How to Make Money From Home (by Netflix’s “How to Get Rich” host, Ramit Sethi)

Updated on: Aug 9, 2024

Want to make money without leaving your house? I’ve worked my entire career at home, and it’s just as amazing as it sounds. Whether you need a full-time gig or just some extra spending money, here are some ideas to consider:

1. Turn Your Spare Room Into Cash

Got a spare room or two? Put it to work on Airbnb for short-term guests, or find a long-term tenant for steady income. Take quality photos, set clear house rules, and ensure your space is clean and welcoming. Adding local guidebooks and a few amenities can make your listing more attractive to potential guests. If you have an empty garage or similar space, you can also hire it out for events or other uses.

2. Let Your Car Pay for Itself

Car sharing apps like Turo let you rent out your vehicle when you’re not using it. Just list your ride, set your availability, and let the app handle the rest. Customers will find you, pick up your car and drop it off when they’re done. Keep it clean, respond quickly to requests, and watch the extra cash roll in. 

And if you have an extra parking spot you’re not using, apps like JustPark let you rent out your driveway or garage space too. It’s basically passive income for unused asphalt!

3. Teach What You Know (And Love)

Everyone’s an expert at something – why not share your skills? Whether you’re a math whiz, guitar guru, or yoga master, someone out there wants to learn from you. Focus on topics where you have expertise and enjoy explaining concepts to others. 

Set up shop on platforms like Outschool for kids’ classes, Udemy for adults, or go old-school with in-person lessons at home. Don’t underestimate niche skills either – there’s probably someone looking to learn your expert knitting techniques or sourdough secrets.

4. Offer Sewing and Alterations Services

If you’ve got sewing skills, you’ve got a business opportunity. Offer alterations, repairs, or custom creations from home. Advertise locally and on social media, and consider specializing in wedding attire or vintage clothing for higher profits. You could even expand into costume design for local theater groups or cosplayers.

5. Sell Handmade Crafts On Etsy

If you can make it, there’s probably someone on Etsy willing to buy it. Whether you’re into jewelry, home decor, or quirky pet accessories, there’s a market for your creations. Take amazing photos, nail your SEO, and engage with your customers. Consider offering customization options to increase your appeal and potentially charge premium prices.

6. Upcycle & Resell Items

One person’s junk is another’s vintage gold mine. Use items you already own or scout for deals online. Then, refurbish or upcycle – a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or a creative tweak can transform old stuff into must-have pieces. List your items on Facebook Marketplace or eBay and watch bargain hunters fight over your creations.

7. Create Natural Products

Tap into the growing demand for natural, handmade products. Start with soaps, candles, or skincare items and expand based on what sells. Then list them online using a simple ecommerce shop, or try marketplaces like Etsy. Consider subscription boxes or collaborating with local spas or boutiques to expand your reach.

8. Become An Online Juror

Ever wish you could be on a jury without the hassle? Online jury sites like eJury and Online Verdict let you weigh in on real cases from your couch. It’s not the most lucrative method, but it’s an interesting way to earn a few bucks and get a behind-the-scenes look at the legal system without taking time off work.

9. Test Products and Take Surveys for Cash

Companies always want to know what you think – and they’ll pay for it. Sign up for sites like Swagbucks or UserTesting to score paid surveys and product tests. While the pay is typically modest, it can be a simple way to earn some extra income in your spare time while binging Netflix. Pro tip: Create a separate email for survey sites to keep your main inbox clutter-free.

10. Translate or Transcribe for Pay

If you’re multilingual or have strong typing skills, consider offering translation or transcription services. Sites like Rev and TranscribeMe offer flexible transcription and translation gigs. Start with shorter, easier projects to build your skills and reputation. As you gain experience, you can tackle higher-paying jobs and even specialize in fields like medical or legal transcription.

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11. Work In Remote Customer Service

Many companies now hire remote agents to handle calls, chats, and emails. Check out sites like FlexJobs or Indeed for work-from-home customer service gigs. You’ll need a quiet space, a reliable internet connection, and a friendly attitude. It’s a great entry point to the online world.

12. Start A Print On Demand Business

Want to create products without managing inventory? Print-on-demand is your new best friend. Sites like Printful or Redbubble let you put your art on everything from t-shirts to phone cases. They handle printing and shipping, so you focus on creating and marketing. It’s perfect for aspiring artists or anyone with a knack for catchy slogans.

13. Sell Your Expertise

If you have knowledge about any given topic, there’s probably someone willing to pay for your know-how (don’t forget, beginners are a huge market). Create an online course on Udemy, write an ebook, or offer one-on-one coaching sessions. 

The key is to solve a specific problem for your audience. Whether it’s mastering Excel or learning to dance, if you can teach it, you can sell it. Bonus: Once you create a course or ebook, it can generate passive income for years!

14. Start A Blog, Newsletter Or Hire Out Your Writing Talents

If you love writing, pick a topic you’re passionate about, create helpful content, and build an audience. Monetize through ads, affiliate marketing, or sponsored posts. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme – building a profitable blog takes time and consistent effort (I would know). But stick with it, and you could be earning while you sleep. Alternatively, you can write content for others and get paid too!

15. Become A Content Creator

Anyone can be a content creator these days. Pick your platform (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube…), find your niche, and start creating engaging content. Consistency is key – post regularly and interact with your followers. As your audience grows, brands will pay for sponsored posts or collaborations. Remember, authenticity sells – so stay true to your unique voice.

Once you start making money from home, check out my step-by-step playbook on how to set up your finances so you can spend guilt-free and earn money every single day, automatically.

16. Become A Virtual Assistant

Help entrepreneurs and small businesses with tasks like email management, scheduling, or social media posting. Sites like Fancy Hands can get you started, or network directly with potential clients. Specialize in a particular industry or skill set to command higher rates.

17. Become a Social Media Manager

Many businesses struggle with social media. If you’re savvy with Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn, offer your skills to help them grow their online presence. Create content calendars, engage with followers, and track analytics to show your value. Start with local small businesses and build a portfolio to attract bigger clients.

18. Offer Virtual Interior Design Services

With the rise of remote work, virtual interior design is booming. If you’ve got an eye for decor, offer your services online. Use tools like Zoom for consultations and 3D rendering software to show clients your ideas. Create packages for different budgets and room types to appeal to a wide range of customers.

19. Become a Voiceover Artist

If you’ve got a distinctive voice or can nail different accents, voiceover work could be your calling. Invest in a good microphone and set up a home recording space. Sites like Voices.com or Fiverr can connect you with clients needing voice overs for commercials, explainer videos, or even audiobooks.

20. Become a Virtual Bookkeeper

If you’re good with numbers but don’t want to deal with taxes, bookkeeping might be your sweet spot. Many small businesses need help keeping their finances in order. Learn the basics of QuickBooks or other accounting software, and start offering your services. You can find clients through freelance platforms or by networking with local business owners.

21. Sell Online Courses

If you’re an expert on a particular subject, you can leverage that knowledge by selling online courses.

You’ll have complete control over your pricing strategy, meaning you make lots of money without selling a ton of courses. Earn your first $10,000 by selling:

  • $25 courses to 400 people
  • $50 courses to 200 people
  • $100 courses to 100 people
  • $1,000 courses to 10 people

As you can see, turning this into significant income is quite attainable. In fact, online courses are one of the ways I monetize my online business (AKA this blog you’re reading). 

If you want a closer look to see exactly how I do it, sign up for my email list below and join over 800,000 people reading my Insider’s newsletter. I share exclusive content that isn’t available on the blog. Check it out:

Ramit Sethi

 

Host of Netflix’s “How to Get Rich”, NYT Bestselling Author & host of the hit I Will Teach You To Be Rich Podcast. For over 20 years, Ramit has been sharing proven strategies to help people like you take control of their money and live a Rich Life.