| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | |
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1 | The Ideas (no particular order) | Tools & Notes: | Time | Investment | Tech Skills | Writing Skills | Design Skills | People Skills | How Quick to $$ | Earning Potential | ||||||||||||||||
2 | Want to save hours of time? Take my quiz that uses this doc's info to help you pick the right side hustle for you. Take it here! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
3 | Be a Freelance Writer | Write blog posts, articles, or content for websites and brands. | 6 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
4 | Graphic Design | Create visuals like logos, flyers, and ads using tools like Canva. | 6 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
5 | Online Tutoring | Teach students online in school subjects, test prep, or language skills. | 9 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
6 | Dropshipping | Sell products online without holding inventory. A supplier ships directly to buyers. | 9 | 7 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
7 | Manage Social Media Accounts | Run social media pages for businesses or influencers and create posts. | 9 | 2 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
8 | Build A Website / Blog | I'm a believer in learning this skill because it can lead to so much (building your own brand, building sites for others, etc.) I wrote this guide that shares the tools and platforms I currently use. | 9 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
9 | Flip Items Online (the #1 suggestion I make people starting out) | Buy low and sell high—flip used or clearance items for profit. I still flip items to this day. I love a good flip!! | 9 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
10 | Start An Email Newsletter | Launch with beehiiv to make $$ with their ad network, sponsors, and boost program. [Choose a niche that you have deep knowledge in] | 8 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
11 | House Cleaning | Clean homes or offices. Low cost to start and steady local demand. | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
12 | Walk Dogs (or Pet Sitter) | Get paid to care for pets while owners are away or at work. | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
13 | Power Washing | Use a power washer to clean homes, driveways, and patios. [my son just got his first gig!!] | 8 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
14 | Work For Doordash | Deliver food on your schedule using your car, bike, or scooter. | 8 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
15 | Rent Your Car On Turo | I know of folks that run entire fleets of cars and do this full time. We rented 2 of our personal vehicles to make some extra cash. Both came back with flat tires -- true story! | 6 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
16 | Lawncare Business | Offer mowing, edging, and yard work to neighbors or local businesses. | 9 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
17 | Start a YouTube Channel | I have multiple YouTube channels -- only my main channel makes money via the YouTube Partner Program, affiliate markeitng, and sponsorships. But creating video content has become a predictable part of my business model - plus it's fun. | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
18 | Drive for Uber or Lyft | Use your car to give rides and earn through the app. It's not the highest paying, but gig work can be a perfect side income. | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
19 | Become a Virtual Assistant | Help business owners with tasks like email, scheduling, or research. | 8 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
20 | Teach English (ESL) | Tutor non-English speakers online or in-person. No teaching degree needed. | 7 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 8 | 8 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
21 | Build a Personal Brand | Share what you know online and attract fans and earn clients. | 9 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
22 | Create an Online Course | Package what you know into lessons and sell them online. | 7 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
23 | Airbnb Management | You can run your own Airbnb properties, or even manage properties on behalf of others. | 9 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
24 | Freelance Your Skills | Offer whatever you're good at—writing, editing, coding—on freelance platforms like Upwork. | 8 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
25 | Participate in Online Surveys | Answer surveys and get paid. Low effort, but low earnings. Sites like Survey Junkie exist if you want to try this. | 9 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
26 | Deliver Groceries or Food | Use apps to shop or deliver groceries to customers’ doors. | 9 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 9 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
27 | Sell Handmade Crafts | Make and sell your own products on Etsy or at local markets. | 8 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
28 | Transcribe Audio and Videos | Warning: this is getting wiped out by AI | 7 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
29 | Watch Videos for Money | Use reward apps to get paid for watching short videos. | 7 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
30 | House Sit | Stay at someone’s home to watch their place and pets while they’re away. | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
31 | Test Apps and Websites | Give feedback on sites and apps before they launch to the public. | 9 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
32 | Donate Your Plasma | Give plasma at donation centers and receive a payment or gift card. | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
33 | Play Online Games for Money | Compete in skill-based games or use reward apps to earn small amounts. | 9 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
34 | Wrap Your Car with Advertisements | I've applied for this multiple times over the years, but have never been offered. You definitely have to drive lots of miles for it to make sense for the companies. | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
35 | Review Music | Listen to new music and leave reviews for small payments or perks. | 7 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
36 | Take Part in Research Studies | There are tons of medical studies you can get paid for. [Fun fact: I used to get paid $200 per year to take a flu shot and tracking symptoms -- it was great!] | 7 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
37 | Create & Sell Physical Products Online | Design or source physical goods and sell them via online shops. | 7 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
38 | Buy and Sell Websites | Purchase undervalued websites and resell them for profit. | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
39 | Share Your Skills on SkillShare and Udemy | Post courses on platforms and earn passive income from views. | 7 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
40 | Become a Personal Shopper with Instacart | Shop and deliver groceries for customers using an app. | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
41 | Rent Out Your Extra Space with Neighbor | List unused storage space and earn passive income. | 7 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
42 | Refinance Your Loans | Get lower rates and better terms by switching lenders or consolidating loans. [I know, not a business idea, but you can save thousands $$ over the life of your loan] | 6 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
43 | Be a Seller on Amazon | Sell your own or wholesale products on Amazon’s marketplace. | 8 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
44 | Create Your Own Print On Demand Store | Design t-shirts, mugs, and more—printed and shipped by a third party. | 8 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 5 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
45 | Write and Self-Publish Books | Publish eBooks or print books and earn royalties from Amazon or other sites. | 9 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
46 | Do Product Reviews on YouTube | Unbox and review products on camera. Earn from ads and affiliate links. | 7 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
47 | Be a Party Promoter | Promote local events or parties and get paid per ticket or event. | 7 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
48 | Help Manage Podcasts for others | Edit audio, upload episodes, or handle marketing tasks for podcasters. | 8 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
49 | Become an Amazon Associate | Share affiliate links and earn commission when people buy through them. | 7 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
50 | Hop on Fiverr and Flexjobs to Win Tasks and Jobs | Browse gigs and apply for remote tasks that match your skills. | 8 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 8 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
51 | Market Other People's Products as an Affiliate | Share product links online and earn a cut of each sale. Many of the items on my Tool List I am an affiliate of and earn a commission when people sign up via my referral link. | 8 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
52 | Design and Sell Merchandise | Create designs for clothing or accessories and sell them via POD services like Printify. | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
53 | Start a Podcast | Record episodes on a topic you care about. Monetize with ads and sponsorships. Here's my cheat sheet on starting a podcast. | 7 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
54 | Run Email Marketing Agency | Help businesses write and send email campaigns to grow their sales. | 8 | 6 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
55 | Sell Digital Products like eBooks | Make and sell downloadable items like templates, guides, or worksheets. | 7 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
56 | Gutter Cleaning Services | Offer seasonal gutter cleaning to homeowners. Simple tools and high demand. | 8 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
57 | Holiday Light Installation | Set up holiday lights for homes or businesses and take them down after. | 8 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
58 | Pet Grooming Services | Wash and groom pets from home or on the go with a mobile setup. | 8 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
59 | Event Setup and Takedown Services | Help with chairs, tables, and decorations before and after events. | 7 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
60 | Snuggling Services | Get paid to offer platonic comfort and companionship (check local laws). | 7 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
61 | Be a Beekeeper | Keep bees and harvest honey to sell locally or at markets. | 6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
62 | Professional Bridesmaid or Groomsman | Get hired to be part of a wedding party and help with logistics. | 5 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 7 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
63 | Event Planning | Organize and coordinate weddings, birthdays, or business events. | 7 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
64 | Become a Notary Public | Witness signatures and certify documents. Often used in real estate. | 6 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
65 | TV/Movie Extra | Get cast in background roles for TV shows and movies. No acting required. (I've done this just for fun -- and I got paid!) | 5 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
66 | Mystery Shopping | Visit stores and review service quality while pretending to be a regular customer. | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 9 | 6 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||
67 | Computer Skills Clinics for older folks | Teach basic tech skills to seniors in your community. | 6 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 6 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
68 | Meal Prepping Service | Cook and portion meals for busy clients on a weekly basis. | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
69 | Offer Wedding Planning Services | Plan weddings from start to finish including vendors and timelines. | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 7 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
70 | Launch an AI Accountabiliy Coach | Use AI tools to help clients stay on track with goals and habits. | 8 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
71 | Start an AI Agent to call for you to get quotes | Create an AI bot that makes calls or books appointments. | 8 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
72 | Launch a Local Media Brand | Build a newsletter or blog covering local events, news, or businesses. | 8 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
73 | Start a Silent Disco Business | Host headphone-powered dance parties at events or public spaces. | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
74 | Launch a Food Tasting Event | Organize ticketed tastings that feature local chefs or food vendors. [Fun fact: I helped launch a King Cake Tasting event that's now in its 6th year with over 1,500 attendees!] | 8 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
75 | Create Functional Art to sell | Design art that serves a purpose—like furniture, decor, or tools. | 7 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
76 | Create and License your AI Voice | Train and sell your AI-generated voice for apps or narration. It sounds out there, I know, but I've actually already done this with my voice via Elevenlabs and made $$ | 5 | 2 | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
77 | Create an Amazon Influencer Storefront | Recommend products and earn commission through a custom Amazon page. | 7 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
78 | Flip Domain Names | This is an interesting business! I started my own side hustle after I accidentally sold a domain for $1,200. I'm now buying more domains and working on sales strategies. | 7 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
79 | Flip Vacant Land Online | Buy cheap land and resell it with better marketing or seller financing. | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
80 | Launch a Foam Party Business | Host parties with foam machines—great for kids' or summer events. | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
81 | Start a Princess Party Business | Dress up and perform at kids’ parties as princess characters. | 7 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 5 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
82 | Launch & Run Events | Create local events from scratch—manage everything from venues to vendors. | 8 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||
83 | Hack Credit Card & Banking Offers | Use welcome bonuses and cashback deals to earn money or points. (we make a few thousand per year doing this, but make sure you're following some basic personal finance rules first!!) | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
84 | Launch a Montesorri School | Start a small school based on Montessori teaching for early childhood. | 9 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
85 | Start a Themed Daycare | Create a unique daycare focused on a theme like nature, arts, or language. | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
86 | Automated Lead Gen Agency | Use tools and automations to bring in sales leads for small businesses. | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
87 | AI Generated Audiobooks and Podcasts | Use AI tools to create audio content from written material. | 5 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
88 | Agency to help craft CEO's "personal" brand | Help executives grow their presence on LinkedIn, blogs, and interviews. | 8 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 4 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
89 | AI School for the Baby Boomer Generation | Teach older adults how to use AI tools for personal or business use. | 6 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 10 | 5 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
90 | Subscription Mystery Boxes for Digital Goods | Sell surprise boxes with digital products like wallpapers, tools, or files. | 7 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||
91 | AI Simple Software App | Replace a complex feature in a software with a simple automated tool. | 9 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
92 | Fractional CMO / COO Services to Startups | Offer part-time leadership to startups without full-time hires. | 7 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
93 | A viral video finder software | Build a tool that finds trending videos early for creators or marketers. | 8 | 8 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
94 | AI Powered Legal Document Generator | Create templates that draft legal documents automatically using AI. | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
95 | Create AI Voice Agents for Outbound Sales | Build AI bots that make cold calls and qualify leads. | 8 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 2 | 3 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
96 | Become a Real Estate Agent | Help people buy or sell homes and earn commission on each deal. | 8 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
97 | Start an Interior Design Business | Offer design advice and space planning for homes or businesses. | 7 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||
98 | Create an Open Page for Personal Items | Create a page where a user can publicly showcase things they'd like to publicly share like sleep, sports, or other activities | 8 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||
99 | Dating App with pre-photo Swipes | Swipe on fun items (finance, comedy, values) and let the app match you to others with similar values. Then, and only then, do you see images of folks to swipe through. | 9 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 3 | 1 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||
100 |