Boost your income with creative strategies! Rent out a spare room on Airbnb, sell handmade crafts on Etsy, or offer freelance services like writing or graphic design. Launch a YouTube channel or monetize a blog with affiliate links. Flip items from thrift stores, tutor online, or pet-sit using apps like Rover. Even teaching a skill via Zoom can bring in steady cash. With consistency and the right niche, earning an extra $1,000 monthly is entirely achievable through smart side hustles.
Here are my recommended strategies for earning an additional $1,000 each month
Start a Blog
If you’re looking for a reliable way to earn an extra $1,000 per month, blogging is at the top of my list—and for good reason. As a full-time blogger, I’ve built a career doing what I love while enjoying the freedom to travel the world. In fact, I currently earn around $100,000 a month through my blog, and I share the details in my monthly income reports.
I launched Making Sense of Cents several years ago as a simple way to track my personal finance journey. Back in 2011, I had no idea that blogging could become such a powerful income stream. I didn’t start my blog to make money—but within just six months, it began generating income.
Since then, blogging has earned me over $5,000,000. It completely transformed my life, giving me financial freedom, a flexible lifestyle, and the ability to work from anywhere.
What’s more, blogging is surprisingly affordable and beginner-friendly. If you’re passionate about a topic, whether it’s personal finance, travel, food, or lifestyle, you can start your blog and turn it into a side hustle—or even a full-time income.
Blogging empowered me to take control of my future, and it might just do the same for you. If you’re curious about how to get started, I highly recommend diving in and learning the basics. You never know where it might take you!
Free cash – Get Paid for Fun and Easy Tasks
Free Cash is a fast-growing platform that was launched in 2020. It allows you to earn real money by completing simple online tasks. These include:
- Answering surveys
- Playing games
- Referring friends
To date, users have collectively earned over $80 million! You can cash out your earnings through PayPal, Bitcoin, or even gift cards. If you enjoy gaming or quick online tasks, Free cash is a fun and flexible way to earn extra money on your schedule.
Make Money Taking Surveys from Home
Yes, you can get paid to share your opinion! Companies are eager to know what real people think about their products and services, so they pay for survey responses and product testers.
- Completely free to join and use
- Flexible — take surveys anytime, anywhere
Pro tip: Sign up for multiple survey sites to increase your earning potential.
The more platforms you join, the more surveys you’ll receive — and the more money you can make.
Become a Bookkeeper
Bookkeepers help small business owners stay financially organized. Their tasks may include tracking income, logging expenses, or organizing receipts.
- No accounting degree is needed.
- Work remotely and set your hours.
- An excellent option for those who enjoy numbers and organization
Start Earning as a Graphic Designer
Love creating visual content? As a freelance graphic designer, you can make money designing:
- Canva templates
- Printable planners
- Logos and branding kits
- Stickers and digital products
You can work for clients or launch your online store on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market.
Deliver Food and Groceries
Food delivery is a flexible and in-demand side hustle. Popular companies include:
- DoorDash
- Instacart
- Uber Eats
- Shipt
Many drivers sign up for multiple platforms to increase their earnings. You could be delivering anything from groceries to restaurant meals.
Become a Freelance Writer
Freelance writing is one of the most rewarding ways to earn money online. You can write for blogs, magazines, businesses, and more.
- Potential to earn $50 to $1,000+ per article
- No degree is required — just strong writing skills and research ability.
- Rates increase with experience and niche expertise.
With consistent effort, many freelance writers earn $1,000+ per month or even turn it into a full-time career.
Launch a Niche Website
Want to build long-term passive income? Starting a niche website can be highly profitable — some niche site owners earn $10,000+ per month.
A niche site focuses on one specific topic, such as:
- Dog training
- Credit Repair
- Hiking gear
- Woodworking
- Baby products
You’ll create helpful blog content around that niche and monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, or digital products. While it takes time and effort to grow, the income potential is impressive.
Become a Virtual Assistant
I spent several years working as a virtual assistant—and today, I even have my team of VAs! It’s a highly in-demand service and a growing career path that offers flexibility, freedom, and plenty of opportunity. What’s great is that I started with zero experience. I simply learned new skills on the job, and you can, too.
As a virtual assistant, your tasks can vary depending on the client. You might find yourself:
- Managing social media accounts
- Formatting blog posts and articles
- Scheduling meetings and appointments
- Organizing an email inbox
- And much more!
Since virtual assistants are needed in so many different industries, no two jobs are the same. This variety makes the work exciting and dynamic.
Why become a VA?
- Set your hours
- Work from anywhere
- Be your boss
- Build a business on your terms.
Start an Online Course
Creating and selling an online course can be a powerful way to earn income—some course creators make over $1,000 a month, or even more!
The beauty of online courses is that you can teach practically anything. If you’re knowledgeable or passionate about a subject, chances are others want to learn it, too.
Popular online course topics include:
- Personal Finance
- Travel hacks
- Cooking and baking
- Painting or drawing
- Playing a musical instrument
- Pet care
- Self-care and wellness
You don’t need to be an expert—just someone who can teach others what you know clearly and helpfully.
Try Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is my favorite way to earn income. Once you put in the initial effort, it’s flexible, scalable, and semi-passive. With affiliate marketing, you earn commissions by promoting products or services through special referral links on your blog, website, or social media. When someone purchases through your link, you get paid!
For example, you could promote:
- A slow cooker on Amazon
- A budgeting app you love
- A favorite book or online course
- Clothing or beauty products
You only promote what you genuinely use or believe in, which makes it both ethical and practical. The best part? Once your content is live, it can continue to earn money while you sleep, travel, or focus on other projects.
FAQ’s
Can I really earn $1,000 a month with side hustles like blogging or freelancing?
Yes! Many people earn $1,000+ per month through blogging, freelance writing, graphic design, and virtual assistant work. It takes consistent effort, especially in the beginning, but the potential is very real with the right strategy and dedication.
Do I need prior experience to become a virtual assistant or bookkeeper?
No! Many virtual assistants and bookkeepers start with little or no experience. You can learn on the job or take affordable online courses to build skills and confidence. What matters most is being organized, reliable, and eager to learn.
How long does it take to start earning money from a blog or niche website?
Building a blog or niche website takes time—usually a few months before you see income. However, once it’s established and generating traffic, it can become a long-term, passive income source through ads, affiliate marketing, or product sales.
Are online surveys and platforms like Freecash worth my time?
While surveys and micro-task platforms like Freecash won’t make you rich, they can help you earn quick and easy cash in your spare time. It’s a good option for those looking to make a few extra dollars without committing to long-term work.
What’s the best side hustle for beginners with no tech skills?
For beginners, consider starting with virtual assisting, online tutoring, survey-taking, or delivery gigs like DoorDash. These require minimal technical skills and offer flexible schedules, making them great entry points for anyone looking to boost their monthly income.
Conclusion
Earning an extra $1,000 a month is entirely possible with today’s digital tools and creative side hustles. Whether you start a blog, offer freelance services or flip thrift store finds, consistency and passion can turn small efforts into reliable income. The best part? You don’t need a degree or prior experience to get started—just a willingness to learn and take action. With so many flexible opportunities available, now is the perfect time to take control of your financial future and earn more on your terms.