Raising kids is expensive, and thinking about their future—college, first car, or even helping them start a business—can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t have to choose between covering today’s bills and saving for their future. A side hustle can help you bring in extra cash, and with smart planning, you can invest a portion of that money so your child won’t need to rely on student loans later on.
Why Side Hustles Matter for Parents
A side hustle isn’t just about making extra money—it’s about financial flexibility. Whether you need to cover monthly expenses, pay off debt, or set aside money for your child’s future, having an additional income stream can provide security and peace of mind.
Here’s how you can start a side hustle, balance your expenses, and invest towards your child’s financial future.
Best Side Hustles for Parents & How to Get Started
Finding the right side hustle depends on your skills, interests, and availability. Here are some of the best options and how you can get started quickly:
1. Freelancing (Writing, Graphic Design, Virtual Assistance, etc.)
If you have skills in writing, design, data entry, customer service, or administration, freelancing can be a flexible way to earn extra money.
How to Get Started:
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Create a profile on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
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Showcase your skills by completing small gigs and building a portfolio.
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Join Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities where businesses seek freelancers.
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Set your rates competitively and increase them as you gain experience.
2. Selling on Etsy or Print-on-Demand
If you’re crafty or good at designing, selling handmade goods or digital products on Etsy can bring in extra income.
How to Get Started:
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Open an Etsy shop and list your products (printable planners, digital art, handmade crafts, etc.).
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Use platforms like Printify or Redbubble to sell t-shirts, mugs, or home décor without managing inventory.
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Promote your shop on social media or through Pinterest to drive traffic.
3. Driving for Rideshare or Delivery Services
Apps like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart offer flexible schedules so you can work around your kids’ routines.
How to Get Started:
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Sign up on the app of your choice and complete the background check.
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Choose peak hours (lunch, dinner, weekends) to maximize earnings.
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Track your mileage and expenses for tax deductions.
4. Teaching or Tutoring Online
If you have expertise in a subject, you can tutor students online through platforms like VIPKid, Wyzant, or Preply.
How to Get Started:
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Sign up and complete any necessary certifications or assessments.
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Set your rates based on your expertise and experience.
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Schedule sessions during evenings or weekends when you’re free.
5. Renting Out Extra Space or Items
If you have a spare room, you can list it on Airbnb. If you own tools, baby gear, or even a car, consider renting them out on Neighbor, Turo, or Babyquip.
How to Get Started:
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Take high-quality photos of what you’re renting.
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Set competitive pricing and clear guidelines for renters.
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Use secure platforms that offer insurance protection.
For more ideas on great side hustles, check out this guide from the Penny Hoarder.
Turning Side Hustle Cash Into Long-Term Security for Your Child
Once you start earning extra income, the next step is making sure it works for your child’s future. Instead of letting the money sit in a regular savings account, here’s how you can maximize its impact:
1. Cover Immediate Needs While Allocating a Portion to Investments
It’s important to balance everyday bills while saving for the future. A simple approach is the 50/30/20 rule:
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50% for essentials (bills, groceries, childcare)
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30% for discretionary spending (family activities, entertainment)
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20% for savings & investments (your child’s brokerage account, emergency fund)
Even if you can only set aside $25 a month towards investing, starting early can lead to significant growth over time. Check out this free budget calculator from Nerd Wallet.
2. Open a Brokerage Account for Your Child
Opening a brokerage account for the first time can feel overwhelming, but it’s simpler than you might think. First, you’ll need to choose a brokerage firm that aligns with your goals—look for one with low fees, user-friendly platforms, and investment options that fit your risk tolerance. You’ll need to provide personal information like your Social Security number, employment details, and banking information to fund the account.
Mostt makes this process easy by providing a seamless, parent-friendly platform designed specifically to help you invest for your child’s future, ensuring they have a strong financial foundation without relying on student loans.
3. Automate Contributions
Many parents hesitate to invest because they think they need a large sum to start. The truth is, even small contributions add up. Setting up an automatic monthly transfer—even just $25—ensures you stay consistent in building your child’s financial future.
4. Take Advantage of Compound Growth
The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow. A $25 monthly investment over 18 years could potentially turn into thousands of dollars, depending on market growth. This could help your child cover tuition, start a business, or even buy their first home. For more information, check out this guide from Yahoo Finance.
5. Teach Your Child Smart Money Habits
As your investments grow, involve your child in the process. Teach them about saving, investing, and budgeting so they develop healthy financial habits early on.
Your Side Hustle Can Change Your Child’s Future
By taking advantage of side hustles and smartly investing your extra income, you can set your child up for financial success without sacrificing your current needs. The key is consistency—small, regular investments add up over time, reducing their reliance on student loans and giving them a strong financial foundation.
Start today—pick a side hustle, set your earnings goal, and begin investing in your child’s future. Every extra dollar invested now is one less they’ll have to borrow later!
