Side Hustle
Search documents
27% of Americans had a side hustle in 2025. Here are 5 ways to make extra cash in 2026, and how to choose the right gig
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-12 12:00
Core Insights - A significant portion of Americans, approximately 27% in 2025, are earning income from side hustles, which have evolved from passion projects to essential financial safety nets due to inflation and economic uncertainty [1] Group 1: Trends in Side Hustles - Side hustles are increasingly focused on flexibility, allowing workers to fill income gaps, build savings, or test business ideas without full-time commitment [2] - Successful side hustles in 2025 are characterized by alignment with individual skills, time availability, and risk tolerance, moving beyond traditional options like rideshare driving [3] Group 2: Types of Side Hustles - Online tutoring has a low barrier to entry and can lead to six-figure incomes for those who excel in subjects like test prep, writing, or math [4] - 3D printing is being utilized to create niche products, which can be sold on platforms like Etsy, requiring initial investment in equipment and design skills [5] - Skill-based hustles, such as consulting and hourly services, allow individuals to monetize existing expertise, while product-driven ideas enable creators to test and scale products online [6]
6 Ways You Can Create Your Own ‘Stimulus Check’ in 2026
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-08 10:02
Core Insights - The article discusses the potential absence of government stimulus in 2026 and suggests alternative strategies for individuals to create their own sources of income through investing and other financial moves Group 1: Government Stimulus Context - Government stimulus is aimed at boosting the economy by increasing disposable income for Americans, but its future availability is uncertain, particularly in 2026 [1] - Many individuals are currently facing financial strain due to inflation and high living costs, which raises concerns about the lack of government support during tough economic times [1] Group 2: Strategies for Creating Income - Utilizing cash-back credit cards and rewards apps can convert everyday spending into a source of income, provided that balances are managed wisely to avoid interest charges [2][3] - Many individuals overlook the value of accumulated cash-back rewards, travel points, and store credits, which can be redeemed for various benefits, effectively creating a passive income stream [3] Group 3: Micro Side Hustles - Engaging in micro side hustles, such as freelance writing, pet sitting, or online tutoring, allows individuals to earn extra income on a flexible schedule [4][6] - Individuals with specialized knowledge can create online courses or offer services in high-demand areas like technology or artificial intelligence, capitalizing on their expertise [5] - Local community needs can also present opportunities for side hustles, such as driving for ride-sharing services or providing personal shopping for elderly residents, which can generate significant income with minimal effort [6]
Parents invest $2K in a side hustle now earning $295K/year, with potential to build generational wealth. Here’s how
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-03 18:30
Core Insights - The Lanlehin family successfully identified a gap in the party rental market, leading to the establishment of a profitable business that generated $295,000 in revenue for 2025 [4][5][11] - The couple reinvests profits back into the business rather than taking salaries, allowing for sustainable growth [2][12] - Their success was bolstered by leveraging existing skills, market awareness, and strategic networking with high-profile clients [10][11] Business Model - The Lanlehin's party rental business began with a $2,000 investment in children's chairs, addressing a specific need in their local market [4][5] - They operate the business part-time, dedicating about eight hours a week while outsourcing tasks to six contract employees [1][2] Market Analysis - The couple's business thrived due to its location in an affluent area, filling a niche that was previously unaddressed [2][4] - The initial success was amplified by social media exposure and connections with influential individuals, such as the wife of an NBA player [3][11] Side Hustle Landscape - A significant portion of Americans engage in side hustles, with estimates ranging from 30% to 50%, but many earn modest amounts [6][7] - Surveys indicate that 26.1% of Americans earn between $1 and $50 monthly from side hustles, while only 1% earn over $4,000 [6][7] Entrepreneurial Insights - The Lanlehin's experience highlights the importance of market research and awareness in identifying viable business opportunities [11][12] - Aspiring entrepreneurs are advised to consider their time commitment, tax implications, and initial investment costs before starting a side hustle [13][14][15]
How To File Taxes for Your Side Hustle
Yahoo Finance· 2025-12-18 16:38
Core Insights - Side hustles are increasingly common in the modern economy, leading to new tax responsibilities that individuals may not fully anticipate until tax season arrives [2] - Understanding how to track, report, and maximize deductions for side income is crucial for compliance and minimizing surprises during tax filing [2] Taxable Income - Income from gig work, freelancing, or self-employment is generally taxable, regardless of the payment method used [3] - All business income must be reported, even if no 1099 form is received, as the IRS differentiates between business income and hobby income [4] Organization and Recordkeeping - Accurate recordkeeping is essential for reducing stress during tax season, including maintaining a log of all business-related income and expenses [5] - Common documents for recordkeeping include receipts, invoices, mileage logs, and proof of home office expenses [7] Technology and Tools - The IRS recommends keeping tax return records for three to four years, and digital bookkeeping tools can aid in tracking business transactions [6] - Financial professionals suggest leveraging technology for managing business revenues and expenses, with platforms like QuickBooks being highlighted for their effectiveness [6]
Kevin O'Leary Says Social Media Can Make Side Hustles Easier, Help Entrepreneurs Earn $1,000/Month - Shopify (NASDAQ:SHOP)
Benzinga· 2025-12-14 03:47
Core Insights - Modern technology has significantly simplified and enhanced the profitability of side hustles, enabling entrepreneurs to potentially earn an additional $1,000 per month through content creation and online sales [1][2] - Social media literacy is essential for successfully operating a side hustle, as it serves as a primary tool for marketing and sales [3][5] Industry Trends - The side hustle economy is growing, with nearly one-third of American workers engaging in gig work alongside their main jobs, according to a LinkedIn Workforce Confidence survey [4] - Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are more inclined to have side hustles, with 57% participating compared to only 21% of Baby Boomers [5] Recommended Strategies - Entrepreneurs are advised to establish accounts on multiple platforms, post content across all channels, and understand algorithms before launching their side hustles [5] - Successful examples, such as Steven Schwartz, who co-founded a tech marketplace generating $354,000 per month after trying 23 ventures, illustrate the potential of the side hustle economy [6]
4 Ways To Break Free of ‘Survival Debt’ and Get Back on Track
Yahoo Finance· 2025-11-30 13:05
Core Insights - Financial strain is increasingly affecting Americans, with 29% identifying the rising cost of living as their primary financial concern [1] - A Zety survey indicates that 48% of Americans have borrowed to cover essential expenses, while 71% carry credit card debt, and 56% feel their income is insufficient to manage both debt repayment and savings [2] Group 1: Financial Challenges - Inflation continues to be a significant burden, contributing to financial strain for many families [1] - The concept of "survival debt" is emerging, where individuals struggle to balance debt repayment with essential living expenses [2] Group 2: Strategies to Manage Debt - Eliminating non-essential debt is crucial, focusing on essential needs such as food, utilities, shelter, and transportation [4] - Downsizing expenses, such as car payments, and avoiding buy now, pay later schemes can help alleviate financial pressure [5] Group 3: Increasing Income - A side hustle can provide additional income to help manage debt, with options including on-demand jobs or monetizing marketable skills [6][7] - Wage growth has not kept pace with inflation, making supplemental income increasingly important for many [6] Group 4: Debt Management Planning - Creating a structured plan to tackle high-interest debt is essential, starting with a comprehensive overview of all debts and their respective interest rates [8] - Utilizing balance transfer credit cards or credit consolidation can be effective strategies for managing debt, provided individuals remain disciplined [9]