Side Hustles That Can Earn $500 A Month
By Anthony Vion
I don’t know many people these days who are comfortable with how much they are bringing home in their “day job.”
Groceries, gas, electric bills, oil, you name it, everything seems like it’s costing more and more all the time. Or maybe you want to build that emergency fund you keep putting off.
So, you need a side hustle. I know I do (guess what, this is one of them).
Side hustles are nothing new. Growing up, my dad had a wood business. He’d cut down trees for people, charge extra for taking the wood away, cut it up and sell it. And he made a lot of money on the side doing it.
I don’t have to tell you that making an extra $500 a month can make a huge difference. There are so many opportunities and you can work just a few hours each week on your schedule to do it. Figure out what you like to do and get at it.
Freelance Writing (My Wheelhouse)
I’m closing in on my monthly side hustle goal as I write this.
As a writer, this is one of easiest side hustles there is. Companies always need new content, from articles, blogs and product descriptions to newsletters and website copy.
You may have to start with lower-paying assignments until you show off your skills, but after that rates will go up.
You can score $50-$100 for one project, so five to ten assignments a month can get you to that $500 mark. Pretty sweet.
If you’re like me and are into researching topics, organizing ideas and communicating clearly, this side hustle is for you.
Reselling Stuff
I love this one, as well. Listen, everyone has things they don’t use anymore, don’t want or never wanted in the first place. Why throw them away when you can get someone else to give you cash for them?
Put them up for sale on Facebook Marketplace, eBay or whatever other site you like and set your price. Believe me, there are people out there who will buy absolutely anything.
Let me prove that point to you. Years ago, I was in a zone selling stuff on eBay. I found a vampire Pez dispenser near the garbage in the apartment we were renting at the time. I told my wife I was going to sell it and she just gave me that look.
It was in decent shape. I cleaned it up, took a picture of it and put it up for sale. And someone bought it. OK, I set the price at 67 cents, plus $1 shipping. But I made money on it.
Then going beyond the stuff you already have, keep an eye out for clearance items when you’re out and go to thrift stores. You’re bound to find some interesting stuff. Clothes, electronics, home goods and more. Buy them on the cheap and then sell them for a nice markup.
You’re not going to get rich on a few sales, but over time you can make some good extra cash. If you sell 20-30 things a month, it’s not unrealistic to think you can hit your target here alone.
Sell Digital Products
I don’t dabble here much, although I keep telling myself I should. But my wife’s cousin, Sue, cleans up with this.
Digital products have become all the rage these days because once you create something, you can sell the same thing over and over again.
Things like printable planners, resume templates, eBooks, business starter kits, designs, pretty much anything you can think of.
And the best part, instead of spending time to make money on every transaction, you just have to invest a little time upfront to get your digital product set up online. Sue gets anywhere from $5-$15 each for the printable artwork she sells.
Online Tutoring
Teachers and college students, listen up. Here’s where your knowledge in subjects like math, science, English and foreign languages can really pay off.
You can find sites out there like Wyzant and Tutor.com that connect you with students of all ages and open the door to steady part-time work.
What you can make typically varies between $20–$40 an hour, so just working a few hours a week can get you to your goal.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
If you’re an animal lover, this one is right up your alley.
Busy pet owners are always looking for people to walk the dog, feed their pets or watch them when they go away for the night.
How much you’ll make varies by where you live, but dog walkers can bring in $15-$25 per walk, while overnight pet sitting can bring in $50 or more per booking.
If you walk your way into a few regular clients, that’s some nice extra cash.
Renting Out Space
Is your spare room just sitting there staring you in the face saying, “hey, how come nobody ever uses me?” If so, you can rent it out and make some sweet cash.
Same goes for parking spots and storage areas. Depending on where you live, just one rental can get you to your goal for the month and doesn’t even take much effort.
Food Delivery and Gig Driving
Delivering food and shuttling people around are super-convenient because you can schedule it around your free time. And the need for both is never-ending.
Many drivers can average $15-$25 an hour after expenses, so working just a few hours per week can add up to $500 in a month depending on how much time you want to spend.
Handmade Goods and Crafts
Put your creativity to work. If you like art and make stuff at home in your spare time anyway, why not get a few bucks for it?
Selling handmade products like candles, jewelry, artwork, home décor items and more are pretty popular these days.
How much you can rake in depends on materials and craftsmanship, but say you sell 25 shell necklaces or bracelets a month that cost you pretty much nothing to make, netting $500 for the month is within reach for sure.
House Cleaning Services
If you have the ambition and know your way around a broom and mop, busy people are always looking for good, reliable house cleaning services.
Rates typically range from $75 to $150 per job depending on the size of the space and services provided. Completing a handful of jobs each month can easily get you there.
Do a great job the first time and you can secure a steady flow of regular weekly or bi-weekly clients.
Photography Services
If photography is your hobby, you can turn it into a nice flow of cash.
With the right equipment and skills, you can do portraits, events and even freelance product photography.
Just a few sessions per month, priced at $100-$250 each, add up real quick.
Get Hustling
With all the side hustles available today, making an extra $500 a month is realistic. Like anything else, you just have to want it.
Online work, local services, creative projects, whatever you’re into. Just choose which one you think will work best for you and get hustling.
Put the time in, it doesn’t have to be too much, and it will pay off.
Plus, you can also check out how to save $100 a month without feeling it.
Anthony Vion is a savings enthusiast from Long Island, NY who’s all about finding great deals, cutting everyday expenses and helping people avoid wasting money. He takes a hands-on approach to comparing prices and evaluating products, and likes sharing simple, practical tips that help others stretch their dollars and make smarter buying decisions.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. The advice given isn’t a guarantee for specific money earnings.)