How to Make $50 a Day (short & long term strategies)

Making extra money doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. There are numerous ways to supplement your income and boost your savings.

In this post, I'll show you several ways to make $50 a day, organized from the easiest to the most challenging. These strategies can help you reach your financial goals, regardless of your current skill level or available time.

Work a Part Time Hourly Job

If you want to make $50 a day, getting a part-time hourly job might be your best bet. This is the most straightforward way to start, and if you look hard enough, you will almost always find a part-time vacancy in your area.

Think retail or food service. With average hourly rates between $10-$15, you'd need to work about 4-5 hours a day to hit your $50 target. That's basically a standard part-time shift. Not too shabby, right?

Don't just view these jobs as a necessary evil, a temporary fix, or “something you need to do”. They can be a stepping stone to a good career.  For example, if you do well with your part time job, you can make a case for your employer to take you on full-time (if you want) that comes with employee benefits. Or, if you're crushing it, you could angle for a higher hourly rate by taking on more responsibilities or skilled tasks.

Most employers have low expectations for part-timers because turnover is usually high. Use this to your advantage. Be the reliable one. Go above and beyond. When everyone else does the bare minimum, you'll stand out like a shining star. This could lead to better opportunities down the line or killer recommendations for future jobs.

Get Started With Some Gig-Work

If you need to make money entirely on your own schedule, try getting started with some gig work. Unlike traditional jobs, gig work lets you choose when, where, and how much you work. It's perfect if you need a flexible schedule or want to earn some extra cash on the side.

Driving with Uber and Lyft:

One popular side hustle is driving for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. These platforms offer unparalleled flexibility - depending on your needs and availability, you can drive part-time for one week and full-time for the next. This adaptability makes it an attractive option for students, parents, or anyone looking to supplement their income without committing to a fixed schedule.

Before you hit the road, there are a few things you need to know. The basic requirements include being at least 21 years old, having a valid driver's license with a clean driving record, and owning a smartphone with a data plan. Your car needs to meet specific standards, too. Typically, it should be under 10-15 years old, have four doors, and be in good condition without any cosmetic damage or mechanical issues.

Complete the application process:

Once you've checked these boxes, you're ready to apply. The application process involves submitting necessary documents (like your license, insurance, and vehicle registration), passing a background check, and completing any required online or in-person orientation.

How to maximize your earnings:

Getting approved is just the first step. You'll want to optimize your approach to make this gig work for you. Here are some key strategies:

• Learn about peak hours and surge pricing in your area.
• Keep your car clean and offer amenities like phone chargers.
• Provide excellent customer service for better ratings and tips.

Peak hours often include morning and evening commute times and weekend nights. Surge pricing during these busy periods can significantly boost your earnings. Think of your car as your mobile office—keep it professional and comfortable for your passengers.

Remember to treat yourself like a business:

Here's a crucial point many new drivers overlook: as a ride-share driver, you run your own small business. Stay on top of your numbers by factoring in fuel, vehicle maintenance, and other charges. Don't forget about taxes—as an independent contractor, you're responsible for setting aside money for tax payments. A good rule of thumb is to save about 25-30% of your earnings for this purpose.

Delivering food

If driving passengers isn't your thing, food delivery could be a more preferable option. This gig offers similar flexibility to ride-sharing but with the bonus of minimal customer interaction.

Popular platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Postmates are always looking for new drivers. The sign-up process is straightforward: you'll need to be of legal age (usually 18+), have a valid driver's license and auto insurance if you're using a car, and pass a background check.

One of the great things about food delivery is the variety of vehicle options. While a car is common, it doesn't need to be as new as those required for ride-sharing. In some areas, you can even use a scooter or motorcycle. A bicycle is a fantastic option if you're in an urban area, and it’s a good way to get (or stay) in shape.

Once you're approved, you'll complete an onboarding process. This typically involves watching training videos on using the app and best practices. You'll also receive a delivery bag and possibly some branded items.

Tips for success:

Food delivery isn't complicated, but doing it well requires some thought and effort. Here are some practical tips to make your deliveries smoother and potentially more profitable:

• Learn your area well to optimize routes
• Use a phone mount and portable charger
• Be polite to restaurant staff and customers—it goes a long way
• Handle food carefully and aim for punctuality to improve your ratings

These simple steps can make a big difference in how efficiently you complete deliveries and how well you're rated by customers. Over time, they can add up to better earnings and a more pleasant work experience.

Maximize your earnings:

While food delivery won't make you rich overnight, it can be a reliable way to make $50 a day or more with the right approach. Here are some practical strategies that can help boost your income:

• Work during peak meal times, especially lunch and dinner rushes
• Look out for promotional bonuses or guaranteed earnings offers
• Be strategic about which orders to accept based on distance and payout
• Consider multi-apping: signing up for multiple delivery services

Just like with driving for Uber/Lyft, you're responsible for setting aside money for tax payments as a food delivery rider, too. Setting aside about 25-30% of your earnings for taxes is a good benchmark to avoid headaches later on.

Do Freelance Work

If you already have a set of skills that can make you money, freelancing could be your ticket to earning $50 a day or more. The beauty of freelancing is that you can often start with minimal upfront investment, using skills you already possess. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to get started:

Find freelance opportunities

There are numerous platforms where you can offer your services as a freelancer. Most people will start with Fiverr and Upwork as they are the more popular options.

On Fiverr, you create "gigs"—specific services you offer - and clients come to you. While Upwork operates more like a traditional job board. Clients post jobs, and you apply for them.

Both platforms have their strengths. Fiverr is great if you have a specific service to offer, while Upwork might be better if you're versatile and enjoy pitching for different types of projects. Whichever you choose, remember that building a solid reputation is key to long-term success.

Landing your first clients

Winning freelance jobs can be simple when done right. Clients don’t want to hear about how many years of experience you have. They want to know if you can do the job, how much you’ll charge, and how quickly they can see the finished product. Use this template below and tweak it accordingly when sending in your proposals or cover letters:

Hi (NAME)

Here's how I propose to tackle your project:

1. [Step 1]
2. [Step 2]
3. [Step 3]

I estimate this will take approximately [timeframe]. My rate for this project is approximately/between $X-$Y [rate].

I'd love to discuss this further. Quick question: [insert short question about their project to prompt a reply].

Looking forward to hearing back.

[Your Name]

Remember, freelancing is as much about marketing yourself as it is about your skills. Be professional, communicate clearly, and always deliver quality work. As you build your reputation, you'll find it easier to land clients and command higher rates, potentially earning well above $50/a day.

Other freelancing resources

I have plenty of other resources on freelancing that you can check out on my blog. If you’re just starting out, I recommend you read my posts on freelancing in this order:

• How to Become A Freelancer in 6 Easy Steps (even with a job)
• 18 Highest Paying Freelance Jobs in 2024 (by category)

How To Get (Big) Clients Online: 11+ Proven Strategies

Create Digital Assets You Can Monetize

Ideally, the best way to earn $50 a day would be to earn it passively without needing to trade your active time for it. One way you can do that is by creating digital assets that you can monetize.

These methods require you to invest your time upfront. You're not going to make money immediately, but by building assets for yourself, you're setting your future self up to potentially earn $50 a day (and possibly much more) without any additional effort. Let's explore some popular digital assets you can create:

A blog you can monetize

A blog is one of the easiest digital assets you can create, and it's also free to start. Once you've built up a sizable audience, you can start featuring ads to monetize your blog. This can provide a steady stream of passive income as your readership grows.

Additionally, you can sell affiliate products from other creators, earning commissions on sales made through your unique links. Your blog can also serve as a funnel to other products or services.

For example, from blog posts like the one you're reading, I'm able to direct readers to my Insider's newsletter (more on that down below), where I offer exclusive content not available on the open internet. This strategy helps build a loyal audience and can lead to additional monetization opportunities.

A YouTube channel

A YouTube channel is another valuable asset to monetize to help you make $50 a day in the long term. Some people prefer to consume content by watching videos, so converting your blog content into video format can help you reach a wider audience.

YouTube offers multiple monetization options, including ad revenue, channel memberships, and Super Chat during live streams. Creating engaging video content can also help build a stronger connection with your audience.

In my video, 10 Money Rules to Build Life-Changing Wealth, I talk about how investing in your own skills and expertise can have long-term benefits. Similar to building an emergency fund for your finances, investing in your own skills sets a strong foundation for your own growth in the future. Check out my other Money Rules in the video below!

A newsletter

Content on your newsletter can and should be more personal since you'll be sending emails to your readers' inboxes, whereas content on your blog can be more instructive/directional. This personal touch allows you to build a stronger connection with your most engaged audience. You can share behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive tips, and more intimate stories that you wouldn't typically post publicly.

Both my blog and YouTube channel actively promote my Insider's newsletter, which I send out to over 800,000 readers. This integration of different platforms helps funnel my most interested followers into a more direct communication channel, where I can provide higher-value content and build stronger relationships.

Online courses

Not everyone has the audience numbers to sell huge sponsorship deals, but selling your own products can be very profitable even with a smaller audience. Plus, it connects you better with your audience, as they'll be buying something you made. This direct exchange of value can lead to more loyal followers and repeat customers.

An online course does not have to be complicated. For example, if you're already a freelancer or already use your professional skills at work, you can teach others these skills with ready-made courses that others can buy on demand. This allows you to leverage your expertise to create a new income stream.

Selling online courses works great for any size audience—which is why I still do it today.

Tips on staying connected with your audience

Building and maintaining a solid connection with your audience is crucial for the long-term success of your digital assets. Here are some strategies to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more:

• Create authentic and original content, avoid using AI, and be patient when developing your own voice instead. People want to hear from other people.
• Maintain consistency and actively engage. Regular content updates and interactions keep your audience interested and coming back for more. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and create opportunities for dialogue.
• Share your stories. People like to learn from others, too, even through online mediums. Use anecdotes to illustrate points, and be vulnerable and honest about your successes and failures. This vulnerability helps build trust and relatability with your audience.

For example, to stay connected with my audience, I launch my products a few times a year, some of which include opportunities for face-to-face interactions with me. This lets me directly engage with my readers and allows them to talk about their financial struggles. Plus, I know many of them appreciate the chance to have a real conversation with me rather than just listening to my online courses or reading my books. These personal interactions can lead to valuable insights, testimonials, and even ideas for future products or content.

Sell Your Things Online

Another way you can make $50 a day is by selling things you already own. Obviously, you can’t do this forever, or you’ll end up selling everything you own, but if you’re in the mood to do some spring cleaning anyway, you can consider these options for selling your things which can make you $50 (or more) today.

Note that selling your pre-loved items works differently than the other methods I mentioned above, so don’t expect selling your things to be a consistent income stream.

Here’s a brief list of sites you can consider using for selling your things online. Fees and terms vary so do your due diligence before deciding on any of these platforms.

Major online marketplaces

These platforms offer a broader reach but come with higher competition and fees:

• Amazon Marketplace: Best for mass-produced items. Fees include $0.99/item, $39.99 monthly subscription, plus selling fees
• eBay: Suited for unique/used items. Offers auctions or fixed prices. Fees vary
• Etsy: Specializes in handmade, vintage, and crafts. Charges $0.20 listing fee plus 5% transaction fee

Local selling platforms

These sites allow you to connect with your buyers directly and sometimes this facilitates quick transactions:

• Facebook Marketplace: Free platform for local selling. Watch for scams
• Nextdoor: Community-based, no-fee platform for neighbor-to-neighbor sales

Specialized platforms

These three sites are niche platforms for specific items:

• Poshmark: Clothing and accessories. Flat fee for sales over $15
• Swappa: Electronics with quality checks
• Bonanza: eBay alternative with inventory management tools.

Answer Paid Online Surveys

We’ve covered the best ways you can make $50 a day already, so to close out, you can also consider answering paid online surveys.

While you can make $50 a day doing these, I don’t particularly recommend them as reliable ways to make money. Experiment with answering paid surveys if you have the time, but if you could choose, I strongly suggest you take action on the other methods I recommended above.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular rewards site that offers multiple ways to earn, including writing reviews. You can accumulate SB points (Swagbucks) through surveys, product testing, and other tasks, then convert these points into gift cards or cash. With a user-friendly interface and a $5 sign-up bonus, it's an accessible platform for beginners looking to dip their toes into paid reviews.

InboxDollars

InboxDollars offers a straightforward cash payment system for online activities, including writing reviews. With a $5 welcome bonus and diverse earning options, it's an attractive choice for those who prefer direct cash rewards over point systems. The platform partners with major brands, providing opportunities to review various products and services. There are also additional earning opportunities like watching videos and playing games.

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie specializes in surveys, many of which involve product feedback and reviews. Its streamlined point system (1 point = 1 cent) and low payout threshold make tracking your earnings and cash out easy. The platform's clean design and focus on surveys make it a good choice for those who enjoy sharing their opinions on various topics and products.

How to get started:

Getting started with paid online surveys is a simple process, but here’s a simple outline so you know what to expect and what you should do:

1. Choose a platform and create an account: Visit the website of your chosen platform and sign up with your email address.
2. Complete your profile thoroughly to receive more relevant opportunities: The more information you provide, the better the platform can match you with suitable surveys and review tasks.
3. Check for available surveys or review tasks daily: Most platforms update their offerings regularly, so frequent checking can help you maximize your earnings.
4. Be consistent and honest in your feedback to maintain a good standing: Platforms value quality responses, so take your time and provide thoughtful feedback.

Treat online surveys as a side gig, not a full-time job. Set realistic expectations and be patient as you build your presence on these platforms. Over time, other earning opportunities may present themselves.