Get This: The realities of freelancing, gig work and passive income in Canada

How do you make extra money when living costs keep climbing? What does it really take to turn a side hustle into a sustainable income stream?

These are some of the questions we ask in the Extra Money edition of Get This, where we break down how to maximize your earnings through gig work, full-time freelancing, and passive—or “less active”—income. Plus, get the financial truths no one tells you about when working for yourself.

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Go gig or go home (00:51)

From freelance writing and participating in research studies to taking on serving jobs to fund major life expenses, side hustles come in all shapes and sizes. We get honest about hustle culture, why Canadians take on gig work, and how side experiences can build valuable "identity capital".

Get more info:

• How can Gen Alphas and Zers find a job in this economy?
• Karen Knox on how taking multiple jobs beats rejection

What does it take to go fully freelance? (09:49)

Transitioning to full-time freelancing might give you freedom and flexibility, but it also comes with big financial responsibilities. We talk about the realities of managing cash flow and delayed client payments, why building an emergency fund is critical before taking the leap, and the key differences—and tax implications—between operating as a sole proprietor versus incorporating.

Get more info:

• How to avoid unexpected taxes as a freelancer
• Your car is a writeoff if you’re self employed
• The risky business of hype buying and resale

Making passive income work for you (20:02)

Is passive income ever really passive? Sunlife financial planner Trevor Theobald discusses passive income (or what he calls “less active” income), realistic financial expectations, managing risk, and tax liabilities on extra earnings. Plus, he breaks down why starting small with high-interest savings accounts, GICs, or market investments instead of jumping straight into big commitments like rental properties, can be a smart move.

Get more info:

• Do you have to claim all your income? Like everything?
• Passive income jobs in Canada
• How to start investing in the stock market in a safe way

Watch more Get This:

1. Are you leaving free money on the table?
2. How much should you tip in Canada?
3. The AI effect on your job, your money and your everyday life
4. The money math behind dating, prenups and breakups
5. The biggest money mistakes newcomers to Canada make
6. How to split the bill, cut your phone plan, and negotiate a win-win