Are you looking for a way to earn some extra cash? You’re not alone. With the increasing cost of living, many Americans are turning to side hustles to supplement their earnings. In fact, one in three workers are now part of the gig economy. Whether you want to pay off debt, save for something big, or just increase your income, a side hustle can help. And who knows, your side hustle could even turn into a full-time job if that’s what you want.
We’ll explore some popular side hustles that are available, as well as provide tips on how to get started and make the most of your extra income.
Finding a Side Hustle
The good news is that there are lots of side hustles available, ranging from traditional jobs like babysitting or landscaping to freelance work like writing, graphic design, and voice-over work. Here are some examples of side hustles you can explore:
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Drive for a Ride-Hailing Service
If you’re looking for a flexible side hustle that lets you work when you want, consider driving for Lyft or Uber. In addition to offering peak hour pay and flexible scheduling, these companies provide insurance coverage while you’re on the job. However, it’s important to note that your personal auto insurance provider may drop your policy if they discover you’ve been driving without separate rideshare coverage.
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Deliver Food
Looking for a side gig with less face-to-face interaction? Delivering food through Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, or directly through a restaurant could be a great option. You’ll work on your own schedule bringing meals to others.
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Deliver Groceries
If you enjoy shopping and driving, consider working for Instacart, Shipt, or a grocery chain. You can get paid to shop and deliver groceries to clients through these on-demand services.
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Get Paid for Your Creative Talents
Are you a creative type? Sites like Upwork and Fiverr connect freelancers specializing in writing, editing, graphic design, and voice-over work with clients. Create a profile to showcase your experience, rates, and specialties.
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Babysit
Parents need sitters all the time for date nights or busy days, and you can earn some extra cash by offering your services. Spread the word to people you know that you’re available to watch their kids (for pay, of course). Some families may even be okay with you bringing your own kids along.
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Walk Dogs or Pet Sit
If you love animals, you can make a profit by pet sitting while the fur parents are away or finding clients whose dogs you can walk during the week. Advertise your pet-sitting services on social media, put up signs in your neighborhood, or ask friends and family to help spread the word.
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Clean Houses
Cleaning houses can be hard work, but if you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, this could be a profitable side hustle. Many people would rather pay someone else to do it. Start-up costs are low, and you can make good money while burning some calories and listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts.
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Sell Crafts Online or at Local Fairs
If you have a talent for crafting, you can turn it into a side hustle by selling your handmade products. Online sites like Etsy or Amazon Handmade provide a platform to sell items such as jewelry, scarves, paintings, and hand-lettered inspirational prints. Local fairs and shows are also great opportunities to showcase your crafts and connect with potential buyers.
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Do Tasks for People
If you’re good at quick fix-it jobs or running errands, you can get paid to complete people’s to-do lists through sites like TaskRabbit or Handy. From hanging shelves to putting together furniture, you can earn extra cash doing all kinds of odd jobs.
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Wash and Detail Cars
Investing in some car washing products can go a long way in helping you make extra cash. Detailing cars requires some effort, but you’ll mostly be investing time and energy, which are two of your best personal resources.
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Mow Lawns or Do Yardwork
People are busy and don’t want their lawns to look unkempt. Offer your services for lawn maintenance, like mowing, raking, hedge-trimming, and leaf-blowing. You can even make bank in the winter by shoveling driveways and sidewalks If you live in an area that gets snow.
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Coach or Teach
If you have a natural talent for something, consider coaching or teaching as a side hustle. You can teach anything from music to life skills, and help others improve their skills while earning extra income. Some certifications may be required, but it can be a rewarding way to make money doing something you love.
Being a Freelancer or Independent Contractor
If you’re more interested in freelance work, there are plenty of options available. However, keep in mind that being self-employed comes with additional responsibilities. Because freelance jobs don’t automatically deduct payroll taxes, you’ll need to pay taxes on these earnings on your own. Depending on how much you make each year, you may be required to pay estimated taxes every quarter. Check with the IRS Gig Economy Tax Center for current requirements.
Also, keep good records of expenses and income to track your financial progress and simplify taxes. Some people use a spreadsheet, while others may choose an app or low-cost accounting software, which can help with everything from invoicing to preparing taxes. It’s often a good idea to open checking and savings accounts for your business that are separate from your personal accounts to help you track business expenses for tax purposes.
Making the Most of Your Extra Income
If you have credit card or student loan debt, use your new income to pay off debt faster. You’ll also want to set aside some cash for unexpected emergencies. Once those goals are taken care of, use the extra money for long-term objectives like a down payment on a house or your next car. Consider opening a money market account to earn higher interest rates than a traditional savings account. Keep in mind that there may be requirements to avoid fees or earn higher rates. The key is to form a habit of saving and stick with it.
But don’t forget to treat yourself now and then. After all, a side job isn’t just a way to earn more money – it should give you a better quality of life.
Putting It All Together
When considering a side hustle, be sure to keep in mind the additional responsibilities that come with being self-employed, such as paying taxes on your earnings and keeping good records. But with the right attitude and a little bit of hard work, a side hustle can give you the financial freedom you’ve been looking for. So why not give it a try? You never know – your side hustle could turn into a passion and a new career.
If you need help managing your finances, reach out to us! We’re always available to help you add in your extra income to your current budget or can help start your emergency fund or extra savings. Contact your personal banker at your local Marquette Bank for assistance or call us at 1-888-254-9500.
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