Let’s be honest, every summer starts with “I’m going to save money,” and ends with you checking your bank account like…how did that happen?
Between going out, random Target runs, iced coffee every single day and just trying to enjoy your life, money disappears fast. And not everyone wants to spend their entire summer stuck in a strict nine-to-five. Here are 10 ways to make extra cash without completely ruining your summer.
- Babysitting or Pet Sitting
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This is one of the easiest ways to make money. Families always need help in the summer, and pet sitting is even more low-key. You’re basically getting paid to hang out, either with cute pets or hopefully enjoyable kids.
- Sell Clothes You Don’t Wear
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I know everyone’s closet is full of clothes long forgotten about. Old game day shirts, dirty frat pants, even retired formal dresses. Apps like Depop and Poshmark make it incredibly easy to turn old clothes into quick cash. Not only is it low effort, but it feels like free cash…Girl Math!
- Work at a Coffee Shop or Boutique
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If you do want a “full” time summer job, there are many other options – and they don’t have to be boring. Coffee shops, local stores or even small boutiques have more relaxed vibes, with the ability for flexible hours that can make it feel like you’re not actually working.
- DoorDash or Instacart
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If you have a car, apps like DoorDash and Instacart allow you to work whenever you want. Even just a few orders/hours here and there add up. You can make it enjoyable by inviting your friends along for the ride.
- Tutor or Help with School Work
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Parents are always looking for help over the summer. If you’re good at a certain subject, you can make solid money just helping someone for a few hours a week.
- Offer Social Media Help
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Small businesses love it when someone can help with Instagram or TikTok. If you’re already on your phone anyway, you might as well get paid for it.
- House Cleaning or Organizing
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This sounds boring, but it pays well. A lot of people just want help resetting their space, especially in the summer.
- Be a “Go-To” Errand Person
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Running errands, setting up for parties and helping with random tasks – people will pay for convenience. Once you help one person, word spreads fast.
- Sell Notes or Study Guides
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If you are a good student or even someone who has really nice handwriting, don’t let this go to waste. People will pay for organized notes, study guides or even help preparing for classes you may have already taken.
Even on Etsy, you could do custom invitation orders.
- Pick Up Random Gigs
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Think: lifeguarding, hosting at a restaurant, working events or even helping at summer camps. These jobs are usually short-term and a lot more fun than you would expect.
At the end of the day, you don’t need to overcomplicate it. You’re not trying to build a full career; you just want extra spending money. Even doing one or two of these consistently can make a huge difference.
Constantly checking your bank account and stressing? Not the summer vibe.