April was a heavy month financially and emotionally for me, and while my debt went up (more on that in my April recap), I still want to acknowledge the extra money I did bring in through side hustles. Every bit counts, and building additional income streams — no matter how small — is part of my longer-term plan to pay off debt, stay afloat, and build financial freedom.
Here’s a quick look at what I earned in April from my side hustles:
💸 Reselling: $406
This month’s reselling income came from items I either had around my house or had sourced months ago. I didn’t spend any money buying new inventory — a small win! I made it a point to list at least one item a day on platforms like eBay, OfferUp, and Facebook Marketplace.
➡️ Reminder: Even the things that have been sitting in your closet can bring in some cash!
💼 Consulting: $150
My part-time consulting work brought in $150 this month. I wasn’t able to take on as many hours as I’d hoped with everything going on, but I’m still proud I carved out the time and energy to show up for this. I’m hoping to add a few more hours next month to increase this number.
🧠 Focus Group Study: $150
This one was a surprise win! I got accepted into a 75-minute remote focus group where I shared my opinion on a brand campaign. I earned $150 via Visa gift card, which I plan to use for groceries and a few necessities in May. These opportunities aren’t always predictable, but when they come up, they can be a helpful and low-lift way to earn.
🔄 Coming Soon: Rakuten Q2 Payout
I’m expecting a decent Rakuten cash-back payout to hit in mid-May. While it doesn’t hit my April numbers, it’s a reminder of why I use cash-back tools anytime I do spend — especially during the rare times I shop online.
🚫 Not Much Movement Yet: Ibotta & Lolli
I’m using both Ibotta and Lolli, but this past month my earnings weren’t significant enough to list. I’ll keep tracking them and will share when there’s a more meaningful update.
Final Thoughts
While I wish April’s wins were bigger, I’m learning to appreciate the progress, not just perfection. These small amounts helped me navigate the month and will carry me through May with more intention — especially during my No Spend Challenge.
Every little bit helps. It’s not just about earning more; it’s also about spending less and using what I already have.
💬 Let’s Chat! What Side Hustles Have You Tried?
I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’ve sold clothes online, walked dogs, done online surveys, or found a unique gig that brings in extra cash—drop it in the comments below. Your ideas might inspire someone else on their debt-free journey too. 👇
And if you’re looking for more ways to earn, stay tuned—I’ll be testing and sharing more real-life side hustle experiments each month!
