The internet and mobile apps have both opened all sorts of new doors for people looking to make money. Even if you have a steady job, it never hurts to have other avenues of income, just in case an unexpected expense pops up. Or maybe you just want to have more cash each month that you can put into your savings account, towards retirement, or towards saving up for a vacation.
If you want to make more money, you’re in luck. There are tons of side gigs that you can pick up, allowing you to earn cash as well as legitimate free gift cards. Keep reading to learn about seven simple ways you can make money in your free time.
1. Become a Freelancer
Freelancing is a great option if you’re looking for a gig that offers a steady stream of extra income. What’s nice about freelancing is that no matter your skill set, you’re likely to find a job that works for you.
Like writing? You can become a freelance writer and content creator. Know other languages fluently? You can make money working as a translator. Have fast fingers on the keyboard? Companies are always hiring transcribers!
But these options only scratch the surface of freelance opportunities. Other top jobs include:
- Graphic design
- 3D modeling
- Proofreading/editing
- Website design
As a freelancer, you’ll set your own hours and manage your workload. You’re the boss of you! An added perk of freelancing is that it’s a side gig that can easily turn into a full-time job.
2. Take Paid Surveys
Paid surveys are one of those side jobs that won’t make you a ton of money, but are some of the easiest money-making ventures that you’ll find. Since you already spend time online and on your phone, it only makes sense to monetize a few of those hours.
You’ll find that there are all sorts of paid survey websites and apps, but not all are top quality. A few of the sites that you’ll want to join include: Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and Vindale Research.
Taking paid surveys generally takes no more than 15 minutes of your time, though longer surveys do offer a higher payout. Depending on the sites that you choose, you’ll find that surveys pay anywhere from $0.25-$10. Longer, more complex surveys can pay up to $50!
Sharing your opinion comes naturally, which makes paid surveys a fun and effortless way to make money. Paid surveys also show just how powerful the consumers voice is, as your feedback will be used to shape products, services, marketing, and much more!
3. Sell Photos
Spending hours behind a camera is typically a hobby, but photography is something that you can easily turn into a money making job. Stock photo companies like Shutterstock, iStock, BigStockPhoto, and Adobe Stock are always looking to add more photos to their galleries.
If you have a huge portfolio of high-quality images, consider share them with the masses by posting them on a photography websites. Each time one of your images is downloaded, you will earn money.
Aside from photography websites, you can also choose to print and sell your photos at local art shows, galleries, and even online. People are always looking for new artwork to spruce up their home or office.
4. Become a Tutor
Online tutoring is a great way to help students who are looking to excel in their classes. As an online tutor, you can mentor and help students of all ages, ranging from kindergarten to college. To work as an online tutor, you must have a degree to show that you’re an expert in a certain subject.
Online tutoring is convenient for you and your students, as you can teach and learn from anywhere at any time. To qualify for a tutoring job, not only must you have a degree, you’ll also need to fill out an application, undergo a background check, and participate in a mock tutoring session.
If you have knowledge in science, math, English, social studies, history, music, or any other subject that you want to share, tutoring just may be your calling!
5. Serve as a Mock Juror
There aren’t too many people out there who actually enjoy jury duty. But would you be more inclined to serve on a jury if you were making decent money to do so? Sites like eJury allow everyday citizens to serve as mock jurors on upcoming trials. Lawyers typically run mock trials as a way to get feedback on the evidence to ensure they have a strong case. It also helps to prepare for the real trial.
As a mock juror, you’ll review case evidence and determine whether or not a guilty or not guilty sentence is warranted. Cases typically last up to 30 minutes, and for participating, you can earn up to $10 or more, depending on the case and time requirements.
6. Use Money Making Apps
We’re all guilty of spending hours upon hours on our mobile phones. Why not make even better use of your phone time by monetizing it? There are all sorts of apps out there that are designed to make you money. With a few simple clicks, taps, and swipes, you can be on your way to a healthier bank account in no time.
Some of the best money making apps include:
- iPoll
- Google Opinion Rewards
- Money App
- Slidejoy
- Foap
With these apps, you can effortlessly earn money, and then you can get back to scrolling on social media or catching up on the latest breaking news.
7. De-clutter & Sell
Spring may be the best time for cleaning, but there’s no wrong time to make extra money! It’s always the perfect time to sell things that you no longer need. Clothes, shoes, accessories, collectibles, antiques, and even furniture can all be sold for cold hard cash. You can even get money for old electronic devices such as phones, gaming consoles, tablets, and computers.
While you could go the old-fashioned route of holding a yard sale and posting signs around your community, it’s much easier to sell items online. There are tons of sites to use for selling items. For clothes, shoes, and accessories you’ll want to use sites like Poshmark and ThredUp. For electronic devices use Ebay and Amazon Marketplace.
Conclusion
Making money has never been easier. With these seven options, you can have the money you need to help meet your monthly financial goals. Here’s to earning money the simple way!