Let’s be honest – who couldn’t use a little extra cash these days? Whether you’re saving for that dream vacation, trying to pay off student loans, or just want some breathing room in your budget, side hustles are where it’s at. And the best part? You don’t need to quit your day job or invest your life savings to get started.
I’ve got some exciting news for you: there are tons of side hustles you can literally start this weekend with less than $100 in your pocket. Some require even less – just your time, creativity, and a willingness to hustle!
Ready to turn your spare time into spare change? Let’s dive in!
The “I Can Do This From My Couch” Hustles
1. Virtual Assistant Services Startup cost: $0-$20 Got organizational skills and a laptop? Businesses everywhere need help with emails, scheduling, and basic admin tasks. Start by reaching out to small business owners in your network or hop on platforms like Belay or Time Etc.
2. Online Tutoring Startup cost: $0-$30 Whether you’re a math whiz or a grammar guru, there’s someone out there who needs your help. Platforms like Tutor.com, Wyzant, or even creating your own profile on local Facebook groups can get you started.
3. Social Media Management Startup cost: $0-$50 If you’re already scrolling through Instagram anyway, why not get paid for it? Many small businesses struggle with consistent posting. Offer to manage their accounts for a monthly fee.
4. Content Writing Startup cost: $0 Love to write? Websites, blogs, and businesses constantly need fresh content. Check out Upwork, Fiverr, or reach out directly to companies you’d love to write for.
5. Online Survey and Task Completion Startup cost: $0 Okay, this won’t make you rich, but platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Amazon Mechanical Turk can provide some easy pocket money during your Netflix breaks.
The “Creative Genius” Side Hustles
6. Handmade Crafts and Art Startup cost: $20-$80 Got crafty hands? Etsy is calling your name! Whether it’s jewelry, candles, prints, or custom pet portraits, there’s a market for handmade goods. Start small with supplies you might already have.
7. Digital Design Services Startup cost: $0-$30 If you can navigate Canva or have design skills, businesses need logos, social media graphics, and marketing materials. Start with free tools and upgrade as you grow.
8. Photography Services Startup cost: $0-$100 Got a decent camera (even a smartphone works)? Offer portrait sessions, event photography, or stock photo creation. Start with friends and family, then expand your network.
9. Custom T-Shirt Design Startup cost: $0-$50 Platforms like Teespring, Redbubble, and Merch by Amazon let you upload designs and earn money when people buy your shirts. No upfront inventory needed!
10. Voice-Over Work Startup cost: $20-$80 Got a good voice and a quiet space? Audiobooks, commercials, and online courses all need voice talent. A decent USB microphone is your main investment.
The “Local Hero” Hustles
11. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Startup cost: $0-$30 Animal lover? Turn that into cash! Apps like Rover and Wag connect you with pet parents who need help. Start by walking dogs in your neighborhood.
12. House Sitting Startup cost: $0 Get paid to live in someone else’s house while they’re away. It’s like a free vacation where you earn money! Check out TrustedHousesitters or local Facebook groups.
13. Grocery Shopping and Delivery Startup cost: $0-$20 With apps like Instacart, Shipt, and DoorDash, you can earn money doing shopping trips. Perfect if you’re already running errands anyway.
14. Cleaning Services Startup cost: $30-$80 Start with basic cleaning supplies and offer your services to busy families and professionals. Word of mouth spreads fast in this business!
15. Yard Work and Landscaping Startup cost: $20-$100 Rake leaves, plant flowers, or help with basic yard maintenance. Perfect for weekends and great exercise too!
The “Share What You Have” Hustles
16. Rent Out Your Parking Space Startup cost: $0 Live near a busy area, stadium, or airport? Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz let you rent out your parking spot when you’re not using it.
17. Rent Out Your Car Startup cost: $0-$50 Platforms like Turo let you rent out your car when you’re not driving it. It’s like Airbnb for cars!
18. Storage Space Rental Startup cost: $0 Got extra space in your garage, basement, or closet? People need storage, and apps like Neighbor connect you with them.
19. Rent Out Equipment Startup cost: $0 Own a pressure washer, ladder, camping gear, or power tools? Rent them out through Fat Llama or local Facebook groups.
The “Teach What You Know” Hustles
20. Online Course Creation Startup cost: $0-$50 Expert at something? Create a course on Udemy, Skillshare, or Teachable. Once it’s made, it can earn passive income for years.
21. YouTube Channel Startup cost: $0-$100 Start a channel about your hobby, expertise, or just your daily life. Ad revenue and sponsorships can add up over time.
22. Podcast Hosting Startup cost: $20-$80 Got interesting stories or expertise to share? Start a podcast with basic recording equipment and monetize through sponsorships and listener support.
The “Flip It” Hustles
23. Thrift Store Flipping Startup cost: $20-$100 Buy low, sell high! Hunt for treasures at thrift stores, garage sales, and estate sales, then flip them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark.
24. Book Arbitrage Startup cost: $30-$100 Buy used books cheap and sell them for more on Amazon. Use the Amazon Seller app to scan barcodes and check profitability on the spot.
25. Vintage Item Reselling Startup cost: $20-$80 Vintage clothing, collectibles, and antiques can be goldmines. Start small and learn what sells in your area.
The “Service Provider” Hustles
26. Handyman Services Startup cost: $30-$100 Good with basic repairs? Offer services like furniture assembly, picture hanging, or minor home repairs. TaskRabbit and Handy are great platforms to start.
27. Personal Shopping Services Startup cost: $0-$20 Help busy people shop for gifts, clothes, or groceries. Market yourself locally or use platforms that connect personal shoppers with clients.
Your Weekend Action Plan
Feeling excited but overwhelmed? Here’s how to pick your perfect side hustle:
Saturday Morning: Research and Decide
- Pick 2-3 hustles that match your skills and interests
- Research the competition and demand in your area
- Calculate potential earnings vs. time investment
Saturday Afternoon: Set Up Shop
- Create accounts on relevant platforms
- Take photos of your work/products
- Write compelling descriptions
- Set competitive prices
Sunday: Launch and Promote
- Post your first listings or services
- Share with friends and family
- Join relevant Facebook groups or local communities
- Start your first client outreach
Pro Tips for Side Hustle Success
Start Small, Think Big Don’t try to do everything at once. Pick one or two hustles and do them really well before expanding.
Track Your Numbers Keep track of what you’re earning vs. time spent. Some hustles might look great on paper but not be worth your time in reality.
Reinvest Your Profits Use your first earnings to improve your equipment, marketing, or skills. This compound effect will help you grow faster.
Be Professional Even though it’s a side hustle, treat it like a real business. Good communication and quality work lead to repeat customers and referrals.
Don’t Forget the Taxes Keep records of your income and expenses. You’ll thank yourself at tax time!
The Reality Check
Let’s keep it real for a minute. Not every side hustle will make you rich overnight, and some might not work out at all. That’s totally normal! The key is to try different things, see what clicks, and adjust your approach.
Some weeks you might make $50, other weeks $500. The beauty of side hustles is the flexibility – you can scale up when you have time and scale back when life gets busy.
Your Future Self Will Thank You
Starting a side hustle isn’t just about the extra money (though that’s pretty awesome). It’s about:
- Learning new skills
- Meeting interesting people
- Building confidence
- Creating potential full-time opportunities
- Having a financial safety net
Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about earning money from your own efforts and creativity.
Ready to Get Started?
The hardest part is taking that first step. But here’s the thing – you’ve already taken it by reading this far! Now it’s time to stop dreaming and start doing.
Pick one hustle that excites you, set a small goal (like earning $100 in your first month), and commit to starting this weekend. Your bank account – and your future self – will thank you.
Remember, every successful business started as someone’s side hustle. Who knows? This weekend project might just change your life.
What are you waiting for? Your side hustle adventure starts now!