Oh, extra income…
Every time I publish one of my posts about extra income, my inbox lights up. I receive multiple emails every hour—sometimes more than twenty in a single day. I love the questions and hearing why people are pursuing extra income. Not everyone has a blog, so in this article I’ll outline several of the ways I earn additional money. Future posts will explore other options in more depth.
At the moment, before taxes and expenses, I earn roughly $5,000 a month in extra income. I’m on track to reach a similar amount this month. Right now I’m directing most of that money toward paying down my $38,000 student loan balance as quickly as possible. After April of this year, I plan to redirect most of the extra income into savings.
It’s surprising how quickly things can change. Just last year I was thrilled to be making a couple of hundred dollars per month in extra income. Now my goals continue to grow as my options expand.
I’m a big believer in diversifying your income streams, whether they’re side income or your primary paycheck. Diversification helps protect you if one source dries up. Also, don’t fall into the trap of using side income to keep up with others—use it intentionally for savings, debt repayment, or goals that matter to you.
Factors to consider when choosing a way to earn extra income:
- How much time do you have? Can you commit an hour a day, several hours, or only some weekends?
- How much do you want to earn? Is your target $50 a month, $500, or $5,000?
- Can you balance this work with your current job? Make sure your main income won’t suffer.
- Do you want to enjoy the work, or is it purely transactional for you?
Below are a variety of practical ideas to earn extra income. This is the first in a multi-part series, since there are many ways to generate additional earnings. I’ll publish more detailed posts about individual methods soon.
Having a Blog
Blogging is a solid way to generate side income if you can invest time and consistent effort. Many bloggers find the first year to be the toughest—if you make it through that initial period, you’re more likely to succeed over time. A blog also showcases your writing and makes it easier for potential clients or employers to find you.
If you decide to start a blog, it’s relatively simple to set up and inexpensive. Once you have a domain and hosting, prioritize building an email list to engage readers directly. Direct advertising, display ads like Google AdSense, and affiliate marketing are common revenue streams for bloggers.
Blogging can be time-consuming at first, but it offers long-term opportunities: passive income from archived posts, recurring affiliate earnings, sponsored content, and a platform for freelance work.
Renting Out an Extra Room
If you have spare space in your home, renting a room can be a low-effort source of steady income. In our house we have four bedrooms but only use one; when my sister needed a place to stay, she moved in and pays about $325 per month. Because she’s rarely home, our utility bills haven’t increased noticeably.
Roommates aren’t for everyone—there are plenty of roommate horror stories—but when it works, renting a spare bedroom can be an easy way to earn extra money. Consider your comfort level, house rules, and screening process before inviting someone to live with you.
Related idea: driving for ride-share services like Uber or Lyft can be a flexible way to earn money during spare hours.
Mystery Shopping
Mystery shopping used to be a regular side gig for me. I don’t do as much now because of time constraints, but I enjoyed assignments that included food and cosmetics. Mystery shopping can provide free products or meals in addition to payment for the assignment. If you enjoy structured tasks and reporting, it’s an accessible option for supplemental income.
Selling on eBay and Other Marketplaces
Selling items you no longer use is one of the fastest ways to generate cash. I sold many closet items over one summer and made over $1,000. Platforms include eBay, Craigslist, and specialized resale sites for designer items. Clean, accurate listings and good photos help you sell items quickly and at better prices.
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing can be a lucrative side business if you have writing skills and a few published samples. In the past I wrote regularly for multiple sites, but I’ve scaled back to a few steady clients to manage workload. Freelance writing opportunities range from blog posts and articles to copywriting and content marketing. Building a small portfolio and reaching out to niche websites or blogs is a practical way to get started.
Becoming a Virtual Assistant
Working as a virtual assistant (VA) is another flexible income stream I’ve added to my mix. VAs perform a wide range of tasks—social media management, email handling, proofreading and editing, newsletter creation, website updates, research, and more. Rates vary depending on skills and responsibilities, but for many people this can become a steady source of side income. If you enjoy organization and administrative tasks, VA work can be done remotely and on a schedule that fits your life.
There are many other ways to earn extra money beyond those listed here—gig platforms, tutoring, photography, teaching online, small business services, and seasonal work, to name a few. If you want a long list of options, look for comprehensive roundups that cover dozens of ideas and include time estimates and typical earnings.