Introduction

Making an extra $200 per month can significantly ease financial stress or accelerate your savings. The key is finding side hustles that don’t demand long hours or large startup costs. Below, you’ll find five realistic options, complete with time commitments and earning estimates, to help you earn that extra income efficiently.

1. Online Micro-Tasking

What it is: Completing small online tasks like data entry, surveys, or categorizing images through platforms such as Amazon Mechanical Turk or Clickworker.

Time & Cost: 15-30 minutes daily; no upfront cost.

Earnings: Typically $0.05-$0.15 per task; averaging $10-$15 per hour.

2. Reselling Thrifted Items

What it is: Buying undervalued items from thrift stores or garage sales and reselling them online via eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark.

Time & Cost: 2-3 hours per week; initial investment around $20-$50.

Earnings: Profit margins of $10-$30 per item; selling 1-2 items per week can net $200 monthly.

3. Tutoring or Teaching a Skill Online

What it is: Offering short tutoring sessions in subjects you excel at or teaching a hobby like guitar or graphic design via platforms such as Wyzant or TakeLessons.

Time & Cost: 1-2 hours weekly; no startup cost if you already have the skill.

Earnings: $20-$40 per hour; 5 hours monthly can reach your $200 target.

4. Freelance Writing or Editing

What it is: Writing blog posts, articles, or editing documents for small businesses and websites.

Time & Cost: 3-4 hours weekly; no upfront cost.

Earnings: $0.05-$0.15 per word or $20-$50 per article; completing 4-6 short projects monthly can hit $200.

5. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

What it is: Providing pet care services in your neighborhood using apps like Rover or Wag, or through word-of-mouth.

Time & Cost: 30-60 minutes per day; no upfront cost.

Earnings: $15-$25 per walk or visit; 8-10 sessions monthly can meet the $200 goal.

Side Hustle Monthly Plan Example

Total Time: 8 hours per week
Total Earnings: $200 monthly
Total Initial Cost: $30

5-Minute Action Today

• Choose one of the side hustle ideas above.
• Set up a free account on one platform (e.g., Mechanical Turk, eBay, or Rover).
• List your first service or browse available tasks/items.
• Schedule 15 minutes in your calendar this week to dedicate to your hustle.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Trying to do too many side hustles at once. Spreading yourself thin reduces the quality of your work and increases burnout risk. Instead, focus on one or two hustles that fit your schedule and interests. Mastering these will maximize your earnings while keeping time investment manageable.

Read Next

• How to Manage Your Side Hustle Income for Maximum Savings
• Time Management Tips for Busy Side Hustlers
• Low-Cost Marketing Strategies for Your Side Business