Money shortages are common for many people these days. In fact, if you’re like me, your list of needs is bigger than your checkbook.
Of course, the solution to that problem is often cutting back certain areas of your budget. While that can help, what do you do when it doesn’t solve the problem? For some couples, there’s only one answer: bring in more money.
Unfortunately, there are only a few ways to make that happen. One way is to ask for a raise at your current job. Another is to change occupations, or even careers, completely.
If your other half isn’t currently working, the solution might be to have that person get a job. But what if you’ve already thought of, or done, as many of these ideas as you can possibly do? What comes next?
A second job, or side hustle, might be the answer. But that option comes at a price. You may lose out on time spent together with your partner, spouse, or family. If your time is already limited, how can you fit in an extra job?
What if I told you there are side hustles you can do as a couple? Check out some of these ideas to make money alongside your favorite person.
1. Childcare Service
Do you love kids? Starting a weekend or evening childcare service is one of the side hustles you can do as a couple. It’s also a great way to spend time with your own kids, if you have any.
You’ll still get to spend time together at home as a family, along with a few additional playmates. What’s more, you get to choose who, and how many, kids you want to watch over.
As a couple, you’ll have the benefit of two sets of eyes and hands to handle all of the duties. You’ll also be able to care for more kids than if you were providing care alone. That spells more money in your bank account.
Providing this type of service on the weekends and evenings fills a gap in the childcare community. Most daycare providers want their evenings and weekends free. This makes it difficult for working parents to find care givers to cover those hours. You can cash in on that and fill open slots without difficulty.
Licensing to provide childcare isn’t hard, although rules can be different in each state. Make sure you check with the Department of Health and Environment in your state to follow all regulations.
2. Pet Care
Finding ways to spend time with your family isn’t the only concern when you add more work hours. How about spending time with your pets? If you love animals, another of the side hustles you can do as a couple is to provide pet care.
Pet care is kind of a broad term, though. It could mean simply dog walking for other animal owners. Or, it could entail dog sitting for people who are working or traveling for several days.
If you have the skills and tools you could also provide pet grooming services together as a couple. Another benefit is that, like with childcare, pet care provides opportunities for your fur babies to interact with other animals.
Pet care can be a lot of fun. It’s also a great side hustle to make extra money for you and your significant other.
3. Commercial and Residential Painting
To bring more income into your budget you could start a weekend painting service. This is one of the side hustles you can do as a couple that could be a lot of fun. Obviously it helps if you’re like me and you like to paint.
Many businesses appreciate workers who can paint over the weekend when their business isn’t open to the public. Furniture and merchandise may need to be moved making it hard for them to be open when renovations occur.
As far as painting residentially, some owners prefer to be present when this type of work is done. They may wish to oversee the job. Or, if they have trust issues, they may not want to leave painters unattended in their home during the week.
That’s where you come in. Not all painters are willing to work evening or weekend hours, whether commercial or residential. Once again, this allows you and a partner to fill a void others are unwilling, or unable, to fill.
4. Catering or Baking
Need another idea? One of the side hustles you can do together is catering or baking. If you love to cook together, why not turn that passion into a way to increase your income?
Start by giving out samples to others or hosting an event of your own. Give out business cards and ask for referrals. Once you get started, word of mouth will most likely gain you lots of business and extra money.
Clearly, there are lots of different side hustles you can do as a couple or family to make more money. The great thing is that you can use your skills to make money and use it however you see fit. Pay off debt, invest, or simply increase your net worth. No matter the reason, there are plenty of side hustles you can do to increase your income.
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Trupti Patel says
Hello,
I really the idea of catering or baking because if we do this, we can spend time with our partner and earn at the same time. This is a great post. Keep sharing more such articles in the near future.
Jeanne says
Thank you!
Anna says
As an architect, commercial and residential painting is the best work for me. I love painting and it works as a stress buster for me.
Jeanne says
That’s great that you can make money and relieve stress at the same time!
Stephen says
It’s really a great post. But, I think the painting one is not too effective as we have to move outside, and the cost for travel expenses will be quite high. But, the other concepts can be useful.
Jeanne says
I’m glad you find at least part of it useful!
Simon says
This is a great post. My partner and I like to do car boot sales here in the UK on the weekends. I don’t know if they have them in the US. They are basically like a yard sale, except that instead of emptying the contents of your garage onto your front yard, you empty it into your car and drive to a muddy field with lots of other people who have done the same. You then empty it out and other people come along and buy your unwanted stuff. Just don’t be tempted to walk around and buy everyone else’s unwanted stuff. Otherwise, you won’t make any money!
Jeanne says
That’s an interesting idea, Simon! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that. However, we do have flea market sales with multiple people and vendors. They kind of do the same thing – take all of their stuff to one location for people to come and shop.
Sara says
Great post, Jeanne. I think blogging or starting a Pinterest business account can be great for a couple.
McKinzie says
This is such a great list with lots of ideas I hadn’t thought of. My husband and I have worked together to build up our blogs and next we are hoping to get into real estate investing. It is so exciting when you can work together towards a common goal with your partner.
Kathy Haan says
My husband has been a stay-at-home dad for about 7 years now. With our little guy heading to Kindergarten, he’s been itching to do something. I really enjoy making candles and bath supplies for fun, so he’s going to give it a go. 🙂
Jeanne says
That’s great! It can be really fun and rewarding both financially and in your relationship to do side hustles together. I hope you guys have success in both!