This updated guide covers immediate low-skill jobs (dog walking, cleaning, babysitting), selling items locally and online, app-based gig work, and online freelance opportunities. It also cautions about the risks of multi-level marketing schemes and offers practical startup and safety tips.
Quick, low-skill ways to earn extra cash
If you need immediate, simple ways to make money, consider local everyday services: dog walking, house cleaning, babysitting, gardening, meal prep, ironing, and basic mending. Most people can offer one or more of these services. Advertise with a clear card or flyer at neighborhood shops, community boards, and on local Facebook groups.
Word of mouth still works - ask satisfied customers for referrals and short reviews you can share.
Sell goods locally or online
Garage or yard sales remain effective for clearing clutter and making money. You can also resell items online on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, eBay, OfferUp, and Etsy (for handmade or craft items). Some people buy bargains at thrift stores or flea markets and resell them for a profit. Gardening enthusiasts can sell seedlings or plants at local markets or via community groups - check local rules for plant sales.
App-based and gig platforms
Today's gig platforms make it easy to find short-term work. Use apps and marketplaces to find delivery jobs (food and groceries), rideshare, pet care, handyman tasks, or microjobs. Popular services include Rover for pet care, TaskRabbit for errands and home tasks, DoorDash and Uber Eats for deliveries, and general freelance marketplaces like Upwork or Fiverr for digital work.
These platforms handle payments and customer matching but charge fees and have varying requirements - review terms before you start.
Network marketing and MLMs: what to watch for
Multi-level marketing (MLM) still attracts people seeking extra income. Some participants earn money, but the model carries higher risk than straightforward sales or gig work. Watch for red flags: high startup fees, pressure to buy large inventory, promises of quick or guaranteed income, and recruiting-focused rewards rather than product sales.
If you consider an MLM, read independent reviews, understand the compensation plan, and calculate realistic earnings after costs.
Writing, content creation, and online freelancing
If you have writing or digital skills, online content offers low-startup ways to earn. Freelance writing, blogging, copywriting, and creating newsletters or social media content can generate income through client work, affiliate links, or paid subscriptions. Platforms like Medium, Substack, and freelance marketplaces connect creators with paying opportunities.
Practical tips to get started
- Start small: offer one service or list a few items to test demand.
- Get basic insurance or background checks when working with clients in homes.
- Price services to cover time, supplies, platform fees, and taxes.
- Keep records of income and expenses for taxes.