How to Make Money from Home

For teachers between full-time jobs, teachers looking to pivot careers, or even retired folks with specialized expertise, tutoring or teaching online classes could possibly be a smart way to make extra money. And with virtual classes, you don’t have to be local. If you have expertise in a skill or subject, you may make money by launching your own online class or by selling the course through a dedicated website. 

The lowdown: Specialized platforms bring together qualified tutors with students looking to improve their grades in a wide range of subjects or hoping to prepare for SATs or other standardized tests. Tutors post profiles detailing their expertise, and they’re matched with interested students.

Need to know: For tutoring, hourly rates range widely — from $15 to more than $100 — depending on expertise and teaching platform, with technical subjects commanding top dollar. Other sites let teachers register as instructors and teach courses on topics of their choosing, setting course rates as they see fit.¹

Stumbling blocks: It may take some finessing to work out tutoring schedules in different time zones. Building an online course from scratch — and successfully selling it — might require additional sales, marketing, and video editing skills.

If you’re passionate about creating art or handcrafting your own ceramics, jewelry, or leather goods, consider joining a craft-focused online marketplace. Similarly, if you have an eye for vintage clothing or furniture and can prove each item’s authenticity (like its age and where it was found), you might also be able to carve out a niche on these specialized sites.

The lowdown: Virtual marketplaces lure shoppers hunting for one-of-a-kind items. Physical store windows aside, there’s probably no better showcase for your talents as a crafter, artist, or curator of vintage goods than your own virtual shop. 

Need to know: Online merchants can easily set up a store, listing dozens if not hundreds of items. Plus, sites are arranged by category, so it is possible for it to be a cinch for shoppers to find goods. Sellers may incur nominal fees. Some examples include fees for listing items, transactions, and advertising, among other services used.^2,3

Stumbling blocks: Competition can be intense. And depending on the website, there may be strict rules about what you can and can’t sell. For instance, some platforms support makers of handmade items but nix resellers who didn’t make the goods themselves.

Do you have used clothing hogging up closet space? A noble option is to bundle up those items and drop them off at the nearest charity or clothing drop box. Another alternative that might help your wallet: Sell or swap those items on a dedicated resale website, a modern approach to thrifting and consigning that helps support sustainable fashion.

The lowdown: Online consignment shops and thrift stores lure shoppers hunting for specific brands, designers, trends, and specific categories of secondhand apparel. Many also offer quality clothing and discourage throwaway fast fashion. If you have items that you no longer need, consider selling them to online shops. There’s an environmental upside, too: Millions of tons of textiles end up in landfills.⁴

Need to know: Every website operates a bit differently. Some act as social networks, requiring you to snap a photo, set a price, and share the listing with your network. Other online stores take care of the photos, listings, and authenticating (if it’s a high-end designer name). You’ll typically earn cash or shopping credit for eligible garments.

Stumbling blocks: Some online consignment and thrift sites may not accept all merchandise. The clothing may need to be in top-notch condition and from a designer label or popular name brand.

Put your knack for building furniture, installing light fixtures, or doing home repairs to work by joining platforms where locals hire you for specific, everyday tasks.

The lowdown: These online marketplaces match freelance handyworkers with people seeking help with physical home-related tasks. If you’re DIY-minded and ready to help those in your community, you can create a task profile, set your own rate, and find jobs that fit your skills and locale. 

Need to know: Post your profile outlining your skillset, establish your schedule and geographic area, and boom, you might be hired for jobs. Depending on the platform, you may have to pay a registration fee.

Stumbling blocks: Positive reviews might help generate more business, so it’s a good idea to bring your best self. Physical jobs can be demanding, so fitness may be important — you don’t want to sustain an injury if you can help it.