Want to make money but unsure where to start? Don\u2019t worry \u2014 we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And you\u2019re not alone. Nearly one million Australians are multiple job-holders, according to the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics[1]<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n NerdWallet rounded up 20 real ways to make extra money online and offline. For each potential side job, we list details like what it takes to get started, age requirements and how fast you can get paid. While most people want to make money fast, don\u2019t discount the \u201cslow\u201d gigs, as they may pay more in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n JUMP TO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Freelancing<\/a> websites offer opportunities to do a variety of contract work, such as writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry and being a virtual assistant. No matter what freelancing you do, keep track of the going rate for the kind of work you provide so you know if you\u2019re charging the right amount. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n Total time:<\/strong> It can take a few weeks to get your first gig.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setup: <\/strong>24 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How easy to start: <\/strong>Easy, if you have the expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How fast you\u2019ll get paid: <\/strong>Varies by site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want a sense of community? <\/strong>Check out the chatter at r\/freelance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you a budding artist or a craft-fiend? If so, you can sell your goods online. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sell your handmade items:<\/strong> Have a penchant for woodworking, jewellery-making, embroidery or pottery? If so, you can sell your goods on various platforms built for artisans selling home goods, art and knickknacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sell digital goods and prints on demand: <\/strong>Some sites let you upload your artwork to sell as prints, T-shirts, phone cases and more. There are also marketplaces specifically designed for photographers. Depending on the site you use, a subscription fee may be required, but these sites typically provide additional perks like cloud storage, password-protected galleries or customised website. You\u2019ll need to have all the necessary rights to the images you sell before you start. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Setup an e-commerce site: <\/strong>Want more freedom? You can set up your own website and sell goods directly to the consumer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n Total time: <\/strong>It might take quite a while for customers to find you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setup: <\/strong>Can be quite involved, depending on the number of pieces you have for sale and websites you use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How easy to start: <\/strong>Somewhat hard, especially if you haven\u2019t yet made the items or taken the photographs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Age threshold:<\/strong> 13+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How fast you\u2019ll get paid:<\/strong> It depends on the platform you use. It can be up to 14 days after the sale, every month, or longer if you\u2019re a new account holder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want a sense of community? <\/strong>Check out the chatter at r\/artbusiness<\/a>, r\/printondemand<\/a>, r\/etsysellers<\/a> or r\/ecommerce<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Places to sell handmade items: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Platforms for digital prints on demand: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n E-commerce sites: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dropshipping is the process of selling products online that are shipped by the supplier, not you. You\u2019re essentially a middle man, facilitating the sale of goods between a manufacturer and buyer. There are various dropshipping platforms that connect you with suppliers, both local and international, and ship the products for you. <\/p>\n\n\n Total time: <\/strong>Varies on how successful your choice of product and marketing strategy is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Setup:<\/strong> Can take a while. You have to create the online storefront yourself, which can come with additional fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How easy to start:<\/strong> Fairly easy, once you have the website and products in place, it\u2019s then just a matter of getting the word out there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Age threshold:<\/strong> 18+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want a sense of community? <\/strong>Check out the chatter at r\/dropshipping<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Turn your maths, science, foreign language or HSC-prep expertise into a lucrative side gig by becoming a private tutor. You can tutor people online or in person. What you charge depends on your experience, expertise and what\u2019s in demand. To get started, sign up for an online tutor platform and create a profile. You can also advertise your services at local schools, universities and community centres.<\/p>\n\n\n Total time:<\/strong> Varies by subject matter. Some companies might require a minimum availability per week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setup:<\/strong> Can be a bit involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How easy to start:<\/strong> Students will have to find you, and that might take a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Age threshold: <\/strong>Any.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How fast you\u2019ll get paid:<\/strong> A few days or weeks after the lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want a sense of community? <\/strong>Check out the chatter at r\/australianteachers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Selling clothes you no longer wear is a quick way to make some money. Start with local consignment shops to make money quickly or use online sites to find buyers. If you go the online route, be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of your pieces and research similar items to set competitive prices. If you sell your clothes through online consignment platforms, the items may go through various inspections before being accepted, and some sites may only accept certain brands. <\/p>\n\n\n Total time:<\/strong> Varies by sales channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setup:<\/strong> Easy and fast. You typically order a free bag from online consignment sites, fill it with clothes and send it back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How easy to start: <\/strong>Easy. Cleaning out your wardrobe may be the hardest part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Age threshold: <\/strong>Any.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How fast you\u2019ll get paid:<\/strong> Varies by sales channel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want a sense of community? <\/strong>Check out the chatter at r\/thrifting<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fluent in a second language? Check online job boards and specialised sites, or drum up business through a site of your own. If you\u2019re a quick typer, you may have a good chance of getting transcription work through sites with stricter application standards.<\/p>\n\n\n Total time:<\/strong> Varies by service. Some sites may require you to take a test prior to approval. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Setup:<\/strong> Fairly easy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n How easy to start:<\/strong> Easy, simply apply online and complete any necessary application requests. In general, all you need is an internet connection and computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Age threshold:<\/strong> Any.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How fast you\u2019ll get paid: <\/strong>Varies by website. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Want a sense of community? <\/strong>Check out the chatter at r\/transcriptionjobs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another way to make money from home is on sites. You get paid for your thoughts on how well \u2014 or not so well \u2014 certain websites and apps worked. You\u2019ll have to complete a short test to be accepted and then you\u2019ll be paid depending on the test type.<\/p>\n\n\n Total time:<\/strong> Approval time can vary. Here are a few examples of websites that may help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even in the age of automation, some jobs still require a human touch. Companies often outsource those jobs to services like Amazon\u2019s Mechanical Turk. As a \u201cworker,\u201d the tasks you\u2019ll be assigned can be tedious \u2014 tagging images, transcribing videos, cleaning up data \u2014 and can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Temporary employers or \u201crequesters\u201d set the price for each task and get to approve the finished product before paying you. That can leave room for scams, so do your research. <\/p>\n\n\n Total time:<\/strong> Several days to find out if you\u2019re approved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setup:<\/strong> Depends on the task you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How easy to start:<\/strong> Easy if you have certain skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Age threshold:<\/strong> 18+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How fast you\u2019ll get paid: <\/strong>You get paid following work approval, which can take up to 30 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want a sense of community? <\/strong>Check out the chatter at r\/mturk<\/a> and mturkcrowd<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n You can make money from home by taking online surveys, but don\u2019t expect to be rolling in dough. Survey sites don\u2019t typically offer a big payoff, and many sites are more useful for earning gift cards than cash. Survey sites could be an option for how to make money online for beginners because you can register with a site and start taking surveys in a matter of minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n Total time:<\/strong> It will take a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setup: <\/strong>Just minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How easy to start:<\/strong> Very. Just register and begin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Age threshold:<\/strong> 13+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
1. Pick up freelance work online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2. Sell your own products online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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3. Start dropshipping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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4. Become a private online tutor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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5. Sell your gently used clothes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Offer online translation or transcription services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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7. Test websites and apps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Setup: <\/strong>Less than an hour.
How easy to start:<\/strong> Easy, if you have the tech gear and complete a sample test.
Age threshold:<\/strong> 18+.
How fast you\u2019ll get paid:<\/strong> Every two weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
8. Pick up tasks on Amazon\u2019s Mechanical Turk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Complete surveys for money<\/h2>\n\n\n\n