It’s 2024 bitches, and it’s time to figure out how we’re going to optimise our finances in the new year. I’m no finance bro, but this year I’m going to put in a proper shift when it comes to my money, and checking out some easy side gig options is the perfect place to start. This one’s for all my lil finance baddies out there.

Not everyone has the crocheting skills to become a certified Etsy seller, so I’ve collected the top five easiest ways to earn some extra moolah each month. I know some side hustles are at risk of being taxed in 2024, but they’re still a viable option for all of us still struggling through the cost of living chaos.

I know what you’re thinking, ‘it’s a scam’. I too also always thought that paid online surveys were a one-way ticket to computer viruses and hacked bank accounts. In reality, these quick and easy surveys can be a really simple way to get some cash straight into your account. This isn’t an ad, I promise. Obviously, there are some assholes out there that use surveys as a front to scam people, however, for the most part, this is a legitimate side hustle.

You’re not going to be taking home big bucks by doing these surveys but, on the plus side, you could potentially make enough money to cover your acrylic infills while not having to get out of your pyjamas. That’s a yes from me.

If a website is promising massive payouts or the ability to leave your full-time job—girl run, there’s no way you could live full-time off of paid surveys.

This is personally one of my favourite side hustle options. Imagine getting paid to hang out with a chihuahua called Sammy for a long weekend. Dog sitting is not a particularly new concept, it’s been around for a hot minute. There are a dozen different websites that offer this service, including Pawshake and Rover. A lot of these companies also offer paid walking services, a completely flexible way of earning a bit of extra income here and there.

House sitting is a slightly more novel idea. In short, it is basically for when people go away and are either leaving a pet at home that needs looking after or generally would like someone to stay in their house while they’re absent. House sitting is definitely a more intense form of pet sitting. For example, with housesitting, the sitter would move into the home for potentially extended periods of time and would also possibly have certain in-house duties to fulfil.

Housesitting can be a really profitable side gig and, if you’re interested, you can even apply to become a “professional house sitter.” That would honestly be kind of a flex.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably had at least three or so failed attempts at becoming a high-key Vinted seller. I go through stages, times where I have all of this energy to sell, sell, sell. And then I dip into periods where I truly couldn’t think of anything more annoying or time-consuming.

The thing is, though, if you just dedicate one to two hours a week, you could rack up some serious money. Vinted can feel like a slow game because it’s better suited to a high quantity of cheaper items as opposed to a few big-ticket pieces. But, if you stick at it, it could easily become a super sustainable second channel of income.

Now, this is another one of my all-time faves, mainly because until last year I didn’t realise it was actually a thing.

While highly unstable and often last-minute, finding small jobs as TV or movie extras can be a really fun way to make some money and also wind up on a legit real-life production set. One of the easiest ways to find acting extra jobs is to search for local talent agencies. A good method is starting on a casting website and using the information they provide to compile a list of all the talent agencies that operate within your target area.

The more jobs you do, the better your chances of continuously booking gigs. I even had a friend who became a regular extra in the background of Made in Chelsea club scenes—all of which often took place on a Monday morning… Maybe not too glamorous, but a fun little cash treat.

What I wouldn’t give to be a movie extra in Jeremy Allen White’s next film…

While this might be the most time-consuming side hustle, it’s also probably the most financially rewarding. Freelancing in this day and age is not only a side hustle, it’s a full-time gig for some people. 

From social media content to blogging and graphic design, the freelancing industry caters to a myriad of different creative roles. It’s also a very flexible side gig, you make your hours when and as you please.

The only downside of freelancing is that it can be a really unreliable source of income and you’re very much at the whim of the employer. That being said, if all you’re looking for is a short-time boost, freelancing is where it’s at.