It can be difficult to manage the finances as a single mom. I try to create a budget that works for our family so that I can keep us on track. It could be huge for your budget to have just a little extra cash each month. You can reach your financial goals faster if you add a small amount to your savings each month. This is why I made a list of the best side hustles for single moms. I want to give single moms the tools they need to make extra money while taking care of their families.
From quick and easy tasks to ideas that could turn into a career, your options are endless. Setting yourself up for success requires dedication and hard work; however, the reward is worth it in the end.
The best part of it all? It is absolutely free. Most of these can be done from your home. It’s a great way to save money and time. Don’t bother trying to find a sitter for the kids, just forget about it.
I have separated the list to make it easier to digest. I hope this will help you understand what’s in the list. It’s a good idea to choose which type of side hustle is best for your finances and time commitments. Before you make a decision on a side hustle, take into account the potential for long-term growth and how it meshes with your financial goals.
Profitable Side Hustles for Single Moms
Here are the top side hustles for single moms to make extra money:
- Take Surveys Online
- Earn Cash Back
- Play Games Online
- Sell Unwanted Stuff
- Rent Your Extra Room
- Rent Your Extra Storage Space
- Rent Your Car
- Babysit
- Care for Pets
- Shop for Groceries
Easy Side Hustles for Single Moms
1. Take Surveys Online
Believe it or not, you can earn extra cash right from your living room sofa by taking online surveys through a site like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie.
These online survey sites offer cash rewards and gift cards for doing everyday tasks—like filling out forms, watching videos, and completing online activities.
You can rack up rewards by filling out surveys. A few extra points, coupons, or other rewards can be used for great discounts or even free items if you take a survey. You will not become a millionaire overnight. You can eventually achieve financial success if you are consistent with your efforts and take smart risks. You can bring in cash or gift cards to some of your favorite stores.
2. Earn Cash Back
Ok mamas, you all grocery shop a ton for the kids, why not save money by using a cash back app and earn rewards redeemable for a cash payout or free gift cards!?
Using a web browser extension and app like Capital One Shopping for online purchases or Ibotta for your grocery runs really adds up!
Use multiple cash back apps to double dip on the rewards. Cash back with credit cards is a great way to save money, and you can use it to pay for items on your shopping list. The Fetch app allows you to take a picture of your receipt. That is it! If you snap a picture of the receipt before tossing it, you can earn points that can be used for free gift cards.
3. Play Games Online
I know that playing games for money doesn’t sound like something many singles moms want to do, but hear me out. This isn’t playing games all day and not paying attention to your kids. Take care of yourself and find a balance between quality time with your children.
This is different, once the kids are in bed, instead of scrolling on social media or sitting and doing nothing while binging your favorite Netflix show, use an app like Rewarded Play to simple play some fun online games like Solitaire or Mahjong and earn points you can redeem for free gift cards!
4. Sell Unwanted Stuff
If you have kids, you probably have a lot of items around the house you don’t use anymore. These items can be donated to charity or sold through online platforms, providing a great way to make some extra cash while getting rid of the stuff.
You can sell your items on the internet. It’s easier to make money if you list your item for free on sites like LetGo. You can also head over to Decluttr, a site that specializes in selling unwanted tech and media.
They will send a box right to your door if Decluttr covers shipping costs. You can get cash for your old tech. Decluttr wipes old electronics of any data so that they can be safely recycled or resold in their online marketplace, giving you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your private data is protected. The company offers a 12-month warranty on any product purchased from their online store.
5. Rent Your Extra Room
It’s best for single moms with one child. If you have an extra room in your home, consider renting it on Airbnb to bring in extra cash.
It may feel a bit intrusive at first. It can be a great way to make extra money and meet new people. If you live near a college campus, you can host a college student for a while and bring in extra cash by meeting interesting people that are traveling for work. This type of hosting gives you an opportunity to build meaningful connections with people from different walks of life.
If you do this at least once a month, you can make rent easier or pay down your mortgage quicker. It is possible to reduce debt and increase financial stability by making additional rent or mortgage payments.
6. Rent Your Extra Storage Space
It might be better for single moms who don’t have a spare room to rent out. It could provide additional financial freedom and stability to those in this difficult situation. If you don’t use a garage or an empty building, consider renting it out with Neighbor. You can list your garage or outdoor building on Neighbor to rent out any type of storage, from furniture and boxes to cars and boats.
Neighbor is an online platform that’s been dubbed the “Airbnb of Storage”. You can rent out your extra storage space for everything from cars to overstocked inventory. Any extra space you have can be monetized with this service.
7. Rent Your Car
It may be easier to rent a car during the day than it is at night. If you need to return the car before the agency closes, this is true. If you have a vehicle you’re not using, head over to Turo and put your vehicle up for rent.
This is a great option for people with large cars. You will have full visibility into the person renting your car, and the site offers insurance to protect your property.
One way to pay for gas, car payments, and maintenance is to put your vehicle on Turo. It’s a great way to make extra money.
It requires no work on your part other than transferring the keys and keeping your vehicle clean, safe, and presentable. It’s a great way to make some extra money.
Side Hustles for Single Moms with No Qualifications Required
8. Babysit
As a single mom, you care for your own children. If you can offer daycare services to a couple of other parents, that would be great.
You can take turns watching the little ones with another local mom or two in your neighborhood. You can each get some time for yourself without having to rely on one person.
A side hustle for people who enjoy spending time with kids is babysitting. You can teach, watch movies, and play with your kids. You can take a nap to give you a break. It’s important to take some time out for yourself during the day to relax.
Head over to Care.com to find sitter jobs or ask around your network to find people looking for support with their kids.
9. Care for Pets
If the animal has a heartbeat, you will care for it. The love for animals is universal.
You should consider working with animals as a side hustle if this describes you. Animals bring joy to people’s lives and working with them can be rewarding. You can make a lot of money on the side by walking dogs, pet sitting, playing with cats, and even tending to livestock like chickens, pigs, cows, horses, or goats.
If you don’t know where to start, check out sites like Rover. It is possible to work into your schedule to care for pets. It is a great way to teach children about responsibility.
If you have enough space, you can have people drop off their pets at your home in the morning and then pick them up at night. Adding additional services such as grooming, nail clipping, and playtime will make your pet-sitting business more attractive. I am sure your kids would love to play with a new furry friend, and most pet owners would be glad to have the help. It can be a great bonding experience.
10. Shop for Groceries
If you have a reliable car and are willing to start a side hustle to help local community members with grocery shopping, then you should head over to Instacart.
Instacart shoppers get paid to buy groceries and deliver them to people around town. You can chat with customers while you collect their items.
It is easy to make a few bucks on the side to help pay for your groceries. When it’s convenient for you, you can set your own hours.
11. Clean Houses
Cleaning houses is not the most glamorous work. Sometimes it is about making ends meet and providing a valuable service.
You can either bring your own supplies or use your clients’ supplies when cleaning houses. Check with your client to make sure their cleaning supplies are appropriate for the job. Individual customers will have their own preferences about the products and materials you use. To offer the best possible service, it’s important to be flexible and accommodating.
If you are good at cleaning and do a good job, you can potentially start your own business and make a good living as a cleaner.
12. Translate
There are many opportunities for people who are proficient in other languages. You can open up a world of possibilities if you are able to speak multiple languages.
If you are skilled in a popular language like Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, or Portuguese, you should strongly consider heading over to a site like Translate.com and looking for companies willing to pay someone to translate for them.
It is easy to translate text and audio if you are good at it. It can be a great way to make extra money. If you speak English every day, it is a good way to keep your language skills sharp. It’s a great way to meet new people.
13. Transcribe Audio
You don’t have to know another language to make money transcribing. Audio and video files can be turned into text documents. This is a great way to make money online.
This may include working with a variety of media. This may include creating sound effects for a video production. Companies often use transcription services, but they are expensive and don’t always do an accurate job.
If you can sit through a recording for half an hour to an hour at a time and have a good ear, then you should look into transcribing. Not only is it a good way to make money, but it can also help you improve your listening skills.
14. Provide Customer Service
You used to have to go to a call center to provide customer service. Customer service can be provided in a number of ways, such as through social media and online chat. You can do it from the living room. You don’t have to leave your house to use this new technology.
Many companies are outsourcing customer service positions to home workers. This shift has allowed for a more flexible and cost-effective workforce, which can be beneficial to both the business and its customers.
When there is a large influx of customers, these types of jobs are in high demand. Many businesses are hiring seasonal employees to help with the extra workload. You can find customer service jobs year-round. During the holiday season, these customer service jobs are in high demand.
One thing to keep in mind is that these jobs tend to be highly driven by analytics, and you usually have to stick to a script or a list of best practices… especially when working in highly regulated fields like finance or healthcare. It is beneficial to have a strong understanding of the industry you are working in, as this will help you to better utilize the analytics and adhere to the necessary regulations.
If you have good people skills and an ability to help people solve problems and work through challenges, this type of job could be a good fit as a side hustle.
Another way to put your car to use is to drive for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft.
You can drive for a service at any time of the day or night. While the kids are in school or on your way to do something, consider driving exclusively. You can save money on gas by using this method. You can earn tips as well as a commission for each passenger you pick up. You can set your own working hours and work on your own terms as a driver.
You can make money by driving for a ride-sharing service, but you can also use the money to pay for gas, car repairs, and car payments. You can use the money to set aside money for your future. You can work whenever you please. Control over your career and income potential will allow you to create a lifestyle that works for you.
16. Plan Events
Busy professionals don’t have the time or expertise to plan large-scale events. Private consultants are hired to manage the process for them. This allows companies to focus on the core aspects of their business and not worry about the process being handled professionally.
If you have experience planning weddings, you can offer your services to friends and family. This requires a lot of organization and a good eye for design. You need to be able to quickly adapt to changing trends in the industry.
It can be done from the kitchen table if you are a natural. You can make money online regardless of your skill level or experience.
Freelancing Side Hustles for Single Moms
17. Be a Virtual Assistant
People with good communication skills are in high demand as virtual assistants. Virtual assistants are becoming more and more important for businesses that need to maintain efficient communication with their clients.
Virtual assistants provide a range of services, from scheduling meetings and answering phones to sending emails and coordinating interviews.
You can work as a virtual assistant from home. It’s an ideal job for people who want to work from home. Steady pay is possible if you do a good job. Sometimes the work is flexible enough to be a side hustle. It’s a great option for people who want to supplement their income or pay off debt.
Working as a virtual assistant can expose you to people who can help you advance in your career or help you get more work. It is possible to establish relationships with other professionals in the virtual assistant industry. You can use the skills you learn as a virtual assistant to get better-paying jobs.
18. Be a Freelance Graphic Designer
Do you have design skills? I’m looking for someone who can help with design projects. There is no shortage of side hustles for designers if that is the case. Side hustle opportunities are available for designers who are looking to increase their earning potential.
FlexJobs is a great place to start your search for flexible work. FlexJobs is a great place to find legitimate remote opportunities.
FlexJobs doesn’t solely focus on graphic design jobs, but by using its search and filter functions you can find what you are looking for. With this feature, you won’t have to constantly check the site for new job postings.
There are other opportunities on the app that interest you more.
19. Be a Freelance Writer
Freelancing as a writer may seem easy, but it can actually be pretty challenging. The job often requires working late nights or on weekends. The satisfaction of helping people make their dream homes come true is worth the hard work you put in.
If you really need the money, consider giving up your job. If you have specialized knowledge or skills in a particular area, you can make extra money by writing for other people. Companies are able to hire talent from around the world if they choose to do so. It’s important to keep up-to-date with industry trends and news so that you can provide clients with fresh and relevant content.
You just have to do your best and make a good impression if you want to keep your job. Making connections with other writers and professionals in the industry is a great way to find future work.
20. Be a Social Media Manager
If you are the type of person who commands attention with your social media posts and also knows how to attract followers and build an online presence, it might be time to try your hand at becoming a social media manager. You can use your creativity and strategic skills to help businesses reach their goals as a social media manager.
These skills are in high demand. There is a greater need for employees with these skills. Local small business owners need to bolster their social media presence and drum up business online, so you can work with them. You can help the business reach its goals by helping them develop a social media strategy and create content that will engage their followers. You can also visit sites like Fiverr or Upwork for the chance to work with companies around the world.
21. Provide IT Support
If you know how to use a computer, you might want to look into providing IT support. If you want to start your own IT business, you could offer services to other businesses in the area. You will need a fast computer, a phone, and patience to walk people through technical problems. A good technical background will be beneficial in this role.
If this sounds like something that interests you, you can put up advertisements on local bulletin boards. If you want to offer your services directly, you can reach out to local businesses. Social media and job sites can be used to offer your services. This is a great way to increase your visibility.
Side Hustle Business Ideas for Single Moms
22. Teach English
The internet is full of people trying to learn English. Many resources are available to help people improve their English language skills.
You could bring in some money on the side in a flexible way by working for a site like VIPKid. To work for most sites, you’ll need a There is a computer and an internet connection. A college degree is required at some sites.
It takes a lot of patience and communication skills to teach English. It is important to have a passion for language and literature. You could make a lot of money by helping others improve their English skills. Teaching English can make a positive difference in someone’s life by helping them communicate more effectively. The job is fun and rewarding because you meet a lot of interesting people.
You never know who you will work with when you work as an English teacher online. It’s rewarding both professionally and personally. One day, the person you teach English to could become a successful CEO, a world-famous celebrity, or a doctor who saves lives. You never know what impact teaching English will have on a student’s life.
23. Sell Your Crafts and Designs
You don’t want to go through the hassle of putting your designs on shirts, hats, or mugs because you like to draw and make art.
It is difficult and expensive to do that part of the process. It’s a good idea to hire professionals who specialize in this type of work to make sure the job is done correctly and efficiently. It can make your house feel like a factory full of boxes if you have excess stock sitting on hand.
Instead, check out sites like Amazon Merch and Etsy, which let you sell your designs for money. If someone is interested in your image, you get paid. You will receive payment quickly once your image is accepted. It’s easy to sell your artwork. You can increase your potential to make a profit by reaching a broader audience with your work.
24. Wholesale Real Estate
It’s necessary to have a license or certification to sell real estate. You do not need one to sell real estate wholesale. It’s a great way to make money without a real estate license.
You find sellers and help them find buyers in a wholesale real estate transaction. You help both parties get the best deal by helping them. You act as a liaison and negotiate the price. It’s important that everyone is happy with the outcome of the deal.
You get a cut of the commission. It’s a great way to make money. It is a good way to make money if you bring people together. You can make a difference in people’s lives by connecting them with resources that they may not have known about.
25. Run a Neighborhood Garden
A community garden for your neighbors may be a good idea if you have a nice plot of land. It would be beneficial to have a garden full of fresh vegetables, as well as an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the outdoors.
If you want to grow vegetables, you can either sell them to your neighbors or ask for donations. You can offer vegetable-growing advice for a fee. A small garden won’t require a lot of maintenance after the initial setup because seeds don’t cost much.
It’s a great way to relax and have fun with the kids at the end of the day.
You will benefit from being in the sun more often. This can improve your health.
26. Model Fashion or Makeup Accessories
As a fashion model, you can work with local organizations. Local photographers and agencies help fashion models find success.
Often, you don’t need much or any experience to do it, and you can learn everything you need to get started through a site like Udemy. There is a lot of training and tips on the internet. These resources can help to educate you on a variety of topics.
Pick up the phone and call a local modeling agency to see if they are looking for new people. If you’re looking for a modeling agency in your area, you can visit them in person to see if they’re interested in signing you on as a model. You don’t know when you might make the right call. The call could change your life for the better.
Passive Income Side Hustles for Single Moms
27. Start Micro-Investing
Money will pile up if you work more. You can increase your financial security by investing in the right places. You can generate even more by putting it into investment accounts and collecting passive income.
You can easily start micro-investing and then move on to opening a brokerage account for short-term investing and a retirement account for long-term, tax-advantaged investing.
If you make wise investments, you can potentially double or even triple your money over time. Whether you choose to use your newfound wealth to save more, invest in further opportunities, or just enjoy the fruits of your labor, a smart investment approach can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor.
Investing doesn’t take a lot of time out of your day, making it a great side hustle for busy working moms. You can invest at your own pace and fit it into your schedule.
Acorns is a great simple way to start investing by simply rounding up your purchases and investing your spare change. We have to start somewhere. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, no matter where you are in life.
28. Try Peer-to-Peer Lending
If you have a bit of a financial cushion, you may want to consider lending it out to make more money. Saving money is great, but if you are looking for additional ways to generate income, loans can be an effective option. Look into peer-to-peer lending sites like Lending Club, which can connect you with borrowers who need small loans.
Peer-to-peer lending is risky as there is always a chance that the person won’t make good on their loan. Before entering into a peer-to-peer lending agreement, it is important to do thorough research.
You can usually see who is borrowing your money. Tracking the progress of your loans will let you know how much money you will get back. You can decide on your own interest rate. The repayment terms that fit your needs can be chosen.
Why Start a Side Hustle as a Single Mom?
A side hustle is a job you take on in your spare time to supplement your full-time income and earn extra money. You can work one side hustle, or you can have several.
There are many reasons to start a side hustle as a single mom. It can provide additional income and help you gain valuable skills.
- If you are a single mom, you need to have an emergency fund. A busy mom has a hard time putting food on the table. She works hard to provide a better life for her family. It is possible to bring in extra cash by working a side hustle. It is possible to explore a new career path or develop new skills. Over time, you can stockpile money to earn passive income through investments, and build a robust emergency fund to handle unexpected situations.
- Food is expensive and you have to pay for it. Saving money on food can be accomplished by making wise decisions about what to buy and where to shop. It is easier to afford when you have multiple sources of income. It is possible to achieve your financial goals more quickly if you have multiple sources of income. Wait until your kids are teenagers to think about paying for food. It’s important to teach your kids how to budget and make good financial decisions when they’re young. They will eat you out of house and home. When they come to visit, be sure to stock up on food.
- Don’t buy a new pair of pants until your child has a growth spurt. It’s a constant cycle of buying new clothes. They grow out of clothes quicker than you can buy them. It’s almost like they’re growing right before your eyes. The new clothes cost a lot of money. It’s worth every penny. It’s exhausting. With a side hustle idea, you can make sure you always have enough money to cover Target trips.
- Someday, your kids may want to go to college and start a career. Saving regularly will help you reach your goal of providing a college education for your child. Even with grants and scholarships, your brilliant kid might need financial support to pay for school. A college savings plan is an excellent way to save money. It will be easier to pay for college if you save more money now.
- It can seem like you are always working as a single mother. Even if it’s just a small activity like taking a walk or getting coffee with a friend, make time for yourself and plan something fun each week. It’s important for your mental health and well-being to take occasional trips out with your friends without feeling guilty about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for single moms to work from home?
It is perfectly normal that more people are working from home today. Many companies are adapting to the new work-from- home reality, offering their employees the necessary tools and support to ensure their success. If you look around, you can find great opportunities to make money online right from the comfort of your own home. It would be much easier for a single mom to not have to commute to work every day.
Can blogging make you money as a single mom?
Starting your own blog can be fun. It will take a lot of work to get serious money. It may be a long and difficult journey, but the potential rewards make it worth it. You can get paid when people click on your links and buy things if you use affiliate marketing. Social media advertising and influencer marketing can be used to drive traffic to your website.
Is Craigslist safe for finding side gigs as a single mom?
There are some legitimate opportunities on the site. It is important to be aware of potential scam when using the platform. The site is also filled with scam. It is a good idea to research any offer carefully before committing to it. It’s always a good idea to meet people in public before working for someone.
Is it legal to have a side hustle as well as a full-time job?
Yes. If you work full-time, you can have a side hustle. Having a side hustle can help you reach your financial goals faster. It might be against your employer’s rules. Before using any of your work equipment for personal use, be sure to check with your supervisor. Before starting a new endeavor, check the rules to make sure there isn’t a conflict. You can ensure that the situation is resolved quickly and efficiently by being proactive.
Side Hustles for Single Moms, Which is Best for You?
Look for ways to earn more if your purse feels light at the end of the month. One way to do this is to ask for a raise at work. Ensuring that you and your kids have everything you need to live a healthy and happy life doesn’t have to be a huge commitment. Taking small steps towards taking care of yourself and your family can make a big difference.
Single moms who stay at home might want to look into home jobs that they can do while keeping an eye on their kids. Online jobs allow single moms to work from home while still having full control over their schedule, as they allow them to work from the comfort of their own home. If you have someone to watch your kids, look into jobs that you can do outside the home. If you work outside the home, you can learn something new and expand your skills.
One of the best side jobs for single moms is the one that fits into their busy schedule and pays well. Working from home is a great option for single moms, as they can work around other commitments.
You don’t know where your next side hustle will come from or how it will change your financial situation. Keep an open mind and look for opportunities that could be a great fit for your skills and interests.
