Matt Fuentes breaks down the steps he took to build a $1,000 a week tutoring business. He focuses on the ACT, a US college entrance exam, but I believe you can apply these tactics to other tests or other academic subjects.

Take it away, Matt!

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The ACT is a college entrance exam used by many colleges to rank students applying to their schools. The subject matter covers English grammar, reading comprehension, math, and science.

Millions of students take the test each year and the test prep business rakes in over a (opens in new tab)billion dollars a year(opens in new tab).

As a Side Hustle Nation reader, I want to show you how to get some of that money!

Don’t fret if you aren’t a teacher(opens in new tab). I’ll give you resources to gain the skills and they cost $0.

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How My Tutoring Business Started

I am no genius; far from it. But I understood a need and decided to work towards being able to fill that need–and put money in my bank account at the same time.

That is what being an ACT tutor did for me. It gave me freedom and options. This post and my book on Amazon(opens in new tab) give you the knowledge and understanding to start your own ACT tutoring business and begin to earn extra money (money that can change your life).

My plan is easy to follow, and before you know it, you’re almost certain to gain clients and income.

A few years ago, I was struggling to make ends meet and had my first child on the way. Out to dinner one night, I met a couple who tutored and were earning great money, so I decided to try it out myself. I learned all the material, began to hustle, and reached out to everyone I knew!

Within the first month I had my first client, a middle school student I helped with reading comprehension. I made business cards and was handing them out to everyone.

And even though I branded myself as an ACT tutor, I found people calling me for other subjects. I was netting $200 a month already.

Within three months, I gained another six clients and averaged an hourly fee of $90. I had a few weeks where I was tutoring two students at once (a brother and sister) and earning $200 for the hour!

Within six months, I had raised my monthly tutoring income to over $2,000 and could barely keep up. I even took on a partner to handle the overflow. I was making money from students I wasn’t even tutoring myself!

Today I have a network of clients and referrals that keeps me busy and earning anywhere between $3,000-$4,000 a month.

Let me be clear again: I am no smarter than you or anyone else. I just followed certain steps and worked my tail off.

Why Niche Down Your Tutoring Offering?

A lot of people have asked me: why the ACT? Why narrow your focus on just one test?

There are a few reasons for that:

College entrance exams command the most money per session. Test prep tutoring is one of the best side hustles because normal rates range from $75-125 per session.

Parents REALLY want their kids to do well so they can get into a great school.

The test won’t go away. I know stories are circulating about colleges accepting student applications without SAT or ACT scores(opens in new tab), however the number of colleges doing this is miniscule. The test is here to stay and millions of kids take it.

Over 5.7 million test-takers completed the SAT® or a PSAT-related assessment last year.

Another 1.4 million took the ACT(opens in new tab). The clients are out there!

The test is offered year-round. The ACT is offered six times a year. There is really no down time, unlike subject-specific tutors who may only work with a student before tests or on specific topics.

You can have a steady stream of income year round.

Another interesting tutoring opportunity is with BookNook(opens in new tab), a service where you teach math and reading online to kids in grades K-8. Tutors earn $15-22 per hour(opens in new tab), and the only prerequisites are eligibility to work in the US, and at least a year of educational, tutoring, or coaching experience.

Become an ACT Tutor Infographic

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Share this Infographic on Your Site:

</p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><strong>Please include attribution to SideHustleNation.com with this graphic.</strong></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><a href=’https://www.sidehustlenation.com/start-a-tutoring-business/’><img src=’https://www.sidehustlenation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/how-to-become-an-ACT-tutor.jpg’ alt=’How to Start a Tutoring Business’ width=’640′ border=’0′ /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>

Develop the Tutoring Skill Set

I was a decent test taker in high school. My SAT and ACT scores were top 25% within the United States. However, when I started to follow the system below, my scores skyrocketed and I realized I could truly turn my improved test-taking skills into a successful business.

It took time, effort and positive attitude. I knew the resources were out there; all I needed to do was DO THE WORK, and the same is for you.

1. Get to the library

Use the free resources at your local library regarding the ACT.

Don’t like the library? You can grab some test prep material on Amazon as well(opens in new tab).

2. Take a practice test

See what areas you need help in and what you already know.

3. Find online resources

There is an abundance of materials on the Internet. Here’s just one free site(opens in new tab) to help you improve your ACT scores.

4. Set up a practice schedule

Dedicate time each day to develop the skills.

Pricing Your Tutoring Service

I set my initial prices based on my needs and so should you. (How much do you need to earn to make this extra work worthwhile?)

For instance, $80 is my lowest hourly rate, $120 is my highest. Pricing also depends on the factors below and how selective you choose to be.

• Location. Can your prospective clients pay high end prices or do you have to cut rates?
• Demand. How many high schools are in your immediate area?
• Feel. Are the people you are talking with willing to pay for your service?

As I become busier, my time became worth more and my rate went up. I had also developed a following and could mention previous clients in order to justify higher rates.

(And at those rates, I only need to work an hour to make around $100 a day.)

If a referred client asked for the same rate as the referrer, I politely mentioned that I had other people ready to pay more and how limited my time was. That little statement about how in-demand my services were jumped my “close rate” to over 90%.

Marketing Your Tutoring Service

You might be wondering how I got my first clients. Here were the most effective marketing tactics I used.

Text and email everyone you know.

Literally everyone. Let them know of the service you are offering.

I have found this the best way to gain clients. Mention that you have started this business and wanted to let them know, even if they may not have the need. They may know someone who does!

In this way, your network is really your network’s network, and that’s where the magic happens. I made it easy for people to refer potential clients by letting them know exactly what I was doing.

Be polite. I would sometimes say, “I hate to bother you, however wanted to let you know…” or “Hope all is well! Just wanted to drop a line that I recently started tutoring for the ACT, should you know someone feel free to send my number.”

In the hundreds of texts and emails I have sent out, I have NEVER had someone ask me to not talk to them or that they found my message spammy.

Make business cards.

Business cards(opens in new tab) make you look legitimate, and give you something to leave behind with clients and referral partners.

Offer a free seminar.

Call your local library, schools and recreation centers. Plenty of prospective clients want free information, and these places are a great way to deliver it in a one-to-many environment.

I have personally hosted events at coffee shops, libraries and local recreations centers. I specifically say the event will be FREE, however I ask for permission to hand out my business cards at the end of the event.

I have gained dozens of clients from these events, netting me thousands of dollars.

Not every event is standing room only, and that’s OK. I’ve had workshops with only 5 people and some with as many as 60.

I never really worry about getting crazy high numbers as EACH person attending is a possible client. Five people can net me 2 clients and over a $1,000 a month.

To advertise, I would create my own flyer and ask the specific host to put in on their website and bulletin boards.

For example, here’s a workshop I did at a local coffeeshop:

Here’s an example of my workshop being advertised in the local library’s newsletter:

Reach out to college counselors.

There are tons of guidance counselors that go on to become freelance college counselors.

Much like tutoring businesses, these counselors typically have a book of business of students that they work with, preparing them for college essays and applications and even advising them on what opportunities they should take.

Every single one of their clients is going to take the ACT — clients who have the income to pay you $100 an hour and not think twice about it.

So, it’s in your best interest to reach out to and develop a relationship with these counselors.

You can start by going on Google, looking up college counselors in your area, and making some cold calls.

Keep your message short and sweet. I typically say something like:

Hey, my name is Matt Fuentes. I’m just letting you know I’m an SAT/ACT tutor. I see you work with students who are applying to colleges. I really think what I can offer can help you with your business. If we can do a 10-minute Zoom call, I can show you how I run my sessions and I can show you what I do.

And 90% of them go for it. You get this fountain of potential clients, and it’s amazing.

Your Turn

Follow these steps and work the plan. I guarantee people will start calling you and asking for tutoring services. In one day you can text and email all of your contacts. In one day you can call all libraries, schools, coffee houses and recreation centers and book at least 1 free seminar.

The plan is simple, but it takes HUSTLE!

Good luck and I hope you start raking in the cash!

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at takeaimtutoring@gmail.com, or reach out on Twitter(opens in new tab).

Going Virtual

Before COVID, I was living in New York, and 100% of my side hustle was in person. But when my family and I moved to Charleston, I decided I was going to work with students via Zoom(opens in new tab), so I started practicing how to do Zoom sessions.

I also looked up how Khan Academy(opens in new tab) did their tutoring and purchased the same software that Sal Khan uses.

Initially, only about 50% of my clients signed up for Zoom. They loved the new setup! But when COVID hit, I found myself conducting 100% of my business via Zoom.

With this virtual setup, I can set up classes at any time (and reach out to more college counselors), and students can work from home. A win-win!

What’s Next?

One of the many things I’m trying to do is create online courses or modules that I can offer to college counselors, parents, and students.

Ideally, the online courses will allow me to offer a hybrid model of tutoring, where students can use the courses to self-study but still reach out to me to meet or ask questions.

This hybrid model makes sense since I genuinely enjoy meeting with students, but am simply overwhelmed by the demand.

Hopefully income ticks up and his hours tick down.

I’m also considering hiring subcontractors this year to help with his ever-growing pile of leads and see if he can take his business to the next level.

Tools and Tech

• Zoom(opens in new tab) – Matt uses Zoom for all of his clients for just under $15 a month, which he easily makes back.
• Wacom(opens in new tab) – A Wacom tablet is mainly used for drawing by graphic designers, artists, and photographers, but Matt typically uses his to annotate PDFs and show students how he solves math problems.
• RØDE microphone – Matt invested in a RØDE microphone to improve the audio quality of his videos and sound professional when he’s speaking with students.

Matt’s #1 Tip for Side Hustle Nation

“Enjoy the process.”

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What do you think? Viable side hustle?

Think you can take Matt’s tactics and build a tutoring business?

Download Your Free Bonus

Links and Resources

• Take Aim Tutoring(opens in new tab)
• Matt Fuentes on Twitter(opens in new tab)
• BookNook(opens in new tab)
• VistaPrint(opens in new tab)
• Moo(opens in new tab)
• Khan Academy(opens in new tab)
• Zoom(opens in new tab)
• Wacom(opens in new tab)
• RØDE(opens in new tab)

Looking for More Side Hustle Help?

• Start Your Free $500 Challenge(opens in new tab). My free 5-day email course shows you how to add $500 to your bottom line.
• Join the free Side Hustle Nation Community(opens in new tab). The free Facebook group is the best place to connect with other side hustlers and get your questions answered.
• Download (opens in new tab)The Side Hustle Show(opens in new tab). My free podcast shares how to make extra money with actionable weekly episodes.

Is there really such thing as free money? Well, it depends on what you consider “free.”

Over the past few years, I’ve discovered a bunch of ways to make extra money with very little effort.

We’ll call it “almost free” money.

Now I want to be upfront. Individually, these ideas won’t make you a ton of extra cash, but when you combine several of them, the results can start to add up.

Here are a few ways to get some free money for yourself today.

1. Survey Websites and Apps: Up to $140/Hour

Don’t expect to earn an amazing hourly rate with most survey sites, but you can earn gift cards, cash, and other rewards by answering surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online with several reputable apps and services.

I hesitated to include them on this list because you do have to do a little work to earn the money, but the work isn’t usually very hard.

User Interviews

User Interviews(opens in new tab) is a great resource for connecting with online consumer research studies. So far, I’ve made $212 in about 2.5 hours, and typical rates range from $50-200 an hour.

For more, here’s my full User Interviews review.

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Respondent

Respondent(opens in new tab) facilitates high-paying consumer and professional interviews and remote focus groups. According to the site, the average payout is $140 an hour.

(opens in new tab)

Other Online Survey Options

Related: Paid Research Companies that Pay Up to $100 an Hour for Your Opinion

2. Max Out Your Company’s 401(k) Match: $1,000+ Per Year

Your employer’s 401(k) matching program is probably the single best source of free money in existence.

How this works is your company adds money to your retirement account when you contribute. Most companies offer some sort of retirement plan matching(opens in new tab), with the most common structure being 50% of every dollar, up to 6% of your salary.

That means if you make $50,000 a year, and contribute 6% of your salary to your 401(k) — $3,000 a year — your employer would add an extra $1,500 on top of that for free!

It’s a deal that’s tough to beat … but doesn’t really help you if you need money quickly. For faster options, read on.

3. Get Free Money From the Government

Is it really free money if they’re just giving you some of your own tax dollars back? Jokes aside, check out what programs might be available at Benefits.gov(opens in new tab).

Even if there isn’t another stimulus check coming, I found over 100 other federal, state, and local financial assistance programs.

And if you run a business or organization of any kind, you owe it to yourself to become familiar with Grants.gov(opens in new tab). This is the official database of government grants (free money!) you can apply for.

Down Payment Assistance

Several state and federal programs offer down payment loans — and sometimes even grants — to prospective homebuyers.

If you’re in the market, it definitely makes sense to see what programs might be available in your state(opens in new tab).

Childcare Assistance

As someone who’s paid over $2,000 a month for childcare, I know firsthand kids are expensive!

Thankfully, the government has a number of income-based assistance programs(opens in new tab) to help offset the cost of childcare. Drill down to your city and state to see what may be available.

4. Switch Banks: Up to $500

According to Bankrate(opens in new tab), switching banks could pad your account with an extra $50-500!

Why do they give you free money just to move your money around?

Because they know switching banks is a pain! And once you do, you’re likely to be a customer for a while.

Just make sure to check the fine print to make sure you can meet the minimum deposit and monthly balance requirements.

5. Find Missing Money

Did you know there is over $42 billion in unclaimed funds in the United States? This is according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA).

Search databases at sites like Unclaimed.org(opens in new tab) to see if you’re owed any unclaimed money.

Totally random, but I found $35 in Nevada from an older company of mine!

Related: “Secret” Websites to Make Money

6. Check Gift Card Balances

If you have unused gift cards lying around, those could be another source of free “found money.” It’s always nice to score a free meal from a gift card you forgot you had.

And if you don’t want to redeem it, you can try and sell it on eBay or through a gift card marketplace like Raise(opens in new tab).

7. Check Your Current Rewards Balances

Many programs, including Capital One and Chase, let you redeem your points for gift cards or cash. For me, this is the virtual equivalent of finding money in the couch.

For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards(opens in new tab) now ties directly in to your Amazon account, where you can use them to pay for new purchases.

The redemption values often aren’t as strong as they would be when exchanged for travel, but can be a great way to offset more pressing expenses.

8. Watch TV

Yes, there’s a company that will really pay you to watch TV!

Mediaprobe(opens in new tab) is a market research company that wants your feedback and reaction data for specific shows.

Once accepted as a panelist, you’ll use their unique sensor to measure your galvanic skin response(opens in new tab) (a fancy term for emotional signals).

Here’s how it works: fill out a form, complete a questionnaire, and—if selected—start participating in sessions.

You’ll watch shows like live sports, entertainment programs, or even YouTube videos.

Earnings vary by session length, but you can typically expect $5 per hour. (I made $40 pretty easily in my testing!)

9. Get Paid to Save: $50 Per Month

Debbie(opens in new tab) is a unique app that pays you to pay off your debt and build savings.

(opens in new tab)

After you create your new account, link your existing checking, credit card, or savings accounts so Debbie can track your spending and payments.

Debbie has already paid over $2.3M in cash rewards to consumers, and most users can expect to earn over $50 per month in cash rewards.

As a bonus, they’ll even give you a $5 reward to get started(opens in new tab).

How does Debbie make money? Debbie‘s partner banks and credit unions pay them for referring new users, and they pass a portion of that revenue on to you.

10. Refinance Your Debt: $200+ Per Month

Even though interest rates have risen, you may be able to consolidate or refinance your existing debt.

Credible(opens in new tab) is a great resource to shop for student loan refinancing options, while LendingTree(opens in new tab) may be worth a look for your mortgage rate options.

If you can score a lower interest rate and reduce your payments, that adds cash to your bottom line every month.

11. Credit Card Rewards: $200 in 3 Months

This is by far my favorite way of earning free money. By taking advantage of the various sign-up bonuses doled out by banks, my wife and I have earned thousands of dollars in free money and travel over the last few years.

(Please just promise to do this responsibly and don’t spend money you don’t have on crap you don’t need.)

What’s the easiest way to get started? Try a new cash back card on for size.

(If you’re worried about your credit score, don’t be. I’ve opened probably a dozen credit card accounts in the last few years and still have a 750+ credit score.)

The Next Step: Check out my free course, Credit Card Rewards 101: How to Earn Free Cash and Travel by Spending Smarter

12. Get Free Money for Using the Internet: Up to $350/Year

Surprisingly, there are a few companies that will pay you to just to install their apps and run in the background on your devices. These are low-maintenance, low-overhead options to earn from what you’re already doing.

Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel

Nielsen(opens in new tab) — the company that’s been reporting TV viewership data for decades — will reward you for sharing your Internet usage behaviors.

All you have to do is download the app(opens in new tab) to your devices.

(opens in new tab)

As they track your usage you’ll earn up to $50 per year.

The app runs in the background and doesn’t slow down your phone or computer.

MobileXpression

MobileXpression(opens in new tab) is a market research panel that pays you in exchange for data from your mobile phone.

(opens in new tab)

Download their app and allow it to work in the background recording your browsing habits while on your phone. You’ll earn weekly credits redeemable for gift cards to popular retailers.

Get a free $5 Amazon gift card after your first week (if you’re in the US)(opens in new tab).

Pogo

The free Pogo app(opens in new tab) is one of my latest finds.

You’ll earn points by linking your bank and credit card details and sharing your location data.

Based on my results so far, I expect Pogo to be worth around $5-20 a year. You can cash out to PayPal or Venmo.

See my full Pogo app review for more.

SavvyConnect

The SavvyConnect VIP program(opens in new tab) “uses safe, cutting-edge technology to collect data as you surf the web.”

In exchange, they’ll pay you for your data — up to $5 a month per device.

(opens in new tab)

That means when you connect your smartphone, tablet, and desktop/laptop, you can earn $15 a month or $180 a year.

Permission Research (Desktop)

Permission Research(opens in new tab) will send you a $10 Visa gift card after you install their software and keep it on your Windows computer for a week.

(opens in new tab)

Safety in numbers: More than 2 million users share their computer usage and browsing habits through this service.

13. Get Free Cash Back: $150+ Per Year

Fetch

Just snap a photo of your grocery receipt with the Fetch(opens in new tab) app and earn points for every item you purchase from the 250+ popular brands in the app.

I’ve been cashing in my points for free Amazon gift cards, but lots of other options are available as well.

Ibotta

Download the free Ibotta grocery savings app(opens in new tab) and start earning cash back on the shopping you’re already doing. Use the app to find offers and claim them by snapping a picture of your receipt.

Inside my actual account:

(opens in new tab)

You can cash out your savings to PayPal, your bank account, or a gift card once you hit the $20 minimum.

Ibotta Savers who use the app every month earn over $130 a year! I’ll take it.

Rakuten (formerly Ebates)

If you shop online, consider doing it through Rakuten(opens in new tab). The long-running site offers cash back at thousands of stores, including:

• Target
• eBay
• Walmart
• Nike
• Kohl’s
• and more

The average cashback offer is roughly 5%—not necessarily a huge saving, but it adds up, especially if you’re shopping online anyway.

(opens in new tab)

I used the site to get over $200 back on my new laptop from Dell, and  love getting my “Big Fat Checks” every few months.

Sign up through my referral link for a $30 bonus(opens in new tab), or check out our full Rakuten review to learn more.

Upside

Use the free Upside app(opens in new tab) to get up to 25¢/gallon cash back on gas at thousands of locations all around the country.

Plus, get a $5 bonus on your first $10 purchase with promo code “sidehustle”.

(opens in new tab)

Many major brands like Shell, BP, Exxon, Marathon, 76, Valero, and Sunoco are available, and you just have to tell the app where you’re filling up and what credit card you’re using.

Upside also gives you cash back at participating restaurants and grocery stores, too!

CoinOut

CoinOut(opens in new tab) won’t replace your day job, but could pay you up to $36 a year for uploading your shopping receipts.

It’s easy to use and you can cash out for an Amazon gift card as soon as you earn your first $3 worth of coins.

Check out our full CoinOut review to learn more.

Receipt Hog

Receipt Hog(opens in new tab) is a similar receipt-scanning app, where our independent app tester reported earning $25 a year. 

Here’s our full Receipt Hog review for more.

14. Sell Your Excess Bandwidth: Up to $30 a Month

I’ve seen a lot of buzz lately around a new app called Honeygain(opens in new tab). According to the site, you can earn up to $30 a month when you share 10 GB a day of “your unused net traffic with data scientists.”

Just install the app (available on Windows, MacOS, and Android), connect it to the Internet, and earn rewards passively. On average, it takes users 48 days to reach $20.

Get a $3 bonus to start(opens in new tab).

Before you get started though, make sure you’re truly on an unlimited plan as it sounds like this could chew through a lot of bandwidth in hurry!

15. Get Free Stock: Up to $200

Robinhood(opens in new tab) is an online brokerage that gives new customers a free stock when you sign up.

(opens in new tab)

You get $5-200 worth of a fractional share. (Limitations apply.)

I got Groupon (worth about $11), but apparently Microsoft, VISA, and Johnson & Johnson are options.

16. Get Paid to Store Other People’s Stuff: Up to $10,000 a Year

The Neighbor(opens in new tab) self-storage platform connects people with storage needs with those who have extra space. If you’ve got some excess storage capacity in your garage or elsewhere, list your space here to fill it and get paid.

According to the site, hosts are earning up to $10,000 a year running their own mini self-storage operations.

17. Cut Your Insurance Cost: $489+ Per Year

Want to know the dirty secret of the car insurance industry?

Here it is: your cars are worth less every year due to depreciation(opens in new tab), but you keep paying the same amount!

Check out Insurify(opens in new tab) for a quick and painless quote process to find the best rates on car and home insurance. It’ll take just a few minutes (you can even do it on your phone) and users save an average of $489 per year!

(opens in new tab)

18. Negotiate Your Bills: Up to $300 a Year

Call up your TV, Internet, or mobile service provider and see if they have a better rate plan for you. I find doing this with Comcast every couple years nets quite a bit of cash back to our bottom line.

If the prospect of negotiating is intimidating, services like Rocket Money(opens in new tab) will do it on your behalf. You only have to pay them a portion of your savings if they’re successful.

Rocket Money also analyzes your spending history and can help you cancel forgotten subscriptions and recurring charges.

It’s an easy way to start spending less(opens in new tab).

19. Get Paid to Get in Shape: Up to $10,000

Interestingly enough, there are companies that will pay you to lose weight and get in shape. If this is a goal of yours anyway, these options might make sense!

HealthyWage

HealthyWage(opens in new tab) is an interesting concept that allows you to win money (up to $10,000!) by betting on your own weight loss goals.

Check out their little betting tool to see how much you could win(opens in new tab), and read our full HealthyWage review to learn more.

The downside is you have to put up the money first, and then win it back plus your prize when you reach your goal weight.

CashWalk

CashWalk(opens in new tab) is an app that pays you to walk(opens in new tab), up to $5 every 6-8 weeks.

You earn money by tracking your steps and claiming them each day.

Check out our full CashWalk review to learn more.

20. Put Ads on Your Phone: Up to $36/Year

Download the S’more(opens in new tab) app (Android only) to get paid to watch ads. You can essentially “rent out” your cell phone lock screen to advertisers.

That sounds obnoxious to me, but the app pays $0.10 per day for every day you unlock your phone at least once. You can swipe to unlock your phone normally and ignore the offer.

That adds up to around $3 a month for not a lot of effort. Just make sure to cash out your points before they expire.

21. Clinical Trials

Also not exactly free money, but you can use websites like CenterWatch.com(opens in new tab) and ClinicalTrials.gov(opens in new tab) to find paid clinical trials in your area.

Be sure to check the requirements before applying. The money you can earn depends on the type of trials available.

22. Donate Plasma: Up to $300 a Month

A friend of mine reported earning up to $300 a month donating plasma(opens in new tab) when she was in college. This can be a time-consuming process, but can help save lives.

23. Get Free Stuff: $20+

Free stuff isn’t quite as good as free money, but if you were gonna have to buy it anyway, it’s pretty close!

When I first heard about RebateKey(opens in new tab) from a Side Hustle Show guest, I was pretty skeptical.

(opens in new tab)

How it works is companies offer to refund a portion of your purchase on certain products — up to 100% — when you buy through RebateKey.

What’s in it for them, I wondered?

Well, they’re building sales proof, gathering user feedback, and collecting emails. I tested it out and sure enough, a month later, I had a check for the full amount of my $21.95 purchase.

Pretty crazy, but definitely worth checking out to see if they have any products you’re in the market for(opens in new tab).

24. Get Money for Your Junk Mail? $50+ Per Year

The Small Business Knowledge Center(opens in new tab) pays people to send them their junk mail. What they do with it, I’m not entirely sure, but participants earn as much as $20 (in a gift card) every couple months.

The company provides postage-paid envelopes and it sounds like an interesting way to get rid of your junk mail instead of just recycling it!

25. Declutter Your House: $500 or More

Again, these aren’t really “free” since you’re getting rid of some items around the house. But if the stuff is just sitting around collecting dust, it can be an easy win.

Bookscouter

Do you have books lying around your house gathering dust? If so, you can sell them using Bookscouter(opens in new tab).

Find out how much your old books are worth and use the free app to search buyback vendors to get the best deal. The best part is that you can ship your books for free!

One Side Hustle Show guest took this to the next level, and reported earning up to $4,000 a month flipping books.

Other Resale Sites

Here are some other options to help you declutter:

• Gazelle(opens in new tab) – Get an instant offer for your used cell phones.
• Amazon Trade-In(opens in new tab) – Turn your used electronics into Amazon credit.
• Chairish(opens in new tab) – Online consignment store for furniture, art, lighting, and more.

26. Get Free Money with Your Car: $100+ Per Week

Your car is probably a giant depreciating purchase. Between car notes, insurance, and gas, vehicles are expensive.

Here are a couple innovative ways to offset those costs.

Wrapify: Turn your ride into a mobile billboard

If you don’t care what your car looks like, sign up to have your car covered with a wrapped advertisement with Wrapify(opens in new tab).

The money you earn with Wrapify is based on how far you drive so commuters in popular areas can earn $100 a week.

Download the app and as you drive, Wrapify tracks your mileage.

Lyft’s Destination Mode

Now shuttling your neighbors around as a Lyft driver(opens in new tab) is anything but free money, but one cool “hack” is a feature called “Destination Mode.” A Side Hustle Nation community member pointed this out to me at a meetup, saying it basically makes his regular commute free.

Destination mode lets you specify where you’re headed and Lyft will only match you with ride requests along your route.

27. Review Products and Websites: $5-60 Per Test

UserTesting

If you spend a lot of time online or on your phone, UserTesting(opens in new tab) gives you an opportunity to get paid for doing just that. UserTesting pays people to test websites and apps.

You can make as much as $60 per test if you qualify, though the standard payout is $10 via PayPal for every 20-minute video you complete.

Make Money Today

With all of the ways to make some “free” or “almost free” money listed above, I’m positive there are a few ways that stuck out as possibilities for you.

Check them out and see if they work for you! Some of them are more labor intensive than others, but for the most part, you won’t have to do too much to start earning money today!

Serious About Making Extra Money?

• Start Your Free $500 Challenge(opens in new tab). My free 5-day email course shows you how to add $500 to your bottom line.
• Join the free Side Hustle Nation Community(opens in new tab). The free Facebook group is the best place to connect with other side hustlers and get your questions answered.
• Download (opens in new tab)The Side Hustle Show(opens in new tab). My free podcast shares how to make extra money with actionable weekly episodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there such a thing as free money?

It depends on what you consider “free.” Money is almost always an exchange for value. But over the past few years, I’ve discovered a bunch of ways to make extra money with very little effort.

How can I get free money now?

Some of the more interesting ways to earn free money include installing certain apps, advertising on your car, finding unclaimed money, reviewing websites, and even getting free stock.

How can I make money right now?

The fastest ways to make money are to sell something you already own, or offer some freelance service. In either case, you have no upfront expenses and can get paid today.

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Stock photo(opens in new tab) by Malochka Mikalai via Shutterstock