80+ Side Hustles for 2026

How can you make extra money this year? What is actually working, how can you do it around your kids, job or other commitments?

Since most homes need 2 incomes now but not everyone can get childcare or they simply need the income to be more flexible, I reviewed lots of the ways I have made money over the years and came up with this list fo 2026.

There are so many ways to make money on the side now that did not exist even 5 years ago.

In 80+ ways to make money on the side I share the usual things such as online surveys, cleaning etc. As well share economy gigs such as Drive Mate, Swimply, Camplify and others you might not know of.

Some of the ideas can be done at the same time such as renting out space such as your garage, driveway and spare room while doing anything else.

Read through, decide what is worth your time and energy then give it a go.

Random Ways We Made Money This Month

This month we came back from Vanuatu early. We were meant to be there running our businesses and sorting out some things but it didn't as planned.

As such, coming back sooner than expected changed what we were all doing a lot.u

My eldest flew straght to WA, got 2 jobs and did some stuff from Airtasker such as painting a fence. They are staying in a hostel and got paid to do braids, make 'Otai (a Tongan drink) and other random things. It has been interesting to see how money can come from anywhere.

With the 3 younger kids and my 16 year old, organsing everything to come back early and being on maternity leave, I wasn't had as much time to work. I did sell a few things from our storage unit for more than I listed them, tested all the online survey sites again and cashed out but I simply did not have the time or energy to do much else.

I did save a lot with Shopback as we had to rearrange our plans, buy some things and pay for accommodation. I was able to get the best prices through them as well as upsized cash back. With 1 of the things I had to book I saved 50%!

The Best Online Survey Site

I have tested all the online survey sites available to Australians. Octopus Group has consistently been the highest paying, offered the most surveys and been the most accurate with the time needed to complete it. Check out my full review of Octopus Group here.

Increased Bonus from Up Bank: $30 FAST

Up Bank is backed by Bendigo and they have extended their bonus. Usually you get $15 when you join but until 27 Feb 2026, you will get another $15 after you complete 2 transactions over $5.

Check out my review of Up and how to get the 2 x $15 bonuses.