50 Legit Side Hustles That Can Make You Money Now

It’s a new year and one of our biggest goals for this year is to become debt-free.

Credit cards, the car, and even those awful student loans.

*cringe*

Almost everyone has some kind of debt and while we like to think that is normal, it shouldn’t be.

Did you know that the average American went in over $1,200 in debt during the holidays? You can check out the full survey and report here but it’s true!

As the famous Dave Ramsey would say “Debt is normal. Be weird.”.

And, we plan to be weird.

So, how exactly are we going to do that?

Well, first we start with a mind-shift.

We have to BELIEVE with everything we have that we will be debt-free and focus our time and energy on that.

Second, we have to put the effort in motion and increase our income. And, of course, be on a budget. You can find a helpful printable budget here.

As small business owners, this isn’t an easy task for us. One of the scariest things about being self-employed is that our income fluctuates. Some months are better than others. Some months we have extra money to attack our debt and others we barely have enough to pay our bills.

So, my husband and I made a plan.

A goal.

To take on any and every “job” we can to make as much money as possible to pay off debt as fast as possible. A “side hustle” if you will.

What is a side hustle?

A side hustle is a way to make some extra money. It can be anything that brings in income to help you achieve your goals. It’s typically in addition to your normal day-to-day job.

Maybe you don’t have debt, maybe you just want to travel the world, pay for your child’s college tuition or build the home of your dreams.

Everyone has a different reason for starting a side hustle.

Do side hustles actually make you money?

The short answer is, yes!

Side hustles actually make you money. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be a side hustle.

However, you must know which ones to invest your time in. Remember, these are meant to be done OUTSIDE of your normal job. So, you need to pick the one that works best for you and your situation.

Choosing a side hustle that doesn’t correspond with your schedule is like trying to fit a Jenga brick into a puzzle.

It doesn’t work and no matter how hard you try, you will never get that brick into the puzzle.

My point is, if you don’t ensure the side hustle fits into your life, your efforts will crash and burn and you won’t make any money.

You have to figure out what side hustles work for YOU so you can put in the necessary work to make some extra moolah.

What are the best side hustles?

I am so glad you asked! I’ve compiled 50 LEGIT side hustles that can start making you money now!

Many of these are side hustles that my husband and I have tried or are currently doing to increase our income. I’ve even done all the homework for you and included links on where to sign-up for that side hustle, cost information, and descriptions of the tasks you need to do each one.

You just need a goal, some time, and some energy to get going on this!

Here’s to us all having the best side hustles ever!

50 Side Hustles That Can Make You Money Now

Free to join side hustles

These side hustles are free to join which means there are no fees associated with signing up to make money.

DoorDash – this is a delivery service where you can deliver food to people who place orders with local restaurants in your area. It’s free to join and once your application is approved, you can immediately start “dashing” and making money. Get a $100 bonus for joining through the link here.

Uber – Uber not only has a food delivery service like above (Uber Eats) they also offer a pick-up/drop-off service where you get paid for being a Chauffeur.

Lyft – This works just like Uber and is a pick-up/drop-off service. Depending on where you live, you could be guaranteed to make a certain amount within the first 30 days.

Hosting a yard sale/garage sale – Have a bunch of stuff lying around your home? Get rid of it! It’s free to host a yard sale and the best part, you make money from your unwanted and unused items.

Donate Plasma – This isn’t for those that are scared of needles but it can bring in some good cash. The more plasma you donate weekly, the more you make. Google plasma donation centers in your area for more info.

Poshmark – If you are unable to host a yard sale in person, sign-up on Poshmark to sell your unwanted clothing, shoes and accessories. You make money every time you sell something. It’s free and you only pay Poshmark a small percentage once your item sells.

eBay Seller – Everyone knows but about eBay but if you don’t, you should know eBay is one of the largest online selling platforms in the world. You can sell pretty much anything, used or new and make cash. eBay just takes a small percentage of each sale. Start by selling any of you personal unwanted items.

Sell on Facebook Marketplace – Again, this is a lot like eBay but you can sell locally to people on Facebook. Just search your town, city or state Facebook groups and begin selling things you have in and around your home.

Affiliate Marketing – you can sign-up to partner with companies for free. Once you sign-up you’ll receive unique tracking links that will pay you a commission when ever you make a sale using your unique link. This goes well with a blog (see that info below).

Airbnb – You can rent out any extra space or room in your home and make money doing it. As long as you don’t mind your personal space being invaded for short periods of time, this is a good way to make some additional income.

Teach English Online with VipKid – You can make a great income teaching kids english online. You do need a Bachelor’s Degree but it can be a great source of income.

Udemy – If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree but you have knowledge you wish to share, you can sell courses online with Udemy.

Virtual Assistant – If you like to write, take photographs or are good with video, you can become an online virtual assistant. You basically get paid to help other bloggers and business owners write, photography, and even create videos for their blog or business. There are a ton of VA groups on Facebook you can join.

Babysit– Put yourself out there and offer to take care of other people’s kids.

Petsitting – Not a people person? Offer to take care of people’s animals and petsit.

Wag – Wag is basically an uber for your dog. You can get paid to walk dogs around your neighborhood.

Clean Houses – Think of all the people who could use someone to help tend to their home. Start by posting in local Facebook groups, local classifieds and even ask family and friends. Set a reasonable hourly rate and clean in your spare time.

Wash and Detail Cars – People who love their cars, really love their cars and want them clean all the time. Offer a car washing and detail service. A great way to make extra cash especially in the warmer months.

Do Landscaping – In the Summer you can mow lawns, pull weeds and even plant flowers and shrubs. In the Winter you can plow snow, lay salt, etc. for neighbors and earn extra money.

Bookkeeping – If you are good with finances, numbers or have an accounting degree, you can put it out there that you can do bookkeeping for small businesses and bring in some extra cash.

Deliver Pizza – Okay, I am sure this is one of those things you may not want to do but honestly, it’s a great side hustle and you can get money instantly with each delivery! So many people can make up to $25/hour delivering pizza a few nights a week!

Photography – Whether it’s taking pictures of weddings, children, or nature, you can sell your services or even sell your images to stock photography sites for some extra cash.

Sell Baked Goods – If you have a knack for baking, you can create baked goods and sell them.

Sell Ready-to-go meals – I know several people that take orders each week, head shopping and put together ready-to-go meals for people. They sell these meals and families buy them because they then have meals that are ready to eat or cook for their family.

Bartend – Bartending is a great way to make extra money. A tip I saw recently was to bartend in a small, “dive bar” because regulars will get to know you and will tip more. Larger, busier bars have so many people, people don’t have the time to get to know you.

Waitressing – Serving food/being a waitress can be a great way to make some extra cash and quick.

Teach Music Lessons – Know how to play a particular instrument? Sell music lessons!

Tutor – If you are good with a particular subject, tutor kids and make some extra money while doing it!

Rent Out Rooms in Your Home – Spare rooms just taking up money? Rent them out to people. You can do long-term or short-term leases, just look into doing a background check first.

Deliver Flowers from Local Florists – There is almost always a good reason for someone to order flowers. Call up your local flower shops and ask if they need any additional delivery drivers. You can make quick cash doing it if they do!

Manage Social Media for Small Businesses – If you know how to run Facebook pages/groups, Instagram profiles, etc. you can sell your services to small business owners.

Sell Services on Fiverr – You can create digital items, offer services and even digital products to people and set your own prices!

Recycle used smartphones on Gazelle – Offer to pick up old phones even if they are broken from people and recycle them on Gazelle for extra cash.

Do Mystery Shopping – You can become a mystery shopper for all sorts of companies and make money doing it. Since there are so many companies out there, just Google Mystery Shopping and read the reviews before joining.

Participate in Research Studies/Focus Groups – I hear all the time on the radio that clinics are looking for people to participate in research studies. Yes, they can be lengthy and you want to make sure it’s safe, but it’s a good way to make extra money too.

Sell Drone Photos – Do you own a drone and know how to fly it? You can over services where you take photos of real estate, weddings, etc. and sell the photos! People will pay $100+ for aerial photos of their events!

Create YouTube Videos – If you have a passion and some talent, you can film videos and create a YouTube channel. You can make passive income by doing this but just need to allow some time to grow your channel.

Cut Expenses – A quick way to make money is by saving it. Cut unnecessary expenses so you can quickly save that cash.

Take Surveys – There are a ton of places you can complete survey’s or tasks and make money with. I enjoy InboxDollars so create a free account and you can earn your first $5.00!P

Side Hustles with Minimal Cost

These side hustles require a minimal upfront cost. I have compiled a list of side hustles that cost less than $200 to join/start.

While these may cost money, many of these ideas offer ways to make money right away such as inventory to sell.

I do want to point out that many of these are considered MLM’s or multi-level marketing companies. While I am apart (or have been part) of several of them, you do not ever want to get into a MLM and fall for the “buy a ton of inventory” scheme. It’s an easy way to LOSE money.

MLM’s have put a bad taste in people’s mouths over the years and I don’t blame them. However, if you go in with hard work, stick to a plan, budget and don’t put all your eggs in this single basket, you’ll be fine. And if you get any feeling that something isn’t right or goes against your morals and/or belief’s, get out.

With that being said, I am apart of a few MLM’s and they have been great ways to make extra money to support my family and allow me to stay home with my kids.

Side note, if you are looking for a Multi-Level Marketing pro to follow, I highly recommend Eric Worre from Network Marketing Pro.

Modere – Modere is a company that helps people live cleaner and healthier lives through plant-based products that can be consumed and used in and around your home. You can join for as little as $99.

Color Street – Color Street is a newer company that offers stylish nail decals. A starter kit is only $129 but that includes everything you need to start selling and making money immediately.

Chalk Couture – If you love crafting, you’ll love Chalk Couture. It is a company where you can purchase craft items to make and resell or sell customers craft supplies and profit. It’s only $99 to join!

HempWorx – In case you haven’t heard, CBD oil is what everyone is raving about. You can legally sell products with CBD oil and make some amazing cash. HempWorx is a top-rated company and you can join and start selling their products for as little as $89.

L’BRI Pure ‘n’ Natural – If you enjoy natural beauty products, this is for you. These natural products are made from aloe. You can get an entire starter kit to start selling for as little as $99.

Paparazzi – If you enjoy high-quality jewelry without the high-quality price, you’ll love this. You can join and get a starter kit for as low as $99 and you’ll earn a 45% commission on every piece you sell.

Refurbish Furniture – This can be free if you are able to find items people throw out in the garbage pick up. It can also be cheap. Just take items that are broken or need some TLC, refurbish them and then resell them.

Notary Public Service – Become a notary in your state for around $100. Once you receive your certification, you can charge your own fees for overseeing notarized documents.

Blogging – Blogging isn’t a quick way to make money but money can sure be made your first month if you know what you’re doing. You’ll first need a blog and you can sign-up for as little as $3.95/month.

Shopify – Almost anyone can open their own e-commerce store and Shopify is great for those that have little to no tech experience. You can start a free 14-trial using the link above then it’s just $29/month.

Hopefully these side hustle ideas and side gigs will help you gain financial freedom, get out of debt, or help you with any of your financial goals.