How to Make $60 a Day From Home and Locally

Earning $60 a day can significantly supplement income, contribute to savings, or assist with daily expenses. This target is achievable through various flexible methods, leveraging existing skills or available resources.

Online Earning Methods

Online platforms offer diverse opportunities to earn income from home, providing flexibility. These methods leverage digital connectivity to connect individuals with tasks, clients, or students.

One accessible path involves online surveys and micro-tasks, completing short assignments or providing opinions for market research. Platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), Branded Surveys, Survey Junkie, and Swagbucks offer these opportunities. Earnings are generally low per completion, often a few cents to a few dollars, requiring consistent volume to reach a daily income goal. Payments are commonly distributed through points redeemable for cash via PayPal or gift cards.

Another online earning method is providing freelance services, such as writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, or data entry. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com serve as marketplaces where individuals can create profiles, showcase skills, and bid on projects or offer predefined services. Upwork, for example, charges a 10% service fee on earnings. Freelancers typically set their own hourly rates or agree upon fixed project fees. Building a portfolio and accumulating positive client reviews can enhance earning potential.

Online tutoring and teaching present a viable way to earn income remotely, catering to students seeking academic assistance or language instruction. Platforms such as Chegg Tutors connect tutors with students across various subjects. Tutors generally earn an hourly rate, which varies by subject and qualifications. Most platforms facilitate payment, handling transactions and often taking a percentage as a service fee.

Individuals engaged in these online earning methods are considered self-employed independent contractors, responsible for their own taxes. If net earnings from self-employment exceed $400 in a tax year, individuals are required to pay self-employment taxes, covering Social Security and Medicare contributions. Income and deductible business expenses, such as internet service or home office costs, are reported on Schedule C (Form 1040) when filing annual tax returns. If a self-employed individual expects to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year, estimated tax payments must be made quarterly to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to avoid penalties. These payments can be made online through IRS Direct Pay or by mail with Form 1040-ES.

Local Service Opportunities

Earning income through local service opportunities often involves direct interaction and physical presence. These roles leverage personal vehicles, specific skills, or a willingness to assist others.

Delivery services, including food, groceries, and packages, offer flexible earning potential for individuals with a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle. Platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart connect drivers with customers. Requirements typically include being at least 18 years old, possessing a valid driver’s license, having auto insurance, and passing a background check. Earnings are usually calculated per delivery, often supplemented by customer tips, and can be paid out weekly or daily. Instacart shoppers, for example, report average hourly earnings between $15 and $25.

Rideshare driving, through services like Uber and Lyft, provides another avenue for local income, requiring a personal vehicle that meets age and condition standards. Drivers must be at least 21 years old, have a valid U.S. driver’s license, and pass a background check. Earnings are determined by factors such as distance, time, and surge pricing, with tips contributing to pay. Rideshare companies typically charge a service fee, ranging from 25% to 35% of the fare.

Providing pet sitting or dog walking services appeals to animal lovers. Platforms like Rover and Wag! facilitate connections between pet owners and service providers, or individuals can find clients through local advertising. Services range from daily dog walks ($15-$30 per walk) to overnight pet sitting ($20-$50 or more per night). Compensation is received directly from clients or processed through the platform, which may deduct a service fee.

Odd jobs and handyman services address various local needs, from yard work and moving assistance to minor household repairs or furniture assembly. Platforms such as TaskRabbit enable individuals to offer skills and set their own rates. Opportunities can also be found through community bulletin boards or local social media groups. Earnings are typically negotiated directly with the client.

Individuals providing these local services are also considered self-employed. They must track all income and relevant business expenses, such as vehicle mileage, fuel costs, and platform fees. These expenses can be deducted on Schedule C (Form 1040), reducing taxable income. Self-employment tax obligations and estimated tax payments apply as described previously. Accurate record-keeping of income and expenses is essential for proper tax reporting.

Selling Items

Selling physical items offers a tangible way to generate income, from decluttering personal belongings to reselling or creating handmade goods. This approach focuses on identifying value in existing items or producing new ones for sale.

One straightforward method involves selling unused household items through decluttering. Items like clothing, electronics, or furniture can be sold on various platforms. Online marketplaces like eBay and Facebook Marketplace provide broad reach, while local consignment shops or garage sales offer in-person transactions. When listing items online, clear photographs and accurate descriptions are important, and pricing involves researching what similar items have sold for. Gently used items might be priced at 50-75% of their original retail price. eBay charges a final value fee, typically around 13.25% of the total sale amount.

Reselling, or “flipping,” involves purchasing items at a low price and selling them for profit. This includes sourcing goods from thrift stores, clearance sales, or online deals. Key platforms include eBay and Amazon FBA for larger operations. Success relies on identifying items with clear resale value and understanding market demand. The one-third rule suggests pricing used items at roughly one-third of their original retail value if in excellent condition.

For individuals with creative skills, selling crafts or homemade goods presents another opportunity. Platforms such as Etsy cater to handmade products, while local craft fairs provide direct sales. Identifying a unique niche helps attract customers. Pricing handmade items considers material cost, labor, and overhead expenses. A common pricing strategy aims for at least a 100% markup over cost to cover expenses and ensure profit. Platforms like Etsy charge listing and transaction fees, which must be factored into pricing.

Income from selling items is subject to tax considerations. Casual sales of personal items for less than their original purchase price are generally not taxable. However, if the activity is conducted with intent to profit, such as reselling or selling handmade goods as a business, the income is considered business income. This income, along with deductible expenses like cost of goods sold, platform fees, or shipping supplies, must be reported. Payment processors, like PayPal or Venmo, may issue Form 1099-K if sales meet certain thresholds, such as $5,000 for 2024. Individuals engaging in these selling activities as a business are typically self-employed and are subject to self-employment tax and estimated tax payment requirements if their net earnings exceed applicable thresholds, as described previously.