Personal Finance ・Increase Income Ideas
17 Legit Side Hustles That Can Make You $500 a Month
By: A. Gokkul
Table of Contents
A few years back, I realized my full-time income wasn’t enough anymore. Bills kept rising, the savings account was empty, and stress was constant.
That’s when I started researching side hustles that actually work, and I found several ways to make an extra $500 a month.
Why Making an Extra $500 a Month Matters, You Might Think
Let me tell you, friends, an extra $500 a month can:
• Cover groceries or utility bills
• Help you pay down debt faster
• Build an emergency fund
• Reduce constant financial stress
More importantly, it gives you control.
Control over unexpected expenses.
Control over your financial future.
And most of these side hustles require 5–10 hours a week, not burnout-level effort.
Here are the side hustles that can change your life…
1. Freelance Writing
Businesses always need content, and writing skills are learnable. If you can explain ideas clearly, you can earn a living as a writer.
- Average pay: $50–$150 per article
- 1–2 articles per week = $500/month
2. Virtual Assistant (VA)
If you are an organized person and one of those who enjoy behind-the-scenes work can help entrepreneurs who need help with emails, scheduling, and admin tasks.
- Pay: $20–$40/hour
- 5–7 hours per week = $500+
3. Print-on-Demand Products
Earn without managing inventory or shipping headaches, design digital artwork for t-shirts, mugs, or a variety of planners and sell them online.
- Platforms: Etsy, Printify, Printful
- $500/month is achievable with trending designs
4. Blogging (Monetized the Right Way)
Watching your content earn money while you sleep. Start Blogging, but let me make it clear it isn’t fast money, but it’s powerful.
- Income sources: ads, affiliate links, digital products
- Timeline: 3–6 months for consistent income
5. Pinterest Management
Pinterest is a search engine, not social media, and businesses know it. It is a perfect business for visual thinkers and content strategists.
- Charge: $300–$800 per client
- Just one client can hit your $500 goal
6. Online Tutoring
If you’re good at math, languages, or test prep, this is a solid option for you. The beauty of this hustle is flexible scheduling, so you can manage your time according to your client’s location.
- Pay: $25–$50/hour
- 10–15 hours/month = $500
7. Selling Digital Products
This side business is very simple without headache just create once, sell repeatedly. No inventory, no shipping, high profit margins.
- Budget planners
- Expense trackers
- E-books or guides
8. Proofreading & Editing
If grammar mistakes jump out at you, this skill is in demand.
- Pay: $30–$60/hour
- Ideal for quiet, focused work
9. UGC Content Creation
If you’re already creating content, now get paid for it. Brands pay for short videos and photos, even if you have no following.
- Platforms: TikTok, Instagram
- 5–10 small brand deals = $500/month
10. Flipping Items Online
Buy low, sell higher. There are many items like furniture, used electronics, and baby items which can be flipped to make money.
- Platforms: Facebook Marketplace, eBay
- $20 profit × 25 items = $500
11. Bookkeeping for Small Businesses
Small business owners hate managing numbers, or they simply don’t have enough time for it. You can help them with that and get paid.
- Pay: $300–$500 per client
- Just one client meets your goal
12. Resume & LinkedIn Profile Writing
You help people earn more money. Job seekers don’t mind paying for confidence and clarity. If you can write an outstanding resume and LinkedIn profile, you can easily make more than $500 a month.
- Charge: $100–$250 per resume
- 3–5 clients/month = $500
13. Online Course Assistant
Course creators need help managing students and content. Just assist them with their tasks and make money from home.
- Pay: $25–$40/hour
- Flexible, remote, and stable
14. Renting Out What You Own
Make passive income for unused assets by renting them out.
Examples:
- Spare room
- Camera equipment
- Tools
15. Stock Photography or Video
If you are a photographer or love clicking photos, do stock photography and sell the same photo or clip multiple times.
- Platforms: Adobe Stock, Shutterstock
- Long-term passive income potential
16. Voiceover Work
If you have a clear, confident voice, this is worth exploring.
- Short scripts pay $50–$200
- A few projects a month = $500
17. Personal Finance Coaching (Non-Advisory)
You don’t need to be a financial advisor to help people budget. Turn your money lessons into impact.
- Offer budgeting or accountability sessions
- Charge: $50–$100/session
“That’s it, guys. That was the side hustles that I found useful for those looking for extra income. If you think I missed something, feel free to comment below so others can benefit from it.
Please go through the “FAQs” that may have answers to your questions, or you can write your questions in the comments below, and I will do my best to answer them.”
FAQs
Can you really make $500 a month with a side hustle?
Yes. Many people earn $500 a month consistently by focusing on one side hustle and staying consistent.
How many hours a week does it take?
Most side hustles require 5–10 hours per week, depending on the type and your experience level.
Are these side hustles legit?
Yes. All listed side hustles are legal, realistic, and used by thousands of people worldwide.
What is the best side hustle for beginners?
Freelance writing, virtual assistance, tutoring, and selling digital products are great beginner-friendly options.
Do I need money to start a side hustle?
Many side hustles can be started with little to no upfront cost, especially service-based ones.
Final Thoughts: One Extra Income Stream Can Change Everything
An extra $500 a month isn’t just money, it’s relief, breathing room, and confidence.
You don’t need to do all 17.
You just need one that fits your life.
Start small.
Stay consistent.
Your future self will thank you.