Working from Home (Again) – Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle

Reading Time: 5 mins

Many of us are either working from home again, or never stopped since the first lockdown! It’s much harder to keep healthy when it’s cold and dark outside.

Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while you’re working from home. Hopefully these will keep you motivated throughout the long winter months.

1. Exercise While Working From Home
2. Eat Healthily When Working From Home
3. Money and Health Tips
4. Stay Mentally Healthy While Working From Home
5. Working From Home Routine

Exercise while working from home

Gyms are shut and many forms of exercise are off the cards for now, but this doesn’t mean you need to stop exercising altogether.

Something as simple as getting out for a walk or run everyday will improve your mood and keep you healthy. The best thing about this is it’s outside, so you can get some fresh air and maybe even some sunshine at the same time. Cycling is also a good option if you prefer it.

There’s also no shortage of online workouts you can do from home. YouTube has a wide range of workout videos for free that will suit all abilities. Whether a 20 minute lunchtime HIIT session is your thing or a pre-bed yoga routine is more your style, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Eat healthily when working from home

Endless takeaways seem like the easy option and the temptation to regularly order out is only growing.

If you can, keep takeaways to the minimum or cook your own healthy alternatives to your favourite classics.

Keeping to regular meals can also help. It’s very easy to mindlessly snack while working from home – hands up if you’ve polished off a whole packet of biscuits in a day before!

Sticking to regular, nutritious meals will help prevent this as you should feel full and satisfied for longer after eating.

Don’t forget to drink water too. It’s very easy to find yourself on your fourth of fifth coffee without realising it, but don’t forget coffee is actually dehydrating. Make sure to balance it out with regular glasses of water. This is also a good way to keep you moving as you have to get up every hour or so to fill up your glass.

Money and health tips

Working from home can help you save money and improve your financial health. For starters, you don’t have the cost of the commute or the allure of after work drinks!

But, there are expenses to working from home and the costs could rack up quickly if you don’t watch out.

Electricity will be a big cost for many, now we’re at home all the time. To keep your electricity costs down, turn your power switches off at the wall when you’re not using them. You could also consider switching providers. Some – like Bulb – offer a referral bonus if you can convince a friend to switch too.

Heating is another big expense, especially with the cold weather we’re currently experiencing. Try and wear extra socks and jumpers (if your work Zoom calls allow!) rather than heading to the thermostat as soon as you get a bit chilly.

Where possible try and avoid ordering lunch each day, however tempting it might be. Although cooking endless meals can get tiring, it will help you save a lot of money, so your bank balance will thank you in the long run.

If you’re finding you’re not spending as much money – whether it’s from not commuting or buying lunch each day – try and avoid leaving it sitting in your current account. This will just increase the temptation to spend it when the opportunity presents itself again.

Instead, consider opening a savings accounts. Out of site, out of mind really does work. Your money will be protected and ready for you to spend when you really need it.

Stay mentally healthy while working from home

Lockdown and Covid-19 are getting most people down. A certain amount of this is probably unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to stay mentally healthy at home.

A good starting point is to stay connected with your friends. Arrange Zoom calls and virtual catch ups so you can check in with each other. You could even play a game or watch a film together to make you feel more connected.

Take some time each day to relax and switch off. A lot of people find mindfulness helpful for this. You can find out more about mindfulness here.

If you find yourself struggling more than usual, it could be worth seeking individual therapy. Talking through your problems and getting specific help and guidance can be very helpful.

Of course, if your feelings are seriously worrying you do speak to your GP or a medical professional.

Set a routine

A routine is crucial to staying healthy while working from home.

It may seem tempting – particularly without the commute hanging over you – to keep snoozing your alarm, but try and avoid this.

Instead, get up each morning and follow the same pattern. Whether it’s having a coffee, a shower, or cooking yourself a nice breakfast, the important thing is to stick to a routine and avoid lying in bed with your laptop all morning.

It’s also really important to take breaks and get away from endless screens regularly. A quick stand up and stretch every hour, will help avoid aches and pains while giving your mind a much-needed break.

Where you can, take a proper break in the day and get some fresh air. Getting out in daylight will make a big difference if your working hours allow it. Schedule this into your day to stop yourself from putting it off because it’s a bit too cold or raining.

If you’re struggling with productivity, or social media scrolling is distracting you too much, try scheduling in fun activities as rewards. This could be anything from a break to watch an episode of your favourite TV show after you’ve met a deadline or even a bubble bath.

It’s a good idea to mark the end of the working day too. Try to avoid checking your emails well into the evening and working anti-social hours. Instead, shut your laptop down and put it away until the morning once you’ve finished for the day.

More like this

Need more working from home tips? Try these articles next!

• 10 Easy Money-Saving Hacks for Working from Home
• Where to Find Genuine Work from Home Jobs
• Anybody Can Make Money with these Work from Home Jobs

The post Working from Home (Again) – Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Working abroad After Brexit: Visas and Taxes Explained

Reading Time: 7 mins

Working abroad after Brexit will change now that the UK has left the European Union. There are currently three quarters of a million British expats living in the EU.

You may still be interested in joining the near one million Brits in the EU despite Brexit. But before you jet off to seek another lifestyle, you’ll need to understand all the new visa and tax requirements. If you’ve already read the rules and found them confusing, then you’re in luck. Here at Money Magpie, we’ve put together an seven-step guide to give you all the information you need.

1. Who Needs a Visa?
2. Where to Find Visa Information
3. Entertainment Visas
4. Countries That Have Digital Nomad Visas
5. Where Do You Pay Tax
6. Your Benefit Entitlement
7. Your State Pension

Who needs a visa?

Those who’ve planned a holiday to the EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway or Switzerland in 2021 will be relieved to know that you won’t need a visa. Although, coronavirus restrictions may scupper holiday plans. Keep an eye on the Foreign Office official advice. And, if you’re taking a risk to book ahead – make sure you get travel insurance the same time you book in case the pandemic ruins your plans!

From the 1st January 2022, UK holidaymakers seeking sun and sites in the EU will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). An ETIAS is a three-year visa waiver that will cost £6.35 for those three years. Travellers will be encouraged to apply online. You’ll be required to provide information such as your age, past criminal convictions, and your accommodation address when applying.

UK residents will only be able to spend 90 out of 180 days on holiday in Europe. You may want to stay in the EU for longer, which means you’ll need a visa.

You’ll also need a visa if you’re working abroad after Brexit. In some cases, you may need a work permit by your host country too. Visa’s will be required by UK residents who are attending a conference, providing services for a charity, touring as a musician or relocating to a European branch of your company’s business.

Where to find Visa Information

Currently, an EU-wide visa does not exist. Instead, you’ll have to apply for an individual visa with your host country if you want to work abroad after Brexit.

Those who were working in the EU before 1st January 2021 will be relieved to know that their right to work is protected. However, if you’re working or living in the EU who will have to register as a resident of that country by June.

If you’re a UK resident and you’re still interested in working abroad after Brexit, then you’ll need a job offer from the employer of your desired host country. You’ll need this offer to start on your visa journey. Once you’ve acquired your offer, you should contact the nearest UK-based embassy of your desired host country.

The London Diplomatic List contains all the contact details of every embassy. We recommend contacting the embassy via phone or email given the UK’s current coronavirus restrictions.

The embassy will be able to provide information about what you need to do in order to work in your desired host country.

You can also read the individual country’s requirements via the UK Government’s Living in Guide. Simply search your desired country, here.

VISA example: Italy

Miss X currently lives in Bristol and holds a UK passport. She has been offered a job by an Italian firm who are based in Rome. Miss X decides to accept the company’s job offer.

• She simply can’t hop on a plane and start work as the freedom of movement between the UK and the EU has ended.
• Instead, Miss X has to check Italy’s visa requirements via the Where Do You Live tool, which can be accessed, here.
• Miss X’s Italian employer will need to apply for her work permit.
• Once her employer receives the work permit, then Miss X will be able to apply for an Italian visa at a UK-based Italian embassy.
• When Miss X has received the visa, she’ll be able to apply for a residence permit, which will mean Miss X  can live and work in Italy legally.

The visa application process for every country is different, so be sure to check the individual guidance.

EU Blue Card

You might be classified as a highly-qualified worker and able to apply for an EU Blue Card.

This card gives non-EU workers the right to live and work in Europe after Brexit. To apply for an EU Blue Card, you’ll need to hold a higher education degree (e.g. a university degree), work as a paid employee and have a salary that’s one and a half times the average national salary. You’ll also need to present a binding work contract as well as full travel and legal requirements.

Your European employer must submit an application form on your behalf. And, you may be charged an application fee.

Warning! You can’t apply if you’re an entrepreneur or self-employed. It’s also not applicable in Denmark and Ireland.

Entertainment visas

Working abroad after Brexit is now different for UK musicians, artists, bands, actors, and crews who are transporting equipment. Those who work in the above industries will need to seek additional work permits if they want to work in Europe.

British musicians, bands and artists will only be able to tour for 90 days out of an 180 day period. This is very similar to tourist requirements that UK residents have to follow. Entertainers who decide to perform in France and the Netherlands won’t need to obtain additional work permits.

However, if you’d like to perform or work in Germany or Spain, then you’ll need additional work permits. The Incorporated Society of Musicians have complied a full list of work permits that you may need to apply for as a touring musician. This list can be accessed, here.

A number of high profile celebrities have condemned the end of visa-free touring. Government guidance could change in the coming weeks and months in response to the backlash, so always keep abreast of the latest guidance.

Digital Nomad visas

Throughout 2020, the entire world adapted to work from home. If you’re working from home, you might be fantasising about working by the sea and sun in Europe.

The majority of remote workers won’t be able to apply for a traditional visa. Your employer may still be based in the UK or, like may other digital nomads, you may not even have an employer. These two factors stop many remote workers from applying for a visa.

Instead, digital nomad visas legalise the status of travelling professionals

Each country that issues a digital nomad visa, has its own policies and regulations. The countries who have digital nomad visas in the EU include: Germany, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Croatia, Norway and Estonia. There are also a number of other non-EU countries who also have digital-nomad visas. This means you may still be able to work abroad with your laptop after Brexit.

To apply for a digital nomad visa, you’ll need to hold a valid passport and be able to prove that you have a steady income. You’ll also be asked to provide your nationality, any visa history as well as a criminal record. You may also need to pay an application fee as well as additional documents.

Like with other visas, you’ll have to check individual guidance with your desired host country.

Digital Nomad visa example: Germany

• Miss X is a self-employed writer who has decided to spend some time writing in Munich, Germany.
• She has several clients in Germany, from a variety of publishers. This means that Miss X has a steady-income and a strong client base.
• She also holds a valid UK passport and doesn’t have a criminal record.
• As Miss X is a freelancer, she’ll be able to apply for a digital nomad visa.
• To apply, Miss X will need to register with the German tax office. She’ll also need to submit a portfolio, bank statements and provide evidence of her expertise.

Warning! For years, remote workers have also found themselves in legal grey areas. Always check the requirements of your desired host country before you attempt to work in that country.

Where do you pay tax?

Now you’ve wrapped your head around the visa requirements, you’ll need to understand how tax works if you’re considering working abroad after Brexit.

If you’re not a UK resident, then you won’t need to pay tax on your foreign income. You’re automatically considered a non-UK resident, if you work abroad full time and have spent fewer than 16 days working in the UK.

However, if you are a UK resident, then you’ll need to pay tax in the UK. To work out your resident status, you’ll need to tot up where you spend most of your working days in any tax year. If you’ve spent 183 days in the UK and your only home is in the UK, then you’ll have to pay tax on your foreign income.

To pay taxes on your foreign income, you’ll need to submit a self-assessment tax return. Check out our handy guide on filing a return, here.

Remember! You may be able to claim tax relief if you’re taxed in more than one country. If you think this could be you, check out the UK Government’s guidance.

Your benefit entitlement

After the 1st January 2021, the rules for paying some UK benefits in the EU, EEA and Switzerland have changed.

For those who’ve already received benefits while living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you’ll be relieved to hear that you’ll continue to receive these benefits. This is as long as you still meet the other eligibility criteria.

If you’re moving to the UK after this date, you’ll still be able to claim for the following benefits: bereavement Support Payment and other bereavement benefits, industrial injuries benefits, maternity allowance, maternity pay, paternity pay and sick pay. Like before, you will have to prove that you’re eligible for these benefits.

Further, if you’ve made relevant social security contributions in an EU country, you may qualify for UK benefits This includes the New Style Jobseekers Allowance and the New Style Employment and Support Allowance. If you’re working abroad after Brexit, check where you pay social security contributions, here.

The guidance for British expats living in Norway, Iceland, Litchensutein and Switzerland is currently being updated.

Your state pension

You’ll still be able to receive your state pension if you live in the EU, EEA or Switzerland. Your pension will also increase in line with the rate that is paid in the UK.

While this guidance is for UK nationals, you’ll be relived to hear that the rules for state pension apply to everyone. So, if you decide to retire in the EU in the future, you should be able to claim a state pension.

Useful reading

If you found this article useful, then you may also like:

• How Brexit is Set to Affect British Expats in the EU 
• Want to Become a Digital Nomad? Here’s How 
• Get Paid to Travel 
• Brexit: What to Do If You’re an Expat Living in Europe

The post Working abroad After Brexit: Visas and Taxes Explained appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Scraping up More Pennies During Tough Financial Times

Reading Time: 3 mins

Don’t worry if you’re struggling right now. You’re not alone.

Even the best of us have seen a few changes in our finances thanks to the 2020 lockdown, and further pandemic troubles. It might be time to tighten our belts a little, but try not to panic. There are several things you can do to help your finances in a post-pandemic world.

• Argue for a better wage
• Make smaller money-saving changes
• Start a side-business
• Negotiate with your creditors
• Sell your stuff

 

Argue For a Better Wage

We are so used to having a wage and living with it that we forget we can actually ask for more. A wage increase doesn’t have to come with a mafia-style union meeting, or with a promotion; you can actually nag your boss into giving you more wages. The power of nagging actually works in this situation, especially if you have some negotiation skills. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to keep applying for other jobs so that if negotiations get tough, you can threaten to leave. Heck, you may actually find another employer who is willing to pay you more!

Find out more about asking for a pay rise here.

 

Make Smaller Money-Saving Changes

It sounds like non-advice, but there is a sound logic to making small savings around the home, in your life, and even making small savings in your business operations. When you make a conscious decision to reduce the amount of unnecessary waste, and when you make a decision to cut your unnecessary expenses, you are actually re-enforcing behaviour that stops future excess. Part of the benefit is that you make a few small savings, but the biggest benefit is your future spending decisions are tempered by, for want of a better word, penny pinching. You make less extravagant and wasteful decisions in the future. It actually prevents future mismanagement of your fund. 

Like with all good practices, it’s just about doing it until it becomes habitual and second-nature.

 

Start a Side-Business

If you have your own full-time business then perhaps consider an offshoot business. For example, if you make candles, then use the same moulds to make soaps too. However, if you are full-time employed, then why not start a small business in your own time? You will have to partially subsidise it with your wages at first, but even a few hours per week can help generate a little extra income. Plus, these days there are hundreds of things you can do, from logo design and web design, to giving paid reviews or making YouTube videos and receiving donations from loyal fans.

 

Negotiate with Your Creditors

Few people realise they can call up their credit card companies and loan companies and re-negotiate terms. Sometimes, they will put you on a payment plan that lasts a few months until your financial problems are over, and other times they will freeze your card until it’s paid off. This often affects your credit rating, but if you’re genuinely having trouble paying your bills, then a little damage to your credit rating is often better than having overdrawn bank accounts later down the line. At the very least, you can get in touch with your credit card companies and inquire about the help they give to people who are having financial difficulties. Asking questions and getting information doesn’t harm your credit rating.

 

Only Sell Stuff You Know You Will Never Use Again

Sell things you don’t need…but make sure you’re sensible about it!

During tough times, some people will sell big items like laptops, freezers, and so forth. They figure they will be able to buy them again in the future when they have more money, but that isn’t how it works. When you sell something you actually need, you are wasting money, especially since you will have to pay out more in the future.

Instead, find things you know in your heart you will never use again, and sell those. You are probably not going to use that bread maker ever again, and you haven’t used your rowing machine for over two years, and do you really need your old PlayStation 3 games now you have upgraded to a PlayStation 5? The only area where this doesn’t apply is when you are selling your clothes. Obviously, you can sell your old clothes since you are probably going to end up buying new clothes in the future anyway. 

 

Final Thought – Does Scraping Pennies Mean You Have to Suffer?

It’s less about suffering and more about inconvenience. You have to endure the inconvenience of buying regular onions and cheese rather than pre-chopped onion and pre-grated cheese. It’s inconvenient having to dig out your old candy-floss maker to sell or having to start a small business on the side. If your penny pinching and your saving starts to become suffering, then slow it down a little because the more you make yourself suffer, then the higher the chances are you will relapse and start spending to make yourself feel better.

It’s all about making small, practical changes that can make all the difference. It will take effort, work and belief, but we know you can do it!

The post Scraping up More Pennies During Tough Financial Times appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Does my small business really need a website?

Reading Time: 2 mins

Rewind a couple of decades and the only businesses with websites were those with access to intricate development skills. For the majority of bosses, websites were expensive, complicated and incompatible with the way they worked.

But as we enter into a new decade, those excuses have completely dried up, and it’s become almost unthinkable for any modern business to ignore the online marketplace completely, regardless of the industry and the way they engage with customers (heck, at MoneyMagpie we’re ALL about our website!)

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, making a big investment in a new website represented a major risk, but the modern business owner understands that not being online is the bigger risk in today’s marketplace.

In this article, we will explain why your small business needs a website and show how it’s never been easier to get one.

• What are the advantages of being online?
• Do I have to do it myself?

 

What are the advantages of being online?

The advantages of being online are almost too numerous to list, due mainly to the fact that so many Americans have access to the internet. The number of US adults online grew from 52% at the turn of the century to 90% by 2019, for example.

The internet, of course, is a hub for entertainment and news. But it’s increasingly being utilized by prospective customers as a tool for market research. Every day, millions of would-be shoppers scour the options online before choosing where to make a purchase, and if you don’t have a website then you’re simply not in the picture.

Being online allows you to show off your products and services, publish case studies and reviews from happy customers, and offer potential new customers the chance to make a purchase from the comfort of their own device.

A professional, informative and on-brand website, supported by a coherent digital marketing campaign, can underpin major growth for any business and help put what you do in front of exactly the right people.

 

Do I have to do it myself?

We get it – you don’t have the time to make a website. It can be pretty intimidating thinking about setting up a site with no expertise. All those pages, colors and logos to contend with, and information to type up – it can seem like a never-ending job. But it’s actually far easier than you might think to build your own site.

If you’re inexperienced and don’t know how to code then a builder that utilises templates could be the best way to start a website. Many modern platforms allow the user to “drag and drop” and take several shortcuts on the way to producing a professional platform.

Many modern builders also offer automation combined with customisation, which means a happy balance for small business owners eager to establish a personal presence online without wishing to create everything from scratch.

And you can of course hire somebody to help you. Gone are the days when web designers would charge thousands of dollars to concoct a bespoke creation from scratch; today’s web designers often utilise builders themselves to help speed up the process and offer better value to their clients.

If you have ambitions to find new customers and grow your business, then the answer to the question in the headline of this article is a resounding “yes”. And luckily for you, it’s never been easier or more cost-effective to invest time and money in building a website for your brand.

Find out more about running your company in our small business section here. 

The post Does my small business really need a website? appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

30 Ways to Make Money Online

Reading Time: 8 mins

The online world creates many opportunities, particularly when it comes to making some extra cash. Here are 30 ways to make money online:

1. Make Money Online Surfing the Web
2. Cashback Sites to Make Money Online
3. Make Money Online with Social Media
4. Make Money with Online Courses
5. Sell Your Stuff
6. Online Jobs to Make Money
7. Make Money Online by Investing
8. More Tips to Make Money

Make money online by Surfing the web

We all surf the web on a near daily basis, but you can actually get paid just to do this. Here’s how:

1. Surfing the web

Ipsos is a world-renowned consumer research company. To make money from it, just download the Ipsos Iris app. You’ll need to complete a short 5-minute survey before the app activates. And that’s it.

You’ll get a £10 bonus just for downloading the app – and up to £10 a month every month afterwards. So, without changing anything about your day, you can earn up to £130 a year!

2. Online surveys

Completing online surveys can be an easy way to make in excess of £50 a month. But, it’s not always straightforward. Check out our article explaining the dos and don’ts of online surveys.

3. Review things

You can also get paid to review things online. Companies will send you items to test – and you get to keep the item as well as receive payment for your review.

User Testing pays you to test and review websites – something there is always demand for!

4. Mystery shopper

Mystery shoppers get paid to pose as real customers and review a company’s products or services. It’s a great way to earn some extra cash in your free time.

You can sign up to become a mystery shopper on sites like this.

5. Watch videos

Sounds simple right? Well it is. Sites like Swagbucks will pay you for watching videos.

You earn points by watching videos which can then be redeemed for vouchers for companies like Amazon and Paypal.

6. Competitions

These aren’t guaranteed to earn you money or get you free stuff. But, entering competitions is quick and easy and you may win some great prizes. Just remember to set up a separate competition email address – otherwise you could be inundated with lots of spam emails!

Check out some of Money Magpie’s competitions here.

Cashback sites to make money online

These are sites which essentially give you money back for doing your online shopping through their site.

7. Quidco and Top Cashback

Two popular cashback sites are Quidco and Top Cashback.

Not only will you get money back when you shop through them, but there are also referral bonuses. Both sites currently offer a £25 bonus for each referral.

Make money online through Social media

If you find yourself spending hours scrolling aimlessly through social media, why not make that time more productive and start making money from it?

8. Become an influencer

This will take some commitment and won’t make you thousands straight away. But if you have a social media following of 1000+ you could class yourself as a micro influencer. From here, you can start reaching out to brands to collaborate on partnerships. Not all brands will pay you, but you should at least get some free samples.

As your following grows and you become more established brands might start reaching out to you directly and offering a larger payment.

9. YouTube

Much like Instagram, once you start building a following you can start making money from working with brands and promoting products.
You also have the option to make money from advertising revenue. You can qualify for this if you have 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a single year.

10. TikTok consultant

The latest social media trend to take us all by storm is TikTok. Many influencers and brands are still struggling to get their heads round it and make the most of it.

That’s where you come in – if you’re a TikTok wizz. You could other your services as a TikTok consultant and help people grow their accounts.

11. Twitch streaming

Gamers can make money streaming their games on sites like Twitch. Essentially, you get paid to play video games. What’s not to love?

You make money by people subscribing to your channel. The amount paid by your subscribers is split 50/50 between you and Twitch.

12. Start a blog

This will take a bit of work. But, if you enjoy writing, website creation or are simply passionate about a topic, it could prove very lucrative.
You can make money from blogging by running sponsored posts and through advertising revenue. It may help to build up a following before you start approaching brands for sponsored opportunities.

make money online by running Courses

Why not use your existing qualifications and skillset to make money online? Tutoring, selling ebooks and running your own course can be great ways to help others while making some cash yourself.

13. Tutor

Online tutoring is a great way to make some extra cash and is very flexible. You can set the lesson times yourself and work around your own schedule.

You can either set up on your own or join a site like My Tutor. Most sites will expect you to have relevant qualifications – like GCSEs and A Levels – in the subjects you want to tutor.

Another option is to teach English as a foreign language.

14. Sell ebooks

Do you have expert knowledge about a particular subject? From social media tips to ancient history, there will be demand for an ebook about it.
You can write and design your own ebook and sell it online.

15. Start your own course

If you feel you have more to share than will fit into an ebook, you could run a whole course. These are relatively easy to set up online and you can sell them to anyone interested.

16. Translating

You will need to speak more than one language to be able to get work as a translator. But, if you’re bilingual, you can find plenty of work translating documents.

Another option is to be a sign language interpreter. Some webinars and courses need interpreters to help make their content more accessible.

Sell things to make money online

Selling things is one of the most straightforward ways to make money online. But, don’t worry if you don’t have lots of stuff lying around that you don’t use. There are plenty of other ways to make money from selling things.

17. Sell your stuff

Do you have old clothes in the back of your wardrobe you never wear? Or maybe books you don’t read or needed for courses you’ve now completed? Rather than leaving them to gather dust, get some cash for them instead.

Sites like Depop are great for selling clothes, while eBay and Facebook Marketplace are great for selling anything and everything – from books to wardrobes.

18. Sell products you create

If you’re creative, you could consider selling some products you make yourself.

Popular options are handmade jewellery, candles, and drawings. You could also design and make novelty facemasks, as we all need them at the moment!

People always like to buy bespoke products from small, independent brands, so you’re likely to be able to find a market for it.

19. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is when you start an online business and sell products to buyers without ever actually stocking the items themselves. Instead, when a dropshipping store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party – usually a wholesaler or manufacturer – and has it shipped directly to the customer.

This reduces the risk to you as you won’t be left out of pocket from purchasing lots of stock that wasn’t sold.

20. Sell pictures

If you have a knack for snapping the best shots, you could make money by selling your pictures or videos online.
Lots of sites, like Getty Images and Shutterstock will pay you for your pictures.

Online jobs to make money

There are plenty of part time jobs you can do online to make some extra money. Here are a few examples.

21. Shepper

Shepper is a service for businesses across the UK that runs checks on their marketing, retail displays, even rental properties, to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Essentially, you accept tasks to complete. You then get a checklist to make sure you complete everything. This could be as simple as verifying that a property is empty, or performing several checks at a time.

A task pays between £2 and £20. Shepper says you can expect to earn around £10 for a 45-minute task – meaning you can earn £100 in a day!

22. Copywriting

Content is key. Any company with an online presence needs an endless stream of content to post. This is where you come in. As a copywriter, you’ll write materials a firm can use on its website, social media channels and in email correspondence.

23. Web development and social media help

This one’s for techy people. Small businesses are always looking for support setting up their websites and social media channels. You could set up a website for them in exchange for a fee.

24. Virtual assistant

If you’re organised this is the job for you. As a virtual assistant, you’ll be in charge of booking appointments, scheduling meetings, organising calendars and other similar tasks.

You could either apply for a role with one person or company or encourage people to hire you on an hourly basis when they need some extra support.

25. Virtual nanny

A slightly unusual role, but popular at the moment while parents are juggling home schooling and working from home.
Childcare.co.uk is placing virtual nannies with families to supervise children from afar.

26. Freelancing sites

These can be great for picking up odd jobs. Sites like Fiverr and Upwork have thousands of listings of freelance opportunities.

Setting up a profile is free and you can start applying for roles as soon as you’ve been approved.

27. Easy online tasks

There are sites that will pay you to do easy jobs online – from things like taking a picture to giving your opinion on a product or idea.
One site which is easy to get started on is Mobeye. You can choose tasks, complete them and then get paid.

Make money online through Investing

Investing isn’t necessarily guaranteed to make you money – your money is at risk. But, it is possible to make money online from investing.

28. Investing

Getting started with investing can be a daunting task – if you’re unsure, it could be worth seeking professional advice.

Some apps, like Trading 212, make investing more accessible and can help you get started more easily.

29. Plum

Plum is more focused on saving than investing, but can also help make you money.

The app runs savings challenges which will help you save more money each month. They also regularly run referral bonuses, where you can get £25 just for getting a friend to sign up too.

30. Matched betting

Again, matched betting is not guaranteed to make you money, but you can make money online from it.
If you’re interested in matched betting, you should check out Money Magpie’s ebook on the topic.

More Money Making Tips

If these ideas have got you wanting more when it comes to making money online – and elsewhere – try these articles next to boost your coffers further!

• Dirty Ways to Make Money in 2021
• Ten Ways to Get Free Money
• Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies Explained
• Make Money as a Doula
• Make Money as a TV and Film Extra

The post 30 Ways to Make Money Online appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

How To Handle Returns On Your Ecommerce Store

Reading Time: 3 mins

There is a lot of competition these days when it comes to ecommerce. Since the barrier to entry is so low, there has been a boom in online stores opening up. This means you have to make sure to keep your customers happy and coming back for more if you want to beat the rest.

One of the trickiest aspects of running an ecommerce store is handling returns. We’ve all been there before. We want something we see online but aren’t sure that we love it. And if we don’t love it then it has to go back, right? So, if we can do it then so should your customers.

In this article, we’ll cover what it takes to handle returns on your ecommerce store in a way that works for you and your customers.

 

• Have an RMA system
• Return vs exchange
• Write a clear return policy
• Keep track of offenders

 

1 – Have an RMA system

This is a return merchandise authorisation system that allows people to initiate returns before they send the old item back. This is good for the customer as it helps reduce the time they are without the desired item.

If the wait is just a couple of days, or less if you are using a Next Flight Out Courier for your shipping, then the customer is less likely to have a negative experience. They understand that mistakes can happen both from your part and theirs, but the important thing to them is how quickly the problem can be rectified.

This is a classic win win. Your customer wins because they didn’t have to keep that thing that they thought they would love and realised…not so much. You win because you didn’t have to spend a ton of time going back and forth with a customer that would quickly devolve into a grudge match.

Not only that, but you have a more accurate way to monitor how the returns are affecting your profits.

 

2 – Return vs exchange

There are two different things the customer is looking to do when they initiate a return. In one scenario, they are unhappy with the product entirely and start the return process so they can get a refund. This is clearly best avoided from your perspective as it costs more money to deal with returns.

Another scenario is that the item would have been satisfactory except it may have arrived damaged or the wrong fit. In which case, they still want the item so they opt for an exchange. This involves them sending the damaged item back and getting a replacement.

Make sure that you have clear definitions of either so you know if an exchange is a viable option. There are times when an item is refunded when an exchange could have solved the problem.

 

3 – Write a clear return policy

First time buyers on your site will likely look for what your return policy is before they make a purchase.

They want to know if they are covered in case they get the wrong product or are unsatisfied with the purchase in any way. It pays for you to have a very clear return policy that includes many different scenarios.

Make sure it is understood at a glance which items can or cannot be returned, which can be exchanged and if there will be any cost to them to return the item. And how long it can last, too. For example, if you give somebody 30 days then that is usually a reasonable amount of time for somebody to decide if they love it or not.

The problem right now is that a lot of people are looking to just wear something once and return it. If they plan on doing that, then at least they are under some time pressure and may actually forget long enough to the point where they can’t return it.

 

4 – Keep track of offenders

Speaking of people that are buying just to try out an outfit or use a product once. You’ll need a system to weed those people out. You’re running a business and those are not your customers. Get a software that tracks the IP address of those that shop from you in addition to their address and credit card information.

If they have more than a few returns it’s time to blacklist them and refuse further orders. A return here and there is certainly forgivable – especially if it’s a good customer that often keeps what they buy. But there are enough of the other types out there that take advantage and you have to nip that in the bud quickly.

 

Looking for more handy business tips? Check out our small business section here. 

 

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Dirty Ways to Make Money in 2021

Reading Time: 6 mins

Finding a job in the current climate can be tough, but getting your hands dirty might help. Here’s a list of dirty ways to make money if you don’t mind getting a bit messy.

Minds out of the gutter please – although cleaning gutters might be a good starting point!

1. Dirty Ways to Make Money Working with Animals
2. Dirty Ways to Make Money Through Cleaning
3. Waste Disposal Jobs
4. Make Money Doing Maintenance Jobs
5. Other Ways to make money

Dirty ways to make money working with animals

Animals are great – but also messy! Here’s how to make money with the mucky jobs related to animals.

Dairy farmer

The main jobs for a dairy farmer are milking cows, clearing excrement and barn maintenance. Working in unhygienic environments and extreme conditions often make this job unpleasant. You also need to like early mornings to get by as a dairy farmer – days can start as early as 4am!

Horse groomer

This is one for horse lovers, as you’ll be required to work early mornings, evenings and weekends, looking after horses.

Groomers will have to muck out stables, groom the horses and clean tacks, among other responsibilities.

You’ll only be paid between £10,000 and £16,000 a year, but you may also be given accommodation, food, and riding lessons as part of the package.

Lambing

If you love baby animals, this could be the job for you. Essentially, you help deliver lambs as they’re born. The hours can be long and it can get very cold, but you will be rewarded with cuddles from the lambs. You’ll need to be on call throughout lambing season – you never know when they decide to arrive!

Beware though, the pay isn’t always great, as a lot of the jobs are taken by students looking to gain experience for their veterinary degrees.

Veterinary surgeon

While most of us may think veterinary surgeons spend their days cuddling cute puppies, the reality is quite different. They regularly get covered in all kinds of animal waste and mud always makes an appearance when they have to venture onto farms.

A veterinary degree takes 5 years, so it may not be the quickest way to start making money. But, it’s a great career option for animal lovers.

Dirty ways to make money through cleaning

Pool cleaner

This is a career a lot of us were introduced to via TikTok this year. We were mesmerised by videos of pool transformations – turning green, rotting pits into sparkling pools, we want to jump straight in. One account has even amassed 3 million followers.

But it’s dirty work cleaning the pools and the cleaners are often required to wade in waste deep to tackle the most stubborn stains. Job adverts suggest you can earn about £10 an hour as a pool cleaner.

Rodent exterminator

Pest control removal specialists enjoy a messy job that requires dealing with pesky insects, reptiles and smelly pests.

These specialists must operate with extreme caution because their jobs involve setting traps, spraying chemicals, using poisonous substances in uncomfortable spaces such as attics, barns and farms.

Cleaner

Whether it’s people’s houses, schools, venues or offices, there’s always work for cleaners. But, it can be very dirty work and you may have to clean up some unpleasant messes.

You can expect to earn between £10 and £15 an hour as a cleaner.

Crime scene cleaner

Crime scene cleaners are routinely called in to deal with the sorts of messes the rest of us don’t even want to think about.

While it may seem as simple as arriving with a mop and bucket to scrub away a few unsightly stains, the job is actually incredibly technical, requiring skills as diverse as the safe removal of bio-hazardous material, assisting in trauma counselling of survivors/family members/witnesses and knowing the rules of police investigations inside out.

If blood, guts, awful smells and being on call at unexpected hours doesn’t scare you, this might just be for you. Salaries range from £26,000 to £60,000 a year.

Road kill cleaners

Roadkill is a serious problem and happens far more often that we would like to admit. The reason that it’s not more visible is because it’s someone’s job to clear up the carcasses.

Roadkill collectors find, remove and dispose of the motorway’s unlucky victims and provide a service to the more squeamish among us. They have to enjoy driving as they spend the majority of their days combing roads for collisions.

While some cleaners are paid per hour they work, others are paid per animal removed.

Dog pooper scooper

These workers will clean up your garden. They will also sanitise and deodorise the area where pets have been making a mess. If you love dogs and you like getting down and dirty with nature, then this could be the job for you.

Dog poop is a breeding ground for nasty diseases such as Salmonellosis, and is also a nightmare to clean off the carpet. It is one of those services that will never go out of business.

As reported by the Express in 2014, setting your own prices can pay off. Tim Stone, 54, managed to earn an incredible £56,000 a year by charging £28 per month for four visits!

waste Disposal Jobs

We create a LOT of waste as humans, in a wide range of ways. Here’s how to make money from that!

Refuse collector

Refuse collectors’ main responsibility is to collect residential and business refuse and recycling. But, you may also be required to work at a waste recycling centre and operate waste compactors.

The National Careers Service warns: ‘Your working environment may be dirty, physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.’

While starting salaries are low – around £15,000 a year – more experienced refuse workers can earn in excess of £30,000 each year.

Sewage inspector

Though most sewerage is cleaned using pumps, the process still can be an unpleasant experience for sewage inspectors. Discarded products and even tree roots can cause clogging, and the result could be backed up raw sewage.

Dirty ways to make money through maintenance work

From large corporate contracts to being a self-employed trader, maintenance work can be a mucky way to make money.

Plumber

Everyone needs a plumber from time to time, so you’re unlikely to find yourself out of work once you’ve trained up.

It could get messy, though. You’ll be dealing with bathrooms, drainage systems and pipes.

In 2018, it was widely reported that one self-employed plumber was making £210,000 a year.

Oil rig technician

A dangerous and difficult job, which is done in an off track location in the world with oil raining on a successful day is not everyone’s cup of tea.
The job often requires 12-hour shifts and the ability to do heavy physical work in cramped spaces.

Septic tank technician

They are primarily responsible for repairing and cleaning septic tanks and sewer lines. This can involve repairing any leaks that have developed or patching a wall within the tank. Septic tank technicians will also need to install a new tank in some circumstances.

Salaries vary, but on average you’ll earn about £26,000.

Other dirty ways to make money

The list doesn’t stop there!

Gastroenterologist

Having to deal with digestive systems and associated problems, gastroenterologists often encounter obnoxious odours and human waste while examining their patients. They also must work with embarrassing parts of the human body.

You will need a medical degree for this one though, so it’s not for everyone!

Health and safety inspector

Health and safety inspectors ensure employers comply with all aspects of health and safety laws, and that workplaces are not the cause of ill health, injury or death.

They do this by inspecting business premises, advising employers and investigating accidents, and through enforcement of the law. You will also have to inspect machinery, management systems, working methods, and the use and storage of dangerous substances.

Starting salaries for trainee inspectors begin at £26,500.

Coal miner

Coal excavations are messy and black and highly hazardous to the lungs. Considered among the most dangerous jobs in the world, coal mining requires working in claustrophobic dark spaces, deep down tunnels and under hot and humid conditions.

Embalmer

Often the job requires dealing with harmful cleaning chemicals and possible infections that are carried by the dead body. Embalmers regularly come in contact with body fluids, blood and possibly infectious diseases. Embalmers prepare the body neatly to make it look presentable for funeral services and to meet legal requirements.

 

MOre like this

• Scary ways to make money
• 7 disturbing ways to make money

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How to measure your way to success

Reading Time: 3 mins

Running a business can be hard work – and for many businesses, times have never been tougher!

There are so many things that you have to bear in mind and will want to work on. And if you’re doing this on the side of a full-time job, it can put a lot of pressure on you. So, it’s always a nice idea to make sure that you are finding success in any way that you can.

No matter what niche you’re in or what you’re trying to create, you’re going to find that measuring what you’re doing will be able to get you there. Data and analytics can seem really boring, but they both can often catapult your success. Without data and analytics you’ll be left feeling your way in the dark, with no idea of what is actually work for. When you’re able to measure how it’s going, you can optimise what you’re doing until you get the results you want.

 

Website Analytics

For starters, you’re going to want to know your website analytics. If you aren’t measuring how people are visiting your site and moving around your site, you’re missing a big opportunity.

Not only can the data help you to improve your website, but it will allow you to ensure that you start to convert more customers too. It’s very hard to improve your user experience without knowing exactly how people are using your site.

 

Tracking

From here, you’re going to want to make sure you’re tracking as much activity as possible. Whether you realise it or not, most of your marketing activity can be tracked.

So, it’s important for you to think about how you’re able to analyse the effects of the marketing that you’re doing. It could be that you want to be able to add email tracking for Gmail to see what’s happening to your sales emails, for example. Or do you want to track your campaigns to be able to optimise them further?

The results you get back from mail sends, in particular, are very easy to respond and adapt to, so it really makes no sense not to keep on top of everything.

 

Social Planning

Another way that you can do this is to plan your social media out. When you know that you want to reach certain goals, you have to be able to push forward and see how you’re able to do that with your marketing. And when it comes to social media, you have to be able to approach it in the right way.

You need to get out of the mind-set of using social media only for fun, or to share your opinion, and treat it with the seriousness a business deserves. Using social media management tools can help you to not only execute your strategy better (it’s much easier to schedule posts using a tool), but measure the results too.

 

Email Analytics

Then we have email analytics. If you’re sending email communications to your audience through a platform such as AWeber or Mailchip, then you should be able to track what’s going on and optimise more effectively. There will be a breakdown of opens and clicks, and more advanced packages can help you target specific people on your list (e.g. people who haven’t opened in the last three months, for example, if you want to entice them back.) This can ultimately help you to sell a lot more too.

 

Customer Profiling

Finally, you may want to also think about customer profiling if you haven’t already. Knowing who you’re targeting and who you’re reaching is key!

Most of the above points can come in here and help you to pull together an accurate image of your customer. When you want to be able to grow and sell more, it’s essential for you to understand how they act online, what they need, and how you can sell to them more effectively. Using all of your data and information can help you to get a better idea and push your success forward.

 

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Make Money with Cloud Mining

Reading Time: 3 mins

Cloud mining is an advanced strategy that takes cryptocurrency investment to the next level! That means you’ll need to invest a little more into it – but the returns could be much bigger! (Remember, as with all forms of investing, you may not get back what you put in. And always seek professional financial advice before parting with any of your money).

Let’s take a look at what cloud mining is – and how to start investing with it!

1. What Is Cryptocurrency?
2. How Is Cloud Mining Different From Buying Crypto?
3. Where Do I Start Cloud Mining?
4. More Investing Tips

 

What Is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a hot topic these days! You’ve probably heard of BitCoin by now – but did you know there are lots of other cryptocurrencies, too?

The idea is that the currency is not a national currency like a Pound Sterling or US Dollar. Instead, it’s digital and international – and can (in theory) be spent anywhere that takes that crypto as payment. It uses blockchain technology to ‘mine’ currency. Blockchain uses lots of different computers to mine and manage the currency – which boosts the security appeal of cryptocurrency.

There are THOUSANDS of different cryptocurrencies available – you can check them all out on CoinMarketCap.com to find out more about each of them.

Crypto is popular because it removes central banks from the supply. That means it’s disconnected from the reduction of the value of money due to inflation, which is something the central banks control. Other people choose to invest in crypto not because they want to eventually spend it – but because they want to sell it when the price rises! We’ve all seen how BitCoin jumped significantly recently, and if you invested in that currency ten years ago you could be very rich right now!

You can invest in cryptocurrencies by researching the ones you want and setting up a wallet, such as with CoinBase. Transfer your real money into this wallet, and then you can buy cryptocurrency from there. Alternatively, you can invest via a trading platform like eToro, too. Check out our cryptocurrency investment guide for more details.

 

How Is Cloud Mining Different From Buying Crypto?

Cloud mining is the next step in cryptocurrency investment. Instead of just buying the cryptocurrency equivalent (like you would stocks and shares), you’re part of the creation process!

Computer servers mine currency using blockchain technology. That’s how the cryptocurrency is ‘made’ – and you can take advantage of this process with a little savvy. You can earn more in your cryptocurrency without putting down money into the currency – instead, you mine it. The more complex a hashtag puzzle is to solve, the higher the crypto reward for the miner.

However, this requires a lot of technical savvy. Unless you really know what you’re doing, it can seem too complicated to start mining. There is, however, a solution: cloud mining.

 

Where Do I Start Cloud Mining?

Instead of mining the currency directly yourself – which is time consuming and expensive – you can hire an already set-up server to do it for you!

This takes all of the technical know-how out of the situation for you. So, you’re just benefitting from the results of mining without needing to get stuck into the ins and outs of blockchain technology.

Shamining is one of the more popular places to do this. According to their website, all you need to do with Shamining is sign up, choose the contract type, and wait for your miners to work. You can choose from a Lite plan through to a more heavy-duty plan, depending on how much you want to pay. You rent the servers from as little as $0.0109 per GHz/s of processing power (the higher power ASIC miners are more expensive but you can achieve higher profitability – just like any investment, higher risk could mean higher reward!).

Shamining mines BitCoin, an established cryptocurrency that is trusted across the world. Once you’ve signed up, you can receive money into your account with daily payouts. BitCoin has an equivalent dollar value – so using Shamining means you could earn BitCoin that can be transferred to your online wallet for real cash.

 

More Investing Tips

If cryptocurrency isn’t for you – or you want to learn how to diversify your portfolio with other investment strategies, try these articles next!

• How to Invest When You Don’t Know Anything!
• Index Tracking Funds: The Easy Way to Invest in the Stock Market
• 5 Golden Rules for Beginner Investors
• Make Money BitCoin Mining
• What Is BitCoin (And Other Cryptocurrencies)?

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How to earn money during the pandemic

Reading Time: 2 mins

As you know, at MoneyMagpie we’re all about making money – but the pandemic has made it more challenging than it used to be. The pandemic has changed the way we all work, many of us are working from home and some of us have lost jobs, and those things are difficult even when the world is running normally!

Making money as quickly as possible may be your goal, but you just need to ensure you do it legitimately and in a way that makes sense for you. Don’t turn to multi-level marketing programs and pour money into something that won’t pay you back.

You can still make money online during this pandemic, despite the uncertainty, but you need to be smart about it.  

 

Here are some ways to make money:

Sell products online

You might decide to create and sell products during this time (and we’ve got lots of articles on that kind of thing) but you need to look into parcels transport so that you can save money getting your products out to customers. If you decide to sell your stuff, you have to consider how you want to get it out to customers during a pandemic. 

 

Cancel your subscriptions

If you’ve lost your job, the last thing you need is more subscription money coming out of your account. You have to cancel these subscriptions so that you’re saving some cash. Look through your banking app, find things you don’t need (like Netflix or Disney Plus) and check your Apple or Android subscriptions, too. You need to know you won’t have any surprise payments coming out of the little money you do have.

Find out more about cancelling your subscriptions here. 

 

Take part in Market Research

There are plenty of apps out there to sign up to and give your opinions and answer in return for money. The key is in finding the right ones. There are some apps that will make you money purely for installing it in the first place. Some market research apps work by tracking your usage – your information is valuable to these companies, which is why they will pay you for it.

 

Watch Videos

InboxDollars (or InboxPounds, in the UK) is an app that will pay you cash to take surveys and watch content for them. You don’t need to do more than 5-10 minutes per day, but you can still earn a little more per month.

You can check out other online surveys here. 

 

Invest In Real Estate

This isn’t for everyone (you need to have the money to begin with, after all) but there are so many options out there right now – yes, in a pandemic – in real estate. You can invest a small amount of money and end up with a home you can let out to others. This can create a rental income and keep money moving into your account throughout the pandemic. You can pour your money into real estate and try to make an income while you’re at home. Get some solid advice on this one, though, as you want to get this right – investing in the wrong thing could be costly!

It’s hard to be broke any time but during a pandemic, it’s scarier. Use any of these ideas, however, and see whether you can come up cash trumps!

And check-out our coronavirus section for all the latest COVID and pandemic news.

 

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How to Make Money with Your Phone

Reading Time: 6 mins

How much time do you spend on your phone every day?

An EMarketer survey found that the average American spends around three hours on their phone daily, and 90% of that time is dedicated to using apps. These days, it’s easier than ever to turn some of that screen time into a profitable side hustle, which is what we at MoneyMagpie are all about!

Money-making apps for Android and iPhone have become more popular in recent years, and many will allow you to make a good chunk of cash each day just by completing simple tasks. 

Read ahead to learn some of the easiest ways to make money with your phone.

 

Go Shopping

Some phone apps reward you for shopping online or in stores, these are especially prominent for our American readers.

Shopkick

Shopkick is an app that allows you to collect points for shopping at big-brand stores like Walmart, Target, TJ Maxx, and more. You can earn points by entering a store, scanning barcodes of select items, and uploading your receipt after you check out.

Once you earn 1,250 points, you can cash them out into a $5 gift card to a store or restaurant of your choice.

Ibotta

Ibotta allows you to earn cashback for going grocery shopping. Just download the app, answer some questions about your shopping habits, then upload your receipt after you finish shopping. The app will scan all of the items you purchased and reward you with cashback for qualifying items.

You can cash out your Ibotta earnings through PayPal after you have collected at least $5.

 

Share Your Opinion

Sometimes, it pays to share your opinion. Survey apps can earn you money just by answering a few opinion-based questions.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a website and app that allows you to complete a variety of tasks to earn SB—points that you can redeem for gift cards or PayPal money. The app posts several surveys each day that will allow you to earn anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars each.

You can also earn SB by shopping, browsing the internet, playing games, and completing tasks.

Find out more about making money from Swagbucks here. 

Amazon Mechanical Turk

Amazon Mechanical Turk, or MTurk, is a money-making site powered by Amazon. The site pays you for completing Human Intelligence Tasks (HITs), which range from surveys to labeling tasks to long-term studies.

The amount you can earn from each HIT varies, depending on how long the task will take you to complete. Amazon will send your earnings straight to your bank account every few days. Or, if you live outside the United States, they will convert your profits into an Amazon gift card.

Google Opinion Rewards

You can share your opinions about businesses and restaurants you have visited with Google Opinion Rewards. This app will track your location and send you surveys that request information about your experiences at places you have been to recently.

Android users can cash out their rewards into Google Play credits, while iPhone users can have their money sent straight to their PayPal. Though you’ll only earn a few cents every week, your money will quickly begin to add up.

 

Browse the Web

Several apps pay you just to search the web.

InboxDollars/InboxPounds

Most people use Google or Safari as a web browser, but InboxDollars (or InboxPounds if you’re in the UK) pays you to browse the internet through its search engine instead. You can earn one cent for every search you make with a maximum of fifteen cents each day.  

A few cents here and there may not seem like much, but it definitely adds up over time. Just check back into InboxDollars every month or so to see how much you’ve earned. With this, you’ll even forget that you’re making any money.

QuickRewards Network

Similar to InboxDollars, QuickRewards Network pays you for searching the web through its search engine. Each search earns you a cent or two, and you can cash out any of your earnings to PayPal with no minimum required amount. Want to get that one cent into your bank account? You can.

 

Invest Your Money

Investing your money is easier than ever when you use a simple mobile app.

Acorns

You can invest as little as one dollar each month with Acorns. This app features the option to automatically round up every dollar you spend on a credit or debit card and contribute the extra pennies to your investment account.

Acorns also provide investment advice and free resources to help you make smart investment decisions. It’s a sensible app for those looking to dive deeper into investing or those just wanting to make a few extra bucks.

Robinhood

Robinhood goes a bit further than Acorns by allowing users to trade stocks and funds right from their phones. You can make an unlimited amount of commission-free trades in ETFs, stocks, and other financial options with a minimum trade amount of $1. You can also buy and sell cryptocurrencies through the app.

For those looking to trade in real-time through the simplicity of a phone app, Robinhood is worth looking into. 

 

Deliver Food

Do you pick up fast food often? You can make money by picking up and delivering meals to people all over your city.

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is a service through Uber that hires people to deliver food. You can make anywhere from $8 to $11 an hour (or about £13.32 per trip in the UK) just by picking up food orders from restaurants in your area and transporting them to Uber Eats customers.

As long as you have a working bicycle or car to get you from one place to another, you can make some extra cash delivering McDonald’s, for instance, throughout your city.

GrubHub

GrubHub is very similar to Uber Eats, but it pays a little better—you can make anywhere from $12 to $20 per hour depending on how quickly you complete each order. However, GrubHub has stricter regulations than Uber Eats, like required delivery times and a minimum number of hours you must work each week.

If you’re looking for a serious side hustle that could turn into a part-time job, GrubHub may be the perfect money-making app to try out.

 

Sell Your Old Stuff

Everyone has clutter around their house that they no longer use. Rather than letting your old stuff collect dust, why not turn it into cash in your wallet? It ties neatly into our Clear Your Clutter Campaign. 

Poshmark

Poshmark is an app that works kind of like a consignment shop. Though people mainly use this app to sell their clothes, you can also list household items, accessories, and personal care products.

To begin selling your stuff, just download the app, make an account, and take photos of the items you would like to sell. Listing items is free, but Poshmark will collect a small fee for each item you sell.

Once you sell an item, Poshmark will supply your box and postage for free. Just pack it up, ship it out, and wait for the money to come in.

Letgo

Letgo is a buying and selling app that lets you sell just about anything. Similar to Craigslist, Letgo allows you to sell items to people in your area. When someone decides to purchase your item, they can pick it up from your house or meet you in a public place to complete the exchange.

The app is free to use, and you can negotiate prices with users to get your stuff out the door faster. Unlike Poshmark, buyers cannot pay you through the Letgo app, but many users accept payment through PayPal or Venmo instead. 

Decluttr

The purpose of this app is right in the name–to declutter your house. Decluttr allows users to sell media items like CDs, DVDs, books, and electronics, and you can even use this app to make some money off of your old mobile phones.

Instead of selling to other users, Decluttr will appraise your items and provide you with payment directly. Just scan the barcodes of your electronics, submit them to the site, and wait to receive your valuation. If you decide to sell, Decluttr will provide you with a kit to send your items to their warehouse for free.

With these kind of apps/sites, it’s sensible to take a picture of your item before sending so you know exactly what condition it’s being sent-off in, making it easier to argue your case if there are any disputes.

 

Play Games

Do you like to play games on your phone? Transform that fun into cash with these money-making game apps.

Solitaire Cube

If you’re willing to bet money on your solitaire skills, you may be able to earn a decent chunk of cash through Solitaire Cube. This app offers free and paid gameplay of a variety of Solitaire variations.

Though you can cash out earnings from free games for swag and other rewards, you can only make real money through paid ones.  

Mistplay

If you enjoy switching up the games you play regularly, you could check out Mistplay. This app will pay you to download and reach certain levels in a variety of games. The game options change frequently, so if you get tired of one game, you can always switch to another.

Mistplay allows you to earn points called “units” for each offer you complete. You can cash out these units into gift cards for popular stores and restaurants or redeem a prepaid Visa gift card to use your earnings like cash.

 

Now that you’ve learned how to make money with your phone using some of the best money-making apps, it’s time to turn your free time into cash. Which app will you try out first?

 

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