5 Easy Ways to Make Money on the Side This Year

Whether it's starting your own business or working a part-time gig, here are a host of things you can do to earn the extra cash you need.

Why wouldn't a person want to have a little extra money in his or her bank account? I think most people would probably be happy to have that extra padded account and the subsequent financial security this would provide. Having a little savings is stress relief. A person can pay down debt or save for something like a new vehicle or home. Thankfully, there are hundreds of ways for you to make some extra money on the side to supplement your full-time gig.

Whether it's starting your own business or working a part-time gig, here are 5 ways that you can make some cash on the side.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                 

1. Consult/Coach

Do you posses a specific skill-set? It could be anything from sharing legal advice, informing businesses on how to become more eco-friendly, or assisting startups on how to get off the ground. Consulting or coaching can be a lucrative side business since it's easy and affordable to start, since you already have the knowledge and experience. And you can build your own schedule so that you can offer your consulting services whenever you have the free time.

2. Freelance

Another flexible side gig that doesn't require long-term commitments is becoming a freelancer. This could be anything from writing content or designing a logo to filming a product ad or becoming a virtual assistant, it just depends on your interests and talents. Best of all? There's no shortage of websites and job boards to land one of the thousands of freelancing gigs available.

3. Cash in on Your Vehicle

If you own an automobile then capitalize on it by renting it out whenever you're not using it through sites like Turo and Getaround. If you want to keep your keys, then you can become a driver for either Uber or Lyft. Depending on where you live, you may be able to earn $35 per hour. One final option would be to register your car as an airport shuttle service vehicle and take people to and from the airport.

4. Sell Items Online

One of the easiest ways you can make money on the side is by selling the stuff that you already own. You know that stuff that is choking you by clogging up your garage and closets. Thanks to sites such as eBay, Craigslist, Gazelle, and Wallop, you can sell those items taking up space in your home without having to visit a pawnshop.

But what happens when you run out of things to sell? You could offer to sell other people's junk, but it's only fair that you give them a cut. So you may not make that much money going that route. You can, however, partake in drop shipping.

With dropshipping you sell new items for a manufacturer or distributor on sites such as eBay. Once the item has been sold, the company ships the product from their warehouse. You get a percentage of the sale, and you don't have to store anything or visit the post office.

5. Programmer

Do you want to build software, apps, or websites? Then take that interest and turn it into a profitable side gig. Of course, you first need to have an understanding of computer programming and coding, and settle on a specific programming niche. Once you do, you'll be on your way to joining a fast growing industry that allows you to work whenever and wherever you want. Here is a guide to programming to help you master your skills and know where to start.