January is when the damage becomes clear. Gifts have been opened, food has been eaten, Christmas decorations have been put away………and then the credit card bills begin to arrive. For many Americans, that means tightening the belt for a few months, while others opt for a part-time job. If you’re looking for a side hustle, there are plenty out there, but you have to be careful. Here are the ones that work and how much money they really bring in.
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RENTING YOUR DRIVEWAY OR PARKING SPACE: Typical earnings: $50-$300 a month. If you live near an airport, stadium, cruise terminal or busy downtown area, your empty driveway or unused parking spot could earn you some extra cash. Hosts set their own rates, averaging $10-$25 a day during peak periods. Make sure you check HOA rules and leases before listing. |
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RESELL WHAT YOU ALREADY OWN: Typical earnings: $200-$2,000 a month. Americans are selling clothes, shoes, electronics and toys on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, and many more. Casual sellers may make a few hundred dollars, while more active sellers can clear 4-figure earnings. Competition is fierce and margins depend on sourcing smartly. |
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PET SITTING AND DOG WALKING: Typical earnings: $15-$30 per walk, $30-$75 per night. Pet care remains one of the most reliable side hustles, with some sitters earning $500-$1,000 a month boarding dogs in their homes. Beware, insurance is required and there are local regulations regarding the number of dogs you can host before having to take out a business license. |
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MYSTERY SHOPPING AND MICRO-TASKS: Typical earnings: $10-$25 per task. Mystery shopping won’t replace a paycheck, but it can provide small, steady payments. Apps such as Field Agent, MarketForce and BestMark pay users to visit stores, answer surveys, or photograph displays. Most tasks take under an hour and can generate $100-$200 a month. Experts warn consumers never to pay to apply and avoid any opportunity involving check cashing, a common scam. |
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CLEANING AND ORGANIZING: Typical earnings: $30-$60 per hour. Many Americans build steady income with just one or two regular cleaning clients, often sourced through word of mouth. Those who focus on move-out cleaning only can earn as much as $400-$800 per cleaning job. |
