Side Hustle Apps: Unveiling the Best Options for Extra Income

May 6, 2024

The economic landscape is transforming, and with it, the appeal of side hustles is booming. Whether it’s to supplement income or pursue a passion, side gigs offer a flexible pathway to financial freedom. This blog explores what side hustle apps are, their benefits, and how you can select and use them to your advantage, paving the way for enhanced economic opportunity.

What is a Side Hustle App?

Apps for side hustles are mobile platforms that connect individuals with flexible work opportunities that can be performed outside of traditional employment. These apps provide access to a variety of gigs, from professional freelance work to casual tasks, allowing users to earn money on their own terms.

Benefits of Using Side Hustle Apps

Using side hustle apps comes with a multitude of advantages:

• Flexibility: Users can choose when and how much they want to work, which is perfect for fitting around other commitments like full-time jobs or family care.
• Variety: There is a wide range of opportunities available, from technical tasks requiring specific skills to simple errands.
• Low Entry Barrier: Most side hustle apps have minimal entry requirements, making it easy for anyone with a smartphone to start earning.
• Networking: For those offering specialized services, these platforms can serve as a great way to build a client base and network within one’s industry.

Choosing a Side Hustle App

There are many factors that play part in selecting the appropriate app to make money. Consequently, the choice should be based on:

• Personal Alignment: Choose the best apps that match your skills and interests and fit in with your everyday life. The upside of these side gig apps is that you choose your field and schedule. However, some side hustles might be harder to manage next to full-time jobs or caring for family.
• Earning Potential: Weigh the potential expenses and earnings and whether they meet your financial goals. Some side hustles require tools or specific vehicles you might need to invest in.
• Reputation and Reliability: Research if the side hustle app is legit. For example, look for information about reputation for fairness, reliability, and user support.

Popular Side Hustle Apps by Category

This section highlights some of the most best side hustle job apps categorized by user interests and skills:

For Creative Professionals

Fiverr, Etsy, Upwork: These platforms connect artists, writers, and other creatives with clients around the world who need custom work.

For Caregivers

Care.com, Wag, PapaCare: These gig economy  apps offer opportunities to earn by providing care services, from babysitting to pet sitting and elderly care.

For Casual Earners

Swagbucks, Survey Junkie: These apps for gig work are ideal for those looking to make some extra money without a significant time commitment, offering rewards for completing surveys and other small tasks.

For Sellers

Decluttr, eBay, Facebook Marketplace: These platforms reach wide audiences and are perfect for individuals looking to make money from decluttering or selling handmade goods.

For Drivers

Amazon Flex, Shipt, DoorDash, Instacart, Uber, Lyft, Roadie: These driving side hustles are great for those who want to make money by delivering food, groceries, or even packages and aslo for those looking for rideshare gigs.

Getting Started with Side Hustle Apps

Legal Considerations of Working with Side Hustle Apps

Navigating the legalities of side Hustles is essential to stay compliant and avoid fines:

• Contracts and Terms: Understand the terms of engagement to ensure you are clear on your rights and obligations.
• Local Regulations: Stay informed about any local regulations that might affect your ability to earn through these apps.

Financial Management in using Side Hustle Apps

Managing your finances effectively is key to making the most of your side hustle:

• Tax Implications: Learn about the tax requirements, such as reporting income and paying estimated taxes.
• Budgeting and Saving: Research effective strategies to manage your earnings to help you reach your financial goals faster.
• Maximizing Deductions: Keep track of expenses that can be deducted, such as business use of your home or vehicle.

Technology and Side Hustles

Leveraging Technology to Enhance Your Side Hustle Efficiency

Technology can greatly enhance the efficiency of your side hustle. Using apps to track time, manage schedules, and automate tasks can free up more time to focus on earning.

Must-Have Apps for Every Side Hustler

• Skill Enhancement Apps: Gig workers often need to update their skills or learn new ones to stay competitive. For example, Udemy and LinkedIn Learning provide professional courses on various topics including business, technology, and creative skills.
• Marketing and Promotion Tools: For those who need to promote their services and build a client base, apps like the Canva marketing material creator or the Hootsuite social media platform manager can be handy tools especially if you lack marketing or graphic design skills.
• Financial Management Apps: Apps like Mint or QuickBooks can help keep financial records in order.
• Time Management Apps: Apps like Toggl or Google Calendar help gig workers effectively manage their time, schedule tasks, and stay organized, ensuring they make the most out of their available hours.
• Mileage Trackers: Apps such as MileageWise offer automated mileage tracking, crucial for those who use their vehicle for business purposes. For example, caretakers, delivery driver side hustlers or courier gig app users can deduct thousands of dollars from their income taxes depending on the business miles they have traveled.

MileageWise to Boost your Side Hustle App Earnings

What is MileageWise?

MileageWise is a dedicated app that ensures accurate mileage tracking, helping users maximize their tax deductions by meticulously documenting every business mile driven.

Download MileageWise’s automatic mileage tracker app from Google Play or the App Store & try it for free for 14 days. No credit card required!

Key Functions to Make the Most Out of Side Hustle Apps

MileageWise integrates with your side hustle activities to optimize your earnings and ensure compliance with tax regulations, making it an indispensable tool for anyone using their vehicle for business purposes.

Energy-Efficient Automatic Tracking

Unlike other apps that continuously monitor your location, MileageWise uses a selective tracking method. It captures your arrival points and calculates the distances quietly in the background. This approach not only saves battery life but also maintains privacy standards.

Built-in IRS Auditor

MileageWise features a comprehensive IRS Auditor designed to rigorously inspect your mileage logs. It proactively identifies and suggests corrections for up to 70 different potential issues, ensuring that your records are in full compliance with IRS regulations and audit-ready.

Automatic Trip Categorization

This functionality automatically classifies your trips as either business or personal based on predefined rules. It streamlines the logging process and enhances the accuracy of your records, which is crucial for tax filing and reimbursements.

Retrospective Mileage Log Creation

If you’ve missed maintaining real-time logs, this feature allows you to reconstruct past mileage logs using historical data from sources like Excel or Google Maps Timeline. This capability ensures that you can generate accurate and compliant logs for previously unrecorded trips.

AI Wizard Tool

The AI Recommendation Wizard leverages your historical driving data to refine your mileage logs. It recommends the most tax-efficient trips and settings, maximizing your potential deductions while ensuring that your logs accurately reflect past trips according to odometer readings and tax documentation.

FAQs

What is a side hustle?

How do I choose the best side hustle app for my needs?

Start by assessing your skills, interests, and time availability. Consider the earning potential and necessary investments for each app. It’s crucial to research each app’s reputation for reliability and support, ensuring it aligns with your personal and financial goals.

What are the key legal considerations when using side hustle apps?

Understand the terms and conditions of each platform. It’s essential to be aware of any contractual obligations and local regulations that may impact your side hustling activities. Ensure you’re compliant to avoid any legal issues.

How can I manage my earnings from side hustle apps effectively?

Keep diligent records of your income and expenses. Use financial management apps to track your earnings and budget accordingly. Learn about tax obligations like income reporting and deductions to maximize your take-home pay.

Are there tools to help increase my efficiency while using side hustle apps?

Yes, leveraging technology can significantly enhance your productivity. Use time management apps to schedule gigs, and consider project management tools for tracking progress on multiple tasks. Skill enhancement apps are also valuable for upgrading your capabilities and staying competitive.

How can I keep track of business-related mileage for tax deductions?

Mileage tracking apps like MileageWise are essential for accurately documenting every business mile. These apps can automate the recording process and help maximize your tax deductions by ensuring you claim all eligible mileage.

What should I do if I missed recording my mileage in real-time?

If you haven’t maintained real-time mileage logs, use features in apps like MileageWise that allow for the reconstruction of past logs using historical data. This ensures you can still benefit from mileage deductions come tax time.

Download MileageWise’s automatic mileage tracker app from Google Play or the App Store & try it for free for 14 days. No credit card required!

Try MileageWise for free