In the last few years, Canadians have been feeling the financial pinch. Keeping on track with your money goals can be challenging, but thankfully, there are options to achieve financial well-being.
Side hustles, in particular, have become increasingly attractive for Canadians looking to make financial progress. According to a recent Capital One Canada survey, 59% of respondents who either have or are interested in a side hustle say they do/would do so to make extra money for future savings. Of those with a side hustle, 94% say their main motivation is to earn extra income.
Narcity Canada spoke with Toronto-based content creator Reni Odetoyinbo, aka Reni, the Resource, about starting a side hustle in 2025. Reni, who makes personal finance simple and relatable, provided her recommendations on which side hustles are worth trying.
As a self-described "side hustle queen," Reni has always had a side gig — from selling candy on the playground to event photography, freelance marketing and eventually content creation, which has become her full-time career.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
"I see side hustles as a powerful tool, especially during the wealth-building phase of your personal finance journey," she told Narcity. "If you’re trying to pay off debt, invest more, or hit a savings goal faster, earning extra income is a game-changer. They can help close the gap between where you are and where you want to be financially."
That said, not all side hustles are equal, and getting started can be difficult. Reni explains: "The biggest challenge is managing your time and energy…The most important factor is flexibility. A good side hustle should make you money and respect your time, not compete with your sanity."
Canadians can look to Capital One for support in reaching their financial goals. Courtesy of Capital One Canada
It's also important to know what resources you have at your disposal. Canadians can look to Capital One for support in reaching their financial goals, no matter where they start. Credit Keeper™, for example, gives you a holistic picture of your credit score and promotes healthy financial habits.
From crafting and housesitting to consulting and tutoring, here are Reni's recommendations on which side hustles are most likely to help you hit your goals.
Launch a consultancy business in your field
Leverage your expertise and become a consultant. Md Jawadur Rahman | Pexels
Do you have expertise in a specific industry? Whether it's in IT, law, social media or something else entirely, you could make money sharing your wisdom with others.
Reni's recommendation: "Top-tier side hustle! You already have the knowledge, credibility, and likely a network. Low startup cost, high earning potential, and you’re building your personal brand while you make money."
Offer online tutoring
Tutoring is an effective way to make extra money. Julia M Cameron | Pexels
Similar to consultancy, sharing your knowledge with those who need it can be a profitable side hustle. Tutoring is always needed, from primary school students to graduates.
Reni's recommendation: "It’s flexible, in-demand, and you can charge a premium if you specialize (test prep, languages, STEM). This is a great way to turn your knowledge into consistent income. Love that it can be done virtually too."
Sell your arts and crafts
Selling your arts and crafts is an effective side hustle if you can balance the costs of materials. Toa Heftiba | Unsplash
If you've been making art or crafts in your spare time, it can be a straightforward side hustle to start selling your creations.
Reni's recommendation: "If you’re already creative, this is a strong income stream with room to grow. Online marketplaces make it easier than ever — just be mindful of materials, time, and shipping costs."
Buy and resell used or vintage goods
Upcycling vintage finds is great if you enjoy shopping. Aerogondo | Dreamstime
Whether you're upcycling thrift finds or restoring vintage goods to their former glory, you can earn extra money by giving used items a second life.
Reni's recommendation: "A classic money-maker. Thrifting and reselling can bring serious profit margins if you know what you’re doing — plus it’s sustainable and fun. This only works if you enjoy shopping though."
Pet and housesitting
Petsitting and housesitting can be a way to earn easy money. Samson Katt | Pexels
When pet owners and homeowners travel, they sometimes need someone to take care of their furry friends and ensure that the house stays in good shape.
Reni's recommendation: "This is ideal if you want low-effort income and flexibility. Great side hustle for students or people with remote jobs — you’re literally getting paid to exist in someone else’s space."
Become a delivery driver
Quick money can be made as a delivery driver or rider. RDNE Stock project | Pexels
Perhaps the iconic side hustle of the 2020s is joining a delivery service as a driver or rider. This can earn you an okay income and tips.
Reni's recommendation: "Good for fast cash, especially if you need income immediately. But long term, the wear and tear on your mode of transportation and time tradeoff can reduce profitability, so do it with a clear earnings goal in mind."
Cleaning or landscaping
Building up a portfolio of regulars can make cleaning or landscaping a reliable source of income. Photo By: Kaboompic.com | Pexels
Everyone needs a hand with the chores now and then. From weekly cleans with recurring clients to one-off yard makeovers, there are many ways to do this side hustle.
Reni's recommendation: "Always in demand and scalable if you build a client base. Physically demanding, but the money can be solid — especially in higher-income neighbourhoods. This has the advantage of being able to turn into a full-on business with employees under you."
Create and sell animations, photos, or sounds to stock websites
Your photo library can be a passive source of income. Matt Hardy | Pexels
Online libraries of stock content are in high demand in 2025 as everyone becomes a content creator. You make money in this side hustle by uploading your content and earning a fee each time someone downloads it for use.
Reni's recommendation: "This is more passive once you build up your library, but it takes time to get consistent sales. Great for creatives who already have the skills and want extra income streams."
Start a dropshipping online store
Dropshipping went through a boom, but it can be hard to get a steady payout. Vlada Karpovich | Pexels
Dropshipping is the practice of running an online store but having the supplier ship the product directly to the buyer. With no inventory to manage, it can be an inexpensive way to start a side hustle.
Reni's recommendation: "Low barrier to entry, yes — but extremely saturated and competitive. Margins are thin, and customer service can be a nightmare. Do your homework before diving in."
Whatever approach you choose, the age-old advice inevitably comes up: You have to spend money to make money. But Reni offers some nuance to this classic saying.
"I do believe you often need to invest something to see a return," she told Narcity. "But that doesn’t mean dropping thousands of dollars right out the gate… My philosophy is: start small, prove the concept, then invest more"
She also encourages would-be side hustlers to stay on top of the numbers and evaluate whether the side hustle is doing what it's supposed to for their goals.
"It’s important that making profit is not a surprise or an accident, but something you’ve prepared, tracked and planned for," she said.
"I’ve had hustles that thrived and others that flopped. That doesn’t make you a failure. Every attempt teaches you something and builds skills for the next venture. Timing and luck play a role too — so give yourself grace if this one doesn’t work out."
If you have a solid side hustle idea, but the only thing holding you back is access to credit, Capital One Canada could have the "yes" you're looking for. Plus, with Credit Keeper™, you can get a holistic picture of your credit and help to reduce financial stress.
To learn more about Capital One Canada and how they've provided credit to over 4 million Canadians, visit their website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, tax or accounting advice.