8 Ways to Start Making Your Own Money - Urban Warrior Survival

Hey, it’s Friday, so let’s talk about something practical—making your own money. Not some “get rich quick” scheme, but ways to start building income that isn’t tied to a boss or a 9-to-5. Stuff you can start today, even if you don’t have much to work with. Here are a few ways I’ve seen work and some ideas to get started.

1 Freelancing & Online Services

Offering a skill online is one of the fastest ways to start making money. You don’t need a degree or years of experience to get started. Skills like writing, graphic design, coding, or social media management are in demand, and you can offer them immediately. The beauty is that you’re getting paid for your own abilities, not someone else’s business.

Why it helps you break free: You’re not relying on someone else’s schedule or decisions. Your skills = your independence.
How to start cheap: Fiverr, Upwork, or even social media. A laptop and an internet connection are enough.

2. Sell Digital Products or Prints

Creating digital products is a way to make money without holding inventory. You make it once, and people can buy it over and over. It could be ebooks, templates, art, or printables. Once it’s out there, it can earn income passively while you focus on other things.

Why it helps you break free: Passive income that keeps coming even when you’re not actively working.
How to start cheap: Canva, free AI design tools, Etsy, or Gumroad. You can get started with almost nothing.

3. Flipping Items / Reselling

Buying items for cheap and selling them for a profit is a skill that never gets old. It teaches you how to spot value where others don’t see it. You’re building entrepreneurial muscle while creating cash flow outside a corporate job. Even small profits add up quickly if you’re consistent.

Why it helps you break free: Builds cash flow and entrepreneurial skills outside a corporate job.
How to start cheap: Start with what you already own, garage sales, or thrift stores. You don’t need more than $20 to get rolling.

4. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is recommending products online and earning a commission when people buy. You don’t make the product; you just connect it to the right audience. With the right approach, it can turn into a steady income stream. It’s a way to get paid for helping people find solutions.

Why it helps you break free: Multiple income streams, and once you set it up, it can keep running on its own.
How to start cheap: Sign up for Amazon, ClickBank, or ShareASale. Use social media, blogs, or a simple YouTube channel.

5. Microbusiness / Side Hustle

Small businesses don’t have to be complicated. Even a simple service can start generating cash and teach you independence. Dog walking, tutoring, lawn care, or cleaning are examples that need almost nothing to start. The key is consistency and building a reputation over time.

Why it helps you break free: You’re in control. Skills you build today can turn into income tomorrow.
How to start cheap: Service-based stuff like dog walking, tutoring, lawn care, or cleaning. Almost no money upfront.

6. Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, Podcasting)

Sharing your perspective or knowledge online can generate income if you build an audience. You can focus on anything you’re interested in, from tutorials to commentary. Over time, ads, sponsorships, or donations can turn attention into real money. Starting small is enough to see if it works for you.

Why it helps you break free: You own your platform and the attention you generate. That’s power outside the system.
How to start cheap: Your phone is enough to start. Free platforms are all around: YouTube, TikTok, or Anchor for podcasts.

7. Teaching or Tutoring Online

If you know something, someone else probably wants to learn it. Teaching online is a straightforward way to monetize your knowledge. You can do it live, through pre-recorded lessons, or even just answering questions. It’s a skill that stays valuable no matter what else changes around you.

Why it helps you break free: Knowledge is portable and earns you money wherever you are.
How to start cheap: Platforms like Preply or Tutor.com, or even social media. You don’t need much more than your knowledge.

8. Handmade Crafts or Physical Products

Making things with your hands and selling them is a classic way to earn. If you’re creative, this can turn into a solid side income. You learn skills and get independence at the same time. The best part is that you’re creating something tangible that people value.

Why it helps you break free: Your skills and products = independent income, plus you’re building real-world value.
How to start cheap: Use materials you already have or get low-cost supplies. Sell through Etsy, Instagram, or local markets.

Outro:
That’s it for this week. None of this is complicated. The goal is to start building income that isn’t tied to a boss or the system. Pick one thing, try it, and just start. You’ll learn more doing than thinking about it, and each step brings you closer to independence.