How to Start a Low-Cost Side Hustle from Home (Even if You’re Broke)

Budget-friendly ideas that actually work—no big investments required

If you’ve been thinking about starting a side hustle but feel like you can’t afford to, I get it. Most of the “start a business” advice out there assumes you’ve got a few hundred dollars (or more) to throw at courses, inventory, or software. But the truth is, you don’t need a lot of money to get started—you just need the right idea.

Whether you're trying to build long-term income or just bring in an extra $100 this month, here are some low-cost, realistic ways to start making money from home. No fluff, no pressure, just practical options.

1. Resell Thrifted or Secondhand Items

This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start a side hustle with next to nothing. You can start by selling things you already own—clothes, books, home goods—on platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace.

Once you’ve got a little cash, you can start sourcing from thrift stores or yard sales. Focus on high-demand items like vintage clothing, quality denim, or small home decor pieces.

What you need: A phone with a decent camera, a free app account, and some natural light.

2. Offer Virtual Services (No Website Needed)

If you’ve got a skill—writing, social media, admin work, design, bookkeeping—you can start offering that service as a freelancer or virtual assistant. You don’t need a fancy website to begin. Just create a clean Google Doc or PDF of what you offer and promote it on LinkedIn, Instagram, or relevant Facebook groups.

You can also try platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find clients without doing all the marketing yourself.

What you need: A service to offer, an email address, and some hustle to get your first client.

3. Start a Print-on-Demand Shop

Print-on-demand is a great option if you’re creative but don’t want to hold any inventory. You design things like t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags, and a print-on-demand company handles the printing, packing, and shipping. You only pay once someone orders.

You can use sites like Printful (linked to Etsy or Shopify) or sell directly through marketplaces like Redbubble or TeePublic.

What you need: Free design tools like Canva or Kittl, and a free Etsy or marketplace account.

4. Sell Digital Downloads

This one has become super popular for a reason—it has low overhead and unlimited potential. Think: budget planners, digital art prints, templates, Instagram story sets, or journal prompts.

You create it once and sell it over and over. Upload to Etsy, Gumroad, or your own site. Pinterest is a great place to promote it.

What you need: Canva or Google Docs, and a platform to sell it.

5. Babysitting, Dog Walking, or Odd Jobs in Your Area

If you're open to offline work, offering services in your local area is still one of the quickest ways to make money. Apps like Rover, Care.com, or even your local community Facebook group are perfect places to start.

You don’t need to “start a business,” you just need one person to say yes.

What you need: A free profile and a way to promote yourself locally.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to have it all figured out or invest hundreds of dollars to start a side hustle. Start small. Start scrappy. Use what you already have and build from there. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

If you’ve been waiting for permission to try something new, this is it.