Feeling the summer slowdown in your wallet? Girl, same! But August doesn't have to be the awkward in-between month when your income takes a vacation. It's actually the PERFECT time to hustle smart, get creative, and line those pockets before Q4 hits like a freight train.
Whether you're crafty, chatty, techy, or just ready to try something new, here are 11 ways to turn August into your personal money-making playground!
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1. Dive into a Seasonal Job
Seasonal jobs are the low-commitment, high-reward besties of the money world! Think amusement parks, ice cream shops, tourist hot spots, and back-to-school retail madness. Not only can you make some quick cash, but you're also planting seeds - repeat gigs, referrals, or even full-time roles if you love the vibe.
Pro tip: Apply yesterday. These jobs get scooped up fast!
2. Sell Handmade Crafts (Craft Gal Approved!)
August is THE month to prep your products for fall shows and Q4 shoppers. People are still in that lazy summer spending mode but are starting to peek at holiday gift ideas. Whether you’re into resin, vinyl, embroidery, or painting garden gnomes, it’s time to dust off your Etsy, prep your inventory, and start selling like you mean it.
I always say August is craft pre-season! Get your stuff out there now, and you'll be ready when shoppers are frantically searching for handmade holiday magic!
Want to level up that seasonal energy? Check out my 11 Best Small Business Ideas to Turn Your Hobby into a Money-Making Machine for ideas you can adapt for ANY seasonal spike.
3. Pet Sit Like a Pro
People travel. Pets can’t. Enter YOU. Desy (one of our favorite real-life dog whisperers) is already rocking her pet sitting biz - and you can too! Offer drop-in visits, walks, or even overnight stays. Advertise locally, through apps, or by simply posting adorable pet pics on social.
Bonus: If you love animals, it’s the happiest money you’ll ever make!
4. Freelance Your Fabulous Skills
I was a marketing “gun for hire” for YEARS - Rebekah and I would swoop into companies, offer a half or full day of consulting brilliance, and walk out with a nice chunk of change. Got a skill? There’s someone out there who’ll pay for it.
Start with your network, then jump on sites like Upwork or Fiverr. Or offer VIP strategy sessions. You know what you’re doing - own it!
5. Create and Sell an Online Course
Teaching what you know = passive income dreamboat. I create all my courses using Thinkific (here’s my affiliate link because I love it THAT much). You don't need to be a tech genius - just have a message and a method. August is ideal for batching content before the fall rush.
Video shy? Start with slides and a voiceover. Done is better than perfect, babe!
Need help with how to create Faceless content? 11 Faceless Content Creator Strategies That Actually Work
6. Tutor with Heart
School’s almost back, and every parent is suddenly realizing their kid forgot algebra over the summer. If you're a math wiz, a science nerd, or a grammar queen (hello, English majors!), offer tutoring services. In-person or online - it all works.
As the daughter of two college professors, I truly believe sharing your knowledge helps the next generation AND keeps your brain in tip-top shape!
7. Rent Out Your Space
Got a spare room, home office, or even a glam she-shed? Put it on Airbnb! August travelers are looking for cozy spots - and if you’re in a touristy town, you could charge a pretty penny. Just take great pics, offer coffee + Wi-Fi, and be the hostess with the mostest.
Bonus tip: Add cute local tips and a welcome basket. It makes guests feel special and gets you 5-star reviews!
8. Drive and Earn
Not ready to commit to a job but still want to make fast cash? Ridesharing with Uber or Lyft lets you drive when YOU want. Nights, weekends, events - these are peak earning hours, and August is full of festivals and family outings.
And if you’re the chatty type? It can actually be fun. (Who knew?!)
9. Cook Up Some Cash
Love being in the kitchen? Offer meal prep for busy families, bake for farmers markets, or do low-key catering for summer parties. Homemade, delicious food is a major win - especially if you can deliver or have pick-up options.
Try themed menus (BBQ week! Back-to-school dinners!) and promote on Facebook groups. Your next client might live down the block!
My big girl Britty has started a small bread baking business and is super excited that she got her first three orders! Check cottage food laws in your state!
10. Join Market Research Panels
Your opinion is worth MONEY, friend. Market research companies pay for feedback on products, ads, packaging - you name it. Some of them even pay $100+ for a one-hour focus group!
Sign up for sites like Respondent.io or UserInterviews. Do a few surveys while watching Netflix and boom - grocery money!
I am not sure how but I got on a business market research list and just this week they sent me a message to do a survey... $50 for 20 minutes is not that bad!
11. Monetize Your Hobbies
Whatever you do for fun - photography, flower arranging, dollhouse design - someone wants to learn it or buy it. Sell products, offer classes, post your process online, and just see what clicks.
August is the perfect month to dabble and test. You never know what little hobby could turn into a big biz!
Here is a wicked cool list of 15 Profitable Hobbies That Are Money Makers!
Wrap Up
August doesn’t have to be a waiting room for fall. It’s your golden chance to try new things, lean into what you love, and pad that bank account with smart, savvy moves. Whether you're freelancing, crafting, teaching, or just getting started, there's money to be made - and YOU can totally do it!
Here are some more great articles that you might love!
- Get stuff done! 11 Productivity Boosters for Creative Brains
- 11 Content Ideas That Always Get Traffic (Even Without SEO)
- 9 Ways I Make Money From My Laptop (Even in Pajama Pants)
