The $0–$50 Test: Hustles You Can Try Without Spending Much

Think starting a side hustle costs hundreds (or thousands)? Think again.

Hey there fellow side hustler!

One of the biggest worries new side hustlers have is cost.
“Do I need to invest hundreds—maybe thousands—before I even begin?”

Good news: you don’t.

Some of the best beginner-friendly hustles can be tested with little more than your time, creativity, and maybe a small budget of $50 or less. That’s what I call the $0–$50 Test: if you can try it out within that range, it’s beginner-friendly and low-risk.

🧭 The $0 Tier: Start With What You Already Have

No spending required—just skills, time, or free platforms.

• Freelance writing using Google Docs

• Social media management for a local business

• Virtual assistant work with your email/calendar skills

• Selling unused items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist

🧭 The “Under $50” Tier: Small Tools, Big Potential

A tiny investment can unlock bigger opportunities.

• Buy supplies for a small batch of crafts to sell locally

• Get a domain name for a blog, portfolio, or service site

• Print flyers for pet-sitting or tutoring in your neighborhood

• Use Canva Pro ($13/month) to design and sell digital products

💡 Real-World Example

A college student wanted to test if people would buy custom stickers. Instead of investing in bulk printing, she spent $20 ordering a small run from a print shop. She sold them all to friends and classmates, proved there was demand—and only then ordered more.

She didn’t start with thousands. She started with twenty bucks.

💬 A Mindset Reframe

You don’t have to “bet big” to start. In fact, the smartest side hustlers know how to keep it small, scrappy, and low-stakes at first. That way, if it doesn’t click, you haven’t lost much—just gained experience.

✅ Your Tiny Action Step

Pick one hustle idea and ask: “Can I test this for $50 or less?”

If yes—sketch out how you’d do it this week.
If no—look for a smaller version you can test for free.

💫 See What’s Possible

Your first hustle doesn’t need a big budget—it just needs a beginning. Starting small keeps the pressure low and the possibilities wide open.

Side Hustle Quest
Your guide to low-cost, high-impact side hustle strategies