5 Money-Making Side Hustles to Start Right Now

In the new gig economy, side hustles to earn extra money are everywhere. And because most are free of any major commitment, you pick when and where to work to boost your earning power.

The side hustle: a legitimate (if not unorthodox) way to score some extra cash. But forget babysitting, lawn mowing and dog walking. Because in the new gig economy, earning money for groceries, the mortgage and everything in between has never been easier. Not long ago, "money for nothing" was a suspicious phrase.

With con artists and flimflam men out to scam the unsuspecting, it was smart to be wary of too-good-to-be-true schemes. But today, unconventional paydays are not only legitimate, they're part of a whole new money-making market. And while you can score big from low-commitment gigs to time-sensitive promotions, it helps to know where to look before diving in.

Be a Mystery Shopper

Planning a trip to the grocery store anytime soon? Odds are, a company will pay you to rate product displays and services while you're there. Retail chains use mystery shoppers to check their franchises for quality standards. And you can be their very own detective, just by downloading an app. As a mystery shopper, you're given an assignment and location. Often, you'll use your phone to take a photo or video of a store's products or displays, to then upload to a mystery shopper app. Other tasks include talking to employees to check the store's customer service skills and provide feedback. In any case, if you're already out and about, being a mystery shopper is a fun, easy way to make a buck. Average pay is about $5 per job, and most gigs only require a quick stop.

Review Websites and Apps for Usability

Companies are constantly working to improve the user experience of their websites. And as a user tester, you can make fast cash by visiting their app or website, doing a few tasks, and providing feedback. At 15 - 20 minutes per test, user testing is an easy way to earn cash from the comfort of your couch. The average pay is $10 for a 20-minute test, although you can make much more if you're interested in longer jobs.

Participate in Online Market Research Studies

Market research is done by major companies to test the success of brands and products; basically, these companies will pay you for your opinion. Studies often screen for a particular audience (think age ranges, professions, or income levels), but if you meet the demographic, you simply apply with a short pre-screen survey to be approved. These studies can include an interview (via webcam), online surveys, or even focus groups. Average earnings vary but expect to gain $50 to $100+ per study.

Try Passive Data Collection Apps

Of all the side hustles on this list, this might be the easiest. Market research companies want to understand trends and where people spend their time online. And if you share your browsing habits, they'll pay you for it. All you do is register and install an app, which runs in the
background of your phone or browser, sharing information with the market research firm.

Your data is kept confidential, but it's up to you whether you feel comfortable allowing a company to monitor your browsing habits. If so, you can literally make money going about your day as usual. Average earnings are $5 to $10 a month.  Not a huge payday, but pretty good for doing nothing.

Use a 2% Credit Card

Cashback credit cards pay big bonuses for loyalty. And while there are many, finding a 2% cashback card means little work for a large payoff. Here's how it works. With a 2% card, you earn 2% in cash of everything you buy, whether that's gas, groceries, or clothing. And while that seems small per transaction, it adds up fast if you're consistently using the card at the register.

Like any credit card, it helps if you have decent credit (above 600) to qualify. And, of course, you must be responsible for making purchases and payments. But overall, the benefits are well worth the two-minute online application. Average earnings vary, but if you use the card regularly, $300 to $400 a year is quite realistic.