How to Start Making Money (Even If You’re Starting From Scratch)
Ready to stop just budgeting and start building real income? In this actionable guide from Capital and Budget, we break down 10 practical ways to start making money — even if you’re starting with zero dollars, no experience, and no clue where to begin. Whether you want to earn online, launch a side hustle, or monetize skills you already have, this article gives you realistic, beginner-friendly strategies to grow your income, hit your goals, and take control of your financial future.
Adetola Olukoya
7/1/20252 min read
Let’s be real: we all want to make more money — not just to survive, but to live well. Whether you’re trying to pay off debt, build savings, or finally take that trip to Tulum, earning extra income is key.
The good news? You don’t need a trust fund or a million followers. You just need strategy, consistency, and a little hustle.
Here are realistic, proven ways to start making money — online and offline:
1. Freelance Your Skills
Got skills in writing, design, social media, coding, or even translating? Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal are goldmines.
Pro tip: Make a clean portfolio on Canva or Notion. You don’t need to be a pro, just show results.
2. Start a Digital Product Side Hustle
Think: budget planners, templates, journals, Notion dashboards — if it's useful, people will pay for it. Use Etsy or Gumroad to sell.
3. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products you already use and love. Join affiliate programs like:
Amazon Associates
Impact
Rakuten Advertising
Shopify Affiliates
Just add your links to blog posts, social media, or YouTube videos.
4. Sell Stuff You Don’t Use
Declutter and make money? Yes, please. Use Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Poshmark to sell clothes, electronics, or old furniture.
5. Take Paid Surveys & Microtasks
Not a big earner, but it’s passive. Use:
Swagbucks
InboxDollars
UserTesting
6. Start a YouTube or TikTok Side Channel
Teach what you know, show your progress, or document your hustle. Monetize with ads, sponsorships, or digital product sales later.
7. Offer Local Services
Don’t sleep on the basics: dog walking, cleaning, tutoring, babysitting, car detailing. Old-school hustle still pays.
8. Print-on-Demand Business
Use platforms like Printful or Gelato to design apparel, mugs, phone cases, etc. No inventory needed. Just upload designs and promote.
9. Teach or Coach Online
If you’re good at something, someone will pay to learn from you. Try Teachable, Skillshare, or even IG Lives + digital courses.
10. Monetize What You’re Already Doing
Do you post on IG daily? Turn it into content strategy freelancing. Do you budget like a boss? Turn it into a blog or digital template store.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t have to wait to “feel ready.” The money isn’t going to just show up — but it will start flowing when you show up and stay consistent. Test, learn, improve, and don’t quit.
This is the mindset behind Capital and Budget: practical, real-world tips for building financial confidence and freedom.
Author
Adetola Olukoya
Adetola Olukoya is the founder of Capital and Budget, a personal finance blog focused on helping everyday people make smarter money decisions. With a background in tech and a passion for financial literacy, Adetola shares simple, actionable tips to help you grow your financial confidence.