My Wife's Tips for Extra Cash/Side Hustles!

1. Purge, purge, purge… Sell, sell, sell

You know those books you say you will get around to re-reading and never do? Or the clothes that have been in the back of your closet or in a storage container you have entirely forgotten about? Maybe some old sporting equipment, like my husband’s old golf clubs or tennis rackets? Or maybe you have some “back-up” electronics growing dust… they could be converted to cash. My number one recommendation to everyone when they’re starting on a financial/hustle journey is to stop consuming material things as much as possible and purge everything you haven’t used in ages.

Books can be sold at places like Half Price Books, while clothes can be sold at Plato’s Closet, Once Upon a Child, or another consignment store. Facebook Marketplace is my friend. Everything that can’t be sold in bulk at a store like those listed above, I try to sell in bulk on the marketplace (ex: Lot of women’s size 2 bottoms $20). Or, consider a good old fashioned garage sale!

2. MyPoints for printable coupons and to earn giftcards

Sign up here: https://www.mypoints.com?rb=24928715

I started using MyPoints originally just for the coupons. You can print coupons directly from the website. These coupons of course would help me save money on groceries, but you also earn points for printing and redeeming the coupons. These points can then be exchanged for gift-cards to a variety of stores. However, if you do online shopping, you can earn points much faster. Simply use MyPoints to bounce to your chosen online retailer and MyPoints will give you points/dollar spent at the retailer. You can also take surveys on this site for points (I usually do this at the gym to multitask, see #3 below).

3. E-Rewards or another consumer survey panel

I’ve been using the E-Rewards consumer panel for a number of years (https://www.e-rewards.com/en/) but there are many consumer panels out there that pay cash or gift cards for your survey responses. I often do these surveys when I’m at the gym on a bike or an elliptical so it’s like getting paid to work out! It’s definitely not something that is going to pay big bucks (it usually costs around $75 “survey dollars” for a $25 gift card, but it’s also fairly mindless, so it’s easy to do while watching TV, doing some cardio, or waiting in line somewhere.

4. Ibotta Rebate App

This rebate app does take a bit of time because you have to search and click on the items you purchased or intend to purchase. But often, there are small rewards for “any apple purchase” or “any item”. After you make your purchase and click your items in the app, you take a photo of your receipt and once you reach $20 in rebates, you can cash them out to a Paypal account or purchase gift cards with them. Here’s a link to sign up: https://ibotta.com/register?friend_code=yqyooio

5. Fetch Rebate App

I haven’t made as much rebate money on Fetch as I have on Ibotta, but it is also SUPER fast and easy, so it makes it worth it to me. You simply open the app and take a picture of your receipt and viola! Points will start accumulating that can be exchanged for gift-cards or cash. If you use this link, you’ll automatically start with $2: https://fetchrewards.onelink.me/vvv3/referraltext?code=QTFV

6. Turn your hobbies into cash!

I love growing plants. I have been growing Avocado, Mango, Apricot, and Peach trees from the seeds after consuming the fruit. It’s so easy! Simply wrap the seed in a paper towel and wet it. Then put it inside a plastic bag and put it in a heavily sunlit window. Soon you will see roots and a stem grow at which point, you can plant it in a pot. Wait a few months and boom! Your avocado seed will now sell for $30!

7. Transcription

Transcribing audio files is a great way to make your own schedule and make a bit of side cash. I work for Rev, but there are many companies such as Scribie, TranscribeMe, and others. This will only be a good option for people who can type at a fast pace because they pay you per minute of audio rather than per minute of work. So the quicker you can type, the more money you can make! Log in when you want, select whatever file you want, and type what you hear! Easy peasy.

8. Flip toys!

This was my favorite hustle because it not only provided a revolving door of new toys for my daughter, but it provided us with some extra cash! Go to Goodwill on Monday morning when the new 50% off color is posted and shop the toy section. We would find all sorts of baby toys for a few dollars. Add some batteries, wipe them down to make them look newer, and sell them on Facebook Marketplace.

9. Refinish or repurpose old furniture

Another resale store I love is Habitat ReStore. You can find dressers, tables, and other furniture that just needs a new finish and you can resell them for triple the price. If you’re super handy, consider converting old TV consoles into dog beds, play kitchens, or bookshelves. Check out DIY projects on Pinterest to see ways you can make old things new and marketable! I also watch the Facebook Marketplace for curb alerts. I have been able to score tables, bookshelves, dressers, and more for free that way! (Before and After curb alert refinish pictured below)

10. Brand Ambassador

I worked for TEAM Enterprises as a brand ambassador. Often, they would place me in a liquor store or grocery store handing out samples of a new liquor product. They provide you with a company credit card and have you purchase a set number of products to sample. Whatever you have leftover is yours to keep as a little bonus!

11. Teach English online

I teach English online to Chinese students through VIPKid: https://www.vipkid.com/mkt/landing/personal?referralToken=1e7ef1fd76fcd6f12c64d5f4de6cd2fc&refereeId=8691962&channel_id=copy_link_pc The great part is, you can make your own schedule. But the sometimes challenging part is the time difference between USA and China. So often you will find yourself working early morning shifts or evening shifts. It isn’t possible, on USA time zones, to teach during the day. But for me, as a mom, that is perfect! You do need a bachelor’s degree and they appreciate some teaching experience, but you could include homeschooling your children or teaching Sunday School or other experiences.