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19 Best Ways to Make $3000 a Month (Ultimate 2024 Guide)

Don't Work Another Day is reader-supported. We may receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own.
  By Forrest McCall | Last Updated:  May 19, 2023

How does an extra $3000 a month sound?

If you're anything like me, an extra $3,000 a month can go a long way. This could be used to pay down debt, invest, pay your mortgage, save for the future, or much more.

In this post, I'll show you exactly how to make $3,000 a month so you can reach your financial goals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Some of the best ways to make $3,000 a month include:
  • Starting an online business like a blog or YouTube channel
  • Freelancing your skills
  • Flipping things
  • Starting a service business

How Much is $3,000 a Month?

Earning $3,000 a month is equivalent to earning $36,000 per year, $750 per week, or $100 a day.

This is a nice chunk of cash that can be used to improve your lifestyle in a number of ways.

How to Make $3000 a Month

1. Blogging

Blogging is one of my favorite ways you can make money online and earn $3,000 a month (or more!).

There are many benefits of blogging including:

  • Being able to work from anywhere in the world
  • Being capable of making money while you sleep
  • Ability to set your own hours and schedule
  • An unlimited income potential

Another bonus is that the cost to start a blog is extremely low – so it's a great side hustle you can start with little money as long as you have a computer, internet connection, and a willingness to work!

So, how do you start a blog?

It's easier than you think!

First, you'll want to purchase a domain name for your blog. This is the URL people will type into the search bar to find your site. You'll want to think of something that's related to the content of your blog.

For example, if you're going to blog about recipes and cooking, try to find a domain that relates to your topic.

You can purchase a domain name through a site like Namecheap for as little as $10 annually.

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Once you've purchased your domain, you can purchase hosting for your site. This is where your blog's content will live.

You can find hosting for as little as $5 per month through companies like SiteGround. (They are my favorite because of how fast and reliable they are)

SiteGround is my favorite hosting platform to easily start a blog. They have top-notch customer service and prices starting as low as $7 per month. Sign-up below!
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Next, you'll want to install WordPress on your blog. This can easily be done within your SiteGround dashboard and will take minutes to complete. Best of all, it's completely free!

Once you have WordPress installed, you can start creating content for your blog and promoting it to the world!

One of the most common mistakes people make when blogging is not promoting the content they produce. Just because you hit publish on your post, doesn't mean people will see it.

You'll need to really think about how you will get traffic to your blog.

There are many different methods, but some of my favorites include SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing.

With search engine optimization, you'll conduct keyword research and create outstanding content that ranks on Google to drive traffic to your blog. Okay, maybe I'm making it sound a little too easy, but it's really not that difficult.

Need some inspiration for blogging? Check out this amazing Twitter thread.

Blogs can make money through a variety of methods including display advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.

So, how much money can you make?

Depending on the amount of traffic your blog receives, it can be possible to make $20,000 a month or more!

Blogging is certainly worth it if you're willing to give your site time to grow. Keeping your expectations in check will help you stay motivated and be successful in the long run.

It can take years for your blog to start making a serious income, but it's worth it if you're in it for the long haul.

I now make a full time living blogging, so I'm sure you can do the same.

Check out my blogging earnings for my portfolio of sites below.

2021 Website Income

Blogging is a lot like investing, it begins to compound and grow exponentially after a few months, so don't give up too earl!

Ready to start a blog? Check out my guide to the types of blogs that make money now or check out the video below to learn how to grow your blog!

2. Work as a Virtual Assistant

Another great way to make $3,000 a month is by working as a virtual assistant.

If you're not familiar with this remote job, it's a slow paced job that allows you to earn money by completing a variety of tasks.

Your tasks can range from anything like posting on social media, to updating website content, and even sending marketing emails.

You don't need any special skills to get started as a virtual assistant making it an ideal way to make more money online without needing a college degree.

How much can you make?

It will depend on your skills and the business you're working with, but in many cases, it's possible to earn between $15 and $30 per hour.

Virtual Assistant Accelerator

If you're ready to get started as a virtual assistant but aren't sure where to start, check out Carrie's Virtual Assistant Accelerator program to learn everything you need to know including how to get clients, what skills to offer, and much more!

3. Freelance Writing

Do you like to write? Why not get paid for it!

Freelance writing can be a lucrative career with some writers earning over 6-figures annually from their work.

Best of all, you can do this remote side hustle in addition to a full time job so if you're looking to earn extra cash on the side, it's worth considering.

When it comes to freelance writing, you need to be capable of producing top quality content that keeps people engaged and 

How much can you make?

It will depend on your skills, experience, and the type of clients you're able to land but in many cases, it's possible to make $3,000 or more per month as a freelance writer.

Many freelance writers are paid by the word, but some writers might charge by the hour.

Here are a few writers I found on the freelance site Upwork charging $100 an hour for their work.

Freelance Writing Pay

For beginner writers, it's common to charge between $.10 and $.25 per word. More experienced writers can command over $.25 and even $.50 per word.

This means a 1,000-word blog post could yield you anywhere from $250 to over $500 in some cases!

Check out the video below to learn how to grow a successful freelance writing business!

4. Start a YouTube Channel

Do you ever wonder how YouTubers can make so much money?

As it turns out, the content creation industry is much larger than you might think! Some YouTubers can earn over $50 million each year!

Starting a YouTube channel can way to make money if you're knowledgeable, skilled, and are willing to put in the work creating videos and building your audience.

Believe it or not, you don't need to be an expert to make money from YouTube.

In fact, many YouTubers make videos on a variety of topics including their daily lives, product reviews, and just about anything else.

For example, check out Steve's YouTube channel about woodworking. He now has almost 2 million subscribers to his channel!

Woodworking YouTube Channel

So how do YouTube channels actually make money?

There are several different options, but the most common are ads within your videos, promoting affiliate products, and selling your own products or courses.

How much can you make?

While it varies drastically, in many cases it's possible to make $3,000 per month from YouTube if you have a large enough audience.

5. Podcasting

Another form of content creation is podcasting.

Similar to blogging and creating a YouTube channel, podcasting is a great way to share your experiences, knowledge, and stories with the world – while getting paid to do so.

The industry is exploding – making it an awesome way to earn a living.

Podcasting Industry

All you need is a microphone, some basic audio editing skills, and a topic you're passionate about and you can get started today.

Once you have your podcast set up, you can start promoting it and look for sponsors.

You can make great money by growing a successful podcast with some of the world's most popular podcasters making MILLIONS from their efforts.

6. Start a Business

Have you ever thought about starting your own business? If not, you should!

I've been a full time entrepreneur for a few years now and it's difficult to think about working a traditional 9 to 5 now.

There are many benefits of being an entrepreneur. You can make a tremendous income, work the hours that you want to, and you won't have a boss breathing down your neck.

While it's not always easy, starting your own business can be an excellent way to make $3000 a month.

There are many different businesses you can start, but I always recommend picking something that's you're interested in and that has a proven business model when getting started.

For example, there are many cash flow business ideas you can start without needing a fortune. For example a pressure washing business can be easy to start and it doesn't require much money to get off the ground. 

For new entrepreneurs, it's important to remember that it will take time to grow your business and start seeing a serious income.

When starting a business, you should always have at least 3-6 months of living expenses saved up to cover any unpredictable costs. For example, can you cover the cost if you lose a big client? That's what your savings is for!

If you want to be your own boss, have an enormous income potential, and don't mind putting in long hours – starting your own business could be a great option to make 3000 dollars a month or more.

Don't start a business if you're not willing to put in a large amount of work and effort. With over 50% of businesses failing within 10 years, it's important to have a plan and be willing to put in the work.

7. Become a Proofreader

Everything that gets published both online or in print needs to be proofread at some point.

Proofreaders help to ensure that there are no errors in the content before it's published.

If you have an eye for detail and a keen understanding of grammar, punctuation, and spelling – you could start a proofreading side hustle and earn a great income from home.

How much can you make?

As a proofreader, you can charge by the hour or by the project.

Many new proofreaders start out charging between $15 – $25 per hour but as you gain experience, it's not uncommon to charge $30 – $50 per hour or more. Check out some proofreading professionals I found on Upwork!

Proofreading Freelance Pay

If you want to make $3000 a month – consider starting a proofreading side hustle!

Not sure how to get started? I highly recommend checking out the Proofread Anywhere course to learn the ins and outs of becoming a proofreading. You can also check out my full review here for more info!

8. Investing

Investing is the best way to boost your income and reach financial freedom. 

While this is a little different than some of the other ideas on my list, it's a critical concept to understand if you want to become financially independent. 

Here's why I love investing.

First, it's passive income – meaning you don't have to do any work to make money. Sign me up!

Second, your income can grow exponentially thanks to compound interest. This means each month that you reinvest your earnings, you'll make more and more money over time.

Lastly, anyone can get started, whether you have $10, $100, or $60,000 to invest.

Now, to make $3,000 a month with investing, you're going to need some money to get started, and it's not going to happen overnight.

There are two main types of investing I recommend to most people: real estate and the stock market. Here's why.

Real estate has been a proven appreciating asset that's also a tangible asset you can touch and feel. Additionally, there are multiple different ways you can invest in real estate. My favorite method, and the easiest, is to use a platform like Arrived to invest in rental properties with as little as $100. This gives you more control of your money because you can choose the exact properties you invest in. 

Arrived Homes Investing

Arrived Homes 5 · Real Estate · $100 Min.
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Risk Level
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Avg. Return
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You can also opt to purchase a rental property on your own, but this will require a large amount of cash that most people don't have. 

The stock market is another great way to invest your money and generate stable returns over the long run. 

You can expect to earn around 7% to 8% annually on your money, which is a pretty nice income without having to do any work. Below is a chart showing the returns of the S&P 500 since its inception. It's hard to argue against those returns!

S&P 500 Returns 2023

I highly recommend investing in diverse assets like an index fund or ETF to limit your risk, but some investors are able to make a living trading stocks – so if you have the knowledge you could give it a try.

You can use an investing app like Acorns to get started with just $5!

Acorns 5 · Stock Market · $10 Min.
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9. Find a Remote Job

Remote jobs have been on the rise since 2020, giving many people a great opportunity to make money from home.

Finding a job can be a great way to make $3000 a month, but it will likely require some effort on your part to land the gig.

You can browse job boards like Indeed, FlexJobs, and Remote.co to find a job that matches your skills and interests.

There are tons of different jobs that offer remote work ranging from engineering, marketing, and even customer service jobs.

Check out these tips to land a new job to get started!

10. Open an Online Store

Opening an online store can be a fun and profitable venture if you want to earn money online.

With today's technology, it's easier than ever to launch an online store. You can use platforms like Shopify to easily get your store off the ground without needing a full-on development team to get started. 

But be warned, starting an online store can be very difficult because the competition is so fierce.

Before getting started, you'll want to have a plan in place to find customers and get your store noticed.

Whether you choose digital advertising or you opt to pass out flyers – marketing your store effectively will be essential to your success.

You'll also need to think through the logistics and consider what you'll sell, how you'll get it shipped to your customers, and more.

You can consider using a dropshipping site to make the process of starting an online store easier.

Dropshipping is a method where you sell products that are shipped directly from the supplier to your customer.

You don't need to keep any inventory on hand, making it a great option for those just starting out.

If you're ready for the challenge, opening an online store can be a great way to make $3000 a month. Check out the video below for more info!

11. Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is one of the best passive side hustles you can start to create multiple income streams and make more money.

In some areas, you can make $3000 a month from pet sitting alone!

In other areas, this could pad the income from your full time job to help you reach financial goals faster.

To get started, I recommend signing up with Rover and start pet sitting in your area. This platform can connect you instantly to people who need your services in your area which is much easier than finding customers on your own. 

The best part of pet sitting is that your schedule is flexible so you can work whenever you want and the pay is pretty good!

Rover

If you live in a larger city, you could also become a professional dog walker to earn extra money.

The amount of money you can make from pet sitting will depend on numerous factors, like the number and type of animals you're watching and the number of days you're watching them.

Most pet sitters can expect to earn at least $25 a day but in many cases, you can earn over $50 a day.

If you love animals, this is a great way to make money while doing something you love.

Start Pet Sitting!

12. Become a Social Media Influencer

Becoming a social media influencer can be a great way to make money online and earn $3000 a month if you're willing to put in the work to grow an audience.

While it might sound easy, building a trusted audience can take a ton of work. 

Take a look at this fitness influencer. He has over 16 million followers and likely earns over $1 million a year from his channels.

Make Money Social Media Influencer

With so many different channels today, it's best to focus on a single platform before expanding into other channels. For example, you could start on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or others.

To make money, you can then work with brands to promote their products or services to your followers. This can be done through sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or product reviews. The options are endless.

You'll need to be creative with the content you create and always provide value to your followers so you can continue growing.

If you can do this, you could potentially make a full-time income from being an influencer.

13. Take Paid Surveys

If you want to make extra money online – taking a few paid surveys can be an easy way to make quick cash.

It's not going to make you rich overnight – but it's a simple and easy way to make a few bucks here and there.

By using a platform like Survey Junkie, InboxDollars, or Rakuten Insights, you can have your earnings paid directly to your PayPal account – which I love.

All of these platforms are free to join and they have tons of different online surveys to choose from.

In addition, many of these sites will offer additional ways to make money like watching videos or shopping online.

If you have some free time while waiting in line or watching TV, consider completing surveys to make extra cash.

With InboxDollars you can make money in your free time taking surveys, watching videos, and more. Plus, when you register with the link below – you'll get a free $5! So why not give it a try??
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Disclosure: This link is an affiliate link, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

14. Complete Paid Focus Groups

Just like with online surveys, focus groups can be another easy way to start making money on the side – and you don't need any special skills to get started.

By using a platform like Survey Junkie, you can earn up to $150 for each focus group you participate in.

While you likely won't earn $3,000 a month from this side hustle alone, it's going to help you make a little extra cash when you need it. 

Want to Make $150 With Paid Focus Groups? 💵
Survey Junkie is a great option to get paid to take surveys online and complete paid focus groups. You can make over $150 on qualifying focus groups you complete.
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Disclosure: This link is an affiliate link, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you register through my link.

15. Become a Twitch Streamer

Want to make money when you play video games?

Streaming on Twitch could be your answer.

Some Twitch streamers can make millions each year from their channel making it a viable way to start making money online and earn $3000 a month or more.

While this likely won't happen in a day or week, over time your channel can become more and more popular (assuming you're entertaining and a decent video game player).

Here's a great video to help get you started!

16. Sell Online Courses

Online courses can be money-making machines for some digital marketers and creators online.

If you have knowledge in a specific area, whether it's cooking, personal finance, search engine optimization, or anything else, you can create an online course to sell to others.

You can use platforms like Teachable or Podia to launch your course and keep it organized into different sections and lectures.

Once you've created your course, start promoting it through social media platforms, your email list, or other marketing channels you have access to.

There's no doubt that creating a successful online course is challenging and can take a lot of planning and execution to nail down – but if you're capable, it's an amazing way to make money online.

17. Sell Digital Products on Etsy

In many ways, digital products are similar to online courses except they tend the be cheaper and quicker to create.

For example, this budget printable has over 3,800 sales and sells for $24. That's over $90,000 in income from this digital product!

Budget Printable for Sale

Digital products can be anything ranging from a PDF guide to a pack of graphics or templates.

Etsy is one of the most popular platforms for selling digital products and you can get started with just a few clicks.

Once you've created your product, all you need to do is set up a listing and start promoting it to your target audience.

It's important to note that you'll need to create high-quality products if you want to be successful on Etsy as reviews can play a part in what's recommended on the platform. 

Because the platform favors sellers with strong reviews, it's essential that you treat your customers well and over-deliver on your promises.

Just like other passive income streams, selling digital products can make good money and be an awesome way to reach financial freedom if you're capable of selling enough.

18. Start a Flipping Side Hustle

Flipping is a fun side hustle that anyone can start with just a little bit of effort.

The basic idea is to find low-cost items that you can sell for a higher price.

This can be anything from furniture to clothes to electronics.

You can find these items at garage sales, online marketplaces, or even thrift stores.

Once you've found a few items, all you need to do is list them for sale online and wait for someone to buy them.

Flipping can be a great way to make some extra money each month and it's also a lot of fun.

Another popular method of flipping is known as retail arbitrage.

With retail arbitrage, instead of sourcing your inventory from thrift stores and garage sales, you'll visit retailers like Walmart and Target to find low-cost items that you can sell for a profit.

This method requires a bit more work than simply finding items and listing them for sale but it can be very profitable.

It'll take a decent amount of work to make 3000 dollars a month from flipping, but it's totally possible and I know several flippers who do this full time!

19. Sell Stock Photos

If you're searching for passive income ideas, selling stock photography is usually at the top of the list.

With this side hustle, you can earn a decent commission every time one of your photos is sold on a stock photography site.

This is a great way to make money while doing something you love – and it's completely passive once you get your photos online.

Another great perk of this side hustle is that you can get paid to travel, depending on the type of photography you do.

If you enjoy taking photos while on vacation, you can make money by selling your photos to stock photography sites.

How Much to Invest to Make $3000 a Month?

If you want to make $3000 a month from your investments, you'll need determine your average return.

Assuming an average return of 10% annually, you'd need to invest $360,000. If you can get a higher return, you'd need less money.

How to Make $3000 a Month Online From Home

If you want to make $3000 a month from home, I recommend starting a blog, freelancing, or becoming an expert consultant.

These are all great ways to make money online from the comfort of your own home.

How to Make $3000 a Month as a College Student

If you're a college student looking to make $3000 a month, I recommend finding a part-time job, starting a blog, or even becoming a tutor.

There are many ways for college students to make money on the side and you can easily earn $3000 a month if you're willing to put in the work.

Final Thoughts on How to Make $3000 a Month

Learning how to make $3000 a month is easier than you might think. There are plenty of ways to make extra money both online and in-person.

If you want to make $3000 a month, starting a blog or online business can be an excellent place to start.

Another option is using your skills to make money like working as a freelance writer or video editor.

Finally, investing can be a great option to start earning money on autopilot. By using platforms like Arrived or Acorns – you can start investing with as little as $5.

While making $3000 a month won't necessarily be easy, it's certainly possible if you're willing to put in the work.

Forrest is a personal finance, entrepreneurship, and investing expert dedicated to helping others obtain life long wealth. He has a Bachelor's degree in business and has been featured in many popular publications including Forbes, Business Insider, Bankrate, CNET Money, and many others. To learn more about Forrest, visit the About Us Page for more info.
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