Dave Ramsey, the renowned personal finance expert, has long been an advocate for finding ways to increase income, especially for those working to get out of debt. His Baby Steps program emphasizes eliminating debt, building an emergency fund, and securing financial independence. One of his top recommendations? Starting a side hustle to bring in extra cash. But with countless options available, which side hustles align best with Ramsey’s financial principles?
In this guide, we’ll explore the best side hustles that fit Dave Ramsey’s philosophy—side gigs that require little to no debt, have strong earning potential, and can help accelerate your financial goals.
Ramsey frequently encourages people to use their skills to generate additional income. Freelancing is a flexible way to do this, with platforms like Upwork and Fiverr making it easy to find gigs in writing, design, or web development.
Tip: Start by offering services to friends, family, or local businesses to gain testimonials and credibility.
Selling items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Poshmark is a simple way to declutter and make extra money. Ramsey often recommends flipping items—buying low-cost or free items and reselling them for a profit.
Tip: Look for high-demand categories like electronics, furniture, and brand-name clothing for the best returns.
Ramsey frequently mentions gig economy jobs as great side hustles because they require little upfront investment. Driving for Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart allows you to earn money on your own schedule.
Tip: Work peak hours (lunch, dinner, weekends) to maximize your earnings.
With platforms like VIPKid and Wyzant, tutoring is a great way to make money if you have expertise in a subject. Ramsey endorses teaching as a high-value skill that can be leveraged for extra income.
Tip: Market yourself locally to parents looking for one-on-one tutoring for their kids.
If you have an extra room, renting it out on Airbnb or VRBO can generate passive income. Ramsey often advocates for earning extra money from assets you already own instead of taking on new debt.
Tip: Keep a portion of your earnings for maintenance and unexpected costs.
If you love animals, platforms like Rover and Wag! offer opportunities to earn money pet sitting or walking dogs. Ramsey suggests finding side hustles that align with hobbies so they don’t feel like extra work.
Tip: Build trust with local pet owners for repeat business.
Turning a hobby into income is a smart way to make extra cash without feeling overwhelmed. Sites like Etsy allow you to sell handmade goods, while blogging or starting a YouTube channel can eventually bring in revenue through ads and sponsorships.
Tip: Start small with a test market before investing heavily in inventory.
Dave Ramsey’s best side hustles focus on low-risk, high-reward opportunities that help you pay off debt, build savings, and achieve financial independence. Whether you’re freelancing, selling online, driving for delivery apps, or renting out a property, the key is to use what you already have and start today.
The sooner you take action, the faster you can hit your financial goals—and maybe even turn your side hustle into a full-time income stream.
