For more than a decade , many industries have gradually shifted from hiring full-time employees in favor of contract workers. Whether by choice or necessity, many individuals work full-time in the “gig economy” — a labor market facilitated by online job boards advertising project-based or contract work — by stringing together multiple gigs to support themselves and their families. If you’re considering gig work, start by understanding which areas pay the most, require minimal startup costs, have relatively few expenses, and can be performed from anywhere. Consider these fields: Freelance Writing While it can take some time to make a consistent income, established writers can make as much as $30 an hour . You can work for an agency that specializes in producing content for other companies or individuals. Opt for quality over quantity at first until you can confidently produce high-quality content as per the company’s standards more quickly to find success on these platforms. You can...

What would you do with an extra $500? Kickstart your emergency fund ? Finish paying off one of your credit cards? Or would you need the money to pay your bills? According to the Federal Reserve, 44 percent of American adults would have difficulties handling an unexpected expense of $400. I remember the days when I looked ahead to the end of the month with disappointment, knowing that my money would run out before I got there. To stave off some of those feelings of fear, I began looking for ways to make money. Quick ways to make money in 30 days When facing a difficult financial situation, you might have a bit of time to make ends meet. If you have 30 days to get back into good standing — or even if you’re just looking for a regular way to make an extra $500 each month to meet your goals faster — there’s good news. The following ideas can be quick ways to make money. Do two or three items on this list, and you could earn $500 by the end of the month. Start by selling something Some...