Not knowing how — or if — you'll make it to your next paycheck before a big bill lands is a different level of stress. Unexpected expenses, inflation, or a baby on the way can all add more to your monthly spend, not to mention your daily stress.
How much would an extra $100 a day change the picture for you? If you could swing it five days a week, that's $2,000 a month and $24,000 a year. For most people, $100 a day is a real target, a goal they can achieve with a bit of time and commitment (plus the right strategy).
We're not talking about get-rich-quick schemes or passive income schemes, either: this post will show you realistic, legitimate ways to earn $100 a day. These solutions don't require specific training or special certifications. Each one uses a mix of time, skills, knowledge, or resources you may already have.
If you need legit ways to bring in $100 a day (or more) without going back to school or earning a certification, this guide is for you. We're talking:
This guide shows you legit, tested options that could be fast, sustainable income solutions that can lower stress and help you get ahead. We'll show you a range of options so you can find one that works with the time you have available.
Before we jump into our top ways to bring in $100 a day, let's set some ground rules.
If you have access to a computer and the internet, then you've already unlocked access to thousands of opportunities to bring in extra cash. But we know the options can be overwhelming. Don't sweat, we've got you.
Start with these proven categories to find inspiration on how you can start making money online.
You may be able to use skills you already have to make money online as a freelancer.
Do you love to write? Are you constantly tinkering with graphic design in Canva? Are you a pro on social media?
What about general office work, like scheduling meetings and taking care of basic office tasks?
Freelancers do all these things every day online, for tons of companies. Getting started can feel like the hardest part. It might take some time to make connections and build up a client base, but it's definitely possible to make $100 a day as a digital freelancer.
Good sites for getting started with freelance writing, graphic design, social media management, and virtual assistant services include:
These three are great options for getting started. Many more specialized marketplaces exist, but they usually require experience or a portfolio.
Pro tip: Many professional freelancers don't charge by the hour. Charging by the project or, in some cases, by the day can help you make more money in less time — especially if you're quick.
Not the creative type? No problem: other types of online work don't require creative skills or advanced software knowledge.
Each of these options has strengths and weaknesses: you'll still need some experience or subject matter knowledge to excel as a VA or tutor. Pay can vary quite a bit based on experience and clientele, and you might have to be available at specific hours for certain gigs (like after school for tutoring).
Microtasks don't pay that well, but you can usually complete them in practically no time, making microtasks a top way to earn cash in an hour. Keep in mind that many microtask platforms are being used to train AI, and pay can be all over the place, so the rate on some sites may not be worth it for everyone.
The internet has changed the way people buy and sell. Sellers can reach millions of viewers, and buyers can find unique and niche items in moments. Compared to 30 years ago, today's digital marketplaces can be an incredible opportunity. You just have to find the right thing to sell.
One option you could explore is reselling items you find at closeout shops, yard sales, and local marketplaces. The trick is finding items people don't want (or don't value), then finding audiences who do.
Some people go a step further with reselling: they upcycle items. Granted, this may require having (or the willingness to learn) a skill, but it can be profitable. Some people find old furniture, refinish it, and sell it for a nice profit, while others turn old denim into bags or jackets.
Print-on-demand can be a solid option, especially if you have graphic design skills and you like to stay up on the latest trends and viral moments. T-shirts, mugs, bags — it's simpler than ever to get your ideas and designs onto products, and you don't even need to make them yourself. Sites like Shopify, Printify, and Amazon Merch on Demand handle all the printing and shipping for you.
Is there anything you're passionate about, or do you have specialized knowledge in a specific area? If so, you may be able to sell digital products based on what you know. For example, this would work well for teachers: they have a background in designing lesson plans, so they could create and sell them online to other teachers. If you find a good market niche, ebooks, templates, digital planners, or online courses can be very profitable (and you won't have to spend much upfront).
These options can be a little riskier than other money-making methods. You'll either have to spend money or time up front, and there's no guarantee the stuff you find or make will sell. On the plus side, higher risk means higher potential reward, as you only have to make an online course or a T-shirt design once and can continue to sell as long as you want.
If you'd rather work in the physical world, here are a few ways to pull in $100 a day.
If you have a car (or even a bike if you live in a city), money-making gig apps can be a great way to earn some extra cash. We're talking about rideshare apps, like Uber and Lyft, and delivery apps, like Uber Eats and DoorDash. Many cities and regions have other local gig apps, so be sure to check what's available near you.
Keep in mind that new gig drivers don't always factor in the cost of gas or the wear and tear they'll put on their ride. These are real costs that can cut into your earnings, so make sure to think about net earnings — how much money you make after expenses like gas, vehicle maintenance, and even taxes.
Pro tip: Most apps charge different rates depending on congestion, time of day, and demand. Staying available during those peak times is a smart way to make more cash in fewer trips.
Instead of doing digital work for people far away, consider using your skills or your free time to do in-person tasks for people near you. This could look like help around the house, lawn care, dog-walking and pet care, and pet- or house-sitting.
Tons of busy people want help with these things — all you have to do is find them. Try posting flyers or business cards on community bulletin boards or going door to door. Nextdoor, an online community-based forum, is also a good option.
Pro tip: Instead of focusing on hourly rates, focus on the value and convenience you provide. Flat rates per dog walked or lawn mowed can give you more money per hour worked than if you charge by the hour. You can also bundle services ("I'll walk your dog and feed them for $xx") to earn more money. Using tactics like these, you'll have an easier time hitting that $100 mark faster.
You can also find app-based marketplaces for many of these services:
If you have anything lying around that you no longer want or need, consider selling it on local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Toys your kids have outgrown, clothes you don't wear anymore, and furniture that doesn't fit your space or style are just a few items people sell on Marketplace all the time.
Got stuff with a little more value to it? Listing on a bigger marketplace that isn't tied to your community might be a smarter move (think eBay or OfferUp).
Flipping items you find at garage sales and thrift stores can be lucrative if you have an eye for it.
You may also consider renting out items for temporary use, like power tools, camping gear, movie projectors (and a sheet), or anything else that you only use occasionally. Someone may be glad to rent from you rather than buy something they'll only use once in a while.
Different options for making money behave differently. For example:
Think through how each method will work for you. Do you need something quick and reliable? Or is it more important to set up long-term income streams, even if they don't pay consistently right away?
If you need quick money to cover an unexpected bill, then fast "time/skill in exchange for money" jobs are the right choice. You can always explore a cash advance app like Klover to supplement cash temporarily during times of immediate need, but if you're trying to boost your income long-term, go for a sustainable option (like print-on-demand or selling digital products).
Of course, you don't have to choose just one, and many people get the best results by mixing both approaches.
You're already juggling a job, plus a dozen other obligations that demand your attention. How can you make these tactics work if you don't have much time to invest?
Side income is a powerful way to take some pressure off your finances, but timing gaps between paychecks can still happen. If you're living month-to-month or week-to-week, a surprise car repair or medical bill that hits between paydays can cause stress.
Cash advances through cash advance apps like Klover are one option to help you get through short-term squeezes. These aren't the way to get extra income — cash advances must be repaid. But they can be a great way to bridge the gap when you need money before your next scheduled paycheck.
Klover offers fee-free cash advances based on income you've already earned but not yet received. You can use Klover to access part of your earned wages early. The best part? You can use Klover while you keep working on boosting your overall income using the strategies we've laid out in this post.
Learn the five steps to getting paid early with a cash advance.
We wish we didn't have to say it, but plenty of people and organizations prey on those looking for legitimate ways to earn a little extra cash.
Watch out for red flags like these:
Above all, trust your instincts: if something seems fishy, do some investigating before moving forward. Sticking to proven, legitimate paths and platforms can save you all kinds of headaches.
If you're looking for ways to make extra money, you're doing a good thing. More income now is a good way to build toward long-term financial stability. But many good side-income strategies won't help if you're facing a short-term gap right now.
Cash advance apps like Klover help you cover expenses while you build up your cash flow. Klover can help you cover short-term needs by paying you some of your earned wages in advance. With good planning, you can avoid getting caught in a debt cycle, as Klover cash advances automatically pay themselves back when your paycheck arrives, with no fees or interest.
Need help covering a short-term gap? Download Klover now and get your cash advance.
Yes, in most cases, money earned through side hustles, freelance work, or gig jobs is considered taxable income. Readers should be aware that they may need to track earnings, set aside money for taxes, and report income, depending on where they live and how they earn it.
Additional income may impact eligibility for certain public benefits or assistance programs. Readers should consider how side income is reported and check specific program rules before relying on extra earnings.
There are situations where earning extra income isn't immediately possible due to timing or personal circumstances. In those cases, short-term tools like fee-free cash advances can help cover urgent expenses while readers work toward a more consistent income.
Both approaches can work depending on personal preference and schedule. Multiple small hustles can offer flexibility and reduce risk, while focusing on one main option can make it easier to build efficiency and predictable income over time.
