4 Ways to Grow Your Income During Inflation

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over two years since the pandemic began. It feels like yesterday that we were scouring every supermarket in our neighborhood for toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Thankfully, that nightmare has (hopefully) come to an end. But even though our fear of contracting a life-threatening virus is less intense, we’re now faced with a new devil: inflation. 

Have you noticed that your weekly grocery bill has been steadily increasing, even though you’re buying the same stuff? You’re not imagining things — common household items are now a luxury for the average American family. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the May 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that the 12-month change in inflation is at 8.6% — reaching a 40-year high. Meat, fish, and eggs are now 14.2% more expensive than last year — if you’re an avid burger connoisseur, becoming a vegan probably doesn’t sound too bad. Electricity bills have also risen 12%. If you’re used to putting the AC on full blast, you might be in for a shock this summer. 

The cause of this record-high inflation is rooted in several problems — from the Russia and Ukraine conflict to the supply shortages caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re all feeling the effects in our wallets. According to AAA, the average US gas price hit $5 for the first time on June 13th, 2022. This is the highest gas price AAA has ever recorded since it started collecting data in 2000. 

Inflation is crunching everyone’s budget, and there’s little we can do to bring down the surging prices. But one action you can take on an individual level to fight back: increase your cash flow. 

Have you ever gone to a Sunday garage sale and found hidden treasures that you know you can resell for ten times more than the price tag?  If you’re struggling to keep up with the surging inflation rate, it’s time to put your bargain-hunting skills to work. 

You can resell pretty much anything online as long as there’s a market for it. A Sony Walkman cassette player, vintage high-waisted jeans from the 80s, a Bob Marley & The Wailers’ vinyl record: you name it! 

To get started, find a platform that you’d like to sell on. There are plenty of online marketplaces where you can list items for sale and reach a wide global audience: Amazon, eBay, Depop, Craigslist, and Etsy, to name a few. 

All you have to do is sign up, upload pictures of your product, write a compelling product description, and voila! You’re officially a reseller. There are an endless number of products you can resell for a profit: Sneakers, furniture, home appliances, baseball cards, textbooks, smartphones, baby strollers, and even concert tickets. With a little effort, you can turn your knack for finding hidden treasures into a profitable business.

How to sell stuff on eBay 

Apart from reselling bargain items, you can also make money on eBay by selling stuff around the house that you want to get rid of. Here’s how to get started:

First, create an account on eBay. Once you’re registered, take some time to browse the site and familiarize yourself with how it works. 

Take some clear and well-lit photos of the products you want to sell. A picture is worth a thousand words — and in the case of online sales, a thousand dollars. If you want your products to sell, showcase your products in the best possible light. And don’t be afraid to get creative! A little staging can go a long way in making your listing irresistible. Set up a nice background, arrange the items neatly, and snap away. Include all details in the product description and be honest about the item’s condition. Finally, set a fair starting price and press publish. 

Once your listing is live, sit back and wait for the bids to roll in!

Don’t let your extra space just sit there gathering dust — put it to work with Neighbor. Whether you have an unused driveway, a spare parking space, or even an empty garage, you can start earning money every month by renting it out. 

To become a host, simply head to Neighbor and list your space. Then, respond to lender requests and schedule a move-in time. It’s as straightforward as that. Not to mention it’s completely free to list your unused space on the platform!

Creating a passive income is your best bet if you’re bombarded with work and don’t have time to run a side business to generate extra cash flow. You can find discounts and deals for Neighbor and other Chime partners in the Chime Marketplace, right in the Chime app.

With a little creativity, you can turn any of your skills into a profit. Let’s say your patience level is out of this world; you can monetize that talent and get paid thousands to stand in line for people. I’m not joking! According to an interview in Money, some professional line-standers can make up to $35 an hour. Mind blown! 

And if your friends always rave about the fluffy cinnamon rolls you make, consider turning those homemade goodies into some real dough by selling them at the local farmer’s market — no pun intended. So, don’t be shy. Your talent and skills are worth a lot of coins!

If you’re obsessed with animals but can’t commit to a furry friend of your own, pet sitting could be the perfect gig for you. Not only will you get to cuddle adorable fur babies, but you can also make some extra cash on the side. It’s pretty hard to find a better combo than this! 

Of course, pet sitting isn’t all furballs and rainbows. Your clients are entrusting you with their most precious four-legged companions. But if you’re up for the challenge, it can be a rewarding experience. 

To get started, see if any of your friends or neighbors need a pet sitter. You can also create a profile on a pet-sitting platform like Rover or Fetch. 

You may have heard the phrase, “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Well, the same principle applies when it comes to investing during inflationary times. When you diversify your portfolio, you spread out your risk.

So, instead of putting all your money in stocks, broaden your investments across multiple asset classes and sectors. This way, even if one performs worse than expected, your other investments may help cushion the blow.

Inflation-resistant asset classes like floating-rate bonds or commodities like gold are also worth considering. Floating-rate bonds provide a buffer against rising prices because these bonds offer adjustable interest rates that reflect changing inflation levels. Precious metals like gold have long been considered a hedge against the devaluation of paper currency because of their inherent value and limited supply.

Besides gold and floating-rate bonds, other examples of the best investments during inflation include real estate and treasury inflation-protected securities. Just be sure to perform your due diligence before investing your hard-earned cash in these asset classes.

Even if the value of your crypto coins or stock portfolio has taken a dive, that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to invest and generate new income streams! Take action to fight against inflation by stacking up your dough as high as you can, whether that’s by becoming a part-time pet nanny, a host on Neighbors.com, or a professional line-stander. 

And if you ever fall in love with one of these side gigs, we have the blueprint you need to turn a side gig into a full-time hustle.