Most of us face the challenge of keeping up with the cost of living at some point. Maybe bills are piling up, rent is around the corner, or a creditor is calling, leaving you stressed out and unsure how you’re ever going to get ahead again.

If you’re looking for ways to make extra money fast, we’ve put together 25 solutions perfect for everyday Aussies. Not only are they completely legal but they don’t require hefty start up costs, so you can start working towards financial freedom, today!

Disclaimer: Fast is a subjective term here and we are not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned below.

25 Side Hustles & Work From Home Ideas

1. Open an Etsy store

If you have a creative hobby such as drawing, making clothes or taking great photos, why not open a store on Etsy and join one of the world’s largest independent-selling communities? With Etsy, you can make some quick cash by selling your unique items online through a platform of engaged and active buyers. Best of all, you’ll have full control of pricing and how much money you make.

You’ll be amazed at the global demand for handmade gift ideas, so even if you’re not a traditional creative, you can still try your hand at making Christmas decorations or greeting cards or even sell off any vintage items you have around the house.

2. Do surveys online

While doing online surveys won’t make you rich, they are an easy way to make money, especially if you have spare time on your hands. Companies such as Opinion World Australia and Swagbucks are hired by brands to find out more about consumers. All you have to do is register with them online to get started. Keep in mind, though, that you’re only likely to make a few dollars per survey, and in some cases, you may be paid in gift vouchers or by collecting points.

3. Start a blog for profit

If you have an interest in a particular topic or get a kick out of writing, why not start a blog? Blogging is a low-risk side business that doesn’t cost you anything to get started. 

Don’t expect advertisers to start beating down your door as soon as you start, but if you have something genuinely interesting to share with the world, chances are you’ll start to gain some momentum that could lead to a great profit turner down the track.

4. Become a product tester

Before a product is launched to market, research companies look for feedback from everyday consumers to ensure that their commodity will be profitable.

To get that feedback, brands use product testers to give their opinion in exchange for free products or money (and sometimes both). You could test anything from homewares to new products, make up and even entertainment consoles.

To get started, sign up with a whole bunch of sites to increase your chances of being chosen. Home Tester Club is a great place to start, but note that they don’t offer monetary rewards. Instead, you can get free products in exchange for your reviews. It’s a good way to save on everyday items.

5. Sell your old stuff on Gumtree

If you’ve got unused goods hanging around the house, don’t let them just sit there! One of the easiest ways to make money fast is to go digging for old items you no longer need and set up an add for them on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. 

As a tip, one of the best selling categories on Gumtree is old technology. Items like mobile phones and laptops are in hot demand from general consumers and businesses who buy them to restore and sell on.

6. Do odd jobs on Airtasker

If you’re struggling with employment right now, Airtasker is an amazing resource that can help you find odd jobs and connect you with a large community of people looking for your services. For some people, Airtasker is their full-time job because it’s a reliable place for making easy money.

Jobs like building flatpack furniture, house cleaning, helping people move, designing a website, or mowing lawns are all great examples of what you can do in exchange for people’s cash. All you have to do is sign up, and either advertise your skills or answer ads posted by the platform’s users.

7. Start a dog walking business

People are busy. And sometimes this means they don’t have the opportunity to walk their four legged friends as much as they’d like to. Because of this, a great market for professional or casual dog walkers has sprung up across Australia. If you love dogs and are after a flexible gig that can easily turn into regular bookings, check out websites like Mad Paws to start booking your first jobs!

8. Offer digital services on Fivver

If you have skills in writing, social media marketing, graphic design or translating, signing up to a freelance service like Fivver could be a great way to start making money quickly. 

Essentially businesses put jobs out to tender or find your work through the platform, and the more jobs you successfully complete, the better your chances of securing more work. If you’re not sure what your freelancing skill is, try your hand at services like audio transcribing or data entry.

9. Get a roommate

While this won’t be suitable for every situation, if you are experiencing financial stress, sharing your space with a roommate can really help to keep your expenses down and help you pay off rent or your mortgage. Roommates can also split your bill costs and share your grocery expenses, making it a quick way to save money.

If this is something viable for you, Flatmates is a platform to start advertising your space.

10. Wash or detail cars

While everyone wants their car to look shiny and new, finding the time and motivation to detail and wash it yourself  means that many car owners will hire someone to do the job for them. 

If you’re looking for a way to make easy money fast, this is a great way to do it. Advertise to family and friends on social media or on local community pages (or Airtasker, as we mentioned above). All you need is some cleaning products and you’re ready to go!

11. Rent out a parking spot

If you live in an urban area or near a public transport station, you’d be amazed at how much money you can make from renting out your spare parking spot to a local commuter. 

Websites like Parkhound and Findacarpark.com.au are dedicated to helping connect those who are leasing car spots and those looking for them. Some spaces can go for hundreds of dollars a month, so it’s worth checking out.  

12. Rent your car out with Car Next Door

If you don’t use your car often, don’t watch on as one of your most valuable assets sits there collecting dust. Especially when you can be making fast and easy money by putting it up for rent on Car Next Door (now Uber Carshare). 

Just as Uber revolutionised the concept of ride sharing, Car Next Door takes it one step further and allows everyday people to share their cars when they’re not using them. Not only can you make easy money quickly but the company will fully insure your car and offer 24/7 roadside assistance to ensure that your vehicle is completely protected.

13. Babysitting/nannying

As long as there are busy parents, there’s a need for someone to take care of their children. This makes babysitting or nannying a great and reliable way to make money for people who are good with kids and can pass a Working with Children background check. If you don’t have friends or family in need of a sitter, try registering with a trusted website like Sittr, who will connect you with families in your local area.

14. Cut your subscriptions back

We may feel like we can’t live without our endless subscriptions like Netflix, Spotify and even gym memberships, but do you really need them right now? If you’re in financial trouble and need to make money quickly, putting a pause or cancelling some of these services can make a big difference in your overall financial position. 

Speaking to your phone provider and utility services about your situation could also help you secure some financial relief if you are in a desperate situation.

15. Be an online tutor

Online tutoring has become a popular way to earn extra income while sharing your knowledge. If you’re passionate about a particular subject and enjoy working with students, this could be the perfect side hustle for you.

Language teaching (particularly English) has been popular for years. What’s good about teaching this subject is that many learners simply seek a friendly conversation partner to practice their speaking skills and gain confidence. In these cases, you don’t need to be an expert in the subject or have a lesson plan prepared. Palfish and Preply hire non-degree holders. Simply being present, attentive, and engaging in conversation can be incredibly helpful to them.

You get to learn about different cultures and perspectives, too, which is a plus.

16. Sell digital products

Digital products are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and accessibility. If you have a creative flair or expertise in a particular field, selling digital products can be a low-cost business venture.

Some digital products you can sell are design templates on Canva, stock photos on Shutterstock or digital journals, planners, or organisers that cater to specific niches like productivity, health, or personal development.

If you’re a musician or sound designer, sell your music, sound effects, or other audio products on platforms like Audiojungle or Pond5.

17. Be an affiliate marketer

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where you promote other people’s products or services and earn a commission on each sale. This can be a great way to earn passive income online, especially if you have a following or audience. 

You can start by joining affiliate programs of companies or individuals that offer products or services related to your niche. Popular affiliate networks include:

• Amazon Associates, where you can promote a wide range of products on Amazon
• Commission Junction (CJ Affiliate), which helps you connect with thousands of affiliate programs across various industries
• ShareASale, a popular affiliate network with a variety of programs
• ClickBank, a marketplace for digital products with an affiliate program

The amount you can earn as an affiliate marketer depends on the rate set by the sellers and, of course, the amount of effort you put into promoting the items.

18. Participate in clinical trials

Clinical trials are research studies that test new drugs, medical devices, or treatments. By participating in clinical trials, you can contribute to medical advancements and potentially earn compensation, which can be around $300 per day.

But note that clinical trials can involve risks. You may experience side effects or adverse events associated with the new treatment being tested. Before deciding to participate, carefully consider the potential benefits and risks and consult with your healthcare provider.

You can find a clinical trial using the government’s Australian Clinical Trials website.

19. Become a mystery shopper

Mystery shopping is a popular way to earn extra income while enjoying the perks of shopping. As a mystery shopper, you’ll be paid to visit businesses, assess their customer service, and provide feedback on your experience.

There are many mystery shopping companies that recruit shoppers, such as Service Integrity and Mystery Customer. Once you’re accepted as a mystery shopper, you’ll receive assignments to complete. These may involve visiting a specific business, making a purchase, or interacting with employees in a particular way.

After your visit, you’ll be asked to complete a detailed report about your experience. This may include information about the store’s appearance, product selection, customer service, and overall atmosphere.

20. Be a house sitter

House sitting is a great way not just to earn money but also to explore new places. As a house sitter, you’ll be responsible for caring for a homeowner’s property, pets, and plants while they’re away. Plus, you get to enjoy free stays in various locations too.

Aussie House Sitters is a popular Australian website that connects you with homeowners. To increase your chances of getting hired, create a detailed profile on the platform highlighting your experience, skills, and references. Then, show that you can be counted on to care for a homeowner’s property and pets.

Once hired, maintain open and honest communication with the homeowners. Positive reviews from homeowners can go a long way.

21. Try part-time virtual assistance

Virtual assistance has been a growing field since the COVID-19 pandemic that allows you to work from home and provide administrative support to clients. As a part-time virtual assistant, you can offer various services, from email management and scheduling to social media management and data entry.

To find clients, you can use platforms like Upwork or Freelancer or ask friends, family, and colleagues for referrals.

22. Be an app or website tester

As an app or website tester, you’ll be paid to use and evaluate software applications and websites, providing valuable feedback to developers and helping improve digital products. 

Most platforms, like TestMate, require you to complete a screening process to assess your suitability as a tester. This may involve taking a questionnaire or completing a test task.

Once you’re accepted, you’ll be assigned testing projects. You’ll typically be asked to use the app or website and provide feedback on its usability, functionality, and overall user experience.

23. Offer cleaning services

Cleaning services are always in demand, making it a reliable way to earn extra income. Whether you prefer to clean homes or businesses, there’s a market for your skills.

There are different types of cleaning services, such as

• Residential cleaning, where you focus on cleaning homes or units
• Commercial cleaning for offices, retail spaces, or industrial facilities
• Specialised cleaning, which are specialised services like deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, or post-construction cleaning

You can set your own rate for this type of service, and if you’re really good at it, you won’t run out of business. 

24. Look for seasonal work

Seasonal work offers a flexible and rewarding way to earn extra income while gaining new experiences. Whether you’re looking for a summer job or a seasonal position during the holidays, there are plenty of opportunities available.

Popular seasonal jobs include retail, hospitality, outdoor recreation, agriculture, tourism, and event staffing. To increase your chances of finding a suitable position, start your search early, use online job boards, network with local businesses, consider temporary staffing agencies (or Airtasker we mentioned above), and be open to different types of seasonal work and locations.

25. Check if you have unclaimed cash

Many people are unaware of funds that belong to them, often due to forgotten bank accounts, unclaimed insurance benefits, or other reasons. According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), there are more than two billion dollars of unclaimed money sitting in a government account.

To check if you have a potential hidden wealth, use Moneysmart’s unclaimed money finder.

Have a free financial consultation with an expert

While all these strategies are a great way to make money easily, if you are experiencing financial stress and are burdened with debt, it may be ideal to reach out for a free financial consultation with a Debt Negotiators expert.

For years we’ve been helping Aussies get back on their feet with practical, professional and non-judgemental debt relief plans that work.

From credit card consolidation to debt negotiation, budgeting help and credit repair, we’ve helped over 15,000 Aussies regain control of their finances, and lives again.

For your free consultation, get in touch with the team today.