Easy Thing to Make Money – More Earning or More Investing?

You know, it’s funny how often we all ask this—what’s the easiest way to make money? Like, really make it. Not in the “win the lottery” kind of way, but something that feels achievable, within reach. Most people boil it down to two camps: earn more or invest more. And honestly? Both sound pretty reasonable at first glance. But when you sit with the idea a little longer, it gets… murky.

Let’s start with earning more. It’s the obvious one. You hustle, you get paid. Simple. You work extra shifts, launch a side gig, freelance on weekends, whatever suits your vibe. I’ve known people who made an extra $1,000 a month just dog-sitting or tutoring online. And that’s great. It’s immediate, it feels rewarding, and it puts you in control.

But—and there’s always a but—more earning often means more time invested. And time, as we keep hearing from every motivational speaker ever, is your most limited resource. There’s burnout, missed dinners, the constant hum of “should be working.” You can’t scale yourself infinitely. At some point, you hit a wall.

Now, on the flip side, we’ve got investing more. Sounds fancy. And for some, maybe a little intimidating. Stocks, real estate, crypto, mutual funds—it’s a jungle. But here’s the thing: investing doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be some Wall Street genius. It can be as chill as setting up automated transfers to a low-cost index fund. The magic (well, math) of compounding does the heavy lifting over time.

But… it’s slow. Like, watching-a-tree-grow slow. Especially if you’re starting with small amounts. And the markets? They don’t care about your plans. They dip, spike, crash, and rally without asking for your approval. So, yes, investing is powerful—but it requires patience, and nerves. Sometimes, you just stare at your portfolio thinking, “Is this… working?”

So, what’s the easy thing to do? Well, maybe neither is truly “easy.” But here’s a thought: perhaps the real trick is doing a little of both. Earn just a bit more—enough to breathe, save, maybe even splurge now and then. And while you’re at it, invest consistently, even if it feels small and slow.

Because maybe it’s not about choosing one over the other. Maybe the easiest way to make money is to play the long game. Earn smarter, not harder. Invest regularly, not perfectly. And most of all, just start—even if you’re unsure. That part’s key.

What do you think?