Starting a side hustle as a couple can be a fantastic way to pursue financial freedom together. With two sets of skills at your disposal, you can divide tasks according to your strengths and combine your resources to handle startup expenses.
Today, there are numerous side hustle opportunities for couples, ranging from quick cash gigs to launching a full-fledged small business. Let’s explore some of the best side hustles for couples looking to embark on this journey.
13 Best Side Hustles For Couples
1. Start an Etsy Shop
Creating and operating an Etsy shop as a couple offers an exciting way to generate extra income if you’re both crafty and creative. Etsy is a popular digital marketplace for unique, handmade products, and setting up your own shop is a straightforward process. After deciding what to sell, you can customize your shop’s appearance to match your brand. High-quality products should be your focus, but don’t overlook the importance of effective promotion. You can tailor your shop’s page to your liking, adding photos, banners, and welcome messages to engage buyers.
While Etsy provides a platform for your business, it’s not entirely free. You’ll incur fees for listing items and transaction costs. Additionally, consider expenses related to shipping and materials when setting your prices. With dedication and the right approach, you can turn your Etsy shop into a profitable side hustle, all while expressing your creativity as a couple.
2. Invest in Real Estate
Investing in real estate as a couple can be both financially rewarding and enjoyable. You don’t need to be experts; platforms like Fundrise and Arrived Home offer accessible entry points.
Fundrise lets you start with just $10, pooling your money with other investors to acquire undervalued or high-growth potential properties. As these properties appreciate over time, you receive returns on your investment.
Arrived Home, on the other hand, focuses on rental properties, allowing you to purchase shares and earn from rent payments and property appreciation, with a minimum upfront investment of $100. It’s important to note that real estate investments require patience, as returns typically accrue gradually. By embarking on this venture together, you can build a passive income stream while strengthening your financial future as a couple.
3. Become Virtual Assistants
For couples seeking a work-from-home side hustle, becoming virtual assistants offers a versatile and profitable option. Virtual assistants take on a range of tasks, including data entry, bookkeeping, scheduling, and more, for clients in various industries.
The beauty of this side hustle is its adaptability. You can tailor your services to match your skills and experience, ensuring a good fit with clients whose needs align with your expertise. As virtual assistants typically work as independent contractors, you can choose short-term projects or handle multiple low-volume clients simultaneously.
As a couple, you have the option to divide tasks for a single client or manage separate client accounts. This flexibility allows you to leverage your unique strengths effectively. To start your journey as virtual assistants, explore platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, where you can find potential clients, or consider joining VAnetworking.com to connect with opportunities in the virtual assistant field.
4. Monetize Social Media
If you and your partner are passionate about social media, consider turning your online presence into a rewarding side hustle by becoming influencers. This endeavor can be both enjoyable and financially fruitful. Social media platforms offer significant income opportunities through brand partnerships.
When you collaborate as a couple, you can broaden your reach and attract a more diverse audience, as you may appeal to different demographics. Whether you opt to start a YouTube channel, focus on Instagram or TikTok, or target Facebook, choose the platform that aligns best with your brand and content.
However, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations. Unless you already boast a substantial following, making a substantial income will take time. The key to success is understanding your audience, maintaining consistency in your posting schedule, and consistently delivering high-quality content. While it may not bring in quick cash, the potential for long-term financial rewards makes this side hustle appealing for social media enthusiasts.
5. Become Sitters
Becoming sitters is a flexible and rewarding way for couples to bolster their income while aiding others. You can delve into babysitting, house sitting, and pet sitting – or even all three concurrently. Sitters can earn competitive hourly rates, and thanks to online platforms, finding regular gigs has become convenient.
Care.com is a notable platform that offers access to a plethora of opportunities, spanning childcare, senior care, housekeeping, and pet sitting. You can choose roles that align with your qualifications, and payment rates vary based on your location and the nature of the services you provide.
For those with a fondness for dogs, Rover is an ideal choice. It stands as one of the largest marketplaces for pet sitting and dog walking. Rover claims that you can pocket up to $1,000 monthly by walking or sitting for canine companions, with even greater earning potential if you offer overnight boarding services.
6. Start an Online Business
Starting an online business is a fantastic side hustle for couples seeking extra income. It’s a modern twist on the classic mom-and-pop shop. Moving your business online is cost-effective, allowing you to pursue your passion without the hefty expenses of a physical store. Online business possibilities are diverse, spanning e-commerce, consulting, online courses, and more. But success hinges on a solid plan, encompassing marketing, logistics, and customer service.
As business owners, you’ll be in control, with ultimate responsibility resting on your shoulders. However, the potential rewards are substantial. Although achieving success demands dedication, it’s an excellent path for couples aspiring to transform a side hustle into a full-time career.
7. Rent Your Space with Airbnb
Renting your space on Airbnb is a lucrative side hustle for couples with a spare room or a vacation home. As the world’s leading peer-to-peer rental platform, Airbnb offers an excellent opportunity for consistent extra income. To get started, create a compelling listing by including high-quality photos and comprehensive descriptions with all available amenities.
To attract your initial guests, consider setting an attractive introductory rate. Your earnings will depend on factors like location, space size, and amenities. Positive reviews from satisfied guests can help you secure higher rates over time.
Cleanliness is paramount for your Airbnb listing, so investing in professional cleaning services can be worthwhile. You can even add a cleaning fee to your bookings.
By delivering exceptional hospitality and continuously improving your listing based on guest feedback, you can transform your extra space into a profitable side hustle with Airbnb.
8. Start a Blog
Starting a blog is an ideal side hustle for couples looking to earn extra cash while expressing their passions and expertise. Much like social media influencers, bloggers with a substantial following can tap into affiliate marketing opportunities.
To succeed, focus on two critical aspects: niche selection and search engine optimization (SEO). Find a niche that’s currently underserved to stand out in the competitive blogosphere. Implement strong SEO strategies to improve your blog’s visibility on search engines, attracting new subscribers. Quality content is paramount, as engaging and informative posts are more likely to retain readers and attract a loyal audience.
Blogs have evolved into versatile platforms, allowing you to diversify your content with photos, videos, and podcasts. This flexibility accommodates a broader range of interests and audience preferences, enhancing your earning potential through various monetization avenues.
9. Get Cash Back with Rakuten
Rakuten is an ingenious way for couples to earn extra cash, especially if time is a precious commodity. If you and your partner are frequent online shoppers, you’re essentially leaving money on the table by not using this platform.
Rakuten operates as an online shopping portal that profits through affiliate marketing. In simple terms, Rakuten partners with hundreds of brands actively seeking customers and connects them with savvy shoppers like you. Here’s the kicker: Rakuten earns a commission when you make a purchase, and they generously share a portion of that commission with you as cash back.
The best part is that Rakuten is entirely free to use. When you become a member, you even receive a sign-up bonus, and payouts are issued quarterly. This hassle-free method of generating extra cash can significantly impact your finances, especially if online shopping is already a part of your routine. It’s a smart and effortless way for couples to pad their pockets.
10. Take Online Surveys
If you and your partner are looking for a flexible side hustle that can be done from the comfort of your couch, taking online surveys is a great option. While it won’t replace your full-time job, it’s an easy way to earn some extra money during your downtime.
Sign up for reputable survey sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie, which offer a variety of paid opportunities for market research. Getting started is free and straightforward.
Keep in mind that not every survey will be a perfect match for your demographic, so you may not qualify for all of them. However, for each completed survey, you’ll earn a payout that accumulates in your account.
Most survey platforms have a minimum threshold that you need to reach before you can cash out your earnings. Common options for cashing out include PayPal payments or receiving Amazon gift cards.
To maximize your earnings, consider referring friends and family to these survey sites. Some platforms offer one-time referral bonuses, while others provide a percentage of what your referrals earn on the site. Swagbucks, for example, offers ongoing referral incentives to boost your income further.
11. Sell items on Craigslist or eBay
Selling items on Craigslist or eBay is a fantastic side hustle for couples looking to declutter their space and earn extra cash. It’s a win-win situation because not only does it help you organize your home, but it also puts money in your pocket. Whether you have unused clothing, old electronics, furniture, or collectibles, you can find a market for your items on these platforms.
Craigslist is ideal for larger items like furniture and allows you to sell almost anything. You can negotiate prices directly with buyers, and the best part is that Craigslist doesn’t charge fees for processing payments, so you get to keep all the cash you earn.
For a broader audience, eBay is the way to go. It offers a massive marketplace with millions of potential customers worldwide. However, keep in mind that eBay does take a percentage of your sales through listing and transaction fees. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in packaging and shipping costs when determining your selling prices.
12. Become Freelancers
Freelancing is an increasingly popular side hustle option, especially with the growing trend of remote work. As freelancers, you and your partner can work independently from any location, offering a wide range of services and earning a substantial income over time.
The appeal of freelancing lies in its diversity. Whether you’re skilled in writing, graphic design, or proofreading, there are clients seeking your expertise. However, breaking into freelancing can be challenging, especially without prior experience. To start, leverage your existing network – people who know you are more likely to give you a chance, enabling you to build your portfolio quickly. Initially, you might consider offering your services at a lower rate to gain experience and credibility.
To find freelance opportunities, you can register on popular platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, where you can connect with potential clients and bid on projects that match your skills. Freelancing allows couples to combine their talents and pursue projects together, making it a flexible and potentially lucrative side hustle.
13. Drive for Uber or Lyft
Becoming Uber or Lyft drivers as a couple is a smart way to generate extra income if you have a car. This side hustle is particularly advantageous if you reside in a bustling urban area where there’s a constant demand for rides. Both platforms pay drivers per completed ride, which means the more you drive, the more you earn. This flexibility makes it an excellent fit for couples with different work schedules. While one partner is at their primary job, the other can hit the road, essentially doubling your income potential.
To kickstart your ride-sharing journey, you’ll need to apply and pass a driving background check. It’s also essential to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and meets the minimum insurance requirements. The key to maximizing your earnings is to drive during peak demand times, such as late evenings when bars close or during major events. Being responsive to these fluctuations in demand allows you to be there when people need a ride, increasing your income.
These 13 side hustle ideas aren’t for you? Don’t worry. Just visit the Side Hustles Database to explore more options. To discover which side hustle suits your personality and goals, you can also take the side hustle quiz.
FAQs About Side Hustles for Couples
1. What are the best side hustles for couples in 2023?
In 2023, the best side hustles are often online and location-independent. Remote work has never been more flexible, and the internet opens up various opportunities. The ideal side hustle for your relationship is one that you both excel at and genuinely enjoy. Leverage your strengths and create a solid plan to turn them into extra income.
2. What types of side hustles can couples do together?
Couples can explore a wide array of side hustles together. While we’ve outlined some options in this post, the possibilities are vast. Consider activities you both enjoy – could any be turned into a profitable venture? Starting with your shared interests increases the likelihood of finding a successful side hustle.
3. Which side hustles offer the highest earnings potential for couples?
Earning potential depends on your skill set. Generally, the highest-paying gigs require specialized training or expertise, such as consulting, high-end freelancing, or selling high-quality original art. However, if you lack a lengthy resume, don’t be discouraged. There are countless creative ways to make good money. Thinking outside the box and exploring innovative opportunities can yield financial success.
4. How do we balance our side hustle with our relationship?
Balancing a side hustle with your relationship is crucial. Communicate openly about your goals, set boundaries, and allocate dedicated time for your hustle. Quality time together is essential, so plan date nights and downtime. Remember, your side hustle should enhance your life, not strain it.
5. Are there tax implications for couples with side hustles?
Yes, there can be tax considerations. Keep records of your income and expenses, and consider consulting a tax professional. They can help you navigate tax deductions and ensure you’re compliant with tax laws in your area.
Conclusion
In conclusion, side hustles need not be solitary pursuits. Partnering up with someone you trust, especially in a relationship, can bring tremendous benefits. Money is a topic that often occupies our thoughts, whether it’s for saving, tackling student loans, or simply having extra cash. Collaborating on a side business as a couple offers an opportunity to not only navigate joint finances but also to grow together and work towards your financial goals.
Perhaps the perfect side gig will even pave the way for one or both of you to bid farewell to your day jobs for good. Armed with this starting point, seize the opportunity to embark on this joint venture, and you may discover that your relationship becomes even stronger as a result.