How to Make Money in 2019

We live in a time better than ever to make money.

For the most recent update, read 23 ways to make money on the side in 2023.

In 2018, I shared 18 ways to make money plus I gave monthly updates on how much I made with side hustles, you can read all of them here.

Disclosure – we use affiliate links for products and services we use and recommend.

From Home

I know for most readers being able to make money from home is the most beneficial, especially if child care is an issue.

I have shared 43 ways to make money as a single mum and 51 ways to make money from home. Below are the most popular options.

1. Blogging

The most profitable option for me over the years but it isn’t for everyone.

I started years ago but still think it’s a great way to make money if you are dedicated, focused on providing value to your readers and have a plan.

Personally, I recommend having a self-hosted WordPress site with SiteGround (all my sites are with them).

Check out full details on how to make money with blogging and how to set one up here.

Ads, sponsored posts, your own products and affiliate links are the most common ways bloggers make money.

Many also offer services such as coaching, consulting, marketing, virtual assistant services or copywriting.

2. Online Surveys

You can find my list of the best Australian online survey sites here.

We’ve tested them all and retest regularly to ensure you will get paid, see how much you’ll be paid and the different ways you can make extra money from them.

My favourites have been Octopus Group, Swagbucks and Prize Rebel lately but there are more here.

3. Rent A Room Out

If you have the space renting a room can be super easy.

Use Airbnb, rent to a boarder, use share room groups, list it on Gumtree or rent to someone you know.

Personally, Airbnb and renting to people I know has been the best option for me.

Check out this post if you do want to use Airbnb for my top tips.

Airbnb is free to join and list, you’ll only pay a fee if someone books and stays at your place.

However, more cities are cracking down on short term accommodation so check the laws in your area.

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4. Rent Out Your Garage

As a single mum in Sydney, I rented my room to another single mum to run a business.

At other times I rented my garage on Spacer.

Most of the time I made $50+ a week which was easy money since I didn’t have to do anything for it.

5. Resell Things

In 2017, I did the #2017FlipChallenge where Gary Vee talked about making money through buying things to resell.

In my first month, I made nearly $3,000. By my 4th month, I was making over $10,000 a month.

I’ve scaled back on this for a few reasons (I travel too much and make money other ways).

You can find my top tips here.

6. Rent Out Your Car

If you live somewhere central, renting your car out through platforms such as Uber Carshare can be an option.

I’ve used it a lot as a customer but haven’t rented my car out personally.

I’d recommend trying it as a customer-first (get $15 off to do that here), see if you like it then rent your car out.

I only recently got a car but it’s something I am looking into.

7. Writing

Freelance writing is one option for making money by writing at home.

Many places need regular content and with some qualifications, a portfolio and experience you can start making good money.

Check out this post for tips to make money with freelance writing.

Alternatively, create your own eBooks and share them on Amazon as well as other sites, have your own blog, ghostwrite for other people and look at all your options.

8. Virtual Assistant

If you have admin skills, know anything about social media and are organised there are a variety of options for you.

Virtual Assistants do everything online others need.

It can range from answering emails through to booking travel arrangements, scheduling social media, doing marketing and any number of things.

Services you offer will depend on your experience and expertise.

Don’t offer a service you can’t manage but do always look at ways to increase your skills.

Check out this post for more information.

9. Referrals

Lots of companies offer a referral bonus when you get them new clients.

Typically, if you use a service they might have a refer a friend option which gets your friend a discount and you credit or cash.

Check the companies and services you use to see which ones offer a refer a friend bonus.

10. Cashback Sites

Cash Rewards is my favourite because they have an app and an extension you add to Chrome.

Then when you are shopping online it pops up telling you how much cash you can get back with that purchase by activating Cash Rewards. Join free here.

Another one is Honey which scans the net for coupons and discounts to use on your purchases. It’s free to join here.

11. Flip Websites

I discovered this as an option in 2014 when others I knew were doing it and I had the opportunity to buy a few sites.

The Thrifty Issue was originally purchased with the intention of flipping it but I ended up really loving the community here and wanted to keep it.

When I am looking at sites to flip I check all the statistics from traffic to revenue, DA and other scores.

I need to know their reputation, contacts and community so I can work out if it will be easy for me to increase the income and resell it.

I lean towards finance sites as that is what I know and usually buy them for a few hundred and resell for thousands.

You can use Flippa to buy and sell websites or you can promote them elsewhere privately.

Outside the house

Working from home is one thing but if you can work outside of the home there are even more opportunities.

Many of these can be done in conjunction with the work from home options too.

12. Get A Second Job

It sounds basic but don’t dismiss it!

If you are paying down debt, saving for a house or need money for whatever reason, getting a second job can really help.

Weigh up the pros and cons for your situation including tax, a decrease in family tax benefits, the cost of childcare etc.

But also include the benefits such as other work experience, the potential to train in a new area or gain more skills, more money into superannuation etc. It is not as simple as most think.

As for jobs, hospitality and retail are two with fairly flexible hours and support workers in various industries such as disability don’t require qualifications.

Have a look at job sites or LinkedIn to get an idea of what would suit your lifestyle and potential income.

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13. Odd Jobs

Domestic chores such as cleaning, ironing and babysitting are always in demand, as are chores such as lawn mowing, gardening and similar work.

Alternatively, check out the odd jobs listed on Airtasker to find tasks which suit you or browse Gumtree to see what people need done.

You’d be surprised at what people will pay you to do.

14. Uber/Carshare

I don’t recommend this option so much because from everyone I have spoken to the income isn’t worth it.

Uber takes such a big cut, you are driving around, there is wear and tear on your car. It really gets tricky and there is no guarantee of income.

However, if you like driving, have a relatively new car and want to make a bit of cash when you aren’t doing other things, it might be an option for you.