Earn Extra Cash with These 13 Free Side Hustles

When money is tight, having a side hustle can help bring in some extra cash. Many side hustles may require upfront costs to get started, which may not be feasible depending on your current financial situation. Here are 15 tried and true side hustles you can begin today that won’t cost you a penny.

Closeup of curly-haired woman smiling.Photo byImage Credit: William87 via Deposit Photos.

Become a Rideshare Driver

If you already have access to a car, a bike, or even a scooter, you can sign up to drive for Uber or Lyft. You’ll have the flexibility to choose when you want to work, so it’s perfect to fit in if you already work another full or part-time job.

Donate Plasma

Donating plasma at your local donation center is a quick way to make some extra money. Plus, your donations will also be used to help people in need, a true win-win.

Flip Items Online

You can find items at home, in your neighborhood, or on local ‘for free’ Facebook groups to flip for money online. Clean up and restore the items and sell them in online marketplaces like Mercari, Poshmark, or Facebook for a profit.

Become a Virtual Assistant

Assuming you already have a computer, you can use it to become an online assistant. Many people are looking to hire VA’s (virtual assistants) to handle simple business tasks such as managing email, posting to social media, or handling customer service.

Monetize Your Social Media

If you have a that you’re knowledgeable about, grab your smartphone and record some videos that share information or tutorials. Head to YouTube and set up a free account. Post your videos to your new YouTube channel, and once you get enough subscribers and watch time, you’ll be eligible to earn money by putting ads on your videos.

Affiliate Marketing

Many big companies offer affiliate marketing programs that cost nothing to join. As long as you have a computer or even a phone, you can share products you love on social media and in emails to earn commissions when people make purchases from your links.

Do Yard Work

If you already have access to yard equipment like a shovel or lawn mower, you can likely find people in your neighborhood who will hire you to mow their lawns or remove snow from their properties.

Walk Dogs

Being a dog walker doesn’t involve any equipment at all. You can find people who require the service and walk their dogs around the neighborhood. Check local Facebook groups or sign up with a site like Rover that connects pet owners with people looking to earn money by walking dogs and pet sitting.

Completing Paid Surveys

There are plenty of reputable online survey sites that will pay you for sharing your opinions. Keep in mind this side hustle is one of the lowest-paying on this list, but if you’re short on time, you can complete surveys while sitting in line at school pickup or waiting at the doctor’s office.

Sell Your Skills

Online sites like Fiverr allow you to sell your skills online. All it requires is a computer or phone and the skills you want to sell.

Data Entry

Many companies are looking for people to work part-time to do data entry. It only requires a computer, which most people have or have access to.

Online Travel Agent

You can become an online travel agent. All it requires is for you to research tips and accommodations for people who are looking to go on vacation or book a business trip.

Online Tutor

You can quickly become an online tutor. Many sites allow you to sign up and teach people looking for extra help with their studies.

This article first appeared on Cents + Purpose.