This Thrifty Girl

It’s no secret that I’m always on the lookout for a good deal and new smart ways to make a little extra cash. I’m a firm believer that you don’t need a huge investment to start something new and exciting. So, if you’ve been dreaming of starting your own little business from the comfort of your home, then this post is for you! I’ve been doing some research and, along with my own hands-on experience, have found and compiled some amazing and unique ideas that are not only in demand but also won’t break the bank to start.

Let’s dive into some fun and thrifty ways you can become your own boss!

Heads Up! This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love, and your support helps me keep This Thrifty Girl running!

1. Become a Modern-Day Memory Keeper: Digitize Old Tapes!

Remember those old home movies on VHS tapes? Or those cassette tapes with recordings of your grandpa’s stories? Well, tons of people have these precious memories stored away in boxes, collecting dust, because they no longer have the devices to play them! This is where you come in. You can be the hero who brings these memories back to life by converting them into digital files. It’s a service that’s full of heart, and people are willing to pay to preserve their family history.

Your Start-Up Requirements:

• A reliable VHS-to-Digital Converter: This is your main tool! Look for one that’s easy to use, reliable, produces high quality results, and has good reviews.
• A VCR: Another absolute necessity for this hustle. Find one with a good output resolution for best results. You might even find one at a thrift store for a steal! Just make sure to test with a throwaway tape first in case there’s any issues with the used device.
• External Solid State Drive or Hard Drive: To store the digital files for your clients. I personally recommend an SSD as they are faster, more reliable, and less prone to damage.
• Cleaning Supplies: To clean old tapes and the VCR itself. Maintenance of your machine helps prevent future issues and keep your recordings looking great.

2. The Photo Archivist: Give Old Photos a New Digital Life!

Similar to old tapes, people have shoeboxes overflowing with old photographs. These photos are fading, and at risk of getting damaged. You can offer a service to scan and digitize these photos, creating beautiful digital albums that can be easily shared and will last forever. Imagine the joy you’ll bring to families by helping them preserve their most cherished moments!

Your Start-Up Requirements:

• A Good Quality Photo Scanner: This is where you’ll want to invest a little more to ensure high-quality scans. Look for one that can handle different photo sizes and has film scanning capabilities.
  • Pro tip: Your local thrift store or ReStore may have some for sale at fractions of the new prices! Do your research to make sure what you’re buying will work for your needs.
• Photo Editing Software: There are countless options to touch up your scanend photos, and even free software can work wonders on reducing dust, smudges, and other imperfections you may not have noticed before scanning.
• Speed-Scanning Software: Optimize your photo scanning setup with software capable of automatically separating multiple photos in a scan into separate files. I’ve linked above my personal favorite software for this purpose that I’ve found to be a worthwhile investment.
• Microfiber Cloths: To gently wipe fingerprints and dust off photos and your scanner glass before scanning to reduce imperfections in your final scans.
• Air Purifier: If you struggle with a dusty work area, keep a quality air purifier running to help reduce any airborne particles and lower the amount of dust building up on photos or your scanner.
• An External Hard Drive and/or Cloud Storage Subscription: To respectively save the inital scans, and share the final digitized photos with your clients.

3. The 3D Printing Pro: Create & Sell Custom Creations!

If you’re a bit more on the techy side, this one’s for you! 3D printing has become so much more affordable and user-friendly. You can create and sell an endless variety of custom items. Think personalized cookie cutters, unique phone cases, fun planters, or even custom-designed miniatures for board games. The possibilities are truly as endless as your imagination!

Your Start-Up Requirements:

• An Entry-Level 3D Printer: There are some great, affordable options out there that are perfect for beginners. Do some research to learn more about what will work best for your space and needs.
  • Pro tip: Check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for a used printer – you can usually get used machines for super good prices!
• Filament: This is the “ink” for your 3D printer. Start with a basic and versatile material like PLA. Note: certain projects work better with certain materials; make sure to use the right kind for what you want to create.
• Design Software: There are many free and easy-to-learn 3D modeling programs available online such as Tinkercad and Fusion360.
• Buy Design Printing Rights Online: Buy rights to download, print and sell pre-designed works online so you can get started while you’re still getting the hang of designing your own.
• A Good Pair of Tweezers and Cutters: For cleaning up your 3D prints and removing any excess material. Keep your printer and prints clean for a happier machine and happier customers.

4. Curated Shopping Guide Creator (with Benable!)

If you’re someone who’s always recommending your favorite Amazon finds, local spots, or niche must-haves to friends and family, why not turn that into a business? With platforms like Benable, you can create beautiful, shoppable recommendation lists for everything from home decor to budget beauty buys—and earn affiliate commissions while you’re at it.

This is one of the easiest home businesses to start, especially if you’re already active on social media or enjoy blogging. Use Benable to build themed lists (think: “my kitchen essentials under $25” or “eco-friendly home swaps”), share your links, and get paid every time someone makes a purchase through them. Bonus? It’s free to use and doesn’t require a website, inventory, or startup budget.

📌 Pro Tip: Combine your Benable lists with Pinterest or TikTok content to grow your reach organically!

Your Start-Up Requirements:

• A phone or computer with internet access. That’s it!

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5. Curbside Treasure Flipper

If you’re the kind of person who gets a little thrill every time you spot a “FREE” sign on a sidewalk, this one’s for you. Curb alert rescues and thrifting-for-profit are not just fun—they’re wildly sustainable and profitable. You can start by picking up gently used furniture, home goods, or vintage items from curbs, yard sales, and thrift stores, then cleaning them up and reselling them on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Poshmark.

Start small by focusing on items you already know well (like clothes, books, or small furniture), and reinvest your profits into tools or transport. With a bit of creativity and consistency, this can turn into a full-fledged side hustle or even a full-time income stream.

📌 Bonus Tip: Create before-and-after content or thrift hauls to build a following and boost your visibility—people love a good transformation story.

Your Start-Up Requirements:

• If you already have reliable transportation, you’re set!

So, what do you think? Starting your own home business doesn’t have to be a big, scary thing. With a little bit of creativity and a thrifty mindset, you can be well on your way to being your own boss.

You’ve got this! Now, go out there and make it happen!

Do you have any other thrifty business ideas? Share them in the comments below! I’d love to hear them!