Survey finds side hustles cover essentials for more than half

A survey of 1,000 adults with side hustles found that more than half would struggle to cover essential expenses without the extra income; respondents reported earning about $15,000 a year on average, often to meet living costs, build emergency savings or pay down debt. The article highlights opportunities such as seasonal catering and family-portrait photography, noting that a home-based food business can grow beyond holiday events and photography can be started on a modest scale, though equipment, a website and insurance may require an investment.