How to make money from heavy snow

If you want to make money from bad weather, there are a huge number of ways to do so. Snow is the biggest money maker when it comes to earning extra income from atmospheric conditions, as it’s the hardest to manage when it comes down heavily.

If predictions are to be believed, and the UK is set for another intense period of cold and snowfall at some point this winter, this may be the most important article you read this year.

• Clear snow
• Run errands for neighbours 
• Sell winter goods
• Rent out winter gear 
• Sell your storm photos 
• Offer to babysit 
• Offer to dog/cat sit
• Use your snow days more effectively 
• Offer transportation 
• Clear your clutter

 

Clear Snow

While shoveling pavements, driveways and digging out cars is physically taxing, it can also be lucrative.

Most people have no desire to spend hours shoveling their home out after a storm. Others, especially the elderly, may not be able to physically perform the task at all.

Consider offering a special deal (or free shoveling services) to low-income seniors or others who may be unable to clear their own snow. It’s a great way to get some buzz while doing a good deed.

Here is a video on Youtube which highlights the correct technique to use when shoveling snow – which is important to know, even if you’re simply clearing your own drive.

To go the extra mile — and maybe earn a tip or two — sprinkle ice melt on sidewalks and driveways. If you want to seem extra professional, leave a card with your contact details for next time.

Run errands for neighbours

Just because most transportation has ground to a halt doesn’t mean people don’t still need to run errands. From medicine deliveries to stocking up on extra groceries, people still need essentials during heavy snowfall. 

If the roads are in decent shape, you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle and good winter driving skills, consider running errands for neighbours and other people you know who may not be able to get out and about.

Winter driving is a lot more difficult that you might think, so make sure to check out or dedicated article on travelling in the winter by following the link below.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles! – Critical Winter Travel Advice

You could either market yourself on your own or take advantage of a service like Task Rabbit that will match you up with people who need help running errands.

 

Sell Shovels, Snow Brushes and Ice Scrapers

Snow is never a guarantee in the UK, which is why the country struggles to deal with it when it comes down heavily. People don’t see the value in investing in equipment if they aren’t going to use it for years. However, when the snow does eventually arrive, millions scramble around to get hold of clearing goods.

By investing a small amount on Amazon, Gumtree or Ebay, you could build up a big collection of goods to sell on for a small profit if the snow does arrive. Even if it isn’t this year, the next ‘Best from the East’ won’t be far behind.

Buy snow cleaning products here.

 

Rent Out Snowblowers, Sleds and Other Winter Gear

While people might easily shell out some cash for a sturdy snow shovel, they may only want to rent a snowblower for a short length of time.

Consider renting out snowblowers, and other winter gear, even heavy winter clothing.

If you’re the type to go on skiing holiday, you can also rent out your gear to people looking to have some fun on hills as there aren’t exactly many opportunities to ski in the UK!

Find other ways you can make money by renting out your stuff. 

 

Sell Your Storm Photos

Everybody loves seeing a photo or video which demonstrates the power of Mother Nature. So, if you manage to get a snap of a lightning bolt, a huge incoming storm or just your your dog enjoying the snow, call up your local news stations and publications (even national ones) and offer to send a watermarked version for their consideration.

If travel is difficult, news crews can’t be everywhere, and they may be willing to pay for your epic storm photos.

Also, look into stock photography options, where you can earn a few pounds or so per photo on the likes of Shutterstock or Unsplash.

 

Babysit for  Parents

Just because there’s a giant storm doesn’t mean all parents can stay home from work.

Offer your babysitting services to neighbors and friends, watching their kids if they’re called off to work, and earn some money while doing so.

If you’re a student, this is the perfect way to earn money and get some study time in over the holiday season.

You can even promote the fun, snow-related activities that you’ll do with the kids, including sledding, making snow angels, building a snowman and baking if you have the skills to get it done.

 

Provide Pet Care and Pet Sitting

Some pet owners have to head to work during a big storm, and others are physically unable to walk their dog through large snow drifts. 

A pair of snowshoes or skis can certainly come in handy for dog walking so if you have a pair, you could help a lot of people out.

If you have time off during the holidays student dog sitting, like babysitting, can be a great way to earn some money while you get some work done.

Find out more about dog walking here.

 

Offer Transportation

Once more, if you have a four wheel drive car, you could offer to take people on important journeys which they may not be able to make without a powerful vehicle.

As is the case in the UK, trains and buses are often stopped at the slightest hint of snow, so there will be a lot of people needing support if a big storm comes along.

Adding a set of snow chains to your car will help you justify charging a small fee.

You can get your hands on chains for wheels from Halfords here.

 

clear your clutter

If you’re stuck inside with not a lot to do, you might as well clear your clutter and discover how much your unused items will be worth.

Check out our dedicated guides and videos which are packed full of useful information on how to make the most of clearing your clutter here.

Declutter your life – Free Ebook download 

 

Help With Clean Up

Blizzards pack a punch and, with high winds, they can leave a trail of wreckage and damage. Helping with the clear up can earn you some extra income.

Walking around areas with a lot of trees may reveal damaged properties and blockages on driveways, which you can offer to clear for a fee.

From chopping and hauling away downed trees (which you may be able to keep for firewood), to repairing downed fences, and picking up wayward shingles that have blown off roofs, there is plenty of work to do after a storm.

For more help and advice on surviving and thriving this winter, click on any of the links below.

How to Survive the Winter Blues: Part 2

Broadband and TV Packages – Winter Deals 

Save Money by Preparing your Garden this Winter

Get your Home Ready for the Winter

Save Money on Car Maintenance this Winter

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Cold Weather Payment Due to Current UK Freeze

If you’re on a low income, or certain benefits, you can get a Cold Weather Payment from the government, as hundreds of postcodes in England and Wales will receive £25 over the next two weeks. 

What is a Cold Weather Payment?

The Cold Weather Payment is triggered if average temperatures hit freezing or below for seven days in a row: payments will be made to homes across north-east England, Cumbria, west Wales and as far south as Oxfordshire, where the lowest recorded temperature was recently –9.7C. 

You can see if you’re entitled to the payment by going here and entering your postcode here. 

You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather between 1 November 2024 and 31 March 2025.

After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days. It’s paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments. 

These payments do not affect your other benefits.

Further Reading.

Are you eligible for this benefit this winter? 

Apply for £1500 Energy Support Fund

What to do if you can’t pay your energy bill?

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MoneyMagpie’s free New Year’s cash giveaway For 2025

Free Cash Giveaway

Money giveaway: Happy New Year Magpies. Want some cash?

With a record number of people taking on second jobs and people frantically googling “quick ways to make cash”, we at MoneyMagpie have again decided to put our hand in our pocket and offer some help to readers.

Since last January we have had a record number of people entering our cash giveaway and whilst it never quite feels enough, we are back again this month with the chance to win some free money… no strings attached.

What We Are Offering!

We are offering 10 readers £10 each. There are no strings attached at all. Simply comment on the article with what you would spend the tenner on, and then in four weeks, 10 people will be selected to win the money.

MoneyMagpie founder Jasmine Birtles said: “It really doesn’t feel much in the greater scheme of things, but if it helps a few people then we are more than happy to step in. We have had a record number of people writing in and asking us how to access quick cash, and in reality there aren’t many ways that are safe to the consumer. Therefore, we just wanted to offer them a chance. We are strongly against gambling so didn’t want our readers to go there, therefore it’s simply cash.’

We will get the money to you in the form of PayPal or an Amazon Voucher.

How to Get involved with the free cash giveaway

So, as stated above, for your chance to get your hands on a tenner, just answer ‘what would you spend an extra tenner on this month?’ in the comments below. The comments will close at midnight on Feb 12, 2025.

We will notify the winners on Feburary 14, 2024 in hope of making their Valentine’s Day that bit sweeter.

Good luck. We look forward to hearing your answers.

If this sounds good then look at this fab oppurtunity to win a house here.

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Top tips for efficient tax returns

As the country faces an energy crisis which will impact the lives of millions, it is important to note that over £20 billion in tax benefits went unclaimed last year. Tax returns can be confusing for many and seem daunting. It can be a convoluted process, putting many people off even considering it. 

Little is known about the annual refunds workers can claim back, particularly in PAYE and blue-collar industries. Are you eligible for a tax returns you didn’t know about? Here is how to get what is rightfully yours. 

Tommy Mcnally, a leading tax expert and founder of the tax-return app Tommys Tax, provides his top tips to help you efficiently manage your tax return. It may even alleviate some financial worries you have within the current climate. 

Claim your food costs

There are many reasons you may be able to claim a full refund on your food costs. If you travel for more than one and a half hours a day to work, leave home before 6am or work past 8pm, you could be eligible for tax returns. In fact, you could claim a maximum of £.7.50 per day! If you are travelling to more than one location for work purposes, or are staying overnight, you can also claim a tax refund on food expenses. 

Claim uniform costs

You could claim up to £16 a week for your laundry if you wear a uniform for work. Refunds also apply to repairing and replacing your uniform. You cannot, however, claim back on the initial cost of buying clothing for work. 

Claim travel expenses

If travelling is a common aspect of your job, you could claim tax refunds on your travel costs. If you have travelled to two different locations, you may be eligible. This relief is also applicable to those whose employers do not cover expenses themselves. For example, if you drive a company car or use a company fuel card, you may not be eligible for a tax return. If, however, you use public transport or have aid for parking or congestion charges, you could claim some money back. 

Claim back training costs

If your employer does not cover training costs but the training is imperative for you to perform your role efficiently, you could claim tax back for this. For example, a health and safety course or food hygiene course may be required in your line of work. 

Hotel accommodation costs

Staying in hotels or alternative accommodation may sometimes be required as part of your work. If you have stayed in a hotel due to attending a conference, work part or training course, you could claim tax relief on these costs. Similarly, if you are staying in accommodation due to working somewhere temporarily, you could claim back money on this. 

Claim back on electronics

Electronics are a part of everyday work life for many of us. If this applies to you, you may be able to claim a tax refund on items such as laptops, printers and even stationary. If there is any other equipment you use for your line of work that is not for private use, you could claim on this also. 

Claim back on mobile phone usage

If you use your own mobile phone or personal device to make work calls, texts or check your work emails, you could claim a tax refund on this. If you are a business owner or you are self-employed, you can expense full costs of your mobile phone bills. However, this is only the case if your mobile phone contract is held in the name of the company and payments are made directly from a business bank account. 

Claim back on working from home

If you live too far from your office and must work from home, or your employer does not have an office, you could claim tax returns. Similarly, if you are self-employed and work from home, you could get some tax relief. You could claim a refund on gas, electricity and even broadband costs. However, this is only if they are used for your work. 

Claim back payroll admin fees

Business owners and those who are self-employed can claim tax relief on payroll admin fees. 

Claim back on memberships

Some fields of work require memberships to professional bodies or trade unions. If this is expected of you to perform your duties, you could claim a tax refund on this. Annual subscriptions to approved professional bodies or societies can also be claimed back on.
 
Tommy Mcnally, CEO of Tommys Tax comments:

“With nearly everyone impacted by the increasing cost of living across the board, there are ways in which people can inject a much needed boost into their bank accounts. One of these ways is the many tax rebates that people are eligible for, but don’t make use of and that is where we’re here to help. Taxes can be boring, confusing and anxiety-inducing, but if done right could make a real difference to people’s lives.”

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My Journey Saving Cashback Earnings

It is not often that an article lands in my inbox for a product I already use. JamDoughnut’s Cashback App is one of them.  

I have been using JamDoughnut for just over a year, after it was hugely recommended by fellow MoneyMagpie Izzy. I can say with all faith that it is great, fast and so easy. The simple version is that with the app, you can earn up to 20% instant cashback when you spend with 100s of retailers, online & instore. 

This includes hundreds of popular brands, no more waiting for months wondering whether your cashback has been tracked, and no more delayed or missing claims: rewards are paid in your wallet as soon as you make a purchase.  

After using JamDoughnut, more than I even thought I would, to buy items I was planning on buying anyway – and receiving cashback for my efforts – I then got the cashback bug so much so that this Christmas I decided to try something new. I was going to try and do my Christmas shopping (instore and online) using the app and to then see how much money I could save by New Year. I would then be moving all money made via cashback to a separate pot and seeing if I can amass a good amount.   

 

Why is JamDoughnut better than other cashback apps?  

While cashback sites are familiar to lots of us now, there’s an almost overwhelming amount to choose from. They all do what they say on the tin: they reward users with cash for doing their shopping or paying for services via the cashback site or app (often by using a referral link). But usually we have to wait days or weeks (sometimes even months), to get our rewards. 

With JamDoughnut YOU GET INSTANT CASHBACK– literally as soon as you confirm your purchase. 

Sign-up to JamDoughnut here now. 

Sounds good: How Do I use Jam Doughnut? 

It really is very easy and based on a points system. When you are about to make a purchase (instore or online) you can easily buy vouchers to the exact amount and pay with those via the app. You will then get up to 20% of your budget back as soon as the payment is made.  

 

Where can I use it?  

I have had great luck and been able to use my JamDoughnut app pretty much everywhere. I even got 8% return back on my festive COSTA coffee last week. One of the real saving graces is that you can use them in the supermarket. And while I haven’t done my Christmas food shop just yet, I will 100 per cent purchase some ALDI credit at checkout. 

 

So how is that cashback saving pot looking? 

Well, not only have I been able to get all the presents I was looking for, but the JamDoughnut app has also suggested a number of items I hadn’t even considered, using the site’s recommendations that show all the best deals going for Christmas bargains. And so the cashback pot now stands at £80: that’s £80 I wouldn’t have made had I shopped without the app, and £80 I can now either save for New Year funds or put towards more gifts… I’ve chosen the former! 

Sign-up to JamDoughnut here now. 

 

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.

While this is a paid article for MoneyMagpie, this is an honest review so the author was allowed to express personal preference.

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Ask the Experts What Gadgets Can Make a Whopping 41% More if Sold Ahead of Christmas 2024

With 15% of Brits hoping to receive consumer electronics for Christmas*, it’s likely that many will unwrap new phones, game consoles, or tablets on the 25th. But when should you sell your old device to maximize your earnings?

Experts at Compare and Recycle have examined average prices for various smartphones and consoles over the past year, revealing which devices can fetch higher payouts when recycled in December.

Which Devices Offer the Highest Money This December (2024)

Data from Compare and Recycle

Get 80% extra for your Pixel 7 Pro in December

An analysis of average offers for a 256GB Pixel 7 Pro over the past year shows that selling the device in December can yield an average of 80% higher quotes compared to the month with the lowest average offer earlier in the year.

Make an average of 39% more on devices recycled in December

Selling the popular devices listed above in December can earn you 39% more on average than in other months of the year. This makes December the ideal time to trade in your old devices rather than waiting until after Christmas.

The gaming consoles you can get the most money for in December

PS4 Slim can get you 79% more when sold in December

If you’re upgrading to the PS5 this Christmas, you can get an extra 79% for your old console if you recycle it before the end of the year. The Xbox One S in both 1TB and 500GB can earn an extra 50% and 46% in December. 

Experts at Compare and Recycle explain, “This can be explained by the increased demand from shoppers rushing to put some tech under their trees, which causes refurbishers to need to bolster their stock. After the frenzy of the iPhone launch, December is usually the time when second-hand tech retailers and recyclers are ready for stock intake. 

Another indicator is that refurbished devices are becoming increasingly popular due to lower costs. Research** shows that 37% of households have purchased at least one refurbished device, and 46% would consider purchasing one in the future.

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Make money collecting Christmas cards

Christmas cards are a dying social courtesy. With digital communication offering quick and easy alternatives, it’s really no surprise.

For the more sentimental among us, this could be a rather sad state of affairs. However, if you’ve been hanging on to each Christmas card you’ve ever received, and maybe even safeguarding those of previous generations, you could be sitting on top of a miniature goldmine!

As Christmas cards become increasingly novel, so their value grows.

Let’s take a look at ways you can make money from collecting Christmas cards.

• How Christmas cards became a thing
• The most expensive Christmas card in the world
• How to identify a valuable Christmas card
• Where to buy and sell

 

How Christmas cards became a thing

Perhaps the best place to start our investigation is to go right back to the very beginning.

Although it may seem like Christmas cards have always been around, they really only date back to the 1800s.

The first ever Christmas card was created in the UK in 1843 by London-based illustrator John Calcott Horsley on behalf of Sir Henry Cole. Horsley designed and hand-coloured the original, after which a total of 1,000 were lithographed. These cards were sold at a shilling each.

The card shows a Christmas dinner with three generations of a family enjoying a Christmas party. The side panels show charitable scenes with people clothing and feeding the poor. Only 12 of the original 1,000 cards still in existence.

 

The most expensive Christmas cards in the world

Unsurprisingly, both their rarity and historical significance has made these cards extremely valuable.

In November 2001, Horsley’s original hand-coloured Christmas card – the prototype upon which the 1,000 lithographed copies were based – was sold at auction in Devizes for £20,000 and bought by an anonymous bidder. Cole had sent this exact Christmas card to his grandmother. It also holds the Guinness World Record for the most expensive greeting card ever sold at auction.

Of course, this isn’t the only Christmas card that’s ever made its way to auction.

Earlier this year, a group of 15 Christmas card designs by Salvador Dalí were put up for auction. The cards were commissioned by the Spanish pharmaceutical laboratory Hoechst Ibérica between 1959 and 1976. They were expected to raise up to €1m at Artcurial’s Modern and Impressionist Art auction in Paris.

Unsurprisingly, Christmas cards with a royal history also tend to rake in pounds. In 2017, collection of 35 cards sent by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh over a 40-year period were sold at auction for £1,530.

 

How to identify valuable Christmas cards

Now, the chances that you have one of Horsley’s original 1,000 lithographed Christmas cards in your possession are slim. And so are the chances that you have any designed by other famous artists or sent by the royal family.

However, this does not mean that your collection is devoid of value.

Here are a few things that could spell big bucks when it comes to old Christmas cards:

Age

Since holiday and birthday cards are considered by most to be nothing more than sentimental ephemera, it’s not unusual for them to end up in the trash once festivities are over. Which means it’s extraordinarily hard to find really, really old Christmas cards.

If, however, you suspect that there might be a couple gathering dust in your storeroom, go have a bit of a rummage.

Obviously, the older the specimen the more valuable it will be.

Condition

Another big determiner of value is how well-preserved the Christmas card in question is. If you have one dating back to 1890, but it’s torn and faded, the likelihood of it bringing in any money is close to zero.

If however, the card has been stored carefully, protected from any possible damage and still looks as pristine as the day it arrived on the mantlepiece, you may just be in luck!

Artwork

What’s on the card? If it’s an original artwork by a moderately to highly successful artist (who knows – maybe your great grandparents were well-connected), the card may just be of interest to collectors.

Another thing to take note of on the cover of the card in question is whether it depicts an historic event or popular character. Examples of the former may include anything alluding to one of the World Wars, while the latter could perhaps come in the form of classic, vintage illustrations of anyone from Santa Clause to Mickey Mouse.

What’s inside

Finally, even if the well-preserved outside is somewhat unremarkable, the inside may be where the magic lies.

If you have a Christmas card with an ink-on-paper celebrity signature, its value is almost sure to shoot up. Of course, there’s also a hierarchy to consider here. If you have one signed by Queen Elizabeth herself, it’s probably quite a bit more valuable than one bearing the signature of your local radio station’s host.

 

Where to buy and sell

Tickled by the idea of making money from Christmas cards? We suggest you start your career on eBay!

It’s pretty easy to set up an account and you’ll also have full control over your auctions and sales.

Currently, vintage Christmas cards are selling from anything between £0.50 and £539.12.

Once you have your foot in the door and your collection starts growing, you may want to investigate which auctioneers could help you find the best bidders for your collections.

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