There are simple ways to earn a little extra cash online (Picture: Getty/ Metro.co.uk) We’re all feeling the pinch at the moment, but simply getting a better paying job isn’t on the cards for most.
But there are small cutbacks you can easily make online.
Plus, there are ways to make a little extra income to help ease the load amid the cost of living crisis.
From money-saving switches to investing for beginners, these are the sites and hacks you need to know about going into this tough winter. 1. Switch your mobile deal
While most of us can’t save on our energy bills at present, there are other monthly bills where we could save by making the switch. Get online and compare SIM-only mobile deals – especially if you are coming to the end of your contract.
A spokesman for Martin Lewis ’s MoneySavingExpert website says that we are in the midst of a ‘SIM price war’ – meaning it is possible to get cheap deals on your mobile phone.
You should also ensure that you’re not paying for more data than you need – check your usage before signing a deal – there’s no point paying for data you don’t use.
‘If you’re paying more than £5 a month for your mobile, now is the time to check you’re not massively overpaying,’ the spokesman added.
You can find out more at comparison sites such as MoneySuperMarket and Uswitch. 2. Make cash through surveys and apps
If you are spending your evenings scrolling the internet randomly, there are sites that can make your hobby pay.
Try Swagbucks, which allows you to fill out polls or watch videos to make money, or fill in surveys with Qmee, the Curious Cat app or Branded Surveys to build up points or cash over time. Qmee is one of the survey sites where you can earn extra cash (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo) If you do this, though, remember to set up a specific email address for your surveys and other moneymaking schemes, otherwise your ordinary email address will be swamped. 3. Clear your clutter for cash
OK, you might have to move off the couch for the first part of this money saving exercise, but the rest can be done with your feet up.
Simply take stock of unused items around your home to see whether you could turn unwanted items into cash.
Clothes, books and CDs are an obvious place to start, but there are other items you can consider, such as outgrown children’s toys.
‘Lego holds its value really well and you’ll even get money for old manuals and remote controls,’ says David Beard, personal finance expert at comparison site Lending Expert . Clothes, books and old children’s toys can be sold easily online (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) As well as well-known sites like eBay for selling, you could consider Ziffit and Music Magpie for books and CDs.
These make it easier to sell items by allowing you to scan the bar codes on the back for an instant listing, and you can even get a courier to pick the items up for free if you have enough to sell. 4. Sign up for cashback
Shopping online also gives you the chance to use cashback sites, where saving as you spend soon adds up. Sites such as Quidco and TopCashback pay you a percentage of the amount you spend online with many retailers, as long as you click through them first.
For example, Quidco is currently offering 5% on all clothing bought through Tu at Sainsburys and a similar percentage when you book a Travelodge. TopCashback offers around 5% back with Deliveroo and more than 20% back on Post Office travel insurance. 5. Get started with investing
The stock market is volatile, and you could lose money as well as gain some, but studies show that over time those who invest in a long-term and diversified way usually do better than those who put their money into the bank.There are many resources online to get you started with investing, whether you want to jump straight in or try a virtual portfolio first. There are plenty of apps and services designed to help beginners learn about investing (Picture: Getty Images) DIY investment companies such as Hargreaves Lansdown and interactive investor allow you to create virtual portfolios to try out investment before you get started.Meanwhile, new low-cost investment service Dodl is designed for beginners and aims to help you learn about investing. 6. Set up a side hustle Making a little extra cash online will help […]
source Ten easy ways to save money from the comfort of your couch
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