Reaching 50 doesn’t mean slowing down; it can mean finally speeding toward the life you’ve always dreamed of.
If you’re aiming to boost your savings, create financial freedom, and even retire early, starting a highly profitable and highly leveraged side hustle can be the game-changer you need.
The key is choosing a business model that allows you to work smarter, not harder; one that can scale without you burning out.
Here are five of the best side hustles that tick all those boxes, perfect for women 50+ who want flexibility, income, and freedom.
1. Selling Digital Products
Digital products are an incredible way to generate passive income.
You create something once, and it can sell over and over again without extra effort.
Examples include printables, eBooks, templates, online courses, and planners.
Why it’s highly profitable:
- No inventory, shipping, or production costs.
- Can be sold globally 24/7.
- You can create products around your passions and skills.
Why it’s highly leveraged:
Once your product is made, your main focus is on marketing it.
That means the income potential isn’t tied to your hours worked; your products can sell while you sleep.
Getting started tip:
If you love creative projects, try making planners, wall art, or budget spreadsheets and sell them on Etsy.
You can get some free training and learn how to start an Etsy Digital Products business here: www.herdreambusiness.com/etsy
2. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to make money online.
You recommend products or services you genuinely believe in, and when someone purchases through your unique link, you earn a commission.
Why it’s highly profitable:
- No product creation or customer service required.
- High commissions are available in certain niches.
- Can be scaled across various platforms, including blogs, YouTube channels, email lists, and social media.
Why it’s highly leveraged:
You can create content once (like a blog post or video) and it can keep generating clicks and sales for years.
Getting started tip:
Choose a niche you’re passionate about and look for affiliate programs with generous payouts.
Focus on building trust with your audience; people buy from people they trust.
3. Virtual Assistant (VA) Services
Businesses are crying out for help with admin, social media, email management, and more. As a Virtual Assistant, you can work from anywhere, choose your clients, and set your own hours.
Why it’s highly profitable:
- Low start-up costs – just a laptop and internet connection.
- Rates for skilled VAs can reach £30–£50+ per hour.
- You can package services to generate a recurring monthly income.
Why it’s highly leveraged:
You can specialize in higher-value services (like tech setup, social media strategy, or podcast management) and charge premium rates, allowing you to earn more in less time.
Getting started tip:
Identify what skills you already have:
- Admin
- Organisation
- Customer service
- Email management, etc.
This virtual assistant free training will walk you through everything you need to begin: www.herdreambusiness.com/va
4. Proofreading
If you have a sharp eye for detail and a love of reading, proofreading can be an excellent, flexible, and well-paying side hustle.
Why it’s highly profitable:
- Minimal start-up costs – just a computer.
- High demand from authors, bloggers, and businesses.
- Work from anywhere, on your schedule.
Why it’s highly leveraged:
Once you have steady clients, you can batch your work, use proofreading software to speed up your process, and raise your rates as your expertise grows.
Getting started tip:
Specializing in a niche (like fiction, academic writing, or marketing content) can help you stand out and attract premium-paying clients.
If you’re curious about starting, check out this free training here: www.herdreambusiness.com/proofreading
5. Coaching
If you have expertise, life experience, or specialized knowledge, coaching can be a fulfilling and lucrative side hustle. You could coach in areas like career transitions, wellness, confidence, or business skills.
Why it’s highly profitable:
- You can charge £50–£200+ per hour.
- Many coaches offer group programs to serve more clients at once.
- Sessions can be done over Zoom, so your audience isn’t limited by location.
Why it’s highly leveraged:
Group coaching or online programs let you help more people in less time, while still offering personalised value. This makes it easier to grow your income without working extra hours.
Getting started tip:
Identify your strengths and experiences that others would pay to learn from.
Then start by offering a few free or discounted sessions in exchange for testimonials, and build your client base from there.
How to Make These Side Hustles Work for You
Starting a side hustle is exciting, but to make it profitable and sustainable, you need a plan. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Choose one hustle first – Focus your time and energy on getting results, then expand.
- Leverage your strengths – Pick something you enjoy and are naturally good at.
- Create systems – Automate tasks, batch content, and streamline client onboarding.
- Invest in learning – Shorten your learning curve with courses, mentors, or starter kits.
- Be consistent – Treat it like a business, even if you’re only working on it part-time.
The Road to Early Retirement
Imagine this: in the next few years, your side hustle income is covering your living expenses, giving you the freedom to reduce your working hours, or even retire early.
That’s the power of highly leveraged, highly profitable side hustles.
When you focus on business models that scale, you break free from trading time for money.
That’s the secret to building wealth faster and creating the lifestyle you want.
Ready to start?
Download my free guide to discover which side hustle suits your goals best: www.herdreambusiness.com/free-guide
The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll be sipping coffee on a Tuesday morning, knowing your income is flowing in – no alarm clock required!
Hi, I’m Claire Bullerwell
I’ve ran dozens of home-based businesses, both offline and online, since my early twenties. I started this blog to share all my wealth of knowledge and experience to help women just like you; to find your dream home business and to live your best life.
Follow me and let’s get acquainted…
