Starting something of your own need not translate into wrestling with a 50-page business proposal or running around for funds. Every now and then, it’s that curiosity that ignites it, a free program that initiates it, and that “what if?” when waiting for that inaugural sip of coffee.

There are opportunities galore out there on the internet, but it’s those that are amusing that lie in plain sight. These are among the cleverly unexpected methods of earning extra money with zero tool costs.

1. Recording with Your Phone: Voiceover Work

Think that your voice sounds too ordinary? That’s just what can make it a hit. Ad agencies and content creators are looking for ordinary voices, accents, warmth, and even a bit of oddness. With free programs like Voices and Voloco, you can record and edit your voice without having to have special equipment.

Just a quiet room and your phone’s mic. Start with scripts for TikTok or short commercials. Some work may only pay $20 a time, but several of those times a week add up quickly.

2. Printables and Digital Stickers with Canva

You don’t have to be a designer to create something people will pay for. Canva’s free templates let you make planners, wall art, or sticker sheets with zero design background.

They’re steady sellers on sites like Etsy and Gumroad. The secret?

Pick a niche, think ADHD planners or toddler chore charts, and stay focused. Once your workflow’s set up, just tweak the content or color palette. Low effort, high appeal.

3. Organize Virtual Co-Working Sessions

If you thrive on routine and gentle accountability, this one’s surprisingly effective. Create a free Zoom link and invite friends or strangers from Reddit and Discord to join focused co-working blocks.

Set timers, swap goals, and keep conversation to the breaks. Once you build a bit of a rhythm, you can charge a small fee for recurring sessions or drop in a tip jar using platforms like Buy Me a Coffee. It’s structured with a community vibe.

4. Resell Freebies Through Facebook Marketplace

Not glamorous, but oddly satisfying. People give away loads of useful stuff, baby gear, bookshelves, and garden pots, especially in “Buy Nothing” groups.

Pick them up, give them a decent clean, take some well-lit photos, and list them on Facebook Marketplace. You’ll be amazed how quickly items get snatched up. It’s sustainable flipping with no startup budget and no stress.

5. Build a Niche Email Newsletter

Hot takes on crime podcasts? Obsessions with Aldi specials? Low-tox parenting rants? Perfect. Use free tools like Substack or Buttondown or even freemium tools like Systeme.io to build a quirky newsletter. You can send product roundups, short opinions, or just share great links.

Down the line, bring in affiliate links, paid tiers, or sponsorships. One of my friends started a meme-packed parenting newsletter, and now it covers her rent.

And if one of these side gigs grows into something more, you don’t have to panic about turning your hallway into a packing station.

Fulfillment services like Shopify fulfilment can handle all the logistics behind the scenes, so you can focus on the fun part: building your thing.

Side gigs aren’t about being perfect. They’re often scrappy, sometimes silly, and occasionally surprising. But with the right free tools in hand, you get to say, “Yeah, I made that,” and maybe even make a bit of money while you’re at it.