Making extra money doesn’t always require a second job or a big investment. Some opportunities are creative, often overlooked, and surprisingly lucrative. Whether you love writing, want to own a business, or enjoy unique side gigs, there are ways to earn money that fit your skills and interests.
Here are some unusual ways people are making money right now.
Enter Writing Contests for Quick Cash
Writing contests offer a chance to earn money without experience or publishing connections. Many competitions are open to new writers.
Types of writing contests:
- Short stories: Many contests accept fiction, even from beginners.
- Poetry: Short but profitable, poetry contests can pay hundreds per winning entry.
- Personal essays: Some competitions seek real-life stories and pay well.
- Flash fiction: Very short fiction contests challenge you to be creative in fewer words.
Prizes vary. Some pay hundreds, while others offer thousands. Certain contests even grant book deals or residencies.
Where to find contests:
Check entry fees. Not all contests are free, but many reputable ones charge low fees to cover administrative costs.
Buy a Business with an Essay
Some business owners offer their businesses to essay winners instead of selling them traditionally. This trend allows people to take over companies without large financial investments.
Past essay-based business giveaways:
- A New England inn where the best essay won the deed.
- A bakery in Maine given to an aspiring baker with a compelling story.
- A goat farm offered to someone passionate about sustainable farming.
These opportunities often require a fee to enter. Fees typically cover the owner’s expenses and ensure only serious applicants apply.
Finding business essay competitions:
- Local newspapers often profile owners offering this type of giveaway.
- Facebook groups focused on small business ownership sometimes share opportunities.
- News websites may highlight unique business transfers.
Winning isn’t guaranteed, but these competitions give motivated individuals a real chance to own businesses with minimal upfront investment.
Flip Free or Cheap Items for Profit
Reselling items found for free or cheap is a common side hustle. Some people make significant income flipping furniture, antiques, or tech gadgets.
Where to find items to flip:
- Craigslist free section: Many people give away furniture, appliances, or other items.
- Facebook Marketplace: Some sellers list cheap items they need gone quickly.
- Estate sales: These sales often have valuable items priced low for quick clearance.
- Thrift stores: Clothing, books, and electronics can be resold for higher prices.
Profitable item categories:
- Furniture: Refinishing or repainting can increase value.
- Vintage electronics: Old cameras, record players, and gaming systems can sell for high prices.
- Clothing: Designer brands often have high resale value.
- Books: Some rare or first-edition books sell for much more than their original price.
Reselling platforms include eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark for clothing.
Sell Your Handwriting as a Service
Calligraphy and handwritten notes are in demand. Businesses and individuals pay for handwritten letters, invitations, and special event materials.
Ways to make money with handwriting:
- Wedding invitations: Many couples pay extra for elegant handwritten envelopes.
- Greeting cards: Small businesses order custom-designed cards.
- Personalized gifts: Handwritten recipes, love letters, or poems sell well online.
- Corporate thank-you notes: Companies hire people to handwrite customer appreciation letters.
Platforms to sell handwriting services:
- Etsy (for custom handwriting products)
- Fiverr (for freelance calligraphy work)
- Local wedding planners (who may need custom invitations or signage)
Offer Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
People with pets need reliable help. Pet sitting and dog walking can be a flexible, lucrative side job.
Where to start:
- Rover: Connects pet sitters with owners.
- Wag!: Offers dog walking and other pet services.
- Local Facebook groups: Many pet owners look for help in neighborhood groups.
- Veterinarians and pet stores: Some allow you to advertise services on bulletin boards.
Services include:
- Daily dog walking
- Overnight pet sitting
- Drop-in care for feeding and check-ins
- Pet transportation
Rates vary. Some charge $15 to $30 per walk, while overnight sitting can bring in over $50 per night.
Sell Plasma for Extra Income
Plasma donation centers pay people for their time. Donors often earn $50 to $100 per session.
Where to donate:
Most centers allow donations up to twice a week. Regular donors can earn several hundred dollars a month.
Make Money Testing Websites
Website testing is a way to get paid for providing feedback on user experience.
How it works:
- You sign up on a testing platform.
- Companies provide tasks like navigating a website.
- Feedback is given through writing or recorded video.
- Payments are made per test.
Popular testing platforms:
Payment varies by platform. Most tests pay $10 to $20 and take around 20 minutes.
Final Thoughts
There are many creative ways to make extra money. Whether through writing contests, flipping items, selling services, or donating plasma, different opportunities suit different lifestyles.
Trying new side gigs can lead to financial success. Explore options, test different ideas, and find what works best for you.
