News & Trending Jobs & Career News

10 Surprising Ways People Are Already Making Real Money With AI

Create flexible income before or during retirement.

By Summer Nevins

Edited by Sara Albertelli

Updated Jan. 21, 2026

The recent rise of AI may be controversial, but one thing is certain: it's here to stay. Ethical considerations aside, AI has quickly become a practical tool that everyday people are able use to earn extra income, even in retirement.

From turning life experience into digital products to helping small businesses work smarter, AI could open doors to flexible, low-stress ways to make money without starting from scratch.

Below are realistic ways people are using AI to future-proof their income, whether they want a small side hustle or a more reliable second stream of cash.

Earn as much as $1K doing simple online tasks

A company called Freecash has compiled all sorts of quick cash tasks from about a dozen advertisers and market research companies thirsty for more data. Freecash has paid out over $13 million to users since 2019, and has over 50,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot.

Create and sell digital products faster

AI makes it much easier to turn what you know into sellable products like e-books, planners, checklists, or workbooks. It could help organize ideas, draft outlines, and suggest content, saving hours of work.

At the end of the day, you remain in control of accuracy and tone while also adding personal insight and final edits. This approach works especially well for niche topics where your experience solves a specific problem.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here.

Turn your knowledge into online courses

Online courses are all the rage right now, and creating one no longer requires advanced tech skills or expensive production. AI helps break your knowledge into lessons, draft scripts, create slides, and suggest simple quizzes.

You could record basic videos or even use written lessons. Courses are especially effective for sharing professional expertise or lifelong skills and could generate ongoing income once they're published.

Start a simple content business

A big thing AI helps with is ideation. You could use it to help brainstorm topics, create outlines, and draft early versions of blog posts, newsletters, or social media updates. Your role is to refine the content and add a real-life perspective, which is what readers trust most.

Over time, consistent content could build an audience and generate income through ads, sponsorships, or paid subscriptions without strict deadlines.

Stop overpaying when you shop online

Tired of chasing coupon codes and comparing prices across tabs? Try Capital One Shopping — a free browser extension that scours the internet for coupons and flags better prices while you shop.

Add it today and you could stop overpaying!¹ Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the browser extension using the links we provided.

Get Capital One Shopping now

Use AI for graphic design

AI-powered design tools allow you to edit and expand on your art. It's able to assist in creating polished visuals even if you don't have formal training. You could generate social media graphics, flyers, simple logos, or presentations by adjusting templates and prompts.

Many small businesses need affordable design help but don't want to hire an agency. This could be a practical service-based side income with minimal upfront costs.

Offer AI-assisted video editing

Video editing has become far more accessible thanks to AI tools that automatically trim clips, add captions, and improve sound quality. Small businesses and content creators often need short, polished videos but lack the time or skills to edit them.

Learning one user-friendly platform could open the door to recurring projects with flexible, part-time hours.

Become an AI "helper" for small businesses

Many local businesses feel overwhelmed by AI and simply want someone to set things up and explain the basics. You could help them use AI for emails, customer responses, scheduling, or simple marketing tasks.

This role doesn't require coding, just patience and problem-solving. Ongoing support or monthly check-ins may provide steady supplemental income.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Offer resume and LinkedIn profile services

For those struggling to land a new role in an AI-centric world, you may be able to leverage AI tools to help. AI can quickly generate tailored resumes and LinkedIn profiles for different roles. But human judgment is still essential.

You help clients highlight real accomplishments, remove errors, and ensure everything sounds professional and honest. This service is especially valuable for older job seekers navigating a changing job market and could be offered as one-time packages or ongoing coaching.

Create voice-overs

If you have a clear, confident speaking voice, AI helps with scripts, audio cleanup, and pacing. You don't need a professional studio to get started.

Many authors and businesses need narrators for audiobooks, ads, or instructional videos. This could be done from home and scheduled around your availability.

Start an AI-assisted Etsy or print-on-demand shop

AI helps generate product ideas, write descriptions, and suggest artwork concepts, making it easier to launch an online shop. You select the designs that match your taste and audience, while a print-on-demand service handles production and shipping. This model works well for people who want a creative outlet without managing inventory.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.² Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.

Tutor or coach using AI tools

AI assists with preparing lesson plans, practice exercises, summaries, and discussion prompts. You focus on teaching, encouragement, and answering questions. This is ideal for retirees who enjoy helping others learn without the pressure of full-time work. Tutoring and coaching could be done virtually, making it flexible and accessible to a wide range of clients.

Bottom line

AI offers practical income opportunities for pre-retirees and retirees by making it easier to turn existing skills, knowledge, and experience into flexible side work. Rather than replacing people, these tools reduce time and effort, making small businesses, creative projects, and service-based work more manageable.

One important detail to keep in mind is that most AI tools are inexpensive or free to start, and many could be learned in a few hours. That low barrier to entry makes AI especially useful for those who want to eliminate some money stress without taking on major financial risk or long-term commitments.

More from FinanceBuzz: