You’re juggling a lot: groceries, gas prices, daycare, school activities—and now you’re thinking about your kid’s future.
College. A car. Their first apartment. You want them to have a better financial start than you did. But when the paycheck hits and bills are paid, there’s not much left to set aside.
What if we told you that you don’t need to overhaul your life to invest in your child’s future? That even a few extra dollars a week—earned from a simple side hustle—can be the start of something powerful?
That’s exactly what families across the country are discovering. And it doesn’t take a business degree or 20 hours a week. It just takes a small shift in strategy.
Why Side Hustles Make Sense for Families
Side hustles often get a bad reputation—people think they require late nights, endless energy, and loads of technical know-how. But for many families, side hustles are becoming a lifeline—not to survive, but to build something lasting.
Here’s why side hustles are perfect for funding kids’ investments:
-
They’re flexible – Do them when it fits your schedule.
-
They’re scalable – Start small, grow over time.
-
They’re purposeful – Every dollar you earn has a destination.
-
They build habits – Modeling hard work and money management for your kids.
With the right plan, you can use side hustle income to open and fund a long-term investment account that grows with your child—and with you.
How Much Do You Need to Start?
Let’s bust a myth: You don’t need to earn thousands a month.
Thanks to the power of compound interest, even $25 to $100 a month can grow into thousands over time.
For example, investing $50/month for 15 years at a 7% annual return could result in nearly $15,000 by the time your child turns 18 [Investor.gov].
Apps like Mostt make it easy to get started with just $25. You can open an account in minutes, choose an investment portfolio, and automate contributions from your side hustle earnings.
Easy, Realistic Side Hustles for Busy Parents
You don’t have to launch a YouTube channel or become a delivery driver (unless you want to!). Here are family-friendly, flexible ideas that real parents are using to grow their kids’ investments.
1. Sell Items You Already Own
Your house is probably full of value—if you know where to look. Clothes that no longer fit. Baby gear collecting dust. Toys your kids have outgrown.
List them on platforms like:
Parent tip: Let your child help with photos, descriptions, and pricing. Deposit the profits into their Mostt account and show them how it grows.
2. Freelance From Home Using Your Skills
Got a talent for writing, spreadsheets, Canva, or organization? Turn that into money.
Start with platforms like:
Freelancing examples:
-
Resume editing
-
Basic logo design
-
Virtual assistant work
-
Creating templates for teachers or parents
Just two small projects a month can cover your child’s monthly investment.
3. Flip Free or Low-Cost Finds
Flipping is a low-cost, high-reward side hustle.
One parent shared on Reddit’s r/Flipping how they turned a $10 nightstand into a $75 sale with just a coat of paint and new knobs.
Search for:
-
Free curbside furniture
-
Estate sales
-
Thrift stores
Then list them on Craigslist or OfferUp after a little cleanup.
This side hustle is perfect for involving kids, too—sanding, painting, even learning to take “before and after” photos.
4. Teach or Tutor Online
Parents are always looking for help with learning—and you don’t have to be a certified teacher.
Teach via:
-
Outschool – Great for creative classes (drawing, Roblox, music, etc.)
-
Wyzant – Perfect for tutoring
-
VIPKid – Teach English online (now limited to non-China programs)
Even teaching one hour per week at $25–$30/hour = $100+/month for investing.
5. Offer Local Services (With Your Kids!)
Don’t overlook low-tech, neighborhood-based ideas:
-
Pet sitting or dog walking
-
House cleaning for friends
-
Yardwork or snow shoveling
-
Errand running for seniors
Bonus: These teach kids that effort = reward. Let them help with the work—and with moving a portion of the money into their investing account.
This teaches both earning and investing, which builds powerful money habits early on.
6. Create Digital Products Once, Sell Forever
If you have a niche skill, create a product that keeps earning.
Ideas include:
-
Budgeting templates
-
Printable kids’ chore charts
-
Meal planners for busy families
-
Homeschool resources
Sell them on:
One parent we spoke with made $400 in their first month selling a simple homeschool planner.
Where Should the Money Go?
You’ve got the side hustle. Now, make sure your money goes to work.
That’s where Mostt comes in.
Mostt helps families open custodial investment accounts that are:
-
Easy to set up
-
Low-cost
-
Built for growth
Mostt also includes a gifting feature—so grandparents, friends, and even birthday money can go directly into your child’s investment account.
No spreadsheets. No confusion. Just clarity and confidence.
✅ Open an account with as little as $25
✅ Automate investments from your side hustle income
✅ Track growth together as a family
Want to know more about how custodial accounts work? Check out the Fidelity’s guide on UGMA/UTMA accounts.
What This Teaches Your Kids
Side hustles aren’t just about money. They’re about modeling behavior.
When your child sees you earning extra income, choosing to invest it, and talking about long-term goals—they learn:
-
Money is a tool
-
Small steps can lead to big results
-
Investing isn’t just for the rich
You’re not just helping them financially. You’re giving them the mindset that builds wealth.
A Real Example
Let’s say you and your partner earn $100/month flipping thrift store finds.
You invest that $100/month into your child’s Mostt account, averaging a 7% return.
After 15 years? That’s $27,000+ in their name.
All from decluttering on Saturdays or painting a few chairs together.
💡 Try the compound interest calculator to see how your side hustle money can grow.
The Bottom Line: You Don’t Need to Be Wealthy to Build Wealth
You don’t need to do it all. You just need to do a little—with purpose.
A small side hustle here and there. An intentional investment account. A family culture that values saving and growing money.
It’s not about becoming millionaires overnight. It’s about giving your kids a foundation that many of us never had.
And it starts with one small move.
Get Started Today
You can open your child’s investing account in under 5 minutes at Mostt.co.
Deposit the first $25 from your next side hustle—and show your family what it means to invest in what matters.
