Ready to give your bank account the glow-up it deserves? This year could be the year you go from just making ends meet to having extra ends you don’t even know what to do with. I'm talking about tripling your income—and then some—by jumping into side hustles that actually work (I know, you've heard that one before. Me too!). But this time, it's true.

Grab your favorite mug of motivation (aka coffee or tea), and let’s talk about seven side hustles that could help you make serious money. Like, “I-don’t-need-to-check-my-account-before-buying-coffee” kind of serious.

1. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is one of the most flexible ways to rake in the cash, no commute necessary! From blog posts to newsletters, companies are constantly in need of writers who can turn their content into ROI.

Wanna give it a go? Start by creating a portfolio full of content similar to the niche you plan to enter (blogs, sales copy, newsletters, ebooks, etc.). Use tools like ChatGPT to complete projects for mock clients based on the briefs the AI model gives you.

Then, check out job boards like Problogger and Freelance Writing Jobs, or hop on a high-paying bid platform like Contra (basically Upwork on steroids).

Start with smaller gigs to build up your expertise, and before you know it, clients will be coming to you.

Need some guidance on how to break into this world? My ebook The Freelancer Writer's Guide to Earning At-Home Income on sale right now! It can help you get everything aligned - from building a portfolio and finding clients to securing high-paying projects and accessing exclusive writer communities.

Check it out if you want a little extra guidance!

2. Freelance Recruiting

If you’ve got a knack for connecting people, freelance recruiting could be your golden ticket. Essentially, you get paid to match companies with the perfect candidates. You’re basically connecting dream jobs with the best talent (think Corporate Cupid).

Job boards like LinkedIn and open platforms like Paraform or Reflik are great places to start finding clients.

If you want a shove in the right direction, check out my book about Earning $7k Per Month as a Freelance Recruiter! There are also great free resources on YouTube to get a head start.

Earning 5 figures while eating cookies in my pajamas? Sign me up.

3. Affiliate Marketing

Ever thought about making money while you sleep? Affiliate marketing is your answer. You promote other people's products and get a cut of the sales. The easiest way to start is by creating a blog or even a social media page around a niche you love.

Think travel gear, health supplements, or even pet toys. You can join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or look for brands that offer affiliate partnerships directly.

Get those link clicks up by posting genuine reviews, tutorials, or recommendations. You can also increase views by posting consistent content to Pinterest and linking back to the products you're promoting (Pinterest is a GOLD MINE for affiliate marketing success). The better your content and engagement, the more likely people will use your links—and cha-ching, you’re making money!

4. Researching for YouTubers Using Perplexity AI

YouTubers need content ideas—constantly. And that’s where you come in! You can use Perplexity AI to research trending topics, fun facts, or even dive deep into conspiracy theories (hello, YouTube content gold!). Reach out to YouTubers in niches that interest you and offer to be their go-to researcher. You’d be surprised how many creators are willing to pay for quality research so they can focus on filming (about $150 per project on average).

Want a secret tip? Perplexity AI is like if ChatGPT and Google had a baby. It can access real time data to provide accurate answers and save you hours of research.

Use this free tool to scale your research business and make 6 figures.

5. Start a Cleaning Business with Turno

Let’s get a little hands-on with this one! Turno helps you manage cleaning gigs for short-term rental properties (think Airbnbs). If you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves, you can connect with rental property owners in your area and offer cleaning services.

The best part? Using Turno, you get alerted about new jobs, and you can manage bookings, so you’re always in control of your schedule. Cleaners can make thousands of dollars per week cleaning on Turno.

It’s a practical way to make extra money, and trust me—cleaning an Airbnb is way more satisfying when you know it’s paying for your dream vacation.

6. Resell Thrifted Items with Profit Bandit

Shopping can easily become a source of cash flow if you do it right. That's where reselling comes in.

You can search for discounted items from retailers like Walmart or local thrift stores. Make sure to use apps like Profit Bandit during your search to scan items and see their resale value on platforms like Amazon.

All you need is an eye for cool stuff and some decent WiFi. Think designer clothes, vintage finds, or even books. Buy it cheap, sell it high—it’s the ultimate hustle.

Start by visiting stores, estate sales, or garage sales. The more you shop, the more you’ll develop a sixth sense of what’s valuable.

Be aware though - sometimes the shopping sucks you in and you forget to sell what you buy. That's why resale is only for certain people.

Snap up a few bargains, use Profit Bandit to check the price history, and list those items online. You can use Ebay, Mercari, Facebook Marketplace... the list goes on.

7. Sell Print-on-Demand Products on Redbubble or Etsy

Have some artistic skills? Or even just some funny sayings in mind? Print-on-demand (POD) is where it’s at! You create designs, upload them to platforms like Redbubble or Etsy, and they handle the rest.

No more worrying about printing, shipping, or customer service. You get paid for each sale without worrying about inventory or overhead.

The key here is to find a niche—like cute animal illustrations, motivational quotes, or even absurd humor—and cater your designs to that audience. Then, make sure to promote your products on social media or create a Pinterest account to drive traffic to your shop.

You’re One Side Hustle Away from Success

Whether you’re an aspiring recruiter, a creative spirit, or someone who just wants to cash in on their research skills, there’s something here for everyone. Pick one (or more) of these side hustles, and start building that extra income stream.

Oh, and if you need a little guidance? Digital Income Solutions has eBooks on sale right now to take you from $0 to six figures as an at-home boss. So what are you waiting for? Time to start making moves and raking in that cash!