5 No‑Guilt Ways to Bank Extra Bucks From Your Couch
Everyone in Singapore dreams of a sweet side hustle—because, let’s face it, who doesn’t want a little extra cash? But let’s be honest: piling on private tutoring or hustling on freelance gigs when you’re already burnt out after a long 9‑to‑5? Not exactly a party trick. Below are five low‑effort, high‑pay ways that let you make money without turning your house into a 24/7 HQ.
1. GrabHitch – Door‑to‑Door Magic (Without the Full‑Time Drive)
Own a car? You can still earn without committing to a full‑time Uber/Grab gig. GrabHitch gives you the chance to snap up passengers on your own “just‑going‑out” route.
- Head out for dinner or a movie? Pick up a rider on the way out and maybe one more on the road back.
- Late‑night rides? No traffic, no cranky commuters—just a sweet side‑income.
- All you need is to check your direction field— if someone’s heading the same way, you’re in!
2. Spin Your Hobby Into an Airbnb Experience
Think of your passions as cash‑making opportunities. Airbnb experiences let you teach a skill while earning.
- Popular gigs: cooking local delicacies, watching an 87‑year‑old grandma craft effigies, or even the “red light district” stroll of Geylang.
- Expect a premium price because Airbnb only promotes curated, expert experiences.
- Remember: Airbnb keeps a 20 % fee on the price you list.
3. Put Spare Rooms to Work
Rather than letting that spare bedroom go unused, transform it into a revenue generator.
- Short‑term rentals (3 months minimum) are legal for private properties. Shorter stays on HDB flats? Be careful— government isn’t too thrilled.
- Long‑term rentals of at least 6 months are perfectly legal, whether you’re in a condo or landed home. Though you’ll get a bit less per day than a short‑stay.
- Consider local overseas guests—you can charge something tidy without the fuss of visa stuff.
4. Be a Pet‑Sitting Pro
Kids need constant eyeballing; dogs just need a kennel and maybe a walk. Pawshake lets you offer both.
- Pet‑boarding is the easiest route—drop the animals off and keep them safe.
- Base fee: about $40‑$45 a night. Add extra for walks, and you’re up an extra dollar.
- Alternatively, pop into clients’ houses for those who need a quick day‑time feeding spree.
5. Invest in Dividend‑Yielding Stocks
If you’ve got a little spare cash and want a steady return, consider block‑blue dividend stocks.
- Stability is the key—they’re not for the day‑trading rollercoaster.
- Expect a reliable payout, but don’t double‑expect overnight meteoric crashes.
- Young, high‑risk appetites? These might be just the “turtle” part of your portfolio.
Bottom Line
These five sidelines are practical, palatable and—most importantly—so easy you’ll barely notice you’re earning side money while you’re Netflix‑buffing at home or sipping kopi. Happy hustling!
Shout‑out to MoneySmart for the original inspiration.