The next best thing to binge-watching home decor shows is swooning over the pages of home decor books by your favorite designers. Shea McGee, Kelly Wearstler, Jeremiah Brent, Bobby Berk and more are inspiring us with new books about how to live beautifully, colorfully, elegantly, and even on a budget. Gift them to the interior design lovers in your life, use them as a coffee table books, and prepare to be inspired to create a home that inspires joy, creativity, and comfort. Something we can all use these days, right? Enjoy!
The Art of Home: A Designer Guide To Creating An Elevated Yet Approachable Home
We couldn’t wait to get our hands on Shea McGee’s beautiful new decor book, where she shares the details behind her design process, inspires us with swoon-worthy design photos, and takes us through every room of the house to help us transform how we live every day. We love that you can take these ideas and make them your own with vintage or more affordable pieces from her Target collection.
Old Brand New: Colorful Homes for Maximal Living
Dabito is a master at mixing colors and making max living seem effortless and refined (but still totally fun). Here, he gives us all the tricks of his trade on layering bold colors, incorporating vintage, and sprucing up your space for a new year. Expect to find projects you can whip up in a weekend (styling a bookcase, hanging a gallery wall, designing an outdoor space) for your home or rental, and learn about his immigrant experience in his thoughtful and inspiring way.
Right at Home: How Good Design Is Good for the Mind
Queer Eye host Bobby Berk shows you how to make the most of your home to inspire self care, wellness, and inspire happiness in every room. Bobby helps anyone, from studio dwellers to first home buyers, figure out how to define what makes you happy so you can create an authentic design to you (vs. what is popular on IG). He helps with function, comfort and so much style, all in an effort to boost your mood at home.
Kelly Wearstler: Synchronicity
Kelly Wearstler fans unite — this book is chock-full of Wearstler’s unique and mold-breaking designs. She masters pairing luxe materials with fresh colors and forms and mixes styles to perfection. Her bold approach shines through so you can take cues on how to incorporate her wildly elegant ideas at home.
The Space That Keeps You: When Home Becomes a Love Story
Moving from one beautiful home to the next with partner Nate Berkus and their two children, Jeremiah Brent wanted to explore what makes a home a space that keeps you grounded. He guides us through homes around the world — from Mexico to Montecito — that hold memories, emotions, and personal stories. His gorgeous designs are the backdrop to a powerful story of what shapes a home. This book comes out next February, but you can pre-order now!
Star Style: Interiors of Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s A-list clients include the Kardashians, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, and Ellen Pompeo. Get a peek inside the homes of Hollywood elite, from Kylie Jenner’s Hidden Hills hideaway to Cher’s Malibu mansion, and refresh your space with a little glamour.
Create: At Home With Old & New
Ali Heath’s follow-up to her wildly popular decor book, Curate, give us refreshing decor inspo that combines modern design mixed with vintage soul and we can’t get enough!
Laura Gonzalez: Interiors
Become inspired by one of Paris’s most sought-after designers. See how designer and architect Laura Gonzalez expertly mixes patterns, texture, and whimsical details to create bold, iconic spaces, from retail to restaurants to hotels and homes. Her designs hint to the classics but are infused with her sophisticated, colorful, and diverse style. Think elegant romanticism with an edge.
Call It Home: The Details That Matter
Designer Amber Lewis, known for her California-inspired style and the author behind the best-selling Made for Living, goes into the details (the edges, grains, colors, and finishes) that make a home a beautiful one. If eclectic, laid-back and coastal is your style, this book is worthy of your limited bookshelf space.
Think Like A Decorator
Interior designer Leslie Banker and friends like designers Alexa Hampton, Tom Scheerer, and Amanda Nisbet, share their best tips for turning a space into a story. She helps you address common decor problems and offers advice for creating your own unique look in this fun, entertaining decor tome.
Calm Living
If you really want to create a sanctuary at home, this book by designer and Stanford instructor Olga Trusova teaches you how to make small changes in your space to feel more inspired, clear and joyful. Get snackable tips on how to use light, color, sound, and furniture to make an impact on your home and your mind and body.
The Home Style Handbook
UK-based artist and designer Lucy Gough shares step-by-steps and moodboard inspiration in this guide to creating a home that reflects you and your personal style.
Farrow & Ball How to Redecorate
Looking for good paint inspiration? This new edition of the best-selling interiors book teaches you how to use paint and wallpaper to transform your space.
The deVOL Kitchen
If you’ve caught the deVOL team (For the Love of Kitchens) on the Magnolia Network, you know that their work is no joke. With beautiful cabinetry and intelligent design, the UK-based design couple shows you how to make the most of the most important room in your home. This guide is full of stunning photography to inspire you to design and style your kitchen in a way that makes you feel right at home.
Colour Confidence
Need a confidence boost when it comes to picking out and pairing colors? Jessica Sowerby of @thehousethatcolourbuilt helps you choose the perfect palette, embrace darker tones, find the perfect white, and more!
Sacred Spaces
Designer and photographer Carley Summers draws from her personal struggles with addiction to show how a home is a place that can heal. Learn about 14 other stories where home is truly where the heart is and how you can design your space for solace and comfort in her signature style.
The Interior Design Book For A Happy Home
Learn how to choose mood-boosting color palettes, incorporate natural textures that soothe, and create a joyful space you always want to come home to with dopamine decor expert Sofia Meri.
Your Space, Made Simple
If you’re feeling in a design rut, Bay Area interior designer Ariel Magidson will show you how to create a beautiful space that is approachable, affordable, and sustainable in this guide to a well-designed home. Understand what you need to make your home less stress-inducing, get tips for sourcing furniture that isn’t a splurge, and pick up recipes for arranging a space that feels just right.
For even more home decor inspo, sign up for our weekly email newsletter!
Inside: Are you struggling to make ends meet on a low income? This guide will teach you how to budget money effectively on a low income, so you can live a comfortable life without having to skimp on important expenses.
Let’s face it… Navigating through the budgeting on a low income can often feel overwhelming.
The fear of insurmountable bills, the anxiety associated with rising living costs, and the overall foreboding nature of budgeting often make for a persistently stressful experience.
However, it is crucial to understand that you are not alone in this journey. I have been in your spot as well as many Money Bliss readers.
Regardless of how daunting the budgeting task may appear, we truly believe that with the right guidance and adherence to solid financial principles, you are capable of achieving financial peace of mind.
This process will simply require patience, persistence, and strategic planning. This guide aims not only to shine a light on the struggles of budgeting with a low income but also to offer a beacon of hope.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
How to Budget Money on a Low Income
While it’s true that budgeting with a low income can be tough, proper money management can make it doable.
When you have less disposable income, it leaves you with less leeway in your budget. That’s why you have to be accountable and meticulously plan your spending to ensure financial stability.
So, let’s dig in and you can find success.
Step #1 – Figure out Your Monthly Income
Developing an effective budget starts with understanding your monthly income.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
List out all income sources: This includes all your regular paychecks, part-time jobs, side hustles, social security, child support, or any other form of income you have. If your income is irregular, say from commissions or seasonal work, it’s advisable to base your budget on your lowest monthly income.
Account for taxes and deductions: To get an accurate picture of your disposable income, you need to factor in taxes and deductions from your earnings. You need to make sure you understand the difference between gross pay and net pay.
Include irregular income: If you occasionally get money from gifts, or sporadically earn from passive income sources like investments, be sure to include these too. As these are inconsistent, it is best to fund discretionary spending with this money.
Personally, I recommend using your net income with budgeting. This will give you an accurate budget that you can truly follow.
This knowledge is powerful when it comes to effective budgeting.
Step #2 – Define your bills and Expenses
Knowing how much you spend and what you spend your money on is another crucial step in budget planning.
The key is to define ALL your bills and expenses. Here are the personal budget categories that cover almost everything you can think of.
Now, you must do the following:
Identify your fixed costs: These are basics that you have to pay monthly and remain fairly constant, such as rent, car payments, and student loans.
Consider flexible costs: These expenses vary from month to month. Examples include groceries, transportation, electricity, water, and gas bills.
Remember periodic costs: Some costs only appear annually or semi-annually. For instance, insurance premiums, car registrations, and property taxes. It’s important to set aside money each month to cover these expenses when they arise. A sinking fund is great for these expenses.
Account for daily spending: Beyond fixed and flexible bills, consider your day-to-day expenses like shopping, subscriptions, and entertainment. Be honest about the little expenses. It’s often the small, frequent purchases that can derail a budget.
Prepare for unplanned costs: Finally, remember to budget for unexpected expenditures such as car repairs or medical bills.
By defining and categorizing your bills and expenses, you can see where your money is going and better manage your spending.
Step #3 – Reach a Zero Budget
A zero-based budget is a strategy that requires you to assign every dollar you earn to a specific expense or savings category, with the goal of having your income minus your expenses equal zero by the end of the month.
Write down your income: From the step before, you already know your total monthly income.
Subtract your expenses: Subtract the total of your monthly expenses (including savings) from your total monthly income. If you’ve correctly accounted for your income and expenses, the result should be zero. This is what it means to have a “zero-based budget”.
Balance the budget: If your income and expenditure don’t balance, adjust your variable expenses and other discretionary spending until they do. This can involve cutting back on nonessential overspending, like takeout meals or unnecessary purchases.
Allocate every dollar: With your budget balanced, each dollar should now have a purpose, whether it’s paying bills, going into savings, or providing for your daily needs.
Many people struggle to hit a zero based budget on the first try. It is common for your expenses to be higher than your income. Thus, a no spend challenge may help you identify what is important to actually spend your money.
Reaching a zero-based budget equips you with a clear picture of your financial status.
Thus, it allows you to use your money purposefully and prevents unnecessary spending. This way, even with a low income, you can still meet all your needs and work towards your financial goals.
What do you do if your budget shows your expenses are more than your income?
When your monthly spending exceeds your monthly income, immediate attention is needed to prevent worsening financial issues. Before panic sets in, consider taking the following steps:
Analyze your budget: Reevaluate and scrutinize your budget. There might be necessary adjustments overlooked or expenses incorrectly categorized. This will give you a clearer understanding of where your money is going.
Prioritize essential expenses: Allocate money to necessities like housing, food, utilities, and debt repayments first. Other less necessary expenditures, like entertainment and dining out, can be reduced or eliminated.
Reduce expenses: After prioritizing, identify areas where cuts can be made. Impulse buys, unnecessary subscriptions, or expensive habits might need to go.
Increase your income: Consider part-time jobs, side hustles, selling unused items, or picking up freelance work to bring in more money.
Seek advice if debt is weighing you down: As a last resort, you may look at ways to lower your interest rate on your debt. These strategies like debt consolidation or restructuring could help make your situation more manageable.
Remember, this situation, while stressful, is not permanent. With careful planning and disciplined execution, you can turn this around and regain financial stability.
Taking Control of Your Budget When Income Doesn’t Cover Your Expenses
Now, this is where you need to learn to manage your money wisely. You are in control of where you spend your money.
Many truly believe with a higher income all of their financial problems go away. From my research, most people end up with bigger money problems, the same spending habits, and still living paycheck to paycheck even with a higher income.
So, let’s reign in what you can do today to make your budget feasible.
1. Prioritize Essential Bills and Expenses. The key is to identify which expenses are truly essential to your livelihood. All remaining expenses, like entertainment or eating out, should be considered secondary and only met after the primary expenses have been satisfied.
2. Participate in a No Spend Challenge. A No Spend Challenge not only helps you save money rapidly but also makes you cognizant of your spending habits, helps identify non-essential expenses, and guides you towards a minimalist, sustainable lifestyle. Start with a no spend month.
3. Reduce your Housing Expenses. Housing costs can be one of the most significant expenses. Look at ways to downsize, negotiate rent, refinance your mortgage, or get roommates. Or even housesit permanently.
4. Be Cognizant of Bad Spending Habits. Some examples include impulse purchases, expensive convenience, not comparison shopping, or paying too much. By becoming aware of your spending habits and making conscious choices, you can break the cycle of unnecessary spending and start saving money with the penny challenge.
5. Skip the Expensive Coffee Shop. Choosing to forgo your daily coffee shop run can result in surprisingly significant savings. Implementing just this one change could save you over $600 a year!
6. Use Public Transportation to Save Money. The costs of owning a car – gas, maintenance, parking, and insurance – can quickly add up. So, look for public transportation as an alternative or even cycling, carpooling, or walking.
7. Take Advantage of Free or Cheap Entertainment. When living with a low income, entertainment expenses can quickly eat into your budget. Good news for you! There are plenty of things to do that don’t cost money.
8. Cut Back on Grocery Spending. By implementing simple strategies such as meal planning, cooking at home, cutting down on processed food and reducing waste, you can maintain a healthy diet while significantly reducing your grocery bills. Don’t forget to use those discounts and coupons!
9. Stick to Your Shopping List. Preplan your purchases before stepping into a store. This is a powerful tool in curbing those impulse purchases which can inflate your expenses substantially.
10. Start Meal Planning. Meal planning is a practical and economical way to manage your food budget. By planning your meals for the week, you can control your grocery spending and eliminate waste.
11. Stockpile Goods That Will Stay Stocked Up Long Term. Remember, the goal of stockpiling is to save money, not to transform your home into a supermarket. Purchase enough to last a few months and focus on items that you’re certain to utilize. Here are the best foods to buy when broke.
12. Pack Your Own Lunch and Skip Eating Out. With an average meal out costing around $10, you could easily save $200 a month by packing lunch from home. Over a year, that’s $2,400 in savings!
13. Drink Water and Avoid Processed Foods. Shifting dietary habits can be a significant change, but your commitment to a healthier lifestyle can reap both health and financial dividends. It’s an investment in a life of wellness and economic sustainability.
14. Take Advantage of Discounts when Shopping. Remember, the goal of shopping with discounts is to spend less on what you need, not to buy more than you need. So, make sure to use coupons wisely, shop sales, buy off season, and use Cashback apps like Rakuten and BeFrugal.
15. Avoid Impulse Purchases. By avoiding impulse purchases, you give your budget room to breathe and create an opportunity for savings. This makes a significant difference over time, especially when money is tight.
16. Apply for Discounts on Utilities and Services. Many utility companies provide low-income home energy assistance programs. The same is true for internet service. Contact your service providers to check your eligibility.
17. Get Free or Discounted Goods Through Charities. Charities, faith, professional, and local organizations often offer grants for people experiencing financial hardship. Utilizing them can be a lifetime as they help you stretch your budget further and provide necessary support in times of financial struggle. Don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help when you need it.
18. Get Outside. Reconnecting with nature can provide you with cost-free entertainment and a sense of tranquility that’s hard to find elsewhere.
19. Avoid Unnecessary Expenditure. While each person’s definition of “unnecessary” may differ, the key to budget management is curbing expenditures that don’t add substantial value to your life. A common culprit could be brand-name goods or late fees.
20. Start the Practice of Saving with a Mini Savings Challenge. The Mini-Savings Challenge can pave the way to a habit of saving regularly, even on a tight budget. Essentially, this challenge consists of setting aside a small amount of money each day or week, gradually increasing the amount over time.
21. Show Gratitude. While it may seem less directly related to finance, practicing gratitude is indeed integral to efficient budgeting and financial wellness. Remember, financial success isn’t just about making more money. It’s also about appreciating what you have and recognizing the steps you’re taking towards your goals.
Inciting Additional Income Avenues
Okay, this section is how you take a low income and increase your money. While cutting back spending is helpful, creating more money will help you to reach money success faster. This will take the strain off.
1. Look for Ways to Earn Extra Income
Boosting your income, no matter how minimal the increase, can help cover necessary costs and elevate your financial standing.
Here are some ideas using your current job:
Work Overtime: If possible, consider getting more extra hours at your current job. Earnings from overtime or extra shifts can be significant.
Negotiate a Raise: If you’ve been with a company for a while and demonstrated your worth, it might be time to discuss a raise. Prepare well for this conversation with evidence of your productivity and value.
Every extra dollar earned can be put towards savings, paying down debt, and creating better financial stability.
2. Leverage Side Hustles for Extra Money
Side hustles have become an increasingly popular way to earn extra money online in your spare time. They allow for flexibility and can be a great supplement to your current income.
Start a Side Hustle: These can be a great way to make use of spare time to earn extra cash. This could be anything from driving for a rideshare company, offering freelance services, tutoring, delivering food or groceries to selling homemade goods online.
Sell Unused Items: You probably have items in your home that you no longer need. Selling anything from clothes to electronics or furniture can be a good source of income.
Passive Income: From writing an eBook to renting out a room in your house or investing in stocks, creating passive income streams can provide extra money over time.
Remember to choose a side gig that fits your schedule, interests, and skill set. Not only could it bring in extra money, but it could also turn into a passion project, making the work feel less like a chore.
3. House Sit for Extra Income
House sitting can be a viable option for those looking to generate extra income, especially if you’re flexible with your time and location. It typically involves looking after someone’s home (and sometimes their pets) while they’re away.
Not only is house-sitting a way to earn money, but it can also offer a free place to stay. Hello – you just lowered the biggest expense in your budget. However, remember that taking care of someone else’s home is a huge responsibility, so only take on tasks you’re confident you can handle.
Get started by building your profile on Trusted Housesitters.
4. Items You Don’t Need Anymore
Selling items you no longer need or use can both declutter your home and add to your income. It doesn’t just have to be big-ticket items; even small routine household items can yield returns.
While this may be difficult to do, look for items in good condition that you and your family no longer need or use. If you have extra baby stuff, you can rent it on BabyQuip for extra money.
Remember, while selling items won’t provide a consistent income, it can be a great one-time source of extra cash especially if you have these highly popular flipping items in your house.
Baby Equipment Rentals with BabyQuip
Have you heard about BabyQuip? They are the #1 baby equipment rental service offering clean, safe, and insured baby gear.
Whether you are traveling or just don’t want to purchase, this is a great idea to check out.
Learn More
5. Pick up a Part-time Job
When you’re on a limited income, picking up a part-time job can be a reliable way to supplement your earnings. You are trading your time for money.
Many of these jobs that pay weekly offer valuable experiences, skills, and possibly even room for growth and advancement. Remember to save and plan for any taxes due as a result of your increased earnings.
Smart Use of Technology in Budgeting
Taking advantage of personal budgeting tools can make managing your finances easier. They can help track expenses, create a budget, and set saving goals. Here are some popular options:
You Need a Budget (YNAB): YNAB helps you create a budget and live within your means, educating you on effective money management along the way.
Simplifi by Quicken: This app crunches the numbers to show how much money you have for day-to-day spending after accounting for bills, goals, and savings.
Empower: This free tool offers a comprehensive financial dashboard that includes budgeting features and investment tracking.
Tiller Money: If you want a more manual approach, you can use Google Sheets or Excel to create a customizable budget spreadsheet.
Remember, the best tool is the one you use consistently. Try a few options to see which one best meets your needs and preferences. Every tool has its pros and cons, but all aim to help you control your finances effectively.
Empower Personal Wealth, LLC (“EPW”) compensates Money Bliss for new leads. Money Bliss is not an investment client of Personal Capital Advisors Corporation or Empower Advisory Group, LLC.
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Access Paychecks Early with Digital Banking Apps
With the rise of digital banking, access to innovative financial tools like early direct deposit has become more accessible, even for those with low incomes. These services can be crucial lifelines between paychecks or in case of emergencies.
Here are a few platforms that offer such services:
Chime: Once you set up direct deposit with Chime, you may get your paycheck up to two days earlier than at a traditional bank.
Current: Current, a mobile bank account, provides users with paychecks up to two days in advance.
Varo: Varo also offers early direct deposit for its users, helping you gain access to your money more quickly.
Clair: Clair’s on-demand pay solution lets you advance a portion of your paycheck before payday. This can be particularly helpful when navigating financial crunches.
It’s important to note that while accessing your paycheck early doesn’t give you extra money, it does provide more flexibility in managing your finances and can help avoid overdraft fees or high-interest loan options in times of need. As with any financial tool, it’s essential to use early paycheck access wisely and not rely on it for regular spending.
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FAQs
Saving money on a low income can seem challenging, but a few strategic changes and smart habits can make it achievable.
Engaging in a money-saving challenge can be a motivating way to encourage disciplined saving, helping you to creatively manage your finances and significantly boost your savings plan over time.
Remember, the key to saving on a low income is to stay consistent, patient, and adaptable in your approach.
Surviving on a low income budget can be challenging, but strategic planning and careful spending can help you manage your finances effectively.
The focus as Dave Ramsey likes to say is on your four walls – food, utilities, shelter, and transportation.
Remember that it’s okay to adjust your budget as you go. Circumstances change, and so should your budget. Review your budget regularly to ensure it’s still working for you and adjust as needed.
Budgeting when you’re broke might seem like an uphill battle.
The key is to make sure you stick to your budget and track your spending consistently. Don’t hesitate to reach out to local charities, government programs, and non-profit organizations for assistance.
Remember, being broke is often a temporary situation, and even small steps towards better budgeting can compound into big changes over time. Try to stay positive and focused on your financial goals.
Now, How do you Survive on a Low Budget?
Surviving on a low income involves careful planning, budgeting, and making the most of available resources. While it may seem challenging, it is indeed possible.
Every small step you take towards frugal living, such as sticking to a budget, reducing unnecessary expenses, or earning extra cash, can lead to considerable savings in the long run.
Remember, it’s also important to invest in yourself – whether that’s asking for a raise at work, learning a new skill, or starting a side hustle.
The journey of living on a low income can be tough, but it also offers an opportunity for creativity and gratitude for the essential things in life. With a positive mindset, some patience, and careful budgeting, you can not only survive but thrive, even on a low income.
The goal isn’t to just get by but to build a financially stable future.
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
Did the post resonate with you?
More importantly, did I answer the questions you have about this topic? Let me know in the comments if I can help in some other way!
Your comments are not just welcomed; they’re an integral part of our community. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how these ideas align with your journey towards Money Bliss.
16 Aesthetically Pleasing Photos Of Maximalist Home Decor
maximalism instead. I totally welcome this time of embracing the eccentric when it comes to home decor.
So, if you haven’t heard, let me be the first to tell you that minimalism is out and maximalism is in! I spend a lot of my time scrolling the r/maximalism subreddit, where people celebrate their creativity with decadent displays of swirling colors and differing patterns. What makes it even better is that even though it may look expensive, it’s more affordable than splurging on overpriced home decor at department stores because you can get most pieces from thrift shops (we love sustainability) or by repurposing things you already own that are just laying around the house.
Here are 16 photos that fully demonstrate all the pillars of maximalist decor:
1.
I’ve seen enough specifically themed living rooms where every single thing HAS to match. I’m over it! There are no rules with maximalist decor. You are the theme!
2.
A “gallery wall” is a major part of maximalism. If you want your pieces to look a bit more cohesive, this can easily be achieved by using the same frame for each of them:
3.
Or, you can go for frames that are slightly similar, but a teensy bit different:
4.
Even if the frames don’t match at all, it can still work and look stunning! The goal of maximalism is to take up space and become ensconced in your favorite things:
5.
Like I said, there are no rules. You don’t need to use any frames at all if you don’t want to! You could even overlap the art on your gallery wall and create a moment that’s more gallery and less wall:
6.
Beyond just hanging up pictures, I love seeing the most random things being used as decor. It turns your home into a crafty little game of “Where’s Waldo?” because why shouldn’t you put a purple meteor on the wall?
7.
If having a coffee mug clock and a framed picture of a lobster on the same wall is wrong, then I don’t want to be right:
8.
There are zero creative restrictions when it comes to maximalism, so you don’t have to stop at the wall. You can hang things — like tapestries — on the ceiling if you want to:
9.
You can get creative with things you already own — like books:
10.
Or plants:
11.
Another approach to maximalism is splashing bright colors and patterns all over:
12.
Like this kitchen that makes me feel like I’m cruising down Rainbow Road in Mario Kart:
13.
Or this living room that pushes the boundaries with its bright blue wall juxtaposed with a black and white striped wall:
14.
Maximalism doesn’t even have to be a bright explosion of color either:
15.
Even the ~dark and stormy aesthetic~ girlies can get in on the action:
16.
This room brings together all of the elements: a gallery wall with different pieces that somehow flow together along with mixing colors and patterns:
No matter what your personal aesthetic is, there’s a way for you to maximize your home and create a one-of-a-kind living space that’s totally independent to you and only you. Let me know in the comments which one of these rooms was your favorite!
The average American net worth varies due to many factors, with some people making far more than others. If you’re behind the national average, it may seem difficult to catch up, but whether you have bad credit or a lot of debt, you can still begin building your net worth by learning how to generate passive income.
Passive income is a great way to generate more income, pay down your debt, and start saving and investing for your future. Here you’ll learn what passive income is, as well as different ways to make passive income online and offline. With 25 passive income ideas, there is something for everyone.
25 Passive Income Ideas:
Write an E-Book
Start a YouTube Channel
Try Affiliate Marketing
Create a Blog
Sell Stock Photos and Videos
Create an Online Course
Make Sponsored Content
Invest in Dividend Stocks
Invest in REITs
Invest in Index Funds and ETFs
Try Peer-to-Peer Lending
Stake Cryptocurrency
Utilize High-Yield Savings Accounts
Buy Government Bonds
Invest in Art
Buy Property to Rent
Rent Out a Room in Your Home
Buy Domain Names
License Your Music
Design Custom Products
Rent Out Your Vehicle
Use Your Vehicle as Ad Space
Create an App
Flip Unique Items
Rent Out Your Parking Space
What Is Passive Income?
Passive income is a type of income that comes from sources other than your regular employment, and involves a more hands-off approach. Passive income isn’t a “get rich quick” scheme, though some companies make big claims about generating passive income without any work. Passive income does take work to set up, but the goal is that you can make money without managing it on a day-to-day basis.
You’ll generally do most of the work by setting up your source of passive income. While it may require some upkeep every now and then, like updating a product or maintaining a rental property, you’ll earn the majority of your income while pursuing other endeavors.
Like other sources of additional income, passive income is taxable, but when done correctly, you can make enough passive income to surpass your tax bill.
1. Write an E-Book
Whether you’re a writer or not, an e-book can be a fantastic way to generate passive income. We no longer live in a world where publishers are the gatekeepers of books, so you can self-publish a book that can generate passive income. Various websites let you self-publish books, like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble. Some of these sites also offer print-on-demand services for customers who want physical copies.
You can write a nonfiction book if you’re knowledgeable about a certain subject, or you can write fiction if you have an interesting story idea. Although this can generate passive income, self-publishing can require a bit of an investment. You’ll need to pay for an editor and book cover designer, and you may also want to pay for advertisements. But if you can do the cover art and marketing on your own, you may be able to save some money.
2. Start a YouTube Channel
There are many ways to make money using social media, but YouTube is one of the best ways to make passive income. YouTube pays content creators to run ads on their videos. In order to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program, you’ll need at least 500 subscribers, three new videos within the last 90 days, and 3,000 watch hours within the last year. Previously, you needed 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, but the policy was updated in June 2023 with lower requirements.
Like other sources of passive income, making money from YouTube will require an up-front investment of time and money. You need a stable internet connection, camera, microphone, computer, and editing software. You also need to make consistent videos to qualify for the partner program. You can eventually generate passive income by making evergreen videos, because people will watch old videos that bring in revenue—and the more videos you have on your channel, the more money you can make.
3. Try Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is when you share a link to a product or service, and the company gives you a percentage of any sales made through that link. You can share these links on your social media pages, blog, newsletter, or anywhere else that allows you to post a link. Affiliate marketing is one of the best online passive income opportunities, and you can combine it with any other online method we mention in this article.
One of the most popular affiliate link programs is Amazon Associates. Let’s say you have a YouTube channel where you review electronics, and you make a video reviewing a new TV or laptop. If you link to that product on Amazon with your affiliate link, you’ll receive a percentage of the sale each time someone uses your link.
This isn’t only limited to Amazon, either. Many companies offer affiliate links, so it can be advantageous to reach out to companies for products and services you use regularly to see if they have an affiliate program.
4. Create a Blog
There are a variety of ways to make money from writing a blog. Like YouTube, old blog posts can generate passive income even if people read the post months or years after you wrote it. If you create your own website to host your blog, you can integrate Google Ads and use affiliate links to make money online.
Platforms like Substack combine blogs and newsletters, so every time you write a new post, subscribers receive an email. You can have paid subscriptions on Substack, so users pay a monthly fee to read your posts, and you can have free posts that go out to non-paying subscribers as well.
5. Sell Stock Photos and Videos
If you’re a photographer or videographer, you can earn money for your photos and videos. There are many different websites that buy stock photos and videos, like Shutterstock, iStock, and Getty Images. One thing to consider is that the website gets exclusive rights to your images or videos, but on some sites you can make between 15% and 45% in royalties.
6. Create an Online Course
Many people have expertise in a certain area, and utilizing your knowledge and skills to create an online course is a great way to make passive income online. For example, you can create a course for how to knit, how to take amazing photos, or how to program an app. Websites like Kajabi and Teachable allow you to host and sell your courses.
You may need to invest some time and possibly money in marketing your course to ensure you find the right audience. Some course-hosting platforms like Skillshare also categorize courses by topic for better discoverability.
If you start gaining a following on social media platforms or through a blog, you may get the opportunity to do sponsored content. Companies want to ensure they target the right audience, so if you have followers who may buy their product or service, they’re more likely to sponsor a piece of content. This typically means you discuss their product in a video or write about it in a caption.
In order to generate passive income from a sponsored opportunity, the company will give you an affiliate link. This allows you to make money up front for the sponsored content as well as passive income from anyone who uses your link to buy the product or service.
This route for passive income may take some time because companies typically want people to have a decent following before sponsoring content.
8. Invest in Dividend Stocks
Stocks can be a great way to make money while also investing in your future. When you buy a stock, you buy a small portion of a company. If the stock price rises and you sell it at a higher price, you make a profit, but the stock can also drop in price and lose you money. Some, but not all, stocks offer dividends, which pay investors a dividend per share if the company has a profitable quarter.
When the stock pays out dividends, you can receive the payment directly from your brokerage or reinvest the dividends by buying more of the stock. Like other investments, this can compound and turn into a lot of money over time if the company continues to profit. As you invest in dividend stocks, keep in mind the companies can raise or lower the dividend percentage at any time.
Use MarketBeat’s dividend calculator to look up specific stocks and estimate dividend returns.
9. Invest in REITs
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are another investment opportunity. Rather than investing directly in a property, you can invest in a REIT, which is a company that owns and manages real estate.
Similar to other investments, there is risk that comes along with investing in REITs. For example, there’s a possibility your REIT investments will lose money if there’s a drop in the housing market.
10. Invest in Index Funds and ETFs
Index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are some of the safest investments because they offer diversification. Rather than investing in one company, index funds and ETFs allow you to invest in multiple companies simultaneously.
Legendary investor and founder of Vanguard John Bogle was a major advocate for index fund investing. More specifically, he advised people to invest in the S&P 500, an index of the 500 largest companies in the United States. ETFs are slightly different because there are higher fees, but they allow you to invest in a group of stocks for a specific industry. For example, ARKK is an ETF that holds shares for companies that work on innovative technology.
There is still a risk when investing in index funds and ETFs, but they are often lower risk than other forms of stock investing.
11. Try Peer-to-Peer Lending
Another way to make passive income is to become your own type of “bank” by doing peer-to-peer lending, sometimes called P2P lending. Banks make money on loans by charging interest to customers, and P2P lending allows you to do the same thing. Websites like Prosper and Funding Circle allow everyday people to lend and borrow money with various interest rates.
12. Stake Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency investing is a highly volatile form of investing, making it especially high risk. Some cryptocurrency platforms allow you to “stake” your crypto, which is when you allow the platform to hold your crypto and lend it to other people. Similar to P2P lending, you make money off the interest.
Cryptocurrency lending and trading is also high risk because there is little to no regulation. Crypto platforms like Voyager have been known to offer extremely high returns and then go bankrupt, preventing them from paying back their users. In extreme cases, there are stories of fraudulent activity from crypto platforms. But if you have a high risk tolerance, this form of investing can be incredibly lucrative.
13. Utilize High-Yield Savings Accounts
A safer way to make passive income is to open up a high-yield savings account, which allows you to make money simply by holding it in your account. Banks use customer funds to lend out money, but unlike crypto staking, bank funds are backed by the U.S. government via the FDIC. This means that if, for some reason the bank doesn’t have the money when you want your funds, the government would provide the bank with the money to pay you up to $250,000.
Many banks and financial institutions offer high-yield savings accounts, with some offering an annual percentage yield (APY) of over 4%. So if you opened an account with a 4.5% APY and deposited $1,000, you would have $1,045 after a year.
People maximize their passive income by not touching this money because it compounds each year. So using that same example, in the second year, you would then earn 4.5% of the $1,045 rather than the original $1,000. And if you add to the savings account each month, you can make quite a bit of money over time.
14. Buy Government Bonds
Perhaps the safest way to earn passive income from investing is to buy government bonds. A government bond is basically a loan to the federal government that pays you back the original amount with interest over a certain period. The reason government bonds are so safe is because the government backs them. When buying a stock, it’s possible to lose your money if the company goes out of business. Bonds are safer because as long as the government exists, you’ll make your money back.
Although government bonds are very low risk, they also offer low returns. Depending on various factors, government bonds may offer a 3–5% return over two to 30 years. To put that into perspective, S&P 500 index fund investing offers an average return rate of over 7.5%[1] .
15. Invest in Art
Similar to stocks, you can also invest in artwork. One way to do this is to buy works of art that you believe will increase in value later. If you’re knowledgeable about art and can find pieces selling for below their value that you can sell later for a profit, you can make a bit of money. Websites like Masterworks allow you to buy shares of artwork with other investors so you take on less risk.
16. Buy Property to Rent
Many people generate passive income by purchasing properties to rent. If you can afford the initial investment of buying a single-family home or condo, you can then rent them out to tenants for a profit. For example, if you buy a house and your mortgage is only $1,000, you can make a profit by charging any amount over your mortgage cost.
In order to take advantage of the passive income aspect of renting, you may benefit from hiring an individual or company to manage the property. Property managers collect the monthly rent and take care of maintenance issues for a fee. Should you decide to invest in rental properties, it’s helpful to factor in the cost of potential home repairs before, during, and after tenants live there.
17. Rent Out a Room in Your Home
If you don’t have the money for a down payment or don’t want to take on the risk of purchasing a rental home, you can always make some extra income by renting out a room. If you have a spare room in your home, you can rent it out for a monthly fee. This is a great option for families whose children recently moved out.
You can use websites like Airbnb and VRBO to connect you with renters. Although many people use Airbnb for short-term rentals during vacations, you can also offer long-term rentals through the website. These sites also let you vet renters before they move in, so you have control over who rents the room.
18. Buy Domain Names
Buying domain names is a sort of investing, so it does come with some risk. People and businesses buy domain names to host their websites, so you can purchase a variety of inexpensive domain names in hopes of people buying them from you later for more. You can typically buy domain names for less than $10 through websites like GoDaddy, but if they don’t sell, you’ll need to pay the annual cost to keep the name.
While this may be a risky investment, people have made a lot of money flipping domain names. It was a big money-maker during the “dot com boom” in the 1990s, Help.com sold for $3 million and NFTs.com sold for $15 million in 2023. Many domains don’t sell for millions, but you may still be able to make a decent profit off domain names in high demand.
19. License Your Music
If you’re a musician, you can license your music in a similar way to selling stock photos and videos. Some websites like Music Vine pay musicians 30% for nonexclusive deals or more for an exclusive license. There are also websites like Epidemic Sound that market to YouTubers and filmmakers by offering a subscription service for royalty-free music.
20. Design Custom Products
For those who are artistically inclined, you can make money creating designs and selling them on websites that sell custom products. Websites like Redbubble, Teespring, and Society6 offer print-on-demand services for your artwork. These websites sell a wide range of products like T-shirts, coffee mugs, phone cases, and more. You get a percentage of the sale every time a customer goes to the website and chooses your design for any of these products
If you have old artwork you created in the past or simply feel like creating in your spare time, you can generate passive income as long as your art is hosted on these types of websites.
21. Rent Out Your Vehicle
Services like Uber and Lyft are popular side hustles, but you can make passive income by renting out your vehicle instead. When people are traveling or have their car in the repair shop, they often need a vehicle to get around. Rather than going to a rental car company, they can rent a vehicle through other websites like Turo or Getaround.
22. Use Your Vehicle as Ad Space
In addition to renting out your vehicle, you can make passive income by using your vehicle as ad space.
Websites like Wrapify connect businesses and drivers, and depending on how much of your car you’re willing to cover with ads, Wrapify will pay you between $181 and $452 per month. There are also sites like FreeCarMedia.com that pay you for wrapping your vehicle or simply advertising on your rear window.
23. Create an App
If you’re a programmer who can create an app, this may be the best way for you to make passive income. Whether it’s a fun game or an app that provides value and convenience, use your creativity and skills to generate income. Apple and Google allow developers to submit their apps, giving you a percentage of the sale each time someone buys the app.
24. Flip Unique Items
One of the oldest ways to generate passive income is to buy unique items, hold them, and sell them at a later date for a profit. If you’re knowledgeable about a certain type of item or are willing to learn, you can make a decent amount of money by buying and holding items.
This is ideal for people who like shopping at thrift stores or going to garage sales. You may find antique toys, memorabilia, sports trading cards, comic books, or other items for a low price that are either worth a lot of money now or will be in the future.
To sell the items or see how much items are selling for, you can use websites like eBay, OfferUp, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
25. Rent Out Your Parking Space
Some people are willing to pay for a good parking spot. If you have a space you’re not using or don’t mind giving up, you can make money renting it out—especially if you live in an urban area. Websites like SpotHero allow you to list your space.
What’s the Best Source of Passive Income?
The best source of passive income is unique to each individual. There are many options on this list, and some allow you to capitalize on different skill sets. For example, if you have expertise in certain subjects, the best sources of passive income may be online courses and e-books. If you have knowledge about stocks or are willing to learn, investing may be the best option.
When deciding which passive income sources are right for you, it may be beneficial to weigh out the pros, cons, and risks of each one. Remember that many of these options require an initial investment of money and time to get started. Consider your own risk tolerance and financial situation before going all in on any of these methods.
Do You Need Money to Make Passive Income?
While you’ll need money to get started with many passive income ideas, this isn’t the case for every method. For example, if you own a vehicle or have an extra room in your home, you can start renting them out. If you have a computer and internet connection, you have even more options.
Many people who make passive income succeed because they are willing to learn and can invest time into researching these topics. There’s a wealth of information online where you can learn how to excel at specific passive income opportunities like writing an e-book, succeeding as a YouTuber, or using affiliate links.
The Benefits of Multiple Streams of Income
Depending on your specific situation, you may want more than one source of passive income. Whether you’re already in a healthy financial situation or are trying to build your personal wealth and credit score, more income streams means more financial freedom.
The primary benefit of passive income is that you can make money with minimal effort. This means once you get one source of passive income rolling, you can begin adding others so you have multiple income streams that don’t require too much time or attention.
How Passive Income Can Help Improve Your Credit Score
A poor credit score can lead to many challenges—like making it difficult to get approved for new lines of credit, loans, and rental applications—and cost you a lot of money in interest in the long run. Passive income can help you fix your credit by allowing you to pay off your debts. Lenders also look at your total income, so making additional income can help with approvals for new lines of credit, which can also help improve your score. It’s important to know the current state of your credit health. You can get a free credit report card on Credit.com which breaks down your credit score factors and assigns a letter grade for each area, or sign up for our ExtraCredit® subscription for additional credit tools.
Here’s a bright idea — it’s time to work smarter, not harder on your holiday lights this year. Smart LED lighting not only allows you to create festive lighting you can control, but it can also save you money on your electric bill.
We’ve found top-rated, customer-loved smart holiday lights that can be used to showcase the colors and lighting effects you want on your Christmas tree, Christmas wreath, outdoor holiday decor and more. Plus, most of our smart light picks can be controlled using your smartphone. How genius is that?
Christmas home decorating ideas using smart lights
Transform your entire home into a holiday wonderland that your family, friends and neighbors will love. Let’s take a look at amazing smart lighting options that make decorating your home for the holidays super simple.
Philips Hue Christmas Festavia 65′ string lights
Even Santa would approve of decorating your Christmas tree, as well as the inside and outside of your home, using Philips Hue Festavia 65-foot smart string lights.
Each string includes 250 individual mini smart LEDs that are app controlled and can work in conjunction with all other Philips Hue smart lighting products that use a Philips Hue Bridge (sold separately or as part of a smart lighting kit).
The Festavia string lights are also available in a 130-foot length that includes 500 individual mini lights ($360). Both sets can be set up to sync with your favorite holiday music.
A smart Christmas tree: Mr. Christmas Vermont Spruce
One of the best decisions you can make this holiday season is to adopt smart lighting in all aspects of your Christmas decorating, starting with the Christmas tree. The Mr. Christmas Vermont Spruce is seven feet tall with a 48-inch diameter. It comes with 400 mini-LED smart lights built into the artificial tree, allowing for quick and stress-free setup. The lights can be voice-controlled via Alexa, enabling you to instantly change the lighting color or lighting mode
In addition to all white or multi-colored lights, you can opt to have all of the lights display just red, green, blue, light blue, yellow or purple. Lighting modes include steady, sparkle, firefly, flip and fade. You’re also able to create a schedule for the lights to turn on and off, or switch between colors and scenes automatically.
A flexible and customizable decorative light string: Govee Christmas lights
For your indoor or outdoor holiday light decorating, the Govee Christmas lights are an affordable alternative to string lights. However, these offer just as many customization options.
This 66-foot-long string light set includes 200 mini-LEDS that are fully programmable. Because it’s IP65 rated, this light strip can be used indoors or outdoors. The flexible string can be wrapped around a tree, staircase, fence or pillar. It can also be hung around the edge of a ceiling, around a doorframe, or on any wall. Use your creativity to discover unique ways of using these bright and colorful smart lights throughout your home.
Once set up, the Govee Christmas lights can be programmed to display your choice of 16 million colors, using a variety of pre-programming lighting effects. The lights can even sync with whatever music is playing. There are 99 pre-set lighting scenes to choose from. You have full control over these lights (and all other Govee smart lighting products) using Alexa voice commands or the easy-to-use Govee mobile app (for iOS and Android-based devices).
If you’re looking for more traditional holiday string lights, but want to control them using a smartphone app, we suggest these Twinkly Strings smart lights. The 65.5-foot string includes 250 mini-LEDs, each of which can display more than 16 million colors, so you can decorate your home with beautiful light and color.
Using the Twinkly mobile app, it’s easy to control one strand of string lights or multiple strands at the same time. This means all of the lighting can sync perfectly within each room or area of your home. Using the app, you’re also able to create a schedule to turn the lights on and off, have the lighting change colors or patterns at predetermined times, have the lights sync with the music that’s playing, or instantly switch to a light color and pattern that you want. The lights also accept voice commands. Because they’re waterproof, you can set them up indoors or outdoors.
While it’s possible to set up multiple 65.5-foot Twinkly Strings lights to work together, there’s also a cluster version of the lights that includes 400 mini-LEDS on a 19.5-foot strand. This variation allows you to create different visual effects using a larger number of smaller LED lights (within a smaller space) that can also display over 16 million colors.
Offering yet another way to decorate the outdoor areas of your home, Govee offers its permanent outdoor lights package. Throughout the year, these lights can brighten a porch, terrace, or front door area of your home with bright decorative white lights. During the holiday season, these same lights can transform your outdoor space with holiday colors and animated light sequences.
These smart lights come in 100-foot strands that contain 72 LED eaves lights that are waterproof and controllable using the same Govee mobile app that works with all of the company’s smart lighting products. The lighting set also responds to voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant.
Each of the lights can alternate between 16 million user-selectable color options and together showcase any of the 75 pre-programmed scenes that are accessible via the app. Each light has a maximum brightness of 26 lumens. Since these lights are designed to be attached permanently to the outside of your home, special VHB glue and clips are provided.
Holiday wreaths with integrated smart lighting: Twinkly pre-lit wreath
Using the same mobile app that controls other smart lighting products from Twinkly, you’re able to control the 50 mini-LED lights that come pre-wired within this artificial holiday wreath that has a two foot diameter.
The smart lights within the wreath can display more than 16 million colors in a variety of customizable or pre-created lighting patterns. The app is available for iOS and Android mobile devices.
The wreath’s lighting responds to voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant. To coordinate perfectly with this wreath, your Christmas tree and other holiday decor, Twinkly also offers a nine-foot, pre-lit garland ($115). It utilizes 50 fully controllable smart mini-LEDs and works with the same app.
Decorative smart lighting you can use all year long: Nanoleaf Shapes
Nanoleaf offers a variety of decorative smart lighting products. Most come in a collection of flat tiles that get hung on a wall in whatever pattern you choose. This LED lighting kit includes nine hexagon-shaped tiles that are app-controlled. Each tile can display more than 16 million colors. Using the Nanoleaf app, you’re easily able to choose from hundreds of pre-created animated light patterns, have the lights sync with music, or display whatever color(s) and patterns you want.
Throughout the year, Nanoleaf Shapes can add decorative ambience to any room, but during the holidays, the lights can mimic the Christmas lights strung throughout your home or on your tree.
If nine hexagon-shaped titles isn’t enough, expansion kits with hexagonal and different size triangle-shaped titles are sold separately. What we love about these smart light products is that you can mix and match the Nanoleaf tiles and create whatever pattern you desire on your walls. Then you can choose the colors and animated light patterns that are displayed at any given time. Each tile sticks to the wall using removable mounting tape that’s supplied.
Use regular light fixtures to display holiday lighting: Philips Hue A19 LED smart bulb starter kit
One of the great things about the Philips Hue home smart lighting ecosystem is that there are literally dozens of options to choose from, including stand-alone light fixtures with color-changing smart bulbs built into them, smart light strips, decorative lights and replacements for recessed ceiling lights.
The expansive Hue product line also includes standard A19 LED light bulbs that can replace the traditional light bulbs within your existing light fixtures. Doing this transforms those light fixtures into smart lights within minutes.
To take advantage of the Philips Hue smart lights, you need to either purchase a Hue Hub (that’s sold separately) or acquire the necessary hub as part of a Hue Starter Kit.
We recommend the Philips Hue A19 LED smart bulb starter kit because it includes the required hub, along with four standard size (A19) light bulbs that can be used within any of your existing light fixtures. Once this starter kit is set up, you can easily add any additional Hue smart lighting products (including more A19 bulbs, which are sold separately) to your home and control them all using the same Hue mobile app.
Each A19 smart bulb can display many shades of white, as well as more than 16 million colors. And in addition to selecting the colors, you’re also able to set each bulb’s brightness. The lights can be controlled one at a time, in groups within a single room, or you can use the app to control all Hue lights at once. Using a few on-screen taps or voice commands, it’s possible to create customized lighting scenes or choose from thousands of pre-created animated scenes –- including many that are holiday-specific.
Upgrade your artificial Christmas tree: Fraser Hill Farm 12-foot flocked Christmas tree with smart lights
This holiday season, make things easier on yourself with two simple moves. First, swap out the real tree for a super-realistic artificial Christmas tree – no more fussing with the live ones. Second, bring some smart lighting magic to your tree to make it the ultimate holiday showstopper.
Meet the Fraser Hill Farm 12-foot flocked Christmas tree with built-in smart LED lights. It’s a breeze to set up, and it stands at 12 feet tall with a 76-inch diameter. If that’s too big for your space, don’t worry – Fraser Hill Farm offers similar artificial trees in 6.5′, 7.5′, or 9′ heights.
This tree has 5,483 lifelike, flocked tips that give it the charm of a traditional cut tree. It’s designed to last for years and dazzle you every holiday season. Plus, it comes with a bunch of cool lighting options to suit your mood.
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Jason R. Rich
Jason R. Rich (www.JasonRich.com) is an internationally recognized consumer technology expert with more than 30 years’ writing experience. He’s also an accomplished author and photographer. One of his most recently published books, The Remote Worker’s Handbook: How to Effectively Work From Anywhere ($24.99, Entrepreneur Books) is now available from Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Entering the holiday season with high-interest debt or financial struggles can put you at risk for a debt hangover that could linger for years.
It’s a crossroads that many will unfortunately encounter this holiday season. Credit card balances rose to over $1 trillion in the second quarter of 2023, according to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The average rate for credit cards assessed interest as of August 2023 was 22.77%, according to data by the Federal Reserve. Compared with previous years, that rate is alarmingly high.
With interest rates sky-high, this is one of the worst times to charge expenses to credit cards that you can’t pay off quickly. Before you shop for the holidays, consider these ways to help you get clear on your goals and protect your finances.
1. Find a way to lower high-interest debt
If you’re already carrying debt, consider ways to save money on interest. Depending on your credit, some options may include:
A 0% introductory APR balance transfer credit card: This card lets you move debt onto it from a different account to get the lower interest rate. The ideal card has no annual fee and a balance transfer fee of 3% or lower. Compare the cost of the fee with the projected interest payments on your current card to determine if it’s worth paying.
A personal loan: For multiple debt balances, a personal loan that consolidates debts into a single low-interest fixed payment can simplify your finances.
A debt management plan: If you’re struggling to keep up with bills, a counselor at an accredited nonprofit credit counseling agency can determine your eligibility for a debt management plan that consolidates balances into a single low-interest fixed payment, for a fee. A lower interest rate is possible because these organizations have relationships with creditors, says Madison Block, a product marketing manager at American Consumer Credit Counseling.
Also explore your budget for opportunities to save, removing unnecessary expenses and swapping others for less costly alternatives. Then put any savings toward your debt, and contribute enough money each month to pay it down by the desired deadline. Commit to prioritizing your debt over the holiday season and tailor your purchases to facilitate that goal.
2. Create a holiday list
Building holiday spending into your year-round budget is a good way to prepare for seasonal expenses. But even if you know how much you have to spend, holiday shopping can overstuff your budget quickly if you’re not careful. One simple but powerful tool can help. Make a list and use the amount you have available to determine how much to spend on gifts, decorations, food, travel and any other holiday purchases.
Every Christmas, Lizbet Barajas, a Texas resident, sticks to a holiday list of expenses to stay on track with her goal to pay down student loan debt. With her husband, she budgets for gifts year-round for two kids, ages 3 and 6, and both sides of their family.
“Having that list early on makes it easier to know exactly what I’m buying them without having to do last-minute shopping, which then causes you to overspend,” says Barajas, a content creator of the YouTube channel Lizbet Talks Money.
Robyn Goldfarb, a Florida resident and blogger at A Dime Saved, also budgets year-round for Hanukkah to avoid taking on debt. With her husband, she budgets $50 per gift for their three kids, ages 2 to 10, and she only gives gifts on one of the eight nights of Hanukkah.
“One night we’ll do donuts, one night we’ll do cookies, so there’s something exciting happening every night, but it’s not necessarily a gift or something expensive,” she says.
3. Explore money-saving alternatives
Consider which expenses are negotiable and which aren’t. If necessary, stretch your dollars by changing expectations with friends and family this year. With prices still high due to inflation, they might welcome a more budget-friendly option, like a potluck, a secret gift exchange, gifts for kids only or a price limit for gifts.
Supplementing your income over the holiday season can also help you avoid debt for those must-have purchases.
“One thing people can do is potentially take on a seasonal part-time job or a side hustle,” Block says. “If you have some unused items or old furniture or things around your house that you aren’t even using, selling that on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist could be potentially a good way to get a little bit of extra cash for the holiday season.”
Creativity can also lead to savings. It’s how Goldfarb saves on decorations.
“I’ll have my kids make things and I save them from year to year,” Goldfarb says. “There are so many ideas online.”
4. Set guardrails to stick to your budget
Switching your payment method temporarily to debit or cash can protect finances from debt. In previous holiday seasons, Barajas used a version of the cash envelope system to stay on track. By having an envelope with a fixed amount of money for every categorized holiday expense, like gifts, meals and travel, you can prevent overspending.
“It’s more visual,” Barajas says.
5. Look for deals
Scavenge for the best deals. Using browser extensions or apps, like Honey, Flipp or CouponCabin, may help you find coupons or potential savings on different items. Some large retailers such as Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy also have online outlets and open-box deals that may offer items at lower costs. Compare prices to know if it’s a good deal.
Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is fast approaching. You may find yourself in a situation where you realise you don’t have much time to prepare your home for the celebration. But there’s no need to worry. With a little creativity and some clever last-minute decoration ideas, you can transform your home into a warm and welcoming space filled with festive spirit.
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Ready for the festival in no time? Here are 10 quick and easy home decor ideas.
1. Rangoli: Rangoli is one of the traditional Indian art forms in which beautiful patterns are created with coloured powder, rice, or petals of flowers. A beautiful and traditional touch for one’s home entrance. Select easy, fast rangoli designs.
2. Fairy lights: You will not celebrate Diwali without fairy lights. Hang them on your windows, balconies and even over your furniture for a cosy atmosphere. Additionally, you may hang the fairy lights on vertical poles to create a wonderful veil of light.
3. Candles and diyas: Nothing shows Diwali more than the cosy glare of candles and diyas. Place them around your house, scatter them on your coffee table and in the corners of the room to make it appear bewitching.
4. Decorative lanterns: You can add some class to your Diwali decorations with hanging lanterns or paper lanterns. They come in different shapes and colours depending on the colour theme of the home.
5. Floral decor: These will instantly bring colour into any room by placing fresh flowers or artificial flower arrangements. Put them in vases, bowls, or mason jars and create an aesthetic arrangement that matches the Christmas feel.
6. Wall art and decals: You can consider using wall decals or artistic festive pieces if you don’t have sufficient time. One can instantly change the atmosphere in a room just by applying them on its walls. Consider the Diwali-themed decals or traditional Indian art.
7. Floating candles: You can put floating candles in bowls or water-filled containers and create a stunning centrepiece for your dining or coffee table. They bring a sense of peace amidst all the festivity.
8. Decorative cushions and throws: Transform your home instantly for Diwali with colourful cushions and throws in bright festival colours and designs. This is easily interchangeable and/or added to already existing furniture.
9. Doorway torans: An ideal way to welcome guests is by using a traditional door hanging known as a toran. There are different types of them with various colours and styles, allowing for an option that will blend in with your interior decor.
10. Traditional artefacts: One of the things that you can do with your home this festival season includes displaying various Indian artefacts such as idols, bells, and figurines that will instantly give your home a festive look. Put them on shelves, side-tables or make a mini-altar of a spiritual tone.
These are quick and easy tips to ensure you have a ready home for Diwali without the headache of a total makeover. Diwali is celebrated as the success of light over darkness and these décor tips will help you create a warm, inviting light-filled environment to celebrate the occasion. With this, then be creative, and have a superb Diwali at your nicely decorated house. Happy decorating!
Creating an indoor garden can bring life and vibrancy to your living space. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a first-time plant owner, there are important distinctions to understand and consider in an indoor garden. Let’s explore the benefits of indoor gardens, dos and don’ts for indoor gardening and garden ideas to get you started on your green thumb journey.
Indoor garden ideas by plant type and lifestyle
Perhaps the most exciting step of your indoor plant-growing adventure is selecting the greenery that fits best with your lifestyle and personal aesthetic. Certain plants require daily attention while others require little to no upkeep, making selecting the right plant around your specific lifestyle imperative. When deciding between potted plants, hanging plants and climbing plants, it’s good to consider how much responsibility you have to give to your indoor garden.
If you’re always busy:
Succulents: This plant is growing in popularity and for good reason, they require little care. Succulents rarely need watering, making them perfect for the busy indoor gardener who struggles to add more to their to-do list.
Snake plants: These low-maintenance plants are perfect for enhancing your apartment without inflicting on your busy schedule. Not only do snake plants thrive in any light (including low natural light), but they are only required to be watered once every two weeks.
If you’re not home a lot:
Air plants: Air plants survive on just that — air. These self-sufficient plants don’t even require soil and absorb most nutrients from the air. They’ll enjoy an occasional misting but require little to no attention or light.
Spider plants: Even with a scary name, these plants have become well-loved additions for many spaces, and they’re ideal for someone who is rarely home. They handle irregular watering well, lending themselves to your ever-changing schedule perfectly.
If you have pets:
Bamboo plant: These non-toxic ferms are the perfect addition to any room. Along with their stunning stature, they provide peace of mind for your cats, dogs or other pets.
Boston fern: This non-toxic option is a popular addition to a hanging garden as a great hanging plant, making it a perfect option for pets who may bite or knock over plants. Even if you choose to place this plant lower, your pets are safe.
If you love to cook:
Herbs: The options are truly endless when it comes to an indoor herb garden. Consider basil, rosemary, thyme and mint to add the homegrown touch of fresh herbs to your favorite meals.
Aloe vera: While not necessary for a chef, this is a great plant to have on hand for any accidental kitchen burns. Plus, it’s very easy to care for.
If you are a maximalist:
Prayer plant: If you’re looking for a boisterous plant for your indoor garden, the Prayer plant has a beautiful pattern sure to stop guests in their tracks. Its lemon-lime coloring makes it a great addition to your maximalist pad.
Fiddle leaf fig: A large and in-charge plant, the fiddle leaf fig is sure to be the star of the show in your indoor garden. Not only do these thrive indoors, but they also add a touch of lush greenery to your vibrant space.
Plant combinations we love for your indoor garden
Want to transport yourself to a tropical paradise? Combine tropical plants like alocasia, bird of paradise, calathea and spider plant for a stunning and exotic-feeling indoor garden.
If you’re looking for a more zen garden feel, consider mixing a bonsai tree, lucky bamboo and peace lily. Together, these gorgeous potted plants will bring a sense of tranquility to any indoor space.
Awaken your sense of smell with lavender, jasmine and geraniums. This trio sits perfectly on a sunny windowsill and will fill your small room with a delightful smell.
Dos and don’ts of an indoor garden
Growing plants is a commitment, small or large, depending on the indoor plants selected. In order to successfully bring your indoor garden ideas to life, consider these dos and don’ts of an indoor garden.
Do:
Assess lighting conditions: Understand the natural light available in your space. Most plants require some level of direct sunlight, so choose plants that match the lighting conditions in your desired indoor garden rooms.
Select your plants carefully: Choosing the right plants for your garden ensures the garden is visually pleasing and easy to maintain. Consider starting with one or two plants from the list above that fit your lifestyle.
Invest in quality soil when needed: Not all plants require soil (air plants) and some may even come with soil when purchased. However, when necessary, it’s important to invest in a good potting mix suitable for your plant types. Learn more about soil types here.
Create a watering schedule: Different plants require different watering needs. Be mindful not to overwater; it’s often better to underwater than overwater. Invest in a sauce to keep under the floor or table plants to collect any access water. Also, misting often is important. Certain types of plants thrive in humidity, so spritzing your plant that requires a humid environment needs to be a priority.
Don’t:
Overcrowd plants: Leave room in between plants so they can thrive and grow. Indoor gardens lack sunlight, making it important each plant can get ample sunlight.
Tend to them too much: Too much water will drown your plant. In the same way, too much fertilizer can harm your plants. Follow recommended feeding schedules and watering schedules based on plant type.
Neglect pest control: Keep an eye out for pests. Early detection of any pesky unwanted guests can save your plants. Use natural remedies or plant-friendly bug deterrents when needed.
What if you want to grow a spice garden?
Compared to an outdoor green space, an indoor spice garden is much less difficult. Still, there are decisions to make and steps to follow to achieve success!
Step 1: Pick a location (or two!)
As all plants require at least some sunlight to grow, identify the window spaces that have the best light for the herbs you’re growing. South-facing windows offer the most sunlight during the winter, so those are the best choice for plants that grow best in tropical climates, such as thyme, basil, oregano, rosemary and bay laurel. However, herbs like mint, chives, chervil and parsley don’t require such heavy light, so nurture those near east or west-facing windows.
If you want to get really fancy try setting up grow lights for best results, especially when growing from seeds. Then, it won’t really matter where the plants are!
Step 2: Choose herbs, then purchase plants or plant seeds
Purchase plants any time of year! Pick up a few from the local nursery and consider buying more attractive containers than those plain, black plastic ones they come in. Think farmhouse chic, a la Joanna Gaines!
If planting from seed, start in spring. Buy the seeds you want, as well as a bag of seed-starting potting mix. This is very important because heavier types of potting soil aren’t good for helping the germination process.
Some people opt to start the seed-planting process in plastic trays that have a lot of individual cells. Then, transplant the sprouts into clay pots. But you can do either! Whichever container type you select, place the newly seeded containers out of direct light in a warm room. Use clear plastic to cover them until germination happens, then take the plastic off and place it in sunlight or under grow lights (preferably the latter).
Step 3: Water and fertilize
Water is another essential ingredient to herb garden success. Be careful not to add too much of a good thing, however. Do not allow the soil to get very wet. Instead, water lightly using a watering can or sprayer to keep the soil slightly moist.
Frequency of watering really depends on how quickly your plants dry out. The amount of sunlight and temperature inside the apartment affects this. Do a fingertip test to make sure each plant really needs watering before you do it.
Starting a week or so after germination, use a liquid houseplant fertilizer a couple of times a month. Follow directions accordingly.
Step 4: Harvest
Don’t cut into that brand-new plant right away! Instead, wait to start snipping until the plant is at least four to six inches tall.
To harvest, cut the outside leaves first. Use kitchen scissors or shears that are both clean and sharp. This will help the plant heal more quickly. Take care not to cut more than one-third of the plant at any given time, so that it can grow and mature at a good, strong pace.
If the plant starts to flower be sure to pinch the buds off, or else it will change from a producing plant to one that is more interested in reproduction.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Your enjoyment of these herbs is only limited by your imagination! Top your favorite dishes with fresh green onion or cilantro, or cook with sage or thyme for extra flavor. Some even go well as cocktail garnishes (mint)!
The best herbs to grow in your indoor spice garden
The great thing about growing your own herb garden is that you don’t have to plant anything that doesn’t suit your palate. Not a fan of cilantro? Don’t even bother! Put basil on everything? Plant extra!
Certain herbs are extra popular in DIY gardens. When you’re planning your garden, consider these versatile cooking herbs:
Lemongrass: Fans of Asian cuisine should definitely plant this easy to grow herb.
Parsley: This one is tricky to grow from seed, so perhaps start off with a plant, instead. Never transplant parsley from one container to another!
Rosemary: A must for soups and stews, this aromatic herb grows best in full sun.
Mint: One of the easiest to grow, mint is a great addition to just about any type of recipe.
Chives: Another on the cinch list, chives grow quickly and with little help. They make a wonderful and tasty garnish atop many dishes!
Basil: A little trickier than some herbs to grow, basil is well worth the extra effort.
FAQs: bringing your indoor garden ideas to life
Embracing your green thumb can come with some questions. Whether you’re dealing with a potted plant, living wall, trailing plants or edible greens, you’re sure to encounter a myriad of challenges and curiosities along your gardening journey. Here are the answers and tips for some challenges or questions you may encounter.
How do I know if my plant needs water?
You can test the soil with your finger. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep and if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Some plants also show signs like drooping leaves when thirsty. It’s best to google your specific plant if you’re unsure.
Do I need to repot my plants?
A good rule of thumb to follow is replacing the pot every 1-2 years. If the plant is outgrowing the pot, then a replacement pot is also necessary.
What do brown or yellow leaves mean?
Leaves that turn brown or a yellowish color are typically a sign of something wrong. Most likely, this is a sign of overwatering or underwatering. Try checking the soil moisture and adjusting your watering routine as needed. Then, trim off the affected leaves to encourage new growth.
What are some benefits of an indoor garden, beyond aesthetic appeal?
Indoor gardening can alleviate stress, enhance creativity and increase productivity. Additionally, some studies prove houseplants may have a positive impact on the air quality within your home as well.
Indoor plants will breathe new life into your place
Whether you’re moving into a small or large apartment, there are ways to breathe unique life into your space with plants. These indoor garden ideas will help you transform your living environment, making it a vibrant and refreshing oasis of greenery. Test out these numerous creative approaches to infuse your living space with the beauty and benefits of indoor gardening.
Still looking for the perfect apartment to furnish with greenery? Start and end your search with our list of apartments for rent.
Inside: Are you looking for ways to make money on the side? This guide has everything you need to know about the best side hustles for men. From turning your passion into profit with these gig ideas!
In this post, I collaborated with my husband. Together, we combined our ideas and expertise after work to generate ideas centered around how men specifically can make money. His input and insights were remarkably vital to this post.
Break free from the 9-to-5 grind and embark on a journey towards a fulfilling side hustle – it’s a game-changer for gentlemen looking to beef up their bank accounts.
In the ever-evolving landscape of side hustles, now is your year to supercharge your earnings. There’s a treasure trove of opportunities waiting for you to delve into, all while indulging in your passions. From tech-savvy endeavors to unleashing your creative genius and practical gigs that pay, our guide is here to unveil the ultimate side hustles that can set you on the path to financial triumph.
Ready to boost your income? Fantastic! You’re on the path to prosperity.
Here, we’ll explore the 40 best side hustles for men in 2024.
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
Embracing the Hustle: Why Men Should Consider Side Hustles
Side hustles are more than mere cash generators – they’re the keys to a world of freedom, flexibility, and endless growth potential.
If you’re a gentleman with a hunger for financial prosperity, a side hustle can be your golden ticket. It empowers you to call the shots and maintain your existing commitments while paving your way to success.
While women tend to lean towards side hustles for women, it’s high time for men to dive headfirst into the captivating world of side hustles!
How can a guy make extra money?
Making extra money doesn’t have to be monotonous. Whether you’re a tech whizz, an avid creator, or a hands-on worker, there’s something for you.
There are so many ways to make money. I just read this story about a college kid starting with $300 and turning his sticker side hustle into a full time business. 1
These options can yield solid income by leveraging your unique skills and interests. Want to learn more? Keep reading; we have plenty of ideas for you!
Top Side Hustles for Men
As my hubby said, extra income takes the financial strain off the normal job. With side hustles, you can choose how you want to spend your time – watching sports, playing video games, or making money.
The choice is yours!
Right now, learning to make money online for beginners is the most popular place to start.
1. Invest in Real Estate
Around here at Money Bliss, we always stress how to make your money work for you and real estate is no different.
Real estate investment is a golden opportunity that not only offers a steady income but also the potential for property value to soar. Keep in mind, that it’s a long-term game that requires a significant upfront investment.
However, there are many options like flipping properties, renting properties, or even investing through a REIT. Dive into the world of real estate to maximize your returns. Let your money do the heavy lifting for you.
2. Day Trader
Many men opt for trading stocks and options as a side hustle for several compelling reasons.
Trading offers flexibility, as your research can be done at any time, making it convenient to manage along with a nine-to-five job.
It has an immense profit potential, given the volatility and opportunities present in the global stock markets.
Many want to earn a rate of return greater than the average return of the S&P 500 – a common benchmark index for that competitor inside them.
Finally, trading presents an opportunity for continual learning and development, as successful trading requires staying updated with financial news, stock apps, market analysis, and economic trends, thereby enhancing one’s financial literacy.
Trade & Travel
Learn to trade stocks with confidence.
Whether you want to:
Retire in peace without financial anxiety
Pay your bills without taking on a side hustle
Quit your 9-5 and do what you love
Or just make more than your current income….
Making $1,000 every.single.day is NOT a pie-in-the-sky goal.
It’s been done over and over again, and the 30,000 students that Teri has helped to be financially independent and fulfill their financial dreams are my witnesses…
3. Become an Umpire or Referee
Sports fans, here’s your calling! Transform your passion into a profitable part-time gig by becoming a sports referee.
There is a HUGE shortage of umpires and referees.2 Rates per game can range from $20 to $60, and over time, you can earn even more as you referee older leagues. Plus many leagues are paying more to incentivize refs to come back to the fields.
Not only does it assure good pay, but it also lets you enjoy your favorite sport, exercise, and create exhilarating moments. Check it at your local club or league for training and to get started today.
This is something my brother-in-law did all the time and easily made 200 dollars a day.
4. Participate In Medical Studies
If adding to medical knowledge interests you while earning, consider participating in clinical trials.
Compensation depends on various factors like the study’s length and complexity. You can earn $50 to $300 a day!
It’s worth considering if you’re comfortable with potential risks and lengthy commitments. Websites like ClinicalTrials.gov or your local hospital could help you get started. It’s a unique way of contributing to medical research while making money. Do check the risks before diving in!
5. Moving and Heavy Item Delivery
Feel like adding some muscle? Moving and heavy item delivery might be your perfect hustle. If you’ve got a buddy, a solid back, and a truck (or can rent one), this is the gig.
You could easily earn about $20-$25 an hour helping people move houses or delivering large items. Opt for evening or weekend gigs to fit around your day job.
Get started by advertising your services or using apps like TaskRabbit or NextDoor. An excellent way to stay fit and earn some extra dollars at the same time!
6. Rent Out Your Extra Room
Do you have a spare room? Then, transform that neglected space into a cash cow.
Airbnb or VRBO can help you lease it out to travelers. Its user-friendly platform lets you manage rentals with aplomb. Plus, you get the chance to grow into a SuperHost.
Another option is to look at investing in a duplex where you live on one side and rent out the other.
7. Woodworking
This takes a special talent like my father-in-law had. He and his boys were known for crafting Adirondacks chairs, bedroom furniture, and patio tables.
So, if you have this woodworking knack, then this side hustle could be a golden ticket. The key to success is to perfect your craft to a few select items to be efficient with your time, so, you can better the profit. Let your handyman skills shine and earn you some extra cash!
The average earnings of a woodworking side hustle in the U.S. can range from approximately $500 to $3,000 or more per month, depending on factors such as the complexity of projects and marketing efforts.
8. Beekeeping
Honey, take note! If you’re not deterred by bees and are interested in agriculture, try your hand at beekeeping. This might be a family affair – like my daughter’s soccer coach.
Honey sells for around $20 a pound, and bees virtually do all the work! Plus, you contribute to pollination and the environment.
Combined with pest control services (like removing large nests), you can amplify your earnings. However, getting comfortable with bees might take time. But, once you do, the sticky sweet liquid gold that is raw honey could put a sizeable amount of money in your pocket.
9. Detail Cars
If you have a passion for cars and cleanliness, consider detailing cars as your side hustle. There’s something gratifying about transforming a dusty vehicle into a sparkling gem.
Depending on the quality of your service, you can earn up to $500 in a single weekend! Start by experimenting with your own car and build a portfolio to attract customers.
You’ll need tools like a good shop vacuum and detailing brushes. I have seen plenty of men showcasing their work on social media with before-and-after photos. Polish those wheels and drive towards profit!
10. Landscaping Side Hustle
Armed with green fingers? Eager to perform hard physical labor? Then a side gig in landscaping can do wonders for your wallet.
From regular lawn care to fall leaf cleanup to full-on backyard redesigns, there’s something for everyone. Look to websites like Lawn Love to match you with your first clients.
Potential income for this venture depends on how many hours of your time you are willing to trade.
11. Drive for Ridesharing Apps
Like to drive? Awesome, do it for cash! Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft got you covered.
Be your boss, and work on your terms.
You need to make sure you have a nice car, proper insurance, and learn the busiest routes to maximize your earnings. Do pay heed to your vehicle’s wear and tear, though. However, this is one of the jobs that pay weekly.
12. Snow Plowing
Living in a snowy region? Consider snow plowing. This is a quick way to make money! I can attest to my kids quickly making $200+ a day from snow shoveling.
Even better is to have business clients that need this service. As such, all you need is a reliable truck or SUV with four-wheel drive and a snowplow. Plus, you can upsell by offering extra services like salting and hand shoveling.
This lucrative side gig can result in you earning thousands each winter. It’s an opportunity to put your vehicle to good use and tackle Mother Nature for a handsome payout.
16. Knife Sharpening
If you have a knack for precision and patience, knife sharpening could be a rewarding side hustle. Businesses like restaurants butcheries, and home cooks are potential clients.
All you need is a quality knife sharpening setup and knowledge of the right techniques. Advertising your services on social media can help bring in customers. Who knew such an unusual skill could be so profitable?!
17. Plasma Donation Centers
While this one is probably more geared to side hustles for college students have you ever considered donating plasma for cash?
You help others, and it earns you up to $500 a month. It’s a generous deed with a minimal time commitment.
Search for “where to sell plasma in [your city]where to sell plasma in [your city]” to get started. Remember, most places have similar requirements to blood donation and may require a short medical screening first.
18. Bookkeeping
Good with numbers? Have an eye for detail? Look into bookkeeping.
Services like generating invoices, managing accounts payable, and preparing tax returns are always in demand. Overhead costs are low as you only need a computer and accounting software. Plus, payment is high at around $50 per hour!
For most bookkeepers, referrals are their bread and butter. To start out check the local Chamber of Commerce to start meeting other business people.
Turn your love for crunching numbers into a lucrative side hustle.
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19. White Label Software
Dip your toes into software reselling by using white-label software. This is great for someone who is good with technology and understands SaaS. However, no coding or IT background is necessary.
All you need to do is buy “seats” of an existing software at a wholesale rate, then resell them at retail.
Use any software name or category on Google and add “White Label” at the end to find options. Build a website, market your product, and start earning by becoming a digital intermediary! Start earning by becoming a digital middleman!
20. Work as a Translator
In the United States, nearly 20% of the population, roughly 67.8 million people, speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic being the most prevalent.3 If you’re fluent in another language, this opens doors to flexible and potentially lucrative side hustle in translation and interpretation.
Earnings in the language translation side hustle can fluctuate based on the client’s requirements and your preferences. For instance, you might find translation opportunities on platforms like Freelancer.com offering rates of up to $60 per hour, while translators on Fiverr can charge as much as $125 per project.
21. Pallet Flipping
Are you inclined towards an entrepreneurial middleman ship? Pallet flipping could be your ticket to substantial income.
This is similar to buying storage units unseen and flipping for a profit. With pallet flipping, the process involves buying and reselling pallets of customer returns, overstocked items, or unsold merchandise, often from major online platforms. Connect businesses that need pallets to ship their products with those looking to get rid of them.
Whether you start small or aim high, scalability and considerable earnings are within reach. Check out this Pallet Flipping book to get started.
22. Help Others Write Resumes
If you have a talent for crafting impressive resumes, there’s a lucrative side hustle waiting for you. Job seekers are constantly looking for professionals who can help them stand out in the competitive job market.
According to our research, professionals skilled in resume writing can start charging for their services on platforms like Fiverr, often earning anywhere from $50 to $150 per resume service including cover letters and LinkedIn profiles.
Mastering the art of creating effective resumes, including understanding industry-specific keywords, is the secret sauce to success in this field. By assisting others with their career aspirations, you can collect a decent income while making a meaningful impact on their job prospects.
This is also a popular digital product to sell on Etsy.
Earn More Writing
You can make money as a freelance writer.
Learn techniques to find those jobs and earn the kind of money you deserve!
Plus get tips to land your first freelance writing gig!
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23. Laundromat
Here’s an unconventional yet profitable idea – owning a laundromat! It’s an already profitable model (as it has been around for years) and most processes are automated.
Integrating some digital marketing skills and making tweaks like improving your online presence could earn you significant profit. But be aware, that this does involve an initial investment. Scope out opportunities to buy a laundromat near you.
Also, another trend is starting a laundry business where you take care of others’ laundry needs. Who would have thought laundry could be so rewarding?
24. Start a Consulting Side Hustle
Do you have expertise in a specific area? Consider starting a consulting side hustle.
Consulting is often about solving problems and providing strategies. Whether you’re skilled in marketing, HR, tech, or any other field, your knowledge can be valuable to businesses. Use your existing network to start and gradually grow your client base.
With the right marketing and a robust network, consulting can be highly rewarding. Honestly, this is a popular job after retirement for many. So why wait? Start monetizing your wisdom today!
25. Furniture Flipping
Ever heard of furniture flipping? It’s about buying used furniture at low prices, revamping it, and selling it for a profit.
Furniture flippers can be a goldmine especially if you know what to look for. Unearth the potential in old furniture and flip it into a profit with this artistic hustle.
You can source items from yard sales, flea markets, or online. Sanding and repainting can transform items into showpieces. This gig is perfect if you love hands-on projects that require creativity and patience. Remember, a great photo makes the sale for your final piece!
26. Walk Dogs
Dog lovers, rejoice! Here’s the perfect gig for you – dog walking. If you love playing with our furry friends and love the outdoors, why not get paid for it?
Apps like Rover can connect you with dog owners in your area in need of walking services. Dog walking can fetch (pun intended!) you around $10–$18 per walk. If you’re passionate about spending time with fidos, this side hustle is a pleasure that pays!
Rover
Get paid to play with pets!
Rover makes it easy and promotes you to the nation’s largest network of pet owners.
Earn money doing something you love.
Become a Sitter
27. Find Odd Jobs in Your Area
Not afraid to roll up your sleeves? Awesome! Odd jobs can be a treasure trove of opportunities.
Think yard work or furniture assembly. Seek out these gigs on platforms like TaskRabbit, Nextdoor, Craigslist, or Fiverr, and a few hours of work can earn you a tidy sum. It’s the perfect hustle for those in search of quick cash injections!
TaskRabbit
Find local jobs that fit your skills and schedule.
With TaskRabbit, you have the freedom and support to be your own boss.
Plus set your own rates!
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28. Photographer
Are you skilled at capturing beautiful moments? Turn your passion into a lucrative side hustle by becoming a photographer.
With average rates of earning 500 dollars per day, your earnings could easily surpass those of a full-time job. You can explore areas like wedding photography, senior photos, or commercial product photography.
The best way to gain clients is through referrals or a fundraiser. Grab your professional camera and start capturing memorable moments while boosting your income. Focus your lens and let your creativity shine!
29. Unusual Rentals
Get creative! As this man demonstrated, unconventional rentals like a power washer can earn you thousands of dollars every month. 4
You can rent out spaces like your garage, or backyard to pet owners, or even invest in items like portable hot tubs or bounce houses. Platforms like Airbnb, Sniffspot, Vrbo, and Neighbor can help you get started.
Your unused space or items can transform into extraordinary sources of income. Dive into the world of rentals and unveil massive profits!
30. Cryptocurrency
Crypto investment is a popular side hustle that can yield incredible returns (and significant losses).
However, keep in mind that the cryptocurrency market is volatile, and you should only risk what you can afford to lose.
Crypto is not for the faint-hearted, but with the potential for high returns, it could be your golden opportunity.
31. Teach Music Classes
Do you possess a hidden musical talent? Then, teach music class!
With countless adults and children seeking music lessons, you can make good money sharing your skills. Offer piano lessons, guitar instruction, drumming, or any instrument you excel in. You can use platforms like Skillshare or provide private lessons.
On average, music instructors can charge anywhere from $40 to $100 or more per hour for online lessons depending on how advanced the lessons are. Sharing your passion for music while making money sounds like music to the ears, doesn’t it?
32. Sell on eBay
Have you ever visited a garage sale? Turn those finds into a profitable hustle by selling on eBay. eBay is an excellent platform for selling a wide range of items.
Some personal successes include flipping items like electronics, old iPods and iPhones, sneakers, and furniture. Successful eBay selling boils down to recognizing profitable items and securing a bargain purchase.
Are you ready to flip and fill your wallet with extra cash? You could sell on Facebook Marketplace, too.
33. Reselling on Amazon
Reselling products on Amazon is the trend of the hour. Scout for items cheaper in your area than online, including toys, limited edition shoes, or seasonal delicacies.
Consider trying dropshipping to curate your product lineup without worrying about inventory. Armed with just an Amazon seller account and a keen eye for trends, you can dive into this lucrative venture!
34. Start A Freelance Business
Have niche skills? Time to cash them in by freelancing. This is a booming market.
Bid on projects that resonate with your skill set: graphics, writing, social media management, website design – you name it! Going freelance offers flexibility, and autonomy and can bring in some serious cash.
Be sure to create a compelling portfolio to attract clients and make sure you have solid reviews.
35. Play Games Online
Game on, fellas! Who said you can’t turn your gaming hobby into a money-making machine?
You can pocket money by playing games like Blackout Bingo and Solitaire Cube.
Just remember you can win real money, but you can suffer losses as well. Also, be sure to check if cash tournaments are available in your region.
36. Watch Videos Online
Do you enjoy watching videos? You can earn while indulging in your favorite pastime! Platforms like InboxDollars and MyPoints offer cash rewards for watching videos. Plus, you can claim a $5 sign-up bonus on InboxDollars.
While the earning potential might be relatively low, it’s a seamless background activity. You can make money while relaxing on the couch. So, why not unwind with your favorite video content and get paid for it?
Inbox Dollars
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37. Start a Podcast
Do you have a passion for conversation? Starting a podcast is not just about speaking your mind; it’s a captivating path to potential profit.
With over 177 million podcast listeners in the U.S. alone, your words have a vast audience waiting to tune in.5
Dive into topics like BBQ techniques, current events, or life’s twists and turns, and you might be surprised to know that top podcasters earn money with sponsorships.
38. Delivery Gigs
Do you love driving, but want to limit contact with people? Consider delivery gigs.
Food delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart can pad your wallet. You can make deliveries on your schedule while retaining control over when and where you work.
These gigs typically pay $15 to $20 per hour, plus tips. Some companies even allow bicycle deliveries for a bit of exercise. Deliver your way to financial success with this flexible side hustle.
39. Start a YouTube Channel
Do you have a passion for digital creativity? Consider starting a YouTube channel – the “king of side hustles.”
Use your unique perspective to engage viewers, whether through personal vlogs, tech reviews, or evergreen content. The potential is boundless.
YouTubers earn money from ad revenue and sponsorships. With a staggering number of users on YouTube, why not tap into this vast audience?
Established channels can rake in thousands per video. However, remember that channel success hinges on content quality, relevance, and consistency. Get behind the camera and share your creativity with the world!
40. Freelance Writing
If you have a way with words, freelance writing is an attractive side hustle. Typically, writing is the most sought-after freelance service.
You can choose from various writing niches, including copywriting, blog writing, ebook, social media content creation, or creating detailed reports. Impress clients with samples of your best work.
For many, this was the first step before they went into to the world of blogging.
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You can make money as a freelance writer.
Learn techniques to find those jobs and earn the kind of money you deserve!
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42. Take Online Surveys
Have some free time and a reliable internet connection? Consider taking online surveys.
Websites like Swagbucks, Panel Place, or Survey Junkie are on the lookout for your opinions. It’s simple: sign up, share thoughts, and cash out! Look out for the highest-paying survey sites to maximize your profits.
Taking online surveys can typically amount to around $50 to $200 per month, depending on the frequency and length of surveys taken.
While it won’t make you a fortune, it’s an easy way to make a couple extra bucks during downtime. Start voicing your opinions for money today!
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43. Find a Flexible Part-Time Job
Finally, a part-time job can provide a steady cash stream.
Right now, you can find hiring signs everywhere! This is a great way to trade your time and make a little bit over minimum wage.
Apply to those vacant positions now, and sail towards extra cash!
Striking the Balance: Juggling Regular Jobs and Hustles
This is where my husband is always the most concerned because juggling your full-time job along with your side hustle can be tricky. Even more so, if you have a family.
The key is to create a feasible schedule that allows you to manage both without affecting the quality of work.
Keeping a time log can help identify how you can spare time for your hustle. Remember, side hustles should not hinder your regular job.
The goal is to make extra money, but not lose precious time with your family, so you must strike that balance for a smooth side-hustling journey. It’s all about dedication, time management, and commitment.
Now, are you ready to toss that juggling ball up in the air?
Frequently Asked Questions about Side Hustles
Personally, we feel the most profitable side hustles for men is real estate investment, followed closely by trading stocks and options.
These side hustles have a higher amount of money needed to start investing. So, we decided to consider your skills and interests to make a big impact now.
Making an extra $2000 a month is a game of adopting multiple hustles or honing in and being successful with one.
More importantly, it’s all about identifying your strengths, and interests and leveraging opportunities from there. Keep grinding, and you’ll find that fortune favoring your extra efforts!
Earning an extra $1000 a month might seem daunting, but it’s definitely achievable. Combining side hustles like driving for DoorDash, medical research studies, and flipping items can help you hit that target. Remember, the key lies in maximizing your skills, and efficiency, and choosing the right hustles. Embark on your side-hustling journey today and watch as your bank account flourishes!
Which Side Hustle for Guys Do You Like?
Now that we’ve explored these exciting side hustle opportunities, it’s time for you to take action. Which one resonates with you the most?
To truly excel in the world of side hustles, it’s crucial to approach your ventures with the right mindset. Your skills, hobbies, and interests should align with your chosen hustle, ensuring that you’re not just chasing dollars but pursuing something that genuinely excites you.
Remember that side hustles require time, commitment, and sometimes an upfront investment. The higher you’re willing to climb, the better your view (and the payouts) will be!
Don’t wait any longer. Start your side hustle journey today, and unlock the door to financial freedom and personal fulfillment.
Source
CNBC. “21-year-old spent $300 to start his sticker side hustle—now it brings in up to $38,000 a day: I was ‘unprepared’ to go viral.” https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/30/how-sticker-side-hustle-invalid-jp-went-tiktok-viral-became-lucrative.html. Accessed October 30, 2023.
CBS News, “Youth sports referee shortage grows amid aggression from parents, coaches.” https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/youth-sports-referee-shortage-grows-amid-aggression-from-parents-coaches/. Accessed October 30, 2023.
Census.gov. “Nearly 68 Million People Spoke a Language Other Than English at Home in 2019.” https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/12/languages-we-speak-in-united-states.html. Accessed October 30, 2023.
Express. “‘Anyone can do it’ Man shares unusual way to make money without leaving home.” https://www.express.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/1623166/money-making-tips-earn-from-home-fat-llama. Accessed October 30, 2023.
Exploding Topics. “Number of Podcast Listeners.” https://explodingtopics.com/blog/podcast-listeners. Accessed October 30, 2023.
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The Second City will take first place in your heart.
Chicago, often referred to as the “Windy City,” stands as the most populous city in Illinois, the third-largest by population in the U.S. and one of the most significant in terms of culture, amenities and overall influence. It’s home to comedy clubs where famous entertainers like Tina Fey and Steve Carell got their start. Because it’s the birthplace of some of the nation’s most diverse and storied architecture, moving to Chicago will give you iconic images such as the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), Tribune Tower and the Cloud Gate sculpture within reach of your apartment.
Plus, the vibrant sports scene in Chicago offers you both the Chicago Cubs to the Chicago White Sox, leading to some interesting debates among fellow Major League Baseball enthusiasts. In basketball, the Chicago Bulls often dominate United Center, and hockey fans can cheer for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Yet, Chicago offers much more than just its well-known landmarks, attractions, sports and deep-dish pizza. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its unique character and claims to fame.
To provide you with a glimpse of the city overall, here are some essential data points:
Population: Approximately 2,700,000
Population density (people per square mile): Around 11,800
Median income: $63,153
Average studio rent: $1,800
Average one-bedroom rent: $2,200
Average two-bedroom rent: $2,800
Cost of living index: 115
These statistics should give you a better understanding of Chicago’s demographic and economic landscape as you consider your move. But they’re only the beginning to truly understand what it feels like to live in Second City. Let’s keep going.
Chicago neighborhoods to explore
Chicago has often been called a “city of neighborhoods” for its diverse communities. The city’s extensive transit system seamlessly connects these unique pockets of culture and community, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to explore the richness of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Here are just a few of our favorite ‘hoods to kickstart your exploration:
Pilsen
Nestled in the heart of the city’s Lower West Side, Pilsen is a neighborhood that wears its Mexican heritage proudly. The streets are adorned with colorful murals and vibrant storefronts, creating an atmosphere that transports you to another world. This neighborhood is known for its welcoming community and delicious Mexican cuisine.
Top Pilsen apartments:
Wicker Park
Located to the northwest of downtown Chicago, West Town’s historic Wicker Park is a bustling enclave of creativity and artistic expression. Its streets are lined with trendy boutiques, hip cafes and art galleries. Wicker Park is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the city’s alternative culture and enjoy a thriving music scene.
Top Wicker Park apartments:
Lincoln Park
With its leafy streets and historic brownstones, Lincoln Park offers a taste of classic Chicago charm. Named for Chicago’s most heavily used park, this North Side neighborhood is home to the city’s eponymous park, a sprawling green oasis along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Here, you can explore the Lincoln Park Zoo, soak in scenic lake views, and visit the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.
Top Lincoln Park apartments:
Hyde Park
Situated on Chicago’s South Side, Hyde Park is a neighborhood steeped in history and academia. It’s home to the University of Chicago, which has a stunning campus reminiscent of a European village. Hyde Park’s cultural offerings include the Museum of Science and Industry, as well as beautiful lakeside parks like Promontory Point.
Top Hyde Park apartments:
Logan Square
If you’re seeking a neighborhood that exudes creativity and a vibrant arts scene, look no further than Logan Square. Located on the city’s Northwest Side, it’s known for its artistic community, craft breweries and an array of eclectic restaurants. The historic boulevards and the iconic Logan Square Monument add to the neighborhood’s unique character.
Top Logan Square apartments and rental houses:
Pros and cons of Chicago living
This bustling metropolis nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan offers a unique blend of advantages and drawbacks for those considering calling it home.
Pros:
See why life is good for those living in America’s third-largest city.
Cultural diversity and the food scene
Chicago is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. It’s a city that celebrates its immigrant history, resulting in a vibrant tapestry of languages, cuisines and lifestyles. From the lively neighborhoods of Pilsen and Chinatown to the historic communities of Ukrainian Village and Little Italy, Chicago offers endless opportunities to immerse yourself in different cultures.
Public transportation much better than national average
Chicagoans enjoy a robust public transit system, making it easy to navigate the city without the need for a car. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates an extensive network of buses and “L” trains that connect various neighborhoods. This accessible and affordable transportation system helps reduce the hassle of daily commuting.
Cultural attractions
Chicago boasts world-class cultural institutions. The Art Institute of Chicago houses an extensive art collection, while the Museum of Science and Industry offers interactive exhibits. The city also features renowned theaters like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, ensuring there’s always something to do for culture enthusiasts.
Lakefront beauty
Chicago’s stunning lakefront, with its picturesque parks and beaches, provides a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle. Whether you’re strolling along the Lakefront Trail, lounging at North Avenue Beach or enjoying the greenery of Grant Park, you can always find a tranquil spot to unwind.
Cons:
No place is perfect. Make sure these potential cons aren’t dealbreakers for you if you’re planning on moving to Chicago.
Cost of living
Chicago has a relatively high cost of living. Rent, groceries and other daily expenses can add up quickly. While it may not be as expensive as some other major cities like New York — in fact, it’s about 45% lower — newcomers should be prepared for the financial challenges of funding life in a major metropolitan area.
Just how high is Chicago’s cost of living? Though not Willis Tower high, expect to pay nearly 20% extra than the national median. According to Redfin, “the cost of living is 19% higher than the national average. Housing costs in particular are 50% more than the national average… Additionally, everyday expenses such as groceries, transportation and healthcare are generally pricier in the city.”
Crowded areas
Chicago is a densely populated city, especially in neighborhoods like the Loop and River North. During peak hours, crowded streets and packed public transportation can be a common occurrence. Opting for less densely populated neighborhoods like Hyde Park or Lincoln Square can offer a bit more breathing room.
Urban realities
Living in a big city like Chicago comes with the typical challenges of noise, congestion and a fast-paced lifestyle. For those accustomed to smaller towns or quieter environments, the bustling streets and constant activity of the city may require an adjustment period. And as anyone who migrates to this city might tell you, traffic here carries its own set of challenges.
The Windy City offers a diverse and dynamic urban experience with its own set of advantages and challenges. It’s a city where culture thrives, public transportation excels and beautiful lakefront escapes await, but it also demands adaptation to a higher cost of living and the realities of big-city life. Visiting Chicago and exploring its neighborhoods can help you determine if this dynamic city is the right place for you to call home.
Cold winters and other unpredictable weather
Living in Chicago can be a rewarding experience, but its cold, harsh winters and unpredictable weather can be a notable drawback. Winters in the Windy City are characterized by bone-chilling temperatures, heavy snowfall and biting winds that can make daily life challenging, and frosty breezes from both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan only compound the issue.
These unpredictable weather patterns can make planning outdoor activities or even just daily routines a bit of a gamble, with sudden temperature fluctuations and unexpected storms keeping residents on their toes. While Chicago offers many attractions and a vibrant culture, its winters and weather can be a formidable con for those who prefer milder climates.
Ready to feel the Midwestern warmth of the Windy City?
Are you contemplating a move to the vibrant and iconic city of Chicago? If so, you’re embarking on a journey that promises an array of opportunities and experiences that are truly second to none.
Chicago, renowned for its stunning skyline, diverse neighborhoods and rich cultural and architectural heritage, is an exceptional place to call home. Are you ready to pack your bags? Take a look at our Chicago apartments for rent.
The rent information included in this article is used for illustrative purposes only. The data contained herein do not constitute financial advice or a pricing guarantee for any apartment.