10 ideas for generating more income without spending money

One of the biggest challenges people have with budgeting is that there isn’t enough money to budget. How to get more? It takes a little creativity and perseverance, but it doesn’t have to involve a big financial investment.

We can’t all drop a down payment on a rental property or a few shares of an expensive stock. But we can be helpful in our own communities in ways that generate cash. And for some of these ideas, “community” means the whole internet. 

Below are 10 strategies for increasing income without a big outlay of money. 

1. Sell digital items

Are you creative? A great way to earn money while minimizing effort is to create something that people want to download online, again and again. Here are a few ideas:

• Stock photos

• Printable designs, like calendars, forms, and stickers

• Crafting patterns for things like knitting or woodworking

Related: 5 passive income ideas that are almost free to start

2. Sell things you no longer use

Most people have things around the house they don’t need or use anymore. You can round these things up and sell your stuff online or host a garage sale. It’s a great way to earn a little extra money while decluttering your house at the same time. 

3. Create online content 

A popular way to earn money is by creating content online: articles, blogs, e-courses, videos, and more. You could earn extra cash by adding affiliate links on your website that give you a cut of any purchases that your readers make, by selling ads, or by finding sponsors. 

Creating an online presence can be time-consuming and isn’t always guaranteed to earn an income. But you’ll have fun and may learn new skills that you can use in other ways. 

4. Teach in-person classes or lead walking tours

Content doesn’t have to be online. You could create a fun tour that people can book. If you have a special skill, offer to hold classes in a group or one-on-one setting to share your knowledge and get paid for it.

5. Be a mystery shopper

You’ve probably heard of mystery shoppers who pose as regular customers to test out a business’s customer service. You may be able to do it, too. You can register as a mystery shopper with multiple online companies, and if a business in your area requests a mystery shopper, they may reach out to you for a paid gig. 

The mystery shopper industry is, unfortunately, ripe with scams. Be sure to carefully research any company you sign up with. Check for online reviews on reputable websites. Look them up with the Better Business Bureau. 

6. Rent out extra space

If you’re a homeowner, or you’re a renter and the landlord allows it, use your existing space to bring in extra cash. Here are a few ideas for things you can rent out:

• Parking space 

• Storage space

• A room in your home

• Your yard, for dogs to play in

• Your undeveloped property, for people to camp on

7. Provide pet care

Are you a pet lover? Get your furry snuggles in and earn a little extra cash by offering pet care services, such as bathing, basic grooming, dog walking, and boarding—either in your home or the pets’. List your services in online neighborhood groups or on dedicated apps. 

8. Clean houses

Most people hate cleaning, and some are willing to pay you to do it for them. You could earn consistent extra income if you find a person or business to hire you on a regular basis. You could also offer one-off services, such as cleaning cars, patios, or barbecue grills. 

9. Drive and deliver orders

Making money through rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft is a popular and easy option for earning extra cash. If you don’t fancy the idea of driving people around, there are also apps that pay you to deliver orders of food, groceries, and other items.

10. Make yourself more marketable 

What if you could get a degree or certification that leads to a higher-paying job? It may be possible to do this at very little cost. Community college is free in 35 states. Search for “free community college” to find out if you qualify for a free education where you live.

Bonus tip: Slash your budget

One way to have more money at the end of the month is to spend less. Load up a free budgeting app like Achieve’s MoLO. It’s designed to help you find money left over that you could put toward your financial goals. The technology does all the heavy lifting for you.

What’s next

You have endless options to choose from when it comes to earning more money. A good way to get started is by making a list of your hobbies, skills, and talents. Can you pair them up with one of the options we’ve covered above? 

It’s also a good idea to try more than one side hustle. You’ll learn the types of things you enjoy and what doesn’t work. Don’t be afraid to walk away and try something new. Eventually, you’ll find a strategy that works for you.