Let's talk money - because we all want more of that sweet green, right?
I'll never forget my first attempt at making cash online. There I was, sitting in my shoebox apartment eating ramen, watching some pumped-up guru scream about making "$10K in a week with this one weird trick!" Turns out? Total garbage. Every last bit of it.
But here's what I learned after getting burned, trying everything, and finally figuring out what actually puts money in your pocket (not just flashy screenshots):
The Cold Hard Truth About "Regular" Jobs
I punched the clock for years. That soul-sucking 9-to-5 grind where you trade your life for just enough to barely survive. Then I met this chick Sarah - freelance writer living in Bali pulling $8k/month in her bikini. That's when the lightbulb went off.
Now hold up - I'm not saying quit your job tomorrow. But in today's screwed-up economy? You'd be crazy not to have something cooking on the side.
The Numbers That'll Make You Sick
59% of Americans are one missed paycheck from disaster (LendingClub)
The average side hustler banks an extra $1,122/month (Bankrate)
Affiliate marketing drives 16% of ALL online orders (Forrester)
The opportunity's real. But so are the scams. Here's what actually works:
Affiliate Marketing: Not Sexy But It Works
I love this because once it's set up, the money keeps coming. But let's be clear - this ain't get-rich-quick.
How It Really Goes Down:
You tell people about cool products
They buy through your link
You get a cut (anywhere from 1% to 50% commission)
My First Year:
Months 1-6: $3.47 total (yeah, less than a Starbucks)
Month 12: $1,000/month (after I stopped being an idiot)
How To Start Right:
✔ Pick something you actually care about (money follows passion)
✔ Be brutally honest in reviews (people smell BS)
✔ Use Pinterest + SEO (free traffic beats paid ads)
Freelancing: Trade Time For Money (At First)
My first online dollars came from writing blog posts at $20 a pop. Not glamorous, but it kept the lights on.
Where To Find Work in 2024:
Upwork (best for long-term clients)
Fiverr (quick gigs)
Toptal (if you're top-tier)
Pro Tip: Niching down = more money. "I write blogs" gets you
20."Iwritesalespagesfortechstartups"getsyou200.
Selling Digital Crap (The Lazy Man's Goldmine)
My buddy Jake sells Notion templates for
15 each.Dudemakes2k/month while literally sleeping.
What You Can Sell:
Ebooks (use Canva if you can't design)
Printables (planners, trackers)
Online courses (if you know something useful)
Where To Sell:
Gumroad (easiest)
Etsy (for printables)
Teachable (for courses)
YouTube/TikTok: The New American Dream
I avoided video for years. Dumbest mistake ever.
Why It's Golden:
YouTube pays
3
−
3−10 per 1,000 views
TikTok = affiliate money & sponsorships
Real Example:
Some guy I know posts 60-second money tips on TikTok. Hit 100K followers in 8 months. Now makes $5k/month from affiliate links.
Biggest Lesson: Just start. Your first videos will suck. Do it anyway.
Dropshipping: Still Alive If You're Not Stupid
Gets a bad rap because of scammers. But done right? Still prints money.
How Not To Fail:
Avoid AliExpress (slow shipping kills you)
Use US suppliers (like CJdropshipping)
Test products with TikTok ads (way cheaper than FB)
Managing Your Money Like A Grown-Ass Adult
Budgeting For People Who Hate Budgeting
I use the "Pay Yourself First" method:
20% straight to savings (automate this)
30% for taxes (if self-employed)
Live on whatever's left
Taxes: Don't Get Bent Over
Track every damn expense (I use Wave - it's free)
Set aside 25-30% for taxes (IRS don't play)
Get an LLC once you're making real money
Investing Or You're Losing To Inflation
Making $10k/month online means nothing if it's just sitting in checking.
Simple Starter Investments:
Index funds (VOO or VTI)
Real estate crowdfunding (Fundrise)
Crypto (only play money you can lose)
Final Reality Check
Here's the cold truth:
Your first blog post will suck.
Your first video will get 3 views.
Your first $2 affiliate commission will feel pathetic.
But if you keep showing up?
You'll build something that changes your entire life.
Now stop reading and go do something.
FAQs (Real Questions People Ask Me)
Q: "How much time does this take?"
A: 5-10 hours/week if serious. Less if just dabbling.
Q: "Do I need money to start?"
A: Hell no. Blogging, freelancing, TikTok all cost $0 to start.
Q: "Fastest way to $1k/month?"
A: Freelancing or flipping stuff on eBay/Facebook.
