Are you in need of some extra income but don’t want to commit to a part-time job? Maybe you just need a quick way to save up for that summer vacation, tuition payment, or emergency fund. No matter the reason, making some extra cash might be easier than you think.
Here are 10 easy ways to make, save, and manage money from your smartphone.
Lyft
If you have a car and know your way around your city then you can start your own rideshare service with Lyft. Freelance drivers have more or less replaced the taxi business and – in many places – are much more available than cabs.
The requirements are:
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You have a 4-door car that is a 2006 or newer and seats 4 passengers
- You can drive legally
Turo
Where Lyft is ridesharing, Turo is carsharing. Turo users can lend their vehicle out to others for a custom price, custom conditions, with custom availability. You’re the boss of your own mini rental car business.
Turo competes with traditional rental companies by offering direct person-to-person transactions. Most rental companies only offer a handful of different models to choose from, whereas Turo will accept nearly any make, model, and year. For example, there is a DeLorean up for rent in Austin, TX right now. This is a great service to offer for those looking for a no-frills A-to-B car, fun sports car, or exotic without extra company charges.
Mint
Mint is often regarded as the best free budgeting option. Set monthly expenses and get reminders if you go over. Add your bills so you can stay up to date and then swipe them away once paid. Satisfying, right? Mint also monitors your spending activity to create constantly-updating spreadsheets.
Mint saves you from paying late fees, and you no longer have to put reminders in your calendar. Track your spending and check your credit score all in one place.
eBay
Use the eBay app to create listings and sell your old stuff. If you’re feeling bold, you can even buy items to resell online for a profit. Just remember to factor in shipping costs.
TaskRabbit
If you’re useful with a toolbox, or don’t mind manual labor, TaskRabbit could be a great gig to make some money. What used to be scattered throughout craigslist listings is now put together in one place. Tasks can include helping people move, household repairs, yard work, even deliveries.
Robinhood
The Robinhood app allows you to invest in assets without using a broker. From their site: “Invest in stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrencies, all commission-free, right from your phone or desktop.”
Cool, huh? Buy low and sell high. If you’re informed about your investments, you’re sure to make some coin.
Job Spotter
Take pictures of businesses with Help Wanted signs, whether corporate location or mom & pop shop. Job Spotter (affiliated with Indeed) uses an algorithm to analyze the quality of your spot and will award you points for each one. Add them up and cash in for an Amazon gift card. Signs typically award $0.50-$1.00 per spot. This can add up fast!
Dosh
Many credit and debit cards offer cashback deals on rotation; but who remembers to check and activate them? Dosh lets you link your cards and will automatically find and apply all open cashback offers at retailers (in-store and online).
Digit
Similar to Mint, Digit tracks your spending habits 24/7. However, Digit takes it a step further by learning how you spend. It then uses the information to save the perfect amount of money each day. Have a vacation fund? Saving for your credit card or tuition payment? Digit knows how much you can spare, so you can save money without even thinking about it.
The app is free for the first month, then charges $2.99/month afterward.
Referral Programs
An often overlooked but extremely easy way to make money is through referral programs. Many apps (including several in this list) offer bonuses for sharing a link to their service. When someone clicks your link and signs up, cha-ching! Cash in your pocket. Some apps like this one allow you to earn up to $150 per referral. That’s no pocket change!.
All of these apps were designed to help users earn (or save) money. It all comes down to how much time you want to put into them.
