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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.

Martin De Anda standing in front of a white wall with his arms crossed, wearing an Airtasker sweatshirt
Featured Post

He turned handing out flyers into a $1,000/week gig

Hey Reader, Most people don’t think of flyering as a real way to make money. But Martin De Anda took a one-off flyer gig and turned it into a system that now earns him $1,000 a week — without any special skills, and without a full-time schedule. In our latest success story, we break down: How he got started (and why most people overlook this gig) His playbook for getting booked over and over The small tweaks that helped him scale to consistent income 👀 Read Martin’s full story here: 👉 Read...

After an unexpected layoff earlier this year, Melia Long needed a way to earn steady income -- without leaving the house. She found it in one of the most unlikely places: doing other people’s laundry. Now, she’s earning around $800/month in profit through a platform called Poplin -- and she’s sharing the exact steps, setup, and tips that helped her turn a few small jobs into a reliable income stream. Whether you're looking for a flexible side hustle or a creative way to stay afloat between...

Hey Reader, Looking for a way to make extra money this summer? We just updated our list of 36 summer side hustles—and it’s packed with ideas that actually work. You’ll find flexible, seasonal gigs like: Yardwork or landscaping ($15–$25/hr) Pool cleaning ($20–$30/hr) Pet sitting or house-sitting Outdoor photography gigs Renting out gear or hosting local tours Whether you want something hands-on or remote, there’s something in here that can help you earn on your terms—without giving up your...

Emily Odio-Sutton smiling in front of her Etsy revenue dashboard showing over 20K orders and $533K in revenue

She wasn’t a designer, influencer, or tech wizard. Just a busy mom with a laptop — and a reason to try. In early 2023, Emily Odio-Sutton was working in higher ed and searching for a side hustle that actually fit her life. She discovered print-on-demand (POD) and launched an Etsy shop—no design background, no inventory, just a clear goal: more flexibility. Less than two years later, she’s earned over $560,000 in revenue, mostly from products that take just minutes to design. In this new...

Woman using phone on city sidewalk to earn passive income selling her data

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...