6 smart ways to earn extra money

Having side gigs or side hustles (or “raket” as we call it) to earn extra money is a smart and practical way to boost your income and savings. And the beauty of it is that you can do them after work hours or during your free time. Just make sure you pick a side gig that’s right up your alley and one that will fit into your work schedule and natural interests.

Here are some suggestions to help you with your financial goals.

1. Create content

Freelance writing. Blogging. Vlogging. Graphic designing. Get paid to create articles, videos, or graphics on any topic or purpose required by a client. Or you can also start by launching your own blog/vlog and talk about your recent travels or review restos you’ve tried, or critique a book or movie, or provide actionable tips and lessons based on your field of expertise. You can also check out freelance sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Yonipp for side gigs and projects.

2. Start a small online business

If you’ve been on social media lately, you might have noticed the extraordinary number of online stores that have set up shop—in Facebook, Instagram, Lazada, Shopee, Food Panda, Grab Food, and the free web.

Well, you can do the same. Be an entrepreneur! All you need is your phone and an internet connection to start. Selling products on the side is a great way to augment your income. It’s like having your own virtual tiangge. In fact, those who sold their wares in bazaars and trunk shows have now transitioned to online stores.

Because of the pandemic, people are now more comfortable and used to purchasing online. You can buy (and sell) practically anything—from appliances and electronics down to homecooked meals, second-hand clothing, and potted plants.

3. Do e-tutoring

Are you a Math, Science or an English whiz? Do you love literature or philosophy? A guitar prodigy, perhaps? Tutoring services are now done online, and lessons aren’t just confined to school subjects nowadays. Advertise your skills online and have a video conferencing app like Zoom, and you’re good to go. If the parents of your students would allow you, you can even teach them about investment while they’re young.

4. Declutter and sell

Selling off your old items will not only create more space in your place, it will also get you additional cash. Sell through websites like Shopee, Carousell, and even via personal social media accounts like Instagram or Facebook.

5. Become a financial advisor

These days, more and more people are seeing the importance of life insurance protection for them and their loved ones. Being a financial advisor is not only a good paying commission-based gig, it’s also very noble and fulfilling to help Filipinos manage their finances and investments.

It’s fairly easy and won’t take up much of your time. FWD Life Insurance, for instance, is one of the few companies that can do remote selling via Zoom, email, or just a phone call. FWD financial advisors are equipped with tablets for client presentations and application process.

6. Look into rewards-earning apps

No time to spare but still want to earn in some way? Check out apps that let you earn points with which you can redeem rewards. With the more rewarding FWD Affiliates App 3.0 you earn points you can exchange for GCash—whenever you share in-app articles through your Facebook, Viber, Email, Messenger, Instagram, or WhatsApp.

There are actually so many more ways to earn extra. But whatever you choose make sure that you don’t just earn but you also get your earnings to earn for you. Invest a portion of it. That way, you’re side gigs can contribute to your overall financial wellbeing.