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Start a side hustle with $100: A guide to extra income.

Earn MLOctober 29, 20236 Mins read109 Views

Side Hustles You Can Start with Less Than $100: A Comprehensive Guide to Earning Extra Income

Introduction

In today’s ever-changing economic landscape, having multiple income streams has never been more crucial. The rise of the gig economy, coupled with the uncertainties that come with full-time employment, makes a compelling case for the necessity of a side hustle. According to a 2022 study by Bankrate, approximately 45% of working Americans report having a side hustle in addition to their main job. These extra gigs are not just for making ends meet; they’re also a valuable source of financial security and freedom.

Now, you may be thinking that starting a side hustle is an expensive undertaking. You’re in for a pleasant surprise! Many side hustles can be kickstarted with less than $100. That’s right; minimal upfront investment is required to get your feet wet in the world of side hustles. Whether you’re leveraging existing skills or exploring a new passion, there’s likely an affordable and lucrative side hustle waiting for you.

The Rise of Side Hustles in the Modern Economy

The concept of having a single, lifetime job is becoming a thing of the past. More and more people are turning to side hustles as a way to supplement their income, gain new skills, or even transition to a completely new career. According to a 2021 study by the Harvard Business Review, about 43% of full-time workers have at least one side hustle. This number is predicted to climb as traditional work models continue to evolve.

Why is this trend on the rise? A simple answer is financial flexibility. A side hustle allows you to earn extra money that can be saved, invested, or used for life’s various expenses. But there’s more to it. Side hustles also offer a sense of autonomy, an opportunity to explore passions, and a way to test new business ideas with low risk.

To keep it simple: if you’re looking to add financial padding or chase a passion, starting a side hustle could be a smart move. Both the trend and the stats show that it’s a route many are taking for financial and personal growth.

The Benefits of Side Hustle

When we talk about the upsides of having a side hustle, three key benefits stand out: flexibility, skills development, and extra income. The flexibility a side hustle offers is unmatched. You can choose when and where you work, which is a major advantage over a 9-to-5 job. Next, side hustles often lead to skills development. According to a LinkedIn survey, 64% of side hustlers reported acquiring new skills that later benefited their main jobs. Lastly, the most obvious gain: extra income. With the average side hustle bringing in around $1,122 per month, according to Bankrate, it’s no wonder why so many are hopping on the side hustle train.

Preparing for Your Side Hustle

So you’re keen on starting a side hustle? Great choice! But before you dive in, two crucial areas need your attention: budgeting and time management. Setting a small initial budget, like $100, can make a world of difference. According to a recent Forbes report, 54% of successful side hustlers started with a budget of less than $500. It’s proof that you don’t need big bucks to kick off a rewarding side hustle.

Now, let’s talk time management. A side hustle should never jeopardize your main job or personal life. A survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average American adult has about 5 hours of leisure time per day. Allocating just an hour or two can suffice for most side hustles without disturbing your regular work or other commitments.

5 Side Hustles You Can Start for Under $100

In today’s fast-paced world, having a single source of income often isn’t enough. This is where the concept of a side hustle shines—it offers you flexibility, the chance to learn new skills, and extra earnings. Best of all, starting a side hustle doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, you can kick off various money-making ventures with less than $100 in your pocket. Let’s dive deeper into five such side hustles.

Freelance Writing

Costs and Getting Started: You probably already own the basics—a computer and internet access. You might choose to invest in a premium writing tool like Grammarly, priced at $30 per month. Current data shows that freelance writers in the United States can make around $22 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter. Create a portfolio on platforms like Medium to showcase your writing skills. Then, you can offer your services on freelance websites such as Upwork and Fiverr.

Dropshipping

Costs and Getting Started: Launch your online store with Shopify, which offers a 14-day free trial, and then charges $29 per month. Oberlo estimates the average monthly earnings for dropshipping businesses to be about $12,000.Select a niche you’re passionate about. Use Instagram and Facebook ads to reach a wider audience.

Handmade Crafts

Costs and Getting Started: Crafting materials can be as low as $20. You can sell your items on Etsy, which charges a $0.20 listing fee. Successful Etsy sellers pull in between $1,000 and $3,000 each month, according to a CNBC report. High-quality photos and detailed descriptions are key to catching buyers’ eyes.

Virtual Assistance

Costs and Getting Started: Basic needs include a computer and internet. Project management software like Asana offers free plans.According to Payscale, the average hourly wage for a virtual assistant stands at about $16.Use LinkedIn for networking and finding clients. Personal recommendations can also go a long way.

Content Creation

Costs and Getting Started: You can start with just your smartphone and maybe invest in a tripod for stability, costing around $20. YouTube creators usually earn between $2 and $7 per 1,000 views, as reported by Influencer Marketing Hub.Consistency in posting content improves your chances of monetization.

To sum it up, each of these side hustles offers a respectable ROI with an initial investment of under $100. The statistics mentioned here are up-to-date as of 2022, providing a reliable guide for your entrepreneurial journey. So why wait? Start your side hustle today and elevate your financial future.

How to Transform Your Side Hustle: Maximizing Earnings and Growth

Turning a side hustle into a significant income stream doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s certainly possible with strategic moves. Start by reinvesting your earnings back into the business. Whether it’s for better software, advertising, or hiring help, smart reinvestment can accelerate growth. A 2021 Bankrate survey revealed that nearly half of all side hustlers plow their profits back into their ventures for expansion.

Overcoming Obstacles: Navigating the Tough Terrains of a Side Hustle

Let’s face it; juggling a side hustle alongside a full-time job can be tricky. The most pressing issue? Time management. A RescueTime study indicates that people who employ time-tracking apps can gain an extra two hours daily. Work-life balance comes next. A recent 2022 survey from Upwork highlighted that more than 60% of side hustlers find maintaining a balance between work and personal life challenging. However, planning and discipline can significantly alleviate this issue.

Conclusion

Starting a side hustle in today’s gig economy is more than a trend; it’s a survival skill. For a modest investment—often less than $100—you can jump-start a business that offers not just extra income but a way to sharpen your skills and expand your network. With numerous low-cost options like freelance writing, dropshipping, and content creation, there’s no reason to delay. A 2022 Bankrate report shows that nearly 45% of working Americans have a side hustle. So, what’s stopping you? Take that first step today and join the growing ranks of side hustlers.

FAQ

Q: Is it feasible to start a side hustles with just $100?

A:Absolutely,A survey by SideHustleSchool.com indicates that 65% of side hustlers started their venture with less than $100.

Q: How much time will I need to invest?

A: Time investment varies, but a 2022 Gig Economy Data Hub report suggests that most side hustlers work 11 hours per week on average.

Q: How can I balance a full-time job and a side hustle?

A:Time management apps and setting boundaries can help maintain work-life balance.

Q.How can I market my side hustle without spending a lot?

A: Utilize social media platforms and word-of-mouth to spread awareness. Free tools like Canva can help you make professional-looking posts.

Q.Do I need a separate bank account for my side hustle?

A: It’s not mandatory but highly recommended for easier accounting and separating personal and business expenses.

Q.How do I manage taxes for my side hustle?

A: You’ll need to report your earnings when filing your taxes. Using accounting software or consulting a tax professional can help manage this.

Q.Is it possible to turn my side hustle into a full-time job?

A: Absolutely, many have successfully transitioned their side hustles into full-time businesses. It’s all about scaling and reinvesting profits wisely.

Q.What if my side hustle fails?

A: Not all side hustles succeed, and that’s okay. The experience itself is invaluable and helps you better prepare for your next venture.

Additional Resources