Outside is Calling (and Costing): Your Guide to Summer Side Hustles
- Letecia Griffin
- 58 minutes ago
- 17 min read
#SummerFunds #SummerFun #MindsetShifts #MultipleSourceOfIncome #MultipleStreamsOfIncome #SideHustle #PassiveIncome #ReferralIncome #CashBack #AffiliateMarketing #FinancialHouse #FinancialWellness
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I don't know about outside your window. But outside my window, Spring is here! To me, Spring has always been the dress rehearsal to the main event...Summer. Longer days and warmer weather mean we tend to spend a good portion of our time outside as summer takes hold. However, outside is expensive sometimes. When I think of all the activities and trips I would like to be doing this summer, all I can hear is the beep of those old-fashioned cash registers indicating that the price is going up, up, up. So while the time is ripe for it, let us gear up to earn a little side cash via a side hustle to fund those shopping sprees, festivals, and beach trips. Fortunately, there are plenty of options that will let us make money while doing virtually nothing or maybe something you actually like or love doing. Here are a few side hustle ideas from my vault to help you supplement your income this summer.
Cat sitter, sat meow
This idea is not my own. I 100% have my friend and former professor to thank for this one. She had called Easter weekend to check in and I shared with her how my mother and I had traveled three and a half hours away to witness my three-year-old niece's very first soccer game. And of course, because we are both cat people, this naturally led into a discussion about how my fur babies did while I was away. Being a new "cat mom," naturally my babies took the trip with me. We discussed how I couldn't stomach the idea of boarding them. Dr. Conti shared that for longer trips that I wasn't certain on taking them on, hire a cat sitter. This way, my babies aren't as stressed being in caged up in unfamiliar surroundings. They get to stay in their home element with someone coming in to replenish their food and water and cleaning their litter boxes. And because cats are so independent, the sitter wouldn't even need to stay with them the whole time. She shared that many vet techs have been using this as a means to earn additional income.
The Little Leagues Need You
Watching a bunch of 3, 4, and 5 year olds run around playing an "organized" sport was the endorphin release I did not know that I needed. And if where you live have different city leagues or travel ball teams, becoming an umpire might be a fun way to make some extra cash. Umpire associations often hold classes in the Spring to teach the job. If you can get on with a good travel ball league, you not only get to travel but earn a little extra money doing it. For more information, contact your local recreation department or check out sites like Umpires - Little League.
Tutoring, It's Not Just for Teachers
I didn't realize that for some teachers in some school districts, it is battle royale-like competition to be selected to teach summer school. Depending on the area, they can earn upwards of $50 per hour. Those not selected often can turn to the next best thing, tutoring. In this day and age, tutoring isn't just a vehicle to help those that may be falling behind or only helping those in your local geographic area. Thanks to the ever increasing competitiveness of magnate schools, specialty academies, and colleges, more and more parents are turning to tutoring to help their youngsters gain a growing edge against their competition. Add in technology, tutoring services aren't just limited to your immediate geographic region. With Google Meets, Skype, Zoom, and other video technologies, you can reach a wider range of students in your city, state, country, or even the other side of the globe.
Delivery Services and Ride Shares
Long gone are the days of being required to work for a business in order to deliver for them or transport their customers. Unlike traditional employment with fixed schedules, the advent of services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Shipt, GrubHub, Amazon Flex, Uber, and Lyft gives you have the power to choose when, where, and how often you work. Whether you're looking to earn extra cash during evenings and weekends, fill gaps between jobs, or build a schedule that fits around family responsibilities or other commitments, these apps put you in the driver's seat. You can log in and start earning when it suits you and take breaks or stop working as needed, offering a level of control rarely found in conventional jobs. After completing a ride or delivery, earnings are typically processed and made available to you on a regular basis, often weekly or even daily in some cases. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals needing immediate cash flow to cover expenses or achieve short-term financial goals (say hello to my condo at the beach for my beach vacay!).
Mr. Crabs here is going to help me address the elephant in the room. Time is money. No matter how much we like cats (or dogs if that's your jam), or how much we like helping to nourish growing minds, or how much we enjoy making money from the comfort of our own vehicles, each of these ideas in our build our summer fund line up requires us to give of our time. If you are working 8 hours a day, with a 1 hour lunch, and maybe the unfortunate luck of 1 hour commute to work and a 1 hour commute back from work, you may be in very low supply of time. Throw in family obligations and your time just dwindled down even further. If you have followed EnvisionCo Blog for any length of time, you know in just about all of my articles on finance, I consistently preach passive income. We need diversification of income sources without sacrificing all of our spare time. Here are a few ideas from my very own side hustle, passive income vault. And yes, every link to follow, is an affiliate link.
Swagbucks
Remember I began this article with sharing about my 3.5 hour trip to see my niece's first soccer game? Yeah, I earned money doing that here's how. Swagbucks. To be honest, I don’t take full advantage of everything Swagbucks offers—otherwise, I’d have earned a lot more by now. Swagbucks originally started as a survey platform, and surveys are still popular because companies are willing to pay for your feedback. However, I rarely use the survey feature (because that takes time). Instead, I’ve mainly earned free gift cards and cash for everyday activities I was already planning to do. For example, when I shop on Amazon or Walmart or book a hotel, I simply search for them on Swagbucks and get rewarded for using their links. By primarily using this method, I’ve earned $610 in cash back. There are plenty of other ways to earn Swagbucks (SB) too: you can shop online or in-store and upload your receipts, watch videos, play games, participate in daily trivia, use Swagbucks as your search engine, refer friends, and discover deals to earn points. You can redeem those points for gift cards to places like Amazon or Walmart, or even cash out via PayPal. If you want to give it a try, use my Swagbucks referral link to get started. When you sign up through my link, we’ll both earn a bonus 300 SB. If the link doesn’t work, just copy and paste this into your browser:
Now to reiterate how easy it is to earn Swagbucks, a few years ago, I had linked one of my credit cards (this is not a requirement). Years later, I went to eat at Burger King and used that same card. I automatically received an email that I was being sent Swagbucks because I had used the credit card I had linked to my Swagbucks. I didn't have to upload or do anything extra. It was automatic.
Disclaimer: I will receive SB directly from Swagbucks for each person who signs up using my link. However, once you have signed up, you too will be assigned a unique referral link and will have the ability to earn SB for each person you refer.
Upside
I've been using Upside for about two years, and I love its simplicity. It's a great app that partners with businesses to offer cash back. While you can find some grocery stores and restaurants, Upside is best known for helping you save on gas. Upside fights rising gas prices by offering cash back on every gallon you pump. I've seen offers as high as 14 cents per gallon! The best part is you can double dip by using Upside with a cash-back credit card and store loyalty programs. With consistent use, you can easily earn enough for a free tank of gas or more. Here's how it works:
Sign up with my Upside referral link. | |
2. | Enter promo code NT3G8 to get an extra $0.15/gal bonus on your first purchase. |
3. | Link your credit or debit card to the app (I only use a credit card, which I’ll explain later in this article). |
4. | Search the app for offers at gas stations and restaurants. |
5. | Check-in on the app when you arrive at a participating location. |
6. | Use your linked card to make your purchase (make sure to use the same card you linked to the app). |
7. | Upload a copy of your receipt to the app (though, if you check-in/claim the offer, it rarely asks for a receipt). |
You'll receive cash back that you can transfer directly to your bank account, PayPal account, or exchange for gift cards. I have shared this offer before and am bringing it to you all again because it works! I live in a rural area which has made it a bit trickier to find participating gas stations and restaurants, but I’ve managed to make it work. Since I began using Upside, I've cashed out a total of $182.90 to date. Currently, my account balance on Upside is $41.89. Again, I'm in the rural so I am not breaking the bank, but every little bit helps. Sign-up with my Upside referral link. Input promo code NT3G8 to get an extra $0.15/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase. https://upside.app.link/NT3G8
Disclaimer: I will receive a nod from Upside for any person who signs up using my link/promo code. However, once you have signed up, you too will be assigned a referral link/promo code and will have the ability to refer others too.
PayPal
PayPal isn’t just for sending money to friends or paying for goods and services. While I’m not sure how long this program will last, as of the time of writing, you can log into PayPal and refer friends, family, and others to their platform. If you sign up using my PayPal referral link, we can both earn $10 cash back (1,000 points) when you accept my invite and spend $5 within 30 days. There’s a limit of 10 referrals per year.
However, I’ve noticed that PayPal generally discourages posting referral links in public forums like this. They prefer you share your referral link through email or text message. If you use my link from here, there’s a chance neither of us will get the credit. So, if you don’t already have a PayPal account and would like to sign up, feel free to email me, and I’ll send the link directly to you. And when you refer others, make sure to share your link via email or text so both you and your referrals can receive the cash bonus. https://py.pl/1Dt3y4eTaz5
Disclaimer: I will receive 1,000 points (valued at $10) from PayPal for any person who signs up for a brand-new account with PayPal and spends $5 within 30 days. You too will receive 1,000 points (valued at $10).
Ally
Remember those sou-sous that were all the rave a few years ago? Did you ever get your payout? If you are like most people, the answer is probably no. So for many people, it sounds strange and a slightly bit scammish when I say, let the bank be your sou sou. But I'm not joking and this is no scam. The banks out here are in fierce competition for your dollars. So much so, that they are paying people to actively refer their friends, family, and networks to come join there bank. Though Ally is a newcomer to my affiliate marketing referral bonus lineup, Ally is not new to me. I discovered Ally in 2016 through bankrate.com when I was searching for a high yield savings account. The thing I most appreciate about Ally is their interest rate. Unlike my brick-and-mortar bank that pays 0.30% APY and I have to wait to receive an interest payment once every 3 months, Ally paid a higher interest rate, and I receive payment every month. I cannot recall what Ally's interest rate was when I first signed up for the account in 2016. I can say as of the writing of this article, my Ally savings account pays me 3.60% APY. I can also have different savings buckets depending on what I am trying to save for. For instance, I can have my main emergency fund but also a savings bucket for say a trip I would like to go on. After Ally emailed me about their new referral program, I somewhat wished I was in a position to sign up as a newbie. From now until December 31, 2025, you have the chance to have your bank pay you $100. Yes, you read that correctly. $100! Here is how to do it.
To earn your $100 welcome bonus, follow these steps: |
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Disclaimer: Ally does reward account holders for sharing with their friends and networks but I am limited to 5. Yes, only 5 referral sign-ups! As of the writing of this article I will receive $50 for any friend who signs up with my Ally referral link and follows the steps outlined in the table above. Will you be in my five?
SoFi
Ally is not the only bank out here sou souing. In fact, SoFi was doing it first. I almost feel that this offer needs no introduction because I have been hounding both my readers here and my followers on Facebook about this ALL YEAR LONG! I cannot promise that you will see large sums of money when you first start out because most likely you will not. I ask that you do see the long-term picture not the short-term picture. I have said it so many times and I will say it again here: Pennies makes dollars and dollars makes sense. To quote Morgan Housel, author of the New York Times Bestseller, (affiliate link) The Psychology of Money:
"Do people need to be convinced to save money? My observation is that, yes, many do. Past a certain level of income people fall into three groups: Those who save, those who don't think they can save, and those who don't think they need to save. This is for the latter two."
As of the writing of this article, with the SoFi Checking and Savings, you can earn up to 3.80% APY and pay no account fees. When you use my SoFi Checking and Savings referral link and fund your account with at least $50 in 14 days, you'll get a $25 bonus. SoFi also has an investing option. I personally hold my non-dividend paying stocks in my SoFi Invest account which I have had since June 2022. The amazing thing about SoFi Invest is that you can buy and sell stocks (or even pieces of stocks) with zero fees. My SoFi Invest comes with its own unique referral id link. When you use my SoFi referral link and open an active investing account with $50 or more, you'll get $25 in stock. Please note though, you have to choose between one or the other (checking and savings vs. invest account). SoFi will not payout a bonus for you signing up for both offers.
Disclaimer: SoFi does reward account holders for sharing with their friends and networks. The bonuses have shifted from month to month but as of the writing of this article I will receive $75 for any friend who signs up with my SoFi Checking and Savings account link. Or, for any friend who signs up with my Sofi Invest link I will receive $50 in stocks. However, once you have signed up, you will be given your own referral link and you can earn for any sign-ups you refer.
SoFi
I usually try to stray away from debt as much as possible. But in some instances, SOME instances, debt makes sense. And in those incidences where debt makes sense or is the only option, make sure that the debt benefits you in some way. So please keep that in mind as we explore this and the next offer. Okay? SoFi has several other referral programs. They each come with their own referral links and they each involve debt. Please remember, SoFi only allows you to sign up for ONE offer and receive a cash back bonus. Meaning if you sign up for the Sofi Checking and Savings and get your bonus, you can't in turn sign up for any of the following offers and also get a bonus. Nope. They don't allow it. So consider your life, your financial circumstances, and choose your offer carefully.
Need to pay down high-rate debt? Consider a SoFi Personal Loan. When you sign up for a SoFi Personal Loan using my referral link, we both earn a $300 bonus from SoFi. Please note, SoFi will be running a credit check prior to funding a loan for you.
Have thousands in student loan debt and desperately in need of refinancing? Consider a SoFi Student Loan Refinance. When you sign up for a SoFi Student Loan Refinance using my referral link, you'll earn a $300 bonus from SoFi.
Have hundreds of thousands in medical or dental student loans and desperately in need of refinancing? Consider a SoFi Medical or Dental Student Loan Refinance. When you sign up for a SoFi Medical or Dental Student Loan Refinance using my referral link, we both earn a $1000 bonus from SoFi.
Finding yourself shy of a few credits and need to take summer classes but you've ran out of financial aid? Consider a SoFi Private Student Loan. When you sign up for a SoFi Private Student loan using my referral link, we both earn a $300 bonus from SoFi.
Chase Visa
Yes, I’ve included yet another debt instrument in this article but hear me out. There’s a responsible way to use a credit card. Personally, I use my Chase card to pay for things I already have to cover each month, like gas, groceries, car insurance, and my cell phone bill. Instead of using cash or checks, I charge these expenses to my credit card. Why? Because of the cashback rewards. With my card, I earn 1% cash back on all purchases, and every quarter, there’s a 5% cashback bonus on selected categories chosen by Chase. If you sign up using my Chase referral link and get approved for a Chase Freedom Unlimited card, I’ll earn $50, and you can also benefit—by earning $250 after spending $500 within the first three months. The cash back programs vary by Chase card. Read the details on each of their offerings and choose the card that works with YOUR needs and lifestyle. Learn more at: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/18m/MF6JA7HFX1
One thing I really value about my Chase card is the ability to monitor my credit for free. But even better, I can stack rewards. Remember when I mentioned Upside? I link my Chase card to Upside, which allows me to earn cashback rewards from both Upside and my Chase card. Even better, during quarters when Chase includes gas stations in the 5% cashback category, I’m earning rewards in both directions. However, if you don’t have the discipline to avoid unnecessary spending, this offer may not be for you. The bonus cash isn’t worth it if you can't stick to using the card only for essentials like gas and utilities.
Disclaimer: I will receive a nod from Chase for any person who signs up using my link, but I am limited to 10. Yes, only 10 referral sign-ups! As of the writing of this article I will receive $50 for any friend who signs up with, my Chase referral link and gets approved. However, when you spend $500 in 3 months, Chase will send you $250.
Amazon Associate Affiliate Program
The purpose of today's article is to introduce ways for you to begin earning side income to help you fund your summertime adventures. The last idea in our line up is joining the Amazon Associate Affiliate Program. is one of the first in my lineup. If you are active on social media and have a decent sized following and support through engagement on your pages, then becoming an Amazon Affiliate might be a good fit for you. The Amazon Associates Affiliate Program offers a fantastic opportunity to earn passive income by promoting products on your website or social media channels. As an affiliate, you can earn a commission on each qualifying purchase made through your unique affiliate link.
This program provides access to a vast product catalog, reliable tracking and reporting tools, and a competitive commission structure. Additionally, Amazon's brand recognition and trust can help drive traffic and conversions to your affiliate links, making it a lucrative option for individuals and businesses looking to monetize their online presence. The best part, there is no inventory for you to stock, ship, or track. You identify products you know, love, and use that your audience may be interested in. You post the links to those products on you social or business pages and you are done.
For example, you may have read my article, "Refill Your Cup: 3 Simple Self-Care Activities for a Mindful Recharge." And if you haven't ready it, well honey you should! Within this article, I shared my self-care plan for the week. In that article I discussed my plan of drinking afternoon tea, reading for enjoyment for at least 15 minutes, and showing myself some self-appreciation by journaling the good about myself. So how would one use something as innocuous as a self-care article as an Amazon Associate? Product recommendations. Rather than just say this is what I am good to do (drink tea) I could offer that my audience join in and order their tea to participate as well. Get your (affiliate link) peppermint tea and join me on a path relaxation. Rather than just say that I am going to read, I can share what I am reading. Get lost in the story with me; get your copy of (affiliate link) "Sunrise on the Reaping: A Hunger Games Novel." Rather than just talk about journaling, I can challenge my readers to grab their designated journal and join in the appreciation train. Don't have a journal just for showing self-appreciation? No problem; make your journaling experience extra special when you order the (affiliate link) VICTORIA'S JOURNALS Leatherette Vintage Journal Hard Cover Lined Notebook Old Looking Travel Diary.
You didn't have to stock, ship, or track the tea. You didn't have to stock, ship, or track the book. You didn't have to stock, ship, or track the journal. You simply write the article one time or post to your social media and wait for the clicks to pile in. Just be sure to clearly notify your audience that you are an Amazon Affiliate and that you may earn commissions from their clicks. Amazon and the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) requires such statements/disclosures.
Okay, okay. I know I have gone and done it again. I got all long winded on you. Now let me turn it over to you. Your turn. What are some of your favorite ways to earn additional income. Drop a line or 2 or 10 (hey whatever you feel) in the comment section below. I'd love to hear from you. So, as the days lengthen and the siren call of summer adventures grows louder, remember that funding those sun-drenched dreams doesn't have to break the bank. Whether you choose the active route of sharing your time and skills or opt for the more hands-off approach of passive income streams, the opportunities to bolster your summer coffers are plentiful. The key is to identify what aligns with your available time, your interests, and your network. Now, armed with these ideas from my vault, go forth and cultivate your own financial springtime, ensuring that when summer truly arrives, you'll be ready to embrace all its joys without the constant "beep, beep, beep" of rising costs dampening your fun. The season of sunshine and adventure awaits – let's make sure our wallets are ready to shine just as brightly. Please remember as you begin this journey, do not worry about getting it perfect; just get it going. Until next time. Happy reading.
"And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer." ~F. Scott Fitzgerald
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