The Top 15 Ways to Supplement Your Stimulus Check

Stimulus checks have given much-needed financial aid to many facing economic hardship during the pandemic. While the money has undoubtedly been very helpful, you might be wondering if there are other ways to earn a little extra money on the side—especially if you have a large pile of bills and are wondering how to get out of debt quickly.

If you had a job loss due to the pandemic, you should first start looking for a job or even a side hustle. These ideas are to supplement your main income only. They can’t earn you a regular living.

Keep reading to find out some new methods to make extra cash.

15 ways to give your stimulus check a boost

Here are some creative ways you can make extra income to help that stimulus check go further.

You can try going all-in with one method, or use several to make some extra money.

And as a bonus, you can do almost all of them on your schedule:

1. Redeem credit card rewards

Depending on your card, you might be able to get everything from money for groceries to gift cards when you redeem your points.

If cash is king to you, you may want to consider applying for a cash-back card.

A cash-back card can help you earn more on your everyday purchases. Why not get more out of business as usual? 

2. Sell unused items online

If there are clothes in your closet that still have tags or household appliances that are collecting dust, you could try to sell them online.

There are plenty of websites and apps that allow you to easily sell your unused items.

Just remember to factor in shipping costs when setting your prices. 

3. Use cash-back apps

Some apps and browser extensions give you cashback for shopping on your normal websites. Dosh, Rakuten, and TopCashBack are the best sites where I earn regular checks. See the below screenshot from my Rakuten account earnings history.

You can simply log in, shop at qualifying retailers, and enjoy some extra income. 

4. Create handmade goods

If you have an artistic streak, you can create handmade goods and sell them online.

While there are plenty of other artisans likely creating similar products, you can advertise your wares across social channels to build a following. 

5. Freelance

Are you an editor?

Writer?

Graphic designer?

You can sign up on a variety of freelancing marketplace websites to advertise your services.

Social media could be a good place to start, too.

6. Take online surveys

You can get paid for completing online surveys.

You likely won’t qualify for some or most of the ones you sign up for (they’re often looking for people with very specific experiences), but if you do qualify, it’s an easy way to earn extra cash. 

7. Teach English online

You can teach English to foreign students online.

You don’t typically need a teaching background, though many sites do require you to have or be currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

8. Teach fitness classes outdoors

Packed fitness classes are still prohibited in many states due to COVID restrictions, but if you’re a fitness instructor (and live in an area that isn’t currently freezing), you can teach socially distant classes outdoors. 

9. Drive for Uber/Lyft

You can sign up to become an Uber or Lyft driver and make a supplemental income while creating your schedule. 

10. Become a food delivery driver 

Many people are ordering takeout due to ongoing restrictions on indoor dining.

You can sign up to become a driver on several delivery platforms, like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Seamless.  

11. Complete UX tests

Companies looking to uncover usability issues and create better online experiences for their customers want feedback on their websites.

You can sign up for a UX-testing platform and earn money in exchange for completing surveys/answering navigational-related questions.

12. Sell unused gift cards

Have a pile of gift cards from Christmas that you know you’ll never use?

You can sell unused cards on different sites that promise to pay up to 92% of the card’s value. Not too shabby.

13. Trade-in old electronics

You can trade in or sell that old tablet or phone that’s been lying around for ages in exchange for cash or a gift card.

Just make sure you delete personal information or restore factory settings before you send anything in. =

14. Pet sit

You may not currently feel comfortable renting out an entire room in your house during the pandemic, but if you love animals, you can register on pet-sitting sites and get paid for taking care of a new four-legged roommate or two. 

15. Sell photography

If you enjoy taking pictures, some sites offer cash for you to sell or license your images.