Lately, I've been trying to make my money go a bit further. Yes, I've got a full-time job, but there's lots of other ways to make that money go further... and these are my top ten of how you can make easy money. They are all genuine, and, if you ask me, all a MUST.
1) Use cashback websites (eg Quidco and Top Cashback)
I never shop without first searching these now. Most retailers now offer cashback via the above retailers, so it's definitely worth checking them first! So, how does cashback work? Well, you sign up to one of the cashback websites, buy an item from a retailer using their link, (for example, you'd click through to the Debenhams website using Top Cashback), which enables them to track the purchase, and you will be credited with a certain percentage of money back in your account. This can then be transferred directly to your bank account, or exchanged for vouchers.
So, what's the catch?
There is none. I have been using these sites for years and have found them very useful - but a little tip: only use them for items you'd genuinely buy. If you're going to switch insurance company, then do it through Top Cashback or Quidco (I've found insurance companies pay out especially well!). You can even get paid for not purchasing items, such as clicking, searching and taking surveys. The terms and conditions are clearly laid out and if you do one click per day, you soon get used to the rules.
2) Sign up to survey sites
This might not be for everyone - but survey sites can reap good rewards if you have the patience and time to do them. There are a plethora of sites out there, including:
- Valued Opinions
- Global Test Market
- YouGov (probably the best!)
- And many, MANY more...
3) Sign up to mystery shopping sites
Yes, you can genuinely get paid to shop. Sites such as GFK and Grass Roots pay well (usually around £10 for a visit) and offer mystery shops regularly. However, make sure you keep your eyes open for the e-mail to say the visits are available: once the slots are taken, that's it, they're gone! Some visits can pay much more than £10 too.
So what does mystery shopping actually involve? You do have to pay careful attention to details such as the exterior and interior of the building, the customer service, what the person serving you looks like etc. I would strongly advise that you read the questionnaire prior to visiting so that you know what to look out for before visiting, and that you ask the right sort of questions. You might not get paid if you ask the wrong things! Don't worry too much though - follow the rules, and you'll be fine - £10 for 15 minutes of your time.
4) Sell, sell, sell...
You know you'll never wear it again, so why keep it? And that teddy your ex bought you... Why do you still have it? Somebody out there might be looking for those things - willing to pay over the odds for them - yet you're keeping them for no apparent reason. Don't hoard, be harsh to yourself, and get rid. You won't miss them... but you will be loving the money they bring in when you sell them!
5) Paid to click/paid to read emails/paid to review websites
There are millions out there - you could spend all day earning just a few pence. Sooo, I'd advise stick to a few. My personal favourite is Donkey Mails, where you get paid to click and paid to read e-mails. It's not a lot, but it all adds up - and it does genuinely pay out. The layout isn't amazing, but it does the job.
You can get paid more if you write a review. You can review pretty much anything and get paid. My personal favourites at the moment are reviewing songs at Slice The Pie and reviewing anything at Ciao.co.uk (see below link) - who pay very well indeed! I regularly receive cheques from them.
So, with all these wonders out there (and a few genuine work at home jobs that are genuine thrown in) - you can make yourself a bit of money and get back in the black! Don't forget to use any vouchers you have too... Don't let them go to waste!
