You need money for countless bills, food costs, clothing purchases, and entertainment expenses. When your primary day job doesn't pay enough to cover your spending, try one of these ways to earn a little extra cash to make money on the side.
Sell Your Unwanted Electronics
One of the most profitable side hustles is selling what you don't use. You likely have lots of old electronic devices sitting around your house, from your MP3 player from high school to the phone you stopped using once you upgraded. Even if these devices don't work, they provide plenty of opportunities to make money. Take your MP3 players, iPods, and old phones to ecoATMs near me. Download the ecoATM's app, upload your device's details, and then enter your unique kiosk code into the machine. Then, the kiosk takes your devices, and you receive cash. Not only does this option give you extra money for things you don't want anymore, but you also help the planet by recycling your electronics. If you're wondering, "Where are ecoATMs near me?", check your local mall or electronics store.
For bulkier devices such as computers and TVs, reach out to your municipal recycling department. Some county offices pay cash for scrap electronics, from which they salvage reusable materials. If your device still works, try your local pawnshop or consignment store.
Take Online Surveys
Companies are always developing new products, and they want to hear what the average consumer thinks. As a result, many businesses use sites such as Survey Junkie to request consumer feedback. After you complete each survey, you receive a small sum through PayPal, Venmo, or a similar third-party banking app. Make sure to research new sites before taking their surveys or providing your banking information, since some are scams. However, once you've vetted a platform, taking surveys is a great way to make money from your house or during your commute.
Rent Your Extra Space
If you own your house, you have the perfect opportunity to make money with your spare rooms. Whether you're looking for long-term boarders or short-term vacationers, renting rooms is a quick source of passive income. It's particularly lucrative if you live near a tourist destination such as New York City or Washington, D.C. List your rooms' availability on Facebook Marketplace, craigslist, or Airbnb. Make sure that your space is clean, safe, and attractive or you risk getting poor reviews and fewer customers.
Watch for Overtime Opportunities
Your hourly wage may not be very high, but once you hit overtime, most companies add an extra half of your wages to each hour. For example, if you earn $15 an hour, if you work more than 40 hours in a week, you earn $22.50 per hour for your overtime. Even just a few hours at this increased rate has a huge effect on your finances. Ask your boss about weekend shifts or other opportunities for overtime.
Grocery Shop for Other People
Many people don't have time to do their own grocery shopping or aren't able to because of health problems. Instead, they turn to options such as Instacart which allow them to upload their shopping lists to an app or website. Then, professional shoppers pick out each item and deliver it to their cars or homes. If you have time to spend a few hours a week at the grocery store, you can make good side money with this job.
When you're struggling to stay within your budget, you usually think of ways to cut costs. While it's important not to exceed your income, you should also think of ways to make more money. Try a few of these options to see if a side gig has your name on it as a way to make money on the side.
