Skills & Learning

Learn the skills that actually pay. High-income and AI skills, the best online courses and platforms, and honest takes on whether degrees and certifications are worth the money and time.

Learn the skill first, then sell it

A number of “make money” resources skip an important detail: you have to offer something the public will pay for. This track goes over obtaining such things — namely high-income skills, the price of those skills, and if a credential is really necessary.

As with other parts of this site, order matters when we talk about skills. Choose one high-in-demand skill, master it so you can charge clients for using it, and immediately move on to the Make Money Online track and begin charging for it. Learning without selling just collects certificates. Selling without learning just churns clients. The process is learn, sell, repeat.

Where to begin

Want to see where to start? Best skills to learn to make money is the high-level resource that lists and ranks skills based upon their demand in the job market, time required to acquire each, and speed to which they may generate income. We have three detailed guides covering the three largest areas: how to learn coding (still the highest paid area — no degree required), how to learn AI (the newest area — our guide identifies actual skills vs. tools of the week), and how to learn digital marketing (most likely way to earn freelance income quickly).

Not sure college is worth it? Our alternatives to a traditional degree guide provides free and inexpensive alternatives that many employers treat seriously.

One book for the builder’s mindset

The Personal MBA summary belongs on this section as much as the business one, because Kaufman’s entire case is that professional skills can be learned deliberately and inexpensively rather than purchasing a degree. Read the summary. Use the method on the skill you’ve selected.

Skills FAQ

What is the best skill to learn to make money?

Wherever there is enough demand and whatever edge you already have. At the top end, coding pays the most. At the fast end, digital marketing pays the quickest. No matter what you select, AI skills increase the value of whichever skill you choose. There are rankings in the guide above to break down each by time-to-first dollar.

Do I need a degree or certification?

In nearly all cases for online income generating skills — no. A portfolio of legitimate work trumps a degree. In some heavily regulated areas, certifications matter. For coding, marketing, and AI work, though, what you can demonstrate to your employer or client is what they pay for — not what you call it.

Next steps

Finished developing your new skill? Start selling it now: Make Money Online. Convert it into a company: Start a Business. Don’t have the self-discipline to complete the course you began: Mindset & Productivity.