Portland, a city renowned for its lush green parks, eclectic food scene, and unique neighborhoods, is a haven for renters who prefer to navigate their surroundings on foot. Rentals are also fairly affordable, with the average one-bed costing $1,500. But which areas of the city offer the most pedestrian-friendly experience?
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll uncover the most walkable neighborhoods in Portland. So, prepare to step out and explore the charm and convenience of these neighborhoods that make Portland a walker’s paradise.
All data sourced March 2024.
1. Pearl District
Walk Score: 98
Pearl District is the most walkable neighborhood in Portland, with a Walk Score of 98. Known for its quirky art galleries and loft-style apartments, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its highly walkable layout. Notable attractions include Powell’s City of Books, Voodoo Doughnuts, and Jamison Square.
Search for Pearl District apartments for rent.
2. Old Town Chinatown
Walk Score: 97
Old Town Chinatown has a Walk Score of 97, making it the second most walkable neighborhood in Portland. There’s a lot to love about the area, from its waterfront parks to its bustling nightlife. While you’re walking around the neighborhood, check out the Lan Su Chinese Garden.
See Old Town Chinatown apartments for rent.
3. Downtown
Walk Score: 96
Downtown is the third most walkable neighborhood in the city. There are numerous walkable areas and attractions throughout Downtown, like Pioneer Courthouse Square and the Portland Art Museum. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, you’re not far from Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
Find Downtown apartments for rent.
4. Hollywood
Walk Score: 94
Located in Eastern Portland, Hollywood has plenty of amenities a resident might need within walking distance. From the Hollywood Theatre to the Hollywood Farmers Market, you’re sure to find something to love. A notable amenity is Grant Park, which is a great spot for locals and visitors alike.
Browse Hollywood apartments for rent.
5. Kerns
Walk Score: 94
As the fifth most walkable neighborhood in the city, Kerns is known for its eclectic mix of eateries and shops. Consider exploring Laurelhurst Park or getting a bite to eat at Screen Door with friends. There are plenty of other amenities in this bustling community as well, like the Buckman Farmers Market and the Laurelhurst Theater.
Discover Kerns apartments for rent.
6. Goose Hollow
Walk Score: 94
Goose Hollow has a Walk Score of 94, making it the sixth most walkable neighborhood in Portland. Known for its historic homes and proximity to downtown, residents and visitors can choose from walkable amenities such as the Portland Japanese Garden and the International Rose Test Garden. While you’re out, check out Providence Park.
Look for Goose Hollow apartments for rent.
7. Northwest District
Walk Score: 93
Northwest District is the seventh most walkable neighborhood in Portland. This bustling community has quite a few hotspots for residents to visit on foot, including the Portland Japanese Garden and the Pittock Mansion. While you’re walking, take a moment to smell the flowers at the gigantic Forest Park.
Search for Northwest District apartments for rent.
8. Sunnyside
Walk Score: 93
Sunnyside has a Walk Score of 93, making it the eighth most walkable neighborhood in the city. There’s a lot to love about the area, from grabbing a bite to eat at nearby Hawthorne Fish House, to taking a walk at Sewallcrest Park. If you’re up for a longer outing, nearby Mount Tabor Park is popular among locals.
Find Sunnyside apartments for rent.
9. Boise
Walk Score: 93
The ninth most walkable neighborhood in Portland is Boise. Pedestrians can enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, like Gravy, Boise Fry Company, and The ReBuilding Center. It’s also easy to walk over to Peninsula Park Rose Garden for a great day out.
Peruse Boise apartments for rent.
10. Hosford-Abernethy
Walk Score: 92
Hosford-Abernethy is the tenth most walkable neighborhood in the city. Local attractions here include the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry and the Eastbank Esplanade, providing residents a spot to get together and enjoy their community.
Discover Hosford-Abernethy apartments for rent.
Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a given point, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.
Looking for the best business ideas for teens? Whether you’re a teenager trying to find ways to make extra money or if you’re a parent trying to help your child start a business to learn about money, there are many positives of starting your own business young. Whether it’s in the summer, after school, or…
Looking for the best business ideas for teens?
Whether you’re a teenager trying to find ways to make extra money or if you’re a parent trying to help your child start a business to learn about money, there are many positives of starting your own business young.
Whether it’s in the summer, after school, or on weekends, having a small business can be a fun and educational thing to start.
I did many different things as a teen to make extra money, and they all taught me so much. There are many different ways for teens to make money, as you will learn below.
Best Business Ideas for Teens
There are many business ideas for teens listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some ways for teens to make money that you may want to start learning more about first:
Below are the best small business ideas for teenagers to start.
Recommended reading:
1. Babysitting
Babysitting is an obvious job for teenagers, and it can be a great way to make money. I was a babysitter when I was a teenager and regularly earned over $1,000 a month by babysitting (mainly in the summer).
Starting a babysitting business is a smart choice for teens as it’s simple to start with very few costs. Your main investment is the time and effort you spend taking care of children.
To get started, you’ll need to let people know you’re available. Reach out to your parents’ friends, neighbors, or family members. After a while, word of mouth can help you find more jobs.
Safety is really important too, of course. So, you will most likely want to get certified in first aid or CPR. This not only makes you more trustworthy but also helps you handle emergencies.
2. Car washing services
Starting a car washing business can be a great business for a teen entrepreneur.
To start, you just need basic supplies: a bucket, a soft sponge, window cleaner, and cloths for drying and polishing.
With a straightforward service like car washing, you can operate right in your driveway or travel to clients’ homes for convenience.
3. Start a blog
Starting a blog is a great way for you to share your thoughts and ideas while potentially earning money. Your blog can cover any topic you’re passionate about, whether it’s fashion, sports, technology, or your daily experiences.
While I was around 21 years old when I started my blog, I know a few people who started theirs as teenagers.
A blog can be a great business idea to start when you’re young, as you can decide how to build your blog, how you earn an income, and the schedule you put toward it.
You can easily learn how to start a blog with my free How To Create a Blog Course.
Here’s a quick outline of what you will learn:
Day 1: Why you should start a blog today
Day 2: What topic to blog about
Day 3: Tutorial on how to start a blog on WordPress
Day 4: How to make money with your blog
Day 5: How to make passive income on your blog
Day 6: How to get pageviews to your blog
Day 7: Tips to see success with your blog
Out of all of these business ideas for teens, blogging is by far my favorite. It does take more time to start making money, but it’s very flexible and fits with any kind of schedule.
4. Tutoring and teaching
If you’re a teen who’s really good at a certain subject, tutoring could be a great way to start a rewarding business. You can use your knowledge to help others do well in areas you’re good at.
Your friends or younger students might find it helpful to have one-on-one sessions where you explain difficult topics in simple ways.
Subjects you may be able to tutor in include:
Math
Science
Foreign languages
English
Many tutors are teenagers, so this may be a great fit for you!
5. Photography
If you love capturing moments through a lens, starting a photography business could be a perfect fit for you.
Starting a business as a photographer can kick off with a relatively low investment. Initially, you might need to spend between $500 to $2,000 on equipment like a good camera, lenses, and editing software. But, if you already have a camera, then that is the bulk of the cost.
You can take pictures at events like birthdays or graduations, capture stunning portraits, or create art through landscape and wildlife photography.
6. Home care services in your neighborhood
When you start a home care services business, you’re stepping into a role that helps busy homeowners manage their households.
This can include a range of services that assist with the upkeep of a home, such as:
Housecleaning – You can offer to dust, vacuum, and clean the different areas of a home. People always appreciate coming back to a sparkling clean space.
Laundry – Washing, drying, and folding clothes are tasks that many would gladly outsource to you. Organizing wardrobes or ironing clothes can be added services.
Plant care – Have a green thumb? Offer to water plants, prune leaves, and take care of any garden needs.
Raking leaves – Raking leaves is a good business idea for teens, especially during the fall. Trees drop their leaves and many homeowners need help gathering and disposing of them.
Errand runner – As an errand runner, you’ll help people in your community with tasks they might not have time for, like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or mailing packages.
When I was a teen, I had a friend who was a personal assistant for someone in her neighborhood. She would pick up their dry cleaning, take care of their plants, walk their dogs, and more.
7. Pet care (pet sitting and dog walking)
If you’re a teen who loves animals, starting a pet care business can be a great way to earn some extra cash. Pet sitting and dog walking services are in high demand and can be both fun and rewarding.
To start, you can join a dog walking app-based service. Rover is a user-friendly option that connects you with pet owners. You can create a profile, set your own prices, and specify the types of services you feel comfortable providing, such as dog walking or pet sitting.
You can typically earn between $15 and $30 for each hour spent with a pet, considering you might need to commute to the pet’s location.
8. Graphic design
If you’re interested in art and technology, you can start a graphic design business.
Graphic design is about creating visual content for companies and individuals. You’ll use software to make logos, social media graphics, posters, and much more.
As a teen graphic designer, your income will vary. Typically, you can make anywhere from $5 to $100 per project when starting. As your skills grow, so can your rates. The market for design work is expanding, making room for you to succeed.
9. Music and art lessons
Can you play piano, guitar, or violin? Or maybe you’re skilled in drawing or painting?
If you’re a teen with a talent for music or art, teaching art or music lessons can be a great business idea. Whether you play an instrument or paint like a pro, other kids and parents might pay for your expertise.
10. Sell handmade goods and crafts
If you like being creative and making things with your hands, selling arts and crafts can be a great business idea for teens.
Here are some crafts that teens can create and sell for extra money:
Jewelry – You can make necklaces and bracelets.
Homemade candles – Candles are simple to make and can be sold to people who like to add a cozy feel to their homes.
Paintings – If you like to paint or draw, you can create artwork to sell.
Slime – Slime is really popular and fun to play with. Teens can make and sell their own slime in different colors and maybe even add things like glitter to make it unique.
Soap – Homemade soap is always nice to have, and people love to buy it.
Stickers – Everyone loves stickers and this can be a fun way to make extra money on Etsy or in person.
You may be able to sell your homemade items at local craft fairs or online on Etsy.
Recommended reading: 16 Best Things To Sell On Etsy To Make Money
11. Providing technical support
If you’re good with technology, starting a technical support service can be a choice to look into. Lots of people have trouble with technology and need help. As a teen, you can meet this demand by selling your tech-savvy skills and knowledge.
Services you can sell include:
Software installation and updates
Virus and malware removal
Hardware troubleshooting
Help with using different programs and apps
You can market your business by telling your friends, family, and neighbors about your services, and even by creating flyers to distribute and post on local community boards and at local businesses.
12. Start a YouTube channel
Making a YouTube channel is a way for you to share what you love, your talents, and your ideas with the world. It can also become a fun way to earn some money.
Most people know about YouTube, and almost everyone has seen at least one video on the platform. According to YouTube, there are over 2 billion people who watch at least one video on YouTube every month.
Many people have goals of starting a YouTube channel and making money, but not many people ever actually start.
You can learn more at How I Grew From 0 Subscribers To Over $100,000 On YouTube In Less Than One Year.
13. Design and sell print-on-demand products
Starting a print-on-demand business lets you be creative and make money. You can make products that are inexpensive to create, such as posters or custom-designed mugs.
To begin, design things that show your interests or what customers like. After that, use a service like Printful to put these designs on different products. The company takes care of everything else, from printing to shipping.
14. Lawn care business
Starting a lawn mowing business is a great way for teens to make money and is one of the popular small business ideas for teens. It’s easy to get started, and you can make cash during spring and summer (or even year-round depending on where you live, like Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California).
All you need is a lawn mower, some fuel, and basic gardening tools.
You can talk to neighbors, family, and friends to find new lawn mowing jobs.
I know many families with teenagers who mow lawns to make money. Some even turn it into a full-time business as they grow up.
15. House sitting
For teenagers, starting a house sitting business is a smart way to make money. You’re responsible for looking after someone’s home while they’re away, which is a big job.
Trust is important due to this, and homeowners must feel sure that their property and pets are safe in your care.
When I was a teen, I had a friend who was a regular house sitter for several people. She would water their plants, walk their dogs, and stay overnight in their homes to make sure everything was fine with the house.
16. Sell printables on Etsy
If you want to earn money from home and be your own boss with low startup costs, creating printables could be a great option for you.
A printable is a digital product that can be downloaded and printed at home. You create them once and then sell them on a platform like Etsy for people to purchase. You don’t have to physically print anything; you’re just selling the digital download.
Printables include things like grocery shopping checklists, weekly meal plans that people can put on their fridges, gift tags, and quotes to be framed. These are digital products that users can download and print for their use.
Making money at home as a teenager through creating printables is great because you create one digital file download for each product, and then you can sell them an unlimited number of times.
I recommend reading about this further at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Important note: To sell on Etsy, you need to be at least 18 years old. If you’re between 13 and 17, you can still sell on Etsy with the proper permission and under the direct supervision of your parent or legal guardian. The Etsy account should be registered using the parent or legal guardian’s information.
17. Social media influencer
If you enjoy being in front of the camera and are good at connecting with people, you could possibly make money as a social media influencer.
This can include platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and more.
Now, this is not a guaranteed way to make extra money as a teen, as not everyone makes it. But, you won’t know unless you give it a try.
It’s all about your image and your message (and some luck too, of course). Ask yourself, what are you passionate about? Fashion? Gaming? Fitness?
You’ll want to keep your posts consistent (for many platforms, this will include posting at least once a day) and your voice authentic. This is how you’ll attract followers who can’t wait to see what you post next.
You’ll also want to interact with your audience. Reply to comments, ask questions, and listen to what they want. An engaged audience is a loyal one, and brands notice this. The more you connect, the more your followers trust you.
As your following grows, companies might pay you to talk about their products. That’s because they see value in your ability to reach and engage with a dedicated audience.
You can learn more at How I Make Money On TikTok – How I Grew To 350,000 Followers and Made $60,000 In 6 Weeks.
18. Videography
If you love making videos, starting a videography business could be a perfect idea for you. As a young entrepreneur, you can begin this business idea with just a smartphone or a basic camera.
You can start this small business idea by practicing filming different events like school activities or community gatherings. This will help you to create a portfolio that highlights your unique style and skills.
19. Streaming
If you like playing video games and have a fun personality, you may be able to make money streaming. With platforms like Twitch, you can create a channel where you showcase your gaming skills or entertain an audience with your commentary.
Once you gather a following, you can monetize your channel through subscriptions, ads, sponsorships, and donations. Selling branded merchandise is another way to earn money.
Recommended reading: How Much Do Twitch Streamers Make?
20. Baking
If you love making treats that leave your friends and family asking for more, starting a baking business could be your path to success.
You could bake things like cookies, cakes, bread, and more.
Before selling, make sure you understand the legal requirements, such as if you need a permit or license.
21. Proofreader
A proofreader is someone who reads through written stuff like articles, books, or ads to find and fix any mistakes. Your job is to make sure everything’s correct before people see it.
If you love reading and often spot mistakes in written content, you might want to explore becoming a proofreader.
Freelance proofreading is a flexible and detail-oriented job that only requires a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, grammar skills, and a good eye for finding mistakes.
If you want to find online proofreading jobs, I recommend watching this free 76-minute workshop all about how to get started proofreading.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year).
22. Buy and sell flipper
Reselling items online on platforms like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace can be a great way to run your own business and make extra money.
Plus, it’s something that anyone can start because many of us own things that we could probably sell.
And, there are always things you can buy for a low price and potentially resell for a profit. You might even find free items that people are throwing away and sell those too.
There is a helpful free webinar that I recommend – Turn Your Passion For Visiting Thrift Stores, Yard Sales & Flea Markets Into A Profitable Reselling Business In As Little As 14 Days.
23. Answer online surveys
Okay, so this isn’t a business, but it is a way to make money online.
Taking surveys won’t make you rich, but it can help you earn a bit of extra money during your spare minutes throughout the day.
Companies pay you to take surveys because they want to know what people think about their product and their company. They want real opinions from real people.
Here are some of the survey companies that are open to teenagers (along with their minimum age requirements):
American Consumer Opinion – Age minimum – 14 years old
Survey Junkie – Age minimum – 12 years old
Branded Surveys – Age minimum – 16 years old
Swagbucks – Age minimum – 13 years old
InboxDollars – Age minimum – 12 years old
User Interviews – Age minimum – 16 years old
Things To Think About as a Teen Entrepreneur
As a teen wanting to start a business, it’s important to think about things like balancing schoolwork, managing finances, and making sure that you are staying safe.
Balancing school and business
Your school schedule is a priority, and finding a balance between it and your new business venture is important, so it’s important to plan out your week.
I recommend creating a visual where you can see your school time, study hours, and time for your business.
Example of a weekly schedule:
Day
School Hours
Study Time
Business Hours
Free Time
Monday
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
4 – 6 p.m.
7 – 9 p.m.
Remaining
Tuesday
8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
4 – 6 p.m.
7 – 9 p.m.
Remaining
…
…
…
…
…
Sunday
None
Optional
Flexible
Flexible
Financial planning
It’s important to understand the basics of financial planning when it comes to your business so that you can make sure you are making money and not wasting money.
So, I recommend listing the resources and materials you’ll need along with their costs. This also includes keeping track of all your expenses and income using a spreadsheet or even just writing your expenses down.
Working safely
You should always be safe, and make sure not to fall for any scams or fall into business with someone that you do not want to. Keep parents up-to-date on what is going on in your business and make sure to meet strangers in public/safe places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about starting a business as a teen.
What are some easy-to-start business ideas for high school students?
If you’re in high school and want to start a business, you can sell services like lawn care, dog walking, or car washing. These types of businesses require minimal money from you to get started and can be managed around your school schedule.
What are the business ideas for teens online?
For online business ideas for teens, there are many things you could do such as selling printables, starting a blog, online tutoring, selling handmade crafts on Etsy, and more.
What are the top business ideas for young adults?
The top business ideas for young adults include babysitting, car washing, lawn mowing, online tutoring, and starting a YouTube channel.
What types of businesses are suitable for 13 to 17-year-olds?
Teens between 13 and 17 can look into babysitting, pet sitting, tutoring, or crafting and selling homemade goods.
Business Ideas for Teens – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best business ideas for teens.
Starting a business when you’re a teenager can be fun and help you make some extra money. This can help you to save money for college, buy things that you want, hang out with your friends, buy clothing, and more.
Plus, it’s a chance to learn important skills and a good work ethic.
You can do different things to earn cash, like doing chores at home or trying out creative online projects. If you enjoy outdoor work, you can wash cars or take care of lawns. If you’re into technology, you might want to start a blog or a YouTube channel.
There are lots of options depending on what you like and what you’re good at!
What other business ideas for teens would you add to this list?
Your wardrobe isn’t the only thing that deserves a bit of a spring upgrade. With the start of a new season just a few days away, now is the perfect time to switch up your home decor to reflect the changing weather and embrace all the airy spring vibes. Adding pops of color, fresh scents, lightweight linens, and fresh flowers are always on our spring to-do list, but this year, we tapped some of our favorite interior designers to find out their go-to spring home updates. If you too are ready to refresh your home for the season, adding another throw pillow to your living room and a spring wreath to your front door is just the beginning. Here are all the spring decor ideas designers are using to update their homes this season.
1. Freshen up your bathroom
The bathroom may not be your first thought when it comes to sprucing up your home for spring, but making a few swaps in this area can really make an impact. Infuse some spring energy into your bathroom with a new shower curtain, bathmat, or towels in fun colors or patterns. These simple upgrades will have you looking forward to your nightly skincare routine, just so you can appreciate how cute your bathroom is.
Anthropologie
2 colors available
Anthropolgie
7 colors available
3 colors available
2. Display your produce
Channel your inner Dakota Johnson and turn your fruit into decor by displaying it in a stylish bowl. Not only is this a practical method of storing produce, but it’s also an easy and affordable way to add a pop of color to your kitchen. Display the bowl on your kitchen counter or dining table for a simple centerpiece that takes seconds to put together.
Anthropologie
2 colors available
Pottery Barn
3. Swap out your art
One of the easiest ways to freshen up your decor is by swapping your artwork—whether it’s within your gallery wall, on your kitchen counter, above your mantel, or on your side table. Studio McGee styles art so well each season, so we always look to them for inspiration for how to style artwork throughout the year. For example, if you currently have dark, moody landscape art on your entryway table, swap it with a print that includes pastel colors throughout instead. Easy changes like this can take your home from muted winter vibes to bright and fresh spring vibes in no time.
Threshold x Studio McGee
Threshold x Studio McGee
Etsy | MellowPrintDesigns
Etsy | HeirloomLaneCo
4. Change up your candle scents
Whether you keep a candle lit during your daily Zoom calls or always light a favorite fragrance as you wind down for the evening, why not switch up your scents in honor of the new season? Designer Adnan Anwar, who swears by this practice, shared a few of his favorite candle picks for spring. “I tend to switch out the musky, cedary, leathery scents for lighter and more herbal ones,” he said. “I especially love garden mint candles.”
Designer Leah Phillips agreed. “I switch out those earthy candles for ones that are more floral and bright. I have one called Urban Flower Market that is truly spring in a bottle.”
Anthropologie
Pottery Barn
5. Switch your table linens and accents
It doesn’t matter if you live solo or share a dining space with four roommates—your kitchen table deserves a little seasonal love! “I’m someone who gets an irrational amount of joy from setting the table for dinner,” designer Emma Beryl said. “Even if I’m just ordering a pizza, I really enjoy using nice glassware, napkins, and silverware because it makes the end of the day a little more celebratory.”
When spring arrives, Beryl grabs delicate glassware and linen napkins in bright colors from her cabinets. She added, “I especially love to use all shades of blue and green in the spring because it relates to the outdoors and the generally verdant feeling of the season.”
5 colors available
2 colors available
Crate & Barrel
5 colors available
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
6. Add airy touches
Want to embrace light and airy living room ideas? Tuck those flannel blankets into storage and embrace lighter accents. For designer Danielle Muzynoski, that means giving her space a once-over and opting for timeless home decor that brings airy touches all around. “I’ll switch my dark, heavy pottery for a hand-blown glass vase, for example,” Muzynoski shared. “Pillows and blankets will be changed to lighter colors and linen textures.”
Brooklinen
3 colors available
2 colors available
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
7. Opt for spring-like bed linens
Your winter sheets kept you warm and cozy during the chillier months, but now that spring is here, away they go! “One of the best ways to update your home each season is fresh linens in the bedroom,” designer Kathleen Walsh shared. “I have sets for fall and winter as well as spring and summer. They keep my room interesting and help me transition into a seasonal mindset.”
If you usually gravitate toward neutral color schemes and paint colors in your home, a subtle touch of color peeking out of your bedding can bring a happy, fresh feeling to your room without it being too much of a contrast. Opt for sheets in shades of light pink, blue, yellow, and green.
Brooklinen
10+ colors available
10+ colors available
Threshold with Studio McGee
8. Incorporate florals
Florals for spring? Groundbreaking (we had to). But seriously, there’s a reason why vases full of fresh flowers are a must for designers. “Adding fresh, colorful flowers like tulips or hydrangeas in the primary rooms of my home makes it smell and look like spring,” designer Whitney Durham said.
Designer Charli Hantman, on the other hand, is partial to emerald green hydrangeas and anemones. “There is something about how delicate they are that makes me forget the cold winter weather and start dreaming of summer,” she said.
But don’t worry—there’s no need to spend a ton of money during this beautification process. “You can really have fun and get creative with the different colors and varieties of flowers offered at your local deli or supermarket,” designer Jennifer Hunter noted. “No need to get too fancy here!”
9. Update your vases
While you’re thinking about flowers, you may want to take this opportunity to update your vase collection. Designer Kate Jacobowitz likes to display her fresh flowers in new vases and vessels that she picks up online. “Etsy is such a good source for fun, quirky pottery,” she said. “I love pieces with unusual shapes and color combinations grouped together; they are even interesting enough to stand on their own on days when fresh flowers just aren’t in the cards!”
Anthropologie
Threshold with Studio McGee
Threshold with Studio McGee
Etsy | SunnysShopLA
10. Lean into plants
If you’re more of a plant person, bring on all the green friends this spring! “I’m always looking for ways to incorporate more indoor plants around the house,” designer Leah Walder noted. “I’m using them as centerpieces, in my bookshelves, and in baskets by the entryway. It really makes our home feel more alive and ready for spring!” Whether you opt for live plants or realistic faux options, the fresh impact can’t be denied.
Pottery Barn
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia
Threshold x Studio McGee
11. Change out your coffee table books
Don’t forget to give your coffee table a springtime refresh, too. “I always change out my coffee table books,” said designer Muzynoski. “So while I had all neutrals out for winter, I might pick out some fun colored covers like pinks and greens for spring.” Not only will these books work as spring living room decor, but they’ll also give you and your guests something pretty to peruse while hanging out on the sofa.
Julie Pointer Adams
Anita Yokota
12. Shop your own home
Home design trends make us want to redo our homes constantly, but TBH, you don’t need to purchase a single item in order to transform your space for any season, including spring. Designer Ann Flanagan shared a tried-and-true trick that will help add some oomph to your home without breaking the bank. When it’s time for a refresh, Flanagan will sort through a bin of home decor she keeps in her basement. “This bin is full of items I love, but not everything I love always has a place,” she explained. “I play around by swapping in pieces and others out. Since I don’t subscribe to trends, most items are classic, and that way, my space feels new without having to go shopping.”
“We have a very strong view that in the near future, you’re going to start seeing a lot of consolidation of these banks, and I think if you look at it on a macro scale, there’s a big necessity right now for this consolidation.” Should regulators embrace a shift towards commercial private solutions? A “stalemate” … [Read more…]
“Housewright Gallery is the texture I crave when thinking about great home goods stores, and I’m very glad it is local. There hasn’t been a project in the past four to five years that hasn’t benefited from at least an incredible throw blanket or vintage piece from the shop. The bonus? An incredibly thoughtful and engaging gallery of art from some of the Pacific Northwest’s most treasured names as well as up-and-comers that [designer and founder] Tim [Pfeiffer] and the whole team support so well.”
— Brian Paquette, Interior Designer and Founder of Brian Paquette Interiors
The Inside
The Inside
“We love The Inside for fun custom throw pillows in unique prints you can’t find anywhere else. You can choose from two different pillows shapes, seven different sizes, and over 100 different fabrics ranging from moody velvet to floral, botanical, and animal print. If you’re looking for a unique print (or even a cool gift for the home decor lover in your life), look no further!”
—Heather Goerzen, Lead Interior Designer at Havenly
Jayson Home
Jayson Home
“Cameron [Shepherd] and I both previously lived in Chicago and Jayson Home will always have a special place in our hearts. Aside from being beyond gorgeous, the brick and mortar store is a place I’m not only inspired by, but can also find pieces that are totally unique. Anything from a $25 tray for styling to custom sofas and vintage casegoods, Jayson Home really does have it all. Now that I live in Los Angeles, I find myself defaulting to its online store as a trusted source for all of my clients.”
—Jill Norman, Principal Designer and Co-founder of Studio Mesa
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Eleven Home Aesthetics
Eleven Home Aesthetics
“I absolutely love Eleven Home Aesthetics for cute vintage accessory finds like candle holders, vintage books, and pottery. They have great one-of-a-kind pieces that add charm to your home.”
–Antonella Spina, Founder of Luma Interior Design
Cailini Coastal
Cailini Coastal
“I love Cailini because it has been so well edited and has a different approach than other brands. It is very personal and Meg [Young, the founder] brings a California view point that would work for all houses. Love her color sense and especially love her accessories and table top; lobster napkins, great placemats, and faux flowers.”
—Lynn Morgan, Founder of Lynn Morgan Design
Hawkins New York
Hawkins New York
“Hawkins New York is a great brand for unique homewares. The label makes its own pieces with partners from all over the world, in addition to selling a selection of pieces made by other brands it loves. This spot is a go-to for unique glassware and vases, plus all things kitchen: barware, linens, cups and mugs, plates, cutting boards, and more.”
— Heather Goerzen, Lead Interior Designer at Havenly
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Soho Home
Soho home may carry furniture and goods on the pricier end of the spectrum, but dig a little deeper on the website and you’ll find more affordable decorative items. “When I’m looking for decor to make a room feel special, I often find myself browsing the offerings at Soho Home. Created to reflect the aesthetic of the many iconic Soho House properties around the world, Soho Home helps bring the look and feel of these rich interiors into individual homes. I love browsing their site and often find inspiration in the unique selection of forms, colors, and textures featured on their product pages.”
—Cameron Shepherd, Principal Designer and Co-founder of Studio Mesa
Gramercy
“I love shopping for unique blankets at Gramercy. It carries a wide variety of colors, textures, and different price points. Gramercy sells these beautiful cotton Sferra throws that are really well priced. They are available in a plethora of colors and can bring a pop of color on the back of a chair. They are machine washable, which is so nice. I will use these blankets on top of ottomans or sofas where a dog may curl up so that they don’t ruin the upholstery. Then you just toss this blanket in the wash and good as new! My favorite color is the silver sage!”
—Paige Goodloe, Founder of Paige Goodloe Interiors
H&M Home
“I love H&M Home for vessel finds, they have some really pretty glass vases that feel both modern and a bit art deco. We just purchased this vase for our Neo-Grec Revival project and it looks really high quality.”
–Antonella Spina, Founder of Luma Interior Design
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Utopia Goods
Utopia Goods
“Sophie Tatlow, the founder of Utopia Goods, alongside her husband Bruce, is a friend of mine. Bruce’s hand drawings lovingly capture Australia’s unique animals and flowers. They are especially good at creating a festive table top—I currently have my eye on the Grevillia Blue Napkins.”
—Ingrid Weir, Interior Designer at Ingrid Weir
T.J.Maxx
“Our shopping method is always to mix high-and-low items throughout a space. Our go-to budget-friendly stores are Target and Walmart, but we also love T.J.Maxx and HomeGoods! Although our focus is always on top quality and customer service, we like to mix price points within a space when appropriate. There are so many platforms available to our clients now that we are very conscious of where and how we source. For basic pieces that are not unique to one project (like shelf knick knacks) we pop into local big box stores that are more budget approachable and shop online for even more inventory options.”
—Gaelle Dudley, Founder of GLDESIGN
Jamie Young
Jamie Young
“When we came across Jamie Young Co. we knew it would become a staple for our design firm. The pieces are all so aesthetically beautiful and each item is so unique. Recently, we purchased the Foundation Decorative Vase and Elevated Decorative Vase, which are such a striking pair of ceramic pieces and are beautifully finished by hand. They are stunning and the perfect addition to our clients’ bookcases. Jamie Young’s pieces are unique and are obviously aesthetically beautiful, but what really stands out is the quality of the craftsmanship. Each time I sink into the leather seat of the Abilene chair or open the doors of the Chauncey bar cabinet, I am instantly reminded of that quality.”
—Laura Chappetto, Owner and Principal Designer of Element Design Network
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CB2
“Accessories are the ‘cherry on top’ in the design process and by far our favorite part! Every client and each project is different, but we approach the process in the same way each time. We create a shopping list by room and then go on the hunt! We start with some of our favorite online sources, most of which are wholesale vendors, but a couple of our favorites are retail vendors. CB2 is fantastic—we love us a good ‘object de art’ and CB2 is always bringing in new options!”
—Miranda Cullen, Principal Designer and Founder of Inside Stories
Nope, not a radio. This ol’ thing is a tissue cover box that makes music from an otherwise boring home essential. The cute retro cover comes in three fun colors and looks so charming in kitchens or bedside tables. Who knew tissues could be so cool?
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Bold and Bright
Simple Designs Mini Ceramic Globe Table Lamp
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Bold and Bright
Simple Designs Mini Ceramic Globe Table Lamp
Now 53% Off
In case you didn’t see the under-$10 price tag of this mini lamp, we’d like to call that out off the bat. In addition to its affordability, this extremely giftable light comes in eight colors. There’s also an option to buy an 18-pack for just over $150 if your giftee has a lot of rooms in dire need of some light.
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For Bath Time All the Time
dodococa Bathtub Soap Dish
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For Bath Time All the Time
dodococa Bathtub Soap Dish
Now 10% Off
Has anything ever been more on the nose than these bathtub-shaped soap dishes? The quirky little holders look so nostalgic and actually have great use to them since they’ll prevent any gunky build-up from forming on your sink or tub edge. We also recommend storing jewelry, Q-tips, or smaller toiletries in these dishes.
More: Gift This Lego Tiny Plants Set to the Person Who’s Over Roses
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For the Hostess
Brew To A Tea Porcelain Floral Plates
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For the Hostess
Brew To A Tea Porcelain Floral Plates
Nothing is more ’70s than a set of porcelain plates. These floral ones exude a groovy dinner in Mom’s (or Grandma’s) kitchen. The set of eight petite plates is perfect for dessert time, whether you’re serving up a group or enjoying some goodies with the family.
Gerard explained that, “after 2023 trends like quiet luxury dethroned 2022’s colorful maximalism, it’s natural that 2024 shoppers want to ease their way back into the funky prints that once brought them joy. Perhaps the retro waves and groovy flowers of the ‘70s are the perfect opportunity to do so.”
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Acrylic Accessories
upsimples Acrylic Shelves for Wall Storage
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Acrylic Accessories
upsimples Acrylic Shelves for Wall Storage
Now 17% Off
Somehow, if you find the right shelving, it can transform a space from meh to HELLO! These bold acrylic shelves are the perfect example of an enticing piece of decor that your giftee will obsess over.
The set of four comes with pre-drilled holes so they won’t have to get too down and dirty with assembly, and they can each hold 8 pounds of books, photos, or knickknacks. (If you’re gifting this, include a framed picture of you and the recipient. That way, they’ll have no choice but to hang it up in their home.)
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A Washable Favorite
Ruggable Iris Apfel Birds of A Feather Green and Peach Rug
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A Washable Favorite
Ruggable Iris Apfel Birds of A Feather Green and Peach Rug
Our editors love Ruggable for its many eccentric washable rugs. This bird style is screaming grandparent’s living room (in the best way). It’s a quirky centerpiece that dresses up a drab kitchen in no time.
Senior Editor Summer Cartwright has an area rug from the brand and recommends getting a tufted finish for added comfort. “It’s so soft, but the thickness doesn’t hinder any of its machine-washable capabilities.”
Anyone, from your in-laws to your little sibling, would likely love a new runner to enhance their home.
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Blondie-Approved
Snadinordica Disco Ball Planter
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Blondie-Approved
Snadinordica Disco Ball Planter
Now 20% Off
I’m not saying that your Swiftie friend needs this disco ball-shaped plant holder. I’m saying that they deserve this disco ball-shaped plant holder (the Mirrorball stans know what I mean).
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For a Fresh Morning Jump Start
Smeg Retro Drip Filter Coffee Machine
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For a Fresh Morning Jump Start
Smeg Retro Drip Filter Coffee Machine
I know we just mentioned coffee makers above, but this home decor gift is for a recipient who needs their morning nectar fast and in huge supply. The drip machine can craft up to 10 cups at once, plus it has an auto-start capability that can align with their alarms. Imagine waking up to fresh coffee. Now that’s a good gift.
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Storage in Style
Mustard Made Lowdown Locker
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Storage in Style
Mustard Made Lowdown Locker
If your friend or family member is moving into a new home, gift them a piece from Mustard Made to prove that even storage units can be beautiful.
The Lowdown locker comes in vibrant colors like the pictured yellow and works great as a TV stand like our Senior Editor Summer Cartwright uses it for. “It’s a cool-looking piece of furniture that holds SO much more than you’d think.”
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Aquatic Art
Eangee Home Design Jellyfish Lamp
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Aquatic Art
Eangee Home Design Jellyfish Lamp
The fact that jellyfish are trending in home decor is something most of us did not have on our Bingo cards (if you did, props!), but seeing how cute this sea creature-inspired lamp is, it makes sense. The green and blue hues combined with gemstone-like tentacles are truly gorgeous. This would make a great gift for your creative best friend who moved into their new space.
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Removable Decals
Kazova Brown Stripe Arch Wall Decal
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Removable Decals
Kazova Brown Stripe Arch Wall Decal
Now 20% Off
If your giftee lives in an apartment or rental unit, this removable decal would be a stellar present. It has a funky retro shape to it that looks great when laid against corners, shelves, or doors.
More: The Best Peel-and-Stick Backsplash
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A Sunny (Side-Up) Mat
Dtdepth Egg Bath Mat
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A Sunny (Side-Up) Mat
Dtdepth Egg Bath Mat
The perfect bath mat doesn’t exi— never mind. This sunny-side-up egg mat is precisely the kitschy decor piece your giftee needs in their home. It’s under $25 but will certainly bring some laughs and sunshine to their bathroom or even the kitchen sink area, even on rainy days.
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Pour One Out
The Wine Savant Vintage Petals Glasses
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Pour One Out
The Wine Savant Vintage Petals Glasses
If you’re looking for a present to give a friend who always hosts dinner parties at their place, this set of glasses will be a home run. The four-piece gift had that trendy vintage feel to it and comes in an adorable pink color that any Barbie fan would love.
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For the Coffee Enthusiast
Frieling Double-Walled French Press
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For the Coffee Enthusiast
Frieling Double-Walled French Press
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Renaissance Realness
XMGZQ Silver Vase
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Renaissance Realness
XMGZQ Silver Vase
Does this remind you of someone? Perhaps a queen? More specifically, THE Queen Bee?
Metalic decor pieces are all the rage this year, according to Stanback from Pinterest. “With the Renaissance Tour and Beyoncé encouraging people to wear silver in attendance, that definitely trickled outside of the tour… A lot of Gen Z and millennials are driving hot metal aesthetics into their own home.”
If you’re searching for a home decor gift for a Bey fan, it’s safe to say this set of vases is more than ideal.
Summer Cartwright is senior editor for Best Products and FirstFinds and is based in New York. She has written and edited for sites including Cosmo, People, InStyle, Food & Wine, Real Simple, and StyleCaster. Her interests outside of work include running, eating dessert, and playing with her two cats, Peaky and Polly. She received her master’s degree in magazine writing from New York University, and her bachelor’s degree in public affairs journalism from The Ohio State University.
Want to learn how to sell short stories for money? Yes, you may be able to earn money from home doing this. Short stories tell a quick and interesting story. They’re not very long, usually just a few hundred to a few thousand words. Even though they’re short, they still have a complete story with…
Want to learn how to sell short stories for money?
Yes, you may be able to earn money from home doing this.
Short stories tell a quick and interesting story. They’re not very long, usually just a few hundred to a few thousand words. Even though they’re short, they still have a complete story with a start, middle, and finish.
Short stories can be about anything, like mysteries, adventures, or even funny moments.
In this article, we’ll go over the strategies to turn your short stories into a profitable side hustle, and you will learn:
What a short story is
Places you can sell short stories
How to make the most money selling short stories
Recommended reading: 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
Best Places To Sell Short Stories For Money
Below are the different ways to sell short stories for money.
1. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Want to learn how to sell short stories on Amazon? If so, then Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing is one place to start, as this is a self-publishing platform and almost everyone uses Amazon already.
To get started selling short stories on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, you need to first create an Amazon KDP account. Make sure your short story is well-edited and formatted. Create an eye-catching cover for your short story. You can use Amazon’s Kindle creation tools or make your own on graphic design sites like Canva.
Kindle eBook prices typically start around $0.99 and go up from there. You can also sell your book on Kindle Unlimited and get up to 70% royalties. There are many benefits to using KDP to publish your short stories, including publishing in 3 easy steps, the potential to earn royalties, and being able to set your own list prices.
Kindle Direct Publishing can also help you distribute your eBook around the world, print your short stories into real-life physical copies, and help ship them around the world.
Recommended reading: How Alyssa is making $200 a DAY in book sales passively
2. Clarkesworld Magazine
Clarkesworld Magazine is a fantasy and science fiction magazine that publishes short stories, articles, and audio fiction. Magazines are published monthly and available on the website or in eBook format.
Guidelines for submitting short stories are straightforward. Short stories must be between 1,000 and 22,000 words, and you’ll get paid 12 cents per word. Payment is via PayPal or check. The story must be in genres such as science fiction or fantasy, horror is not allowed.
Stories submitted to Clarkesworld Magazine must be well-written, convenient for on-screen reading, and suitable for audio.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs – (Start With No Experience!)
3. One Story
One Story is a popular magazine that publishes a short story once a month.
This platform specifically looks for literal fiction and they can only accept stories between 3,000 and 8,000 words. These short stories can be any style and on any subject as long as the story is compelling and well-written.
One Story pays $500 and 25 contributors copies. Stories must be new and not have been previously published material. One Story responds to submissions within 3 months after they are received.
4. East of the Web
East of the Web is a platform that helps provide exposure to writers.
The site gets over 500,000 page views a month, so if your short story is submitted and accepted, your story will likely get some views. This is beneficial because the site also receives attention from agents, press, filmmakers, schools, and other publishers.
To get your story accepted to East of the Web, your short story must have a compelling narrative that leaves the reader satisfied after the story. Your short story should feel complete and not need a follow-up story in order to leave the reader satisfied.
5. Flash Fiction Online
Flash Fiction Online is a magazine that publishes short stories in genres like science fiction, fantasy, horror, and literary fiction.
Short stories must be between 500 and 1000 words and include characters, compelling plots, and satisfying endings.
Your short story must be formatted correctly according to Flash Fiction’s guidelines (double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, and black font on a white background), and short stories cannot be written by AI!
As of 2024, Flash Fiction Online’s rate is $100 for each original story.
6. The Threepenny Review
The Threepenny Review is an American literary magazine that has fiction, memoirs, poetry, and essays. You can submit short stories via mail or through their online submission system.
The Threepenny Review pays $400 per story or article, $200 per poem, and does not print material that has already been published elsewhere. Short stories must be 4,000 words or less.
7. Poets & Writers
Poets & Writers is the largest nonprofit organization serving creative writers and is available as a magazine at major bookstores. The goal of Poets & Writers is to help poets and writers reach as many people as possible through their literary community.
With a national audience of over 100,000 readers, Poets & Writers has a strong following with students and faculty in creative writing programs across the United States.
Poets & Writers is known for its writing contests, grants, and awards database that features all kinds of creative writing contests. You can filter through the database by genre, cash prize, and if there’s an entry fee to sign up for the contest.
8. The Atlantic
The Atlantic is a publication known for its journalism.
The magazine covers a wide range of topics, including politics, science, technology, culture, and more. Short stories can be submitted and possibly sold to The Atlantic in genres such as fiction and poetry.
It’s best to look at what The Atlantic has published in the past to see what kind of short story they’re likely to accept. All short stories should be submitted as a Word document or PDF.
9. Reader’s Digest
Reader’s Digest is an online as well as printed magazine that was started in 1922.
The magazine covers a wide range of topics, including health, humor, inspirational stories, and more.
Submitting a short story to Reader’s Digest is simple and straightforward. You also need to include your name, address, and email to successfully submit your story.
10. Medium
Medium is a unique site where writers can publish and monetize their content.
Medium mostly focuses on articles and essays, but you can also publish short stories.
As a writer, you earn money depending on how much time Medium members spend reading your short stories. Due to this, it’s important to build a following and consistently write high-quality short stories on Medium to increase your chances of making money.
This can be a great place to sell short stories for money online.
11. Barrelhouse
Barrelhouse is a literary magazine that accepts submissions from writers, such as short stories.
Along with putting out a print magazine, Barrelhouse is also known for running a small press, organizing the Conversations & Connections conference, and the retreat Writer Camp. These are great resources if you’re looking to network and further your skills as a writer.
The magazine is looking for submissions that haven’t been previously published. Submissions are usually shorter than 8,000 words and in a format that is easy to read.
12. The New Yorker
The New Yorker is an American magazine that covers culture, politics, arts, and literature.
The magazine has been around since 1925 and has easily become one of the most influential magazines in the United States. Because of this, successfully submitting a short story and getting it accepted is quite difficult.
If you want to take your shot at submitting a short story to The New Yorker, submissions must be sent to [email protected].
All submissions are read within ninety days and if you do not hear back within that time frame, it means your story was not accepted.
13. Submit to short story contests
Short story contests are competitions where you can submit a short story for a chance to win a prize or recognition.
Contests are managed by magazines, writing organizations, and publishing houses that have an interest in promoting writers and getting their work seen by the public.
Contests will have specific guidelines such as which themes and genres are accepted, word limits, entry fees, prizes, and who the judges are.
Short story contests change over time and some of the most well-known short story contests include:
The Bridport Prize, which is a U.K.-based competition for short stories
The Writer’s Digest Short Story Competition
The Moth Short Story Prize
The Commonwealth Short Story Prize
The Sunday Times Short Story Award
You can also find other contests to submit your short story on contest databases like the Poets & Writers contest database and The Writer’s College short story writing competitions database.
14. Start your own blog
Another great way to get paid for your short stories is by creating a short story blog. This will allow you to share your creative work with the public.
Building a readership on your blog takes time, so be patient and dedicate time to marketing your blog and creating high-quality content.
Once your blog is up and running, you can make money via ad revenue, affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and even by creating and selling your short stories through a subscription or paid ebook.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to sell short stories for money.
What are short stories?
Short stories are short works of fiction (also known as short fiction) that focus on one plot, theme, or set of characters. Short stories are short, ranging from a few hundred words to a few thousand words. Even though short stories are brief in length, they convey a compelling narrative with a beginning, middle, and end.
What are some different short story genres?
Short stories can come in any genre and storytelling style. The most popular short story genres include mystery, science fiction (sci-fi), thrillers, fantasy, horror, adventure, historical fiction, romance, personal essays, speculative fiction, and drama. There are many more genres to include, and you can even mix different genres. You can even make money writing poems.
Are short stories fiction or nonfiction?
Short stories are by definition fiction pieces, and not non-fiction.
How much money can I make selling short stories? How much is a short story worth?
The amount of money you can make selling short stories depends on factors like the length of the story, the market, the publication, and the popularity of the short story.
You may earn as little as $25 for a short story, or you may be able to earn over $1,000 for a short story. For example, a short story in Reader’s Digest will most likely pay less than a short story in The New Yorker. Or, if you write and publish your own short story on Amazon that becomes popular, you may be able to earn thousands of dollars.
Do short stories sell on Amazon?
Short stories sell on Amazon through the Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform. Many people choose to sell on KDP first because of the ease of getting started and publishing on KDP. Amazon KDP also has resources to help you publish short stories like helping create covers for your eBooks.
How do I sell my first short story?
The most important step to successfully sell your first short story is to create a high-quality and compelling story. The story needs to be engaging and free of grammatical errors (of course!). Once you’ve done this, you can choose online platforms, journals, or literary magazines you want to publish the short stories.
You must read the short story submission guidelines for each publication and make sure you pay attention to word counts and formatting requirements the platform is looking for.
You can sell your short story to different platforms. You may even want to try entering short story contests which often provide an opportunity for recognition, cash prizes, or publication opportunities. Market your short story on social media, your website, and other platforms to gain reach.
How many pages is a short story?
A short story can range from 500 words to 20,000 words. The actual number of pages depends on font size, spacing, and formatting. The average 1,000-word short story may be 5 pages, while a 20,000-word short story may be up to 100 pages. It all depends on the platform and what their short story submission guidelines are.
What is the best place to sell short stories for money online?
The best place to sell short stories depends on your style of writing and goals. Self-publishing on Amazon through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) allows you to sell your short stories as eBooks and you get to control your pricing. You can even submit your Kindle eBook to Kindle Unlimited, which gives you up to 70% royalties when your book is read. There are also many award-winning sites and platforms where short story sellers can submit their craft to potential buyers, such as a literary journal.
There are many other places where you can sell short stories (other than the list above), such as Strange Horizons, BBC, Vestal Review (for flash fiction), Ploughshares, and more.
How To Sell Short Stories For Money – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to sell short stories for money.
The best places to sell your short stories include Kindle Direct Publishing, Clarkesworld Magazine, One Story, Flash Fiction Online, and many others that are listed above. These sites are some of the best places to sell short stories due to the ease of publishing books and wide audience.
Wherever you sell your short stories, it’s important to create a compelling narrative and make sure your work is free of grammatical errors.
Good short story writers are in demand, so I hope you can see success with this!
Are you interested in selling short stories for money?
Applying early decision to your top-choice college can give you an admissions advantage. But you’ll want to keep in mind that this comes with a binding agreement — if you get accepted, you are obligated to attend that school.
There are some acceptable reasons for backing out of an early decision offer, like a change in your financial or personal circumstances. But if you simply have a change of heart, you will likely face negative consequences, such as losing any deposits and potential reputation issues with other schools.
Before applying to a college early decision, you’ll want to make sure you understand the commitment you’re making. Read on to find out if early decision is legally binding and how you can get out of early decision without facing penalties.
What Is Early Decision?
Early decision is a college application process in which students apply to their preferred college early in their senior year of high school, typically by November 1 or November 15, depending on the school.
When you apply early decision, you are agreeing that, if accepted, you will attend that school the following fall. As a result, you should not apply to multiple schools under early decision — if you are caught, it can result in one or both schools revoking your acceptance letters.
Colleges let early decision applicants know if they were accepted or not in mid to late December, giving students enough time to apply to other schools should they get rejected. Typical college application deadlines are in early January to mid-February. 💡 Quick Tip: Make no payments on SoFi private student loans for six months after graduation.
Why Apply for Early Decision?
One of the benefits of applying to college early decision is being able to find out whether or not you’ve been accepted to the school at the top of your list early in the application cycle. If you get in, you can then take a deep breath and relax and not worry about the usual Senior year checklist.
Applying early decision also signifies your commitment to a specific college or university, which may give you a leg up in getting in. Indeed, colleges often have a higher acceptance rate for early decision applicants than for regular decision applicants. For example, Duke University accepted 16.4% of early decision applicants for the class of 2027, while regular applications experienced a 4.8% acceptance rate.
That said, early decision isn’t for everyone. If you’re not sure where you want to go to college, it’s probably not wise to apply early decision. If how to pay for college is a chief concern, keep in mind that you will not be able to compare financial aid packages from other schools if you apply early decision.
How Does Early Decision Compare to Other Admission Deadlines?
Early decision is just one of several college admission deadlines, each with its own pros and cons. Here’s a look at how early decision compares to other admission deadlines.
Early Action
Unlike early decision, early action is non-binding. Students must adhere to the same application deadline as early decision (November 1 or 15), but there’s no obligation to enroll if you’re accepted. Early action applicants can expect a response from the school by mid-December and don’t need to make a decision until May 1. You can apply to more than one school early action, since it’s non-binding.
Regular Decision
Regular decision is the standard application process with a later deadline, typically some time between early January and mid-February. It is non-binding, and students can apply to multiple colleges. Admission decisions for regular decision applicants are usually released in mid-March to early April and require a response by May 1.
Rolling Admissions
Colleges with rolling admission allow you to submit your application within a wide time frame, usually six months or so, and review applications as they come in. Typically, they will then send out admission decisions within four to six weeks, accepting students until all open slots for the incoming class have been filled. Schools with rolling admission generally start accepting applications around September 1 and continue well into the spring semester.
Is There a Penalty for Backing Out of Early Decision?
Early decision isn’t a legal contract, but backing out of an early decision agreement typically has consequences. If a college admits a student under an early decision plan, the expectation is that the student will enroll for the upcoming fall semester and withdraw any early action or regular decision applications from other schools.
Some schools actually require a deposit with your early decision application. If you back out of your agreement, you likely won’t get this money back.
Colleges also communicate with each other. If your early decision school lets other schools know you reneged on your agreement, it could have a negative impact on your applications to schools you are interested in attending.
There are exceptions, however. If you back out of an early decision agreement for a valid reason, you can likely get off the hook without any negative repercussions. For example, you may be able to break your agreement without issue if you receive a financial aid package that’s different from what you anticipated, making it difficult for you to afford the cost of attendance.
Colleges also understand if extenuating circumstances prevent a student from honoring their commitment, including an illness or death in the family that leads a student to defer enrolling for a semester or year. 💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.
What to Do if You Can No Longer Attend Your Early Decision School
If you find you have to back out of an early decision offer, you’ll want to get in contact with the college’s admissions department as quickly as possible. The sooner you let them know, the more likely they will be to work with you. They can let you know what your next steps should be. Without a good excuse, however, it is likely any deposits or payments you’ve made so far won’t be refunded.
If your reason for backing out is insufficient financing, you may want to discuss this with the college’s financial aid office. Some schools may be willing to reevaluate a student’s financial aid package if there has been a substantial change in the family’s financial situation.
If you stick with your withdrawal decision, you’ll next need to apply to other colleges, assuming you are still planning to go to college in the fall. Most colleges have an application deadline in January, so if you made the decision to back out of early decision sooner rather than later, you likely still have time.
Keep in mind that if you reneged on your early decision application without a valid reason, the school may share this information with other colleges. As a result, you may want to cast a wide net, including plenty of safety schools.
Recommended: 5 Ways to Start Preparing For College
The Takeaway
Applying to a college early decision requires making a commitment. However, the early decision agreement you (and your parents) sign is not legally binding. In other words, the college can’t force you to pay tuition and come to their school.
If you back out of your early decision agreement for a valid reason, such as not getting the financial aid offer you were expecting or unforeseen change in your circumstances, you may be able to get out of the contract without any negative consequences.
If, on the other hand, you back out simply because you changed your mind, you could potentially lose money (if the school required a deposit with your application) and the school may share this negative information about you with other colleges, doing harm to your reputation.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
Photo credit: iStock/Eva-Katalin
SoFi Loan Products SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
SoFi Private Student Loans Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
WEISSPORT, Pa. – A new destination for hand-crafted baskets, pillows, framed artwork, seasonal accents and other home furnishings is set to open this weekend in Carbon County.
Simple Home Pennsylvania, a store offering unique home decor and gifts, including many items made in the United States by artisans and crafters, will hold a grand opening at 11 a.m. March 2 at 500A Bridge St. in Weissport.
The business will operate near The Gorge Eatery in a renovated portion of the Hofford Mill, a late 19th century building that originally operated as a lumber mill.
Simple Home Pennsylvania owner Sarah Kuhn, of Lehighton, labels her new venture a “passion project” and hopes it will help to reinvigorate Weissport’s business scene.
Unlike many of the antique and consignment shops in the area, Simple Home Pennsylvania will carry “more modern and contemporary products,” Kuhn said.
“I’m really excited,” Kuhn said. “There’s not a lot of opportunity for people in Weissport and the surrounding area to shop this kind of way without having to go to Allentown or other places that are a half hour-plus away. The Gorge Eatery has had a lot to do with Weissport’s rebirth, and we’re hoping to help complement that.”
The store will feature a wide array of home decor items, including dried and artificial florals, vases and planters, wreaths and garland, and serving boards and trays.
Customers also will be able to shop throw blankets and pillows; scented items such as soaps, candles and diffusers; and kitchen products such as mugs, cannisters, dish towels, dinner napkins, oven gloves and natural acacia wood cooking utensils.
“We’ll also have some customized items that are local to the area, including pieces featuring Mauch Chunk Lake and Beltzville Lake,” Kuhn said.
With the help of her father, Kuhn renovated the roughly 1,000-square-foot space to include new flooring, counters, wall paint and more.
“My father has flipped a couple of houses in the past, and I’ve helped stage them and given him design ideas on how to remodel them,” Kuhn said. “He’s retired now and spent countless hours helping me remodel the space – making a custom fireplace, adding new flooring, everything.”
Customers also will be able to shop books, including cookbooks and selections in other genres such as how-to, self-help and decorating inspiration, along with “Support Local Farmers” and “Support American Farmers” sweatshirts.
“We’ve gotten a lot of interaction on our Facebook page regarding our support for local farmers and our clothing displaying those messages,” Huhn said. “There’s a lot of excitement for that.”
To celebrate its grand opening, Simple Home Pennsylvania will offer a door prize along with discount coupons (valid on March 2 only).
Going forward, store hours will be 5-8 p.m. Thursdays, 5-9 p.m. Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Customers also can shop online at simplehomepa.com and place orders for pickup or delivery within 10 miles of the store.
For the latest Simple Home Pennsylvania updates, follow the business’ pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Do you want to make money from your phone? I have been making money from my phone for many years now, and it’s a great way to make extra income or even a full-time income! Your phone can help you make money in many ways too. You can sell things you don’t need or use…
Do you want to make money from your phone?
I have been making money from my phone for many years now, and it’s a great way to make extra income or even a full-time income!
Your phone can help you make money in many ways too. You can sell things you don’t need or use your skills on freelance platforms. Answering surveys, selling photos, or being a virtual friend can also make you money, all from wherever you are comfortable.
Best Ways To Make Money From Your Phone
Below are the best ways to make money from your phone.
1. Answer surveys
You can earn money with your phone by answering surveys. Companies pay for your opinion, and you can do this whenever you have free time, such as when you’re just sitting on the couch watching TV with your phone in your hand.
Surveys are like a bunch of questions that companies ask to find out what you like or what you think about something. They might ask about the food you eat, the games you play, or even about your shopping habits.
You answer these questions, and in return, they give you money, points, or free gift cards (such as free Amazon gift cards) as a way to thank you for your time.
Some of the paid online survey companies I recommend are:
Here are 11 Paid Online Survey Sites if you want to learn more.
I have done many paid surveys over the years, and I love how I can answer them right from my phone and whenever I want. I can answer them while watching a video, during a lunch break, before or after work, and more.
2. Sell photos
You can use your phone to take pictures and make money. Selling stock photos is a fun way to make money through passive income without actively working for it.
Not all photographers need a fancy camera to start. Your phone can work perfectly and the newest smartphones can take great, high-quality photos. My phone can take great pictures and it wasn’t super expensive – it’s just a normal Android phone.
With stock photography, you can upload pictures you’ve taken with your camera or phone to a platform like Depositphotos. When someone buys one of your photos, you earn a commission.
Websites, companies, and blogs use stock photos for many reasons. Businesses use them to improve their content, websites, or overall appearance when they might not have the time to take all the photos they need.
I personally often use stock photos in my blog posts, and I know many others who do too. The pictures throughout this article (yes, the one that you are reading) are all stock photos.
Stock photography includes pictures of things such as:
Travel and landscapes
Business and finance, like laptops, offices, and people working
Family, such as parents and children
Household items, such as a living room and kitchen
Animals, such as pets and wildlife
Vehicles like cars and boats
Health and wellness, such as fitness-related images, healthy food, someone working out
Sports, from professional events to casual games
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
3. Instacart Shopper
Making money through your phone is possible with grocery and food delivery apps like Instacart. As an Instacart Shopper, you get paid to shop for groceries and deliver them to people who order online.
Getting groceries delivered is a service that lots of people are using more and more. I’ve used it a few times when I didn’t have time to go shopping or didn’t have a car.
With this job, you have the freedom to make your own schedule, and you can get paid pretty fast – sometimes the same day.
Delivering groceries is a popular side job, and all you need is a valid driver’s license, a car, and your cell phone.
You earn money for each delivery and get to keep all your tips. Platforms like Instacart and Shipt can help you make around $15 to $20 per hour.
Learn more at Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?
4. JustAnswer
JustAnswer is a site where you can make money by using your phone to help others. If you have skills or knowledge in a particular area, you can answer questions and earn cash.
JustAnswer states that you can make $2,000 to $7,000 a month as an expert answering questions online on their site.
People ask questions, and the site matches them with an expert who can answer. For example, someone might ask how to change their oil or why their cat is sick. As an expert, you’ll be answering questions and giving personalized help through text chat.
There are experts in fields like mechanics, doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, home experts, appraisers, computer and tech experts, and more.
You can work whenever you want from your computer or cell phone, and you get to choose which questions you want to answer.
To get started, apply online on JustAnswer. They’ll verify your credentials (every expert on this platform is verified by a third party and needs to have licenses, education, or employment in their field of expertise). Once approved, you’ll have a quick meeting with the JustAnswer team to learn how to use the platform.
It takes about one week to become verified, and you can receive payments through direct deposit, PayPal, or Venmo.
Recommended reading: 28 Ways To Get Paid To Text
5. DoorDash
When you want to make money with your phone, DoorDash is one way you can do that. DoorDash is a gig app where you deliver food to people.
Working with DoorDash means you’re part of the gig economy, delivering restaurant meals to customers. You have the flexibility to pick your hours and decide when and where you want to work.
Depending on your location, you can deliver food with a car or by bike.
The app is your main tool for the job, and it shows you your orders, where to go, and how to get there.
Your earnings depend on each delivery. You can make $2 to $10 or more, plus tips.
Please click here to sign up for DoorDash.
6. Fiverr
Fiverr is a way to make money from your phone as it’s an online platform where people do all sorts of online work, like writing, designing, or making videos.
Some services you can sell to make money from your phone include:
Chat support customer service – Manage customer service for a business as a freelancer.
Social media posting assistant – Help clients schedule and post content on their social media platforms, such as Instagram and Facebook.
Virtual fitness coaching – You can give fitness coaching sessions or create personalized workout plans from your phone.
Online language lessons – Teach language lessons through video calls or voice messages.
Life coaching – Share motivational messages, life advice, or coaching sessions through your phone, such as in phone calls or texts.
Mobile app testing – Test and give feedback on mobile apps for developers.
When someone buys your service from your listing, they pay Fiverr. Fiverr takes 20%, and you receive 80% of the funds after a 14-day pending period.
Another popular platform somewhat similar to Fiverr for freelancers is Upwork.
7. RentAFriend
If you’re looking to make money from your phone, RentAFriend could be an interesting choice. This platform allows you to get paid for being a friend.
As a RentAFriend, you might respond to text messages and have phone conversations with the person. You can be a friend in person, over video chat, or through text messages, depending on your preference.
With RentAFriend, you set your own hours and the price for your time. Earnings can range from $10 to $50 per hour, depending on what you decide.
Here’s how it works:
Sign up on the RentAFriend website.
Create a profile that shows who you are and what kinds of activities you enjoy.
Once your profile is live, people can find you and request your friendship services.
People join this site to find a friend and someone to talk to, and that’s where you come in.
8. Papa app
Papa is a website where you can chat with older adults, help them around their house and with shopping, and more.
You’re simply giving them some extra support with their day-to-day tasks, and you can earn money right from your phone for some of these tasks.
As a Papa Pal, you get to set your own schedule. The amount you can earn per hour varies depending on your location.
9. BetterHelp therapist
If you’re a licensed therapist, you might like making money using your phone with BetterHelp. BetterHelp is an online platform where therapists help people.
You can work with clients by chatting, phone calls, or video calls. You’ll need good internet and a private place to talk.
As a therapist on BetterHelp, estimated earnings are around $100,000 per year for working 40 hours per week. You can also work part-time at around 5 to 15 hours per week and earn around $8,000 to $27,000 each year.
To join, they require at least 3 years of experience in therapy for adults, couples, or teens.
10. Play games on your phone
There are many money making apps where you can get paid to play games on your phone.
Game apps pay real money rewards because they earn money through ads and in-app purchases. To motivate you to keep playing their games, they share a portion of their earnings with you.
Here’s a quick list of the top game apps that pay real cash:
KashKick
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
When selecting gaming apps to make money, it’s important to check reviews and understand how you receive your earnings. Be cautious with apps that require payment to play or promise rewards that seem too good to be true. Also, keep track of the time you spend playing games to make sure it is worth it.
Recommended reading: 23 Best Game Apps To Win Real Money
11. User Testing
UserTesting is a way you can make money by trying out websites and apps. Companies will pay you for your honest thoughts on how easy they are to use.
To participate in tests, you’ll need a computer or a smartphone, an internet connection, and a microphone. Some tests may also require a webcam.
When you test websites, you look out for things that don’t work well or can be confusing. Your feedback helps companies improve as they want real opinions, not just quick answers.
Here’s how it works:
Sign up with a user testing site.
They’ll give you tasks, like finding something on a website. Most tests take about 15 to 20 minutes.
You record your screen and talk about what you’re thinking.
After you’re done, you send your feedback.
You get paid! You could earn around $10 per test.
Payments are usually made through online services like PayPal.
I have personally paid someone to do a UserTesting review on this site, Making Sense of Cents. It’s a great way to see what a stranger thinks of your website and they gave me tons of helpful tips and let me know what changes I should make to make my website better for readers.
12. Sell used items online
If you have stuff you don’t use anymore, selling it online can be a smart way to make some money. Your old phones, clothes, games, and books could be worth something to someone else.
And, you can do all of this right from your cell phone!
Whether you have old things around your home that you want to sell or if you want to start a reselling business, there are many apps that make it easy to sell stuff right from your phone.
Some of the best selling apps are Poshmark for clothing, Worthy for jewelry, Facebook Marketplace for local sales, and Decluttr for electronics.
I have personally sold many items over the years on various sites to make extra income. At one point, I even had a small reselling business. So, I understand firsthand how helpful these sites and apps can be!
13. Sell your data
You can earn money from your phone by selling your data through apps. These apps pay you for the data you don’t use. You might be concerned about safety, but in most cases, it is safe.
These apps usually operate in the background, helping companies understand how people use the internet. Data apps aren’t full-time jobs and you won’t get rich from them, but they can be easy side gigs.
Honeygain is one app where you can earn cash, and you get paid for data you’re not using. You just install the app, and it runs without you doing anything extra.
You receive payment based on the amount of traffic passing through your connection, with Honeygain paying $1 for every 10 GB of traffic.
14. Instagrammer
If you love sharing photos and videos, Instagram can be a great way for you to make some extra money with your social media accounts.
I have made income from Instagram over the years, and while it’s not my full-time income, it is a fun way to make money from my phone.
This is because you can start an Instagram on whatever niche you want, such as fitness, travel, fashion, family, and more. So, you may be able to have a lot of fun managing and growing your social media account.
Then, you’ll want to make sure you regularly share high-quality content, use relevant tags, post reels, and interact with your audience to steadily increase your follower count.
15. Get paid to walk
You can actually make money just by walking! There are apps that track your steps and reward you for staying active. You can download these to your phone, start walking, and watch your steps turn into rewards.
Sweatcoin is one app you might like. If you’re over 13 and have a smartphone, you can join. It changes your walking into points that you can use. You can get stuff like gift cards or even support charities.
Getting paid is easy:
Join an app – Sign up for an app that fits you.
Walk and collect – Carry your phone and collect points as you walk.
Earn rewards – Swap your points for things like money to PayPal or cool products.
Some apps might hook up to a fitness tracker. This way, if your phone isn’t with you, you won’t miss out on any steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to make money from your phone.
How can I use my phone to make money?
You can make money on your phone by selling things you no longer need on apps like Decluttr or through your own store on platforms like Shopify. You could also complete online surveys, sign up for market research, or perform tasks on gig economy apps.
How can I make passive income on my phone?
One way to make passive income from your phone is to sell stock photography. You could take pictures from your phone, and then sell them over and over again online!
How can teenagers earn money using mobile apps?
Teenagers can earn money from their phones in their spare time by taking online surveys, performing tasks, selling products online, or using apps that reward users for maintaining good habits, like staying active.
How can I make $100 a day on my phone?
There are many ways to make $100 a day from your phone, such as selling items online and signing up for gig jobs like Instacart.
What are the quickest ways to make money on your phone?
The fastest ways to make money with your phone include taking surveys, using cash back shopping apps (because you may shop online a lot already!), playing games that have real rewards, and delivering groceries or meals with gig apps.
How can I learn how to make money with my phone without any investment?
There are many ways to make money from your phone for free, such as answering surveys, selling items that you already own (such as old clothing that you no longer wear, CDs, DVDs, or old devices that you don’t use anymore), driving for Uber, delivering groceries with Instacart, and more.
What apps can I use to make money with my phone?
Apps like Instacart, Papa, and Uber are all good ways to make side hustle money with your phone. There are many other ways that I didn’t mention above that are good options, such as Fetch Rewards (scan your receipt from grocery shopping), Acorns (micro-investing app for your spare change), Ibotta (a grocery shopping app), Neighbor (rent out your storage), Lyft (drive others around), TaskRabbit (sell your handyperson services, such as building furniture), OfferUp (selling stuff that you no longer need), and Rakuten (get cash back on your online shopping).
These apps are available on both Google Play stores and the iOS app store.
How To Make Money From Your Phone – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the many ways to make money from your phone.
As you can see from the above, there are many ways to make extra cash from your phone, from part-time gigs to full-time income. Whether you have an Android or Apple phone, there are many ways on the list above that you may want to try out.
What do you think is the best way to make money with a phone?