In the face of rising inflation and the ever-increasing cost of living, people are turning to side hustles to help cover their everyday expenses. Finding avenues for additional income has become a top concern for many, and the pursuit for financial stability is a growing concern for millennials and Gen Z where they simply can no longer rely on their nine-to-five.
According to a Bankrate survey, nearly 39 percent of U.S. adults have a side hustle. From online hustles that tap into your digital skills to offline gigs that can be done on your down time, this article provides insights on a variety of side hustles that cater to all Americans, offering you the flexibility to earn more money on your terms – so you can pay your bills, travel or just grow your savings account.
Instead of sitting on your couch scrolling through Instagram, turn that idle time into a money-making opportunity by engaging with mobile gaming apps that reward you with real money for your playing. Yes, you read that right, earn money just to play. Here’s a look at some of the most popular and most profitable gaming apps:
Swipe, Play, Earn: Making Money Has Never Been This Fun
Bingo Cash
Compete in a digital rendition of bingo with Bingo Cash, where you can play against others with similar skill levels. It is absolutely free to join the party, Bingo Cash ups the ante with real cash prizes that could be yours with every game. You just need an Android or iOS device to play. Plus cashing out is a breeze with popular payment methods like Paypal, ApplePay and credit/debit cards at your fingertips.
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Kashkick
Get paid to play. KashKick is a rewards and loyalty program that allows people to earn, save and put more money back in their pockets by completing tasks such as testing out new games, taking surveys and downloading apps. You can earn up to $150 for playing certain games, just follow the directions and start raking in the cash. Yes, it is that easy, and yes, it is legal. Click here to sign up, and the only thing you need is a Paypal account to receive your rewards – that simple.
Here’s where the nostalgia of solitaire meets the thrill of victory and the sweet sound of cash hitting your account. Daily bonuses and rewards will keep you motivated and coming back for more as you earn real money playing games within the platform. Play anywhere, anytime—on your phone (Android, iOS and Samsung) or PC—and watch as your strategic moves turn into sparkling gems and real cash rewards.
Available for Samsung and iOS devices, get ready to pop your way to profit with Bubble Cash. This bubbly adventure is as simple as it is addictive—just aim, shoot, and watch the colorful cascade of bubbles burst to bring you joy… and cash! Dive into level after level of bubble-popping bliss or amp up the excitement in tournaments where you could earn real money in your pocket.
Apps aren’t just for playing games – they can also help you save and earn money. If online shopping is your thing, there is a huge possibility you are leaving money on the table. Are you someone who signs up for free trials, but forgets to cancel? Here are some apps that can help with both situations.
Cashback Clicks & Price Slashers: Apps for Savvy Online Shoppers
Kudos Smart Wallet
Attention all online shoppers: here is what you need to earn rewards and benefits so you can get the most out of your cards when you shop online. This digital wallet app and browser extension will streamline the checkout process by autofilling your credit card info and CVV numbers. The best part? It will recommend the best card to use at checkout based on the rewards that each of your credit cards offer, so you get the most out of your purchase. You’re just one click away from saving money while you shop. Learn more today!
Bonus: Kudos smart wallet even tracks card benefits users often forget, like travel delay insurance, purchase protection and extended warranties.
View all your subscriptions and due dates in one place. Although you can’t earn money using it, you can definitely save money. The app includes budgeting tools and will negotiate to lower bills on your behalf. Plus, you can see the subscriptions you’re paying for so you can start canceling and keeping that money for what really matters.
This browser extension can help you save money as you make online purchases, offering cash back deals and coupons. With over 3,500 online stores available, instead of making household purchases in person, you can do it online and earn cash back for items you need.
Bonus: Rakuten also offers in-store cash back with participating stores when you link your credit card with the app.
Getting paid to answer a few questions or share your opinion? Sounds like a no brainer. Taking surveys online gives you a chance to earn a few extra bucks, all from the comfort of your couch.
- Got a few spare moments? Turn them into cash! Survey Junkie is the go-to site for padding your wallet by sharing your opinion. Surveys range from five to 30 minutes to complete. Survey Junkie also offers product testing (which you can opt into when signing up) and you can earn up to $50 per product tested.
- Swagbucks rewards you with – you guessed it – Swag Bucks, which can be used to purchase gift cards to a variety of stores and retailers. After signing up, you’ll just need to answer a few questions about yourself. Then, simply complete the surveys that are sent to you to start earning.
Freelance on Upwork
Freelancing is where you can let your skills shine on your schedule. Upwork is a website that connects freelancers with gigs that match any type of skill set. It offers opportunities for developers, designers, writers, translators, customer support, sales and the list goes on.
You set the price and handpick tasks that not only meet your financial goals but also fit perfectly into your lifestyle. According to Upwork, the average freelancer on their site earns about $28/hour, making it more than 70% of all workers in the United States. Plus, Upwork’s got your back with a rock-solid payment protection system.
Become an Influencer on Instagram
Instagram is more than just a platform for sharing snaps—it’s a goldmine for influencers who know how to engage an audience. Whether you’re a foodie sharing mouthwatering pics or a fitness guru posting workout tips, there’s room for you to earn. While the Insta-famous might be raking in the big bucks, with six to seven-figure incomes, micro-influencers with less than 10K followers can earn about $1,500 bucks a month.
Create and Monetize a Blog
Do you have a passion or opinion about something? Is there a specific subject you may consider yourself well versed in, well welcome to the world of blogging! It’s the perfect blend of sharing what you love, or what you don’t, and making money while doing so. With different types of monetization like Google Adsense or affiliate marketing, you can earn thousands of dollars a month. According to RankIQ, food blogs are among the most profitable, with a median monthly income of $9,169!
Rideshare Services
Uber or Lyft
We have all been in a rideshare vehicle before, but have you ever thought about being the driver? Depending on the city, drivers can make up to $2,500 a month driving Uber, and top-tier Lyft drivers can make over $3,000 a month. If you live in a city that hosts major events, make sure to clock in at those peak hours.
Both rideshare services offer surge pricing, and when that kicks in the dollars start to multiply. Depending on where you live you may make more money with one service than the other. Lyft offers amazing promotions when signing up to drive. Right now if you complete a certain amount of rides in your first month Lyft guarantees you will get paid $2,000! Even if the rides don’t generate that much, Lyft will pay the difference.
Food and Grocery Delivery Side Hustles
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex is a program created by Amazon that allows people to earn money by delivering packages, groceries and restaurant orders to homes in their area. Amazon Flex is available on iOS and Android devices. The best part is you can earn between $18 – $25/hour.
The deal is as sweet as it is solid: competitive rates, a rhythm you can rely on, and the chance to earn some serious cash.
UberEats
Not interested in being a taxi service? Uber also offers a delivery service called UberEats. People are always ordering take out, whether it is early in the morning, lunch rush or late at night. The paychecks flow with a pickup fee, a drop-off fee, mileage, and the sweet cherry on top: customer tips. According to ZipRecruiter, the average UberEats driver banks $18.28/hour.
Pet Sitting with Rover
Rover is the purr-fect platform where hanging out with dogs can earn you money. It’s not just a gig—it’s a cuddle, a walk, and a playful romp in the park rolled into one rewarding package. From wagging tails on dog walks to cozy cuddles during pet sitting, Rover offers you the freedom to turn your pet passion into paychecks. Rover does allow you to set your own rate, and there is no limit to how many dogs you can walk at a time.
Rent Your Car on Turo
Work from home and barely use your car? Turn your parked car into a paycheck with Turo! It’s the savvy way to make your car work for you, earning passive income and making your monthly payment at the sametime! For example, Turo’s “Carculator” pitches that you could pocket an average of $7,300 a year just by letting someone else take your Chevrolet Cruze for a spin.
You’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to pricing, steering through Turo’s suggestions or cruising with your own rates. And when the holiday season rolls in? That’s your green light for earning even more.
Run Errands or Perform Household Tasks with Task Rabbit
If you are handy, unleash your inner fixer-upper and join Task Rabbit, where your knack for nailing home repairs, building furniture or moving furniture can all turn into money-making magic. Task Rabbit also offers a service for running errands.