As the holiday season approaches and inflation remains high, many Americans are feeling the financial strain. With the economy in uncertain territory, more and more people are turning to side hustles to supplement their incomes and make ends meet. According to research from careers site Zippia, over 4 in 10 Americans had side hustles in 2023, a number that grew during the pandemic as remote work became more prevalent.
For those looking to boost their income during the holiday season, there are plenty of opportunities available. Reselling has become a popular side hustle, with individuals like Alice Liu and Mike Lorenzo finding success in dropshipping and reselling items online. Liu, who runs a TikTok account sharing her experiences, has been able to make a significant income from dropshipping and affiliate marketing. By finding popular products and selling them at a markup, individuals can potentially earn substantial profits.
Lorenzo, on the other hand, has found success by sourcing discounted items from stores like Walmart and Lowe’s and reselling them online. By leveraging platforms like Amazon, he has been able to support his family and enjoy more flexibility in his work schedule. Both Liu and Lorenzo emphasize the importance of networking and surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals to succeed in the reselling business.
Another lucrative side hustle involves answering questions online. Platforms like JustAnswer provide experts in various fields the opportunity to earn money by providing advice and information to users. Randall Gibbons, a retired RV mechanic, has been able to make over $10,000 a month by answering RV-related questions on the platform. This side gig offers flexibility and the chance to earn a substantial income by sharing your expertise.
For those with property to spare, renting out space can also be a profitable side hustle. Platforms like Swimply allow homeowners to list their backyard amenities for rent, connecting them with individuals looking for outdoor spaces to enjoy. Jim Battan, for example, made $177,000 in his first two years of renting out his pool. Whether it’s renting out a spare room on Airbnb or listing backyard amenities on Swimply, turning your property into income can be a lucrative venture.
Lastly, individuals can capitalize on their specific skills to make extra money. Content writing, for example, can be a profitable side hustle, with platforms like TextBroker connecting writers with writing gigs. Freelancing is another option, allowing individuals to work on writing projects for clients and earn money based on the amount of work completed.
Overall, the holiday season presents a prime opportunity for Americans to explore side hustles and supplement their incomes. With a variety of options available, from reselling and answering questions online to renting out property and leveraging specific skills, individuals can find a side hustle that suits their interests and financial goals. By taking advantage of these opportunities, many Americans can navigate the financial challenges of the holiday season and beyond.
