5 Ways to Make Extra Money in 2017

It’s a new year and it’s time to find ways to make 2017 better than the last. For many of us, one surefire way to improve this year is to improve our finances.

Whether you’re seeking ways to prepare for retirement, saving for an epic vacation, or “simply” striving to dig your way out of debt, earning additional income is a great way to improve this new year – and it’s surprisingly easy!

While there are literally hundreds and hundreds of ways to make money in your spare time, the majority of these activities fall into five categories:

1. Pick up a flexible job

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a college student, a retiree, or an avid travel, there are many ways that you can make extra money with part-time work: both online and off.

While a traditional job requires you to work set hours, there are many stable income options that give you flexibility. From driving for Uber to finding a full-time remote job, you can make a full-time living without confining your schedule with a 9-5 job.

2. Start freelancing

Another great way to make extra money – and potentially even start a successful business – is to freelance. Anything that can be done on a computer can be done as a freelancer. From writing, to video editing, do design work and accounting, you can make a steady income by freelancing for businesses.

Although freelancing is similar to a remote job in many ways, freelancing gives you more control over your schedule, the type of work you do, and the workload that you take on. Plus, if done right, a freelancing gig can turn into a full-time business with your own employees.

3. Find something to sell

Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to find products to sell. Whether you make items and advertising them on Etsy, import products from other countries to sell on Amazon, join a (non-spammy) MLM company, or buy items at flea markets to sell on eBay, the sky’s the limit.

Millions of Americans make a full-time living selling products through sites like those mentioned above, or their own online stores built with Shopify or WooCommerce. By finding something that you’re passionate about, and promoting it heavily to your social network and acquaintances, you can very quickly become a successful entrepreneur.

4. Get serious about blogging

Another fantastic way to make extra income is to start a blog. Although blogging isn’t easy, making money with a website is certainly possible. There are hundreds of referral programs that you can join, in addition to affiliate programs like ShareASale and FlexOffers.

All you need to do is join a few programs with products you value (such as Amazon) and mention these products on your blog! The moment your friends and family start making purchases through your links, you make money!

Although it takes some time to significantly monetize a blog, you can start making a few bucks here and there from day one. And it doesn’t have to take long before you’re earning $1000+ a month – just like Emily. If you don’t already have a blog, I certainly recommend that you get started right away.

5. Invest the money you already have

One of the keys to becoming wealthy is to make your money work for you. While many people spend their time working for money, the rich find ways to invest – allowing them to earn without putting in their own time.

So, as you focus on making more money, don’t forget to find valuable ways to invest the funds you already have – in the stock market or through a variety of other millionaire investment strategies. Eventually you may get to a point where your full-time income is fully replaced by your investment returns!

How will you grow your wealth in 2017?

Starting a million-dollar business may not be a feasible objective for most of us this year, but making an extra grand a month in the evenings and on weekends is very doable. All it takes is a willingness to invest the time.

Based on the ideas above (or others that we’ve missed), share how you plan to increase your income in 2017! We’d love to be inspired by your ideas and follow along with your journey.

Author Bio: Robert Erich writes about the digital nomad lifestyle on MoneyNomad.com and discusses personal finances topics for InvestmentZen.com. When not working or exploring the world, he enjoys meeting new people and discussing epic business ideas.