8 Surprising Ways To Earn Extra Cash on the Side

Looking for ways to get more cash in 2024 but don’t want a run-of-the-mill desk job? From watching videos to renting out space, there are several surprising ways to earn extra money. 

A word of caution when pursuing some of these out of-the-box side hustles: Scams are rampant. Bad actors use fake job postings on social media sites, online job boards, text messages and emails to trick you into giving up your personal information, which they then use to steal your identity and money. They can also misrepresent themselves when answering ads you place.

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As a result, it's important to make sure to vet the job posting or person you are doing business with to ensure everything is legitimate. A good rule of thumb: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

That’s not to say real opportunities don’t abound. There are several surprising and legitimate ways to shore up cash, including these eight. ​​

1. Take surveys

Companies will pay you to take surveys, review products and provide information about your shopping habits, household spending and preferences. In exchange, you’ll be paid a nominal fee. Kashkick, SurveyJunkie and Swagbucks are examples of companies that will pay you to take surveys.

Who should skip it? If you are worried about sharing personal information or aren’t into the internet, this gig probably isn’t for you. ​

2. Become a mystery shopper

Job companies pay you to shop, eat out and try new products and services. Beware when looking for mystery shopper jobs: Scams designed to steal your cash are common. With a legit company, you’ll get reimbursed for the money you spend as well as a small fee. You can find legitimate mystery shopper gigs through the Mystery Shopping Professionals Association (MSPA Americas). The trade association has a list of companies that have gone through a vetting process and adhere to an international code of ethics. You should never pay to become a mystery shopper, the MSPA warns.

Who should skip this? If you are looking for serious cash or don’t like leaving the house, this job probably isn’t for you. The Federal Trade Commission sums it up: “Many professionals in the field think of mystery shopping assignments as part-time or occasional work — not something to replace a full-time job.”