Let’s be real – we all need a little extra cash sometimes.
Maybe you’re saving for a dream vacation, paying off debt, or just want to have some extra spending money.
But the thought of taking on another full-time job can be overwhelming.
That’s where side hustles come in!
Financial guru Dave Ramsey is known for his practical advice and no-nonsense approach to money.
He understands the power of a good side hustle, and he’s got a list of ideas that actually work.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a student, or just looking for a way to boost your income, Dave’s side hustle suggestions can help you reach your financial goals.
In this post, we’ll explore 10 of Dave Ramsey’s best side hustle ideas, giving you the inside scoop on what each one entails, the pros and cons, and tips for getting started.
1. Drive for Lyft or Uber
Imagine this: You’re driving around town, listening to your favorite music, and getting paid to do it.
That’s the beauty of driving for Lyft or Uber.
You can set your own hours, work when it’s convenient for you, and earn extra cash on your own terms.
Potential Income: $15-$25 per hour, depending on your location, time of day, and driving habits.
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can work whenever you want, for as long as you want.
- Low Barrier to Entry: You only need a car, a driver’s license, and a smartphone to get started.
- Potential for Tips: Passengers often tip drivers for good service.
Cons:
- Wear and Tear on Your Car: Driving for Lyft or Uber can put a lot of miles on your car.
- Traffic and Parking: Dealing with traffic and finding parking can be stressful.
- Safety Concerns: It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions for your safety.
Tips for Success:
Be Friendly and Professional: Good customer service can lead to more tips and positive ratings.
Drive During Peak Hours: You’ll earn more money during rush hour and on weekends.
Maintain a Clean Car: Passengers appreciate a clean and comfortable ride.
2. Deliver Food
Who doesn’t love a good takeout meal?
With food delivery apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats, you can be the one bringing those delicious meals to hungry customers.
Potential Income: $15-$20 per hour, depending on your location, time of day, and number of deliveries.
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can work whenever you want, for as long as you want.
- Low Barrier to Entry: You only need a car, a driver’s license, and a smartphone to get started.
- Potential for Tips: Customers often tip delivery drivers for good service.
Cons:
- Traffic and Parking: You’ll be dealing with traffic and finding parking spots, especially during busy times.
- Weather Conditions: You’ll be exposed to the elements, so be prepared for rain, snow, or extreme heat.
- Time Management: You need to be efficient with your time to maximize your earnings.
Tips for Success:
- Choose Busy Areas: Focus on areas with a high concentration of restaurants and customers.
- Work During Peak Times: You’ll earn more money during lunch and dinner hours.
- Maintain a Clean Car: Customers appreciate a clean and organized delivery vehicle.
3. Deliver Groceries
Grocery shopping can be a chore, but for some people, it’s a necessity. That’s where grocery delivery services like Instacart and Shipt come in.
You can earn money by picking up groceries and delivering them to customers’ doorsteps.
Potential Income: $15-$20 per hour, depending on your location, time of day, and number of deliveries.
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can work whenever you want, for as long as you want.
- Low Barrier to Entry: You only need a car, a driver’s license, and a smartphone to get started.
- Potential for Tips: Customers often tip delivery drivers for good service.
Cons:
- Heavy Lifting: You’ll be lifting and carrying groceries, which can be physically demanding.
- Time Management: You need to be efficient with your time to maximize your earnings.
- Dealing with Customers: You’ll be interacting with customers, so it’s important to be friendly and helpful.
Tips for Success:
- Work During Peak Times: You’ll earn more money during busy shopping hours.
- Be Organized: Keep your car clean and organized to make deliveries smoother.
- Be Prompt and Efficient: Customers appreciate quick and reliable service.
4. Freelance Writer or Proofreader
Do you have a knack for words? If you enjoy writing or editing, freelancing could be the perfect side hustle for you.
You can find work on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr, or reach out to businesses directly to offer your services.
Potential Income: $15-$30 per hour, depending on your experience, skills, and the type of work you do.
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can set your own hours and work from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Variety of Work: You can choose to specialize in a particular niche or take on a variety of writing and editing projects.
- Potential for Growth: As you gain experience and build a portfolio, you can increase your rates and take on more challenging projects.
Cons:
- Competition: The freelance market can be competitive, so it’s important to stand out from the crowd.
- Finding Clients: It takes time and effort to find clients and build a steady stream of work.
- Managing Your Time: You need to be disciplined and organized to manage your time effectively and meet deadlines.
Tips for Success:
- Build a Strong Portfolio: Showcase your best work to potential clients.
- Network with Other Writers: Connect with other writers and editors to learn from their experience and find potential clients.
- Market Your Services: Create a website or online profile to promote your services.
5. Tutor Online
Are you good at math, science, or other subjects?
If so, you can use your knowledge to help students succeed by tutoring online.
There are several platforms that connect tutors with students, such as TutorMe and Skooli.
Potential Income: $15-$30 per hour, depending on your subject, experience, and the platform you use.
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can set your own hours and work from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Help Students Succeed: You can make a real difference in the lives of students by helping them learn and improve their skills.
- Potential for Growth: As you gain experience and build a reputation, you can increase your rates and take on more students.
Cons:
- Finding Students: It takes time and effort to find students who need your help.
- Technical Issues: You need a reliable internet connection and a webcam to tutor online.
- Dealing with Students: You need to be patient and understanding when working with students.
Tips for Success:
- Create a Professional Profile: Showcase your skills and experience on the platform you choose.
- Offer Free Trial Sessions: Give potential students a taste of your tutoring style.
- Be Patient and Encouraging: Create a positive learning environment for your students.
6. Become a Transcriptionist
Do you have a good ear for detail and a fast typing speed?
If so, you could be a great transcriptionist.
Transcriptionists listen to audio recordings and convert them into written text.
You can find work on freelance platforms or through transcription companies.
Potential Income: $15-$25 per hour, depending on your experience, speed, and the type of work you do.
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can set your own hours and work from anywhere with an internet connection.
- No Special Skills Required: You only need good listening skills and typing skills.
- Potential for Growth: As you gain experience, you can specialize in a particular niche, such as medical or legal transcription.
Cons:
- Repetitive Work: Transcription can be repetitive and require a lot of focus.
- Finding Clients: It takes time and effort to find clients and build a steady stream of work.
- Audio Quality: You’ll be working with audio recordings, and the quality can vary.
Tips for Success:
- Invest in Good Headphones: Get a pair of headphones that block out background noise.
- Practice Your Typing Skills: Improve your typing speed and accuracy.
- Learn Transcription Software: Familiarize yourself with transcription software to make your work easier.
7. Teach English
Do you speak English fluently? If so, you can use your language skills to help others learn English by teaching online.
There are several platforms that connect English teachers with students, such as iTalki and Verbling.
Potential Income: $10-$20 per hour, depending on your experience, teaching style, and the platform you use.
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can set your own hours and work from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Help Others Learn: You can make a real difference in the lives of students by helping them learn English.
- Potential for Growth: As you gain experience, you can specialize in teaching a particular level or type of English.
Cons:
- Finding Students: It takes time and effort to find students who need your help.
- Technical Issues: You need a reliable internet connection and a webcam to teach online.
- Dealing with Students: You need to be patient and understanding when working with students.
Tips for Success:
- Create a Professional Profile: Showcase your skills and experience on the platform you choose.
- Offer Free Trial Lessons: Give potential students a taste of your teaching style.
- Be Patient and Encouraging: Create a positive learning environment for your students.
8. Babysit
Do you love kids? If so, babysitting can be a fun and rewarding side hustle.
You can find babysitting jobs through online platforms like Care.com or Sittercity, or through word-of-mouth.
Potential Income: $10-$20 per hour, depending on your experience, location, and the age of the children.
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can set your own hours and work when it’s convenient for you.
- Work with Kids: You can spend time with children and help them learn and grow.
- Potential for Regular Work: You can build relationships with families and get regular babysitting gigs.
Cons:
- Finding Clients: It takes time and effort to find families who need babysitting services.
- Safety Concerns: It’s important to take precautions for your safety and the safety of the children you’re caring for.
- Dealing with Kids: You need to be patient and understanding when working with children.
Tips for Success:
- Create a Professional Profile: Showcase your experience and skills on online platforms.
- Get Certified in CPR and First Aid: This will show families that you’re qualified and prepared.
- Be Reliable and Responsible: Families appreciate babysitters who are on time and dependable.
9. Become a User Tester
Are you comfortable using technology and giving feedback?
If so, you can earn money by testing websites and apps as a user tester.
Companies use user testers to get feedback on their products and make sure they’re easy to use.
Potential Income: $10-$20 per hour, depending on the length and complexity of the test.
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can test websites and apps from anywhere with an internet connection.
- No Special Skills Required: You only need to be comfortable using technology and giving feedback.
- Potential for Growth: As you gain experience, you can specialize in testing a particular type of product.
Cons:
- Finding Tests: It takes time and effort to find tests that are a good fit for you.
- Limited Earnings: User testing can be a good way to earn extra cash, but it’s not a full-time income source.
- Technical Issues: You need a reliable internet connection and a computer or smartphone to test websites and apps.
Tips for Success:
- Sign Up for Multiple Platforms: Join several user testing platforms to increase your chances of finding tests.
- Be Honest and Detailed in Your Feedback: Companies value honest and insightful feedback.
- Be Patient: It may take some time to find tests that are a good fit for you.
10. Dog Walk or Pet Sit
Do you love animals?
If so, you can turn your love for pets into a side hustle by dog walking or pet sitting.
You can find clients through online platforms like Rover or Wag, or through word-of-mouth.
Potential Income: $10-$20 per hour, depending on the length of the walk, the number of pets, and the services you provide.
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can set your own hours and work when it’s convenient for you.
- Work with Animals: You can spend time with pets and help them stay happy and healthy.
- Potential for Regular Work: You can build relationships with pet owners and get regular dog walking or pet sitting gigs.
Cons:
- Finding Clients: It takes time and effort to find pet owners who need your services.
- Safety Concerns: It’s important to take precautions for your safety and the safety of the animals you’re caring for.
- Dealing with Animals: You need to be patient and understanding when working with animals.
Tips for Success:
- Create a Professional Profile: Showcase your experience and love for animals on online platforms.
- Get Certified in Pet First Aid: This will show pet owners that you’re qualified and prepared.
- Be Reliable and Responsible: Pet owners appreciate dog walkers and pet sitters who are on time and dependable.