Getting out of debt can feel overwhelming at times, especially if you’re living paycheck to paycheck or feeling like you’re just not making enough progress. But don’t worry — there’s a solution that’s worked for many people, and it’s called a side hustle.
Side hustles are a great way to earn extra income, whether you’re paying off debt, building an emergency fund, or just trying to make ends meet. The beauty of a side hustle is that it allows you to tap into your skills and passions, all while bringing in additional cash flow. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be a full-time commitment — you can start small and grow as you go!
In this post, I’ll walk you through the top 10 side hustles to consider, as well as the 5 side hustles you should probably avoid. Some of these ideas will help you build up your financial cushion, get out of debt faster, and maybe even give you a new sense of purpose along the way.
Top 10 Side Hustles to Help You Get Out of Debt
1. Freelancing (Writing, Graphic Design, Web Development, etc.)
If you have skills in writing, graphic design, or web development, freelancing could be the perfect side hustle for you. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer make it easy to find clients who need help with content creation, design, website maintenance, and more.
Freelancing allows you to set your own rates and work on projects that align with your strengths. It’s also a flexible option that you can do on your own schedule, making it ideal if you’re juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities.
2. Virtual Assistant
Businesses are always looking for remote help, and if you’re organized and detail-oriented, becoming a virtual assistant might be a great fit. Virtual assistants help with administrative tasks, managing emails, scheduling appointments, and social media management.
Platforms like Belay and Zirtual connect virtual assistants with clients. The best part? You can typically do this job from the comfort of your home, making it a great side hustle for those who want to avoid a commute.
3. Online Tutoring or Teaching
If you’re good at a subject like math, science, English, or foreign languages, consider tutoring online. Websites like VIPKid (for teaching English to students in China), Chegg Tutors, or Wyzant can help you connect with students who need help in specific subjects.
Teaching or tutoring can pay really well, and you can choose your own hours. Plus, the demand for online tutors continues to rise, making this a stable side hustle option.
4. Dog Walking or Pet Sitting
If you’re an animal lover, starting a dog walking or pet sitting business can be an enjoyable way to make extra money. Apps like Rover or Wag allow you to set your rates and find clients in your area who need someone to take care of their pets while they’re away.
It’s a low-barrier side hustle that doesn’t require a lot of startup capital. Plus, spending time with pets is a great stress reliever and could even be more rewarding than you realize!
5. Rideshare Driving or Delivery
Driving for Uber, Lyft, or a food delivery service like DoorDash or UberEats is one of the most popular side hustles. You can earn money on your own time, with no set schedule or boss to report to.
Driving for a rideshare or delivery service allows you to make money during your free time — evenings, weekends, or whenever your schedule allows. However, be mindful of wear-and-tear on your car, gas prices, and other potential expenses.
6. Selling Handmade Goods or Crafts
Do you have a knack for crafting, knitting, or jewelry making? Websites like Etsy make it easy to turn your hobby into a profitable side hustle. Whether it’s custom jewelry, knitted scarves, or hand-painted home decor, Etsy allows you to set up your own shop and sell directly to customers.
Creating and selling handmade goods can be fulfilling and flexible, but it’s important to price your items correctly and factor in production costs.
7. Photography
If you’re passionate about photography, this side hustle could be a great fit. You can start by offering local photography services for events, portraits, or family photos. As you grow, you can also sell your work online through stock photo websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStock.
Photography can be an incredibly profitable side hustle once you’ve built a strong portfolio, and you can scale your business by offering various packages or products (prints, albums, etc.).
8. Blogging or YouTube
If you have a passion for writing, teaching, or entertainment, starting a blog or YouTube channel could eventually lead to a nice stream of passive income. Although it takes time to build an audience, you can monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.
Blogging or YouTube is a long-term side hustle, so it’s not something you should expect to earn from overnight. But with dedication, you can definitely make it a profitable venture down the road.
9. Renting Out Space (Airbnb or Storage)
Do you have an extra room, garage, or even a parking space? Consider renting it out on Airbnb, Turo, or Neighbor (a service for renting out storage space).
Airbnb can bring in significant side income, especially if you’re located in a high-demand area. Alternatively, renting out storage space (for things like bikes, seasonal items, or RVs) is an easy way to generate passive income.
10. Affiliate Marketing
If you already have a blog or social media following, affiliate marketing might be a great way to earn extra money. By promoting products you love and sharing referral links, you can earn a commission for every sale made through your unique link.
Affiliate marketing works well if you have an engaged audience who trusts your opinions on products or services. Start with programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale to explore the possibilities.
5 Side Hustles You Should Probably Avoid
While side hustles are a great way to increase your income, some options may not be the best choice for getting out of debt. Here are five to consider avoiding:
- Pyramid Schemes or Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) – These often promise big profits but require you to recruit others, leading to more financial strain than gain.
- Gambling or “Get Rich Quick” Schemes – No, you’re not going to win the lottery or make money on a day-trading scheme. Stick to proven, legitimate methods of earning.
- Unpaid Internships – While you might gain experience, you can’t pay your bills with experience. Avoid these if you’re focused on paying down debt.
- Selling Personal Data – Some companies may offer quick cash in exchange for personal information, but it’s a risky and unethical practice.
- Underground Work – Anything that requires you to hide income from the IRS or avoid taxes is not worth it. Always stick to legitimate side hustles.
Wrapping It Up: Choose Your Hustle Wisely
Side hustles are an excellent way to get out of debt faster, but it’s essential to choose the right one for you. Take a look at your skills, time commitments, and goals to determine which side hustle would be the best fit for your lifestyle. And remember, the key to success isn’t working harder, it’s working smarter.
Which side hustle are you most excited to try? Leave a comment below or head over to my YouTube channel for more tips on how to reach your financial goals and pay off your debt faster!
