Side Hustles That Thrive in High-Inflation Economies

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Inflation has fallen quite a bit since its highest point in 2022, but the current annual inflation rate is still 3%, which is still well above the Fed’s 2% target. So, if you’re struggling to afford your grocery bills and rent, you’re not alone. 

If you’re looking for ways to bring in extra cash to support you and your family, try these side hustles that thrive even in high-inflation economies. 

Become a Freelancer On The Side

Regardless of what the economy looks like, businesses will always need people to help them with things like content, branding, and social media engagement. So, if you have solid skills in writing, graphic design, or any other type of service that’s in demand, you can offer them on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or LinkedIn. One perk about being a freelancer is that you can set your rates and, typically, your hours as well. 

Resell and Flipp Stuff Online

When prices are going up and budgets are tight, people want affordable options, which means there will typically be more people looking for second-hand items instead of buying new. That also means reselling and flipping can be a solid way to bring in extra income. 

You can thrift clothes, furniture, or electronics, fix them up, and sell them on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Depop.

Work for Food Delivery and Rideshare 

Even though some people may cut back on ordering food and taking rideshare during inflation, the demand will never fully disappear. Many still rely on these services for commuting or getting their groceries delivered, especially those with super busy schedules or limited transportation options. 

So, if you own a car, consider signing up for Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash to earn extra cash in your free time. 

Become a Tutor or Offer Online Courses

When the economy tightens, people will start looking for ways to upskill themselves to find higher-paying jobs. If you’re an expert in a specific subject like graphic design, coding, statistics, or math, sell your knowledge as a service. You can offer your tutoring services on sites like VIPKid and Wyzant or by selling courses on Udemy or Teachable.

Become a Virtual Assistant

Many small businesses and entrepreneurs need help with administrative tasks like managing emails, scheduling, or bookkeeping. So, if you’re pretty detail-oriented and don’t mind doing these tasks, consider becoming a virtual assistant (VA). Plus, being a VA lets you work from home without committing to a full-time job. You can find clients on platforms like Belay, Fiverr, Fancy Hands, and Upwork. 

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

People aren’t giving up on their pets just because the economy is rough. In fact, many are probably working longer hours to make ends meet, so they’ll need someone to walk their dogs or watch their pets when they’re at work. Plus, independent sitters typically charge less than big pet care businesses. 

If you love furry babies, become a pet sitter or dog walker to supplement your main income. You can offer your services on platforms like Rover or Wag. 

Sell Digital Products

If your main job takes up most of your time and you want a side hustle that doesn’t require that much ongoing effort, selling digital products is a solid option. You can create printables, e-books, Instagram carousel templates, Notion templates, or social media content packs and sell them on Etsy or Gumroad. Once you’ve created a digital product, you can sell it millions of times without having to put in extra work. 

Find Ways To Bring In Extra Income 

Inflation makes life harder for everyone, but it’ll also force you to get creative with making money. And the good news is that there are plenty of ways to up your income, especially if you focus on services that will always be in demand, no matter what the economy looks like. 

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