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DollarSprout

We help everyday people earn more on their own terms. Since 2015, our team has tested hundreds of legit side hustles, small business ideas, and income apps to help readers boost their income and gain more financial freedom. Join our 200,000+ community and get proven, actionable ways to make extra money online or offline — no fluff, no hype.

Woman using phone on city sidewalk to earn passive income selling her data
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I earned $2,000 just letting this run in the background

Hey Reader, If you’ve ever thought, “I bet companies are making money off my data,” -- you’re absolutely right. Most apps on your phone are already tracking your habits. The only difference? You’re not seeing a dime of it. Over the last few years, I’ve tested dozens of apps that flip the script and pay you for things you’re already doing -- like walking, browsing the internet, or shopping. It’s not life-changing money, but it adds up. I’ve personally earned over $2,000 just by running one of...

Hey Reader, We came across another cool side hustle this week and thought you’d want to hear about it. It’s called Thumzup, and it pays regular social media users $10–$20 per post to promote local businesses. No big following needed—just a willingness to post about places you already go. That’s exactly how Iman Wims got started. She was just enjoying a day at Venice Beach when someone offered her $20 to post a photo on Instagram. A few hours later, the money hit her account. Now? She’s turned...

What started as a simple idea in a grocery store turned into a million-dollar company. Zarina Bahadur was just a college student when she noticed how overwhelming shopping for baby essentials could be. Instead of just observing the problem, she created a solution—123 Baby Box, a curated subscription service for busy parents. She had no investors, no roadmap, and no business background. But she figured it out, scaling her startup from a side project to a thriving company. In this deep dive, we...

Karin Capellan started with 100 chairs and a Facebook Marketplace listing. No website, no booking system—just a willingness to figure it out. Her first rental? A $40 chair order for 20 delivered chairs. Her first balloon gig? A financial loss. But within a few years, K and J Party Rentals grew into a six-figure business—all through smart pricing, repeat clients, and word-of-mouth. Want to see how she made it work (and how rentals can be a low-risk way to earn)? Read Her Story → How This...

Hey Reader,Imagine turning something you love into a steady income stream—without quitting your day job. That’s exactly what Allison Petersen did. While working long shifts as a physician assistant, she started casually sharing plant-based recipes on Instagram. A year later? She had 100,000+ followers, viral videos, and a food blog bringing in $10K/month. But it wasn’t luck. Allison cracked the code on SEO, social media growth, and monetization—and she shared everything she learned with us. 👉...

Ever wondered if you could get paid to shop, eat out, or even stay at a hotel? Mystery shopping is a legitimate way to earn extra cash—without the hassle of a traditional side hustle. Some shoppers make $200 to $300 per month, with high-value tasks like car dealership evaluations or luxury hotel stays paying $75+ per assignment. The catch? Not every company is worth your time. We’ve spent years researching and testing the best mystery shopping companies so you don’t have to. ✅ No sign-up...

Hey Reader! Want to earn free PayPal money with zero upfront cost? We’ve put together a guide with 10 legit ways to start earning today, from paid surveys to cashback apps and microtasks. 👉 Check out the full guide now No experience needed—just simple tasks to boost your PayPal balance quickly (or earn other rewards if PayPal isn’t your thing). I’ve personally used methods like Coinbase’s educational tasks and earned over $100 in no time. Here's a sneak peek of what’s inside: Get paid for...

Ryan and Kesslan started Hexwood Forge with a laser engraver, a love for gaming, and a simple goal: fund their D&D hobby. Fast forward to 2024, and Hexwood Forge is a six-figure brand making waves in the tabletop gaming community. From selling on Etsy to thriving at pop-up events, their story is packed with lessons on turning passion into profit. Whether you’re looking to grow your side hustle or start something new, their insights could spark your next big idea. See their story: How Two...

Hi Reader, We just published an incredible story about Nicole, a virtual assistant who turned a $7/hour high school job into a nearly seven-figure agency -- and she’s sharing all her secrets. In this feature, you’ll learn: ✅ How Nicole grew Alpine Virtual into a team of 35+ assistants✅ Her best strategies for finding clients and setting boundaries✅ The tools she swears by to streamline work and scale efficiently Whether you’re looking to start a VA side hustle, grow your existing business, or...

Hi Reader, Have you ever thought about turning your expertise into a side hustle? 💡 Gabrielle Juliano-Villani, a licensed therapist, did just that—launching an Etsy shop that now earns over $10,000 a year selling digital templates! 🛍️💻 What’s even better? She’s sharing her insider tips to help you start or grow your own Etsy shop: 👉 How to find your perfect niche👉 The #1 strategy to get your first sales fast👉 Pro tips for using Etsy SEO and getting more reviews👉 Advanced tactics to boost...