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Tired Of Tightening Your Budget: Here's How To Find A Side Hustle You'll Love

May 11, 2023

Tighten the purse strings. Balance the budget. Cut back. There are many ways to say it, but the current economy has millions of Americans doing the same thing: struggling to make ends meet. Wouldn't it be nice to alleviate the financial pressure?

For some people, this means asking for help. Four in 10 people have asked their loved ones for money over the past year to deal with the rising cost of living, according to a Herbalife Survey of 8,500 respondents across 10 countries, including 2,000 Americans. Results show respondents are relying on others for help with essentials, including groceries (40%) and their rent or mortgage (29%).

Asking for help is hard to do, but it's certainly not reflective of people's lack of effort. In fact, 56% of respondents currently have a side hustle or other form of Supplemental Income. Of those people with side hustles, 55% shared they started it solely to make ends meet, 40% to deal with the rising Cost Of Living, 38% to be less reliant on a Single Source Of Income and 36% wanting to have a Disposable Income.

"In addition to providing an Extra Source Of Income, many side hustles are flexible, allowing people to work at their own schedule," explained Ibi Montesino, Herbalife's Executive Vice President of Distributor and Customer Experience. "Our research shows that on average, most people say that they'd need to earn about $404 more per month to live comfortably."

The research also shows that those with a side hustle commit an average of about eight and a half hours per week to that side hustle. But that time can vary: 28% dedicate 3-5 hours a week to their side hustle, while 24% devote 6-10 hours per week.

If you think a side hustle might be helpful for you, there are many options based on your interests, resources and availability. Some people care for kids or pets, while others may do house cleaning, landscaping or other handy work. These types of side hustles can help you save money, but it can be challenging when you're solo and don't have a support system.

But in today's world you may have to take a chance to make ends meet, it's not uncommon for people to take on side hustles to make extra money. Whether you're saving up for a trip or just looking to pad your Bank Account, there are plenty of ways to earn a little extra cash on the side. Here are just a few options to explore some of the best side hustles that you can do to make money.

Freelance writing
If you have a knack for writing, then freelance writing can be a great way to make some extra cash. There are plenty of websites out there that are always looking for content, from blog posts to news articles. You can even pitch your ideas to publications that you admire and see if they're interested in publishing your work.

Pet-sitting and dog-walking
If you love animals, then pet-sitting and dog-walking could be the perfect side hustle for you. Many pet owners are busy during the day or go away on vacation and need someone to look after their furry friends. You can advertise your services on websites like Rover and Wag! and start earning money in no time.

Online tutoring
If you have expertise in a particular subject, then online tutoring can be a lucrative side hustle. There are plenty of websites out there that allow you to sign up and offer your services to students who need extra help. You can even set your own rates and work from the comfort of your own home.

Virtual assisting
Many small business owners and entrepreneurs are looking for virtual assistants to help them with their day-to-day tasks. This could include anything from scheduling appointments to answering emails. You can find virtual assistant jobs on websites like Upwork and Fiverr and start earning money right away.

Delivery services
With the rise of online shopping, there's a huge demand for delivery services. You can sign up to work for companies like Uber Eats or Grubhub and start delivering food to hungry customers. Alternatively, you can work for Amazon Flex and deliver packages to customers' doors.

Photography
If you have a talent for photography, then you can turn it into a side hustle. There are plenty of websites out there that allow you to sell your photos, such as Shutterstock and iStock. You can even offer your services as a photographer for events like weddings and birthday parties.

Social Media management
Many Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs struggle to keep up with their Social Media Accounts. If you're Social Media savvy, then you can offer your services as a Social Media Manager. You can create and schedule posts, respond to comments, and even run advertising campaigns.

Renting out your space
If you have a spare room or even a whole apartment that you're not using, then you can rent it out on websites like Airbnb. This can be a great way to make some extra cash, especially if you live in a popular tourist destination.

Another option that some people find is a better fit is direct selling. This is when you are an authorized representative that sells products for a company, and the big benefit is that there is often training and a support system to help you succeed.

"The increased cost of living is causing people to search for Supplemental Income Streams. Direct selling provides flexibility and a support system that positions you to reach your goals," said Humbi Calleja, Herbalife's Vice President and General Manager, North America.

If you're interested in direct selling, it's important to find an opportunity that works best for you. Montesino and Calleja recommend these simple tips to help people find the right network marketing company:

Pinpoint the ideal product or service: Finding a consumable product that sells consistently and needs replacement is a great option. Choose something you're passionate about because you're more likely to dedicate time and effort to it.

Learn about the company: Before deciding what company to move forward with, researching their background is a must. Typically, the longer the company has been in business, the more experience it has.

Determine start-up costs: Once you identify the right company for you, determine the cost of the start-up kit. It will contain everything you need to get started and run your business.

Study the compensation plan: This shows you how the company plans to incentivize and reward your hard work. It will also give you an idea of income expectations, income frequency and how long it will take to reach your goals.

Confirm marketing support: Aside from your start-up kit, having access to marketing support helps grow your business. For example, the company should help you identify the target market to understand your customers better and provide online marketing resources to help you launch effective promotions.

Research training opportunities: Ongoing training and opportunities to connect with people going through the same experience will help inspire you and enable you to run your business better.

Opportunity for growth: Ensure that the company has demonstrated continuous growth opportunities and is committed to helping you with resources and support as you strive to reach your goals.

No one can predict what the economy will do in the future, but you can take control of your finances by adding an Extra Income Stream. Start by researching opportunities and choose the right one for you.

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