10 Surprising Ways to Make $10,000

If you need $10,000 to boost your savings or pay for extra expenses, there are several ways that you can earn some extra cash. It’s possible to make money by using your skills and existing possessions.

More importantly, you can likely pursue several ideas to increase your earning potential so that you reach your income goal sooner.

Here are some of the most surprising ways to make $10,000.

Unusual Ways to Make $10,000

Several of these options may seem a little crazy, but the payouts can be worth the effort. If you are willing to think outside the box, you can give your bank account a sizable boost.

1. Be a Rideshare or Delivery Driver

Signing up to drive for a rideshare or delivery app can be one of the most lucrative ways to make money with your car. 

This income idea lets you earn money for these deliveries:

• Meals
• Groceries
• Packages
• Passengers

Since you’re an independent contractor, consider joining several apps to find the best opportunities to make money in your free time. For instance, you can switch between apps to compare available delivery requests.

You need to be 18 years old and have a two-door vehicle to make food or grocery deliveries with DoorDash. In addition, it’s possible to deliver by bike or scooter in select cities.

If you want to transport people using Uber or Lyft, you must be at least 21 years old and have a four-door vehicle. Other vehicle and driver requirements may apply depending on your location.

Rideshare drivers can earn up to $20 per hour plus customer tips. It’s even possible to get bonuses by working during peak hours and completing delivery challenges. 

Making deliveries can be an easy way to earn $500 per month by only working in your spare time. Eventually, this will add up to $10,000.

Estimated time to tarn $10,000: One to two years

2. Freelance

Freelancing can help you earn money as a stay-at-home parent or if you need an extra job to help make ends meet. 

It’s possible to freelance online or locally and earn between $20 and $25 per hour. Realistically, you can earn at least $1,000 per month by freelancing part-time.

Working from home as an online freelancer is enticing since you won’t incur commuting costs. Plus, your startup expenses can be minimal.

Some of the best online freelancing jobs include:

• Bookkeeping
• Customer service
• Graphic design
• Software development
• Writing and editing
• Virtual assistant

If your passion involves being outdoors or you have desirable skills for local tasks, you can also find freelance jobs in your city using money-making apps like Steady. 

Some of the top local freelancing options include:

• Babysitting
• Dog walking
• Handyman repairs
• Mowing lawns
• Photography
• Tours and expeditions

These tasks require extra effort, but you might be able to earn more for each gig.

Estimated time to earn $10,000: 10 months

3. Give the Gift of Life

It is possible to earn money while giving the gift of life. However, some opportunities are more physically and emotionally difficult than others. 

Depending on your sex, you can make money by:

• Donating plasma
• Being an egg donor
• Donating your sperm
• Becoming a surrogate

Of all these options, plasma donations are the easiest way to earn recurring income if you’re not afraid of needles. In addition to helping others, you can earn up to $100 per week as a long-term donor. 

Alternately, if you’re comfortable helping an infertile couple have a child, you may consider donating your eggs, donating your sperm or being a surrogate.

Egg donors can earn $10,000 per donation. Related medical and travel expenses are also reimbursed. Sperm donors typically earn up to $100 per donation and can easily earn $1,000 per month.

Being a surrogate mother is one of the highest-paying donor options, but it’s also the most demanding. You must carry the baby to term, go through labor and then give the baby to his or her parents.

If you are up for the physical and emotional demands of surrogacy, Sensible Surrogacy reports that you can earn upwards of $70,000. This rivals most full-time jobs.

Estimated time to earn $10,000: One to two years

4. Invest in Real Estate

You can earn dividend income with crowdfunded real estate while avoiding the high minimums associated with traditional investment properties.

This investment method also doesn’t require screening tenants or performing property upkeep, making it more of a passive income opportunity.

Your investment minimum can be between $10 and $5,000 for a managed fund that invests in multifamily and commercial properties. The potential annual return can be between 6%-8% after fees with a minimum five-year investment period.

How long it takes to earn $10,000 depends on your portfolio balance and investment performance.

As a quick example, it takes eight years to earn $10,000 in interest on an original $10,000 investment with an 8% annual return.

You might consider this idea if you don’t have the time needed to make money with a side hustle. 

Estimated time to earn $10,000: Varies

5. Lend People Money

Lending money directly to individuals and small businesses can help you earn average returns between 3% and 8% on your investment.

Worthy Bonds is one of the most attractive peer lending platforms because the minimum investment is $10 while the average annual return is 5%. This service helps you invest in small business loans.

You may also consider investing in personal loans through the Prosper marketplace. 

If you don’t feel comfortable lending to strangers, you can draft a written agreement with a trusted friend or family member.

This investment option earns more passive income than a high-yield savings account but is riskier. The investment period can be between three and five years.

It’s unavoidable that some borrowers will default. As a result, you should invest in several loans to reduce your risk and optimize your potential gains.

Estimated time to earn $10,000: Varies

6. Rent Your Space

Renting your unused space to others can help you earn extra income without consuming too much of your free time. Gig economy apps make it easy to schedule availability and collect payments.

Becoming an Airbnb host when you have a spare bedroom or a second home is a lucrative option. You can potentially earn $1,500 per month depending on your property size, location and booking frequency. 

Keep in mind that, while this idea pays more, it can require more effort since you must clean after each guest.

Alternately, if you have an indoor or outdoor storage space, Neighbor lets you earn between $40 and $200 in monthly income. With Neighbor, renters can store their items in your empty space.

You can collect rent from multiple customers if you have enough space. For example, you could offer multiple parking spots to store cars, campers, boats or RVs. 

Estimated time to earn $10,000: One year

7. Rent Your Stuff

Renting out items that you don’t use regularly but can’t live without can also be an easy way to make some extra cash.

Some items you can rent include your:

• Car
• Clothes
• Recreational items
• Tools and other equipment

Several platforms can help you rent your car for money and earn $50 to $100 per day. Newer vehicles and SUVs can earn more. Plus, most platforms include liability insurance and post-rental car washes.

Lending your clothes through Rent My Wardrobe lets you create a virtual closet for your designer apparel. A potential renter can meet you locally to borrow your item and drop it off at the dry cleaners when they’re finished.

For recreational items like your bike, kayak or paddleboard, consider Spinlister. This service lets you earn up to $500 per month by renting out these items in big cities or at tourist destinations. 

Additionally, if you have equipment or tools like ladders, lawnmowers, power washers or generators, a site like rentmyequipment.com can be a way to monetize those items when you aren’t using them.

Estimated time to earn $10,000: One to two years

8. Sell All Your Stuff

Selling your unwanted items can be your best option if you need money now. Consider this option if you don’t need to keep a specific item for your weekly routine or if you can replace it with a cheaper substitute.

Some of the possessions you may try selling to make $10,000 include:

• Extra vehicles
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Collectibles
• Books
• Clothing
• Toys

Selling vehicles, boats and other items that require ongoing maintenance and insurance reduces your ongoing expenses. These pricey possessions can also fetch higher selling prices. 

There are different selling apps that can help you get instant buyback offers or sell locally without fees.

Unfortunately, you can only sell an item once, which means that you must consider other side hustles to make more money in the future.

Estimated time to earn $10,000: One to three months

9. Sign Up for Clinical Trials

Participating in clinical trials can help you earn between $50 and $1,000 per study. However, most studies pay a few hundred dollars or less.

Your income potential depends on the topic and time commitment. You will need to apply for studies and may need to live near a local testing center.

Living near a medical school can help you receive more invitations.

Being able to earn $10,000 from medical studies depends on your background and can take longer than other ideas on this list.

Estimated Time to Earn $10,000: Varies

10. Start a Blog or Website

Blogging or building a website can be an effective way to sell a product or service or make money from sharing your expertise in a specific niche.

You can start a blog in 10 minutes or less, but you must contribute to it regularly in order to build an audience. It can take at least six months before you start generating income. Scaling your revenue can take even longer.

How much money you make from a blog depends on several factors, including:

• The site niche
• Your time commitment
• Monetization strategies
• Effective networking

Most importantly, you must provide valuable content to your audience. 

There are several ways to make money blogging, such as promoting affiliate links or displaying ads. You may also advertise freelance services like writing or consulting if you have the time to work for others.

Estimated time to earn $10,000: Varies

Summary

Pursuing several money-making ideas can help you earn $10,000. There are multiple creative ways to use your skills and free time to make money.

When your schedule doesn’t allow a side hustle, consider selling items or investing to receive cash payments with minimal effort.