We all know that things are tough out there right now. The pandemic has hit everyone extremely hard, and we are all working hard to make sure that we can make ends meet. Here in the UK, there have been plenty of additional causes for concern, from supply shortages to rising energy prices.
We are all keeping one watchful eye on the news for any sign that a new COVID-19 variant could put us all back in lockdown, and the other on the news to see what other developments are going to put us in a position where we are worried about not having enough.
With that in mind, it makes perfect sense that so many people out there are thinking about what they can do to add a little extra to their monthly income. Of course, we would all like to be able to simply ask our employers for more money, but things are never that easy. A lot of us are having to look outside our nine to five for that extra income. But where do you start? If you are looking to find a way to earn some extra cash, here are a few tips to help you get started.
Think About Freelancing
This is never the easiest route to take, as anyone who freelances full time will tell you, but using your skillset to take on extra work is a solid way of adding to your monthly paycheque. Now, some companies will offer extra freelance work as an incentive, but you are more likely to find it elsewhere.
Think about what skills you could offer, whether it’s accounting, social media management, copywriting, or graphic design, to take advantage of the big recent push to digital in the business landscape. Practical skills are always going to be in high demand, whether that’s painting and decorating, landscaping, plumbing, or wiring.
It is worth keeping an eye on the news to see what positions are in high demand. It probably won’t have escaped your attention, for example, that there is a massive shortage of HGV drivers right now. Finally, you could always think about starting your own small business. If you have a skill or talent that you can make money off, you could create an online store. Remember that this will be time consuming and you will need to make sure that you are filing your taxes correctly.
Think About Weekend Jobs
Along similar lines, taking an additional part-time job is definitely hard work but is a solid way to add some predictable income to your budget. Freelance work can be lucrative, but it is also uncertain, and often depends on a company having budget to spare at certain times. Weekend or evening jobs, such as customer facing roles or warehouse work, may offer zero-hour contracts but you will be on their books and that does offer extra stability.
Look For Offers To Earn Cash Online
We are all accustomed to looking for great deals to help us make savings. We save coupons and we collect discount codes to make sure that we are making the most of every penny. However, it is also worth keeping an eye out for incentives that offer cash rewards.
One of the most common that you will find is a reward for referrals. If you find a service that you love using, check to see if you could be in for a cash bonus if you convince a friend to sign up too. A great example is Lebara’s refer and earn scheme for their SIM only plans. You can earn up to £50 per referral, and your friend gets 50% off their deals. Lebara has a range of plans to suit your needs, there is no credit check needed, and with 30 day rolling plans you can change or cancel at any time.
Be Honest About Those Lockdown Purchases
During the pandemic, we all did a little, or rather a lot, of online shopping. Some of it was to make ourselves feel better about being trapped indoors during the lockdown. Some of it was to try and better ourselves while we were doing so. But now that we are free to return to our normal lives, some of those purchases may not have aged so well.
If you are going back to the gym, for example, do you still need that exercise bike? If you are being completely honest, have you even unwrapped that foreign-language TV boxset you decided that it was finally time to get around to watching? And what about all those books, are they still in a “like new” condition?
If so, you might be surprised by how much some of these items may go for. You may not have any vintage records or rare toys appreciating in value in the attic, but those items you have been meaning to get rid of could fetch you a tidy sum.
Think Bigger
Sometimes you simply cannot take on any more work, and selling those old CDs, books and DVDs simply is not going to cut it. If this is the case, then you may want to think a little bigger. If you own your own home, you may want to consider taking on a lodger to give you a boost. Look to see if you could benefit from the government’s rent a room scheme to take advantage of some tax-free earnings.
If you don’t want to take on the commitment of sharing your home with someone else full-time, why not think about taking advantage of that spare room by renting it out for short term stays?
Of course, there are several checks that you will want to make before you think about allowing a stranger into your home, but if you are careful and conscientious, this is a great way of earning some extra cash. Finally, you may want to have a serious think about whether you really need your car. Now that so many of us are working from home, a big reason for having a car has been lost. These are the kind of big swings that could net you some serious cash.
