How to Make Money Fast in 2026: 50 Proven Alternatives for Extra Income

I want to make money now — this is the reality for millions of Brazilians seeking to supplement their income, escape unemployment, or start their own business. The good news is that the digital market offers countless possibilities, many of them with no initial investment or minimal costs. From quick activities to passive income models, there are paths for different profiles and time availabilities.

Make Money Today: Ideas to Start Immediately

If you need money in the next few days, these opportunities allow for quick monetization:

Paid surveys and one-off tasks — Platforms like King Opinion, Toluna, and LifePoints pay for consumer opinions. Rewards are sent via PayPal or Pix. Ideal for those seeking extra income without commitments.

Immediate demand freelance work — Quick translation, text proofreading, simple editing, and graphic arts have a queue of clients. Workana, 99Freelas, and other platforms connect you with one-time jobs.

Selling personal items — Online thrift shops, electronics, clothing, and decor can be converted into cash via Mercado Livre, Enjoei, and Repassa in days.

Beauty and aesthetic services — If you excel at nails, eyelashes, or makeup, you can start attending clients at home in a few days with low investment.

Pet-sitting and one-off care — Taking care of animals during trips or offering babysitting generates quick income, especially during holiday seasons.

Build Online Income: Medium-Term Strategies

These ideas take a few weeks or months to generate consistent revenue but are scalable:

Social media management — Small businesses pay for managing social networks. Start with a portfolio in 2-3 weeks and secure your first clients.

Copywriting and persuasion — Writing sales texts, landing pages, and emails. Those who master this skill charge high premiums.

Amateur photography — Stock photo sites like Shutterstock and iStock accept quality photos. It takes time to accumulate, but it’s passive.

Remote virtual assistant — Managing emails, schedules, and administrative tasks. Companies are constantly looking for this professional.

Website development — WordPress, no-code tools, and HTML have a growing demand from small businesses.

Graphic design — Creating art for social media, e-books, ads. Free tools like Canva have democratized this area.

Video editing — Video content has exploded. Remote editors are always in demand.

Specialized consulting — Your experience is valuable. Companies and professionals hire guidance from those knowledgeable in the field.

Niche coaching — Although competitive, there’s always room for those who find a specific and unsaturated audience.

Products and Sales: Highest Scaling Potential Model

These strategies require structure but offer significant gains:

E-books and online courses — Solving a problem with clear didactic content generates recurring revenue. Greater scalability among digital products.

Dropshipping and online stores — Selling without stock. Platforms like Shopify facilitate quick setup but require effective marketing.

Monetized YouTube channel — Ads, affiliates, partnerships, and own products. Requires consistency but high potential.

Affiliate marketing — Promoting third-party products and earning commissions. Works well with blogs, social media, and email lists.

Mentorships and exclusive programs — Private lessons, online groups, transformation programs. Combines consulting with education.

Handmade and personalized products — Confectionery, chocolates, event souvenirs. Especially profitable during seasonal dates.

Healthy and specialized foods — Fitness, vegan, organic, and personalized foods have sustained growth.

Reselling with commission — Brands like Avon, Natura, and O Boticário offer structured support for resellers.

Home office franchise — Microfranchises require less initial capital and offer brand support.

Make Money with Knowledge and Skills

Here, your personal expertise is the asset:

Private lessons — Languages, tutoring, music, technical courses. In-person or online.

Personal trainer — Individual or group classes, in person or remote.

Dance instructor — Can operate from your own room.

Professional illustration — Adds value to digital and printed products.

Programming and development — Technical demand always high.

CAD designer — Remote work for architects and construction companies.

Maintenance services — Electrical, small repairs, installations.

Personal stylist — Online image consulting has grown significantly.

Travel agent — Commissions per package sold.

Income tax services — Seasonal service, highly sought between January and April.

Monetize What You Already Have

Assets and relationships also generate income:

Property rental — Airbnb for rooms or entire houses. Garages and spaces are also valuable.

Property referral — Platforms like QuintoAndar pay for successful referrals.

Remote telemarketing — Companies hire for home office.

Influencer marketing — Even micro-influencers can secure partnerships and sponsored content.

Growing and selling organic products — Increasing demand for natural foods.

Handicrafts — Handmade products are perceived as high-value.

Referral agent — Connecting people, services, and businesses earns commissions.

Virtual concierge — Handling daily tasks for executives and professionals.

Event organization — Ceremonial and planning services add high value, especially through networking.

Child or elderly caregiver — High demand and well-compensated responsibility.

From Extra to Passive: Building Long-Term Income

After increasing your active income, the next step is to make that money work for you. Consciously investing in fixed income, stocks, real estate funds, and ETFs allows for sustainable passive income.

The difference between earning money now and earning money forever lies in planning. Combine short-term ideas with investment strategies to ensure real growth.

Next steps: choose one or two ideas aligned with your skills and available time. Start today. Then, reinvest part of the earnings into assets that work while you sleep.