What Is the Best Way to Make Money in Your Spare Time?

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Looking to earn some extra cash without quitting your day job or sacrificing family time? Whether youre a student, a stay-at-home parent, or just want a little more financial freedom, there are plenty of simple ways to make money in your spare time. In this guide, Ill walk you through the best options for beginners, what to expect, and how to get started safely and successfully.

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Why Make Money in Your Spare Time?

Extra income can help cover bills, save for a goal, or just give you peace of mind. The best part? You dont need special skills or a huge investment to get started. Many options are flexible, letting you work when it suits your schedule.

But with so many choices, its important to pick methods that are realistic, safe, and fit your lifestyle. Lets explore the most beginner-friendly ways to make money in your spare time.

Best Ways to Make Money Online

Here are the top options for earning extra cash online or from home, especially if youre just starting out:

  • Taking online surveys
  • Completing microtasks and using gig apps
  • Freelancing (simple jobs for beginners)
  • Selling unwanted items online

Lets break down each method, so you can decide which is best for you.

Taking Online Surveys

How It Works

Companies want feedback on products and services, so they pay people like you to answer surveys. You sign up with legitimate survey sites, fill out your profile, and get matched with surveys that fit your background.

Earning Expectations

Most surveys pay between $0.50 and $3 each, with some longer ones offering up to $10 or more. Realistically, expect to earn $20“$50 per month if you do a few surveys a week. Some people earn more by joining multiple sites.

Time Commitment

Surveys usually take 5“20 minutes. You can do them while watching TV, during a lunch break, or whenever you have free time.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • No experience needed
  • Just a phone, tablet, or computer with internet
  • Most sites are free to join

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Very easy, no skills needed, flexible, quick payouts (PayPal, gift cards, etc.)
  • Cons: Low earning potential, some surveys may not be available based on your profile

Beginner Tips

  • Sign up for several reputable survey sites to get more opportunities
  • Fill out your profile completely for better matches
  • Watch for scam sites—never pay to join!

Real-World Example

Sarah, a stay-at-home mom, spends 15 minutes a day on survey sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. She averages $30 a month in Amazon gift cards, which she uses for household items.

Microtasks and Gig Apps

How It Works

Microtask sites and gig apps pay you to complete small online jobs—like data entry, testing websites, or categorizing images. Some popular platforms include Amazon Mechanical Turk, Clickworker, and Appen.

Earning Expectations

Most microtasks pay a few cents to a few dollars each. Consistent users can earn $50“$100/month, depending on the time invested and task availability.

Time Commitment

Tasks can take anywhere from a minute to half an hour. You can log in whenever you have spare time.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Basic computer skills
  • Reliable internet connection
  • No upfront costs

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Flexible, lots of variety, no special skills needed
  • Cons: Low pay per task, some tasks can be tedious, competition for higher-paying gigs

Beginner Tips

  • Start with easy tasks to build up your reputation
  • Check task ratings and reviews before accepting
  • Dont expect to replace your main income—think of it as pocket money

Real-World Example

Mike, a college student, uses Clickworker between classes. He focuses on quick tasks and cashes out $40“$60 a month, which helps with groceries and textbooks.

Freelancing for Beginners

How It Works

Freelancing isnt just for experts. Many platforms like Fiverr and Upwork let you offer simple services—like proofreading, basic graphic design, or social media posting. You set your rates and choose what you offer.

Earning Expectations

Beginners often charge $5“$20 per gig. With a few regular clients, you could earn $100“$300/month or more, depending on your skills and time.

Time Commitment

Flexible—you choose how many gigs to accept. Each job can take from a few minutes to several hours.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Some basic skills (writing, editing, design, etc.)
  • Computer and internet
  • No upfront costs, but you may want to invest in learning new skills

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Higher earning potential, build a portfolio, work from anywhere
  • Cons: Takes time to get clients, some competition, may require learning new skills

Beginner Tips

  • Start with simple gigs youre confident in
  • Use clear, friendly descriptions and samples
  • Deliver quality work to get good reviews

Real-World Example

Emma, a high school senior, offers basic proofreading on Fiverr. She completes 5“10 small gigs a month, earning $60“$120 to save for college.

Selling Unwanted Items

How It Works

Have things you no longer use? Sell them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Mercari. Its a quick way to declutter and make cash.

Earning Expectations

You can make anywhere from $5 for a used book to $100+ for electronics or designer items. Some people go on to flip items as a side hustle.

Time Commitment

Listing an item takes 5“10 minutes. Responding to buyers and shipping takes a bit more time.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Items to sell
  • Smartphone or computer
  • Shipping supplies (for online sales)

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Quick cash, declutter your home, no special skills needed
  • Cons: Limited by what you have to sell, some effort to pack and ship

Beginner Tips

  • Take clear photos and write honest descriptions
  • Check prices of similar items to set fair prices
  • Meet buyers in safe, public places if selling locally

Real-World Example

Jenna, a stay-at-home parent, sold outgrown kids clothes and toys on Facebook Marketplace, earning $150 in her first month.

Safety and Legitimacy Tips

  • Never pay to join a site or app—legit platforms are free for workers
  • Check reviews and ratings before signing up
  • Use secure payment methods (PayPal, direct deposit, gift cards)
  • Protect your personal information—dont overshare
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

FAQ

  • Q: How much money can I realistically make in my spare time?

    A: Most people earn $20“$200/month with simple online side hustles. Some earn more with consistent effort or specialized skills.

  • Q: Do I need special skills or experience?

    A: No! Many options, like surveys and microtasks, require no experience. Freelancing can pay more if you have skills, but you can start simple.

  • Q: Whats the safest way to get paid?

    A: Use platforms that offer secure payments like PayPal, direct deposit, or gift cards. Avoid giving out bank details unless you trust the site.

  • Q: How do I avoid scams?

    A: Stick to well-known, reviewed sites. Never pay to join or buy kits. If a job promises huge money for little work, be skeptical.

  • Q: Can I do these side hustles on my phone?

    A: Yes! Most survey sites, gig apps, and selling platforms have mobile apps or mobile-friendly websites.

Summary & Encouragement

Making money in your spare time is more accessible than ever. Whether you try surveys, microtasks, freelancing, or selling items, the key is to start small, stay safe, and choose what fits your life. Every little bit adds up!

Ready to explore more ways to earn? Check out Survey Soda for honest reviews, tips, and the latest opportunities to boost your income from home.