Hardship Grants Available: January 2023

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Lots of us feel the pinch after Christmas. Even if we’ve budgeted really carefully and cut down, January can often be a worrying time.

People often start googling terms such as “get money now” and “get money quick”, and read our many suggestions for often fun ways to make quick cash. However, one thing a lot of people aren’t fully aware of is that there are hardship grants available when times are hard.

Remember if you are really struggling, talk to your local Citizens Advice or contact your local council. There are dedicated teams who can help and advise you.

• National Hardship Grants
• Regional Hardship Grants
• Family Hardship Grants

National Hardship Grants:

Glasspool

Glasspool provide grants to UK residents, there are no restrictions on who they give these to, but they are not able to support everyone who applies. They may provide a small grant for household items and essentials, including but not limited to: beds and bedding, school uniforms, cookers and baby essentials. Access more information here.

Al-Mizan Charitable Trust: General Welfare Fund

The Al-Mizan Charitable Trust provides small grants up to £500 to individuals who are in need due to poverty, deprivation or disadvantage. To be eligible you must be British and be living in the UK. The Fund is available to anyone in need regardless of faith of religious background. For more information click here.

Talisman Charitable Trust

The Talisman Charitable Trust can help with grants for education, health, housing and disability. Applications are considered on a case by case basis and need to be made via your local authority or an organisation like the Citizens Advice. You can find all the information you need on the Talisman website.

Regional Hardship Grants:

Catholic Children’s Society (Plymouth)

The CCS aims to relieve the urgent needs of families by providing them with essential goods that they may not be able to purchase themselves for a variety of reasons. A grant can be awarded for white goods, bedding and clothing among other things. More information is available here.

Emily Bolitho Trust

The trust provides grants of up to £500 to support the wellbeing of individuals living within the old borough of Penzance. They support individuals faced with hardship through poor health or low income. They are offered for many items, from white goods to safety equipment. It has a rolling deadline and more information can be found here.

Cornwall Rural Community Charity

The CRCC provides several different types of grant based on the individuals’ needs. For example, the Carers Resilience Enablement Grant provides aid in unforeseen circumstances that prevent unpaid carers from fulfilling their role. This could range from replacing equipment to respite care. For more information follow the link here.

Greggs Foundation

The Greggs Foundation Hardship Fund operates in in the North-East of England. Applications need to be submitted by a charity or organisation on your behalf. The Foundation can help with anything from white goods to bedding, baby equipment, clothing and flooring. The also offer supermarket vouchers. Click here to find out more.

Family Hardship Grants

Family Fund

UK Charity Family Fund provides assistance to families with disabled children. Grants have been given out for a range of items from sensory toys, family breaks, outdoor play equipment, clothing and more. Their aim is to support families and make a real difference.  The deadline for applications is ongoing and more information can be found here.

 

 

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Two-thirds of consumers to cut their spending

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Reports suggest two-thirds of consumers are planning to cut their spending in 2023. This is the result of ever-growing concern about the cost-of-living. Accountancy firm KPMG surveyed 3,000 people, finding that a whopping 61% of respondents said they were preparing to reduce their spending in the new year. 

This, of course, is discretionary spending, and not spending on essentials such as food and bills. Such spending includes going out for dinner, holidays and other non-essentials. This poll highlights the pressure on both families and the wider economy as inflation remains high and wallets are squeezed. 

Overall, 42% of respondents said they would reduce the amount they spend on clothes. 46% said they would reduce the frequency they eat out, and a further 42% said the same for takeaways. 

The survey found that people were concerned over the cost of essentials and basics needed in everyday life. Costs such as food, energy, housing and fuel are deterrents for spending in other areas of life. In fact, one in 10 people surveyed highlighted their concern for energy bill prices after April 2023, when the government’s energy support scheme ends. 

Households have already faced huge bill hikes, as well as food costs soaring and inflation sitting at over 10%. This has caused many to tighten their purse strings and put others into dire financial straits. In fact, official forecasts for the future of the economy show living wages will be reduced by 7% in real terms by the end of March 2024, destroying eight years of continuous growth. 

The poll by KPMG also showed one in 10 adults have no savings, and just 4% of respondents said they would be able to increase their non-essential spending in the new year. One quarter of those polled said their non-essential spending would likely remain the same as in 2022. 

The results of the survey also showed that a third of those surveyed said they would buy more own-brand and value products in 2023, and another third suggested they may buy fewer items altogether. 

43% of those with savings said they were using them to meet everyday costs, rising to a staggering 80% amongst lower-income households. This further highlights the disproportionate impacts the cost-of-living crisis is having on those living on lower incomes. 

Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer markets, retail and leisure at KPMG, said:  

“Current essential costs, fears of how high they’ll rise – including concerns about mortgage rate and energy price changes next year – are all factors in why two-thirds of consumers that we surveyed said they have to reduce their non-essential spending in 2023. 

“To do so, consumers are increasingly changing how they shop to save money – including switching to cheaper retailers, buying more value or promotional produce, and swapping eating out for meals in. Understanding these swaps is critical for brands and retailers looking to still be the first choice for spend.” 

 

Are you planning to cut spending in the new year? Let us know in the comments!

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Is your supplier going to change your energy bill?

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Is your energy supplier making a change to your bill in January? 

According to the BBC, many of the biggest energy suppliers in Britain have contacted customers regarding a minimal price change, which will begin in the new year. These changes come as a price change to the cost per unit of energy from 1st January 2023. 

On average, the typical household energy bills will remain at £2,500. However, the maximum rates suppliers can charge per unit of energy are being updated, meaning your bills may change. However, it seems only pennies will be added to your bill as a result. 

These changes are coming into force at the start of January, affecting 12 energy “regions”. Energy suppliers can put up their prices to the new maximum unit rates for gas and electricity. 

• How much will my bill change?
• Which suppliers are making changes?

How much will my bill change?

If you have received an email from your supplier, or think you are likely to receive one, don’t panic. The changes are just a fraction of a penny, however there will be minor variations between suppliers and across geographical locations.  

Both gas and electricity unit rates will change in all 12 energy “regions”. The biggest changes will be seen in Merseyside, North Wales and London. In these areas, the unit rate for electricity is increasing by more than 1p per kWh. 

According to the BBC, Merseyside will see the highest billed rate in Britain. The rate will be 38.26p per kWH, more than four pence more than the average price of 34p, which was quoted by the government. 

Electricity rates have also been reduced in some areas, as the result of the maximum charge changing. So, as Merseyside and North Wales see their unit rates increase by 0.4p, some households in the North East of England will see their electricity unit rates decrease by 0.4p. Rates have reduced in eight areas for pre-payment customers. 

Which suppliers are making changes?

• Scottish Power 
• Bulb 
• EDF 
• British Gas 
• Shell 

Octopus Energy said they would pass on cuts, but not rises to its customers. It said all increases would be absorbed by the company, bar “Economy 7” customers.  

EON energy has also said changes would be applied to customers who pay via direct debit and those who are billed monthly, but they would not pass changes onto those on pre-payment plans. 

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TODAY ONLY! 1P VEG AT ICELAND

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TODAY ONLY: Get 1p veg at Iceland!

For today only, frozen supermarket giant Iceland is selling fresh and frozen vegetables for just 1p! All veg that is usually prices at £1 is up for grabs for just one penny when you shop online today, December 21st.  

This exclusive offer is applied when shoppers buy three packs of veg online. Enter the code THREEVEG at the checkout. Customers who spend £40 or more are also eligible to receive free next day delivery on their orders. 

In this flash sale, you can grab all the veggies you need to keep you going this Christmas season. UK supermarkets are battling it out to provide the cheapest vegetables they can this year. Whether you are looking for sprouts, cabbage or cauliflower, you can get all the trimmings you need for just 1p each. 

Shoppers need to act fast – this offer only applies today, 21st December. All items available in the offer have best before dates for after Christmas Day, ensuring your produce stays fresh for the big day. 

Below is a list of all of the fresh and frozen vegetables available for just 1p: 

• Iceland 300g Closed Cup Mushrooms 
• Iceland 800g Garden Peas 
• Iceland 600g Carrots 
• Iceland 600g Baby Salad Potato 
• Iceland 900g Button Sprouts 
• Iceland 700g Onions 
• Iceland 400g Broccoli 
• Iceland 800g Cauliflower Floret 
• Iceland 725g Mixed Vegetables 
• Iceland 400g Mash Potato 
• Iceland 3pk White Onions 
• Iceland 3pk Red Onions 
• Iceland 780g Very Fine Whole Green Beans 
• Iceland 900g Stew Pack 
• Iceland 600g Petit Pois Peas 
• Iceland Savoy Green Cabbage 
• Iceland 125g Button Mushrooms 
• Iceland 500g Mini Corn Cobs 
• Iceland 600g Super sweet Sweetcorn 
• Iceland 900g Sliced Green Beans 
• Iceland 160g Green Beans 
• Iceland 250g Chestnut Mushroom 
• Iceland 160g Kale 
• Iceland 800g Casserole Vegetables 
• Iceland 250g Large Flat Mushrooms 
• Iceland 650g Sliced Mixed Pepper 
• Iceland 500g Diced Onions 
• Iceland 550g Fresh Parsnips 

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The benefits of home and pet sitting over Christmas

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Is home and pet sitting for you?

Christmas is a busy time for everyone. People are visiting friends, family and loved ones, taking holidays, having extended breaks at home or even going skiing! People often find they are worried to leave their homes unattended and of course, many people need someone to watch their beloved pets.  

No one wants to feel guilty about leaving pets in kennels and boarding houses. Housesitting could be the perfect solution for you, whether you are going away or looking for a new passtime. Petsitters are in high demand too, especially with people wanting someone to take good care of their cats and dogs. 

 

What are the benefits?

There are benefits for both the housesitters and those who hire them! 

Peace of mind 

Christmas is exciting, yes, but it can also bring lots of stress and pressure. Not only are Christmas preparations expensive, but the cost of living crisis means we are all facing a plethora of extra worries. Not to mention the cold brings the chance of frozen pipes, power cuts and in some cases, extreme weather. 

Leaving pets at home is a worry enough, so knowing your furry friend is being looked after by someone who truly cares can be truly reassuring. Plus, knowing your home and treasured possessions are being kept safe is an even greater relief.  

Maintaining routines 

When a pet returns from time away, they can be out of their routine. For some owners, it can be difficult to get their cats and dogs back in the regular routines of life. Boardin can be disruptive and stressful for both owners and pets, so hiring a house sitter keeps all creatures great and small happy and stress-free. 

Home security 

Theft increases during the festive season. With the knowledge of new gifts and belongings in the house and people going to visit friends and family, thieves take their chance. Having a homesitter comes with the added benefit of higher security within the home whilst you are away. 

Not only can they ensure home security systems are kept in check, but havign someone within the house, turning lights on and off and allowing people to see someone is in the home is a deterrent. 

Make and save money 

As previously mentioned, the cost of Christmas can be extortionate. Between luxury food, presents, Christmas parties and travelling to see those special to us, the pennies can add up. The price of catteries, kennels and boarding for pets can also increase. 

Home and pet sitters who work through Homesitters Ltd can earn around £170 as a couple for a two-week homesit, plus they get reimbursed for mileage at 45p per mile and get a daily food allowance while on assignment. If Homesitters do an assignment over the festive bank holiday days, they will also receive additional pay for each of the 3 bank holiday days. 

At this expensive time of year, people welcome the money they make. They often save it for treats such lunches out or holidays. When everyone is feeling the pinch, it’s an enjoyable role that retired people can easily do to boost their finances whilst feeling like having a break. 

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Some airport security rules to be scrapped

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Airport security liquid and electrical rules are to be relaxed by June 2024. It has been announced that many security rules surrounding liquids and electrical goods will be scrapped.  

The government has set a new deadline of June 2024 for most UK airports to install new, high-tech 3D scanners, which show far more detailed images of baggage. This will change the way liquids and some electrical items such as laptops will be scanned by security. 

The scanners are similar to CT scanners used within hospitals. It has already started to be used within many airports across the United States. These airports include Chicago’s famous O’Hare airport, which has used the technology for a number of years.

The current rules allowing a maximum of 100 millilitres of liquid per container and up to 1,000mls in total will be scrapped. This will be increased to two litres. Additionally, passengers will no longer need to removed electrical items from their bags when passing through security. 

This was meant to come into force previously, however, the pandemic pushed back the deadline for installations of the new technology. When he was Prime Minister, Boris Johnson pledged this would come into force by the end of 2022. Low traveller numbers during lockdowns at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic meant this was futile at the time. 

As it stands, passengers are required to remove electrical items such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops from their hand luggage when going through airport security. They are also limited to 100ml of liquids such as sun cream and shampoo and they must be in a clear plastic bag. 

These rules came into force in November 2006. This was accompanied by a ban of liquids within the plane altogether. This is due to British Police suggesting over 10 plots to blow up planes had been foiled. These plots all consisted of explosives hidden in drinks bottles, hence the ban.

The new legislation is being bought in across the country. It is imperative you check the rules before your journey. This is due to different airports bringing in the new technology at different times. Thus, the rules may be different between airports.

It is suggested that the new rules will make traveling an easier and more stream-lined process for passengers. However, it will also allow greater safety measures to be bought in due to the new expert technology.

Christopher Snelling, policy director at the Airport Operators Association said:

“It is a great step forward for UK air travel, matching the best in class around the world. It will make the journey through the UK’s airports easier and air travel itself more pleasant.”

What are your thoughts on these changes to airport security rules? Leave your comments below! 

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What do increased interest rates mean for you?

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Once again, the Bank of England is expected to announce increased interest rates. This will be the ninth consecutive hike in the last year, since December 2021. The latest meeting by the Monetary Policy Committee has resulted in an increased benchmark rate. 

The benchmark rate currently stands at 3%, but is forecast to increase to 3.5%. The rate is already at its highest rate for 14 years, after it was increased in November from 2.25% to 3%, the sharpest single increase since 1989. These increases will be felt by both borrowers and savers across the UK. 

But with forecasts of interest rates peaking at 4.5% next year, how do increases affect you exactly? Here, we will discuss how these changes could impact your finances. 

• Mortgages
• Savings
• Credit and loans

 

Mortgages

After a period of low-interest rates, those with a mortgage are now facing increased monthly repayments as a result of high-interest rates. From next year, around 4 million households will face more expensive mortgages, according to the Bank of England. 

When the interest rate rise comes into force, approximately 1.6 million people will be impacted. These are mainly the people on variable and tracker mortgages. Half a percentage point added onto to the current rate of 3% will mean an added £49 a month for those n a typical tracker mortgage. Those on a standard variable rate mortgage could see £31 per month being added to their current payment. 

On average, those on an average tracker mortgage are paying £333 more monthly compared to December 2021. This amount stands at £210 more per month for those on variable mortgages. This is an additional £3,996 and £2,520 being added to mortgages annually on average over the past 12 months. 

In terms of fixed deals, they have also increased. An average two-year fixed deal stood at 2.29% in November 2021. This is now an average of just under 6%, adding hundreds of pounds of repayments monthly. 

 

Savings

Banks and building societies are in charge of the interest rates they offer on their savings accounts. Although interest rates are the highest we have seen in many years, due to inflation outpacing these rates, the amount of money in cash savings accounts is losing value, in real terms. 

This means the buying power of your money is still reducing due to inflated prices for good and services. 

 

Credit and loans

Credit cards and loans are also impacted by the Bank of England Interest Rates. Loans could be car loans, bank loans or even debts. 

In October of this year, the average annual interest rate on bank overdrafts was a whopping 20.73%. For credit cards, the annual interest rate was averaging at 19.31%, another eyewatering figure. This means it becomes more expensive to borrow money, and debt may grow. 

Lenders may even choose to get ahead of increases and put their interest rates up further.  

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Do your Christmas lights meet safety standards?

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According to consumer group Which?, many Christmas lights being sold online may not meet UK electrical equipment safety regulations, making them not only dangerous, but illegal. 

Which? Tested lights from four retailers – eBay, Amazon, Wish and AliExpress. Shockingly, they found 10 of the 12 sets tested failed to meet UK safety regulations. With the price of each set of lights falling below £15, there is worry that the affordability of these could afford to more consumers buying lights with electrical faults or that fall below regulator standards. 

All companies have now removed the lights from their websites, suggesting they take safety extremely seriously. Two sets from both eBay and Amazon failed compliance checks. They were either missing key safety markings or failed to come with instructions. 

The consumer group is now calling for online marketplaces to take more responsibility. In fact, Which? Is suggesting legal responsibility be taken in order to stop illegal and unsafe products from being sold to consumers. 

The risks

According to Berkshire Fire and Rescue, approximately 60% of house fires are caused by faulty electrical goods. 

Some of the lights tested by Which? were found to have easily exposed wires posing a risk electric shock, as well as being a fire hazard. The same lights, sold by retailer Wish were also advertised as being waterproof, but with no evidence found by Which? to back this, the idea of false and misleading advertising when it comes to electrical safety is an extremely worrying prospect. 

Which? Recommend that people buy Christmas lights from the high street or directly from a retailer that they recognise. 

How to stay safe

Which? give some great tips for staying safe online: 

• Check your lights aren’t damaged when unpacking your decorations. 
• Look for things like loose wires, smashed bulbs or a broken control box.  
• If your lights need replacement bulbs, make sure you use the same type when you replace them. 
• Switch your lights off when you go out and when you go to bed. 
• Keep your lights away from anything that can burn easily. 
• If your lights look like they’ve seen better days, recycle them and buy a new set from an online or high street retailer you trust. 

Sue Davies, head of Consumer Protection Policy, said:  

“Cheap Christmas lights could be tempting for many of us trying to save money amid the cost of living crisis – but our latest research shows consumers could be putting themselves in danger due to online marketplaces failing to take safety seriously.  

“The government must make online marketplaces legally responsible for dangerous and illegal products sold through their sites so that people are better protected.” 

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Claim tax back on energy costs if you work remotely

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Can you claim tax back when you work from home? It’s cold, gloomy and the days are shorter than we may like. Snow has fallen in many parts of the UK, with many opting to work from home during this period to avoid traffic and delays on their commutes. 

But with this comes the worry of energy prices being shifted from employers to employees. Working from home uses far more energy for the worker – from making cups of tea to charging mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and having lights on. It all adds up, with a higher cost being placed on those usually in an office or workplace. 

Ofgem, the energy regulator within the UK, recently increased the energy price cap to £3,549 per year for dual fuel for an average household in October 2022. This has caused widespread worry for millions of households across the country. Plus, HMRC have closed phone lines and online services in recent weeks as the result of technical issues, leaving many Brits in limbo, with urgent queries about their tax returns. 

What does it cost to work from home?

A recent study by leading tax-refund app, Tommy’s Tax found that 50% of Brits say the cost-of-living crisis is severely crippling their personal finances. Thus, many people are desperate for the tax-refunds they deserve in the current climate. 

Half of the working population worked remotely during the peak of the pandemic and associated lockdowns, with 84% planning to continue their at-home work life, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Additionally, reports show that under the current energy price cap, an 8-hour day working from home could cost more than £30 per day – a huge hidden fee. 

These costs are hidden, including heating, electricity and broadband connection costs. Improving tax literacy could provide taxpayers with the means to access tax returns without delay, and help those working from home both permanently and on a flexible basis, say Tommy’s Tax. 

understanding tax

The research from Tommy’s Tax further found that over one third of Brits (36%) say tax is a topic in life they understand very little about. Just over one quarter of respondents (26%) said they haven’t even thought about their tax bill. 

Tommy’s Tax encourage workers to discuss the cost of working from home with their employers. It is up to the employer whether they want to make payments for any additional costs incurred as the result of remote working. The payments are tax-exempt, so some employers may be encouraged to make these payments. 

The tax-refund app also suggest that workers may be able to claim a flat rate tax relief of £6 per week. This is to help with the cost of energy and other costs associated with working from home. To claim this, workers do not need to keep receipts, however you must be contractually required to work from home – for example, if your employer does not have a physical office or workspace for you to use. 

If workers keep receipts for utility bills such as gas, electricity and the internet, and be able to identify any changes that have occurred as the result of working from home, they may be able to claim tax relief on this. It is a more intrusive approach, but could result in a large amount being received back as the result. 

Tommy Mcnally, CEO of Tommys Tax, says:

“The recent drop in temperatures has highlighted to many that there are lots of hidden costs related to working from home. While it may seem that workers are saving in lieu of not having to commute, they may be paying more than they expect when working from home in the form of gas, heating, electricity, broadband and so on. Here at Tommys Tax, we want to highlight that Brits can claim back tax in relation to nearly all of these costs.

“The issue is that there still is a huge knowledge gap when it comes to taxes, and our proprietary research highlights this. It’s more important than ever to stay well-informed in relation to taxes and what workers can claim back when it comes to their line of work. 

“That is why we’re here to help with the entire process for workers across the country. One of the ways we help is by educating customers about the various 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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Get paid to taste festive drinks!

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We’ve brought you some interesting opportunities throughout the year to do some cool stuff for a bit of money, and this is a lovely way to round off the Christmas season: getting paid to drink Christmas Drinks! 

Starbucks, Costa, Pret, Greggs and other chains have now trumpeted Christmas drinks range, and they’re looking for people to go out and taste Every. Single. One! 

This company are offering a generous £500 for the successful applicant to work their way through the following drinks: 

• Starbucks: Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte, and Praline Cookie Hot Chocolate 

• Costa: Toblerone Hot Chocolate, Terry’s Chocolate Orange Hot Chocolate, and Gingerbread and Cream Latte 
• Pret: Praline Latte, Macaroon Hot Chocolate, and Gingerbread Latte 
• Caffè Nero: Salted Caramel Brownie Hot Chocolate, Cinnamon Swirl Latte, and Luxury Black Forest Mocha 
• Greggs: Mint Mocha, Mint Hot Chocolate, and Salted Caramel Latte 

“We’re really excited to be offering this dream job opportunity to our players,” a spokesperson said. 

“We know seasonal/themed hot drinks are super popular with our customers and what better way to enter the festive season than by providing one lucky superfan the chance to test them all and share their ultimate ranking.” 

 Entries are open until Tuesday 13 December 2022 and you can apply to be a ‘Christmas Drinks Taste Tester’ here. 

Do you feel lucky?

Check out our Advent Calendar here.

 

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Make money when it snows

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Snow trapped you at home?

It may just be the money-making opportunity you need.

If the weather has you bored out of your trousers indoors, don’t let this down-time go to waste. Make the most of it. In fact, make it earn you money. Find out here how you can earn cash from the snow, even when you’re just in front of the TV.

• Make money by de-cluttering
• Earn extra cash in front of the TV
• Make money at your computer
• Get paid to deliver
• Earn money with DIY
• Make money throwing a party
• Cash your creativity
• Make money cooking

 

Make money by de-cluttering

If you’re stuck at home due to snow or if you’ve got an extra day off work during the week, use the time to de-clutter. Get sorting through cupboards, drawers and shelves. In result, apart from leaving your house tidy, you’ll gather up a good few boxes of things to sell.

Once you’ve collected a decent pile, put them on eBay, eBid, Gumtree or Amazon. We’ve got lots of advice on how to sell well on eBay here. What really helps is to take some time to get good photos done and put the right description in. Knowing the tricks can make all the difference. There’re various techniques to get more cash for your junk as this article explains. You might even find something suitable to give away as a Christmas present – handy if you’re trying to save a bit of cash!

But remember, you don’t have to sell your stuff online immediately. Another solution is to store the boxes, wait until the weather improves and snow melts away, and do a car boot sale. To find out more, read our advice on getting the best results at a car boot sale here. It’s often better to wait until February for this particular selling opportunity. That’s because many car-booters choose January sales over their local market. February is a better time to get a good price for unwanted Christmas presents and your latest throw-outs.

If you don’t want to sell your junk, gather friends for a swap shop at your house and combine it with a pot-luck party. That way you’ll kill two birds with one stone. Everyone brings a dish for the dinner and all their unwanted stuff to exchange. It may be clothes, accessories, make-up, jewellery and even toys and household goods which you all swap. It’s a fun way to get rid of the things you don’t want. Anything that’s left over you can then take to the charity shop. You should come away from a swap party with a bunch of new (or new to you, anyway) items completely free.

 

Earn extra cash in front of the TV

On a bad snow day, it’s really tempting to just ramp up the heating, grab a blanket and curl up in front of the TV for hours. And that’s not a bad idea. You can still make some cash while lounging around and relaxing in front of the box. All you need is some multitasking skills.

Firstly, if you’re a good knitter – and knitting does rather go with this weather – you can make money by knitting to order. Read our article on how to get in touch with designers to do piece-work for them. It could be an easy and enjoyable way to make some extra cash from home.

There’re other ways to use your creativity on a snow day. Whether you can sew, paint, crochet or have any other skill to create some non-messy craft-work, use the down time to make things. You can then sell them at car boot sales, online or at your local market. Hand-made items are all the rage right now and sites such as Etsy make it easy – and profitable – to monetise your creative side. For example, you might be into scrap-booking which is a great thing to do in front of the TV. Or you might be into making perfume and some of that can be done in front of the box. Think about what you can create– then make it and sell it.

 

Make money at your computer

Your laptop can be your best friend on a snow day. Sure, you can use it for entertainment, but if you like browsing, you can also make some extra cash wherever you are.

To start with, try making money by doing some online surveys. We’ve got a list of the best online surveys here – take a look as there’re also dodgy ones out there that you should avoid. This way, you can make money and earn points to get gifts on other new money-making websites.

Here are some good ones:

• Branded Surveys
• Swagbucks
• Nielsen Online Panel
  
• InboxPounds
• Toluna
• The OpinionPanel Community
• LifePoints

Then, have a go at some online competitions. We’ve compiled the latest online and offline competitions here. You might even want to try having a go at the competitions you sometimes find on product packaging. Spend a bit of spare time thinking up slogans and you may be in with a chance to win a car, washing machine or even a nice holiday in the sun.

 

Get paid to deliver in snow

You’ll have to get your skates on with this one (excuse the pun!). If the snow is thick in your neighbourhood and you have a car suitable for off-road driving, you could offer your services delivering food and supplies in your area.

Get leafleting to your neighbours and ring local shops – the grocery shops and pharmacies would be good for starters – to offer your delivery services. Big supermarkets have their own service but if you’re in a village or town with good independent shops they might need your help. Charge per mile (or kilometre) or per delivery, depending on how you could make the most sales and the most profit.

Email your friends, neighbours, local hotels and businesses. Use social media too. You can easily promote your services on Twitter and Facebook.

 

Earn money with DIY

The cold and ice tend to create a boom-time for plumbers, builders, electricians and anyone handy. Sure, you’ll often need to be qualified to offer services if we’re talking major electrics and boiler servicing. People often just need someone good at DIY, though. As such, some fairly basic skills can cover many problems people may have around the house. For instance, can you help with clearing guttering, lagging pipes, mending leaks or even de-icing someone’s driveway? You could easily make money helping people.

To market your services, let your friends and neighbours know. You could also print out some fliers and post them through letterboxes in your area. Don’t underestimate the power of online tools either – email or Tweet everyone you know locally.

 

Make money throwing a party

Yes, you can make money throwing a party. Not your regular party, of course, but a product party. This involves getting some friends over to your house (if they can get there in bad weather!) and trying out a company’s products before deciding whether you want to buy them or not. For example, brands like The Body Shop will offer you the opportunity to host a product party. You often get freebies (like a complimentary facial or makeover) thrown in too! Find out how to host a product party here.

 

Cash your creativity

Start a blog

There’s a few ways for the creative types to earn extra cash while stuck at home.

If there’s a subject that really gets you going – or something that you can write passionately or amusingly about – there’s every chance someone else will want to read what you have to say.

In that case, why not set up a blog? It can be a sort of online diary and if you allow advertising, it’ll also make you some money. If you’re stuck indoors on a snow day, you might as well pick up a pen (or a keyboard) and write.

Use a free service like WordPress or Blogger, both of which help you create your blog quickly and easily. And once you’re set up, there’s an opportunity to make money by including advertising and affiliate deals on the site.

Sign up to a service like Google Adsense which uses search technology to target your site with relevant advertising.

While it’s not likely to be a big earner, it could be a really fun way to make a little extra cash on the side. What’s more, if your blog gets enough readers, you may get freebies from companies. For example, if you blog about something like technology, beauty or music, businesses may send you their products or latest recordings in the hope that you review them.

Find out more about making money blogging here. 

 

Sell your snaps

If you’re good at taking photos, you could use your snow day to make some money out of them. Don’t know how? We’ve got you covered – you can find all the information on selling your photos here.

There’s various outlets you can try. For instance, online agency Fotolia and the stock images website Getty Images might well be interested in your snaps. And it could end up earning you money for a while – you get a royalty fee each time your photo sells.

You might wonder whether your photography skills are good enough to earn you some cash. The truth is, you don’t have to be the next David Bailey with a portfolio of spectacular shots to make it. Many news agencies, which buy pictures through photo agencies, simply want snapshots of everyday events that are well taken and in focus. So, do a little research. Perhaps have a browse through the website you’d like to work with to get an idea of what sells. You could be surprised!

 

Make money cooking

If you’re stuck inside huddled against the cold, what better way to use your time (and keep warm!) than by doing a little cooking? For all those who consider themselves a dab hand in the kitchen, whipping up some food may be a great way to earn cash on a snow day. For example, you could rustle up some treats like cakes, jams and sweets and sell them for a tidy profit. Artisan food is very much in demand right now so monetise your cooking skills. Our article on selling cakes and jams at markets has plenty of tips on how to go about making and selling your goodies.

 

Useful links

• Fotolia
• The Body Shop
• eBay
• eBid
• Amazon.co.uk

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