I don't know about you but I was taught to get a good "secure" job when I grow up.   I now know that a good job does not equal job security. I personally have been laid off before and I know people that have been laid off. Today's economy is not the same as back in the day when everyone had pensions and stayed a company for 40 years. Now, it’s risky to have just one stream of income.  The average millionaire has seven streams of income, I'm not saying get seven but why just have one.

This is where side hustles come into play. According to the Urban Dictionary, a side hustle is a side income that brings in cash; something other than your main job.  When I talk about a side hustle don’t just think about a second job. It can also be something you do in your spare time so you are able to make it work with your lifestyle.

There are several benefits to earning extra cash from a side hustle. A side hustle can help increase the gap between income and expenses, pay off debt faster, build savings, and/or can turn into a viable business

Below is a list of side hustles that will help you get started on your next stream of income.

1. Mystery Shopping – Yes, there are actually companies that pay you to mystery shop that are not a scam, and I know because I have worked for them myself.

2. Baker- If you are always receiving compliments and requests when you make your baked goods, maybe you should start charging for your services.

3. House Cleaner – Do you love to clean?  I know someone who was being paid, approximately $600 a month to clean a small church once a week.  When she stopped cleaning the church, she opened her own business that is bringing in more than what she was being paid by the church.

4. Surveys –Don’t expect to get rich off of surveys but the few minutes you use to complete them with definitely help pay off debt or add to your savings.

5. Blogging- It may take a while to make money from your own blog, but it can act as a portfolio and open the door to freelance opportunities where you blog for other sites for payment.

6.    Amazon –You can set up an Amazon Affiliate account or an FBA Store

7.    eBay/Craigslist– Sell unused items around your home on eBay or Craigslist

10. Tutor - Are you an academic scholar?  Help others who may be struggling in the subject you excel in. Here are a few sites

11. Hairstylist – Do you have cosmetology skills?  You can braid hair, make wigs, etc. in your spare time.

12. Virtual Assistant/Freelance writer/graphic designer – These sites below are a great place to start.

13. Bookkeeper – Are you an accountant during the day?  Handle to books for a small business on nights and weekends.

15. Babysitter – Do you love kids?  Open a babysitting service.

16. Car Detailer – All you need are the supplies and you can wash/detail cars in from of your home.

17. Lawn Care –  There are a lot of people who are willing to pay someone to cut their lawn.

18. Personal Shopper – Love to shop.  Shop for people who do not have the time to shop for themselves.

19. Referee - Do you like sports? Have you ever thought about becoming a referee?

20. Test Proctor – You can proctor certification exams, along with the SAT, ACT, GMAT, etc.

21. Interpreter – Are you fluent in another language?  Companies are always looking for interpreters

22. Tax Preparation - Tax season is coming up, learn the basics from the tax preparation companies, and then expand your knowledge.

23. Lifeguard – Local YMCAs and pools are looking for

24. Notary – Each state sets the price you can charge per signature but if you become a signing agent the starting pay for real estate closings is $125.

25. Bartender – Obtain your bartender's license and work private parties.

26. Personal Trainer – Enjoy working out.  Help others reach their fitness goals.

27. Lending Club – Want to earn some passive income? Become an investor in peer-to-peer lending.  It just takes $25 to start.

28. Get a roommate – Rent a spare room out in your home.  

29. Give Plasma – The rates vary and there are different requirements depending on what state you live in but you can make approximately $200/month.

30. Pet sitter/dog walker – If you like animals, this is something you can set up without a lot of money up front.

31. Voice Actors– Businesses need voice actors for their advertising, presentations, movie trailers, product videos, etc. You use your voice to make money for you.

32. Rent out your car using Turo – If you don’t use your car on a regular basis, you can rent it out using Turo.

33. Sell your books - I have sold used books & textbooks to help build my emergency fund.

35. Uber – Do you have a car and some extra time (and gas of course)?  Drive for Uber Eats or Uber to bring in additional income on the weekends.