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Nearly 2 in 3 Gig Workers Track Earnings Closely, but 33% Still End Up with No Savings or New Debt

July 30, 2025

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Side hustles have become a lifeline, but for many, they’re not enough to build financial security. A new survey of nearly 1,000 gig workers shows that while most track their earnings closely, 1 in 3 still end up in debt or with no savings at all.

With rising costs and little access to benefits, gig workers often have to build their own safety nets. This study looks at how they’re managing, who’s falling behind, and what it really costs to keep a side hustle going.

Key takeaways

  • Nearly half of gig workers (49%) are hustling just to survive.
  • Over 1 in 4 gig workers (28%) have gone into debt to keep their side hustle running.
  • Full-time workers with side hustles are the most likely to have saved $500 or more per month (29%), over 3x higher than those who do gig work only.
  • 1 in 4 gig-only workers have no financial protections at all.
  • 55% of gig workers feel guilty taking a break.

01. The reality of saving while side hustling

This infographic reveals that 60% of gig workers save at least $100 monthly, while 33% are in debt, with only 8% saving $500 or more. It shows that 49% say side hustles help cover basic expenses, while 28% report going into debt to keep them going.

  • Nearly half of gig workers (49%) are hustling just to survive.
  • Over 1 in 4 gig workers (28%) have gone into debt to keep their side hustle running.
  • Full-time workers with side hustles are the most likely to have saved $500 or more per month (29%), over 3x higher than those who do gig work only.
  • Only 8% of gig workers say their side hustle has no financial impact. For the rest, it’s a lifeline or a launchpad.

02. What side hustlers are sacrificing to stay in the game

A data-packed infographic showing how side hustles affect life aspects like mental health, personal time, and sleep, with most reporting negative impacts. It also includes stats on gig workers’ guilt over taking breaks and financial/personal sacrifices like reduced sleep (54%) and skipped social events (49%).

  • 55% of gig workers feel guilty taking a break.
  • 54% report sacrificing sleep to keep their hustle alive.
  • 52% have cut back on non-essential expenses to make ends meet.
  • Romantic (65%) and family relationships (64%) are the least impacted aspects of life by side hustles.
  • More than 1 in 4 side hustlers have used loans or credit cards to fuel their hustle, while 28% have sold personal items.

03. Confidence gaps and safety net struggles among gig workers

An infographic showing that 65% of gig workers track their finances regularly and those who don’t are more likely to lack savings. It also compares financial protections, with gig-only workers having less coverage than those with full-time jobs and side hustles.

  • Nearly two-thirds of gig workers (65%) track their finances after every project, either daily or weekly.
  • Side hustlers who don’t track their finances are 5x more likely to have zero monthly savings than $500+ monthly savings.
  • Gig workers are twice as likely to lack confidence in managing their finances as those with full-time jobs and side hustles (29% vs 15%, respectively).
  • 1 in 4 gig-only workers have no financial protections at all, which is over 3x higher than full-time workers with a side hustle.
  • Only 1 in 3 gig-only workers have emergency savings compared to nearly 60% of full-timers with a side hustle.

04. Methodology

We surveyed 969 gig workers to explore how side hustling is impacting their savings habits, financial confidence, and overall sense of security. The survey also examined how frequently workers track their finances and what sacrifices they make to sustain their gig income.

The average age of respondents was 40; 50% were men, 48% were women, and 2% were nonbinary. In terms of work type, 62% worked full-time and had a side hustle, 22% worked exclusively in gig roles, and 16% worked part-time with a side hustle. The data was collected in July 2025.

05. About SideHustles.com

SideHustles.com is your go-to resource for building flexible income streams and navigating today’s gig economy. From saving strategies to side hustle ideas, we help everyday workers discover smarter ways to earn, budget, and thrive on their own terms.

06. Fair use statement

If you’d like to share or report on this data, you’re welcome to use it for noncommercial purposes. Just include a link back to SideHustles.com for full credit and context.

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