Losing your spouse is hard enough. But when the bills keep coming and your income takes a nosedive, the financial stress can feel downright suffocating. If you’ve spent years as a stay-at-home spouse or relied on your partner’s income, the idea of making money on your own might seem impossible.
Good news: It’s not impossible. In fact, there are more ways than ever for widows to make money, without having to work a soul-crushing 9-to-5 or sell your soul to a pyramid scheme.
So grab a coffee (or something stronger, no judgment here), and let’s dive into 9 legit ways you can start bringing in cash.
1. Turn Your Pain into Profit (Write, Blog, or Coach!)
Believe it or not, people want to hear from you. Widowhood is a club no one wants to join, but those who are in it desperately need support. Whether it’s starting a blog, writing a book, or offering coaching services, your experience is valuable. Plus, platforms like Medium, Substack, and Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing make it easier than ever to turn your words into money.
2. Rent Out a Room (Because Why Not Make Your House Pay You?)
If you’ve got extra space, renting out a room on Airbnb or to a long-term tenant can provide a steady stream of income. And no, you don’t have to let a stranger live in your home permanently, short-term rentals give you control over when and who stays. Bonus: If you travel a lot (or want to start), you can rent out your entire home and fund your adventures!
3. Get Paid for Your Opinion (Surveys, Focus Groups, and Market Research)
Companies are desperate for feedback, and they’ll pay you for it. Sites like UserTesting, Respondent, and FocusGroup.com offer cash for sharing your thoughts. Some even pay $50 to $200 an hour! (Yes, really.)
4. Sell What You No Longer Need (Because Clutter = Cash!)
Take a hard look around your home. See all that stuff collecting dust? Someone out there wants it. Whether it’s old clothes, furniture, collectibles, or even your late spouse’s tools, you can sell them on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Poshmark. Less clutter, more cash. Win-win.
5. Become a Virtual Assistant (No Degree Required!)
If you can answer emails, schedule appointments, or manage social media, you can be a virtual assistant. Businesses (especially small ones) are always looking for help, and many pay $20–$50 an hour. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer make it easy to get started.
6. Teach What You Know (Even If You Think You Don’t Know Anything!)
Are you good at cooking? Knitting? Playing an instrument? Someone out there wants to learn, and they’re willing to pay. You can offer lessons online through platforms like Teachable or Udemy, or even do one-on-one coaching through Zoom. Bonus: Teaching can be surprisingly therapeutic.
7. Monetize a Hobby (Because Passion Pays!)
Love crafting? Baking? Gardening? Whatever lights you up, there’s a way to monetize it. Sell handmade goods on Etsy, bake cakes for local events, or start a YouTube channel documenting your gardening journey. You get to do something you enjoy and make money. Double win!
8. Get a Remote Job (So You Can Work in Pajamas)
The world has changed, remote jobs are everywhere! From customer service to tech support to content writing, there are tons of online jobs that don’t require a degree or prior experience. Check out FlexJobs, Remote.co, or We Work Remotely for legit opportunities.
9. Invest Like a Boss (Even If You’ve Never Touched Stocks Before)
If your spouse left behind life insurance, savings, or retirement funds, don’t just let that money sit there, make it work for you. Learning the basics of investing can help you grow your wealth over time. Platforms like Wealthsimple, Betterment, or even good ol’ index funds make it easy to start, even with just a small amount.
Final Thoughts: You Can Do This!
Widowhood can feel like the end of the world, but it’s also the start of a new chapter, one where you’re in control. Whether you dip your toes into one of these money-making ideas or dive in headfirst, the key is to start somewhere.
Which one of these ideas speaks to you? Have you already tried any? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your story!