Side Hustle Ideas: Ways to Earn Extra Money in 2026
Looking to boost your income? These side hustles can help you earn extra money while maintaining your day job.
Freelancing Your Skills
Whether you're a writer, designer, developer, or marketer, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal connect freelancers with clients worldwide. Start by offering services you already have skills in, then expand as you build your reputation.
Reselling and Flipping
Buy items at thrift stores, garage sales, or clearance racks and resell them on eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace. Sneaker reselling can be particularly lucrative if you know how to score limited releases.
Content Creation
YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and podcasting can generate income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. It takes time to build an audience, but the earning potential is significant for those who stick with it.
Gig Economy Jobs
Driving for Uber or Lyft, delivering for DoorDash or Instacart, or doing tasks on TaskRabbit offer flexible earning opportunities. You control your schedule and can work as much or as little as you want.
Teaching and Tutoring
If you're knowledgeable in any subject, online tutoring platforms like Wyzant, Tutor.com, or even creating courses on Udemy can generate steady income. Language teaching through platforms like iTalki is also popular.
Investing in Equipment
Sometimes a small investment in equipment (camera for photography, computer for freelancing, car for delivery) can unlock significant earning potential. A personal loan can help finance these tools if the ROI makes sense.