14 side hustles to pay off debt faster and find financial stability

No matter your financial situation, earning some extra money is always beneficial. But if you are in debt, finding a side hustle could be the smartest way to speed up repayments and regain some stability in your financial life.

The good news? You don't need to turn your entire schedule on its head to make a difference. Whether you want to bring in extra cash on weekends, work around your 9-5 day job or turn a passion into profit, there are plenty of flexible side hustles to help shed your debt.

So, let's get stuck in. Here are 14 side hustles to pay off debt and help you achieve financial stability.

14 best side hustles to pay off debt

If you're struggling with high-interest debt, and have found yourself seeking financial security, finding a side hustle to earn extra income could be the best route to explore.

From pet sitting to starting your own business selling digital products, we've got your back. Let's take a closer look at the different types of side hustles and the best ways to hit your financial goals.

1. Freelance work

If you're looking for a side hustle income to pay off debt, freelance work could be the answer.

There are so many opportunities here to earn some hustle money, allowing you to pay off debt a lot quicker, especially if you have high interest debt behind you.

The great thing about freelance work is that many companies rely on freelancers to complete all kinds of tasks, from data entry to writing code or doing graphic design.

But what type of work should you consider? And how much could you earn? The opportunities are endless here. A freelance side gig could be anything from freelance writing or graphic design, to translating documents and data entry tasks. Gig platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr and PeoplePerHour can help you find freelance work and earn extra income.

On Upwork, clients can approach you for projects, or you can choose to submit a proposal for work you'd like to take on. These could be small tasks for $10 or longer projects for hundreds of dollars. While this can be competitive, it's a great place to start freelancing and you can easily work it around a full-time job. Plus, you can get paid pretty quickly once you've completed work, so you won't be waiting around to withdraw your earnings.

How to start freelancing

If you have a computer already and access to the internet, you also won't need money to get set up, since these freelance platforms are free to join and take a commission from the money you earn. Many tools are also free to use, such as Canva for creating social media posts or Google Docs for writing content.

Once you know what services you'd like to provide, you can easily package your offering on Whop. Whop makes it easy to sell your skills online, and you can even turn your expertise into an online course and earn money while you sleep!

Whether you have a knack for writing, or want to offer virtual assistant services, freelance work could bring in substantial additional income to help you pay off debt. With side hustle statistics revealing that 36% of US job holders maintain a side hustle as of 2024, having a side gig has become the norm for earning money in your spare time.

Keen on freelancing? Check out these resources:

2. Online tutoring

Whether you're having trouble hitting the minimum payment on your debts, or want to simply pay off more debt each month, online tutoring is a great potential side hustle.

If you're particularly skilled in a certain subject, why not teach others? Whether you're a maths genius or know a second language, online tutoring has lots of potential.

Online tutoring can help you make more money and pay off debt much faster. And, if you know a subject matter that's in high demand, such as a second language, you could charge even more money for your tutoring sessions. For this type of side gig, all you'll need is a computer and a strong internet connection, so you can pretty much get started right away with minimal set-up costs.

How to start online tutoring

Depending on the platform you choose, you may need a webcam (although many computers have one built-in) and video-conferencing software, like Zoom or Google Meet. When you first start out, you're unlikely to need dedicated tutoring software, but there are opportunities to use these types of tools later on — such as TutorBird.

You can even use Whop (for free — with no monthly costs or sign up fees) to host video calls in your community space with the video app, and keep up to 97% of your earnings. For extra income on top of your online tutoring, why not turn your expertise into an online course? Whop makes it easier than ever with the course app, and you won't pay a dime until you make a sale.

But where else can you find work? Well, there are several ways to find online tutoring gigs. If you want to teach languages, websites like italki can help you market your language skills. Another option, Superprof, offers a wide range of tutoring opportunities across various academic subjects, as well as non-academic hobbies.

There are several things we love about online tutoring! Firstly, it's easy to work to your own schedule, and secondly, you can set your own rates. On Superprof, for example, you can set your rate at anywhere between $20 and $80 per hour.

Want to learn more about online tutoring? These resources will help set you on the path for success:

3. Babysitting

If you love kids and have a few spare hours in the evenings or weekends, babysitting could be a great potential side hustle to help you pay off debt quickly. Many parents need reliable childcare, whether for date nights, work commitments or last-minute plans - making this a potentially lucrative side hustle.

How to start a babysitting side hustle

Start by reading out to friends, family or even neighbors to offer your services, or sign up to babysitting platforms like Care, Sittercity and Bambino to find babysitting gigs. Babysitters typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience and location, but there's plenty of room to earn more money if you go solo and set your own rates.

If you do decide to use one of these platforms, just be wary of how long it may be until you can cash out your earnings. However, you will be pleased to hear that aside from transportation to your gig, there are very few upfront costs involved.

4. Pet sitting and dog walking

Love animals? This could be the perfect side hustle to pay off debt and enjoy something that comes easy. If you're an animal lover, walking dogs and pet sitting could be the ideal side hustle income.

There are also multiple ways to start on this side hustle, since it's something you'll do in person to your own schedule. If you want to achieve financial stability and get started on paying off more debt right away, now's the time to start.

How to start a dog walking side hustle

Apps such as Rover and Wag can help you connect with dog owners looking for dog walking and pet sitting services locally. Or you can even start out by speaking to friends, family members and neighbors who may need your help.

What's great about this type of side hustle is that it's easy to get started, and you won't need a bunch of expensive tools or hefty investments. However, you might want to brush up on your animal care knowledge in advance, but the majority of this can be easily done online.

But how much could you earn? It's sort of up to you. As you build up your client base, you can increase your rates — as well as increase the services you offer. Some pet sitters charge anywhere from $15 per visit.

Want to learn more? We've got a few things that might help:

5. Selling items online

Got some things lying around the house that you no longer use? Why not funnel those items into some extra money and leverage those no longer-needed belongings into your debt repayment journey? If you've got a personal loan to pay or minimum payments to hit, selling items online could be the go-to side hustle to pay off debt.

Whether it's selling clothes on Vinted or shifting electronics you no longer use on eBay, you'll be surprised at how much money you can make selling items online. While Vinted buyers take on the cost — rather than the seller — you'll need to be wary of selling fees on other platforms like eBay.

How to sell things online

For items you can't easily ship or need to sell locally, Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist is your best option for selling those items — with no fees.

6. Complete gigs and tasks

Looking to pay off debt? Completing gigs and tasks can be a great side hustle to help you with debt repayments. Not only can odd jobs help you earn some extra income, but they're also easily done around a 9-5 job.

Whether you're hanging shelves, doing laundry or decorating, there are plenty of platforms to help you find this type of side hustle. If you're good at DIY, house cleaning or home repairs, websites like TaskRabbit can help you take on tasks locally.

How to join the gig economy

This type of side hustle may require some existing skills and tools, especially if you're completing DIY tasks or assembling furniture. Other than that, there's very little investment needed. However, you might need transportation if you're going to be completing tasks in person and need to travel.

But is this type of side hustle a good earner? There's certainly potential, with TaskRabbit Taskers receiving 100% of their hourly rate and tips through the app's secure payment system. So not only will you not lose any money to the platform, but you'll get your cash within just a few days.

7. Rideshare driving

Got some spare time in the evenings or weekends, and want to make some extra income? If you're looking for a side hustle to pay off debt, becoming a rideshare driver could be the answer.

There are a few start-up costs involved, as you will need a car and gas to get around. Platforms like Uber and Lyft make it straightforward to become a driver and earn some extra money according to your schedule. You can even earn more money for different types of rides at peak times!

How to become a delivery driver

If you like driving and want to take on further money-making opportunities, on top of picking up rides you could boost your income with food delivery services like Uber Eats, DoorDash and GrubHub.

There are a few factors to consider when it comes to possible earnings, including your location, the time of day, promotion, tips and trip type. But if you enjoy driving and want to pay off debt quicker, this is a great side hustle option to consider.

What's even better is the ability to cash out your earnings up to six times a day! So you won't be waiting around to get that extra money in your pocket.

Contemplating a driving side hustle? These resources could help:

8. Flipping items

If you have an eye for spotting bargains, flipping items can be a lucrative side hustle to pay off debt. While this type of side hustle does require a little pre-planning, that initial time is well spent.

How to start flipping things for profit

Start by visiting thrift stores, garage sales or browsing platforms like Facebook Marketplace to find undervalued items that you can resell for a profit. If you've got a skill for upcycling, you can even give items a quick makeover to increase their chances of selling.

Common items to flip include furniture, sneakers, electronics and collectibles. You can even browse websites and apps like eBay, Vinted and Depop to find items for reselling.

But are there any setup costs to consider? Aside from your time to browse thrift stores and list items online, there are very few costs (apart from some selling fees on platforms like eBay) that could set you back. If you do choose to spruce up furniture items, there may be a few outgoings for tools etc if you don't have them already.

9. Renting out a spare room or car

Got some unused space at home? Renting out a spare room on a website like Airbnb could be a great way to bring in extra money. Alternatively, if you have a car you don't use often, you can rent it out through platforms like Turo.

If you're looking for a side hustle that requires very minimal effort, these could be the perfect opportunities. But are there costs to consider?

On Airbnb, you will be liable for booking fees, and you will need to consider the time spent to turn around your space ready for the next guest. However, if that extra room is simply sitting empty, why not earn some money from it?

How to rent a home through Airbnb

Many Airbnb hosts go above and beyond to photograph their properties and welcome guests, but if you're just looking to fill the odd few nights, there will likely be no need for a professional photographer. However, as a new Airbnb host, the platform could hold your payouts for as many as 30 days after your first reservation — so if you're looking for quick cash, this might not be the ideal side hustle.

10. Do online surveys

While taking online surveys is unlikely to make you rich, it can be a great side hustle for helping to bring in a little extra income. It all depends on how much time you have, and if working from home (and often your mobile phone) is important to you.

Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie and InboxDollars offer surveys and research studies that pay for your time. There are even opportunities to take part in focus groups, which can pay upwards of $50 per session.

Many of these websites allow you to earn points which you can later redeem for cash or as a gift card. However, they typically won't pay out instantly, so if you're looking to pay off debt fast, you're going to have to take payout rules into account.

Check out more about taking online surveys:

11. Sell digital products

If you have skills in design, writing or even education, you can easily create and sell digital products online. From ebooks to templates and printables, the opportunities are endless.

With Whop, we make it easy to sell digital products and services, all from one place. Whether it's a digital guide, a downloadable coloring book or even an online course, we've got you covered. Not only are there zero sign-up or monthly fees, but you'll keep up to 97% of your earnings — so you'll be hitting those debt repayments in no time.

Digital products as a side hustle

Once uploaded, these products can be an excellent passive income, so you can pay off debt and expand upon your side hustle all at the same time.

But what about costs? And potential earnings?

Well, with free stock imagery websites like Unsplash, your ebook won't require much more than your time and expertise. There are also plenty of free tools like Canva for creating your digital products, and Whop won't charge you a dime until you make a sale.

Learn more about maximizing your digital products:

12. House sitting

Much like pet sitting, house sitting can also be a great side hustle to help you hit your debt repayment deadlines. Websites like TrustedHouseSitters and HouseSitter can connect you with those who need their homes looked after.

You can even combine this service with pet sitting to make even more money. But how does it work? Well, if you're looking for extra income fast, you may have to wait for payouts.

How to make money house sitting

TrustedHouseSitters works on a membership format, with members paying a yearly cost to connect with those who require house or pet sitting, giving them the opportunity to stay in unique places around the world. However, there are other ways to provide this service.

To get started, try speaking to friends and neighbors who may benefit from this type of help. Once you have a few testimonials behind you, it can be easier to gain new clients through word of mouth. However, this type of side hustle takes a bit more dedication and time than others!

13. Mystery shopping

Got a little spare time and love shopping? Mystery shopping is a fun and easy way to earn extra cash around your day job. Many companies hire mystery shoppers to visit retail stores, restaurants and provide feedback on customer service phone lines.

Mystery shopping as a side hustle

Websites like Market Force and Secret Shopper offer assignments that pay you for making purchases, asking questions, and reporting back on your experience.

When it comes to start-up costs, there are very few. Most mystery shopping gigs will reimburse you for any required purchases, so the only thing you'll need to pay for is transport to wherever you're visiting.

Some tasks involve testing products or even staying in hotels, making it a flexible way to earn even more and pay off debt faster. You will need to check out how quickly each website allows you to withdraw your earnings, though.

14. Playing video games

Believe it or not, you can get paid to play games! If you're into gaming, this is the perfect side hustle to help you pay off debt. Platforms like Mistplay (for mobile gaming) and game-testing websites such as Playtest Cloud and KashKick will pay you for testing, playing and reviewing games.

Make money playing games

If you enjoy gaming, this could be a fun way to earn extra money and put it towards your debt repayments. This might not bring in a huge amount of cash, but it could be a great way to earn money in a hustle that has flexible hours.

Be wary of how often websites will allow you to cash out, as you may not be able to benefit from your earnings right away.

Now's the time to start a side hustle with Whop

Why wait to start earning extra cash and pay off your debt faster? The above side hustles can help you to hit your payments and clear your debt in no time.

Take things to another level and hit your financial goals with Whop. With Whop, you can easily turn your skills and passions into a profitable side hustle, helping you pay off debt in no time.

Whether you want to sell digital products like ebooks, checklists and guides or offer online courses, Whop can do it all. You can even package your services and sell your expertise on Whop as coaching services, masterminds, and mentorships. Our all-in-one platform makes it easy to get started — with no setup costs and no monthly fees. You'll even keep up to 97% of your earnings!

Why Whop?

💰 Earn up to 97% of your sales

📈 Scale your side hustle at your own pace

🎯 Sell digital products, courses, services, or memberships — all in one place

Want to master a side hustle and start paying off debt? Start your side hustle on Whop today.

Make money with Whop

Side hustles to pay off debt FAQ

Still got questions about finding a side hustle to earn some extra income and pay off debt? We've got the answers.

What is the best side hustle for paying off debt quickly?

Finding the best side hustle to pay off debt depends on several factors, including your skills, availability and how fast you need the money. Some side hustles can pay out pretty quickly, while others may hold your earnings for a short amount of time if you're new to a platform.

For example, rideshare driving and food delivery services allow you to cash out earnings quickly, while gig platforms like Upwork may hold your money until the work is fully complete and signed off.

Which side hustles require the least investment?

Freelancing, pet sitting, online tutoring and taking online surveys require little to no investment.

Many side hustles require access to a phone or computer and an internet connection, but aside from that, you won't need money behind you to get started.

Which side hustles offer instant/fast payouts?

Driving for Uber or Lyft, food delivery, selling items online, and some gig platforms like TaskRabbit allow you to withdraw earnings quickly straight into your bank account. Many of these services offer daily or weekly payouts.

How much can I realistically earn with a side hustle?

Earnings vary depending on the side hustle and how much time you can commit to it. Some people earn a few hundred dollars per month, while others make thousands. For example, freelancers on Upwork can charge $20 - $100 per hour, while rideshare drivers can earn $15 - $30 per hour.

Are side hustles taxed?

Yes, they are. Any extra income you earn is taxable, but expenses related to your side hustle (like gas for rideshare driving) may be deductible.

Will a side hustle help me find financial freedom?

It's totally up to you what the intention of your side hustle is. For some, a side hustle is a way to boost their full-time income, whether it's to pay off debt, save money for a holiday or simply earn extra income for a rainy day.

You can choose how much time and effort you put into your side hustle, and whether it stays as a side gig or gradually overtakes your full-time work to help achieve financial freedom.

Can I do a side hustle in my own hours?

Of course! The best type of side hustle has flexible hours that can fit around your full-time job. Whether you're creating digital products or driving for Uber, you can choose when you work and put time into your side hustle.

How do I balance a side hustle with a full-time job?

Whether you're building an emergency fund or trying to pay off a big tax bill, finding a flexible side hustle makes it a lot easier to balance with your normal job. Try to set clear time blocks for your side hustle, and choose gigs that naturally fit into your lifestyle to avoid burnout.

What is the debt snowball method and can a side hustle help me with it?

The debt snowball method involves paying off your smallest debt first while making minimum payments on the rest.

Once that smallest debt has been cleared, you simply roll the amount you were paying on it into the next smallest debt, creating a "snowball" effect. Having a side hustle can supercharge this process by providing extra income to throw at your smallest debt, helping you clear it much faster.