Five ways to make extra money this week

Many of us are searching for ways to save money and reduce our spending. At this point some of us are starting to feel the pressure on our budgets caused by rising inflation.

Once you have sorted out a budget and cut your outgoings as much as possible, though, there comes a point where bringing in extra income is the way to go.

Here are five ways you can earn extra money this week. Most of them are quick and easy wins, whilst a couple need some time and effort but will be worthwhile over time.

Worthwhile surveys

A few months ago I signed up with a market research site called User Interviews*. I had a little flurry of successful applications and took part in three surveys. Two were online and one – the best paid – was face to face via Zoom. I earned $120 in just two weeks. 

Since then, I have to admit I haven’t been selected for anything, but I am still trying! I suspect that new applicants get first choice, so it is worth signing up if you have a few minutes here and there and want to earn extra money easily.

Sell your old books

I grew up a voracious reader and always loved being surrounded by shelves full of books. As I have got older I don’t have time to read as much, but I still seem to collect an awful lot of books!

When they started to take over the sitting room, I had a really good clear out. I had to admit that some of them would never be read again, and some just never read at all. To make extra money, rather than giving them away, I sold them on the Ziffit app.

You don’t get an awful lot for each title, and there are some that they don’t want. Nevertheless, if you have a lot to get rid of it is worth using Ziffit I think, or a similar platform such as Music Magpie. They all seem to take games, DVDs and CDs too.

Clear out your shed

This one is on my list to do in the next couple of weeks. We tidy and declutter the sheds (we have three) about once a year. They seem to get so untidy very quickly!

Now that we are planning a house move, the next declutter needs to be serious. What’s the point of paying a removal company to move things you are never likely to use again? We need to find a day and just get on with it!

If you have a shed full of stuff, as we do, why not sell it? I have had quite a bit of success on Facebook Marketplace, selling larger items like furniture, exercise equipment and tools.

Whilst you are in decluttering mode, don’t forget to check to see what you can sell on Vinted*. I like this platform as it has no fees and the company is expanding the number of categories of things you can sell. It’s still mainly clothing, but they also have homeware, entertainment and pet care categories. Maybe a good place to get rid of your old cat carrier?

Use your spare time

If you are fortunate enough to have a bit of spare time, why not use it to make extra money? People often need house cleaners, someone to do their ironing, dog walkers and gardeners. 

Let your friends and neighbours know that you are available for certain tasks using social media. Put ads up in the post office, newsagent and on the community noticeboard. Make a few leaflets and deliver them locally to get your side hustle up and running.

Sign up to host language students

I have mentioned several times that we have had a lot of fun and earned ourselves some extra money by hosting language students in the past. If you have a spare room and a little time to share a meal each evening with your guest, then you might find it enjoyable, as well as financially rewarding. I have a blog post on this here.

We loved doing it and met so many interesting people over the years. 

What do you do to make extra money? Please share your ideas in the comments below.

I’m linking up with this Cass, Emma and Becky in this week’s ‘Frugal Friday’ linky.

*These are my referral links. If you sign up, I may receive a small reward.