10 Low-Cost Side Hustles You Can Start This Weekend

Introduction

When you’re looking to generate extra income without significant upfront investment, side hustles are the perfect solution. Unlike traditional businesses that might require thousands in startup capital, these accessible opportunities let you leverage existing skills, resources, and a bit of hustle to start earning quickly.

This guide explores 10 side hustles you can launch this weekend with minimal costs—perfect for anyone on a tight budget looking to create additional income streams.

Why Start a Side Hustle?

Before diving into specific opportunities, let’s consider why side hustles are so valuable:

• Extra income without the commitment of a second job
• Flexible hours that work around your existing schedule
• Skill development that can enhance your resume
• Testing business ideas before going all-in
• Diversified income for greater financial security

With these benefits in mind, let’s explore side hustles you can start immediately with little to no investment.

1. Freelance Writing

Startup costs: $0 (just your existing computer and internet)
Potential earnings: $25-$500+ per article

How to get started:

1. Identify your writing strengths: Blog posts, articles, product descriptions, technical writing, creative content.
2. Create writing samples: If you don’t have published work, write 2-3 samples showcasing your abilities.
3. Set up profiles on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or ProBlogger Job Board.
4. Start pitching: Begin with smaller, achievable projects to build your portfolio.

Pro tip:

Niche down to a specific industry where you have knowledge (finance, health, technology, etc.). Specialized writers typically command higher rates than generalists.

2. Virtual Assistant Services

Startup costs: $0-$20 (for basic online tools)
Potential earnings: $15-$50+ per hour

How to get started:

1. List your administrative skills: Email management, scheduling, data entry, customer service, research, etc.
2. Create service packages: Offer both hourly rates and packaged services (e.g., “10 hours of admin support”).
3. Set up on freelance platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, and specialized sites like Virtual Assistant Forums.
4. Target specific industries: Focus on professionals who typically need assistance (real estate agents, coaches, small business owners).

Pro tip:

Learn one specialized skill that’s in high demand, such as managing specific software (Kajabi, ClickFunnels, ActiveCampaign) to command higher rates.

3. Social Media Management

Startup costs: $0-$15/month (for basic scheduling tools)
Potential earnings: $200-$1,000+ per client monthly

How to get started:

1. Master the basics of major platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn).
2. Create sample content for a fictional business to showcase your skills.
3. Approach local small businesses that have poor social media presence.
4. Offer a discounted first month to prove your value.

Pro tip:

Start with businesses in industries you’re familiar with. A coffee lover might approach independent cafes, while a fitness enthusiast could target local gyms.

4. Reselling Used Items

Startup costs: Variable (depends on inventory, but can start with items you already own)
Potential earnings: $100-$1,000+ monthly

How to get started:

1. Start with what you own: Sell unused items from your home.
2. Research profitable niches: Books, vintage clothing, electronics, collectibles, etc.
3. Source inventory cheaply: Thrift stores, garage sales, clearance sections, Facebook Marketplace.
4. List on multiple platforms: eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Mercari.

Pro tip:

Focus on items you understand well. Knowledge of fair market value and item condition is crucial for profitability.

5. Content Creation and YouTube

Startup costs: $0-$100 (using your smartphone camera or basic equipment)
Potential earnings: Variable, from $0-$1,000+ as your channel grows

How to get started:

1. Choose a specific topic you’re knowledgeable or passionate about.
2. Plan a content series of 10-15 videos before starting.
3. Use your smartphone for recording if you don’t have a camera.
4. Edit with free software like DaVinci Resolve or iMovie.
5. Optimize for search with keyword research for titles and descriptions.

Pro tip:

Monetization takes time. Focus first on providing genuine value and building an audience before expecting significant income.

6. Print-on-Demand Products

Startup costs: $0-$50 (for initial designs if you’re not creating them yourself)
Potential earnings: $200-$1,000+ monthly

How to get started:

1. Create or source designs for t-shirts, mugs, posters, etc.
2. Set up accounts on platforms like Printful, Printify, Redbubble, or Etsy.
3. Connect to marketplaces or create a simple Shopify store.
4. Focus on niche markets with passionate fans (professions, hobbies, causes).
5. Use free mockup tools to visualize your products.

Pro tip:

Success depends on targeting specific niches rather than generic designs. “Shirts for cybersecurity professionals” will perform better than “funny t-shirts.”

7. Online Tutoring or Coaching

Startup costs: $0-$25 (for video conferencing tools if free options don’t suffice)
Potential earnings: $15-$100+ per hour

How to get started:

1. Identify subjects you can confidently teach (academic subjects, languages, software skills, etc.).
2. Create a simple teaching framework for your first few sessions.
3. Set up profiles on tutoring platforms like Wyzant, TutorMe, or Preply.
4. Offer initial sessions at a discounted rate for testimonials.
5. Use free video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet.

Pro tip:

Create a simple one-page PDF guide related to your teaching topic as a lead magnet to attract potential students.

8. Digital Product Creation

Startup costs: $0-$50 (for design tools if needed)
Potential earnings: $100-$1,000+ monthly (scalable)

How to get started:

1. Identify valuable information you could package (templates, guides, planners, etc.).
2. Create your digital product using tools like Canva, Google Docs, or Microsoft Office.
3. Set up on marketplaces like Etsy, SendOwl, or Gumroad.
4. Price competitively for your initial products while building reviews.

Pro tip:

Start with a lower-priced product (under $10) to generate sales volume and reviews before creating premium offerings.

9. Delivery Gigs and Task Services

Startup costs: $0 (if you already have transportation)
Potential earnings: $15-$25+ per hour

How to get started:

1. Sign up for platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, or TaskRabbit.
2. Complete the onboarding process (background checks, training modules).
3. Determine your availability and working areas.
4. Optimize your efficiency with routes and time management.

Pro tip:

Work during peak periods (dinner rushes, weekends) to maximize earnings, and track expenses carefully for tax purposes.

10. Website Flipping

Startup costs: $50-$200 (for domain and hosting purchases)
Potential earnings: $200-$2,000+ per flip

How to get started:

1. Learn the basics of WordPress or site builders like Wix.
2. Search for affordable domains with potential in specific niches.
3. Create a simple website with basic content and monetization.
4. Build traffic through content and basic SEO.
5. List on marketplaces like Flippa or Empire Flippers once the site has traffic and/or revenue.

Pro tip:

Start with a micro-niche site focusing on a specific topic with low competition but clear commercial intent.

Which Side Hustle Is Right for You?

Consider these factors when choosing:

• Existing skills: Which options leverage what you already know?
• Available time: How many hours weekly can you realistically commit?
• Income goals: Are you looking for immediate cash or long-term growth?
• Interest level: Which option would you enjoy enough to stick with?

Getting Started This Weekend: Your Action Plan

Saturday:

1. Morning: Select 1-2 side hustles from this list that match your skills and interests
2. Afternoon: Research platforms, requirements, and create necessary accounts
3. Evening: Set up your profiles, prepare basic service descriptions or product concepts

Sunday:

1. Morning: Create samples or starter content for your chosen side hustle
2. Afternoon: Reach out to potential clients or list initial offerings
3. Evening: Plan your weekly schedule to accommodate your new side hustle

Scaling Beyond the Weekend

Once you’ve launched your side hustle, focus on:

1. Consistent delivery: Build a positive reputation through reliability
2. Collecting testimonials: Ask satisfied clients/customers for reviews
3. Gradual expansion: Increase rates or inventory as you gain experience
4. Process refinement: Create systems to make your side hustle more efficient

Conclusion

The beauty of these low-cost side hustles is that you can start immediately without significant financial risk. Many successful entrepreneurs began with humble side projects that eventually grew into full-time businesses.

The most important step is simply to begin. Choose one opportunity that resonates with your skills and interests, and take action this weekend. Even a few hours of focused effort can set you on the path to creating a valuable additional income stream.

Remember, your goal isn’t perfection from day one—it’s progress. Start small, learn as you go, and watch your side hustle grow alongside your confidence and capabilities.

Here’s to your success!