Download ArticleDownload ArticleX
This article was co-authored by Michael R. Lewis. Michael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin.
This article has been viewed 89,435 times.
They say it takes money to make money, but what if you don't have any money to start with? Well, never fear—there are ways to make money fast, even if you don't have a job. Whether you want to make money online, make your business ideas into a reality, or just pick up a side hustle, our guide will show you what you need to know to start making some extra income.
Things You Should Know
- Make money online by driving for Uber or Lyft, doing freelance work like writing or programming, or selling items on eBay.
- Or, offer to house sit or pet sit for your friends, family, or neighbors, or start tutoring.
- Earn money by donating plasma, sperm or eggs, or your hair.
Steps
Rent your space. You won't need to start a hotel or become a landlord in order to open up your house to guests. Today it is possible to list your home or other available space on-line, allowing guests to pay a nightly rate that you set. It can be a fun way to earn some money and meet new people.- Airbnb is a popular website that allows you to list your home as being open for guests.
- You can set your own nightly rates.
- If you are renting, ask your landlord before offering their property on any on-line service.
Share your car. If you already own your own car you might consider using it to drive others around, allowing you to act like your own taxi service. Currently there are a few on-line services that let you sign up and offer your own transport to others, earning money while doing so.- Uber and Lyft are both popular ride sharing services.
Advertisement
Freelance. The Internet has connected the world like never before. As a result many professionals have turned to freelancing, working directly with clients. If you have a marketable skill then you might turn to freelance work and turn that skill into an income.- Freelancing means working directly with your own clients.
- Elance is an example of a popular freelancing website.
- Sign up for affiliate marketing programs, it's a great way to earn a passive income as well. Great affiliate programs can be found on Amazon, BrandPush, and more.
- Most freelance jobs require skills such as writing, editing, programming, design or other creative backgrounds.
Sell items on-line. If you own some valuable items you can try selling them on-line to turn them into cash. There are many websites that allow you to list the items you want to sell, making them available to other people for purchase. Selling some of your items can be a great way to make money without having any to start with.- Sites like eBay allow you to auction off your items.
- Craigslist allows people to sell directly to others.
Start blogging. You can earn money by starting your own blog. Bloggers are online writers that choose their own subject matter and topics, creating appealing and well written articles for their readers. Most revenue generated will be from selling advertisement space or directly recommending products or services. Start thinking of some of the key aspects of creating a good blog to get started:[1]- Think about your topic and focus. Ask yourself what you want to write about.
- Create an appealing design for your blog. You want it to look attractive and uncluttered.
- Write excellent content to build up trust and satisfaction amongst your readers.
- Open your blog up to advertisers, write paid reviews or sponsored content to start making money from your blog.
Advertisement
Try house-sitting. House sitting can be a good way to earn some extra income and won't require a lot of money to start doing. Some home owners who are going to be away for a long period of time will need someone to care for their home. By watching after their house in their absence you can help them rest easy and bolster your income while doing so.- Many websites allow house sitters to connect with those needing this service. Trusted House Sitters is an example of such a website.
- House sitting can still allow you to continue focusing on your main source of income.
Watch people's pets. Pet owners may have a need for someone to watch after their pets in their absence. Whether they are leaving on a long trip or just for the day, their pets will need someone to keep up with their needs until they can return. Pet sitting can be a fun and enjoyable way to make sure pets are being cared for and allow you to earn some extra income.- There are some websites that allow you to find clients that are in need of a pet sitter. Petsit is an example of this type of website.
- Check with your local laws and other legal requirements before opening any pet sitting business.
Try tutoring. If you have a skill or proficiency with certain academic subjects you might consider tutoring. Tutoring is a great way to help others come to a better understanding of their academic pursuits while allowing you to earn some extra money.- Tutors will generally be paid by time spent tutoring and level of experience.
- You might be able to start tutoring online. One example of a site that has need of tutors is http://www.tutor.com/apply.
- Tutors work with many different areas of study, including math, language, and sciences.
Advertisement
Sell plasma. Donating plasma is a simple way to earn some extra income and help others out. Plasma can help the blood clot and is usually needed by people suffering from liver issues or blood infections. Check for any local plasma donation opportunities near you and review some of the following requirements and information before you sell:[2][3]- You will need to be in good health and HIV free.
- You will need to weigh at least 110 pounds.
- You will need to complete a survey to make sure you are able to sell.
- Donating plasma usually takes about one and a half hours.
- You can sell around every 28 days.
- Every donation center will have their own unique rates for plasma donations. Some offer cash rewards, up to $200 a month.
Sell sperm or eggs. Reproductive donations can help those who are unable to conceive a child. Both men and women can make reproductive donations. However there are many differences and requirements that should be understood between sperm and egg donations.- Men are able to sell frequently and can earn around $1,000 dollars a month depending on the agency collecting the donation.[4]
- Egg donations usually fetch around $8,000 per donation. However, donors are usually required to take hormonal drugs and outpatient surgery is necessary to collect the eggs.
Sell your hair. Long and natural hair can be a high-value commodity. Sold hair is often used to create wigs for those who for whatever reason have difficulties or are unable to grow their own hair. Many sites exist on-line today that allow you to sell your hair and be compensated for doing so.[5]- The price you are paid will depend on the quality and length of your hair. Long natural hair will fetch higher prices.
- http://hairsellon.com/ is an example of a site that can help you to sell your hair.
Participate in medical research. Many areas of medical research require that tests are performed using human experimentation. These trials are in need of volunteers that will undergo the medical tests. By finding an open position for a medical experiment volunteer you can earn some extra income and help advance medical science.- Pay rate will depend upon time invested and risk to health.[6]
- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ is a good resource to look for open medical trials.
- Many research universities will pay volunteers to undergo medical trials. Contact the campus administrator or check with their official website for a listing of available openings.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
SubmitAdvertisement
Tips
- You can earn money by donating your hair, plasma, eggs, or sperm.Thanks
- Taking part in medical research can earn you money.Thanks
- You can ask for payments when watching someones house or pets.Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
Warnings
- Always use caution when meeting someone in person after meeting them on-line.Thanks
- Never participate in a medical study without understanding the risks of it.Thanks
Advertisement
References
- ↑ http://journalism.nyu.edu/publishing/archives/notablog/story/good_blog/
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/blood-donor-program/faq
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/blood-donor-program/plasma-platelet-donations
- ↑ http://www.spermbank.com/why-donate/sperm-donor-pay
- ↑ http://hairsellon.com/
- ↑ http://www.fda.gov/RegulatoryInformation/Guidances/ucm404975.htm
About This Article
Business Advisor
This article was co-authored by Michael R. Lewis. Michael R. Lewis is a retired corporate executive, entrepreneur, and investment advisor in Texas. He has over 40 years of experience in business and finance, including as a Vice President for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. He has a BBA in Industrial Management from the University of Texas at Austin. This article has been viewed 89,435 times.
Co-authors: 24
Updated: November 16, 2023
Views: 89,435
Categories: Making Money
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 89,435 times.
Reader Success Stories
"It opened my eyes to money making ideas."
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
Advertisement
