The internet makes it seem like there’s opportunities to make money at every corner. And although that’s technically true, too many of those ideas involve buying real estate, trading stocks, or otherwise investing money you somehow already have.
The great news is that you don’t actually have to be rich to make money. In fact, many side hustles don’t require anything more than time and commitment (and possibly an internet connection). And launching an online store or learning how to generate passive income with no initial funds is easier than you may think.
So whether you’re looking for beginner passive income ideas, a side hustle you can continue long-term, or just how to make extra money for an emergency fund whenever you need it, these 19 ideas are not only realistic for the everyday person, but they also won’t require any major contributions from your likely already-struggling bank account.
Let’s get into it.
Start Freelancing
Freelancing on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr is a great way to make extra money using the skills you already have. Whether it’s writing, coding, design, consulting, or another skill that’s in high-demand, you can begin offering your services when you want, where you want, and as much as you want.
Use Receipt Rewards Apps
You’re already shopping – why not make money from it? Apps like Receipt Hog let you snap photos of receipts in exchange for cash. Bonus: it also makes for simple budget tracking and returns. Talk about easy money.
Create Online Classes or Ebooks
Know a lot about something? Well, you know what they say: knowledge is money! Turn your niche expertise or random obsession into passive income by creating online, asynchronous classes. If writing is more your forte, Amazon makes it easy to get published online.
Make Online Videos
Educational content also works in shorter formats using YouTube or TikTok. After you reach a certain level of engagement, you’ll get paid to keep creating!
Start an Online Store
You can buy anything on the internet, which means you can also sell anything. Create something hand-made, customize apparel, design printables, or try dropshipping (one of our favorite passive income ideas with little money required) – whatever works for your skills. Then, use Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or your own website to get them into the hands of paying customers.
Create Something to Sell In Person
What do handmade jewelry, engraved gifts, location-based apparel, produce, jam, and honey all have in common? Yup, people at craft fairs and farmers markets love ‘em. Sign up for local events in your area to start selling whatever makes sense for you.
Take Stock Photography
Ever wonder where those Windows default wallpapers come from? Well, someone has to take them. And that could be you! You can sell stock photography through websites like Shutterstock, and businesses anywhere could make it the new backdrop to their website.
Become a Virtual Assistant
One thing about owning a business is that there’s always administrative work to be done. Take some of that off their plates by becoming a virtual assistant, and you can start making money from anywhere with an internet connection.
Become an Influencer or Affiliate Marketer
You don’t have to be a Kardashian to be an influencer (although it helps). But if you have a decent amount of followers, you may be able to post in exchange for free product or cash. Some businesses also have affiliate programs so you can earn commission in exchange for referrals.
Sign Up for a Rideshare or Delivery App
Everyone has used Uber or Doordash at least once, but have you ever considered seeing the other side of things? Work on your own schedule, accept jobs when you can, and see the money start rolling in.
Sell What You Have
Lightly used clothing, old furniture, or other unused items of value – one man’s trash is that same man’s side hustle! Have a garage sale or list your unused items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace to declutter your home while hopefully cluttering up your bank account.
Transcribe Videos
If you have a computer and a pair of headphones, audio transcribing could be the perfect solution for how to make extra money from home. It’s as simple as signing up, listening to videos, and typing what they say. If you know a second language, there’s even more opportunity!
Start Pet Sitting / Dog Walking
Calling all pet lovers! Signing up for websites like Rover or Wag lets you hang out with animals and get paid. You could also cut out the middleman by advertising your services locally.
Offer Child Care
If you have experience with children, parents are always looking for a reputable babysitter. Get on a few families’ go-to lists for their occasional night out, and make yourself especially available on holidays like New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day.
Offer Lawn Care / Snow Removal
The best part of home ownership? Having a yard. The worst part? Taking care of the yard. By mowing lawns (or plowing snow during the off season), you’ll make homeowners’ lives everywhere that much more enjoyable – and get yourself a nice profit in the process.
Complete Tasks or Short-Term Jobs
There’s no shortage of tasks from people who live alone or just need an extra set of hands. Sites like TaskRabbit let you get paid to do anything from handyman services to moving assistance to furniture assembly, depending on your skills and interests.
Become a Secret Shopper
Secret shoppers exist to evaluate how employees interact with customers, but they’re not doing that for free. Earn free merchandise, hotel stays, or cash just for visiting the store and completing evaluations.
Apply for Seasonal Jobs
Santa doesn’t need a helper year-round, but they’re in high demand come December! Apply to be a gift wrapper around the holidays or work at fairs or carnivals in the summertime. Any business that has a busy season would be grateful for the extra help!
With so many ways to start making a second income, where do you start? Well, we recommend the easiest one – Receipt Hog. You’re already shopping in-store or online, so start turning those receipts into cash by downloading Receipt Hog from the App Store or Google Play Store. And with all that extra cash, you could start investing in the stock market or real estate in no time.
