10 Easy Ways to Make Money Doing Nothing in 2025

What if you could make money without working a 9-5 job? That’s exactly what I thought when I first wanted to earn extra cash without giving up my time. After experimenting with a few methods, I found ways to earn money passively while managing my busy schedule.

In this post, I’ll share 10 simple, proven ways to make money doing nothing—whether it’s through investing or renting out unused space. Let’s dive into how you can start earning without working around the clock.

10 Proven Ways to Make Money Doing Nothing

Making money while you sleep or during your free time isn’t just a pipe dream—it’s a reality that more people embrace daily. These methods may require some upfront effort or a little investment, but once set up, they let your money work for you.

Over time, this can lead to passive income streams that require little to no maintenance. Below, I’ll walk you through the 10 best ways to make money doing practically nothing!

1. Invest in Dividend Stocks

Dividend stocks are shares in companies that pay you a portion of their profits regularly, usually every quarter. The best part? Once you’ve invested, you don’t have to do anything to receive these payouts.

When you buy dividend-paying stocks, you become a part-owner of that company. In return, they reward you with dividends—cash paid directly to your account. You can reinvest these dividends or use them as extra income.

1. Choose a reputable brokerage (e.g., Fidelity, Charles Schwab).
2. Research and select stocks with a solid history of paying consistent dividends.
3. Purchase the stocks and hold onto them.
4. Watch your dividends roll in every few months!

Example: A few years ago, I started investing in dividend-paying stocks. Initially, I was skeptical—after all, who wants to just let their money sit? But after purchasing shares in a couple of companies with a strong track record, I started seeing quarterly payouts. Now, it’s like receiving a paycheck without working for it. It’s that easy!

2. Rent Out a Property or Space

Renting out a space is a classic way to make passive income. This could be a room in your house, a parking spot, or even an entire property. Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo make it super easy to rent out your space, and they handle most of the logistics.

Once you list your space, people can book it for short stays. You set the price. Platforms like Airbnb handle payments, guest chats, and even offer insurance. Your job? Just make sure the space is ready and clean for guests.

1. Assess what space you can rent: a spare room, parking spot, or your entire home.
2. Create an account on Airbnb or Vrbo.
3. Take high-quality photos and write a compelling listing description.
4. Set your pricing and availability.
5. Respond to booking requests and host your guests.

I rented a spare bedroom in my apartment using Airbnb a few years ago. At first, I was nervous about the whole idea—letting strangers into my home—but I set clear expectations and communicated well with my guests. Soon enough, I was earning extra monthly income with minimal effort, and it felt like a win-win.

3. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps

Cashback and rewards apps allow you to earn money or gift cards for purchases you already planned to make. These apps track your spending and give you a percentage of it as rewards, typically cash or points you can redeem.

Once you download the app, you can link your credit card or shop through it to access exclusive deals. Every time you make a purchase, the app gives you cashback or points.

1. Download a cashback app like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Honey.
2. Link your credit card or bank account to the app.
3. Browse available deals and offers before you shop.
4. Complete your purchase as usual, and watch the rewards roll in!

I remember when I first started using cashback apps. I didn’t see much return, but after just a few weeks of using Rakuten for all my online shopping, I earned $50 just from doing what I was already doing! I use these apps every time I shop, and that extra cashback adds up quickly.

4. Earn Through High-Interest Savings Accounts

What it is: High-interest savings accounts pay more interest than traditional ones. While they won’t make you rich overnight, they offer an easy way to earn money while you let your savings grow.

When you deposit money into a high-interest savings account, the bank pays you interest on your balance. The higher the interest rate, the more money you’ll earn without doing anything. You can set it up and let the interest accumulate over time.

1. Research high-interest savings accounts (look for rates of 1% or higher).
2. Open an account with an online bank like Ally or Marcus by Goldman Sachs.
3. Deposit your savings into the account.
4. Watch your balance grow with regular interest payments.

After opening a high-interest savings account a few years ago, I was surprised by how much extra money I made without effort. Even though I didn’t deposit huge sums, the interest increased over time, and I now have a nice little stash of savings growing without any real work!

5. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing earns a commission by promoting other people’s products or services. It’s one of the best ways to make money doing almost nothing because once you’ve set up your affiliate links, they work for you in the background.

You promote products or services via a blog, social media, or YouTube. When someone clicks on your affiliate link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission. This can happen even while you sleep.

1. Choose a niche or area you’re passionate about (e.g., tech, finance, health).
2. Sign up for affiliate programs such as Amazon Associates or ShareASale.
3. Add affiliate links to your content—your blog or YouTube videos.
4. Promote your content through social media or email.

I didn’t expect much when I first dove into affiliate marketing. However, I began to earn passive commissions. I created content about products I loved and shared my affiliate links. Even while working on other projects, the affiliate income kept rolling in. It’s a “set it and forget it” kind of deal.

6. Monetize Your Car with Advertising

If you have a car, you can turn it into a money-making machine by letting companies advertise. Companies pay you to wrap your vehicle with their logos and ads, and you drive around as usual.

Once you sign up with an advertising company like Carvertise or Wrapify, they’ll match you with brands looking to advertise. You’ll get paid based on how much you drive and the ads placed on your vehicle. The more you drive, the more money you make.

1. Sign up with a vehicle advertising company.
2. Complete a survey to see if your driving habits match their advertising criteria.
3. Get your car wrapped with an ad (usually free!).
4. Drive as you typically would and earn money while on the road.

A few years ago, I decided to try monetizing my car after hearing about others making easy money through vehicle ads. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was worth it, but after a few months, I earned an extra $100-200 just by driving to and from work. It’s truly the definition of passive income, and the best part is I didn’t have to change my routine at all!

7. Create and Sell Digital Products

If you have a skill or knowledge in a niche, you can create and sell digital products. These include eBooks, online courses, printables, and stock photos. These products must only be made once, and you can sell them repeatedly.

Once you create your digital product, you can sell it on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your website. With a solid marketing plan, people will buy your products, and you’ll keep making money without doing much ongoing work.

1. Identify your expertise or skills. What can you teach or create?
2. Choose a product type (eBook, online course, printables, etc.).
3. Use platforms like Canva or Teachable to create your product.
4. Set up a storefront on Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website.
5. Market your product through social media or email marketing.

I began making digital products after seeing a high demand for easy-to-follow guides on starting an online business. I put together an eBook and set up a Gumroad account, and before I knew it, I had a steady stream of sales coming in. The best part? After the initial work of creating the book, I was making money while I slept!

8. Invest in REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)

REITs own or finance real estate projects. When you invest in REITs, you’re investing in a pool of real estate assets, and they pay you dividends just like stocks do.

REITs allow you to invest in real estate without the hassle of owning physical properties. You buy shares in a REIT. They use that money to invest in income-generating properties. These include office buildings, shopping centers, and apartment complexes. You receive regular dividend payments from the rent and sales profits.

1. Research reputable REITs or invest through a platform like Fundrise or RealtyMogul.
2. Open a brokerage account if you don’t already have one.
3. Purchase shares in the REIT of your choice.
4. Sit back and collect your dividends every quarter.

I started with REITs when looking for a way to invest in real estate without buying property. I chose Fundrise because it allowed me to begin with a low initial investment. Over time, my investments grew. I began to receive regular dividends. It felt like easy money, rolling in with little effort. It’s one of my favorite passive income sources now.

9. Rent Out Household Items

You can rent out things you don’t use often, like power tools, cameras, camping gear, or furniture. Platforms like Fat Llama and RentNotBuy make it easy to temporarily rent out your stuff to people who need it.

Instead of letting unused items sit around, you list them on rental platforms. Renters pay you to use your stuff for a set period, and you earn money for things you were already storing away. It’s a great way to monetize items you don’t use daily but still have value.

1. Identify items in your home that you don’t often use.
2. Clean and photograph the items to make them appealing.
3. Sign up for a rental platform like Fat Llama or Loanables.
4. List your items with a clear description and rental price.
5. Wait for a renter, and start earning money!

I realized my camping gear was in storage a few months ago. I wasn’t going camping every weekend, but plenty of people needed it. I listed my gear on Fat Llama, and within a week, it was rented out for a weekend trip. I was amazed at how easy it was to make money from stuff I owned but never used.

10. Peer-to-Peer Lending

P2P lending platforms like LendingClub and Prosper let you lend money to individuals or small businesses. In return, you earn interest. It’s like becoming a mini bank and getting paid for it.

You browse through borrower profiles on the platform, decide how much you want to lend, and then get repaid with interest over time. These platforms assess borrowers’ risk levels. They help you make better lending decisions.

1. Sign up for a P2P lending platform like LendingClub or Prosper.
2. Browse loan listings and choose borrowers with reasonable risk levels.
3. Decide how much you want to lend and invest in multiple loans to spread the risk.
4. Wait as your loans are repaid with interest over the loan term.

I first tried P2P lending to dip my toes into borrowing without needing massive capital. I started with small amounts and gradually built my portfolio. I began to earn steady returns over time. The interest payments were a nice, easy boost to my income.

What Does Making Money Doing Nothing Really Mean?

“Making money doing nothing” sounds too good to be true. Well, the phrase doesn’t mean that you’re literally doing nothing at all. It refers to income streams where the work is front-loaded, and you earn money with little ongoing effort. It’s like setting up something that makes money passively. It shouldn’t need your constant involvement.

For instance, investing in dividend stocks or renting out space involves an initial setup. Still, the money keeps coming in with minimal effort once it’s rolling. It’s about working smarter, not harder. Build systems that keep paying off without your constant input.

Benefits of Making Money Doing Nothing

You might wonder, Why should I even bother trying to make money doing nothing?

1. More Free Time Once your passive income streams are running, you have more time to do what you love. Whether it’s spending time with family, traveling, or just relaxing. You’re no longer tied to a desk or job with fixed hours.
2. Extra Income Even if you already have a full-time job, these methods can boost your income without working additional hours. Over time, they can significantly increase your earnings.
3. Financial Freedom The more you set up income streams, the closer you get to economic independence. With enough passive income, you can eventually stop working for money and focus on what truly matters to you.
4. Low Risk and Flexibility Many methods, like renting items or investing in stocks, are low-risk and can be adjusted to fit your schedule and goals. Whether you’re looking for something low-maintenance or willing to invest a bit more time upfront, there’s a method that works for you.

Tips to Maximize Earnings While Doing Nothing

Now that you know the potential, you might think, How can I maximize the money I’m making without doing too much? Well, here are a few tips that can help you make the most out of these passive income streams:

1. Diversify Your Streams

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Multiple sources of passive income reduce risk and boost earnings. Examples are dividend stocks, renting out a property, and cashback apps.

2. Start Small and Scale Up

You don’t need to dive in with huge investments. Start with smaller steps—maybe begin with renting out some household items or trying P2P lending with a small amount. As you get comfortable and see returns, scale up gradually.

3. Keep Track of Your Earnings

Monitoring your passive income streams’ performance is essential. That way, you can tweak and optimize where needed. If you earn from affiliate marketing, track which methods make the most money. This will help you focus on the most profitable ones.

4. Reinvest Your Earnings

Don’t just sit on the profits. Reinvesting your earnings can grow your passive income faster. You can invest in more stocks, new properties, or more products to sell. Think of it as feeding the cycle to make it more powerful.

5. Automate as Much as Possible

The key to doing “nothing” is setting up systems that run independently. Use tools that automate your investing, payments, and even marketing efforts. The more hands-off you can make it, the easier it is to sit back and collect the rewards.

Conclusion

Making money without working 9-to-5 is more achievable than it seems. Investing in dividend stocks, renting property, or monetizing your car can create passive income. They will earn for you over time. Forbes says 66% of wealthy people use passive income sources, like real estate and dividends, to build wealth.

These methods need a time, money, or effort investment. But, they can lead to long-term financial growth with little upkeep. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and optimize your efforts. Doing so can create a steady income stream while enjoying more free time. It’s about making smart choices today for a more financially independent tomorrow.

FAQs About Ways to Make Money Doing Nothing