Can you believe that the year is almost gone? Did you meet your financial goals? Well if you didn’t I have some lucrative side hustles that you may want to try. We could all use some extra money whether it’s to stack up and save, get out of debt, or just to splurge.
1. Sell Your Personal Items
I know you have some items sitting around your house that you don’t need, or don’t use. If you aren’t donating to charity, sell them. There are several sites where you can sell your personal items like clothing and household items to make extra money. You can try Poshmark, Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace.
Last year I actually sold some household items on Facebook Marketplace. I was surprised that certain items sold more than others. Some people weren’t as serious with their offers. Several people inquired wanting the items initially and then there was no more communication. Nonetheless, I got a few extra dollars that I didn’t expect. It’s easy to do. All you need is a Facebook account and some decent pictures. If selling on Facebook you can get your money in cash, Paypal, Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, etc.
2. Create Products to Sell
If you are crafty you can make some items and sell them. You can make jewelry, lotion, decorative pillows, masks, etc. Last year I created calendars. I sold them on my blog. I also showed you how to make a seasonal wreath. I was told that I should make some and sell those. Maybe I will in the future.
3. Rideshare Driver
I know you’ve heard of Uber and Lyft. These are called rideshares. You can do this job at your convenience. You pick the days and times that you want to work. I know a couple of people who’ve done it and they love it.
4. Delivery Driver
Delivery drivers are popular too. When the pandemic hit, the demand for these jobs increased. Uber also has UberEats. There’s Postmates, Instacart, and Door Dash who also deliver your meals to your home from your favorite restaurants.
5. Travel Agent
People are still traveling, so there is still a need for travel agents. Becoming an agent requires an investment. Some businesses require a monthly fee to maintain your website. Other than that you make a commission based on the types of travel that you book. In my experience, extended trips and group booking provided the most earnings.
I was a travel agent for almost a year. Then the pandemic hit. During that time I decided I wouldn’t continue. My former clients have still been reaching out to me in 2021 to plan their trips. It made me feel really good that they appreciated what I’ve done for them.
6. Jewelry Consultant
My cousins are doing very well selling Paparazzi jewelry. They started a year ago and are still going strong. As I’ve noticed with them, it takes consistency and dedication. You can sell the items in person and online via your personal Paparazzi website. I was thinking about doing it. All you need is $99 to get started and sell at your own pace.
7. Beauty Consultant
If you are good at selling items you probably will do well selling Mary Kay or Avon. I think you just have to know your customers and what they like. My friend Keshia is a consultant for Jordan Essentials. They have natural beauty products such as lotion, soap, make-up along with natural household products. Check it out here.
8. Create Resumes
I started updating resumes for friends. One day my friend Shania told me I should charge for creating resumes. Afterward, I had an aha moment. Before then I didn’t have the thought to charge. So in 2019, I started charging.
What I like about a side hustle is that you do it when you feel like doing it. I still create resumes. It’s just when I feel like doing it.
9. Baking
If you are good at baking cakes, cookies, or pies you can sell those for a profit. Over time you may end up with your own business or storefront. Don’t limit yourself to being local. Make your product and ship it. I’ve purchased some vegan goodies online from Texas and Hollywood, SC. They were intact and tasted great. Both Black-owned.
10. Animal Sitting
Seems like everyone has a dog these days. I think we’re the only house on our side of the street without a dog. Anyway, I’m sure the responsible pet owners out there would love for someone to walk their dogs or care for them while they are away. Before Covid, I saw a woman on the news who said she had a lucrative dog walking business. That was her primary income. She made good money. With that being said, you could definitely do that on the side.
11. Babysitting
Kids are back in school. Some may need somewhere to stay until parents get home from work. You know there are couples with young children who may want to get away without the kids for date night or vacation. If you have a clean home, patience, and time, that’s a job you could consider.
12. Teach a Class
If you have experience in a certain subject, you can teach a class. Your class can be online or in person. The class can also be pre-recorded. For example, if you are a make-up artist you can teach basic make-up instructions to someone like me. It doesn’t require you to have celebrity clients on your portfolio. All you need is a skill that you can teach someone else. Now, you might say, “I don’t have a skill I can teach.” Yes, you do. Take some time and think about it.