60+ ways to boost your income

Boost your income
60+ ways to earn extra money

There are countless legitimate ways to boost your income, whether it’s by selling items, working remotely, or leveraging the internet. After all, no matter how skilled you are at saving money, having a bit of extra income can always come in handy.

Make your money work harder

Maximize your money’s potential by avoiding underperforming accounts—put your cash to work for you!

1 – Overhaul your finances and save £1,000s

Managing your personal finances effectively is one of the most empowering steps you can take. By switching to the best deals across all your financial products, you could boost your income by £1,000s annually—without needing to tighten your belt. This should always be your first priority.

The average savings per household exceeded £5,000 a year—before even mentioning cost-cutting measures. Ready to begin? Check out our comprehensive, step-by-step Money Makeover Guide to start transforming your finances today.

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2 – Make your credit card pay you

Cashback credit cards reward you with a percentage of your spending every time you use them. To maximize your benefits, set up a direct debit to clear the balance in full each month—this way, you avoid paying interest and could earn £100s annually. Simply use the card for your everyday purchases.

Leading cards offer up to 5% cashback during the first three months. For the latest recommendations, check out the Credit Card Rewards Guide.

3 – Don’t accept pitiful savings rates

Many people leave their money sitting in low-interest savings accounts, where once-competitive rates have plummeted, or in current accounts offering a mere 0.1% interest. Don’t settle for less! With just five minutes of effort, you can significantly boost the interest you earn.

No matter if you have £1 or £1 million, now is the time to take action and maximize every penny of interest your savings can generate. See Top Savings Accounts, Starting Saving and Best Bank Accounts.

4 – Free £150+ for switching to a better bank account

The banking industry is highly competitive, with some providers even offering cash incentives to entice you to switch. These offers can vary, but you can often pocket between £150 and £200, and the accounts themselves are usually quite solid.

For a comprehensive guide on switching bank accounts, finding the top deals available, and choosing the right type of account for your needs, visit Best Bank Accounts.

5 – Pay off debts with savings

Many people who attempt to save while carrying debt often end up losing money in the long run. This is because the interest charged on borrowed money typically far exceeds any earnings from savings. Instead, using your savings to clear the debt can put you in a much better financial position.

How much? if you owe £5,000 on a credit card with a 25% interest rate and have £5,000 in savings earning 5% interest, you could save approximately £1,000 annually by using your savings to pay off the debt.

How do I do it? See full help in the Should I pay off my debts? guide, plus Should I pay off my student loan? and Should I overpay my mortgage?

6 – Debt-free and financially savvy? Earn cash by stoozing

Many credit card companies offer 0% interest deals, allowing you to borrow money without paying any interest. By using this borrowed money for your daily expenses, you can replace your usual credit and debit card spending.

Here’s how it works: you’ll accumulate debt on your 0% interest card (just ensure you make at least the minimum monthly payment). At the same time, you’ll have an equivalent amount of money sitting in your bank account. You can deposit this money into a high-interest savings account to earn interest. Once the 0% interest period ends, simply use the savings to pay off the full card balance—keeping the earned interest as profit.

This strategy, known as ‘stoozing’, is completely legal and can be a smart way to make some extra cash. However, it’s best suited for those who are financially disciplined and organized. For a detailed, step-by-step guide, check out our Stoozing – Make Free Cash Guide.

Flog what you’ve got

Got junk? It’s time to clear it out and cash in! Whether it’s outgrown kids’ clothing or that stack of old CDs you’d rather forget, turning unused items into extra cash has never been easier.

1 – Flog on eBay for best prices

If you’re looking to sell a second-hand item, eBay often offers the best payouts. However, to maximize your earnings and make the most of the platform, it’s essential to understand the right strategies and insider tips.

Our 40+ eBay selling tricks guide offers a crash course. Learn how to increase your visibility, close auctions at the ideal times, and earn more with 120 powerful keywords that drive higher prices (e.g., “authentic” tends to outperform “genuine”). Additionally, eBay has removed selling fees for most categories, excluding motors, making it an even better platform to grow your business.

2 – Quickly declutter on Vinted

Selling your unused items on Vinted is an excellent way to quickly clear out clutter and make some extra money. Similar to eBay, Vinted doesn’t charge any fees for sellers. According to Vinted, the top-selling categories are women’s and children’s clothing. However, you can also sell a variety of other small items, such as toys, toiletries, and home goods, as long as they can be shipped easily.

3 – Sell locally for free on Facebook

Local Facebook groups and Facebook Marketplace are popular platforms where instead of using eBay to sell second-hand items, individuals leverage the power of social media to connect with buyers in their local area. The best part? There are no fees involved, allowing you to keep all of your earnings.

To quickly learn how to make £100s, check out our comprehensive Facebook selling guide. It covers how to find the best local groups, secure the best prices, and stay safe while selling.

4 – Get quick cash for old CDs, games & more

Several websites allow you to trade in used CDs, DVDs, video games, and even electronics like phones, laptops, and gaming consoles for cash. These platforms are user-friendly and offer instant quotes, making it easy to quickly turn your unwanted items into extra money.

While selling on eBay may sometimes fetch a higher price, these sites provide a faster and more convenient selling experience. Simply enter the barcode, ISBN (for books), or product name to receive an immediate valuation. Many of these platforms also offer apps that let you scan barcodes with your phone, speeding up the process.

The value offered for each item can vary across different sites, so it’s a good idea to compare offers. Keep in mind that some platforms may have a minimum quantity or overall value requirement, meaning you might need to sell several items or those of higher worth, such as CDs, to meet the threshold.

Which are the top trade-in sites?

Here’s a list of key players, selected based on people feedback. Keep in mind that there’s no safety net if things go wrong or a site goes under, and we do not assess the financial stability of these companies.

• WeBuyBooks – covers books, CDs, DVDs and games.
• CEX – covers DVDs and games. CEX has been trading for over 25 years, and offers cash or store credit for trade-ins.
• Ziffit – covers books, CDs, DVDs and games.
• GameXchange – covers DVDs and games. GameXchange is generally best for retro games.
• Music Magpie – covers books, CDs, DVDs and games. Music Magpie is well established and says it pays on the day it receives your items, though some feedback from Money Savers is mixed.

After identifying the highest-paying option, you simply accept the valuation and ship your items. Typically, postage is free, but it’s always wise to confirm this beforehand. Be sure to pack your items securely, as any that don’t pass basic quality checks are usually not returned.

Once your items are accepted, you’ll receive payment via cheque, PayPal, or bank transfer, depending on the service you’ve chosen. These companies typically process payments within seven to eight days of receiving your items, although feedback from users indicates that it may sometimes take longer.

How much can I get?

The prices can vary, but here’s a general estimate: you can expect to receive around 10p to £1 for CDs, 20p to £2 for DVDs, and £5 to £20 for computer games. However, the amount may sometimes be lower. When it comes to tech items, the value will depend entirely on the model. What makes these platforms stand out is the convenience they offer.

If you’re looking to get the highest possible value, selling through other channels might be a better option.

• Computer games. For a potentially better return, consider selling older games individually on eBay or another auction platform. You can also explore specialized sites like Retrogames for vintage games and consoles. When it comes to newer games, trading them in at popular high street stores like CEX and Game may offer a better deal.
• Mobile phones. When considering recycling your phone, it’s important to compare the offers from various mobile recycling companies, especially for newer models. However, if you’re willing to invest a bit more time and effort, selling your phone directly on platforms like eBay can often lead to a higher payout.
• Books. eBay, Amazon Marketplace or other specialist sites may win.

A final tip: When browsing trade-in sites and you see an item being offered at a higher value than usual, it’s a good idea to check its price on eBay. This could indicate that the item is worth more than expected.

5 – Flog tech ‘leftovers’, such as empty iPhone boxes £8, remote controls £22

In today’s fast-paced tech world, many of us find ourselves with unused boxes, cables, remote controls, and other gadget accessories tucked away in drawers or stored in attics. However, these so-called “tech leftovers” can be a source of extra cash, all while helping you declutter your home. You can sell these items online through platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Gumtree.

So, who’s buying them? Many people are on the lookout for replacement parts for their older devices, while others might purchase boxes and manuals to increase the resale value of their own gadgets.

The amount you can earn from these items largely depends on their condition, demand, and rarity. Keep in mind that selling platforms often charge fees, which should be factored into your pricing.

To give you an idea of the potential value of these “tech leftovers,” we’ve compiled a list of items recently sold on eBay, including the number of sales and the average price they fetched.

Tech leftovers sold on eBay

Item	Typical price found	Min price found	Max price found	No. sold in last three months
iPhone 13 empty boxes	£5	£1.30	£15	170
Sony Playstation 5 empty boxes	£10	99p	£25	70
Sega Mega Drive instruction manuals (for consoles or games)	£5	£1.50	£13	160
Samsung TV remote controls	£4	£1	£70	1,500+
Nintendo Wii AV cables	£3	£1	£40	187
Microsoft Windows 95 operating system (with and without documents)	£15	£1	£40	60

Table correct as of August 2024. Based on ‘used’ listings.

How to sell your old tech accessories

You can sell your unwanted items on a variety of platforms, including popular websites like eBay*, second-hand marketplaces such as Vinted, Gumtree, and Preloved, or even Facebook Marketplace. The best choice depends on factors like the demand for your item, the site’s fees, security features, and more. For a detailed comparison of these options, check out our guide on how to “Flog your Rubbish.”

Unfortunately, there are no services available that will pay you to collect such items (though some companies will buy old mobile phones).

If you have old tech accessories that aren’t selling, consider offering them on platforms like Freecycle or Freegle, where others may find use for them. If that’s not an option, make sure to dispose of them responsibly by taking them to a recycling center that accepts electronic waste. You can easily find the nearest recycling center using Recycle Now.

Selling phone chargers or other items with a plug? A word of warning

The items mentioned above are tech gadgets and accessories, but some individuals also sell old electrical products. For instance, we discovered that Nokia phone chargers were listed on eBay for as much as £10, with most selling for around £3 to £5. When selling any items, it’s crucial to ensure they are accurately described and safe to use. This is especially true when it comes to items with plugs, where safety should be a top priority.

Electrical Safety First, a charity focused on electrical safety, highlights that sellers of second-hand goods must adhere to legal safety standards. Failing to do so could result in the need to pay compensation if the product causes injury or damage.

The charity advises that when selling items with plugs, they must feature an approved plug that is properly fitted, has insulated pins, and contains the correct fuse. It is also recommended that items with plugs be inspected by a qualified professional in most cases. For more details, consult the safety guidance from Electrical Safety First.

6 – Get max cash for old books

Selling books individually on eBay can fetch the highest profits, but it requires a significant time investment. If you’re looking for a quicker and simpler process, trade-in websites like WeBuyBooks.co.uk and Ziffit allow you to enter book details, receive an offer, and ship your books for free. However, keep in mind that the prices they offer might be lower compared to selling them directly.

How much can you earn? You could make £100s if you’re selling valuable textbooks, but expect less for older paperbacks.

7 – Sell old Lego by the kilo

If you have a pile of unused Lego bricks lying around—maybe your kids have outgrown them, or they were once a hobby you’re no longer interested in—you can now sell them online and turn them into cash. Music Magpie offers a simple way to sell your Lego pieces by the kilo (or half kilo).

In addition to Lego, they also buy old CDs, DVDs, and other items. However, if you have complete or unsealed Lego sets or figures, you might get a better price by listing them on eBay.

How Much Can I Earn? Music Magpie offers £3 per kilogram for your items. To get started, you’ll need to sell at least £5 worth of items, which can include books, CDs, DVDs, and even Lego.

Once your items are received, Music Magpie will send your payment via bank transfer or to one of its partner charities.

What are the requirements for selling Lego? Here are the need-to-knows:

• It has to be genuine Lego. You can’t include parts from something similar like Meccano or Nanoblock.
• It has to be in good condition. Whole, clean, unworn parts only – any not meeting this criteria may be rejected and recycled, meaning you won’t get paid for it.
• Round the weight to the nearest 0.5kg. The minimum Music Magpie accepts is 0.5kg.
• Seal it in a plastic bag. You also need to put it in a box so it doesn’t get damaged in the post – pack it well as you won’t be paid for damaged pieces.

To post your Lego, start by creating an account and providing your details. After that, you can specify the Lego items you want to sell. You’ll be presented with several free options to ship your Lego, making the process easy and cost-effective.

Music Magpie offers multiple convenient options for sending your parcel. You can choose to have it collected from your location or drop it off at a nearby Evri ParcelShop.

8 – Flog your rubbish for cash

You might be surprised to learn that there are people willing to PAY for items you typically throw away. From toilet roll tubes to used perfume bottles, your trash or recycling bin is filled with objects that can be sold to crafters and artists.

9 – Flog your old wedding dress – it can fetch £500+

If you have an old bridal gown stored away in your attic, it’s time to take it out and potentially turn it into cash. Depending on the designer, your dress could fetch over £500 if it’s a sought-after style.

Numerous wedding dress resale websites are available to help you sell your gown. These platforms allow you to upload photos and a description, and a buyer may come to try it on in person.

Before you set a price, it’s important to know your dress’s actual value. Visit eBay and check the prices of similar dresses that have sold. To do this, search for gowns similar to yours and select ‘Completed Listings’ under the ‘Show Only’ filter on the left side of the page.

While selling to strangers can be risky, it’s better to get paid in cash. eBay is an exception, as it generally offers better buyer and seller protection.

Where to sell your dress. You can now sell your wedding dress without any fees, thanks to eBay eliminating its selling charges. Another great fee-free alternative is Vinted, a direct competitor in the marketplace.

The top paid-for specific wedding-dress sites. If you’re selling a designer wedding dress, specialized bridal gown websites are a great option. These platforms are ideal for showcasing high-quality, branded dresses. Consider using Sell My Wedding Dress, which charges £10 for six months of advertising, or Still White, where you can list your dress for £17 and keep it online until it sells

10 – Spot and flog from car boot/garage sales

If you’re passionate about finding great deals, consider buying items at car boot sales and reselling them for a profit on eBay or other auction platforms. To maximize your chances of success, try to get there early to outpace other treasure hunters. You can easily locate nearby car boot sales using Car Boot Junction.

Making money from collectibles starts with identifying valuable items to resell. To get ahead, it’s important to do some research online. You can even discreetly use your mobile phone’s web browser to explore your options.

One efficient way to determine the market value of a product on eBay is by checking completed listings. After searching for the item, select “Completed Listings” under the “Show Only” filter on the left. This will display a list of prices that similar auctions have sold for. Then, sort the results by “Price: Lowest First” to get a better idea of potential values.

The key to earning more lies in your knowledge of rare items and collectible brands, and a bit of luck can go a long way. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you could earn £100s each year.

11 – Flog old gold

TV commercials often shout “Sell your gold for cash!”, but many people end up receiving far less than the amounts promised. That’s why you should never send your gold to just any TV gold-buying service—some of them offer far less than what your jewellery is actually worth.

It’s important to remember that, like any commodity, the price of gold can fluctuate. If you sell your gold now, you might miss out on a better deal later, but since no one can predict future prices, it’s always a bit of a gamble.

The business model of gold-buying companies is straightforward: they purchase your gold, melt it down, and sell it for a profit. This makes it easy for you to exchange broken or unused jewellery for cash. However, the gold-buying market can be tricky, so it’s essential to get quotes from multiple trustworthy sources, including local jewellers and reliable online gold buyers.

Our research shows that, if done right, you could get up to £55 for an 18-carat wedding ring and even £54 for an old gold tooth crown. Make sure to do your own research too. Two gold-buying websites that have received positive feedback in our forum are Hatton Garden Metals and Lois Bullion.

Beware: there’s no protection if things go wrong – if a site goes bust, you may not get your gold back.

12 – Sell your story for £100s – or get paid £50 for a ‘star letter’ in a magazine

Journalists are constantly on the lookout for captivating stories, and even a humorous photo can bring in substantial cash rewards in certain magazines. If you have the right skills and creativity, it could lead to significant earnings.

Earn £100s for talking to the press

You don’t have to claim to have encountered an alien to get noticed. Many publications are simply looking for individuals with firsthand experience on relevant topics, like when the Duchess of Cambridge dealt with severe morning sickness.

• Join the FeatureMe! Facebook group. The FeatureMe! group offers hundreds of opportunities for individuals willing to share their personal stories, with many requests offering compensation of at least £100. These opportunities often revolve around everyday experiences, making it easy for many people to participate.

Examples of past requests include: £250 for sharing a story about paying for your child’s tuition, £50 for discussing how you quit smoking, and £200 for being part of a group of friends who all went through a divorce around the same time. Case studies typically appear in well-known publications like the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, Fabulous Digital, The Sun, and The Mirror.

For those who are open to more intimate subjects, there’s also a FeatureMe Xtra group, where people can share personal details about their sex lives, no holds barred.

• Pitch your story directly to a real-life magazine. Magazines including Take A Break and That’s Life pay for readers’ stories.
• Use a third-party agency. If your story is really juicy, a third-party agency could help you sell it for top dollar. These include Talk To The Press and Feature World. The agencies go on your behalf to outlets and could even start a bidding war if it’s a big scoop. You’re likely to get a better deal if you’ve supporting documents.
• Ask for a read back. Many mags will give you a read back, where they read the copy or your words from a feature over the phone. Ask for one upfront if it’s not mentioned.

Warning – make sure you understand exactly what you’re undertaking.

When participating in an article, it’s important to be truthful and prepared to have your image and name featured, as it may appear in a national publication. Many advertisements also note that compensation will only be provided once the article is published. This means that if the story isn’t used, you may not receive payment.

Keep in mind that you likely won’t have control over how your words and photos are presented in the final version. Therefore, take some time to think carefully about what personal details you’re comfortable sharing.

Bag £50 for sending letters and snaps to magazines

Many magazines offer payment for engaging letters and photos. To increase your chances of having your letter featured as the “star letter,” try sharing how a particular article or feature inspired you.

Here are some magazines that pay for submissions. Visit your local library to check if they carry the latest issues or other relevant magazines. And be sure to include a postal address in your submission, so you don’t miss out on any prizes or rewards.

• Sainsbury’s Magazine, £50 voucher. It gives a £50 Sainsbury’s voucher to the photo of the month. Just share a photo of a cooking triumph on Twitter or Instagram, tagging @SainsburysMag with the #IMadeThis hashtag. Star letters of the month also get prizes such as six bottles of Croft original sherry (they vary each month). Email feedback@sainsburysmagazine.co.uk.
• My Weekly, up to £50. The mag wants snaps that make you laugh, cry or cringe. It pays £25 for each photo published and £50 for the star choice. Email allaboutyou@dcthomson.co.uk.
• Bella magazine, £50. Bella mag pays £50 for star letters, for example, how an article helped you or your own short, inspiring story. Email bella.letters@bauermedia.co.uk.

Many other magazines give away prizes, which vary by week – it’s always worth checking the readers’ letter section when you pick up a mag.

13 – Recycle old printer cartridges for cash

Printer cartridges can be quite pricey, often even more expensive than the printers themselves. However, when your cartridge runs out, you can help offset the cost by recycling it for cash.

Many recycling programs offer money in exchange for used cartridges. It’s worth doing some research to find out which ones pay the most – while some offer around 50p, the amount is typically lower. Websites like Recycle Ink Cartridges are a good place to start.

Keep in mind that not all recycling sites accept every type of cartridge, so it’s important to check their guidelines and compare payment rates before sending in your used cartridges. Be sure to look at customer reviews to find the most reliable options.

14 – Sell old clothes by the kilo

Is your wardrobe overflowing with unwanted clothes? Many forum members have found success using “cash for clothes” services, which often buy a variety of items, including coats, shoes, and even bedding. These companies generally accept clothes in good condition—free from stains or pilling—and typically pay around 40p per kilogram.

If money isn’t a concern, donating your clothes to charity is another great option. For higher-quality items, selling them on platforms like Facebook or eBay may yield a better return. This approach works best for items that are in good condition but may not fetch much when sold online.

How to find your local company

To locate a company that offers cash for clothes, simply use a search engine and type in “cash for clothes” along with your location. These services are available in many towns and cities. For instance, Bob’s Cash for Clothes in London offers up to 50p per kilogram. Keep in mind that the payment rate and the types of items accepted may differ depending on the company.

Always do the deal in person

Beware of companies requesting you to send your clothing for “inspection.” Some users have shared their experiences of having high-quality items rejected, with the added hassle of being asked to pay £20 for their return.

To avoid potential scams, we advise against shipping your clothing before receiving payment. It’s safer to choose companies that offer doorstep collection and payment, or better yet, visit the company in person.

Or recycle them for an M&S £5-off voucher

M&S offers a convenient recycling program that rewards you with £5-off vouchers for in-store purchases. The offer is available exclusively for M&S-branded items, and you can earn a voucher by recycling just one item, giving you £5 off when you spend £35.

To take part, simply bring an old M&S clothing item or soft furnishing to your nearest Oxfam shop. For each donation containing M&S items, you’ll receive a voucher. For more details, visit the M&S Clothes Exchange page.

Profit from lost luggage auctions

Have you ever seen Storage Hunters, the popular US show where people bid on the mystery contents of abandoned storage units? Now, you can experience this thrill for yourself through lost luggage auctions.

When airlines can’t return lost luggage to its rightful owner, they often sell off the unclaimed bags through specialized auction houses. These auctions typically feature items ranging from £10 to £75. For a complete guide on where and how to participate in these auctions, check out our article on Lost Luggage Auctions.

16 – Sell your mobile for cash

If you’ve recently upgraded your phone and have an old one sitting unused, you could earn £100s by selling it on a mobile-buying platform. Newer models tend to fetch higher prices, so the more recent your phone, the better your return.

To maximize your earnings, it’s essential to compare prices across different mobile-buying websites. Popular options include Sell My Mobile and Compare and Recycle.

While selling on eBay might offer a higher price, it comes with no guarantee. For more tips, check out our comprehensive guide on selling old mobiles.

Rent it out for cash

You’d be surprised by how many things can generate extra income through renting, particularly if you live in a high-demand area. Maximize the potential of your property—your parking space alone could bring in cash!

Here are some of the best options to help you get started.

1 – Earn £7,500 tax-free by taking a lodger

If you have extra space in your home and don’t mind sharing it with a guest, renting out a room can be an easy way to make £100s. With the Government’s Rent a Room Scheme, you could earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free by renting out a spare room.

This scheme applies when you rent a furnished room to a lodger, host short-term guests through Airbnb, or operate a B&B or guesthouse. It’s available in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

When renting out a room, you have two options to reduce your tax burden, but you can only choose one. Be sure to evaluate which option is best for your situation before making a decision.

• The Rent a Room Scheme. This tax break is a significant benefit for many, offering a great way to increase your earnings. You won’t pay taxes on the first £7,500 you earn each year from renting out a room (this amount is reduced by half if you share the income with a partner or someone else).

If your rental income is below this threshold, you don’t need to take any action, as the tax exemption is applied automatically. However, if you earn more than this amount, you will need to file a tax return. In this case, you can opt into the scheme and only pay tax on the income above the £7,500 limit. For more, see the Government’s Rent a Room Scheme info.

• Deducting expenses. HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) allows landlords to deduct certain expenses before calculating the amount of tax they need to pay. These deductible costs can include guests’ portion of utility bills and home insurance, among others (see the quick question below for more details).

Instead of opting for the Rent a Room Scheme, you have the option to record your income and expenses on the property section of your tax return. In some cases, this could result in greater savings, although if your expenses are under £7,500, the Rent a Room Scheme may be the more beneficial option.

For those renting out an entire property, such as through platforms like Airbnb, the Rent a Room Scheme is not available. In this case, recording income and expenses on your tax return is your only choice.

What counts as an ‘expense’?

The most common types of expenses you can deduct if you choose NOT to take part in the Rent a Room Scheme are:

• Utility bills, such as gas, water and electricity (but only the guests’ share of the bills, if they haven’t already contributed)
• Mortgage interest
• Maintenance and repairs to the property (but not improvements)
• Building and contents insurance
• Council tax
• Costs of services, including gardeners’ and cleaners’ wages
• Letting agents’ fees
• Accountants’ fees
• Direct costs of letting the property, such as phone calls, stationery and advertising
• Rent and service charges

See more information on what counts as expenses on the Gov.uk website.

How to find a lodger

If you’re looking to rent out a room for the long term, consider using SpareRoom and the room-to-rent section on Gumtree, both of which connect individuals with potential housemates. Listing is free, though there are paid options for featured ads to increase visibility.

Another great choice is MondaytoFriday, a platform designed for part-time renters seeking accommodations for weekdays, allowing you to enjoy your space on weekends. A standard listing, which lasts for eight weeks, costs £34.95. It might be worth starting with Gumtree or SpareRoom and marking your ad as ‘Monday to Friday only’ to see if you get the desired response.

This approach keeps your ad user-friendly, easy to read, and optimized for search engines.

Temporarily rent out a room or your whole home on Airbnb

Airbnb and other platforms connect property owners with travelers seeking temporary accommodations, whether for vacations or events like Wimbledon. If you’re renting out a room for holiday guests or your entire home as your primary residence, you can also benefit from the £7,500 Rent a Room allowance.

Our comprehensive guide with 20+ Airbnb hosting tips offers a step-by-step approach to renting out your spare room or entire property for short-term stays, ensuring a safe and successful hosting experience.

2 – Get cash for spare storage space

If you have unused space in a loft, garage, or spare room, Stashbee connects you with people who need extra storage. Registering and listing your space is free, though Stashbee takes a 5% commission on your earnings if you make a match.

How much can you earn? Stashbee suggests charging about 50% of the commercial rental rate. The platform provides an automatic pricing recommendation, but you’re free to set your own rate. For instance, renting out a 20-square-foot loft space in South London could potentially bring in £600 annually.

How do I join? Simply sign up on the Stashbee website and list your available storage space. If someone is interested, they’ll reach out through the platform to schedule a visit and view your space. Stashbee also offers a standard legal contract template to help you finalize the terms of the arrangement.

Will this affect my home insurance? Renting out a portion of your property for business use without informing your insurer could potentially void your home insurance coverage. It’s important to notify them if you’re planning to list your space for rent, such as for storage. Insurers typically assess each situation individually and may offer an extension to your current policy for a small additional fee. If this isn’t possible, consider reaching out to an insurance broker for alternatives. For example, our Rent a Room home insurance system follows a similar approach to accommodate these types of arrangements.

Anything else to watch for? Make sure you’re ready to resolve any conflicts on your own and ensure you’re comfortable with the items being stored. Avoid agreeing to store valuable possessions. This is important because if you need to file a claim for damage to someone else’s property, many standard insurance policies won’t provide coverage for it.

3 – Rent out your parking area

Is your driveway a hidden treasure? If you live close to a city center, airport, train station, or sports stadium, it could be more valuable than you think. You can generate extra income every month by renting out your driveway. Check out our guide on renting your parking space for more details.

4 – Rent out your frocks

You can earn money from your wardrobe by renting out your designer clothes on rental platforms. If you own high-quality brands, you could make £100s each month from items that are simply gathering dust in your closet.

These platforms are user-friendly, and they typically allow you to choose which rental requests to accept. Keep reading to learn how it works and discover a list of the best sites for renting out designer clothing to make money.

5 – Rent out your house as a film set

Film and TV production crews are constantly searching for homes and locations to feature in their projects. Your property doesn’t need to resemble Downton Abbey – homes of all styles and sizes are in demand, and compensation can be quite lucrative.

Several online platforms allow you to register your property at no cost, charging a commission only once your location is selected for a shoot (the rate varies based on the property).

Consider checking out agencies like Lavish Locations and ShootFactory. Always avoid services that require large upfront payments, and make sure to confirm any potential hidden fees before committing.

How much? The daily rental cost for your property can range from £500 to £2,000, depending on various factors. If your property is chosen, it’s a great opportunity to showcase it, and you can proudly mention it. However, don’t rely on being selected, as there are far more properties available than film crews looking for locations.

What kind of home do you need? Living within the M25 increases your opportunities, especially when there is convenient parking nearby. Crews also tend to favor larger rooms with abundant natural light. A modern, well-equipped kitchen could attract bookings for cookbook or lifestyle magazine photo shoots.

Will this affect my home insurance? Many agencies offer insurance coverage for breakages, but it’s important to notify your insurer before renting out any part of your property for business purposes. Failing to do so could result in the cancellation of your home insurance coverage. Always inform your insurer if you’re expecting a film crew to use your property.

Reclaim, reclaim, reclaim

Across the finance sector, many companies have been improperly holding onto or taking money that isn’t theirs. Fortunately, it’s now easier than ever to take action. This could result in a significant financial boost, potentially adding £1,000s to your account in one go.

1 – Tax rebate for uniform wearers

If your job requires you to wear a uniform and you’re responsible for washing, repairing, or replacing it, you could be entitled to claim back £100s in tax for up to five years of related expenses.

This applies whether you wear something as simple as a branded T-shirt or a full uniform, such as those worn by pilots, police officers, or nurses. For more details, check out our comprehensive guide to Uniform Tax Rebates.

2 – Reclaim packaged bank account fees

If you’ve ever paid between £10 and £20 per month for a packaged bank account, which includes add-ons like travel insurance that you didn’t request or couldn’t use, you might be eligible for a refund. Try our free tool to reclaim packaged bank fees.

There’s increasing evidence that these accounts were often mis-sold, with many customers receiving unnecessary or worthless insurance. You could potentially reclaim £100s or £1,000s.

3 – Switched energy in the last six years? Get £100s back in minutes

If you’ve changed energy providers in the last six years and were in credit, you might have experienced some companies following a ‘don’t ask, don’t get’ approach. While this is largely no longer the case, if you didn’t receive your credit—whether it was from years ago or more recently—you can still claim it.

It only takes a couple of minutes to check, so be sure to read our Reclaim Old Energy Credit Guide. Many people end up getting back £100s!

4 – Find £100s of lost Tesco vouchers

Visit your Clubcard account online to check for any unused vouchers or see if you’re eligible to claim back lost ones from the past two years—many users discover they have £100s waiting. You can find complete instructions on how to do this in our Reclaim Tesco Vouchers guide.

This guide also explains how you can maximize the value of your vouchers, potentially tripling them!

5 – Check your tax code – you could be due big money

Every year, millions of individuals face issues with tax code mistakes. Some may have overpaid and are eligible for a refund, while others may have underpaid and could face an unpleasant surprise.

The impact of these errors depends on how inaccurate your tax banding is, with the amount varying from just a few pounds to potentially thousands. For example, one forum user was able to claim back more than £5,000. To check if your tax code is accurate, use our Tax Code Checker guide and tool.

6 – Reclaim for train and tube delays

Delays caused by factors like leaves on the tracks, unexpected snow, or service faults are common on our railways. However, you can often claim compensation for delays if you’re aware of your rights. For more information, check out our guides on Train delays and Tube delays.

If you use an Oyster card or travel with TfL, you might be eligible for a share of over £500 million in unclaimed funds. If you’ve ever forgotten to touch out with your contactless or Oyster card, you could be entitled to a refund—some people have received up to £70.

Additionally, if you now use a contactless card or still have an old Oyster card, you can reclaim any unused credit. For a step-by-step guide, refer to our Oyster card reclaiming guide.

7 – Find lost assets

Billions of pounds remain dormant in old bank accounts, pensions, life insurance policies, Premium Bonds, and investments—often forgotten during a house move, lost after a job change, or simply overlooked in the chaos of daily life.

Fortunately, reclaiming this money is often straightforward and, in many cases, free. Find out how to recover what’s rightfully yours or your family’s in our guide to Reclaim lost assets.

8 – Reclaim bank charges

If you’ve faced bank charges in recent years and are struggling financially, you may be eligible to get those fees refunded.

The possibility of reclaiming bank charges depends on your specific situation. For example, if you’ve been charged £35 four times annually over the past six years, you could be looking at a potential refund of around £840.

For detailed guidance on how to reclaim these charges, refer to our comprehensive Bank Charges Reclaiming Guide.

9 – Council tax rebanding

The council tax system in both England and Scotland has significant flaws, with many individuals being placed in the wrong band. You can easily determine if you’re affected by following our simple, step-by-step guide for council tax rebanding, which takes just 10 minutes to complete.

10 – Reclaim for flight delays

If your flight is delayed by over three hours or cancelled, you may be eligible for compensation of up to £520.

For a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to claim compensation, check out our Flight Delays page. It includes free template letters to help you recover your money and tips on how to ensure airlines don’t avoid their responsibility to pay you.

11 – Get the benefits you’re entitled to

There are many benefits to explore, but the challenge lies in determining if you’re eligible for them. The handy tool from Entitledto, a leading benefits specialist, can help you figure it out quickly and easily through our Benefits Check-Up guide.

For additional information, check out our guides on boosting your pension and managing childcare costs.

12 – Car or bike damaged by a pothole? Claim for it!

The authority responsible for maintaining a road is legally obligated to keep it in good condition. If they fail to do so and your vehicle is damaged as a result, they should cover the cost of repairs.

In most cases, you’ll need to demonstrate negligence to receive compensation, but it’s still worth pursuing. For more information, check out our guide on Pothole claims.

Get paid for your opinion

Many companies and public organizations are eager to test, discuss, and experiment with their products or ideas on real people, creating a valuable opportunity for you to capitalize on.

1 – Are you a bit gobby? Survey sites pay for your opinion

Interested in sharing your opinions on activewear, dishwashing liquids, or the latest news? Our comprehensive guide to the top 22 online survey sites will show you how to earn money by completing surveys. Dedicated survey participants can make around £200 per year.

2 – Earn £50 to £200 road-testing NEW video games

Before launching major new games, companies often conduct tests to assess their potential success. These testing sessions usually take place at a designated location for a few hours, with payment ranging from £50 to £200. In some cases, you may even have the opportunity to bring a friend to join in on multi-player games, adding to the fun and experience.

3 – Earn £40 to £250 in 2hrs via market research focus groups

You can earn anywhere from £40 to £200 by participating in a market research focus group, often conducted via Zoom. These groups are typically organized through market research agencies, and signing up with the right platforms can significantly increase your earnings.

4 – Get paid to watch telly

TV enthusiasts can earn money by sharing their opinions. The Viewers connects individuals to research panels for broadcasters and program creators.

Opportunities include offering feedback on TV shows before they air, brainstorming catchy titles, or determining which personalities should get more screen time.

Participants can join in-person focus groups (usually held in major UK cities), complete online surveys, or even do both.

If you’re over 16 and live in the UK, you can sign up by filling out a brief questionnaire about your viewing habits, which takes just 5-10 minutes. This helps The Viewers provide TV companies with valuable insights, ensuring they reach the right audience or gather diverse perspectives for their research.

Your application will be reviewed before you’re added to the panel, a process that may take up to two weeks during busy periods. Once approved, you’ll have the same opportunity to be selected for projects as long-standing members.

How much? You can earn at least £40 for participating in face-to-face group discussions, with payment typically made in cash immediately after the event. Occasionally, online focus groups are available, offering the same £40 payment through bank transfer, PayPal, or Amazon vouchers. Payment for these is usually processed within a few days after the session.

Online surveys generally pay between £1 and £10, depending on their length. Payments are made monthly via bank transfer, PayPal, or Amazon email gift vouchers. Unlike many other survey sites, there is no minimum earnings threshold before you can receive your payment.

Make money from home

Working from your sofa, kitchen or spare room can leave you quids in too. Here are some ideas:

1 – Make £100s as a serial bank-account switcher

Some banks bribe you with free cash to switch. Repeatedly switch to bag sign-up bonuses and you could earn £100s.

2 – Earn cash online

If you own a computer or smartphone, there are plenty of easy ways to earn extra cash. Our guide to making money online highlights legitimate methods for boosting your income.

From getting paid to watch videos and write articles to earning money by searching on Google or creating your own YouTube content, the opportunities are endless.

3 – Get PAID to check your credit file(s)

It’s essential to regularly check your credit reports for accuracy. But here’s a smart tip: you can actually get PAID for reviewing your credit file!

4 – Make money playing games on your phone

It may seem like a dream come true, but earning extra money simply by playing games on your mobile device is actually possible. Many apps that offer this opportunity are supported by advertisements, and they share a portion of their earnings with you.

5 – Fancy getting paid to buy a beer?

You can earn up to £20 per task by completing simple missions through free apps. These jobs can include activities like checking prices, taking photos, counting stock in stores, photographing restaurant menus, or even ordering a beer and capturing how it’s served.

However, keep in mind that you’re not the only one vying for these opportunities, so while the potential is there, competition is strong.

6 – Get paid to report derelict homes

You can earn up to £20 per task by completing simple missions through free apps. These jobs can include activities like checking prices, taking photos, counting stock in stores, photographing restaurant menus, or even ordering a beer and capturing how it’s served.

However, keep in mind that you’re not the only one vying for these opportunities, so while the potential is there, competition is strong.

7 – Enter contests as a cash boosting hobby

From luxury cars to £20,000 in cash, five-star holidays in the USA to £10,000 Tesco gift cards, or even having two years’ rent covered, Money Savers have claimed it all. This is the exciting world of ‘comping,’ a hobby that can be highly rewarding for those who are lucky enough.

Comping involves actively finding and entering numerous competitions. Enthusiasts use online tools to quickly fill out forms, answer questions, and tackle tie-breakers with ease. For comprehensive guidance, check out the 40+ tips available in our detailed comping guide.

8 – Design (and sell) T-shirts, mugs, phone cases & even socks

Spring, a US-based platform, allows you to create custom-designed products like T-shirts, socks, mugs, iPhone cases, and more, which people can purchase online. Designers from all over the world are welcome to join, and you only pay a fee when your designs sell.

Here’s how it works: You upload your designs for various products, while Spring handles everything else. This includes sourcing blank items, printing your designs, processing payments, and shipping the products to customers.

You determine the price of each item (in dollars initially, but the currency can be adjusted), but keep in mind there’s a standard base price to cover Spring’s costs and ensure profitability. You can boost your earnings by increasing the price, but be cautious—setting prices too high may discourage potential buyers.

How Much Can I Earn?

According to Spring’s pricing recommendations, you can earn approximately:

• £6 to £9 per T-shirt sold
• £8 to £18 per zip-up hoodie
• £3 to £5 per tote bag
• £2.50 to £5 per mug

How Do I Get Started? To begin, create your design using software like Paint, Photoshop, or Adobe InDesign. Afterward, choose the product you wish to sell and upload your design to Spring’s platform. For additional guidance, check out the “How It Works” page on their website.

Important Reminder: Avoid copying or using other people’s designs, whether they are from Spring or elsewhere.

How Do I Get Paid? Payments are processed through PayPal. To set this up, simply enter your PayPal account email in your Spring account settings. After verifying your PayPal details, you can request payments for any sales you generate.

What If I Don’t Make Any Sales? Spring doesn’t charge any fees for listing your designs. While you only earn money when your products sell, there’s no financial risk if they don’t. You won’t lose any money from listing your items.

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9 – Do some freelance work

If you have expertise in a particular field, freelancing on the side could be a great way to earn extra income.

PeoplePerHour, an international platform for project-based recruitment, allows businesses to post job opportunities. Freelancers can then place bids, outlining why they’re the best fit for the project and specifying their rate. Joining the site and submitting bids is free, but a commission is deducted from your earnings for each completed job.

The commission varies depending on factors like the type of job, its duration, the required skillset, and the level of competition. One challenge is the potential for competition from freelancers in regions with a lower cost of living, which may result in lower rates.

10 – Take in foreign exchange students

Renting out a room to exchange students can be a great way to earn extra income, especially with the added benefit of a tax break that helps you keep more of your earnings. While this opportunity has proven lucrative in the past, many programs are temporarily paused, but it’s still worth exploring.

To get started, reach out to local secondary and language schools to learn about their student intake schedules and the vetting procedures for hosts. While not all programs are currently active, this can still be a profitable arrangement when available.

How much can you earn? The amount you can make varies based on the quality of accommodation you offer. As a rough estimate, you can expect to earn at least £80 per week per student.

11 – Solve companies’ problems

Many companies post problems online, offering cash rewards to individuals who can come up with effective solutions.

While it’s not a surefire way to earn money, these challenges can be an engaging, enjoyable, and potentially profitable way to spend your free time—especially if you have a background in business or science.

One platform to check out is WazokuCrowd, where companies list various challenges with significant cash prizes for the best solutions, though many of them tend to be technical. For example, one challenge may offer £5,000 for affordable labeling solutions for reusable glass containers.

Another option is Idea Connection. After registering, you’ll receive email invitations to solve business problems in exchange for cash rewards.

The amount you can earn varies depending on the challenge, but some of the highest-paying solutions can net you up to £600,000 if you come up with an innovative idea.

12 – Iron out your finances

Start a professional ironing service and promote it in local stores and newspapers. One effective strategy is to target high-end areas in your town, allowing you to charge premium rates for your services.

Pricing: Ironing businesses typically charge per item, with 20 items priced at approximately £10. However, rates can vary by location, so be sure to research local competitors to stay competitive.

13 – Start a ‘cottage industry’

If you’re skilled in arts and crafts, consider turning your passion into profit by selling your jewellery and artwork. You can list your creations on platforms like eBay* or showcase them at local craft fairs.

For handmade goods, websites like Etsy and Redbubble are excellent options. Many creative Money Savers have turned their craft into a lucrative business.

How much can you earn? It could be £100s, depending on the time you invest, your skills, and how well you market your items. Just remember, you’ll need to report your earnings.

Work, work, work

If you’re open to traveling, there are numerous ways to earn extra income beyond the typical McJobs. You can also find opportunities to increase your earnings in your current role.

1 – Ask for a pay rise at your current job

It’s common for people to feel nervous about asking for a raise, but why not give it a try? After all, the worst that could happen is they say “no.”

When you’re ready to ask for a raise, make sure to prepare your key points. Focus on how your role and performance have evolved, rather than just mentioning the need for more money. Remember, it’s just as challenging for an employer to say “no” to your request as it is for you to ask in the first place.

Now, when it comes to the amount, keep in mind that if your salary increase doesn’t at least match inflation (the rate at which prices are rising), your purchasing power is effectively decreasing. Consider asking for a raise that’s not only equal to inflation but includes an additional percentage (e.g., inflation plus X%). You can justify this by explaining that while an inflation-matching raise keeps you at the same level, the extra percentage reflects your increased experience and improved job performance.

2 – Let elections boost your coffers

Councils are seeking assistance with vote counting and staffing polling stations during general, local, and mayoral elections. This presents a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the democratic process while earning some extra income.

What roles are available? The main tasks you’re likely to see advertised are:

• Poll clerk – Help run polling stations, for example, setting up and handing out ballot papers. You aren’t allowed to leave during polling hours, to maintain the secrecy of the vote. This means a long day, as stations are open 7am-10pm, and you’ll need to arrive around 6.30am to set up.
• Counting assistant – Count all the votes once polls have closed. The time it takes will depend on how many people vote and whether a recount is needed, so be prepared to stay as long as it takes – potentially overnight.
• Runner – Collect ballot boxes from polling stations and take them to be counted.

Most election-related positions do not require any specific experience, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals. You also don’t need to be on the electoral roll to apply for these roles.

However, there are some important restrictions. If you have worked for a political party or a candidate during the election, you are ineligible to apply. Being a member of a political party should not affect your eligibility, according to the Electoral Commission, though the final decision rests with the returning officer (the individual responsible for hiring polling station staff).

Additionally, working at a polling station will not prevent you from voting. If you’re working at a different polling station from the one where you’re registered, you may need to apply for a postal vote.

How do I sign up? Contact your council or check its website to see if it’s recruiting. Some councils keep a register of interested people and sign them up closer to election time.

It can be quicker to search online for jobs in your area, rather than hunting through your council’s website (for example, search ‘Milton Keynes election poll clerk jobs’).

How much? It varies by job and council, but for the May local elections we saw ads for count staff paying £200 day and for poll clerks £290, including training.

3 – Make money playing Father Christmas – or one of his helpers

As Christmas approaches, Santa’s workshop can get quite busy, and that’s when extra hands are needed at grottos found in shopping centers and festivals across the UK. These festive locations often require additional help to bring the magic of Christmas to life, and you can earn extra cash by stepping in as Santa or an elf. Plus, you’ll have the joy of spreading happiness to children. Recruitment typically begins in late August.

Available Roles? The most common positions advertised at these grottos are Santa (Father Christmas), elves/helpers, and grotto managers. While the busiest time for these roles is in the weeks leading up to Christmas, some grottos begin operations as early as November.

Requirements for the Job? Don’t worry – you don’t need a big white beard to become Santa, and your red suit will usually be provided, though you may need to pay a refundable deposit.

Most grotto operators don’t require previous experience as Santa. Instead, they look for candidates who are confident, energetic, enthusiastic, and great with people. However, some employers may prefer applicants with experience in acting or children’s entertainment.

A criminal record check is typically necessary if you don’t already have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate. If needed, the grotto operator will help you with the application process and cover the cost of the check. Be prepared to provide personal details such as your full name, address, place of birth, and identification (like a passport or driver’s license).

By taking on one of these roles, you’ll be helping to create a magical Christmas experience while making extra money.

Where to Find These Jobs? Great Grottos, one of the UK’s largest operators, is hiring for 220 positions across 45 locations this year. These roles are mainly based in shopping centres and garden centres throughout England and Scotland.

In addition, popular resorts like Paultons Park and Gulliver’s Theme Park also post similar job openings on platforms like Indeed and Monster. Don’t forget to check local supermarkets, shopping centres, and garden centres, as they may have openings too.

How Much Do They Pay? Great Grottos offers competitive pay, with Santa earning between £14 and £16 per hour. Grotto managers receive £12 an hour. Elf pay varies, but you can typically expect around £11 an hour. Paydays are bi-weekly, although rates may differ depending on the employer.

4 – Bag a Christmas job

Temporary job opportunities are more common during the Christmas season, especially in certain industries. To find them, check platforms like Gumtree and Gov.uk’s Jobmatch for listings.

Retailers often hire extra staff to handle the holiday shopping rush. Make sure to print several copies of your CV and distribute them along your local high street for a higher chance of being noticed.

Don’t forget to contact catering agencies, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and bars, as festive parties can lead to more job openings. Additionally, Royal Mail frequently hires seasonal workers during this time.

Wages can vary depending on the industry.

5 – Baby-sit

Watching someone else’s TV, enjoying their food, and keeping an eye on the kids who are sound asleep upstairs might seem like an easy task—and often, it is. However, you should be ready to handle the occasional grumpy or unwell child.

To get started, make sure you have experience with young children. A great way to build this is by babysitting for friends, family, and neighbors before expanding your services.

How much can you earn? Adult babysitters typically charge at least £10 per hour, but to reach this rate, you’ll need to establish a solid reputation.

6 – Be an interviewer

Ipsos Mori and NatCen Social Research frequently seek freelance interviewers to join their teams. In this role, you’ll interview individuals on a variety of topics in their homes and report their responses back to the company.

For more information, visit Ipsos and NatCen’s official websites.

Earnings: After completing training, freelance interviewers can expect to earn an average hourly rate of up to £14.

7 – Work at the supermarket

If you’re looking to earn extra cash, consider working weekend shifts at a supermarket. Many offer enhanced pay, with Sundays and bank holidays often paying up to double the regular rate. Typically, higher-end supermarkets tend to offer better pay.

The average hourly rate is around £11, and some stores even provide a grocery discount (usually about 10%) once you’ve been employed for a while.

8 – Party planning & selling from home

You can earn money by selling products to friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues, either by reaching out to them directly or hosting parties. As you’ll be working independently, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule and work as much or as little as you like. However, there are some risks involved, so it’s important to read the cautionary advice before deciding if this opportunity is a good fit for you.

Before getting started, make sure to check if there’s already a popular representative for the company in your area. If so, it might be wise to consider selling a different product.

Warning – this is network marketing and is questionable. We’re not great fans, and there are risks. Some do well on it, but ensure you know exactly what you’re doing.

If you don’t sell enough, you could make a loss. With these schemes you often have to pay a sign-up fee, and there are other costs too, such as set-up costs for your first parties, or buying brochures with Avon. If you don’t go on to make enough sales, there’s a risk you might not even make your initial money back.

It can also mean commercialising your relationship with your friends and family – consider if you feel comfortable selling to them.

How much? It’s commission-based, so what you earn depends on your selling ability and the products you sell (and, as above, you’ll need to factor in sign-up and other costs too).

9 – Monitor exams

During exam seasons in secondary schools, colleges, and universities, there is often a shortage of invigilators due to teachers and lecturers being busy with other responsibilities.

A good way to find invigilator opportunities is by contacting local institutions or temp agencies. This role offers the chance to earn a decent wage for a few hours of quiet work. You can also search for “exam invigilators” along with your location. Please note that a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is typically required.

In terms of pay, you can expect to earn around £12 per hour.

10 – Use your head – tutor

You don’t necessarily need a degree or a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) to tutor up to GCSE level, though having one can help you earn higher rates. However, prior teaching experience is essential for success in this role.

If you plan to work with children, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required. To begin, reach out to local teaching agencies for guidance on obtaining a DBS check and how to get started in tutoring.

How much can you charge? Without formal qualifications, you can typically charge up to £10 per hour, depending on your experience and skills. With a PGCE, which can be pursued part-time or flexibly, you may be able to charge up to £40 per hour in some areas.

11 – Be a life model

If you’re comfortable with nudity (or semi-nudity in some instances), life modeling can be an enjoyable way to earn some extra income. For just a few hours of work, you can typically earn a great pay rate, as it can be challenging to find people for this role.

The key is being able to maintain a pose for extended periods. Life modeling welcomes individuals of all body types, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t fit the traditional “model” look.

12 – Be a TV extra

Being an extra on TV shows can sometimes be less exciting than Ricky Gervais made it seem, but the joy of spotting yourself in the background can definitely make up for it.

There are many legitimate online extras agencies that don’t charge a sign-up fee. However, they may take an ‘administration fee’ from your earnings. If you’re serious about landing extra work, it’s a good idea to sign up with multiple agencies to increase your chances. Keep in mind, you may need to cover your own travel expenses.

With so many agencies available, it’s smart to read feedback on forums before you join. This will help you find the agencies that best suit your needs.

As for pay, most extras typically earn around £50 a day (sometimes more), with overtime paid at about £12 per hour. To improve your chances of getting work, it’s also helpful to have some professional or professional-looking photos taken when starting out.

13 – Take part in psychological experiments

Participating in psychological research can be a simple and often fascinating way to earn some extra cash. These studies cover a wide range of topics, from how sleep affects memory to how people process information in “noisy videos.” Many university psychology departments seek participants of all ages to assist with their studies.

For instance, the University of Portsmouth was recently recruiting students aged 18 to 25 for a research project on ‘security risk management,’ offering £50 for a three-hour session.

So, how much can you earn? In-person psychological experiments typically pay between £7.50 and £15 per hour. However, be cautious with online studies, as they may not always offer payment.

A tip on tax

Before you start thinking about how much extra cash you might make, it’s important to remember that some of that income could be taxable. For most people, especially if it’s just a side hobby, you may not have to worry about paying taxes. However, if you decide to turn it into a serious venture, you’ll need to check whether you need to report your earnings through self-assessment and possibly pay taxes on them.

This is especially relevant if you’re selling items on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or Vinted, or renting out a property on Airbnb. These companies will soon begin sharing your information with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

The “trading allowance” rule allows you to earn up to £1,000 from self-employment or selling goods without having to report it or pay tax. If you’re not already self-employed, you won’t need to register as such unless you earn more than £1,000 from these activities.

If your earnings exceed £1,000, however, you must report this to HMRC. This applies even if you’re employed under Pay As You Earn (PAYE). In this case, HMRC can adjust your tax code to collect the tax owed, as long as you meet certain conditions.

For those who are self-employed, if your total income surpasses £1,000 and you make even just £1 from extra activities, HMRC requires that you declare it. According to HMRC, anyone with combined self-employment income over £1,000 in a tax year must report it to them.

For more details, visit HMRC’s self-employment guidance. Also, remember to take advantage of your personal tax-free allowance. In the 2024/25 tax year, the first £12,570 of your income is tax-free, depending on your job situation and age.

Lastly, if you’re purchasing items for your business, be sure to keep receipts, as these may be tax-deductible. Check the HMRC website for more information on allowable expenses.