17 Ways to Boost Your Income This Year

Written By Lisa Marley

Finding ways to increase your income can feel like a daunting task, but with the right strategies and a bit of determination, you can significantly boost your earnings. We’ve provided 17 great ways to bring in more money this year.

Freelancing Your Skills

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“Freelancing is an ideal option for people who want flexible work hours and the ability to choose their own clients,” says Indeed. It’s a fantastic way to leverage your existing skills and turn them into a profitable venture. Whether you’re a writer, graphic designer, programmer, or marketing expert, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer opportunities to connect with clients looking for your expertise.

Starting a Side Business

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If you have a passion or hobby that you can monetize, consider starting a side business; this could be anything from selling handmade crafts on Etsy, offering consulting services, or even starting a small online store. The key is to identify something you’re passionate about and find a market for it.

Renting Out Space

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If you have extra space in your home or own property that you’re not using, consider renting it out, as platforms like Airbnb allow you to list a spare room or even your entire home to travelers looking for short-term accommodations. Alternatively, if you have a parking space in a busy area, you can rent it out to commuters.

Investing in the Stock Market

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Investing in the stock market can be a powerful way to grow your wealth over time. While it requires some initial knowledge and a willingness to take on risk, the potential rewards can be significant. Start by educating yourself about the basics of investing and consider using a robo-advisor to help manage your portfolio.

Participating in the Gig Economy

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The gig economy offers numerous opportunities to make extra money on a flexible schedule; apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart allow you to earn money by driving, delivering food, or running errands. These platforms are particularly useful if you need a side job that can fit around your main job’s hours.

Selling Unwanted Items

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We all have items around the house that we no longer use. Instead of letting them collect dust, consider selling them online. You can sell everything from electronics to clothing. Decluttering your home can turn into a profitable activity—and you’ll be surprised at how much money you can make by selling items you no longer need.

Teaching or Tutoring

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If you have expertise in a particular subject, consider offering tutoring or teaching services, which can be done in person or online through platforms, or even creating your own course. Teaching can be incredibly rewarding and allows you to share your knowledge while earning extra income.

Creating a Blog or YouTube Channel

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Anyone who enjoys writing or making videos can start a blog or YouTube channel, and it can be a great way to earn passive income. Choose a niche you’re passionate about and start creating content; while it takes time to build an audience, once you have a following, you can monetize your content through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.

Participating in Market Research

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Companies are always looking for consumer feedback to improve their products and services, and you can get paid to participate in market research studies, online surveys, or focus groups. Certain websites pay you for your opinions; and while this might not make you rich, it’s an easy way to earn some extra cash.

Renting Out Equipment

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If you own equipment that you’re not using all the time, consider renting it out—anything including camera gear, power tools, or camping equipment. You can list your items for rent easily online, and this is a great way to make money from things you already own.

Offering Pet Services

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Offering pet services can be a fun way to make extra money if you love animals. Dog walking, pet sitting, and grooming are services that pet owners are willing to pay for. Platforms like Rover and Wag! connect pet owners with service providers—and you get the added bonus of spending time with furry friends.

Becoming an Affiliate Marketer

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Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services and earning a commission for every sale made through your referral. You can join affiliate programs, and by creating a blog, website, or social media presence, you can share affiliate links and earn money when your audience makes purchases.

Leveraging Cash Back and Reward Programs

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Take advantage of cash back and reward programs to earn money on purchases you’re already making. Credit cards with cash back offers, apps like Rakuten, and grocery store loyalty programs can help you save money and earn rewards. While this won’t replace a full-time income, it can significantly reduce your expenses and put extra cash back in your pocket.

Publishing an eBook

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Those with a knack for writing should consider publishing an eBook; with platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, it’s easier than ever to self-publish and reach a global audience. Write about a topic you’re knowledgeable about or create a compelling story. Once your eBook is published, you can earn royalties from every sale.

Taking Up a Part-Time Job

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While it may seem obvious, taking up a part-time job can be a straightforward way to increase your income, and retail, food service, and seasonal jobs often offer flexible hours that can fit around your main job. Even if the hourly rate isn’t high, the extra income can add up quickly.

Offering Home Improvement Services

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Being handy around the house means you could offer home improvement services that can be a lucrative way to make extra money. Many people are willing to pay for help with tasks like painting, landscaping, and minor repairs, so advertise your services on local community boards, online classifieds, or through word of mouth.

Becoming a Virtual Assistant

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One final way to boost your income can be to become a virtual assistant; with more businesses operating online, the demand for virtual assistants is on the rise. You can offer administrative support, social media management, customer service, and more—and this role often provides flexible hours and the opportunity to work from home.

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