Dulles International Airport (IAD) is one of three airports servicing the U.S. capital. It is situated about 26 miles outside Washington, D.C., in the Northern Virginia suburbs.
Compared to its counterpart in Virginia, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles’ footprint is at least 12 times larger, sitting on more than 11,000 acres.
Washington-Dulles is known for its vast international flight options, for being a major United Airlines hub, and for its iconic main terminal, designed by well-known architect Eero Saarinen (the same architect who brought the New York-JFK terminal that’s now the TWA hotel to life).
Washington-Dulles is comprised of a main terminal building which features ticketing, security and a small set of “Z” gates, plus baggage claim and customs on the bottom floor.
There are two separate midfield terminals that run parallel to the main terminal: one long building housing the A and B concourses, and another housing the C and D concourses.
Map of IAD terminals
Dulles Airport main terminal
The Washington-Dulles main terminal building is the immediately-recognizable structure most people think of when picturing the airport, with its vaulted ceiling and all-glass facade.
Inside, the building is huge, spanning 1.1 million square feet, and is close to a quarter-mile in length.
The main terminal is divided two floors: departures upstairs and arrivals downstairs.
Upper level
Inside the main terminal on the upper level, there are four large islands with ticket counters for domestic and international airlines.
All passengers pass through security in the main terminal, so if you’re a Clear member, you’ll be able to use the service no matter which airline you’re flying.
The standard TSA checkpoint is downstairs.
Once you pass through security, you’ll catch the Aerotrain or people movers to your specific departure terminal.
Downstairs
Downstairs on the arrivals level is baggage claim with 15 carousels, as well as the airport’s customs facilities, which include Global Entry access.
Food options
Pre-security: Cafe Americana, District Chophouse, Capitol Gounds Coffee.
Retail
International Currency Exchange, Dulles Gourmet Market.
Lounges
The main terminal building houses a brand new Capital One Lounge just beyond the TSA PreCheck lanes.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
NerdWallet Rating
Annual fee
$395
Transportation
Since Dulles operates out of three main terminal buildings, travelers have to take transportation to move between each.
Aerotrain
The most convenient option is the Washington-Dulles Aerotrain, an automated train system that runs between a few of the terminals. It’s usually a quick ride, with a maximum of two minutes between stations.
You can take the Aerotrain if you have a flight in the A gates, B gates or C gates. However, note that it is a decent walk from the station to the C gates.
People movers
One of Dulles’ best-known quirks is its “mobile lounges,” or “people movers.” These Star Wars-esque machines haven’t entirely been phased out with the Aerotrain.
Inside, the people movers feel like a combination of a waiting room and a bus, and they take passengers from one terminal to another.
You’ll typically ride the people movers if you’re:
Flying out of the D gates (one of United’s concourses).
Connecting between United’s D gates and Terminal A (gates A1A through A6F).
Arriving on an international flight to get to the customs area in the main terminal.
Passenger walkway
If you’d rather get some steps in, there’s also a 1,000-foot underground pedestrian walkway that connects the main terminal with Concourse B, featuring moving sidewalks in both directions.
Dulles Terminal A
Airlines
United (regional United Express flights, gates A1A through A6F).
International airlines occupy the main portion of terminal.
Lounges
Air France Lounge, near gate A20.
Open daily from 10:30 a.m. until last flight
Priority Pass eligible.
Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, across from gate A32
Open starting around four hours before Virgin Atlantic flights.
Priority Pass eligible.
Other amenities
Food and beverage
Jersey Mike’s Subs.
Smashburger.
Starbucks.
Extreme Pita.
Cacao Chaser.
Capitol City Ink.
Duty Free America.
Gen X Wireless.
Hudson News.
International Currency Exchange.
Souvenir Library.
Terminal B
Airlines
American Airlines.
Delta Air Lines.
Southwest Airlines.
International carriers like Aer Lingus, ANA, Lufthana, TAP Air Portugal and others.
Lounges
British Airways Lounge, located near Aerotrain station: Open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Lufthansa Business Lounge, located across from gates B49 and B51: Open 1:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Priority Pass eligible.
Turkish Airlines Lounge, located next to gate B43: Open 7:15 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. Priority Pass eligible.
Other amenities
Food and beverage
Bracket Room.
Capitol Grounds Coffee.
Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
Chick-fil-a,
Commanders Burgundy & Gold Club.
DC-3 Hot Dog Joint.
Five Guys.
Peet’s Coffee.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop.
Vino Volo.
Wendy’s.
Cacao Chaser.
Chanel & Christian Dior.
DC Marketplace.
Duty Free Americas.
Eden’s Boutique.
Estée Lauder / M.A.C. Flag World.
Gen X Wireless.
Montblanc.
Ralph Lauren Polo.
See’s Candies.
Stellar News.
Sunglass Hut.
Travel Tech.
Vera Bradley.
Vineyard Vines.
Washingtonian.
Terminal C
Airlines
Lounges
United has four lounges in Concourse C:
A United Club near gate C4: Open 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. daily.
A United Club near gate C7: Open 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.
A United Club near gate C17: Open 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.
Other amenities
Food and beverage
Au Bon Pain.
Auntie Annie’s.
Be Right Burger.
Chef Geoff’s.
Devil’s Backbone Taproom.
Starbucks.
Brookstone.
Capitol City Ink.
Duty Free Americas
Hudson News.
International Currency Exchange
Terminal D
Airlines
Lounges
United Club near gate D8: Open 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
Food and beverage
Bistro Atelier.
Dulles Gourmet Market.
Pizza Hut.
Rusty Taco.
Starbucks.
Duty Free Americas.
Forbes News.
International Currency Exchange.
NBC4 Travel Store.
A ‘bonus’ concourse of sorts, Dulles has a small handful of Z gates located in the main terminal building. A mix of airlines service these gates, and the only food and beverage options are Dunkin and Subway.
Washington-Dulles has several parking options. The priciest are right near the terminal and in garages, and the most affordable is a cheaper, satellite economy lot requiring a shuttle. You can reserve your parking online or take your chances of finding a free spot at the airport.
Terminal parking
Located just in front of terminal.
$29 per day or $6 per hour.
Follow covered walkway to terminal (brief walk).
There’s an additional “Valet” parking option for $39 per day that allows convenient pickup in front of the terminal parking lot for ultra convenience.
Garage 1 or Garage 2 Parking
Parking garage close to terminal.
$21 per day or $6 per hour.
Walk to the terminal via an underground or covered pedestrian walkway or take a shuttle.
Garage 2 is the most convenient for international departures.
Economy parking
Satellite parking lot.
$14 per day.
Shuttle service runs every 15 minutes. Give yourself at least 15 minutes of travel time to the terminal.
Rental cars
To get to and from the rental car facilities, you’ll have to take one of the airport’s free shuttle buses, a few minutes’ ride.
Dulles has most major rental car companies, including:
Enterprise.
Washington Metro Access
Dulles has direct access to the Washington Metro system via the Silver Line station. It’s located opposite the main terminal, across the terminal parking parking facilities. You’ll take an underground path with moving walkways to get to the Silver Line station.
From there, you can catch a Metro train that will take you through Tyson’s Corner, and eventually through Rosslyn and into downtown D.C. Metro’s trip planner shows it’s a ride of more than 50 minutes to Metro Center, a key connecting station in downtown D.C.
Check Metro’s website for information on hours of operation and fares.
Uber/Lyft from Dulles
Customers hoping to use a rideshare service like Uber and Lyft when they get off the airplane can be picked up on the arrivals level outside baggage claim outside Doors 2, 4 and 6.
(Top photo courtesy of Sean Cudahy)
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
For some people, freelancing is the way they earn their living, relishing the freedom and flexibility of this type of work. For others, it’s a smart way to bring in some income in addition to a salary. Regardless of whether you’re managing your freelance business as a full-time endeavor or a side hustle, one fact is true: You’ve got to pay taxes on your earnings.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the steps to take in your situation, including:
• How do you pay taxes as a freelancer?
• Why are freelance taxes higher?
• What are some ways to reduce taxable income?
• What deductions should freelancers take?
• What should freelancers know about tax refunds?
How Taxes for Freelancers Are Different
The first thing to note is that taxes for freelancers are notably different in two major ways: Freelancers pay a larger percentage of their income (because of self-employment tax), and they’ve got to make estimated tax payments every quarter.
What Is Self-Employment Tax?
For the 2023 tax year, self-employment tax is 15.3%. That’s 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare.
That doesn’t mean that’s all that freelancers pay. Self-employment tax is what freelancers pay on top of regular income taxes. The percentage you pay in income taxes depends on what tax bracket you’re in but can range from 10% to 37%.
Why do freelancers pay a self-employment tax? When you’re an employee for a business who receives a W-2 form, your company pays some taxes for you.
But if you’re a freelancer — whether a writer, photographer, dog walker, or consultant — your clients don’t pay any taxes for you, so you’ve got to pick up the slack.
And don’t forget: You may also have to pay state and local taxes, depending on where you live.
What Are Quarterly Taxes?
Most people think of April 15 as the dreaded Tax Day for all Americans, when they have to pay their taxes. But taxes aren’t actually due on April 15: They’re due when you earn the money.
That’s why employers withhold taxes from every paycheck. Tax season is just that special time where the IRS wants you to go over the numbers and make sure the right amount was withheld — and pay up if you actually owe more. (Or, if you overpaid, file your return to claim a refund.)
But since taxes aren’t withheld when freelancers earn revenue from clients, the government expects freelancers to make quarterly tax payments throughout the year.
Freelancers have two options:
1. Pay 100% of the taxes they owed the prior year, split over four payments.
2. Pay 90% of the taxes they’ll owe for the current year, split over four payments.
Note that these percentages may be different if you’re a farmer, fisherman, or high-income earner.
Estimated taxes are among the most complicated parts of being a freelancer, and you can face underpayment penalties if you don’t send Uncle Sam your fair share throughout the years.
You can check out the IRS’s guidelines for estimated taxes , but a tax professional may be worth the cost if you’re confused.
💡 Quick Tip: Typically, checking accounts don’t earn interest. However, some accounts do, and online banks are more likely than brick-and-mortar banks to offer you the best rates.
Paying Taxes as a Freelancer
Now that you understand that freelancers must pay more in taxes and that they need to keep track of more tax deadlines, consider the actual process for freelancer tax filing.
Here’s how to pay freelance taxes in five steps.
1. Determine If You Have to Pay Freelancer Income Tax
First and foremost, it’s a good idea to make sure you actually have to pay freelancer taxes. If you fit the bill of the IRS’s definition of an independent contractor, you’ll have to file as a freelancer and will be subject to self-employment taxes.
The IRS says you’re an independent contractor “if the payer has the right to control or direct only the result of the work and not what will be done and how it will be done.”
It’s a rather broad designation and might fit traditional freelance gigs like writers and graphic designers, but it can also apply to app-based workers, like drivers for Uber and Lyft, and even doctors, lawyers, and veterinarians.
Even if you receive a W-2 from an employer but made other revenue on the side, you’re still subject to freelancer income taxes — and must make estimated payments on that income.
2. Calculate How Much You Earned
As a freelancer, you may receive 1099-NECs from clients for the work you do, detailing just how much money you made from them (as long as you made $600 or more).
Even if you don’t receive a 1099, you still have to report any income you made on your tax return. This means paying taxes if you are paid on Venmo or another platform versus by check or a direct deposit.
If you don’t declare the income, you’re committing tax fraud — and the IRS can find out during an audit.
You may want to use a tax preparation checklist to help you organize these materials. You might start by compiling all your 1099-NECs and any other income forms, including 1099-INTs, 1099-Ks, 1099-MISCs, and W-2s, and then input them on your tax return or into your tax software. If you have additional income not represented by any forms, you’ll be able to report that as well.
3. Compile Your Business Expenses
As a freelancer, you can deduct genuine business expenses from your taxable income. The more expenses you have, the lower your adjusted gross income — and the less you have to pay in taxes.
These are called tax deductions. Many tax filers choose to take the standard deduction: $13,850 for single people or married individuals filing separately and $27,700 for married couples filing jointly. However, freelancers with a lot of business expenses might earn a larger deduction by itemizing all their business expense deductions.
Common Tax Deductions for Freelancers
Business expenses can vary significantly depending on the kind of work you do, but you may be able to to use some of these freelancer tax deductions, like:
• A portion of your rent or mortgage (your home office deduction)
• Phone and internet bills
• Any computer and software expenses
• Automotive expenses, including miles on your car when used for business (and only for business)
• Office supplies
• Travel expenses
• Marketing and advertising expenses
• Continuing education
Freelancers may also be able to take the qualified business income deduction and self-employment tax deduction.
Other Tax Deductions and Tax Credits
Business expenses may apply to freelancers specifically, but independent contractors can take advantage of other common tax deductions and credits.
Other common tax deductions include mortgage interest payments, charitable contributions, student loan interest payments, and the state and local tax deduction.
Tax credits are also a useful tax tool and can greatly reduce your tax bill as a freelancer. Some popular tax credits include the child tax credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and electric vehicle tax credit.
Recommended: Fastest Ways to Get Your Tax Refund
4. Account for Estimated Payments
If you made estimated tax payments the previous year, don’t forget to apply those to your tax form when filing. After all, if you’ve handed over a chunk of change to the IRS already, you’ll want credit for it.
You’ll add your total payments to line 26 on Form 1040 if filling out the form yourself, but most tax software and accountants should prompt you for this information.
5. File and Calculate Estimated Payments
The last step in how to pay freelance taxes: You’re now ready to complete your forms, and send in your tax return and any payments that you owe. And it’s not necessarily just federal taxes that are needed for freelancer tax filing: Depending on where you live, you may owe state, local, and school district income taxes as well.
After filing, surprise: You’re not done yet. You’ll also need to estimate taxes for the current year. Your first quarterly payment is due on Tax Day in April.
If you’re working with an accountant, they can help you calculate how much you’ll likely owe and print out vouchers for you to mail in with your payments. If you wind up making significantly more or less throughout the year, you can adjust your estimated payments to match. That’s part of learning how to budget on a fluctuating income.
Freelancer Tax-Filing Tips
Freelancing and taxes can seem complicated. Here are tips to help you save money and hit all your deadlines.
Plan for Retirement as a Freelancer
Reducing your taxable income is helpful when you have to pay significantly more in taxes on your earnings. One way to do this — and prepare for your future — is to open a retirement account and make pre-tax contributions.
You can contribute to a traditional IRA, but there are also retirement plans designed for self-employed individuals, including a SEP IRA and a solo 401(k). It’s worth educating yourself about how these work and contribution limits so you can find the best option for your financial situation and aspirations.
Research Deductions
You may be tempted to take the standard deduction when filing, but if you have a lot of business expenses, you may earn a larger tax break by itemizing. Tax software and accountants generally know all the different types of taxes and guidelines. They can help you find all the tax deductions you qualify for, but it never hurts to do some research on your own.
Stay Organized
Organization is crucial when running your own business — and that holds true at tax time. By organizing your bills and tracking your income throughout the year (even on a daily basis), you should have good records of all your revenue and expenses.
Find record- and receipt-keeping systems that work for you. You may also want to set calendar reminders so you never miss a quarterly tax payment deadline.
Work with a Tax Professional
Freelancer income taxes can be challenging and confusing. If you’re overwhelmed and worried about making a mistake, it may be worth the money to hire an accountant or tax preparer.
Plus, the tax-filing fee may count as a deductible business expense for next year.
Understand Tax Refunds for Freelancers
Know that it is unlikely that you’ll get a tax refund as a freelancer. What often triggers a tax refund is that a full-time employee had too much money withheld for taxes from each paycheck and their overpayment comes back to them. (They can adjust their W-4 employee withholding tax form to avoid this situation in the future.)
But as a freelancer, it is unlikely you are overpaying your taxes, especially if you are tracking your income and paying the appropriate amount of quarterly taxes.
Recommended: Maximizing Your Time and Money
The Takeaway
Taxes can get more complicated if you’re a freelancer. You likely will pay more in taxes (thanks to the self-employment tax), and you’ll probably need to make quarterly estimated payments. It’s wise to regularly track and review your earnings and expenses so you can stay on top of how you are doing. For many freelancers, working with a tax professional is the best path forward.
Also worth noting: As a freelancer, you need several tools to stay organized and run your business, including a bank account.
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FAQ
Why is freelance tax so high?
Freelance taxes are higher because they include self-employment tax. This additional 15.3% is what employers traditionally pay on behalf of their employees. In the case of freelancers, they’re both the employer and the employee so they have to cover that amount.
Do I need to declare freelance income?
Yes, you must declare all freelance income. Even if you didn’t make enough to trigger a 1099 from a client — or that client forgot to send you a 1099 — you must report any and all income to the IRS.
What happens if you don’t file freelance taxes?
If you don’t make quarterly tax payments as a freelancer, you could be subject to underpayment penalties when you go to file. If you don’t pay at all, you’ll be subject to Failure to File and Failure to Pay penalties. You’ll owe interest on top of the fines — and eventually could face jail time if you don’t pay.
Can freelancers pay taxes annually?
While freelancers must file taxes annually like everybody else, they are usually required to make quarterly estimated taxes since no taxes are being withheld from their payments throughout the year.
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Looking for the best summer jobs for teachers? Teachers, just like students, really enjoy the summer break. It’s a great time for them to relax and feel refreshed. But, this break can also be a chance for teachers to make extra money and even start a new business. I know many, many teachers who have…
Looking for the best summer jobs for teachers?
Teachers, just like students, really enjoy the summer break. It’s a great time for them to relax and feel refreshed. But, this break can also be a chance for teachers to make extra money and even start a new business.
I know many, many teachers who have side hustles in the summer. From part-time gigs to full-time summer businesses, there are many side jobs for teachers that you may want to try out.
Best Summer Jobs for Teachers
There are many summer jobs for teachers listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:
Flexible way to freelance – Proofreading
Side job for teachers from home – Blogging
How to make passive income as a teacher – Sell printables
Work as much or as little as you want – Flea market flipping
Creative job idea – Dog treat baker
Side job for teachers in summer – Grocery shopper
Camp counselor – If you love the outdoors, being a camp educator can be both rewarding and enjoyable, combining teaching with adventure activities.
Summer school teacher – Many schools have summer classes where you can continue teaching.
1. Teach summer school
One clear way for teachers to earn extra money in the summer is by teaching summer school.
It’s a good way to use your teaching abilities and make some additional income. The best part is that summer school happens during your summer break (big surprise, right?!), so it fits well with your schedule when you’re already off from regular school.
To start, check with your local school districts. A lot of them have summer school programs, and they usually share job opportunities on their websites or local education job boards.
2. Sell educational printables
Selling educational printables is a way for teachers to earn extra money. It’s especially good for those who want to make passive income as a teacher.
Your materials, like worksheets, lesson plans, and activities, are helpful to other teachers and parents looking for high-quality educational content.
Some places to sell your educational printables include:
Teachers Pay Teachers(TPT) – This is a popular site where millions of teachers buy and sell original educational resources.
Etsy – This site is known for handmade items, but also is a great place for selling educational materials and printables.
Educational printables include things like math problems, vocabulary cards, and science experiments. They’re useful for different grades, age groups, and learning goals, making it simple to improve regular teaching or homeschooling. You can share these resources online or print them for in-person classes too.
Recommended reading: How I Make $400,000 Per Year Selling Educational Printables.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
3. Flip used items for resale
Trying your hand at flipping items from flea markets and thrift shops can be a fun and money-making summer job for you as a teacher.
Flippers are people who find items at flea markets, yard sales, and thrift stores that are priced lower than their actual value. They then sell these items for a profit.
The summer is a great time to do this because there are typically a lot of yard sales, flea markets, and people just in general decluttering more (so you may find more things that people are giving away), where you can find items to resell.
Some items that you can buy and resell include clothing, antique furniture, collectible toys, sports equipment, electronics, rare books, jewelry, and more.
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
4. Tutor
During the summer, your teaching skills are still needed. Tutoring can be a flexible and fulfilling summer job that lets you work with students one-on-one either online or in person.
You may be able to tutor on subjects like math, foreign language, science, and more. You also may be tutoring kids, teenagers, or even adults.
To begin, you can look for tutoring jobs on online tutoring sites like Tutor.com. You can also sell in-person local tutoring sessions by reaching out to tutoring companies nearby or advertising your services on social media or in local Facebook parent groups for your area.
5. Camp counselor
Becoming a camp counselor could be a rewarding experience for you in the summer. In this job, you’d guide groups of children through indoor and outdoor activities, as well as educational programs at summer camps.
Your daily tasks would include keeping campers safe, organizing games, and giving both educational and emotional support.
Summer camps come in different types, ranging from general adventure camps to specialized ones focusing on sports, arts, or science.
6. Freelance bookkeeping gigs
If you like numbers and you’re a teacher, online bookkeeping can be a way to spend your summer.
A bookkeeper is someone who assists in managing and tracking the financial aspects of a business. They usually keep records of sales, track expenses, and generate financial reports.
People with virtual bookkeeping jobs work from home, handling their responsibilities remotely. Virtual bookkeeping is a great choice for remote work as all tasks can be completed online or with computer software, eliminating the need to go into an office physically.
Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs
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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
7. Swim instructor
If you’re a teacher who loves the water, becoming a swim instructor for the summer could be the perfect seasonal job for you. Your educational background gives you the ability to communicate and manage classes, which are important skills for teaching swimming.
To find swim instructor jobs:
Look on websites like Craigslist or Facebook for listings, including summer-specific roles.
Check out local community centers, pools, and summer camps.
Networking can help, so let friends and professional contacts know you’re looking.
Another job similar to this would be to become a lifeguard at a local pool.
8. Tour guide for local attractions
As a teacher, your ability to tell stories and lead can be very useful for a summer job as a tour guide. Your skill in explaining things well makes you a great choice to share history and local stories with visitors.
Check out jobs at museums, historical places, or become an ambassador for your city by guiding people to discover hidden treasures.
9. Pet care jobs
If you’re a teacher who loves animals, you may want to look into summer jobs in pet care, like being a dog walker or pet sitter. Your caring skills can easily transition to taking good care of furry friends while students are on break.
Rover is a website that connects pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers. You can choose to do this job on weekends throughout the year or only open your schedule during the summer months – it’s your choice.
Starting on Rover is simple – you create a profile sharing your experience with pets and the services you can offer, such as dog walking, pet sitting, and house sitting.
After that, customers will send you requests, and you can discuss pricing. Rover handles the payment process, and you’ll get paid directly into your account.
Recommended reading: 7 Best Dog Walking Apps To Make Extra Money
10. Test prep instructor
As a teacher, your knowledge of academic subjects is very helpful, especially in the summer. Becoming a test prep instructor can be a great chance to help students in getting ready for their exams and earn extra money.
Test prep instructor jobs include subjects like math and English, and they cater to different education levels, from elementary school to college.
11. Sell your lesson plans
Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT) is a website made just for educators to buy and sell educational items, and it’s a well-liked side hustle for teachers. If you’ve created lesson plans, worksheets, or other teaching tools for your class, you can share them on TPT and make some extra income.
The school year may be over for you, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t create and sell lesson plans – these are bought year-round!
You can sell:
Lesson plans and unit studies
Worksheets and printable activities
PowerPoint presentations and interactive notebooks
Posters, charts, and visual aids
On Teachers Pay Teachers, the typical teacher can earn around an extra $300 to $500. However, some teachers make hundreds of thousands of dollars extra each year.
12. Coach a school sport
If you love sports and you’re a teacher, coaching a school sport during the summer might be a great match for your skills and interests.
Coaching a school sport is a great option within your own school district, as many schools need help with their sports teams. You can try coaching sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. Additionally, there are opportunities with after-school clubs such as yearbook, chess, choir, and more that can be a teacher’s side hustle.
13. Run a dog bakery
Beginning a dog bakery can be an enjoyable side job for teachers who adore both dogs and baking. By creating treats for dogs such as cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more, you can earn an additional $500 to $1,000, or even more, each month.
Recommended reading: How I Make $4,000 Per Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!).
14. Sell handmade goods on Etsy
Etsy is a popular online marketplace that connects makers and shoppers looking for unique handmade goods. If you’re a teacher with a creative side, this could be a great site for you to showcase and sell your crafts during the summer months.
Some examples of what you can sell on Etsy that are related to school include:
Educational games and activities
Educational materials like lesson planners and printable worksheets
Handcrafted classroom decorations or educational games
Personalized items such as bookmarks, nameplates, or tote bags
But, you don’t have to only sell teaching-related items. You can sell many other things such as furniture, clothing, jewelry, soap, home decor, and more.
15. Work at a restaurant
Many teachers work part-time or full-time at a restaurant during the summer as servers, hosts, bartenders, and kitchen staff.
Working in restaurants can fit teachers well since they have flexible hours that can match your open summer schedule, and you can leave the job easily once school resumes in the fall.
I know many, many people who have done this, and I would say this is one of the top summer jobs for teachers.
16. Proofread
As a teacher, you likely excel at proofreading and can easily catch mistakes. Using these skills, proofreading can be a fantastic side job. By proofreading, you can help authors, website owners, students, and others in their writing while earning extra income.
Even the best writers can overlook errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. That’s why having a proofreader can be helpful for nearly everyone.
You can usually set your own hours, which is perfect for the irregular schedules you might have.
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
17. House sit
House sitting is a good option for teachers looking to make extra income during the summer months because a lot of people take vacations in the summer. As a house sitter, you are typically responsible for maintaining someone’s home while they are away. This can include watering plants, collecting mail, and making sure the house remains secure.
People hire house sitters to make sure their homes aren’t left empty, as a visible presence can discourage potential thefts.
To begin house sitting, you can join house-sitting websites to find gigs in your area or ask for referrals from friends and family. Starting with people you know for house-sitting and then using their references can expand your job search.
18. Blog
Blogging can be an enjoyable way for you, as a teacher, to earn extra money from home. Many teachers run blogs, and it makes sense – you can blog when you have free time, without sticking to a strict schedule.
To start your blog, first, pick a topic you’re passionate about, maybe something related to your teaching field or a hobby you enjoy. There are plenty of different niche ideas such as personal finance, travel, food, home, pets, and so much more.
You can earn money as a blogger through ways like:
Affiliate marketing – Share links to products or services related to your blog topic and earn a commission for sales made through your referral links.
Advertising – Add display ads or sponsored posts on your blog.
Courses and ebooks – Create courses or ebooks in your expertise area and sell them through your blog.
Learn more at How To Start A Blog FREE Course.
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
19. Freelance writing
If you’re looking for remote summer jobs for teachers, then becoming a freelance writer can be a great option.
Freelance writers create content for blogs, websites, magazines, newspapers, advertising companies, and more. You can find writing jobs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. Also, you can find clients independently by reaching out to websites you are interested in writing for.
I have been a freelance writer for years, and it all started as a side hustle. This is a great side hustle because you can choose to work as much or as little as you want, such as if you are only looking to do freelance writing in the summer months when you are not teaching at a school.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Beginner Freelance Writing Jobs
20. Transcribe
An online transcriptionist’s role involves listening to video or audio files and typing out the content they hear. Various types of transcriptionists exist, including legal, general, and medical transcriptionists.
This job demands solid typing and listening skills, and the flexibility to work from home on your schedule. Transcriptionists typically earn an average of $15 to $30 per hour.
This is another great side hustle because you can choose to work as much or as little as you want, such as if you are only looking to make extra money during the summer months.
I recommend signing up for FREE Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You? You’ll learn how to get started as a transcriptionist, how you can find transcription work, and more.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Beginner Online Transcription Jobs To Make $2,000 Monthly
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
21. Rent out an unused room in your home
If you have a spare room in your house, you might want to try renting it out over the summer. Platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo make it easy for you.
I have rented out rooms to others in the past, and it has been a great way to make extra money. If you live in a touristy area, this could even be a gig that you only do in the summers and earn enough to cover your bills or at least pay for some of them.
22. Rent your garage space
If you have available storage space like a garage, driveway, closet, basement, or attic, you might consider renting it out to make extra money. This can be a profitable side hustle without requiring much of your spare time.
Neighbor is a platform where you can list your extra space for rent and potentially earn up to $15,000 per year.
This is a gig that may take up more than just your summer because typically people may store their stuff more long-term. But, you may find some people who only need to store things a few months at a time or perhaps you can also try to turn this into a year-round side hustle.
Recommended reading: Neighbor Review: Make Money Renting Your Storage Space
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You can use this website to list your unused space for rent and make up to $15,000 per year by doing so. With Neighbor, you can rent out your garage, driveway, basement, parking lot, shed, warehouse, carport, attic, street parking, or even a closet.
23. Teach English as a second language
If you’re a teacher looking for a seasonal opportunity, teaching English as a second language (ESL) during the summer can be a rewarding experience.
Many institutions are looking to hire for ESL teaching jobs, ranging from local schools to international language camps and online platforms. Here’s how you can get started and what you might expect:
Typically, ESL teachers need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential like TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certification. Some positions abroad might have additional requirements.
24. Answer online surveys
If you’re looking for a flexible way to earn extra cash during the summer, answering online surveys could be a great fit. Companies are always in search of genuine feedback to improve their products or services, and your opinions are valuable.
Now, this won’t be a full-time job, but you share your thoughts and can make extra money or free gift cards on your own schedule.
The survey companies I recommend are:
Swagbucks
User Interviews – These are the highest paying surveys with the average being around $60 for an hour of your time.
Branded Surveys
American Consumer Opinion
Pinecone Research
PrizeRebel
InboxDollars
Recommended reading: 18 Best Paid Survey Sites To Make $100+ Per Month
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User Interviews pays very well for market research studies and these are some of the highest paying online surveys, with each paying $50 to $100 or more. The average pays over $60.
25. Mystery shop
Companies hire mystery shoppers to gain insights into their customers’ experiences. They seek genuine opinions on products, feedback on customer treatment, evaluations of phone call interactions, and more. Mystery shoppers play a key role in providing valuable feedback to companies.
This is a great summer side hustle for teachers because you can simply pick up mystery shopping jobs when you need them. So, it’s completely okay and normal to only accept jobs during the summer.
Here’s what mystery shoppers do:
Visit businesses anonymously.
Complete specific tasks, such as purchasing a product or asking questions.
Record your observations.
Provide a detailed report on your experience.
I have done many secret shopping jobs over the years, and I often got mystery shops that provided me with $100 to cover a free dinner.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Mystery Shopper
26. Find gigs on Craigslist
Craigslist can be a goldmine for finding great summer jobs for teachers. It’s a site where individuals and businesses post quick jobs to make extra money.
You can find these gigs by going to the Craigslist website for your city or area. Right on the home page, you’ll spot a section labeled “Gigs.” This is where short-term job offers are posted, ranging from labor-intensive tasks to more skill-specific roles.
Here are some jobs I have found in the past on Craigslist:
Moving boxes to a new house
Deep cleaning a home
Putting together new furniture out of a box
Taking down a shed in a backyard
Handyman
Movie extra
Event parking help
27. Deliver groceries with Instacart
If you’re a teacher looking for flexible summer jobs for teachers, try delivering groceries with Instacart.
Grocery delivery services, like Instacart, are in demand as more people prefer having someone else do their grocery shopping.
Becoming a personal grocery shopper with services like Instacart can earn you an average of $15 to $20 per hour for delivering groceries. You’re paid per order, and you get to keep 100% of your tips. The flexibility allows teachers to choose their schedules, working in the evenings, on weekends, or even exclusively during the summer.
Recommended reading: Instacart Shopper Review: How much do Instacart Shoppers earn?
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Instacart is a popular website for people looking to earn extra money shopping for and delivering groceries. Instacart gives you the option to turn your free time into a chance to make some extra money.
28. Real estate agent
If you’re a teacher looking for a productive way to spend your summer months, you may consider becoming a real estate agent.
Some teachers work as real estate agents alongside their full-time teaching jobs. This is possible because you can list and sell homes during weekends, breaks, evenings, and over the summer.
However, selling homes may have some challenges, as clients may occasionally require your full attention during the day, and you might be occupied with teaching. This is something to consider before getting into real estate as a side job.
29. Virtual assistant
If you’re a teacher looking for a flexible summer job that pays well, becoming a virtual assistant (VA) could be a perfect fit. As a VA, you can use your organizational skills and attention to detail to help businesses and entrepreneurs from the comfort of your home.
Some examples of what a VA does include:
Email management – Keep inboxes organized and respond to emails on behalf of your clients.
Scheduling – Manage calendars, arrange meetings, and send reminders.
File organization – Keep digital files in order using online tools like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
30. Drive for Uber or Lyft
Driving for Uber or Lyft can give you a flexible way to earn money during your summer break.
You get to set your own hours and work as much or as little as you desire, meaning you can align this job with your summer plans.
31. Library assistant
As a teacher, your skills are a natural fit for a summer position as a library assistant. Libraries often seek additional staff during the summer months, providing a great opportunity for you to engage in a role that supports literacy and learning in a calm environment.
Your job may include doing things such as:
Organizing books – Keeping the library orderly and materials easy to access
Circulation desk duties – Checking books in and out for people
Helping library users – Helping visitors find books and resources, and answering inquiries
You can simply contact libraries near you to see if they are hiring.
32. Driver’s ed teacher
Teaching driving lessons to teenagers and adults is a popular side hustle for teachers. If you’re interested, you can check if the high school near you needs a teacher for this subject. Alternatively, reach out to a local driving school to inquire about potential teaching opportunities.
Driving instructors make around $20 an hour more or less, depending on where you live.
Back when I was in high school, I actually took my driver’s ed course at my high school in the summer. It was an easy summer credit, and I also got a discount on my car insurance. One of the teachers taught this course and it seemed fairly easy (other than having to deal with a bunch of us high school students over the summer who were wanting to learn how to drive, ha!).
33. Babysitting
Babysitting can be a side job for teachers, and depending on your location, you might earn around $15 to $25 per hour. Parents tend to prefer hiring teachers as babysitters due to their extensive experience with children.
Becoming a babysitter can be a great way to make extra money in the summer as well, as you can choose to sign up for babysitting jobs that are only during this time.
Plus, many families need extra help during the summer because school is not in session, but the parents still have to work. That is where you come in!
Another job similar to this would be elderly companion care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about finding summer jobs for teachers.
Do teachers still make money during the summer?
Yes, many teachers do receive income during the summer, especially if their annual salary is distributed over 12 months. However, if you’re paid only for the months you work, looking for summer employment can supplement your income during this period. Not all teachers have summer gigs, but those who want to make income in addition to their teacher salaries may try to find something in the summer.
What is the best summer job for a teacher?
The best summer job for a teacher often capitalizes on their skill set. Positions like tutoring, educational program coordination, or teaching summer school are highly relevant options. Teachers might also consider roles in curriculum development or educational content creation.
What jobs exist for substitute teachers looking for summer employment?
Substitute teachers can find summer jobs in other educational roles, such as tutoring, mentoring, or working in summer camps. Many community centers and educational institutions also look for qualified professionals to lead summer workshops or help with childcare programs.
What are some summer jobs for teachers from home?
Teachers looking for summer jobs from home can find opportunities such as online tutoring or virtual summer school teaching. Other side gig ideas include writing content for websites, blogging, transcribing, and more.
Best Summer Jobs for Teachers – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best summer jobs for teachers.
As you can see, there are many ways to make extra money over your summer vacation.
Teachers have lots of options during the summer. They can stick with education by teaching summer school or tutoring. Or, they can try something new like being a camp counselor or giving local tours.
Teachers who like trying out new things might sell educational printables, sell things for profit, or sell services like pet care or freelance writing.
What do you think are the best jobs for teachers in the summer?
Economists have their favorite indices to measure the health of the economy. GDP, if men are buying underwear, CPI, RV shipments, GDP, plastic surgery appointments, PCE, hemlines… tomorrow on The Mortgage Collaborative’s Rundown Skylar Olsen, the Chief Economist of Zillow, will discuss some of this, and more, for 30-45 minutes starting at noon PT, 3PM ET, in “The Rundown”. Meanwhile, lenders are shifting the focus from things they can’t change to things they can: changing regional managers comp plans to incorporate profits instead of volume. Or honing marketing systems now, not when rates drop further and opening up refi opportunities. Or shifting to paying less for a refi and putting the difference into rate sheet pricing. And who’s buying the properties we’re lending on? Women. Okay, that was a bold generalization, but still… (Today’s Commentary podcast can be found here and this week’s is sponsored by Vesta, the new, modern Loan Origination System (LOS) which helps lenders reduce their costs to originate and improve their ability to integrate with new technologies in the ecosystem. Hear an interview with Ally Home’s Glenn Brunker on what’s happening in the housing market and what to expect going into spring homebuying season.)
Lender and Broker Software, Products, and Services
Matic, a digital home insurance platform built for the mortgage industry, recently announced an exclusive partnership with PRMG to extend their marketplace of over 40 A-Rated carriers into PRMG customer offerings. PRMG joins over 100 mortgage lenders, servicers and banks, representing 20 percent of home loans processed in the U.S., that partner with Matic to integrate the insurance shopping experience into the homeownership lifecycle. Now more than ever, mortgage leaders are turning to Matic to help them offer value to customers, generate revenue, and reduce costs in a tough housing market. Mortgage leaders, don’t miss out: book a demo with Matic to discover how to add an ancillary revenue stream that removes friction from the insurance process and keeps customers within your existing systems. And if you’re attending MBA’s Servicing Solutions Conference in two weeks, stop by booth 806 to learn more! Book a demo with Matic.
Only 60 days since launch and already 150+ mortgage originators have signed up to receive daily mandatory bids from MAXEX on bulk pools of Agency-eligible non-owner occupied (NOO) and second home loans. Moreover, we’re currently winning more than 10 percent of the loans bid! Why? Because our unique loan exchange model provides access to competitive pricing from five leading institutional buyers, allows you to underwrite to agency guidelines, and helps you avoid costly Agency LLPAs—all within a single contract and through a single, standardized clearinghouse. This seamlessly integrates with your existing bulk trading process. Visit here to learn more.
We live in a world of autopay, Apple Pay, Venmo, Uber Eats… the list goes on. If borrowers can pay for a pizza online, why are we still asking them to share their credit card info over the phone? Get with the times and collect upfront fees via text with Fee Chaser by LenderLogix.
TPO Products for Broker and Correspondent
“Button Finance is a leading home equity lender specializing in HELOCs and Closed-End Seconds, offering lucrative opportunities for our partners. Correspondent partners can earn 7.85 percent of the loan balance, while brokers can make 5 percent. Additionally, we offer an attractive 3.5 percent Lender Paid Compensation on Texas 50a6 loans. Our services extend to lending against investment properties for brokers, ensuring a broad spectrum of lending solutions. With competitive 8 percent note rates on Closed-End Seconds and no appraisals up to a $250k loan balance, Button Finance is your go-to partner for all home equity lending needs. Email us for more information.”
Eighty percent of homeowners have first mortgage rates less than 4 percent. However, they are sitting on over $10 trillion of tappable equity. HELOC originations provide an outstanding opportunity for lenders and their LOs. Every homeowner receives HELOC solicitations. If it’s not from YOU, then WHO? Depending on YOUR borrowers, this may be the ideal time for them to make home improvements or pay off credit card debt. Or it may be the right time for that dream vacation. NFTYDoor, a division of Homebridge, is a proprietary digital HELOC platform that provides on-demand access to YOUR borrower’s equity. Customers want an experience that is simple and fast, and through NFTYDoor, HELOCs can close in a few days, not weeks or months. Embrace the “Customer for Life” strategy with NFTYDoor’s platform that is 100 percent branded to you. Stay in front of your customers and recapture future business. Contact NFTYDoor today.
STRATMOR and Operations
Forecasters are predicting modest growth in new and existing home sales in 2024, which means we can all look ahead with cautious optimism. Now’s the time to review your operations and prepare for this modest shift back toward normalcy. Senior Operations Executives: STRATMOR Group is hosting its virtual Operations Workshop next week, February 14-16, to help you do just that. Interact with STRATMOR advisors and your peer lenders to discuss improving operational efficiency, overcoming recent challenges and pain points, and current trends in mortgage operations. Contact STRATMOR Group to learn more and sign up.
Conventional Conforming News
The Federal Housing Finance Agency’s 2024 scorecard for the government-sponsored enterprises included a new provision for representations and warranties. “Explore opportunities to harmonize the enterprises’ processes supporting the single-family selling representations and warranties framework, including defect identification, remedies and repurchase alternatives,” the scorecard states.
Fannie Mae’s (FNMA/OTCQB) December 2023 Monthly Summary is now available and contains information about Fannie Mae’s monthly and year-to-date activities for our gross mortgage portfolio, mortgage-backed securities and other guarantees, interest rate risk measures, and serious delinquency rates. There’s also Fannie’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index® (HPSI) which increased to its highest level since March 2022, due primarily to increased consumer confidence in job security and another significant jump in the share of consumers expecting mortgage rates to decrease. An all-time survey-high 36 percent of respondents indicated that they expect mortgage rates to go down in the next 12 months, while 28 percent expect them to go up, and 35 percent expect rates to remain the same. (Seems pretty even to me.)
Fannie Mae is updating the Uniform Loan Delivery Dataset (ULDD) to provide further guidance on implementation and mandate dates associated with the data enhancements included in the ULDD Phase 5 specification published on Sept. 12, 2023. Review the announcement for an overview on the implementation and mandate dates associated with business-critical and UAD 3.6 alignment data enhancements for the Phase 5 data requirements.
Pennymac is aligning with Freddie Mac Bulletin 2023-19, announcing updates to their rental income requirements. The updates are effective with loan deliveries on or after 03/15/2024. Details are available in Pennymac Correspondent Announcement 24-06.
National MI announced updates to the TrueGuide which include the following changes and clarifications: AUS Loans Automated Tools have been updated as follows: Fannie Mae Appraisal Waiver has been updated to reflect the name change to “Value Acceptance.” Fannie Mae Income Calculator for self-employment income has been added as an approved income and asset tool. Non-AUS Loans have been updated as follows: Jumbo and Medical Professional Program loan limit increases. Verbal Verification of Employment updated to align with the GSEs’ requirements. Underwriting Guidelines detailing these changes and clarifications will be posted to nationalmi.com in the near future.
AmeriHome Mortgage Announcement 20240111-CL summarizes previously published changes made during January, additional changes made with this announcement, and recent Agency and regulatory news.
Citizens Correspondent National Bulletin 2024-02 includes information on Value Acceptance + Property Data – DU (Delegated Transactions only). Effective February 1st, Conventional Conforming Updates and Disaster Tax Filing Relief. See the bulletin for additional information and all lock, delivery, and purchase by dates, if required.
Capital Markets
Need a crash course in Assignment of Trade (AOT) executions? In this blog post, Assignment of Trade Executions 101, MCT experts delve into the process of AOT executions, the impact of bid tape AOT on to-be-announced (TBA) positions, and how automation is moving the industry forward. The blog also reviews the cost savings associated with bid tape AOT executions and the MCT Marketplace technology used to complete these transactions. To learn more about MCT Marketplace, view the recent video with MCT’s CEO & President, Curtis Richins. In the video, Mr. Richins reviews key features of MCT Marketplace, opportunities within the platform for buyers and sellers, and a roadmap for the future.
Even with all the selling in the bond markets last Friday after January’s payrolls data came in much stronger than expected, yields have merely moved back to where they had been for most of the year so far. Most security prices are determined by supply and demand, and yesterday witnessed a strong sale of 10-year Treasuries at the record $42 billion 10-year Treasury auction.
But bonds barely budged! Sentiment was dominated by fears surrounding NY Community Bank. Do you remember when the spreads between Treasury securities and MBS “blew out” last March with the banks having to sell MBS? We may see that again with the NYCB possibly selling part or all of Flagstar’s billions in mortgage holdings. In news of interest to loan originators, FNMA’s Home Purchase Sentiment Index recorded another impressive gain for the second straight month to post the highest level since March 2022.
Today’s calendar kicked off with weekly jobless claims (218k, about as expected, 1.871 million continuing claims… the job market continues to be strong). Later are wholesale inventories and sales for December, several Treasury auctions that will be headlined by $25 billion 30-year bonds, Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, and remarks from Richmond Fed President Barkin. We begin the day with Agency MBS prices about .125-.250 worse, the 10-year yielding 4.13 after closing yesterday at 4.15 percent, and the 2-year is at 4.44.
Jobs and Transitions
“Direct nationwide lender Kwik Mortgage, based out of Parsippany NJ, is hiring Distributed Retail Sales. We have outstanding support, and our platform is built for you, featuring Blend, Encompass, HubSpot, Loan Vision and Optimal Blue! We offer a full suite of correspondent buyers inclusive of Fannie Mae and Freddie is on the table for 2024! From FHA and VA to Non-QM we have it all! We have a very flat leadership structure which means customers are not paying for more and getting less! We invest in our people and our process, and we have 27 years of company owned and operated success! We are always competitively priced. Don’t worry about fulfillment execution we owned and operated one of the best loan fulfillment for pay businesses in the country, Equilibrium Mortgage Solutions! Contact Paul Campbell, EVP of Lending, (760-774-7704), Paul Campbell, LinkedIn! We are connected: a Fannie Mae diverse minority advisory board lender, The Mortgage Collaborative lender board member, MBA Policy, Servicing and Compliance committee participant! A Depository DE&I advisory board member! Get Kwik come join us! NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA, RI originators welcome.”
Stronghill Capital, LLC, an Austin, TX-based Wholesale and Correspondent lender, is NOW HIRING across the country! If you’re a relationship-focused Account Executive with experience in Non-QM and Investor Financing, including multi-family and mixed-use properties, we’d love to speak with you! Stronghill’s Account Executives enjoy open territories, multi-channel opportunities to work with clients as correspondents or brokers, and consistent communication and collaboration with the Executive Leadership team. If you’re looking to join a rapidly-growing, dynamic organization with a focused commitment to growth and expansion in Non-QM, reach out to our SVP of Sales, Matt Brammer at 440.382.3183 to learn more.
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Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. In this episode:
Master self-employment taxes and avoid common tax mistakes with expert strategies for managing your finances year-round.
How do self-employed taxes work? What are some common tax mistakes self-employed people make? And can you really write off payments on a luxury vehicle if you use it for work purposes? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss the intricacies of self-employment taxes and strategies for financial success and IRS compliance to help you understand how to navigate tax season as an independent worker.
CPA and financial strategist Krystal Todd joins them to delve further into the details of self-employment taxes, with tips and tricks on budgeting for personal and professional life, the importance of making quarterly tax payments, and whether to DIY taxes or hire a professional. They also discuss strategies like depreciating assets, the benefits of hiring family members, and navigating the complexities of tax deductions.
Plus: financial strategies for handling unexpected income and managing self-employment taxes, the importance of setting aside funds for unexpected expenses, and the advantages of timing revenue recognition and prepaying expenses for tax benefits.
Check out this episode on your favorite podcast platform, including:
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Episode transcript
This transcript was generated from podcast audio by an AI tool.
Sean Pyles:
As Ben Franklin himself said, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes. Taxes, as we all know, can be wildly confusing, and that goes double when an employer isn’t there to help.
Krystal Todd:
We need quarterly payments just of you estimating how much you think you’ll be paying in taxes, and then at the end of the year when you actually file your taxes, they’ll make adjustments based on whatever credits and deductions you’re eligible for, what you’ve already paid, and then you’ll see what you net.
Sean Pyles:
Welcome to NerdWallet’s Smart Money Podcast. I’m Sean Pyles.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
And I’m Elizabeth Ayoola.
Sean Pyles:
Today we bring you episode two of our nerdy deep dive into self-employment. In our last episode, we talked about the importance of budgeting when you’re working for yourself. Obviously here at Smart Money we think it’s a good idea for everyone to budget, but especially if you’re self-employed, you’re going to need to budget for both your personal life and your professional life.
So in this episode, we’re going to answer the most important tax questions self-employed people have, like how do self-employed taxes even work? Is it better to DIY your taxes or hire a pro? And can you really write off payments on a luxury vehicle if you use it for work purposes? Welcome to tax season.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Womp womp. My favorite part of tax season is when it’s over. Thankfully, I’m getting better at taxes every year and I’m also learning to outsource. Shout out to my tax person. Anyways, yes, it’s February and it’s tax time for all of us. And if you’re a gig worker, freelancer, contractor, or other solo entrepreneur, you need to make sure that you’re doing all the heavy lifting an employer would usually do for you. And you have to do that to avoid mistakes and IRS penalties. Hopefully those who aren’t new to self-employment have withheld enough quarterly taxes throughout the year so they’re not hit with an IRS penalty. New listeners who are about to dip their toes into self-employment are about to learn about how self-employed taxes work.
Sean Pyles:
Yeah, that is no bueno. I know people who, when they started freelancing, had no idea that they were supposed to be paying taxes all year long quarterly instead of saving up for a big payment at the end of the year. The IRS does not look kindly on that, even if it ends up that you overpaid. And by people here, I am absolutely referring to myself because I once found myself in a world of tax hurt back when I was a contractor, and that is a lesson I shall not soon forget.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
It’s good to know I’m not alone, Sean, because I’ve been there too and it wasn’t fine.
Sean Pyles:
Elizabeth Ayoola:
It hurts. It’s a heartbreak.
Sean Pyles:
All right, well, we want to hear what you think too, listeners. To share your ideas and questions around self-employment with us, leave us a voicemail or text the Nerd Hotline at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730-NERD. Or email a voice memo to [email protected].
So Elizabeth, who are we hearing from today?
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Today we’re going to be chatting with Krystal Todd. She happens to be a certified public accountant, a financial strategist, a money mentor and an entrepreneur. Her resume puts her in a good position to give us the juicy details we need on self-employed taxes.
Sean Pyles:
That’s coming up in a moment. Stay with us.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Hi Krystal. Thank you for coming onto the podcast.
Krystal Todd:
Yes, thank you so much for having me. Really excited to talk taxes. This is my bread and butter. I love talking about anything money, really.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
No, I’m with you. I’m not going to lie, I do not love taxes, but I do love to understand taxes because I don’t want to pay the IRS more than I have to pay them.
Krystal Todd:
Oh, no. That’s why I’m here.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Another tax year is upon us, and I think this information is going to be super helpful. So with that said, I’m going to jump straight into the first question I have for you, which is how do self-employed taxes work? And I know this is a big question, but I know I learned the hard way about self-employed taxes and I learned that they’re higher than what you pay when you’re working a traditional job with an employer.
So I want you to tell us why self-employed taxes are higher, especially when the government seems to provide so many incentives for small business owners.
Krystal Todd:
So it’s a double whammy because not only is it higher because we’re paying both sides of the employer tax, but we also have to pay it ourselves. So if you’re coming from a W-2 world into self-employment world, normally in W-2 world, it’s all handled for you. The biggest difference is that you’re having to have full control over paying your taxes, paying quarterly, whereas a W-2, you’re paying every paycheck. It doesn’t feel like that, but that’s what’s going on. And then the self-employment tax. So typically with your W-2 employee, you’ll pay half that piece and then your employer pays half of it, but because you’re self-employed, you are the employee and the employer, so you’re paying 15% in taxes.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
That 15%, I remember the first time I saw it and whipped out my calculator and I was like, “Wait, what? This was a chunk of money.” So I was a little unpleasantly shocked by that number.
Krystal Todd:
Yeah, there is a way to get around it.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Tell me, tell me.
Krystal Todd:
If you’re just starting out, maybe it wouldn’t be most beneficial. It does depend, and of course you have to always throw a disclaimer out there. Everyone’s situation is different. I’m a CPA, but not your personal CPA, so take everything I’m saying as little seeds of wisdom to go research.
When you’re first starting out, maybe you don’t have your EIN, which is just basically your social security for your business, employee identification number. So it’s like your social security number but for your business, because businesses are their own entity. But when you’re first starting out, maybe you’re not doing all of that. So if you’re in the sole proprietor category, which means you’re just working for yourself, you hired yourself, maybe the next level up is LLC, limited liability company. So you’ve gone ahead and filed for that LLC so you have some protection, but you’re still going to be paying a lot of taxes.
It’s not until you get into the S Corp. And of course there’s a couple of qualifications there, but once you get into S Corp, you can actually pay yourself as a W-2 employee in your business. And then that’s how you circumvent that self-employed tax because even though it’s your business, you’re an employee of the business so it looks like a W-2. And the benefit of that too is especially if you’re self-employed, and I know some people have felt me on this, if you’re trying to get a loan for a car, once they see you’re self-employed, guns are blazing, right? They’re ready to ask you all types of questions. You have to provide so much information. As an S Corp, if you’re paying yourself, you’re going to receive a W-2 from your business so they don’t have to know it’s your business. They just see W-2 and no questions asked. There are some benefits to having an S Corp for sure.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
By the way, for everyone listening, we’re going to go a lot deeper into the different business structures in a subsequent episode, so don’t worry. We’re going to touch on that some more.
So now back to taxes. I know estimated taxes are something that I now do. Didn’t do before, but I remember when I was first researching self-employment taxes, that came up a lot. But I thought, “Hey, I can just pay it in one lump sum,” and I didn’t really dig deeper to read all of the fine details. Can you explain to us what estimated taxes are and how exactly it worked?
Krystal Todd:
Of course. So as I mentioned previously, as a W-2 employee, you’re paying taxes every single pay period. So you don’t necessarily have to worry about that, but as a self-employed individual, you’re not paying any taxes. So what the government has said is, “You’re not off the hook.” You’re not going to pay just one time at the end of the year. We need quarterly payments just of you estimating how much you think you’ll be paying in taxes, and then at the end of the year when you actually file your taxes, they’ll make adjustments based on whatever credits and deductions you’re eligible for, what you’ve already paid, and then you’ll see what you net.
So it’s crucial to pay quarterly taxes, and you can use things out there that help you track your expenses and your income and can even help you calculate that too, so you don’t have to necessarily do it all on your own.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Absolutely. So tell us, when are the self-employed taxes due and what happens if you don’t pay them?
Krystal Todd:
Yes, they’re quarterly. If you don’t pay them quarterly or they realize that you haven’t paid enough, you will get fined. You don’t have to end up in jail if it was a legitimate accident, so you’ll be fine, but you will get penalized and it can be a little costly. So definitely make sure that you are just getting that done ahead of time. It’s a fresh new year, so new opportunities to make sure we’re staying on target.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Yes. And for those who maybe are listening and unfortunately missed out on paying quarterly taxes and maybe in April are going to end up being hit with a bill, are there any options in terms of how they can pay it if they don’t have that lump sum cash?
Krystal Todd:
It depends on your situation. Sometimes the IRS will say, “No, you need to make this payment,” and sometimes they’ll work with you depending on the amount. So it does depend on your circumstances.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
What was this I heard about that you can sometimes do a payment plan with the IRS. So is this true?
Krystal Todd:
Yeah, no, it’s true. It’s true. I think it just depends on, like I said, your circumstances. Maybe there’s situations where if you had issues before, they’re a little bit more strict on you, but you can make payments.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
So now we want to get into the mistakes so other people can learn from those mistakes. So what are some common mistakes that you see clients make when it comes to paying their self-employed taxes? So for me, for example, I just wasn’t good at bookkeeping initially. I had my money in too many different accounts, so it was overwhelming when tax season came around to see what my deductions were and just basically my income. So as a CPA, tell us maybe two or three common mistakes you see people make.
Krystal Todd:
The common mistake by far is not making sure that they’re taking all the deductions and credits that they’re actually eligible for. So ultimately, a lot of people will think about taxes as a January through April situation, but it’s a year-round thing. Tax planning is almost more important than actually tax preparation. You want to think about the whole year and ways you can save money, different things you could probably invest in to bring your taxes down. So missing out on tax planning and then trying to just rush everything towards the end of the year is by far the biggest mistake. I’ll see people scrambling for receipts, looking back, and a lot of times if you’re just starting out, typically maybe they won’t have a separate business account as well.
Depreciation is the biggest one that I think people miss out on, not only for things like Airbnb in your home, but also your car. If you’re doing Uber or Lyft, you can get credit for the wear and tear on your car. If you have a computer or any devices that you have, those things are also depreciable or you can actually fully deduct them in certain cases. I definitely think that you should be empowered and doing it yourself, but if your taxes are getting complicated, you’d want to make sure that you’re leaning on a tax professional who will catch those expenses because a lot of people are paying too much.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Thanks for sharing all of those incredible ways that people can reduce their taxes. Can you tell me about some other deductions or ways that people can reduce their self-employed taxes?
Krystal Todd:
Yeah, so a really neat one is making sure you hire your family in any capacity that you can. Now, of course, there’s some caveats here. You have to make sure you’re paying them a reasonable wage. So if they’re just an administrator, you can’t pay them multiple six figures. It has to be reasonable, but to the extent that it’s reasonable, you can actually hire them on. And I especially love this with kids.
So as an example of my own life, I hire my daughter and she’ll help me with my videos, she’ll help me with setup. She helps me with product development, and she’s been featured in a few of my videos online. So I will pay her. She’s a 1099 worker, so it’s not a W-2, so it’s simple. I just have to give her a check, and what I love about that is that I get to reduce my taxes, and this is more like W-2, but either way, we all get a standard deduction.
If I pay my child up to the standard deduction amount, which was just a little over $13,000 for 2023. If I pay her $13,000, I get to reduce my taxable income by that same $13,000. She pays no taxes on it because of the standard deduction, which basically is the IRS giving you some credits for having a kid or just whatever else is happening in life. They say, “Here’s just one flat rate. You just take that.” So she doesn’t pay taxes on that, and then I can put it into a custodial IRA for her and it’ll grow tax-free because it’s Roth. You’re saving money, they’re not paying any taxes, I mean, that’s a really good tax loophole there.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
For sure, for sure. And speaking of which, since we’re on the topic of deductions, I know sometimes people go a little over the top with these deductions, forgetting that the IRS does audit people. I know recently I’ve seen something floating around on social media about being able to buy a Mercedes Benz, also known as G-Wagon, and write it off using your taxes. And the rules for this are really complicated, so make sure to work with the CPA if you’re thinking about doing it. So is this true? And if it is, what is the catch?
Krystal Todd:
There are some caveats. It must be used in business. You can’t just buy a G-Wagon, you never drive in it. If you’re a realtor, for example, that might make sense. You have an image. If you’re a realtor, you’re selling million-dollar homes, you want to look the part. That might make sense. But if you’re a content creator working at home, you never go in the car to do anything, you cannot do that. In the eyes of the IRS that is illegal, so you have to make sure that it’s being used for business use. It doesn’t have to be exclusively, but if it is half business, half personal, you’ll have to adjust your taxes to account for that.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
So sorry to get into the nitty-gritty, but when you say business use, someone might say, “Oh, I have a meeting, I don’t know, once a month, and I’m driving it to my meeting.” A content creator. Does the IRS get into the details of how frequently you’re using the car?
Krystal Todd:
Yes, and the location. So if you’re driving from your home to a meeting, that doesn’t count. It’s only if you’re going from, let’s say, your primary job to your second job. Then that could actually be considered a deductible expense. So yeah, they’re very particular about what you’re using it for, where you’re driving from, and if you get audited, you better be prepared.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
So can you tell us, on that note, some major red flags or even myths that you hear of when it comes to tax deductions?
Krystal Todd:
Yes. I think that people think they could just deduct anything because it’s eligible. The government makes you go through hoops, especially after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act where the standard deduction was doubled. They’re really trying hard to make you just take the standard deduction and just take that and go.
If you’re saying, “No, I’ve had more than $13,000 worth of expenses,” you might have. That doesn’t mean they’re all going to be eligible. So for example, for health costs that you’ve spent, maybe you spent $10,000 in health expenses for this year, but the government does not give you dollar for dollar, and if you take that, it has to be itemized. So you might do all this work trying to itemize your deductions and you were better off taking the standard deduction because they make you go through a lot of different hoops. There’s percentages, there’s phase-outs if you’re making a certain amount of money. So it’s super, super nuanced, and just circling back to what we talked about earlier as far as DIY goes, if you’re in that situation, unless you’re going to really put the effort into research, you probably are better off just getting someone who already has done this before and they’re comfortable with it because of all those different nuanced requirements that they have.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
So in the spirit of… Well, I don’t want to say in the spirit of getting audited because I don’t think anyone wants to get audited, but just in case, give us some bookkeeping tips. I’m still refining my bookkeeping because it’s just not my strong area, but what are some bookkeeping tips so that if the IRS comes knocking, people are ready?
Krystal Todd:
I strongly suggest getting software. If you have a software, you’re able to attach receipts directly to it. They’ll organize it for you. If you’re not someone who’s too familiar with income statements and cash flows and all of that, they prepare those documents for you. That by far has dramatically changed my business. And also having separate accounts. You can’t even imagine how many people will dig through their personal account looking for business expenses. Even if you’re just starting out, from the decision you’ve made to take this business seriously, please get your EIN so you can open up your business bank account, and that way everything is just flowing through one account. Lean on these different tools that will organize it for you and just be sure to keep receipts.
I would say you should be at least monthly. All these billion-dollar corporations, I mean, they’re doing things very frequently, but every single month we are balancing the books, we are going over our expenses and then we’re tax planning. So many people wait until the end of the year and then it just becomes a hassle. So to the extent that you can, get it done monthly. That is the best advice I have so you’re not stressing yourself out during these times.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
We’re in a very tech-savvy age, so how are digital receipts? So every time maybe you make a purchase or whatever, just keeping a digital file of your stuff.
Krystal Todd:
Yes, absolutely. And let’s say maybe you’re not ready for the software. That’s what I was doing when I first started out and I wasn’t too sure. Just a simple folder in your computer would work. Document everything in the moment as it happens, that way nothing is slipping through the cracks and you should be in good shape.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
So the last question I have, because in this series we’re trying to cover people who also have how they can manage your finances when they have inconsistent income. So for someone who has inconsistent income throughout the year, maybe they don’t make as much during the beginning of the year, but let’s say halfway through the year they land a huge contract.
How do they budget then for self-employed taxes or estimated taxes, rather? Because I know that’s based on how much you think you’re going to make, but you don’t always know. So maybe you’ve been underpaying for the first half of the year and then the end of the year comes. How do you manage that?
Krystal Todd:
I always say be as conservative as possible. It’s kind of like a dual opinion I have here because on one end, you don’t want to give the government an interest-free loan. That’s essentially what you’re doing when you get a tax refund. But on the other end, you also don’t want to deal with owing money, maybe being penalized and then having to pay that next year. So to the extent that you can, I would say be as conservative as possible when it comes to paying your taxes. Again, there’s different software that’ll help you establish what you should be paying. When you get that windfall, you weren’t really expecting it, right? So I like to live off of my most conservative amount of money.
So let’s say maybe it’s $10,000 a month. If I made $20,000 a month, I will ignore that $10,000 and put it to the side just because you’ll have that extra cushion to keep you protected in the event that you have a windfall you don’t expect. That happened to me last year, actually. I had quite the windfall and I wasn’t expecting it, but I had practiced what I preach and I had some money to the side, so it was okay. So whenever you get those large sums of money, pretend like you didn’t. Just live conservatively and then once a year is done, once you calculate your taxes and you pay it, then you can enjoy the rest. So it’s delayed gratification.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Oh, I like that as a way of looking at it. And one day when I was complaining about my taxes, I remember someone saying, “The brighter side of that is that you made more money.” So we welcome a windfall, we just have to prepare for those windfalls.
Krystal Todd:
This is a little bit more technical, but something that I love because this again happened to me last year. Let’s say seasonality is something that your company is affected by. Maybe you get a big windfall of purchases or something at the end of the year. In certain circumstances, it might be best to ask them to pay you next year, right?
If you are a cash-basis type of accounting, you won’t get taxed unless you actually receive the money. So maybe you did make that revenue, but if you can have it pushed off to the next year because you didn’t expect that windfall and you don’t want to necessarily deal with the influx of the money you have to pay for those taxes, maybe you can have your customers pay you January 1st or January 2nd. That way you’re not going to be affected by that surprise, and that’s 100% legal. You can delay that or you can bring forward some expenses too.
This only works if, again, you are a cash basis, but if you want to pay something off for the whole year, you’ll be able to deduct that even if the whole year hasn’t actually happened yet. So there’s different ways towards the end of the year to try to get some last minute things in just to further insulate yourself.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Love that. Those are some really, really good tips and a reminder of why it’s good to talk to CPAs. Do you have any final words of wisdom or anything that people might not be thinking about relating to self-employed taxes that you want to share?
Krystal Todd:
Yes. You are the driver. A lot of times people will shy away from it because it is intimidating, but in the age of information that we’re in right now, there is an influx of free information online. This is an example of one of them. Don’t be paralyzed by fear. Really lean into it because the difference between small business, and I really don’t use that word lightly because no matter if you’re small or big, you have to do the same exact stuff. So why even identify with your revenue or the size of your company? But a business is a business, and these larger companies become larger because they are hands-on and they’re very proactive with how they’re managing their money.
So I suggest that you do so too and do not be afraid of delegation. I, in other areas of life, have not delegated, and that is what comes back to haunt you. So you don’t have to do it all on your own. There are free resources, there are paid resources. Definitely make sure you’re just taking advantage of what you can take advantage of and you’re planning so that you can not be surprised with tax bills at the end of the year.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Yes, absolutely. Echoing what Krystal said, you do not have to do it alone, and that is something that has made taxes a lot less daunting for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Krystal. This was so informative. I have learned so many new things that I’m going to apply when it comes time to do my self-employed taxes, so thank you. Thank you for coming.
Krystal Todd:
You’re so welcome. Thank you for having me, and good luck everybody in this tax season.
Sean Pyles:
Elizabeth, I never thought I’d say this, but that was actually a super interesting conversation about taxes. I am someone who was a planner in all aspects of my life, and like Krystal said, planning ahead with your taxes is so key whether you’re finding deductions, hiring your family, or making quarterly tax payments, but also there is a big difference between planning and scheming. I’m so glad that you guys talked about that viral G-Wagon tax hack because I have seen that so many times on TikTok. I have been really worried about people getting themselves into a world of trouble with their taxes.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
I’m telling you, on the journey of self-employment, I have realized that there are some things that are not too good to be true, but other things are too good to be true, and I think that’s one of them.
So while taxes can be a snooze fest, I think learning about ways to save and avoid penalties will always grab my attention. I love all the tax saving strategies that Krystal shared, and also the deduction red flags to look out for. I mean, for me, this episode was also a reminder about how important it is to talk to a tax professional who has extensive knowledge, and that’s even if you’re a DIY type person.
I feel more confident about filing my self-employed taxes now because of all the information we just got. But Sean, before we go, I do want to mention one development that we didn’t address with Krystal.
Sean Pyles:
What is that?
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Well, starting this year, there’s a new law called the Corporate Transparency Act. And what that says is that anyone with an official business designation, especially a one or two-person LLC, is going to want to be aware of.
This is an effort to stem money laundering and tax evasion in the small business category, and basically you have to file some extra paperwork with the Treasury Department called a Beneficial Ownership Information Report. If you don’t do that, you could be fined $500 and possibly get up to two years jail time, and don’t nobody want two years jail time.
Sean Pyles:
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Nobody. So definitely talk to your tax accountant and or your business attorney about that.
Sean Pyles:
Yourself included, Elizabeth. I do not want you to go to jail, so please get this done.
Well, thanks for that information. Elizabeth, please tell us what’s coming up in episode three of this series.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
Sean, we are all about getting to retirement here on Smart Money, but saving for it can often be an extra challenge when you are self-employed. We’re going to walk listeners through their options and how to make sure you’re planning for the future, even while you’re going into business for yourself.
Ayesha Selden:
If I can get to 10%, a double-digit percentage of my pay, of my gross pay, my pre-tax pay, I’m in the right ballpark. If you are self-employed, then the onus is on you, of course, to put in everything into your own personal retirement plan.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
For now, that’s all we have for this episode. Do you have a money question of your own? If you do, turn to the Nerds and call or text us your questions at 901-730-6373. That’s 901-730-NERD. You can also email us at [email protected]. You can also visit nerdwallet.com/podcast for more information on this particular episode. And remember to follow, rate, and review us wherever you’re getting this podcast.
Sean Pyles:
This episode was produced by Tess Vigeland. I helped with editing, Courtney Neidel helped with fact checking, Sara Brink mixed our audio, and a big thank you to NerdWallet’s editors for all their help.
Elizabeth Ayoola:
And here’s our brief disclaimer. We are not financial or investment advisors. This nerdy info is provided for general educational and entertainment purposes, and it may not apply to your specific circumstances.
Sean Pyles:
And with that said, until next time, turn to the Nerds.
You may have a preconception about moving to Omaha. But once you’re in the city, it exceeds expectations and is a place you don’t want to leave.
Omahans enjoy outstanding attractions, such as the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, considered one of the top zoos in the world. With nearly 130 acres of indoor and outdoor exhibits, the zoo claims to have the world’s largest indoor desert dome and the top indoor rain forest in North America. The African Grasslands and Asian Highlands feature animals in natural settings.
The Durham Museum showcases Omaha’s history, such as its early days as a railroad center and the site of the 1898 World’s Fair, a.k.a. Trans-Mississippi Expedition. Outdoor attractions include Fontenelle Forest, with more than 15 miles of natural trails among the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, as well as the downtown riverfront, which is home to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, one of the longest bridges connecting two states as Nebraska and Iowa meet in the middle of the river.
Omaha’s culinary scene rivals that of many bigger cities in the U.S. With several James Beard Foundation-nominated chefs, you’ll find restaurants featuring fresh handmade dishes from around the world. Farm-to-table dining is popular, with restaurants like The Grey Plume, Dante and Au Courant leading the way. It’s hard to taste better Italian dishes than you’ll find at Lo Sole Mio or Malara’s. South Omaha is ripe with authentic Mexican eateries.
While the city doesn’t have any major league sport, it’s an amateur sports mecca. From the College World Series in June to hosting multiple U.S. Olympics trials, including swimming and curling events, Omaha attracts hundreds of thousands of fans to the area. Omaha is also home to the Storm Chasers, the top minor league baseball team for the Kansas City Royals.
Keep on reading to see if moving to Omaha is a fit, and why you’ll love to live there and strive to keep it “America’s best-kept secret.”
Omaha overview
Omaha is home to four of Forbes Top 500 companies, led by Berkshire-Hathaway. With local billionaire Warren Buffett at the helm, Berkshire-Hathaway is among the top five companies by Forbes. Other top Forbes companies include Union Pacific (No. 141), Mutual of Omaha (337) and Kiewit Corp. (339).
While enjoying major economic success, Omaha maintains a Midwestern small-town feel, where it’s common for people to say hi as they see you on the street and hold the door for you when entering buildings.
While experiencing growth and development in neighborhoods across the city, the Omaha cost of living continues to remain strong, along with steady job growth.
Population: 478,192
Population density (People per square mile): 3,217.9
Median income: $59,266
Studio average rent: $864
One-bedroom average rent: $946
Two-bedroom average rent: $1,173
Cost of Living index: 93.4
Popular neighborhoods in Omaha
Moving to Omaha offers you a chance to explore the city’s history, culture and diversity. While west and southwest Omaha offers the feel of suburbia, Omaha’s most popular neighborhoods remain the oldest and most upscale.
From the riverfront to midtown, you’ll find a mix of older and contemporary apartments and condominiums to call home, while also enjoying easy access to culture, parks, vintage shops and a fun nightlife scene, featuring outstanding eateries and bars.
Old Market: Old Market is the heartbeat of Omaha. The nine-block area hosts one of the Midwest’s longest-running farmers markets each summer and fall. The entertainment district is family-friendly during the day, with restaurants, shops and galleries open, before becoming an adult-centric neighborhood at night, as couples dine out and then hit bars and clubs, creating a fun, party atmosphere.
Benson: One of Omaha’s oldest neighborhoods, Benson is an eclectic mix of art galleries, coffee shops, craft breweries and restaurants. Toss in vintage and unique clothing shops, and you’ve found the city’s “Hipster” area. During “First Fridays,” galleries and other businesses stay open later on the first Friday of each month, along with entertainment and even food trucks lining the streets.
Midtown: Popular with young professionals moving to Omaha, Midtown is a mix of contemporary apartments and condos with older homes. The Midtown Crossing entertainment district is home to some of the best restaurants in Omaha, as well as unique retail outlets. Midtown is the site of the Jazz on the Green festival each summer.
Dundee: Considered Omaha’s first suburb, Dundee is home to classic apartments, as well as modern outlets. With fantastic local eateries, such as Ahmad’s Persian Café, Saddle Creek Breakfast Club and J. Coco, calling the area home, it’s one of the city’s best dining areas. It’s also home to Warren Buffett, whose house in Happy Hollow borders the neighborhood.
Blackstone: Nestled between Midtown and Dundee, Blackstone is one of Omaha’s newest entertainment districts. Heavy on restaurants and bars, such as Noli’s Pizzeria and Butterfish, it also offers excellent spots to relax and enjoy a treat or coffee at Coneflower Creamery and Archetype Coffee.
The pros of moving to Omaha
Omaha offers people excellent attractions, restaurants, outdoor activities and a sports scene that makes other cities jealous. With plans to expand the riverfront, downtown Omaha will rank as one of the most beautiful and fun areas in the Midwest. Here are three reasons why you’ll enjoy moving to Omaha.
Excellent employment opportunities
With one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States at less than 5 percent, Omaha is home to major leaders in healthcare, transportation, agriculture and insurance. Several people moving to Omaha are with companies, such as Union Pacific, Pacific Life and Aflac.
Tech companies are finding their way to Omaha, with the city earning the nickname “Silicon Prairie,” as Facebook and Google are among companies opening data centers in the area.
Enjoy the commute
Nicknamed the “15-minute City,” Omaha is easy to get around. The commute is actually about 20 minutes, as the city grows and expands its boundary westward. Regardless, the main thoroughfares, such as Dodge, Maple, Pacific and Center streets, run east-west, while the interstate system continues to add lanes to ease morning and afternoon commute issues.
The cost of living is a huge plus
With a cost of living index rating of 93.4, among the best in the United States, moving to Omaha benefits you financially. Everything tends to cost less here than in other cities of similar size, such as groceries, utilities, rent and gasoline. You can enjoy an evening out on the town without worrying about mortgaging the farm.
The cons of moving to Omaha
While Omaha enjoys economic success, the city faces challenges to keep its young professionals in the area, among other issues. Here are three areas of concern when considering moving to Omaha.
Lack of diversity
Whites make up about 66 percent of the population, while the African American community is the largest ethnic minority, accounting for about 12 percent of the city’s population. Hispanics make up about 11 percent, while Asian Americans and Native Americans account for about four percent.
While Omaha hasn’t experienced racial tensions like other cities, people have targeted minorities as a way of gaining political power, including focusing on undocumented workers or perceived high crime rates. Minority residents have protested unfair treatment by law enforcement and the court system.
Public transportation is a challenge
Omaha is a car city. Without a vehicle, you’ll be challenged to easily get around town. While Uber and Lyft are successful in Omaha, the city’s public transportation system is lacking for many residents.
With bus routes that run east-west, focusing on stops toward downtown, the Metro Transit system doesn’t run 24/7, which impacts people who prefer using public transportation. The new ORBT route runs from the Westroads Mall to downtown, but again, it’s not designed for 24/7 service.
Winter can be severe
Winters in Omaha are hit-or-miss — it may snow a lot or just a few inches. However, when it gets cold and snowy, traffic comes to a standstill. Literally. You’ll find parking lots on some of the main routes, because, as people joke, “two inches of snow shuts down the city.” Snow removal is an annual challenge, as well as the potholes that come with the winter season.
How to get started on your move to Omaha
Omaha’s attractions, culinary scene, sports community and commute are winning factors to consider when it comes to moving to Omaha. Regardless of the neighborhood you choose to call home, you’ll only be minutes from most major attractions, parks and restaurants.
To assist with your move as you pack up to head to the Big O, visit our Moving Center to get free quotes and more information about planning your move. Also check out available apartments for rent and homes for sale – you can’t move if you don’t have a place to live, after all.
Rent prices are based on a rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments. Data was pulled in December 2020 and goes back for one year. We use a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
Population and income numbers are from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Cost of living data comes from the Council for Community and Economic Research.
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.
Tim is an Omaha-based freelance writer, online content creator and author who loves exploring the Midwest and beyond. In addition to writing The Walking Tourists travel blog, he has co-authored three books with his wife, Lisa: 100 Things to Do in Omaha Before You Die, Unique Eats and Eateries of Omaha, and 100 Things to Do in Nebraska Before You Die. Tim is a dad to two daughters and three cat sons. He is an avid sports fan, primarily enjoying football and hockey.
While it can be a challenge to keep up with both work and school, getting a part-time job while in college can help you cover your expenses and gain valuable work experience at the same time. In addition, some employers may even offer to pay a portion of your college tuition as a part of their benefits package.
There are all kinds of jobs for college students — from on-campus jobs with regular hours to side gigs you can do in your spare time. While students often find work in the retail and service industry, it’s also worth exploring other avenues for employment, including office work and even jobs related to your field of study. Read on for a basic guide to finding a job that can help you pay for college.
Table of Contents
Part-Time Jobs That Help Pay for College
Working part-time while you’re in college can help you pay for tuition and other expenses. These jobs typically offer flexible hours, allowing you to work around your class schedule.
You might start your search for jobs that help pay for college with businesses you already know and love. For example, you could see if your favorite cafe is hiring or ask about opportunities at the yoga studio you love. Even if they don’t have a paying position, some small businesses offer “service swaps” where you might be able to score free coffee, meals, or exercise classes for some light work. It pays to ask!
Here’s a look at other job opportunities that can help students earn money for college. 💡 Quick Tip: Make no payments on SoFi private student loans for six months after graduation.
On-Campus Jobs
Colleges and universities hire students for a variety of jobs on campus. Part-time on-campus jobs are not only convenient but typically provide flexibility so you can work around your class schedule. Plus, a lot of on-campus jobs can help you build relevant skills that will serve you after graduation.
The career center at your school will likely have lots of resources that can help you find employment on campus, including an online job board. Your school can also help you find a job campus through the federal work-study program. To see out if you’re eligible for work-study, which is a needs-based program, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
Below is just a sampling of on-campus job options you might consider, plus what they pay, on average, per hour:
• Administrative Assistant: $16.80 per hour
• Teaching Assistant: $17.56 per hour
• Research Assistant: $20.62 per hour
• Fitness or Recreation Center Attendant: $14.10 per hour
• Lifeguard: $16 per hour
• Peer Tutor: $12.73 per hour
• Library Assistant: $14.49 per hour
• Campus tour guide: $14.81 per hour
Paid Internships
Your school’s career center may also be able to provide information about internship opportunities in your field of study. Some college internships provide college credits, which can help you pay for college by reducing your tuition bill. In other cases, internships are paid. On average, college interns in the U.S. earn $24.63 per hour.
Don’t want to work during the school year? Summer can be a great time to focus on a career-boosting internship without distracting you from your coursework. According to a 2023 Glassdoor report , some summer internships are paying as much as $9,064 a month.
Securing a paid internship tends to be competitive, so it can be wise to apply early and make sure your application materials are compelling and complete. Internships can provide valuable learning opportunities and some of the top-rated internships even offer the opportunity for future full-time employment.
Serving, Bartending, or other Service jobs
Many college students work part time in the service industry because the hours are flexible and you can often earn tips in addition to an hourly pay. This can be especially helpful during peak hours and holidays because your income could be higher than usual. Here’s a look at some service jobs and their average hourly pay and tips:
• Barista: $14.86 per hour (plus $20 in tips per day)
• Restaurant server: $16.06 per hour (plus $100 in tips per day)
• Restaurant host: $14.79 per hour (plus $35.00 in tips per day)
• Bartender: $15.97 per hour (plus $150 in tips per day)
Recommended: Guide to Paying for College
Retail jobs
If you’re looking for a part-time job that will help pay for college, you might consider working in a local boutique or other type of retail store. These jobs also provide you with valuable human and workplace skills that can be used later in your professional career.
A retail sales associate is typically required to set up store merchandise and assist customers with their shopping needs. You also might even be able to get employee discounts or earn a commission. The average retail sales associate salary in the U.S. is $14.90 an hour.
Tutoring
You’ve been hitting the books and now it’s time to put all of that newfound knowledge to good use. You may be paying for your education, but there are also people out there willing to pay you to share what you’ve learned, which can help make college more affordable. Consider tutoring other college students or younger students in your area of expertise. Rates will vary based on location, subject matter, and your experience level. On average, private tutors earn $25.12 an hour.
Virtual Assistant
Sometimes small businesses and entrepreneurs need someone who can answer their emails, perform odd jobs online, and otherwise provide administrative support virtually. You might look for these gigs online or through your school’s career development office. Before you take on a role, it’s important to know what’s expected: Are they looking for someone to be available during specific hours or could you get everything done on your own time?
On average, a virtual assistant makes $19.19 an hour.
Recommended: 3 Summer Jobs Ideas for College Students
Babysitting or Caregiving
Babysitting can be another job option to help pay for college if you’re looking for flexibility. You can schedule jobs for weekends or nights if you’re worried about work conflicting with your school schedule. As a bonus, you may be able to squeeze in some studying while the little ones are asleep. On average, part-time college nanny jobs pay $25 an hour.
Keep in mind that caregiving isn’t just limited to little kids. You may find meaningful roles working with elderly or ill people who need help, either with day-to-day tasks or with errand running, housekeeping, or even just keeping someone company while they shop. On average, a part-time caregiver earns $15 an hour.
Dog Walking
Having flexibility during the day can mean everything for people who work 9 to 5 and need someone to care for Fido. Consider working for a walking service rather than striking it out on your own: It may provide guaranteed hours or jobs, so you can get to know the pooches you work with. The average salary for a dog walker in the U.S. earns $17 per hour.
Ridesharing or Delivery Driving
Driving for a ride-sharing or delivery service can be a good option during college, since you can generally set your own hours and fit the job into your schedule. How much you could make will depend on your location and the times you’re available to drive. Many Uber drivers make between $15 and $25 per hour, while the average hourly wage for food delivery drivers nationwide is $19/hour.
It can also be helpful to talk to locals to get the lay of the land — national earnings surveys may be very different from your local area, and it can be helpful to anticipate just how much demand there might be before you sign on.
Recommended: 11 Ways to Make Money While You Drive
Freelance or Start a Side Hustle
If you have a sought-after skill or talent, such as writing, website design, photography, or coding, you might consider starting your own freelance business or side hustle. You can advertise your skills on a freelance platform like Fiverr or Upwork. Or, you could solicit clients in your community. For example, you might be able to build a website for a local small business or get hired to manage an off-campus store’s online brand and marketing.
Consider Companies That Help Pay Your Tuition
Part-time jobs can be one option to help you pay for college, but what if you can find a job that not only pays you a salary but also pays for tuition? There are some major companies that offer stipends or reimbursements toward college tuition or expenses like books, even for part-time employees.
Employers generally offer tuition assistance in one of three ways:
• Tuition reimbursement Here, the company reimburses you for tuition you’ve paid. There may be a tuition cap and/or a requirement to work a certain number of hours or months before the benefit kicks in.
• Direct payment Some employers will pay eligible college costs directly to the school. In some cases, they only partner with certain schools.
• Scholarships Some employers offer education scholarships to employees for a set amount of money. As with other types of scholarships, you typically need to submit an application for the award and may also be required to maintain a certain GPA.
Here are some national companies that have well-publicized tuition assistance policies:
Chipotle
At Chipotle , tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250 each year) is available for both part-time and full-time employees. They also offer a Debt-Free Degree program, which covers the full cost of a four-year degree at one of 10 universities. Typically, employees must work at least 15 hours a week for four months to qualify for tuition benefits.
Smuckers
Smucker’s helps employees further their knowledge and skills by reimbursing them for some of the costs of qualifying continued and/or higher education. The company also offers a scholarship program for children of employees.
Publix
At Publix , associates with 90 days of continuous service who work an average of 10 hours a week are eligible to participate in the company’s tuition reimbursement program. The program covers graduate and undergraduate degree coursework, as well as some individual courses, online programs, and technical training.
Starbucks
Starbucks is often featured on these lists for a reason: They partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to create the Starbucks College Achievement Plan which offers 100% tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University’s online program. All employees eligible for benefits (this includes part-time employees) may take advantage of this program.
If an employee doesn’t qualify for admission to ASU, they can take part in the Pathway to Admission program, which will help them qualify for admission, tuition-free.
UPS
UPS offers a tuition assistance program at most locations in the U.S. Through their “Earn and Learn” program, you can receive up to $5,250 per calendar year, with a lifetime maximum of $25,000. There are no course or subject restrictions.
Walmart
Walmart will pay 100% of tuition and books for an associate or bachelor’s degree program through several online accredited universities. This benefit is available to hourly part-time and full-time associates without a prior bachelor’s degree starting on day one.
Amazon
Amazon offers tuition assistance for employees seeking a Bachelor’s degree, a high school GED, or English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) proficiency certification. You’re eligible for the program after 90 days of employment for as many years as you work in a regular, full-time role at Amazon.
Recommended: Finding Jobs That Pay Off Student Loans
Think About Your First Job Out Of School
Another benefit of finding a job that helps pay for college: You can figure out what you do (and don’t) want to do for a living. It can also be helpful to assess certain job paths, including how much they may pay entry-level employees. While there are always lists of most and least lucrative majors, the reality is that your major doesn’t necessarily determine your career. Talk to alums and people a few years out of school and have them give you the lowdown on their job path.
When looking for your first full-time job out of college, it’s also important to consider not just your salary, but what benefits may come into play. For example, many companies now offer employees assistance in paying off student loans. How it works varies by company, but the typical plan offers matching funds or a predetermined recurring monthly payment towards your loan. Usually, there’s a maximum dollar amount you can receive and some employers require a minimum amount of time on the job. 💡 Quick Tip: Would-be borrowers will want to understand the different types of student loans that are available: private student loans, federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, Direct PLUS loans, and more.
The Takeaway
The combination of scholarships, student loans, and a part-time job can help you cover the cost of going to college for four (or more) years. A part-time job will not only help you earn some money, but it could also help boost your resume. In addition, some companies offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs for part- or full-time employees pursuing higher education. These programs may have specific requirements, such as attending a certain school or working a set number of hours per week, so be sure you understand the requirements.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
FAQ
How do you ask a company if they offer tuition reimbursement?
To find out if a company offers education benefits like tuition assistance, you can talk to your manager or HR representative (if you already work there). If you’re in the interviewing process, you can ask the recruiter or hiring manager. Or, you can check the company’s website (often they will describe their benefits, including who is eligible and any other stipulations).
What are the disadvantages of tuition reimbursement?
One disadvantage of tuition reimbursement is that you typically need to pay for your classes upfront, then submit the bill to your company for reimbursement. Some tuition reimbursement programs also have strict requirements and limitations, such as a cap on the amount of money that can be reimbursed, or only covering certain types of courses or degrees.
Also keep in mind that balancing work and courses can also be challenging for some employees to manage successfully.
Why would a company offer generous tuition reimbursement?
Many companies offer generous tuition assistance programs in order to attract, develop, and retain high-performing employees.
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Lucky for you, this country features culinary gems from coast to coast. Think you know the best foodie cities in the U.S.? See if your projections match up with our top 10 list.
What makes a great foodie city?
Any serious epicure prioritizes restaurant choice and variety of cuisine on their wish list of where to live. Good news: You no longer have to guess if the city you’re considering calling home is actually one of the best foodie cities in America. We’ve done the math for you.
So what makes these the best foodie cities in the country? Restaurant options, and plenty of them. We looked at no fewer than 104 different cuisines to see how many different choices exist in any given city.
Whether you’re hungry for falafel, pho or fried chicken, the higher the city on the list, the better the chance that you’ll never meet a craving that isn’t satisfied.
But first, a quick housekeeping note. Yes, we realize that there are three No. 9s in our “Top 10″ list below, and 11 total entries. There was an unprecedented three-way tie for the No. 10 spot just to keep us on our toes. So let’s start there, with our trio of lucky number nines:
9 (tied). Portland, OR
How do you feel about street food? If you like a good food truck, it’s time to meet Portland‘s “food carts.” These culinary treasure troves stay put (unlike trucks) and organize in “pods” that make it easy — and practically required — to sample flavors from several different spots in one go.
There are no fewer than 500 food carts here, and the food rivals some of the city’s best restaurants. So what do they serve? Everything … truly. From barbecue to Vietnamese, and pretty much everything in between.
Portland’s not just about man buns and mustaches, though you’re bound to see both in a city that’s proud for being called “weird” — along with naked bike rides, vegan strip clubs and all the quirks you can handle. If that sounds like your speed, expect to spend around $1,747 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
9 (tied). Seattle, WA
When we talk about the food in Seattle, we obviously need to start with the iconic Pike Place Market. From fishmongers and fresh oysters to specialty food shops and spicy noodles, this admittedly touristy place is ground zero for true gourmands. Like the city at large, the century-old market offers a truly tasty variety of straight-up outstanding cuisine. And yes, also flying fish photo ops.
Eat your way around the city and you could start with steaming bowls of pho, savory Chinese pastries or to-die-for smoked salmon — paired with some of the country’s best coffee.
Ready to set down roots and begin the culinary journey of a lifetime? Expect to pay around $2,214 in rent per month for a one-bedroom. Don’t worry, it’s in your budget. The median income here is a healthy $93,481.
9 (tied). Houston, TX
If you think Houston‘s culinary scene starts at brisket and ends with enchiladas, it’s time to broaden your gastronomic horizons. Yes, barbecue and Tex Mex are big here — this is, after all, one of the best cities for meat lovers — but that’s really just the beginning. From Czech kolaches (savory breakfast pastries) to Cajun crawfish, you’ll find diverse flavors to suit your every mood.
If you’re ready to hunker down in H-town, budget a reasonable $1,241 per month for your housing costs. Sure, it can get pretty steamy in these parts, but fret not. You’ll find plenty of crisp salads and frosty ice cream to cool off with here in the Lone Star State.
8. Washington, DC
If there’s one thing that can unite politicos across party lines, it’s good food. And you’ll find plenty of it here in the nation’s capital.
In the mood for Korean fried chicken? D.C.’s got you covered. Feel like cracking into Chesapeake blue crab? You’re in the right place. Oh, you want Michelin stars? Yep, D.C.’s got those, too. Find diverse flavors for any budget that will happily fill you up for years to come. And don’t sweat your waistline. With an impressive walk and bike score, it’s easy to work it all off.
Ready to find a neighborhood that’s just right for you? You’ll find ample options here when it comes to both housing and restaurants. Plan to spend around $2,406 in monthly rent — and as much or as little as your food budget allows for all the amazing flavors the city has to offer.
7. Las Vegas, NV
From all-you-can-eat buffets and tony steakhouses to celebrity chef outposts, you may think you know all there is to know about eating in Vegas. Think again. This desert city’s food scene goes well beyond the Strip, and you could spend a heck of a lot longer than one crazy weekend exploring all of the different flavors that make up this vibrant city.
People have been flocking to the Vegas suburbs in droves over the past few years. Why? In addition to the fantastic culinary scene, there’s no state income tax — not to mention 300 days of sunshine per year. Sound pretty good? Plan to spend around $1,311 a month for rent.
5 (tied). San Diego, CA
What’s not to love about sunny San Diego? Endless sandy beaches, a vibrant downtown and yes, an amazing food scene. All that sunshine powers a bounty of fresh produce, while the sea serves up uber fresh seafood.
From fish tacos and carne asada to wood-fired pizza, Southeast Asian cuisine and fabulous local wine, prepare to wow your palate. And did we mention that Mexico is just 17 miles away? Expect plenty of spillover from all those south of the border flavors.
This tasty bounty does, however, come at a cost. It’s not exactly cheap to live by the coast in California — but it could be worse (looking at you, SF and L.A.!). You’ll pay around $2,402 per month in rent, but expect to pull in a salary just shy of $80K a year.
5 (tied). Philadelphia, PA
The City of Brotherly Love loves cheesesteaks. And hoagies. And Tastykakes…are you getting hungry? Same, yo. Let’s not forget soft pretzels, crab fries and scrapple. OK, you get the picture. How are you going to get anything done when there’s all that good food to sample? At least you can keep moving — Philadelphia boasts excellent walk and bike scores.
If you don’t mind a little snow (ahem, 22 inches a year), and think you can find a healthy balance between indulging your cravings and not overdoing it, perhaps Philly is for you. The price tag? You’ll pay an above-average $2,152 per month in rent for a one-bedroom.
3 (tied). San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has changed a lot over the last decade, thanks to as a wave of tech companies that have pushed housing prices to the upper limit.
However, one crucial factor has remained constant — and probably even improved: the food scene. From crusty sourdough bread to Dungeness crab, the city offers an embarrassment of culinary riches. It’s also the best city in America for local restaurants.
Let’s address the elephant in the room … it costs a lot to live here. Rent is downright astronomical, with a one-bedroom clocking in around $3,560 per month in rent. But there is some good news! For one, rent prices are dropping. A lot.
And then there’s the job market, and the plump paychecks you can expect to cash in on. How plump? The average salary here in the City by the Bay is $112K. Rest assured, there will be plenty of those six figures left in your budget for some truly amazing meals.
3 (tied). Los Angeles, CA
Tied with its NorCal rival, Los Angeles is also the third-best foodie city in America. The culinary gems here run the gamut, from killer fish tacos and carnitas to pupusas, pork belly ramen and salmon sashimi — and, yes, plenty of top chefs and Michelin stars sprinkled into the mix.
You’ll find global eats from around the world throughout these sprawling environs, and there’s nary a flavor craving you can’t trek down.
There’s a lot more to living in Los Angeles than Hollywood and beaches. Namely, the endless neighborhoods in between, each one boasting its own foodie finds from food trucks to fine dining.
Ready to find the LA neighborhood that’s best suited for you? Budget around $2,970 per month for rent.
2. Chicago, IL
Should we start by mentioning deep dish pizza? How could we not, really? Oh, you want to talk about steak? Italian beef sandwiches? The truth is, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Chicago‘s food scene.
There’s a reason Bon Appetit magazine named Chi-town “Best Food City in America” back in 2017. Four years later, it’s only fallen one notch in our top 10. Knowing where to start your culinary adventures is overwhelming, but this is a very good “problem” to have if you tend to let your stomach lead.
If you don’t mind the winters, Chicago’s ready to welcome you with open arms. And for those glorious sunny days, you can’t do much better than the walk and bike scores here — all the better to work off those occasional indulgences. All this flavor is yours if you pay around $2,232 per month in rent.
1. New York, NY
And the best foodie city in the U.S. is … do we even need to say it? No surprise that New York comfortably takes our top slot.
As much as some of the cities in our top five may like to debate it (looking at you, California), no city can beat the Big Apple when it comes to diverse restaurant options that draw foodies from all over the world.
Where else can you find literally whatever you want to eat — at any hour? From classic diner fare to pizza, soft pretzels and five-star cuisine that spans the globe, NYC has it all. In spades.
The city also boasts the highest walk score on our list, just shy of perfect at 99. If there is one drawback, it’s probably the rent prices. A one-bedroom here will cost you around $3,794. But just remember, a one-bedroom in the big city is practically a penthouse when a shoebox studio is an entry-level norm.
The top 50 best food cities in the U.S.
Okay, so there aren’t too many surprises on our top 10 list — we can’t dispute the data. However, we can cast a wider net to highlight the 50 best foodie cities in America (technically 51 because of ties).
And if you’re still searching, take the insider route and check out the country’s best cities for chefs.
The worst foodie cities in America
So, you’re one of those people who have to remind yourself to eat? You don’t care what it tastes like, as long as it fuels your human form? Great. We’ve got a list you may want to take a look at. Funny how fewer restaurant choices seem to correlate with lower rent costs.
Methodology
To find the best foodie cities, we looked through a database of more than 8 million business listings and identified 104 unique dining cuisines. We then looked to see how many dining establishments advertise serving at least one of these cuisines in every city in America with more than 50,000 people according to U.S. Census 2019 population estimates.
We determined the cities with the highest percentage of cuisine coverage to be the best cities for foodies. For instance, if a city has 80 percent coverage, that means diners can find restaurants serving 80 percent of all available cuisines in America.
Business listings may not reflect recent openings and closures.
Rent prices are based on a one-year rolling weighted average from Apartment Guide and Rent.’s multifamily rental property inventory of one-bedroom apartments as of April 2021. Our team uses a weighted average formula that more accurately represents price availability for each individual unit type and reduces the influence of seasonality on rent prices in specific markets.
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.
Want to learn how to make $200 fast? Having some extra income can be useful for unexpected needs or saving up money. Maybe you need money for rent, something broken on your car, or a medical bill. Maybe you have something that you’re saving for, and you just want to make some extra cash. If…
Want to learn how to make $200 fast?
Having some extra income can be useful for unexpected needs or saving up money. Maybe you need money for rent, something broken on your car, or a medical bill. Maybe you have something that you’re saving for, and you just want to make some extra cash.
If you want to make $200 fast, there are many ways to do it: You could sell things you don’t need, create and sell handmade items, use your car or home to make money, and more.
There are lots of ways to make $200 fast!
My top picks to make $200 fast
Selling items from around your home, such as clothing, an old cell phone, furniture, and more. You can learn how to flip your stuff in this free webinar.
Make $65+ per hour in a focus group sharing your opinions with User Interviews.
Rent out your RV with RVShare.
Freelance proofread and learn how to become a proofreader in this free webinar.
Start a blog (this is what I do!) and learn how in my free How To Start a Blog course.
Best Ways To Make $200 Fast
Below are the best ways to make $200 quickly.
Selling items from around your home
The quickest way to make $200 fast is to find stuff you already own and sell it.
When you’re in a pinch for cash, your home can be a treasure trove of items you can sell. Start by gathering gently used items or those you no longer need, such as electronics (phones, laptops), furniture (couches, coffee tables), clothing and accessories (especially branded ones), gift cards, and collectibles and antiques.
You can sell on Craigslist (ideal for bulkier items like furniture, tires, cars, etc., where local pickup is more practical), Facebook Marketplace (great for reaching a large local audience quickly), eBay (perfect for unique or more valuable items where shipping isn’t an issue), thrift stores (get cash on the spot at places like Plato’s Closet), having yard or garage sales (typically get less per item but can get rid of a lot of things at once), and more.
I have sold a ton of used items over the years such as clothing, jewelry, car tires, furniture, and more. It is easy and someone probably wants what you’re selling.
Recommended reading: 16 Best Selling Apps For Selling Stuff Online And Locally
10
This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
Rent out your storage space
If you’ve got extra space in your home, be it an attic, basement, or spare room, renting it out for storage is an excellent way to earn extra cash.
A site to use to rent out your space is Neighbor. This website helps you earn money by renting out space you’re not using.
You can make up to $15,000 a year by renting out your garage, driveway, basement, or even a closet with Neighbor. You get to choose the prices and decide which reservations you want to say yes to and host.
Take paid online surveys
Earning $200 a day just by answering surveys isn’t normally possible (unless you are doing focus groups or paid research studies), but you can reach your goal by combining survey earnings with other ideas.
When I was repaying my student loans, I answered lots of surveys each week. I did this before work, during lunch, or after work. It was convenient because I could do it whenever I had free time.
Survey companies pay you for answering surveys, watching videos, and testing products. Sometimes, you might even receive free products to evaluate. The best part is that joining survey companies is free!
Some of the paid online survey companies I recommend are:
Here are 11 Paid Online Survey Sites if you want to learn more.
Answer questions in a focus group
A focus group is like a paid online survey, as I mentioned before, but you can make a lot more money from it.
I’ve done a focus group in the past that paid me around $400 for 75 minutes of my time. While that’s a bit more than usual, most focus groups pay anywhere from around $50 to over $100 per hour. Compensation differs significantly depending on the study’s length and topic, but higher-paying studies do exist.
Lots of consumer research companies pay people like us to share our opinions. The companies use our feedback to make their products and services better.
One focus group company that I recommend is User Interviews. User Interviews recruits participants to answer surveys and share their feedback.
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User Interviews pays very well for market research studies and these are some of the highest paying online surveys, with each paying $50 to $100 or more. The average pays over $60.
Play games on your phone
If you’re looking to make $200 quickly, your smartphone can be a surprisingly interesting way. By playing games on your phone, you can earn real money.
Game apps pay real money rewards because they make money from ads and in-app purchases. They share a part of their earnings with you to motivate you to keep playing their games.
The best game apps that pay real money include KashKick, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars.
When picking gaming apps to make money, check reviews and learn about how you get paid. Be careful with apps that ask you to pay to play or promise rewards that sound too good to be true. Also, keep track of the time you spend playing games to make sure it stays worth it.
Rent out your unused RV
If you have an RV that’s sitting idle, you may want to turn it into income by renting it out. Many people have RVs they don’t use very often. Instead of letting it just sit there, you might make extra money by renting it out. Yes, you could potentially make $200 a day by renting your RV to others.
Popular sites such as RVshare work similarly to Airbnb, connecting you with potential renters. They handle the bookings and insurance, making the process easier.
Another idea is to park your RV somewhere and list it on Airbnb. I’ve seen many RVs, campers, trailers, and more on Airbnb available for rent. Just make sure that you can rent it out in the location you want to leave it, as not all campgrounds or neighborhoods may allow it.
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RVshare is one of the best money-making sites because it helps travelers save money by cutting out the middleman and offering RV rentals directly from RV owners. If you have an RV that is sitting around, then you may be able to make $100 to $300+ a day.
Proofread
If you like finding mistakes in written content and want to know how to make $200 a day, proofreading could be a good fit for you. It can be a part-time job or a full-time work-from-home career too.
It’s a job where you can make $200 in a day, and many proofreaders earn around $40,000 a year or even more.
Proofreaders check for mistakes in articles, ads, books, student papers, emails, transcripts, and more.
To become a proofreader, all you need is a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, and the ability to spot mistakes and errors.
I recommend signing up for the free 76-minute workshop, where you can learn more about becoming a proofreader. You can sign up for the free How To Become a Proofreader workshop here.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Proofreader And Work From Anywhere
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
Virtual assist
A virtual assistant (VA) is someone who helps a person, company, or business owner with administrative and business tasks, making sure everything runs smoothly. They’re just like in-person assistants, but they work from home and online.
I used to work as a virtual assistant for small business owners. I didn’t have prior experience, but I learned the skills while on the job. It not only helped me earn a good income but also allowed me to work from home. I also have virtual assistants who work for me, so I know how helpful they are! This is a very in-demand job field to get into.
Virtual assistant tasks may include:
Managing a company’s Facebook account
Managing a calendar
Scheduling appointments and meetings
Creating slideshows and presentations
Managing an email inbox and handling customer support
And more.
Typically, when you begin working as a virtual assistant, you might earn around $15 to $20 per hour. However, in some cases, you could start with twice or even three times that amount. It depends on the type of work you do and the services you provide.
This can be a full-time job or a side hustle too!
You can learn more at How I Earn $10,000 Per Month From Home as a Virtual Assistant.
Selling handmade goods and crafts
If you want to earn an extra $200 fast, selling the things you make by hand, like crafts or handmade goods, is a great idea.
A popular place to sell handmade goods includes Etsy, which has a worldwide audience looking to purchase unique handcrafted items. You can also sell via social media or even rent a booth at a local craft fair.
You can sell all different kinds of handmade items such as jewelry, soap, furniture, art, photography, clothing, personalized gifts (such as engraved items), and more.
I have personally bought handmade goods all of these ways.
Freelance write
A person who freelance writes can make $200 in a single day.
Freelance writers work for clients, like websites, magazines, marketing teams, book publishers, and others. They write different things such as articles, blog posts for search engine optimization (SEO), marketing content, newsletters, press releases, and more.
You can find freelance writing jobs in many ways such as by searching on Fiverr or Upwork, looking to see if any of your favorite sites are hiring writers, networking with people in the industry you want to write in, and more.
I’ve been a freelance writer for a long time, and many of my friends also have this job. It’s a great way to make $200 a day or more all from home.
You can learn more about how to find freelance writing jobs below:
Transcribe
If you’re looking to make $200 quickly, transcription could be a great option. With a fast typing speed and strong language skills, you can convert audio files to text for pay.
Transcription is when you change spoken words from audio or video into a written document. Many businesses need transcriptionists because they need to convert audio and video into text.
New transcriptionists usually make about $15 per hour when they begin, and the good thing is, you don’t need any previous experience to get started.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
Blog
Starting a blog doesn’t instantly make you $200 on the first day because it takes time to set it up. However, with time and effort, bloggers can make $200 a day in the future.
A blog is a website with articles, like what you’re reading now. You can create a blog on topics such as personal finance, recipes, travel, pet care, family life, and more. There are many different types of blogs out there.
You can make money from a blog by partnering with companies for sponsorships, showing ads, doing affiliate marketing (for example, selling a product listed on Amazon), and selling products like ebooks, candles, T-shirts, and more directly on your blog.
This is what I do to make money, and I earn well over $200 a day online. It did take me around 6 months to make my first $100 with my blog, so it does take time to get started. It took me about a year to reach around $5,000 a month and around 2 years to get to $10,000 a month.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
Another idea similar to this is to start a YouTube channel, TikTok, Instagram, and more!
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
Dog walker
Becoming a dog walker is a fun way to make some quick cash if you love pets, especially dogs. You can easily get started by signing up with well-known dog walking apps dedicated to connecting dog walkers with pet owners.
Here are some steps to help you begin:
Register on Dog Walking Apps – Platforms like Rover are great for finding dog walking jobs. You could earn around $15 to $18 per hour depending on your experience and the local demand for dog walkers.
Create a Profile – Highlight your experience with dogs and any references you might have.
Set Your Availability – Decide on the days and hours you’re available to walk dogs and set your schedule.
My sister as well as my husband’s mother are both dog walkers on Rover, and they both enjoy this side hustle.
Sell printables on Etsy
Selling printables on Etsy can be a quick way to earn some extra cash.
Printables are digital files that customers can download and print themselves. These can include things like planners, art prints, stickers, learning tools, worksheets, invites, and organizational tools.
You most definitely have used printables in your life, and so have most people. I buy printables all the time because they make my life so much easier – and it’s so nice to just print things out and have them more easily accessible for when I need them.
One great thing about selling printables is that you don’t have to print and send anything yourself. The customer pays for the design, and they print it out on their own.
Here’s how you can get started:
Step 1: Find Your Niche
Determine what kind of printables you’re passionate about. Many people specialize in a certain type of printable, such as home, wedding, organizing, education, etc.
Research what’s popular and in demand. See what kind of printables people are actually buying right now.
Step 2: Create Your Printables
Use design tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator.
Make sure your design is original and appealing.
Step 3: Set Up Your Etsy Shop
Create a memorable and easy shop name.
Set up shop policies and fill in all the details.
Step 4: List Your Products
Take attractive product photos or create digital mockups.
Write clear and compelling product descriptions so that potential customers can find your printables.
Price your printables competitively.
Step 5: Promote Your Shop
Utilize Etsy’s built-in SEO by using relevant keywords in your listings.
Share your printables on social media platforms.
Consider Etsy Ads for additional promotion.
You can learn more at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
Deliver groceries and food
Grocery delivery is a service that is becoming more and more popular. I’ve used it several times myself when I didn’t have time to shop or didn’t have a car available. This service is likely to keep growing.
If you’re looking to make quick cash, you can try delivering groceries and food. You have the flexibility to create your own schedule, and payment can be received pretty quickly – sometimes even within an hour.
Delivering groceries is a popular extra job, and all you need is a valid driver’s license and a car.
You get paid for each delivery and keep all your tips. Platforms like Instacart and Shipt can help you earn around $15 to $20 per hour.
Here are a couple of options for you to start earning with food delivery:
Instacart: As an Instacart shopper, you can choose to shop for groceries or both shop and deliver to customers. Being able to cash out your earnings instantly is a big plus.
Shipt: Enjoy shopping at stores like Target and CVS? With Shipt, you can earn by shopping for others. It’s a great way to combine earning with a task you already enjoy.
Sign up to become an Instacart shopper here.
Related to this: You can also deliver restaurant meals in your spare time through companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Drive for Uber or Lyft
Earning $200 quickly may seem hard, but you may be able to reach this goal by driving for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Here’s what you need to know:
Sign Up – Both Uber and Lyft require you to have a valid driver’s license, meet age requirements, pass a background check, and have an eligible car.
Flexibility – You have the freedom to choose your working hours. Whether it’s an hour, over the weekend, or throughout the week.
Earnings – Income can vary, but it’s possible to earn between $20 to $25 per hour on average. At this rate, driving for 10 hours can help you reach your $200 target.
Maximize Promotions – Keep an eye out for special promotions or peak time surge pricing (such as by driving during weekend nights or during a baseball game) as these can really boost your earnings.
Expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance will come out of your earnings, so it’s important to work efficiently and choose high-demand times and areas to increase your income.
Tutor
Tutors who know subjects well, like math, language, science, graphic design, and more, help students get better at those subjects.
Becoming an online tutor depends on the subject you want to teach. You need experience in that area, but there are options for beginners too. Tutors for advanced subjects, like calculus or college entrance exams, usually earn more than those teaching simpler topics.
Rates vary from $15 to over $100 per hour, depending on the subject and where you offer your tutoring services.
Read more at 11 Best Places To Find Online Tutoring Jobs (Make $100+ an hour).
Sign up for quick Craigslist jobs
You can make $200 quickly using your local Craigslist, which has short-term jobs and side hustles listed under “gigs.”
Some gigs I’ve seen include painting a room, running errands, passing out flyers, handyman work, loading a moving truck, shoveling snow, pet sitting, transporting a boat, and more.
You can also find quick gig side hustles through a company called Taskrabbit as well!
Note: When using Craigslist for odd jobs, be cautious of scams. If something appears too good to be true, it probably is. For instance, no one is likely to pay you $2,000 for a mystery shop or a 30-minute survey. It’s important to stay alert and choose opportunities that are realistic and trustworthy. Simply skip it if you have doubts!
Get a roommate
If you’re looking to make $200 quickly, getting a roommate can be one way to do so, and if you have an extra room at home, you can make extra money by renting it out on platforms like Airbnb or finding a long-term roommate.
Renting out a room long-term could earn you around $200 or much more, depending on the room and its location. It’s a good way to utilize your extra space for additional income.
I have personally had several roommates in the past, and it was a good source of income. Plus, we had the extra space anyway that was unused. We charged around $400 a month per room, but nowadays you can definitely get a lot more (especially depending on where you live).
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to finding a roommate and getting paid:
Advertise Your Space – You will need to find ways to get the word out about the spare room you want to rent out. You can do this on Craigslist, your personal Facebook page, placing a post in a local Facebook group, and more.
Vet Potential Roommates – You don’t want just anyone living with you as they will be sharing your space! Here are some ways to vet potential roommates:
Interviews: Have a conversation to make sure everyone is compatible.
References: Ask for and check personal and rental references.
Discuss Financials – This is all about money, so money definitely needs to be talked about and agreed on. You’ll want to think about things like:
Rent: Determine the monthly charge for rent.
Utilities: Decide how you’ll split costs like electricity, internet, and water. Will the monthly rent include all of the bills or will you split the utilities?
Set House Rules – Rules like quiet hours, guest policies, and cleaning responsibilities help avoid conflicts.
Create a Formal Agreement – Writing an agreement will lay everything out so that there is no confusion later.
Lease Addendum: If you have a lease, add your roommate officially.
Roommate Agreement: Outline terms of rent, bills, and house rules.
To learn more about renting out your spare room, I recommend reading A Complete Guide To Renting A Room For Extra Money.
If you want to take it a step further, you could even get into real estate investing. You can learn more about this option at How This 34 Year Old Owns 7 Rental Homes.
Rent out baby items, such as a crib
If you’re looking to make $200 fast, you can rent out your gently used baby items to traveling families. By listing a crib, stroller, or car seat on rental platforms, you can help ease the travel burdens for parents while earning extra cash.
Here are some ideas of what you can rent out:
Cribs
Strollers
Car seats
High chairs
Toys
A website called BabyQuip lets you rent out baby equipment. On average, people using BabyQuip can make about $1,000 a month, and some earn over $10,000 monthly.
Redeem credit card rewards
If you have a credit card, then there’s a good chance that you are earning points by simply spending like you normally do.
Or, you could even sign up for a new card that has a good signup bonus to earn more points.
With rewards credit cards, you can turn your points into cash back. Here’s how it works: whenever you use your credit card to buy something, you earn points as a reward for spending money.
I have rewards credit cards and I earn points every single time I shop or pay a bill, and I don’t have to do anything special. Just pay my bills and expenses like I normally do! In fact, I just signed up for a new rewards credit card with a great signup bonus today with a signup bonus value of over $800.
Two credit cards that I personally like include:
Important note: Making the most of credit card rewards is smart only if you use your credit card responsibly. It’s not a good idea to accumulate debt just to get rewards because debt with interest is neither free nor beneficial. To really earn money from credit card rewards, you will want to make sure to pay your credit card balance in full every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to make $200 quick.
How can I make a quick $200?
If you want to learn how to make $200 fast in a day, then I highly recommend finding items from around your home to sell, like clothing, jewelry, and video games. This is the easiest way to get started as you probably already own things you can sell.
How can I make an extra $200 a week?
If you want to make an extra $200 a week, I recommend freelance work, which might include writing, graphic design, or proofreading. Also, renting out things you already have, like a spare room, can be a great way to make passive income.
What items can be sold to quickly earn $200?
Look around your home for electronics, clothing, or collectibles that are in good condition but you no longer need or want. You may be able to find lots of things to sell (and have a yard sale) and/or find one or two big things to sell.
How to make $200 fast online from home?
I’ve done a lot of things on the list above to make $200 fast online from home, such as freelance writing, blogging, selling items online, taking part in a focus group, and more.
How To Make $200 Fast – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make $200 fast in a day.
As you learned above, you can earn $200 fast by doing a lot of different things, such as by freelancing, starting a business, renting out something you already own, playing games, and more.
The key is to choose what fits your life, how much time you have, and your money needs right now.
What do you think is the best way to make $200 fast?
Do you want to learn how to make money in one hour? Whether it’s for an unexpected bill or you’re saving for a special purchase, the good news is that there are many real ways you can make money within an hour or less. These can be ways to make extra income or even possibly…
Do you want to learn how to make money in one hour?
Whether it’s for an unexpected bill or you’re saving for a special purchase, the good news is that there are many real ways you can make money within an hour or less.
These can be ways to make extra income or even possibly be turned into a full-time job.
Back when I had student loans, I found many different ways to make money in an hour. I did this because I wanted to squeeze in quick side hustles around my full-time job – such as before and after work and during my lunch break. There were also times when I needed money quickly, such as in less than an hour, and I had to find ways to make that happen to have cash on hand.
There may be other reasons for why you need to make money in an hour or less. If this is you, continue reading below to learn how to make money in 60 minutes or less!
Key Takeaways
If you have unwanted items (like clothes you don’t wear anymore), sell them. You can use apps or go to a thrift store, and they might give you cash right on the spot.
You could sell helpful services like tutoring or dog walking. These jobs pay you right away for the time you spend doing them.
You can make money fast by taking online surveys. Websites like Survey Junkie or Swagbucks pay you for sharing your opinions.
Recommended reading: How To Make $100 A Day
Best Ways to Make Money in One Hour
Whether you only have one hour to spare each day or if you need to make money in literally one hour from now, you do have some options.
Make money in one hour by selling items you don’t need
Got stuff at home you don’t use anymore? You can turn those things into cash, often in just an hour!
Here are some easy ways you can do this.
Clothes and jewelry – Look in your closet. Are there clothes that are no longer worn? Take them to a thrift store or a consignment store like Once Upon A Child. They buy your gently-used clothes and you leave with cash in your hand!
Toys and games – If you have toys or video games that just sit around, you can sell these too. Kids outgrow these fast, and you can find a new home for them where they’ll be loved again.
Unused gift cards – If you have gift cards that you haven’t used, you can sell them!
Other stuff – Electronics, books, or maybe some old furniture could also be sold.
You can sell items on platforms like Decluttr, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay. I have sold on all these (plus a lot more!), and they are all easy to use.
You could even have a garage sale if you have lots of items to get rid of.
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
Mow lawns or shovel snow
Making money in one hour can be done if you mow lawns or shovel snow. These jobs can be done quickly, and you get paid right after you finish the work.
You’ll need a lawn mower, shovel, and/or snow blower to get started, and you can typically charge around $50+ for a yard.
Doing a good job increases the chances of people asking you to return or recommending you to their friends. Take your time to do things well. Before starting any work, make sure to ask how much they’re willing to spend because this way, both of you agree on the price!
Return a recent purchase
If you bought something you don’t need or haven’t used yet, returning it is a quick way to get cash.
Surprisingly, many people have items lying around that they’ve purchased but may have not used yet. If you really need the cash, then this can be a great option to start with.
First, find your receipt. This shows you paid for the item and when you bought it. No receipt? Look in your email or bags. Sometimes, stores send receipts to your email or put them in your shopping bag.
Next, check the store’s return policy. Some stores let you return items within a certain time, like 30 or 60 days. Be quick – if you wait too long, you can’t return it!
Before you go to the store, make sure the item is in good shape. It should look like when you bought it. Return it in its original packaging if you can. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to return a purchase:
Your receipt (or email proof)
The item (unused and not broken)
Packaging (the box or bag it came in)
At the store, go to the customer service desk and tell them you want to return the item. Be polite – it makes things smoother. If you don’t want to go to the store, some stores might let you mail the item back.
Remember, some items can’t be returned. Things like opened DVDs or personal use items like earbuds usually can’t go back to the store. It’s always a good idea to know the return rules before you buy things.
Deliver food to make money in one hour
If you want to make money fast and take advantage of the gig economy, you can deliver food, such as groceries or restaurant meals. Companies like Instacart, Uber Eats, and DoorDash let you sign up to be a delivery driver.
To get started, you’ll need a car, bike, or scooter and sign up for the company that you want to work with. You’ll then get orders on your phone through an app, go to the restaurant or grocery store, pick up the food, and drive it to the customer’s place (this may be their home or where they work).
You’ll get paid for each person or food delivery, plus get tips as well.
You get to choose the hours that you want to work, and you can work for just one hour or as much as you want.
Related to this, you can even deliver packages for retailers with Amazon Flex!
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Instacart is a popular website for people looking to earn extra money shopping for and delivering groceries. Instacart gives you the option to turn your free time into a chance to make some extra money.
Drive for rideshare companies
If you want to make money quickly, you might start driving for companies like Uber or Lyft.
You get paid for giving people rides in your car, and the more you drive, the more money you can make.
Drivers can earn about $20 per hour on average. In some cities, drivers can make more than $30 an hour.
You can increase your earnings further by concentrating on busy areas (such as before and after a concert) and driving during the busiest times (such as on a Saturday night). This way, you can make more money for each hour of your time!
Recommended reading: How To Make $1,000 In 24 Hours
Answer online surveys
If you want to make money quickly, you can try taking paid online surveys. Market research companies need your opinions to make their products better, so they pay you for your time.
Some paid survey sites where you can take surveys include:
American Consumer Opinion
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Branded Surveys
Here’s what to do:
Sign up: Make a free account on the survey site.
Pick a survey: Choose one that looks interesting to you.
Give honest answers: Share what you really think about the questions you’re asked.
Earn rewards: After you finish, the site will give you points or money.
Earning money from answering surveys is not always fast, and it won’t make you rich. But if you have an hour, it’s a simple way to earn a little extra cash.
For me, I have answered a lot of surveys over the years. I like how I can answer surveys in little breaks I have during the day, such as before and after work, during a lunch break, while being a passenger in a car, and so on. They are easy to answer, and usually only take a few minutes.
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Branded Surveys is one of the most popular survey sites that rewards you in cash and gift cards for sharing your opinion. You can get paid anywhere from $0.50 to $5.00 per survey.
Perform odd jobs found on Craigslist
Craigslist has a jobs section on their site where you can find tasks that people need done right away. These are typically one-time gigs, but there are also part-time and full-time jobs listed here as well.
When you do a job on Craigslist, you usually get paid right after you complete the short task. That means you’ll receive your money on the same day.
To find Craigslist gigs in your town, just go to Craigslist and look for the “gigs” section.
Here are some gigs and tasks I found through a quick search on Craigslist:
House cleaner
Mover
Focus groups
Help with launching a boat
Gardening help
Help with painting a home
Lawn mowing
Participate in focus groups
Are you looking for a quick way to make money? Joining focus groups can be a fun way for you to earn extra cash and many times they take an hour or less.
A focus group is a small group of people who talk about products or services. Companies use your opinions to make their stuff better by learning more about their customers, such as you.
User Interviews is a popular site to find focus groups to take part in.
I have done a user interview in the past and got paid $400 for just one hour of work. It was simple, and everything happened online through a video call to see my opinion on a new feature for a well-known company (one of the largest companies in the world, in fact – so even large companies use these to help them improve!).
You can make $50 to $100 per hour, or even more, by sharing your thoughts and feedback.
Recommended reading: 19 Best Places To Find Paid Research Studies
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User Interviews pays very well for market research studies and these are some of the highest paying online surveys, with each paying $50 to $100 or more. The average pays over $60.
Mystery shopping
If you want to earn money quickly, like in just an hour, you can try becoming a mystery shopper. Mystery shoppers are people just like you and me who get paid to shop and give their opinion.
I’ve done a lot of mystery shopping over the years to make some extra money and to get free stuff. It’s easy work that can be done either on the phone (such as by rating their customer service when they answer the phone) or in person at a store. Most mystery shops take less than an hour too! I’ve done many that even take less than 5 minutes to complete.
The way mystery shopping works is that you’ll typically buy products or try services, pay attention to the details like how clean the store is or if the staff is nice, and then answer questions that the mystery shopping company gives you after you are done.
Donate plasma
If you’re looking for ways to make money in one hour, you can donate plasma and get paid for it.
When you go to donate, the center will check your blood to make sure you’re healthy and that your plasma can be used to help others.
Here’s what you might earn for your plasma donation:
$20 to $50 for each time you donate
Up to $300 a month if you donate regularly
Some centers might pay more money for your first time donating, like a bonus to persuade you to start. The amount you get can change depending on where you live, so make sure to confirm before you commit.
Tutor students online
If you want to learn how to make money in one hour online, then online tutoring jobs can be a good option to look into.
If you’re good at a subject, you can make money fast by tutoring students online. Lots of students need help with their schoolwork and are willing to pay for your knowledge.
As a tutor, you might spend 30 minutes to an hour giving a lesson, answering questions online, or working one-on-one with a student through a video lesson.
Tutors can earn different amounts depending on what they teach (the subject) and the duration of the session (whether it’s a quick question or a full-hour session). For example, tutoring in advanced subjects like calculus usually pays more than simpler ones like first-grade math. Some tutors may earn around $20 per hour, while others can make well over $100 per hour.
Sell scrap metal
Selling scrap metal or precious metals is a quick way to make some money in just one hour.
To get started, you’ll want to find metal items from around your home. This can be old appliances, wires, and even soda cans.
Then, you’ll want to find a scrap yard nearby to take your metals. You’ll want to make sure it’s clean and to keep your metals separated and organized.
Once you get to the scrap yard, you’ll weigh your metal on their scales, and then they’ll give you a price. If it’s your first time, ask how the process works just so that you are not confused by anything.
Prices change often, so what you earn depends on the type and weight of the metal you sell.
Play online games for rewards
Have you ever thought you could make money by playing games on your phone or computer? Yes, you can! Some apps and websites let you earn rewards, like gift cards or even cash, just for playing online games in your spare time.
Apps that pay you for playing games usually make their money through ads, things you buy in the app, and paid gaming competitions. They share a bit of what they earn with you to get you to keep playing their games and spend more time on their platform.
Here’s a quick list of the top game platforms that pay real cash:
KashKick
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
Recommended reading: 23 Best Game Apps To Win Real Money
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Swagbucks is a site where you can earn points for answering surveys, shopping online, watching videos, using coupons, and more. You can use your points for gift cards and cash.
Walk dogs
If you like being around pets and want to make money fast, dog walking is a great choice. Many dog walking gigs are one hour or less per visit, so this can be a great way to make money in an hour.
To start, you just need a love for dogs and a good pair of walking shoes.
You can set your rates, usually between $10 to $20 for a 30-minute walk.
One hour of walking dogs could mean walking one dog for 60 minutes or doing two 30-minute walks for two different dogs.
Rover is a website that connects pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers. Starting on Rover is simple. You create a profile where you talk about your experience with pets and the services you can offer, such as dog walking, pet sitting, and house sitting. After setting up your profile, you’ll get requests from customers and discuss pricing. Rover handles payment processing, and you’ll receive the payments directly into your account.
I know many people who are dog walkers, and they all really love the job. I have also used dog sitters in the past – it is a wonderful and super helpful service.
Freelance online on your own schedule
As a freelancer, you get to choose your own hours. So, you may decide to work an hour here and an hour there.
Back when I had a full-time job, this is what I loved about being able to freelance online – I could work in my spare time, even if it was just small pockets of time that I had. For example, I would complete short tasks an hour before I went to work, during my hour lunch break, and later once I got home from work.
And, there are many different types of freelance gigs that you can do, such as managing social media as a virtual assistant, data entry, proofreading, graphic design, email management, and more.
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
Sign up for a high yield savings account
A high-yield bank account is a low-risk method to make extra money, and it typically takes less than an hour of your time to set up.
These savings accounts earn more interest than a regular one, so your money grows faster.
You will want to make sure that you pick a trustworthy bank and check the interest rates regularly because they can go up or down. Some people move their money into high-yield savings accounts often so that they can get the highest interest rates.
I personally use Marcus by Goldman Sachs as they have a very high rate. You can get up to 5.50% (at the time of this writing through a referral link bonus). According to this high-yield savings account calculator, if you have $10,000 saved, you could earn $550 with a high-yield savings account in a year. Whereas with normal banks, your earnings would only be $46.
This is an easy way to make passive income!
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers help you find quick ways to make money when you need it fast.
How can I make money ASAP?
If you need cash right away, you can sell things you don’t use anymore, like toys or clothes. Another fast way is to do small jobs for neighbors, like walking their dogs or helping in the garden.
How can I make $100 a day?
To make $100 a day, you could do jobs like cleaning houses, pet sitting, or babysitting. You could also combine a few things like doing surveys online, delivering food, or driving people places.
How to get money in one day without a job?
Without a job, you can still make money by selling stuff online, like clothes, games, or even sports equipment. You can also collect cans or bottles to recycle, or ask friends or family if they need help with anything for some quick cash.
How to make money in one hour as a kid?
As a kid, you can make money fast by setting up a lemonade stand, doing a car wash, or even making and selling crafts to friends and family (such as bracelets or custom T-shirts!). Of course, please check with your parents and stay safe.
How can I make money in one hour at home?
To make money in an hour at home, you can do things like sell items that you already own, such as your old clothing or a cell phone. You could also walk dogs, freelance online, or even tutor.
How to Make Money in One Hour – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make money in one hour.
As you can see, there are many things that you can do to make money – whether you’re looking for a full-time job or just want to complete short tasks that take less than an hour.
Hour or shorter gigs helped me a ton to pay off my student loans as quickly as I could. Being able to work in short amounts of time helps me to work on my own schedule and fit more side hustles in.
Why are you looking to make money in an hour? Let me know in the comments below!