $130, thanks to generous tips from hungry customers.
Whether you have a car, bike, or scooter, this hustle is perfect for anyone looking to earn while exploring their city. It’s as flexible as it gets!
6. Paid Video Watching
Watching videos to make money sounded too good to be true—until I tried it.
I often did this during breaks or while waiting for dinner to cook. It’s a low-effort way to earn extra cash, and the rewards add up faster than you’d expect.
This method has the obvious benefit that you can literally get paid while chilling on your couch. But, it is definitely not the biggest earner on the list.
7. House Sitting
House sitting is one of the simplest ways to earn extra cash. It often feels more like a mini staycation than work.
This hustle offers peace of mind to homeowners while giving you a low-effort way to earn money. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a little quiet time while getting paid.
Of course, the obvious drawback with this method is that it often relies on word of mouth and your personal network. So it won’t be possible for all.
8. Seasonal Yard Work
Yard work may not sound glamorous, but it’s always in demand, especially when the seasons are changing.
One trick that worked well for me was bundling services. For example, in the fall, I offered leaf cleanup and gutter cleaning as a package deal. Customers loved the convenience, and it brought in steady income.
My biggest tip for this is to actually go door-to-door. Many of your customers will be older, and you won’t reach them with online platforms.
9. Test New Apps
This turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding hustles I’ve tried. All I had to do was download apps, explore their features, and provide feedback.
Some apps were so useful that I kept them installed even after completing the tasks. So with this method you can benefit in other ways, besides getting easy money for app testing.
It’s a great way to discover new tools while earning extra cash, so it served a double purpose.
10. Turn Clutter Into Cash
Decluttering your home can be both therapeutic and profitable. I went through my closets, garage, and attic, collecting items I no longer needed.
Then, I listed them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and made over $300 in a single weekend. It’s amazing how much value is hiding in things you don’t use anymore.
The obvious downside with this hustle is that you can only do it once, but it’s definitely worth it for those who need some cash before a big purchase.
11. Babysitting
The classic. Babysitting might sound old-school, but trust me, it’s a solid way to earn extra cash.
The great thing about babysitting is that most of the work happens in the evenings. You could play paid games when the kids are asleep, and earn even more cash.
It’s easy, rewarding, and parents always appreciate having a reliable sitter they can trust. But as with house-sitting, this suggestion will rely on your social network.
12. Refer Friends and Build Passive Income
One of the easiest hustles I’ve ever found was referring friends to platforms I already loved. It’s a simple process: share your unique referral link, friends sign up, and you earn commission.
I shared my referral link in group chats and on social media, and soon the passive income started rolling in.
Paid Referrals For Passive Income
13. Mystery Shopping: Earn While You Shop and Dine
Mystery shopping is like getting paid to enjoy everyday activities. Companies hire you to evaluate customer service, product displays, and the overall experience at stores and restaurants.
Not only did I enjoy a delicious meal, but I also got paid for sharing my feedback. It’s a win-win for anyone who loves shopping or dining out.
This hustle is fun, flexible, and lets you experience new places while earning cash. It’s perfect for those who enjoy exploring their city.
I cannot provide a good site for this suggestion, as it will depend entirely on your location, but services like this are available in every city.
14. Watch Paid Ads
When I first heard about getting paid to watch ads, I was skeptical. Unlike paid video watching, which makes sense for creators, I couldn’t understand how paid ads work.
To be honest, I still don’t know exactly how they make money with paid ads, but as long we can use this method to earn extra income, so who cares? Platforms pay you for watching short video ads, and the best part is that it fits perfectly into your downtime.
It’s an easy, passive way to add a few extra dollars to your wallet. Every ad watched brings you closer to reaching your earning goals without much effort.
15. Pet Sitting
Pet sitting is one of the most enjoyable side hustles I’ve ever tried. And the holidays are especially lucrative, as many pet owners need reliable sitters while they travel.
It’s the perfect hustle for anyone who loves animals and doesn’t mind spending time with furry (or feathered) friends.
But, one massive warning for you all: Meet the animal before saying yes to anything! Let’s just say one of my pet-sitting weeks was a disaster…
16. Transcribe Audio
Transcription is a straightforward way to earn money from home. I started by listening to audio recordings—everything from interviews to podcasts—and typing them out.
What I love most about this hustle is its flexibility—you can work whenever you have spare time, making it an excellent option for busy schedules.
If you’re detail-oriented and enjoy working independently, transcription can be a steady source of income.
17. Get Paid to Test Products
Product testing has been one of the most fun and rewarding side hustles I’ve tried. I tested everything from gadgets and apps to snacks and beauty products.
Some testing gigs even let you keep the products afterward, which makes it an even sweeter deal.
My kitchen is now stocked with items I got to test and review. It’s a simple way to earn money while trying out new things.
