Who wouldn’t use a little extra cash in their pockets these days? Be it for saving up for a special purchase, paying off that debt, or building up an emergency fund, making money on the side is always useful.
And thanks to the internet, side hustles are easier to pull off than ever from the comfort of your couch. No need for a lemonade stand when you can use your laptop instead!
Get Cash Back for Online Purchases
This first one requires almost zero effort. Did you know you can get cash back for online purchases you’d make anyway through apps and browser extensions? Whaaat?
When you install one of these nifty programs and buy stuff online with affiliate retailers, you earn varying percentages back of your total cart price. We’re talking cold hard cash deposited straight into your PayPal or bank account.
Popular programs like Rakuten, Drop, TopCashback, and Coupon Cabin pay out millions per year this way. Users collectively earn over $100 million annually through Rakuten alone!
And the rates really add up when buying everyday stuff like groceries, clothing, home goods, beauty supplies, and even plane tickets and hotel bookings. While percentages average 1-10% cash back, during special promos and holidays, rates temporarily increase up to 20% or more.
So, if you frequently shop on sites like Amazon, Target, Walmart, or Best Buy, this essentially provides free money for purchases made anyhow. Set it and forget it!
Complete Surveys In Your PJs
In the mood for some PJ time? Another ridiculously easy way to earn extra money is by completing online surveys and product testing while vegging on the couch.
Sites like Survey Junkie, Pinecone Research, and Toluna pay people to share opinions, product feedback, demographic info, or test concepts. Thousands of opportunities exist covering all kinds of random topics, including:
- Product reviews – food/drinks, beauty items, household goods;
- Commercial feedback – TV show/film trailers, branding, advertisements;
- Academic studies – psychological, behavioral, educational;
- Consumer profiling – shopping preferences, habits, travel interests;
- Political polls – viewpoints, elected official approval ratings;
Questions range from a few multiple choices to more extensive 10-15 minute surveys with video responses. But most merely ask for anonymous opinions that match whatever audience the sponsor aims to reach. Easy!
Rewards increase with longer, more involved surveys. Expect to earn $1-5 for simpler ones up to $10-20+ on more complex questionnaires. Both one-time and reoccurring opportunities pop up daily.
Every small bit contributed pays the bills while binging Netflix! Why not get reimbursed for your precious opinions if companies value them?
Make Money Playing Online Games
Who says you can’t make actual money from gaming? While becoming a YouTube or Twitch gaming influencer with millions of followers is highly unlikely, there are some more realistic options to earn cash from online games.
Through apps like Mistplay, Lucktastic, and Long Game, users select from rotating catalogs of games for Android or iOS mobile devices related to puzzles, strategy, trivia, arcade-style, and card-based options.
Most games operate on a similar model, rewarding incremental points, tokens, or entries into cash prize drawings for hitting gameplay milestones or high scores. Some convert directly into gift card payouts or PayPal deposits, while skill-based tournaments offer pooled cash to top winners.
Want something even easier? How about online lotteries? Basically, those are the least effort games you can participate in, and you can win some bucks if you’re lucky enough. You can start with KOITOTO – the most trusted online lottery site in Asia.
Just don’t anticipate quitting your job solely from mobile game winnings unless becoming a competitive esports contender. For truly passive residual income, online gaming probably won’t suffice long-term. But enjoying some entertaining play while slowly stockpiling extra fun money ain’t bad!
Sell Handmade Goods
Crafty maker type? Sites like Etsy, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and local craft fairs provide platforms for converting hobby skills into hustle money.
From homemade jewelry, candles, beauty products, and artwork to clothing, cards, furniture, and decor, shoppers eat up unique handmade and vintage items. And the variety of things people buy is wildly diverse if you dream up useful goods.
For example, our friend furnishes high-end dollhouses for collectors at insane prices. Another scaffolds extra income by flipping thrift store clothing finds for profit. Even simple pet bandanas turn worthy side cash.
Lean into your unique talents and interests to determine relevant offerings. Sew baby clothes for local mothers, build rustic dining tables on weekends, and mix essential oil balms while binge-watching Netflix. Making money needn’t distract from your current enjoyments when they overlap.
Teach Your Knowledge Online
The information era proves that “knowledge is power” earning has serious income potential online. Sites like Udemy, Skillshare, and Outschool let anyone create tutorial-style courses and then sell access globally.
Broad topics like finance, design, technology, and academics represent popular course categories.
The key is knowing something specialized laymen lack – perhaps mastering SEO tactics as a marketer or remodeling processes as a contractor. Expertise that’s not expected broadly commands profitable value teaching remotely.
You might create online courses or tutorials, offer direct individualized instruction through Skype, or record informative podcasts. Formats abound!
We hope these five ideas help you bridge gaps between passions and incomes through inventive hustling. Just don’t quit your day job until supplemental efforts yield consistent results!