Happy Sunday,

Greetings from Bali! This edition is dear to my heart because sidehustles played a pivotal role in my wealth journey. Side hustles were my introductory to entrepreneurship, my first business and the only way I was able to start investing at 18.

I hope y’all enjoy :)

Today’s edition:

• Side hustles that could change your life

• My entire portfolio results (built from my sidehustles/business)

• The government shutdown, trading crypto with Vanguard, and more

Read time: 5 min 40 seconds

💰 Wealth Tip of the Week

Would an extra $500 a month change your life?

For most people, that's gas money, utilities, or groceries covered.

Maybe it's the difference between living paycheck to paycheck and actually building your emergency fund.

I get it. You've probably seen those clickbait videos promising you'll make millions overnight if you just try "this one thing." 

The truth is building real income on the side takes work, but it doesn't have to be complicated.

Studies show that 1 in 3 Americans have a side hustle (with Gen Z leading the charge), and they’re making an average of $530 a month.

And that could be you next. 

I strongly believe that everyone needs multiple sources of income: something to pay the bills and something to alleviate stress or follow your passions.

So today, I'm sharing six realistic side hustles that can help you earn between $500 to $1,000+ per month. 

No get-rich-quick schemes. Just practical ways to put more money in your pocket.

Side Hustles for 2025

1. Get into Content Creation

This is the side hustle I really get behind.

There are so many different avenues, and it’s easier than ever to get paid just for posting videos.

Most social media platforms now have creator programs that pay users for content that gets views:

• TikTok Creator Program

• Instagram Reels bonuses

• YouTube Partner Program

Plus, you can make money from sponsorships, affiliate marketing, TIKTOK SHOP, ad revenue, and so much more.

All you have to do is pick up your phone, film, post, and be consistent with it.

If I were just beginning, I would create videos you would enjoy watching youtself.

Then double down on what works. Focus on the skill, then worry about monetization after.

2. Monetize Your Car

If you own a car, don’t let it sit idle when it could be generating passive income. There are two underrated ways to turn your vehicle into cash. 

The first is Turo.

Turo is the Airbnb for cars. If you have a vehicle you don't use 24/7, you can rent it out to travelers and locals by the day.

Instead of letting your car depreciate in the driveway, you can use Turo to offset or even completely cover your car payment, insurance, and maintenance. 

The second is Wrapify.

If you want truly passive income from your car, you can get paid just for driving your normal routes. 

Wrapify pays you to wrap your car with brand advertisements, essentially turning your vehicle into a mobile billboard.

It's a super simple way to cover your gas or insurance payment without changing your daily routine.

3. Create User-Generated Content

This is under the umbrella of “content creation”, but this deserves it’s own section. Every brand, business, and e-commerce store is fighting for eyeballs, and they need content that looks authentic to cut through the noise.

UGC, or User-Generated Content, is short-form, authentic video content (think TikToks and Reels) that brands pay everyday people to create. 

Basically they pay you to make it look like a regular customer is talking about their product. No expensive studios or fancy lighting required.

And it doesn't have to be video. Brands will pay you to create engaging testimonials, unboxing content, photos, tutorials, and so much more.

You can find opportunities on platforms specifically designed to connect UGC creators with clients, like Fiverr, Upwork, or Trend.

4. House Sit or Pet Sit

This side hustle is a game-changer: Instead of paying for expensive Airbnbs and hotels when you travel, you get to stay in beautiful homes around the world for free.

House sitting or pet sitting connects you with homeowners who need someone trustworthy to watch their property and pets while they're away. 

And in exchange, you get to stay in places you'd never visit otherwise.

Think about it: That beach house in California you've been dreaming about visiting? Someone needs a house sitter. That apartment in the middle of a European city? They need someone to watch their cat for two weeks.

This is how people travel long-term without draining their savings. 

Next time you have a trip planned, check out TrustedHousesitters, Nomador, Wag, or Rover. 

5. Offer Home Services

People are always willing to pay for convenience, which means there's always opportunity to make cash.

Think about services that are always in demand, like lawn maintenance, window cleaning, snow shoveling (depending on where you live), and general handyman work.

So do some market research: What do people in your area actually need? Some services are very seasonal, so you'll want to plan accordingly or offer multiple services throughout the year.

Check out TaskRabbit or Thumbtack to find jobs that fit your expertise.

6. Take Advantage of Convenience Gig Apps

Remember, people are always willing to pay to save time and avoid tasks they don't want to do themselves.

And there's an app for everything now: DoorDash, Uber, Instacart. 

Whether you’re delivering food or offering driving services, convenience apps let you work whenever you want, stop whenever you want, and fit it around your existing schedule.

Your Action Plan

I know there are countless reasons you’re telling yourself it won’t work, but side hustlers make it work, and that’s where I know you’ve got what it takes.

So here's my challenge to you this week:

Pick one side hustle from this list or anywhere online and just start.

Don't overthink it. Don't wait for the perfect moment. Just take the first uncomfortable step.

If you don’t enjoy it, then move on! The key is to try everything and then double down on what works and what you like.

Taking one small action at a time is how I’ve built my entire business and achieved the financial freedom I always dreamed of.

And I’m rooting for you to do the same. Your next $500 is out there waiting for you.

📊 My Monthly Portfolio Review

The market has been on a run lately, but the strategy hasn’t changed for me.

I’ve been DCA into $QQQM ( ▼ 0.12% ) and $VTSAX every week.

I added a little more $CRWD ( ▼ 0.16% ) and $MU ( ▼ 2.14% ) which I’m up a hefty amount (almost 70% on $MU ( ▼ 2.14% )  

The market seems to be rotating, but I still truly believe that cybersecurity and AI will continue to play a big role in the world.

Reply to this email if you invested with me on any of these plays!

📉 Market Recap

Check out some of the biggest stories shaking up money, markets, and momentum this week.

• Congress can’t agree on a funding bill, and now the government is shutdown

• Vanguard might let you trade Crypto ETFs soon…

• Warren Buffett is closing Berkshire Hathaway’s biggest deal in three years before he retires

• The market: Is it reaching peak performance before a big downturn?

👀 In Case You Missed It

Here are 8 more side hustles to choose from my youtube video! If you haven’t subbed yet, check it out!

See y’all next week 🫡

- Angelo Castillo

Disclaimer: This is not financial advice or investment recommendations. The content is for informational purposes only, and it should not be considered as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.