Money Management

Want to make extra money with the best side hustles? Even with no college degree, you can make $18-$27 per hour. See what FlexJobs data shows. [[{“value”:”

If you’d like to make good money with a side hustle while working from home, but don’t have a college degree or a lot of specific professional or corporate experience, don’t worry. There are lots of great options for you to earn extra cash. FlexJobs recently published a list of the best side hustles that pay well, including some side gigs that pay $18-$25 per hour (or more).

Some of the best side hustles are in career fields that typically don’t require a four-year degree — and some even let you work from home.

Let’s check out a few examples of the best side hustles that don’t require a college degree.

1. Graphic designer ($27.88 per hour)

Some graphic design job postings ask for a college degree or an extensive portfolio, but not all! If you’re handy with Photoshop and other graphic design tools, if you have an eye for compelling visuals and smart marketing, and if you’re willing to work hard and start with small projects, you might be able to make extra money with a graphic design side hustle. Many employers don’t care about a college degree if you’ve got the skills to deliver the well-designed work they need.

This side hustle offers a median pay of $27.88 per hour, according to FlexJobs analysis.

2. Event planning ($25.27 per hour)

Are you good at organizing social gatherings, managing details, coordinating people, and making the trains run on time? If so, you could be a great fit for a side hustle as an event planner. Many corporate events, conference centers, banquet halls, sports venues, and other facilities need to hire people for short-term events. If you love to be where the action is and be part of the exciting bustle of live entertainment and big gatherings, working a side hustle as an event planner could be right for you.

This side hustle offers a median pay of $25.27 per hour.

3. Medical coder ($22.69 per hour)

Medical coders help doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, and patients navigate the requirements of America’s health insurance system. If you love to work independently and have great attention to detail, working a side hustle as a medical coder could be right for you — and according to FlexJobs, medical coders are seeing strong demand for future career growth

This side hustle does not require a degree and pays $22.69 per hour.

4. Travel agent ($22.31 per hour)

Even though online search tools like Google Flights have made it easier for most people to book their own travel, there is still a need for travel agent services. Some companies hire part-time, flexible, work-from-home travel agents to help book travel for corporate clients, sell international travel packages, and more. If you love travel and enjoy helping people get their itineraries sorted out, working as a travel agent can be a fun and lucrative side hustle.

FlexJobs survey data shows that travel agent side hustles can earn a median pay of $22.31 per hour.

5. Human services ($18.52 per hour)

Do you love working with people and being part of a socially important mission or cause? If so, working a side hustle in human services could help you make extra cash while contributing to an idealistic purpose. Human services side hustles can run the gamut from helping people sign up for social services, to staffing booths at public events, and doing outreach to help underserved members of the community get access to healthcare, affordable housing, and more.

Some more advanced social work jobs will typically require a college degree or licensing, but many entry-level human services gigs are available on a flexible basis and can be a good fit for those with no college degree. This side hustle pays $18.52 per hour (median pay) according to FlexJobs.

Bottom line

One of the best ways to start a business is to start as a side hustle — and some of the best side hustles don’t require a college degree. Choosing the right side hustle can help you make extra money and learn valuable new skills. The best side hustles don’t just put extra money in your bank account; they can help you chart an empowering new path for your career.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
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Want to invest in more quality items but need to keep your spending to under $100? Costco has what you need. Here are five great items for under $100 each. [[{“value”:”

Investing in a warehouse club membership like Costco can save you money. You can shop members-only deals when buying food, household essentials, toiletries, electronics, clothing, and more. While it costs $60 to $120 a year to be a member, many shoppers find their yearly savings exceed the membership fee. Here are a few worthwhile Costco buys for less than $100.

1. A two-pack of outdoor string lights for $89.99

If you want to upgrade your patio space, Costco can help you create the perfect outdoor oasis. Outdoor string lights are one purchase that can help you transform your porch or patio. Costco sells a two-pack of Feit Electric 48-foot LED Filament String Light Set for $89.99.

You’ll get two 48-foot LED string lights when you purchase a two-pack. This is an excellent price for heavy-duty indoor and outdoor safe string lights, and this set has great reviews.

2. Bluetooth speaker cooler for $99.99

Whether you’re seeking a cooler for game day tailgates, pool days, or vacation, you can buy one at Costco. If you’re also a fan of listening to music, consider getting a Bluetooth speaker cooler so you have a cooler and a speaker for your many adventures.

Costco sells the highly rated Igloo KoolTunes Bluetooth Speaker Cooler for $99.99. Igloo sells the same cooler for $149.99 on its own website, so this is a great deal. You’ll get a 14-quart cooler with a built-in Bluetooth speaker and a three-foot USB charging cable.

3. Durable, portable chair for $89.99

You never know when you’ll need a camping chair. Can you get one for $20? Sure. Will it be the most comfortable chair you can find? Probably not. Costco sells some high-quality portable chairs at affordable price points.

One option is the Mac Sports Heavy Duty Camp Chair, which members can buy for $89.99. This portable chair has two cup holders. Many of the reviews highlight its durability and comfort. You’ll be glad you invested in a quality chair like this.

4. Water flosser and cordless water flosser combo for $79.99

A water flosser can step up your oral hygiene routine and improve the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Costco sells various dental care products, including water flossers.

You can score the Waterpik Ultra Plus and Cordless Pearl Water Flosser Combo Pack for $79.99. Waterpik sells this device without the cordless Pearl Water Flosser for $89.99, so this is a deal.

5. Dual air basket and toaster oven for $99.99

If you want to buy an air fryer and use toaster ovens, a combination device can help you get what you need while freeing up counter space. Costco members can purchase the Midea 11-quart Dual Basket Air Fryer Oven for $99.99.

The manufacturer sells this device for $159, so you’d get a good deal by purchasing it at Costco. This 11-quart kitchen item features a 6-quart air frying basket and a 5-quart toaster oven, which can simplify your cooking experience.

Get the most from your Costco membership

If you’re a Costco member or will join soon, get the most out of your membership perks. Keep alert to new product and service offers and shop the best deals to keep more money in your checking account. In addition, consider the best payment method option before you check out.

Want to save more money at Costco? To maximize your savings, we suggest using one of the best credit cards for Costco to pay for your Costco hauls. You can earn rewards when you swipe your card. Once you have enough rewards earned, you can redeem them for cash back, allowing you to save even more money when shopping at Costco.

Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!)

If you’re shopping with a debit card, you could be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. These versatile credit cards offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco, and are rated the best cards of 2024 by our experts because they offer hefty sign-up bonuses and outstanding cash rewards. Plus, you’ll save on credit card interest because all of these recommendations include a competitive 0% interest period.

Click here to read our expert recommendations for free!

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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CD rates are very competitive right now. But that doesn’t mean a CD is your best choice. Read on for other account options to consider. [[{“value”:”

There’s a reason so many people have been clamoring to open CDs. The interest rate hikes the Federal Reserve implemented in 2022 and 2023 have led to higher CD rates. So you may be tempted to lock in a guaranteed rate on your money — especially when you can still get an APY of 5.00% pretty easily.

But while it’s easy to see the appeal of CDs today, there may be a better choice for your money. Here are three alternatives to a CD you should consider.

1. A high-yield savings account

The nice thing about opening a CD is that your interest rate is guaranteed. With a savings account, your interest rate could change — for better or for worse — based on market conditions.

However, the benefit of a savings account is that you’re not being forced to make a commitment. If you end up needing or wanting your money for another purpose, you can take a withdrawal at any time. With a CD, you risk a penalty for withdrawing your money early.

Even if you open a savings account paying a slightly lower APY than what top CDs are offering now, you could still come out ahead.

For example, for a $10,000 deposit, earning 4.00% on your money in a savings account over the next year vs. 5.00% from a CD is a difference of $100. But if you have to cash out a 12-month, $10,000 CD early that pays 5.00% before the term ends, you might lose three months of interest, which is a loss of $125.

Even more reason to go with a savings account: Some of the accounts on our best high-yield savings account list currently earn higher than 5.00% APY.

2. A brokerage account

The idea of earning 5% on your money might seem fantastic. But what if you could earn 10% instead?

When you invest in a brokerage account, there’s no such thing as a guaranteed return. But you should know that over the past 50 years, the stock market’s average annual return has been 10%.

If you put $10,000 into a stock portfolio that delivers that same return, in 10 years, you could end up with roughly $26,000. Even if you’re able to get a 5% return out of a $10,000 CD for the next 10 years, that only leaves you with about $16,300. That’s close to a $10,000 difference.

3. An IRA

Like a brokerage account, an IRA lets you invest your money in stocks and other assets. Because of this, you might score a much higher return on your money there than with a CD.

But also, if you put money into a traditional IRA, your contribution goes in tax free up to the annual limits. This year, those are $7,000 for savers under age 50 and $8,000 for those 50 and over. So if you’re in the 22% tax bracket based on your income and you put $5,000 into an IRA, you get to pay the IRS $1,100 less.

Now you should know that IRAs give you those tax breaks so you’ll keep your money in place for retirement. You’ll generally face a 10% penalty for withdrawing from an IRA before age 59 1/2. If you’re not sure that restriction works for you, a brokerage account could be a better option.

Today’s CD rates may be outstanding. But don’t assume a CD is the best place for your money. These three options may be a much more lucrative be

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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You need a nice savings cushion by age 50. Read on to see how you can get there — even if you don’t have a ton of money to set aside every month. [[{“value”:”

By age 50, retirement is something you need to start thinking about seriously. If you’re hoping for an early retirement, you may only have another 10 years or so left to work and save. Even if you intend to retire in your mid to late 60s, it’s still important to have a decent savings cushion by the time your 50th birthday rolls around.

What does that mean? If you ask Fidelity, it means having six-times your salary socked away by that point.

The median annual salary among people aged 50 is $66,300, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. So if we follow Fidelity’s guidelines, the typical worker should have $397,800 saved by 50.

That’s a large number. But getting there may be easier than expected.

Start early and harness the power of the stock market

It’s not easy to save almost $400,000 in an IRA or 401(k) over eight or 10 years. But many people graduate college and begin working full-time at 21 or 22.

That means you may have a roughly 28-year opportunity to build up a nice-sized nest egg by 50. And if you begin saving for retirement as soon as you start a full-time career, you may be surprised at how much wealth you can accumulate by 50.

But saving alone isn’t enough. You also have to be willing to invest your money so it grows into a larger sum over time.

Over the past 50 years, the stock market has rewarded investors with an average yearly 10% return. That return accounts for years of great performance and years when the market did poorly.

So let’s say you save and invest $250 a month for retirement from ages 22 through 50 in a portfolio that gives you a 10% annual return during that time. You could end up with about $402,600, which is right where you want to be if you earn an average wage and want six-times your income on hand at that point in life.

What if you don’t have enough savings by age 50?

Northwestern Mutual reports that the average Gen Xer has $108,600 saved for retirement. That’s a decent sum, but it’s not six-times the typical wage for people in that age group.

If you feel you’re behind on retirement savings at age 50, there are a few things you can do. First, examine your spending and try to carve out room for higher retirement plan contributions. The good thing about turning 50 is that you’re newly eligible for catch-up contributions in an IRA or 401(k), allowing you to put in more money each year than your younger counterparts.

Secondly, you may want to consider joining the gig economy to give your savings a lift. The earnings from a second job could go right into your IRA or 401(k), allowing you to make good progress.

Continue to invest in stocks during your 50s, especially if you’re not planning on an early retirement. You’ll often hear that it’s good to start scaling back on stocks as retirement nears, but that doesn’t mean to stop investing in them a decade or more beforehand.

All told, all isn’t lost if you don’t have six-times your salary saved by age 50. But you should also know that starting early and going heavy on stocks from the start is probably a good way to get the job done.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Maurie Backman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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A lot of side hustles require constant effort. Here’s one that’s pretty hands-off once you get it set up. [[{“value”:”

When most people think of passive income, they envision something that happens in the background while they’re out doing things they enjoy. Many common side hustles don’t fit that bill. But for those willing to make an upfront investment, it might be possible to turn this dream into a reality.

If you have some extra cash and a little technical know-how, here’s one easy business model that could make you hundreds or thousands of dollars while you sleep.

It’s almost like printing money

Chances are, you’ve probably seen news stories about 3D printers and you’ve heard people talk about their capacity to revolutionize the way we live. A lot of people still see them as novelties. But there’s real potential there for those willing to invest in this new technology.

Even small machines can build little toys and gadgets you could sell through an online store. All you have to do is advertise what you can make and, when a customer places an order, tell the 3D printer what to do. When it’s done, ship it to the customer and put the extra cash in your bank account.

If you’re willing to invest a little more money, you can go beyond toys and make functional items. High-end 3D printers are capable of printing metal, as well as plastic. If you have a scanner tool, all you have to do is scan the object you want to print and it’ll quickly create instructions you can pass along to your 3D printer. There’s little programming knowledge required.

With more knowledge of design programs, you could even create items completely from your own imagination. This could be anything from chess pieces to wall art. The sky’s the limit.

Shouldering the upfront costs

There are a couple of challenges with a 3D printing business. The first is that there can be a steep learning curve, depending on the tools you use and what you want to make. You’ll no doubt overcome some of this with practice, but you may want to invest in some 3D printing or computer-aided design courses so you can hone your skills.

The bigger barrier for most people is cost. The cheapest models cost around $200, but you can expect to spend at least $2,500 for anything that’s considered professional quality. The cost of the largest and most versatile models can run well into the six figures. And that’s just for the machine itself.

You’ll also have to pay for the filaments needed to print your designs. And if you’re interested in a scanning tool to speed up the design process, you’ll have to buy one of these as well. Then there’s the cost of selling online. If you use a marketplace website, you’ll probably have to give a cut of your sales to the marketplace.

If this is problematic for you, consider starting small. Buy a low-end model at first. If you charge it to a business credit card, you might even earn some rewards that you could invest in future materials. Then, use the money you make from your first sales plus any extra cash you’re able to scrape together to finance a better 3D printer in the future. You could then sell your old one or keep it, so you can potentially fill multiple customer orders at the same time.

This isn’t the sort of business that will make you an overnight success. It definitely takes time to build up a customer base and learn how to make the best use of your tools. But once you’ve got it up and running, it’s a pretty low-effort way to make money.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Call the official airline customer support line when your flight is delayed or canceled. Otherwise, you may get scammed. Find out more. [[{“value”:”

As scam techniques evolve, more people are falling victim. If you travel, it’s especially wise to be alert to the latest travel scams to protect your personal information and finances.

A sneaky airline customer support scam continues to impact flyers like you. As we head into the busy summer travel season, you may find yourself in a situation where you’re at risk for this scam. Here’s what you need to know about the scam so you can protect yourself.

Beware of fake airline customer support numbers

What do most of us do when we need to find the answer to a question quickly? We perform a Google search. But make sure you’re clicking on legitimate website links when looking for information — especially if you’re in a hurry. Don’t assume the information you see after searching on Google is accurate, because it could lead to a scam.

A particular airline customer service scam is still impacting travelers. Travelers dealing with flight changes and delays are unknowingly contacting fake airline customer support lines.

After receiving email alerts about a flight delay, change, or cancellation, or finding out about last-minute changes at the airport, some flyers contact their airline’s customer service line in hopes of booking an alternate flight.

But instead of checking the phone number in their airline’s mobile app or on the airline’s website, they quickly search Google for the phone number.

Online scammers are sharing fake numbers online in hopes of tricking travelers into calling the wrong number. If you contact a fake customer service number like this, you may be tricked into providing payment information to book a new flight or make changes to your existing itinerary.

Unfortunately, if the scammer is successful, they’ll have access to your credit card information and can charge your card. Since you’re dealing with a scammer and not a legitimate airline employee, you’ll lose money without solving your flight issue.

Here’s how to stay safe when contacting airline support

It’s best to deal with official channels when seeking airline customer support. What’s the best way to do that? Here are some options:

Send a message within the airline app: If your airline offers message or chat support, you can get help by sending a message within the official airline mobile app. Doing this is a great way to get customer support while on the go.Find an airline employee at the airport: If you need help while at the airport, go to the nearest gate for your airline to find an employee. They can help or direct you to someone who can help you with your flight change needs. Verify the customer support number on the airline’s website or app: Before calling the airline’s customer service line, verify that the number you’ll be calling is accurate. You can find the right number on the airline’s website or mobile app.

Be on alert for travel scams

Sadly, travel scams are on the rise. It’s important to be alert, and if something feels off, trust your gut. If you’re asked to provide payment or other personal information when making a flight change after your flight has been canceled or changed, it’s likely a scam.

Most airlines will rebook your flight free of charge if they cancel it. If you’re on a call that feels suspicious, hang up immediately and find an alternate way to contact the airline for help. You don’t want to end up with a fraudulent charge on your travel credit card statement.

If you ever fall victim to a fraud like this, contact your credit card company as soon as possible to report the fraud. It will cancel your credit card and issue a new one, so your card number is no longer compromised.

It will also investigate, and if the charge is found to be fraudulent, it will issue a refund to your credit card account. Staying alert to travel scams like this can help you avoid added stress while traveling.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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