During a time like this, most of us could really use the extra income. The pandemic has taken a lot of things: jobs, bonuses, benefits at work; it’s also required us to spend on essentials that constantly need to be replenished. This being said, a lot of you are probably looking for ways to earn money on the side — the simpler, the better, so we can get things started right away.
And no, this isn’t one of those “How to earn money, FAST!” articles filled with sketchy links. These recommendations are based on experience, and can have you earning anywhere from a simple sum to a large (of course, large is relative) amount. The first step? Choosing to do it. So, start reading!
Simple ideas for earning extra money
1. Start your own business
… And don’t be afraid to start small! Rome wasn’t built in a day, after all. If you have a knack for cooking, baking, or some sort of handicraft, why not earn from it? The best jobs are the ones that don’t feel like work. Plus, if the things you make just for the heck of it often get lots of love from your family and friends, you’ve already got a small network to spread the word for you, too!
Also read: What’s It Like to Start a ‘Quarantine Business’ for Filipinos?
2. Declutter
You know what they say: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Take the time to evaluate which of your items that you no longer have use for, or have been gathering dust for the longest time. You might be surprised at how interested others will be!
To get started, I personally recommend joining Decluttering and Pre-Loved groups on Viber and Facebook, as well as opening a Carousell account. It’s really helpful to join neighbourhood communities if you have any — you can sell your stuff in almost no time, and delivery is hassle-free! Plus points for decluttering and selling: It’s a great way to take part in the zero-waste movement, too.
Also read: 6 Cheapest Courier Services for Your Online Business
3. Invest in stocks or cryptocurrency
This doesn’t always guarantee you earnings; but with enough patience, investing could significantly add to your savings. If you think you aren’t ready, don’t fret: There are different types of investments to choose from, and some even allow you to start with under ₱1,000.
It may take a little (even a lot of) learning, but the time you take to study the ins and outs of investing will certainly be worth it. Read our beginner’s guide to investing here.
Also read: Crypto Investments for Dummies: The Basics of Cryptocurrency & Why It’s a Big Deal
4. Choose a bank that offers generous interest rates
Open a savings account or a time deposit. While your earnings won’t exactly be astronomical, you do get to passively earn a significant sum if you make it a point to save on a regular basis!
The great news? A good number of banks that offer high-interest rates are 100% digital — so if you haven’t yet, you can open an account without having to step out of your home! Check out a list of digital banks in the Philippines here.
Also read: 8 Mobile Banking Apps Every Pinoy Should Have
5. Find a freelance or part-time job
Join job-hunting groups or maintain an active profile on sites like LinkedIn, Upwork, Kalibrr, or JobStreet. Someone just might be looking for exactly what you have to offer. Keep an eye out for good openings; those listed by foreign companies for things such as teaching English abroad often pay quite well, although these may require a bit of adjusting when it comes to your body clock.
But don’t forget, just because you’re working remotely, doesn’t mean you should keep piling on the work. (In case you didn’t know: Work from home burnout is a thing.) Self-care is important too — so be sure to get some quality rest in between work and freelance/part-time gigs!
6. Sign up for cashback and rebate programs
Shop a lot? Download a cashback app like ShopBack. When paying your monthly bills, take advantage of rebates from PayMaya and cashback vouchers from Shopee. The BayadCenter app lets you earn rebates, too. And the best part is, these apps let you pay your bills from home.
In addition to that, you can also get cashback when you avail of services from recycling and waste collection centres. This just gives us yet another reason to turn towards a zero-waste lifestyle — we get rewarded for recycling!
Of course, we won’t exactly rake in the big bucks by taking part in cashback or rebate programs; but then again, every peso counts. The small amounts will pile up — and when we do use these services for big purchases, we’ll definitely “feel” the benefits we’re reaping.
7. Join an affiliate marketing program
Have a blog or a public social media account where you love sharing content? Or perhaps you’d like to start one! If you have a significant following (don’t worry, you don’t need thousands!), you may already be eligible to join certain online stores’ affiliate marketing programs.
Once your application has been approved, you’ll be able to generate special shopping links; you’ll be able to share these on your blog or social media platforms along with the specialised content you create for your followers or readers. If they do click on them and actually buy these products, you’ll earn be able to small commission from each purchase!
Just like with cashback, it may take a while for you to earn a significant amount of money. But if creating content is one of your passions or favourite pastimes, then what’s the harm in earning along the way, right?
Also read: 21 Money Saving Tips to Help Build Your Savings in 2021
Which of these ways to earn money sounds most doable to you? Now’s the perfect time to get started!
Featured image credit: junpinzon via Canva Pro
