24 Practical Ways On How To Make An Extra $500 A Month
Want to know how to make an extra $500 a month and make extra cash, without picking up a second job? One way is working from home. You can pick up side jobs in your spare time that will put some extra cash in your pocket. It’s not hard to get started, there are tons of online sites all looking for help with small projects. Survey sites are one example, there are others that can pay even more.
If you want to know how to make an extra $500 a month, keep reading to learn how.
Benefits of Making Extra Cash
Having extra cash each month is a huge benefit and there are several ways it can help personal finances.
- You can reduce or eliminate credit card debt.
- Build an emergency fund that helps protect your savings.
- The added income will make it easier to stay on a monthly budget, even if an emergency occurs.
- Increase your retirement savings.
You also have a sense of security knowing that you have multiple income streams. It doesn’t require additional education to start making money. All it takes is for you to find paying side hustles.
Learn How to Make an Extra $500 a Month with These 24 Side Hustles
There are hundreds of ways you can earn extra money. Some you can do from home, while others require you to go outside. Not all of these ways may appeal to you, but even taking on one or two of these paying gigs will help boost your monthly income.
1. Dog Walking
If you love animals and want to get in some exercise, dog walking is a great way to supplement your income. You don’t need previous experience, but it does help to have a clean criminal record. If you sign-up with an online dog walking or pet sitting site, a background check is automatically performed.
Online sites do make it easier to get paying clients, but you can also self-advertise. It might take longer to find a few people willing to give you a chance, but you’ll also avoid paying the site fees.
2. Start a Blog
Starting a blog can seem intimidating, but it’s something anyone can do. Your blog can bring in an extra $500 a month or more once it’s up and running. Several online tutorials will walk you through the simple setup steps.
You can also find guides on how to craft your blog posts. If you put in some time and effort, your blog can easily become a full-time job and your primary source of income.
3. Write Articles for Clients
It’s easier than you think to get started writing articles for paying clients. As a freelancer, you can pick and choose your clients. You decide which topics you want to cover and if the word count equals the offered pay.
You don’t need a degree in English or even creative writing. It’s something anyone can do in their free time or as a full-time job. As you build a reputation for delivering quality work, the number of clients and potential income will increase.
4. Sell Your Artwork for Extra Cash
Are you creative? Do you enjoy painting for friends and family or crafting unique gifts? If so, you can sell your artwork for extra money each month. Whether you open your own small business on a platform like Etsy or display your work in a gallery, it’s a great way to boost your budget.
5. Start a Pet Pampering Business
If you want to work with animals, but dog walking isn’t your thing consider a pet pampering business. You will need space for bathing and grooming in your home or a large vehicle if you want a mobile business. You will get to set your hours, which makes it a great side hustle. Repeat clients and word-of-mouth advertising will help grow your income.
6. Selling Your Photos
Do you have hundreds of photos on your phone or stored in the cloud? If so, your pictures can bring in extra money. Some websites let you upload the pictures you want to sell. Once approved, the site publishes them for sale. Each time a photo is purchased, funds are deposited in your PayPal account.
7. Provide Childcare
You can make money working from home providing childcare. However, you want to check with state and local laws. You may need state certification before you can turn your home into a daycare.
If you want something less structured and without regulations, babysitting is another way to earn extra cash. Sitting for a few hours in the evening or on the weekends is a low-stress way to increase personal finances.
8. Make Extra Money as a Data Clerk
Entering data into spreadsheets isn’t a high-paying job, but you can do it from home in your free time. It is a little boring, but if you’re managing a full-time job you won’t mind. There are paying clients on a variety of work-from-home platforms. You can choose to do as many projects or as few as you want. Your earning potential is up to you.
9. Make Extra Cash Tutoring
Are you experienced in a specific area or have a teaching degree? If so, you can make a substantial income as a tutor. You have the option of tutoring at home or online. It’s also up to you how many people you teach at one time.
10. Start A Course
If you have teaching experience or a marketable skill, you can start a course. It’s similar to starting a blog, and you’ll also need an audience. Using a blog to create interest and students for your course is a great way to get started.
11. Get Paid to Take Surveys
It’s not the highest-paying gig, but it’s an easy and fun way to make extra cash. Survey junkie and other sites always have tons of surveys for members to fill out. The amount of time it takes for the survey varies, along with the payment price.
Getting paid for your opinion is a good way to bring in a small stream of cash in your free time. It’s also a breeze to sign-up and some sites even start you off with a bonus payment in your account.
12. Drive for a Rideshare Service
Not everyone enjoys driving but if you do it can be a lucrative second career. Rideshare platforms are almost always hiring and it isn’t hard to sign up. You do need an insured, reliable vehicle. You’ll also have to pass a background check and have a good driving record.
You can choose when you work and for how long. You can also choose to reject ride requests without penalties from the platform. You are putting extra miles on your car, but you’re also bringing in added income.
13. Take on a Roommate
You’ll want to think carefully about renting out a spare bedroom. Do you want another person in your home, even if it’s only for a few days? If you don’t mind sharing your space, renting out a spare bedroom or basement apartment will bring in extra cash each month.
Before you accept a permanent or temporary paying house guest, you want to do your research. There are also websites you can sign up for that perform the background checks for you. Some sites will even help you manage bookings. There is a fee to use these services, but for some homeowners, it’s worth the added expense.
14. Start a House Cleaning Business
There is a lot of money in cleaning other people’s houses. All you need to get started with your small business are the essential cleaning supplies. Rates per hour vary, but you can set your rates.
It’s a flexible way to earn extra money each month. Getting clients isn’t difficult. Often word-of-mouth and neighborhood advertising are all it takes. Since most of your clients will bring repeat business, house cleaning is a steady income.
15. Get Paid for Computer Support
Do you know how to install common computer programs or troubleshoot problems? If you have experience with computers, it can put extra cash in your bank account. Your hourly rate will depend on the job and your experience. Some types of computer support clients often look for are;
- Setting up laptops and installing apps.
- Tutorials on Microsoft Word or Excel.
- Setting up a printer.
- Scans for viruses and installing malware programs.
- Upgrading computer memory.
A great way to get clients is to advertise on social media platforms. Business cards placed at commonly used stores are another way to let people know that your services are available.
16. Earn Cash as a Freelancer
It’s not only individuals that are seeing the benefits of working from home as a freelancer. Businesses are also realizing it’s cost-effectiveness. You’re not limited to writing blog posts or inputting data on a spreadsheet. There are lots of ways to make money as a freelancer. If the task is done in the office, chances are you can do it at home.
To start bringing in clients, it’s a good idea to have a LinkedIn profile. Setting up a website that highlights your abilities can also garner paying customers.
17. Use Your Truck for Paid Deliveries
Your pickup truck can earn you extra monthly cash. Whether it’s helping people move or carting supplies for a business, it can bring in substantial income. Your vehicle does need insurance, and you must have a valid driver’s license. You choose which jobs you accept and the hours you work.
18. Become a Virtual Fitness Trainer
If you’re a fitness buff and have an effective workout program you can become a virtual trainer. You can also create videos on diet, nutrition, and anything else on health and fitness. YouTube channels are a good way to reach people, along with other social media platforms.
Giving clients a free video can help bring them in. The subscription payments for additional information and videos will add extra money to your monthly budget.
19. Make Money as a Pet Sitter
You don’t want to jump right into pet sitting. You need to make sure that you have the space and time to care for someone’s furry companion. If there are pets in the home, it’s important that they’re friendly.
There are a few websites you can sign up with to bring clients in. Advertising on community bulletin boards is another way to let clients know you’re available. If possible, it’s always a good idea to have a meet-and-greet if you have pets at home before bringing a new animal for a temporary stay.
20. Make Money as a Referee
Community sports leagues are often looking for Refs and they pay per game. If you love sports, it’s a great way to put spending money in your pocket. You may need a referee license to start, especially for soccer. The class is brief and inexpensive. For several months a year, you can have a fun, paying part-time job.
21. Design and Sell T-shirts
Plain t-shirts are inexpensive, especially when bought in bulk. The supplies needed to create designs are also cheap. You can find them at any craft store. If you don’t want to purchase decals, some websites will help. You can design the t-shirts, select size and quantity, and the site will ship them to customers as ordered.
22. Work as a Transcriber
The work isn’t glamorous, but it pays. You can also transcribe the audio from almost anywhere. It might take you some time to get used to writing down audio, but when you do you’ll find plenty of work.
23. Earn Extra Cash Shopping
Imagine getting paid to shop. Being a mystery shopper is fun and all the job entails is answering a few questions about the experience. You can choose the type of stores and businesses you’re sent to. You’re also reimbursed for any purchases you make, as long as you provide receipts. There are several online sites you can sign up with and start making extra money.
24. Clean and Test Pools
You do need some familiarity with pools and proper PH levels. If you know how to keep pool water clean and safe, you can make some extra money on the side. Use business cards to generate business, along with advertising in your local community newsletter. It won’t take long for neighbors to realize they have a “pool person” close by.
Conclusion
Any of these ways will boost personal finances and give you a steady stream of extra income. If you want to know how to make an extra $500 a month, one of these side hustles will get you on your way. You might even find that you prefer your side gig to your full-time job.
