How to Make an Extra $100 a Week

Many individuals seek ways to supplement their income, whether to manage rising costs, save for significant purchases, or build a financial safety net. Earning an extra $100 per week is an attainable goal that can significantly impact personal finances. This amount, totaling over $5,000 annually, offers flexibility for various financial objectives. Achieving this can provide funds for unexpected expenses, contribute to debt reduction, or simply increase disposable income for discretionary spending.

Selling Items and Offering Direct Services

One practical approach to earning extra income involves monetizing existing assets or personal skills through direct transactions. Selling unwanted household items can provide immediate cash with minimal effort. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist are suitable for local sales of larger items such as furniture or electronics, avoiding shipping costs and facilitating direct pickup. For clothing, accessories, or collectibles, online marketplaces like eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari offer a wider audience, though they typically involve shipping and platform fees. Clear photos and accurate descriptions help ensure successful transactions.

Beyond decluttering, some individuals engage in reselling, often referred to as “flipping.” This involves acquiring undervalued goods from sources like thrift stores, garage sales, or estate sales and reselling them for a profit. Success in reselling relies on identifying items with hidden value and understanding market demand. This method requires an initial investment of time and sometimes capital to source inventory.

Offering personal services directly to clients leverages existing skills without needing extensive setup. Services like pet sitting, dog walking, or babysitting are often in high demand within local communities. Clients can be found through word-of-mouth referrals, local community groups, or flyers posted in neighborhood establishments. Trust and reliability are paramount for these services, often leading to repeat business and steady income.

Other direct services include house cleaning, yard work, or handyman tasks, which cater to a broad local need. These services benefit from direct client relationships and can be advertised through community bulletin boards or local online forums. Tutoring, whether for academic subjects, music, or specific skills, can be provided in person or through direct online arrangements with clients.

Engaging in the Gig Economy

The gig economy offers numerous opportunities to earn extra income through established, app-based platforms that connect individuals with specific tasks or services. Rideshare driving, facilitated by platforms like Uber and Lyft, provides flexibility, allowing drivers to set their own hours. Requirements include a vehicle meeting certain age and condition standards, a valid driver’s license, and passing a background check.

Food and grocery delivery services, such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Instacart, also offer flexible earning potential. Individuals can sign up to deliver meals or groceries using their car, bicycle, or scooter. The process involves accepting orders through an app, picking up items, and delivering them to the customer. These platforms provide a steady stream of opportunities, especially during peak meal times or weekends.

Task-based applications like TaskRabbit or Handy connect users with clients needing assistance with various chores and projects. These tasks can range from furniture assembly, minor home repairs, and cleaning to running errands. Users can browse available tasks in their area and select those that match their skills and availability. These apps streamline the process of finding local work, offering a convenient way to monetize practical abilities.

Exploring Online Tasks and Freelancing

Remote, internet-based income opportunities provide flexibility and can be pursued from home. Online survey sites and microtask platforms, such as Amazon Mechanical Turk, Swagbucks, or Prolific, offer small payments for completing various digital tasks. While individual tasks may pay a minimal amount, consistent participation can accumulate to the target weekly income. These platforms require diligence and a willingness to complete repetitive assignments.

Virtual assistant (VA) work encompasses a wide range of administrative, technical, or creative tasks performed remotely for clients. Common VA duties include data entry, email management, scheduling appointments, or providing customer support. Individuals can find VA opportunities through freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, or by connecting with specialized virtual assistant agencies. Building a portfolio of services and skills can help attract higher-paying clients.

Online content creation, writing, and editing offer opportunities for those with strong communication skills. This can involve writing articles, blog posts, website content, or providing proofreading and editing services for online clients. Many freelancing platforms cater specifically to writers and editors, allowing individuals to bid on projects or set their own rates. Developing a niche, such as technical writing or creative content, can enhance earning potential.

Online tutoring connects educators with students remotely. Platforms like Chegg Tutors, TutorMe, or Skooli facilitate these connections, allowing tutors to provide instruction in academic subjects, languages, or other skills. Tutors typically set their availability and work with students via video calls and interactive whiteboards. This method offers a flexible way to leverage expertise from any location with an internet connection.

Transcription services involve converting audio or video recordings into written text for various clients. Platforms specializing in transcription often provide the necessary tools and training. This work requires strong listening skills, attention to detail, and fast typing speed.

Tax Considerations for Supplemental Income

Income earned from supplemental activities, whether selling items, offering services, or engaging in gig work and freelancing, is generally considered taxable income. If your net earnings from self-employment reach $400 or more, you are typically required to pay self-employment tax. This tax covers Social Security and Medicare contributions, calculated at a rate of 15.3% on 92.35% of your net earnings. The Social Security wage base for 2025 is $176,100.

Keeping detailed records of all income and associated business expenses is crucial for accurate tax reporting and minimizing your taxable income. Common deductible expenses vary by activity but can include:

• Vehicle mileage (tracked using the IRS standard mileage rate)
• A portion of your cell phone and internet bills
• Vehicle maintenance and insurance
• Platform fees and shipping costs
• Supplies (e.g., cleaning supplies, tutoring materials)
• Home office expenses
• Software subscriptions and professional development courses

If you expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the year, you may be required to make quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS using Form 1040-ES to avoid underpayment penalties. For 2025, payment apps and online marketplaces are generally required to issue a Form 1099-K if payments for goods or services exceed $2,500. Additionally, platforms may issue a Form 1099-NEC if you earn $600 or more for services rendered.