Five side hustle tips for extra income in 2026

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Looking to bring in extra cash in 2026? A side hustle might be exactly what you need. It can help you pay bills with less stress, grow your savings, or provide extra disposable income. However, before you dive in, it’s important to take a moment to plan and ensure you’re choosing the right path.

The following are five tips, as seen on the Forbes X account on Tuesday:

1. Research Different Types of Side Hustles

Begin by exploring the wide range of side hustles available. There’s no shortage of options, so take the time to dive deep into the ones that genuinely interest you. Look for real experiences and insights—browse Reddit discussions, join niche Facebook groups, watch YouTube creators in that space, or reach out to people already doing the work.

The more you learn upfront, the easier it will be to decide whether a particular side hustle is a good fit for you.

To make the best-informed decision, seek out answers to these questions:

What are the start-up costs? Determine whether you’ll need equipment, software, training, or inventory—and whether the investment fits your budget.

How much time will it require each week? Consider how many hours you’ll need to commit to reach your income goals and whether that’s realistic with your current schedule.

What’s the average revenue? Research what people typically earn in this field so you have a clear picture of its income potential.

Is there strong demand for this product or service? Look at current trends, customer needs, and market saturation to gauge whether your chosen side hustle has room to grow.

2. Research Its Growth Potential

Once you’ve narrowed down a few side hustle ideas, dig deeper into their long-term outlook. Look at industry statistics to determine whether the product or service is truly in demand and whether that demand is expected to grow in 2026 and beyond. A side hustle with strong market momentum is far more likely to bring consistent income.

3. Consider the cost and time commitment

Before committing to a side hustle, think realistically about how many hours you can dedicate each week. If you’re working full-time or juggling other responsibilities, you may only have a few hours to spare. In that case, choose a side gig that is flexible and doesn’t require long, demanding hours to grow or maintain.

Additionally, evaluate whether your revenue goals are realistic given the time and energy you can invest. Choosing a hustle that fits your schedule will make it far more sustainable in the long run.

4. Pick a side hustle you enjoy

It’s easy to overlook, but choosing a side hustle you genuinely enjoy is key to sustaining it long-term. If you’re dedicating an extra 10 hours (or more) each week, why not spend that time on something fulfilling or that teaches you new skills? When you enjoy what you’re doing, you’re far less likely to lose interest after a few months, making it easier to stay consistent and see results.

5. The location factor: Online or Local?

When choosing a side hustle, think about whether you want it to be online or tied to a specific location. Some side hustles, like dog walking or car detailing, require you to be physically present, which limits your flexibility. On the other hand, if you want the freedom to work from anywhere at any time, look for opportunities that can be managed entirely online—like freelance writing, digital marketing, or selling products through an e-commerce store.

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