Hi, I started Happier Freelancing in 2020 to document my own financial freedom journey.

The site, Happier Freelancing is an all‑in‑one resource and tutorial to start an online business, including freelancing, blogging, eCommerce, and gig works.

This page is a road map for new online entrepreneurs or side hustlers. Scroll down until you find your ideal goal on the road map, and then dive into the ideas! Before starting to make extra money, check these tips for saving money and the benefit of frugality. Manage your money is also important to achieve financial freedom (:

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Please read my full disclaimer here for more info.

Ok, now are ready to get to work?

Goal: Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, that means your expenses are higher than your income.

In that case, supplemental income can help you to stop living paycheck to paycheck. Supplemental income is money you earn in addition to your regular paycheck. This extra money will also help you to pay down debt and save some money for an emergency fund.

On-demand gig economy jobs are usually easy ways to make money fast. For example, Instacart is an app that connects you to customers who need groceries. You can earn extra money by going to the grocery store and shop & deliver for others. You’ll be an independent contractor. With no set hours or days, you can shop as much or as little as you want, anytime you want.

You’ll see what to buy, earning estimates, your current location, store location, currently delivery before accepting the job. Usually, you make $7 to $10 for each shopping and delivery. You may also earn tips when making deliveries.

Here is the massive list of gig economy jobs for extra money. These are worth anywhere from $50 to $3000 a month, it all depends on your execution.

Goal: Pay off debt ASAP

Whether you are rich or poor, an employee or self-employed, a college graduate or not, supplemental income would be a great solution to pay off debt as soon as possible.

Starting online side business or weekend gigs are realistic ways to make extra money on top of your full-time job. If you don’t have time for online business or weekend gigs, sell your unwanted stuff online could be another option. I have been selling on eBay and Poshmark for over 5 years and have made a total of $8000 as of 2020 by selling used clothes, pre-owned designer handbags, and old electronics.

Goal: Be Financially Happy

Defining “Financially Happy” is different for everyone, but in general, it means you are in control of your finances and your life choices.

It could come in the form of more flex time or working remotely on occasion while still making enough money to cover some standard of living. Saving enough money to quit your job forever is a big challenge. Instead of going from a regular full-time job to retirement, how about freelancing in semi-retirement?

You need professional or technical skills to be a freelancer, but it gives you the flexibility to arrange your own schedule. You can also be selective about the projects you work with. Freelancing + side hustling is even better. You’ll have double income as well as flexibility.

Goal: Become Small Business Owner

Most businesses need start-up costs and time commitments, as well as some skills. How much time and money you’re willing to put into a side business?

Most people quit their business before they reach $1,000 in income. Advances in technology have made it easy for almost anyone to open a business. There are so many people selling the same things or providing similar services, it is very difficult to differentiate yourself.

Before starting a business, answer these questions:

• What am I offering?
• Why am I offering that services/products?
• Who is audience?
• How does this benefit them?
• What are long-term goals?

Here is a step-by-step guide to building an online business and tools & resources to run a small business. Get some ideas from the list and make a plan to set your goal. Without goal, you may not have a clear direction for your activities.

Goal: Boost Retirement Savings

Invest in stocks is one of the ways to boost your retirement savings.

Bogleheads Investment Philosophy is recommended to lazy people because it is easy to understand and implement but works well. “Lazy” in here means that the investor can maintain the same asset allocation for an extended period of time and still expect rewards.

I personally use a Fidelity brokerage account and created a monthly dividend portfolio.

If you are new to investing, visit the article here to learn business cycle and stock market sectors. I’ve created some infographics. I hope it helps you to understand the basic principles of stocks easier.

Here are more resources!