Make money collecting Christmas cards

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

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

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

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

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

 

How Christmas cards became a thing

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

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

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

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

 

The most expensive Christmas cards in the world

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

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

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

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

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

 

How to identify valuable Christmas cards

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

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

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

Age

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

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

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

Condition

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

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

Artwork

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

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

What’s inside

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

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

 

Where to buy and sell

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

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

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

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

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Are you Eligible for the Government Christmas Bonus?

If you claim benefits, you may be entitled to an extra £10 christmas bonus this year.

The Christmas Bonus is a one-off tax-free £10 payment made before Christmas, paid to people who get certain benefits in the qualifying week. This is normally the first full week of December. You do not need to claim – you should get paid automatically and it will not affect any other benefits you get.

All benefits, pensions and allowances are normally paid into your bank account. It may show up as ‘DWP XB’ on your bank statement.

You do not need to claim the bonus – you should get it automatically.

If you think you should get it, but have not, contact the Jobcentre Plus office that deals with your payments or the Pension Service.

Information from gov.uk.

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My Journey Saving Cashback Earnings

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

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

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

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

 

Why is JamDoughnut better than other cashback apps?  

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

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

Sign-up to JamDoughnut here now. 

Sounds good: How Do I use Jam Doughnut? 

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

 

Where can I use it?  

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

 

So how is that cashback saving pot looking? 

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

Sign-up to JamDoughnut here now. 

 

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

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

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Have a ‘no-cash Christmas’ with these clever ideas!

Save money at Christmas this year by making money and only using that to pay for the presents, food and festivities. In other words, go ‘cash-neutral’ this Christmas.

Here’s how you can do Christmas without dipping into your savings.

• Sell your unwanted or unused items
• Make and sell Christmas goodies
• Recycle and regift
• Download our free eBook

 

Sell your unwanted or unused items

This is a quick win and it has the extra advantage of helping you tidy and sort your home before the festive season too.

We like Gumtree for selling any items quickly and cheaply (well, for nothing much of the time!) to people in your area.

In fact, recent research from Gumtree reveals the average British household currently has 22 unwanted or unused items worth a potential £881 – equating to a whopping £17.7bn nationally, so there’s no better time to sell than now!

A Gumtree spokesperson says: “Many people are facing the squeeze this year for Christmas and need to look for solutions that will make the festive period special at little, or even no cost. From making a bit of extra money from selling once-loved items to put towards Christmas festivities to turning to local communities to easily and cheaply solve dilemmas like not having enough chairs and glasses, Gumtree is there to help.”

So here’s our guide to making the most money by selling your stuff before Christmas:

 

1. start with the small stuff

Basically, make it easy for yourself.

First of all, pick out things that are small, likely to sell quickly and won’t cost much to post.

Gumtree research shows the most common unused items in British households include clothing, small goods such as DVDs and CDs, electronics, books, and games and toys. These are all perfect items to easily package up and pass on to make some money.

That’s really:

Mobile phones

You could make between £5-500 depending on the make, model and condition of your phones by using our Mobile Phone Comparison Tool here. The beauty of using this tool is that you can sell your phone immediately and get the cash in straight away.

gadgets

Professionals look on the likes of Gumtree and eBay for electronic gadgets and bits in any state. They will pay quite quickly for laptops, iPads, games consoles and more, so if you’re looking for a quick sale, this is a great way to do it.

However, be aware that those who contact you quickly are people looking for a real bargain. They will get in quick but may offer you less than non-professionals will. So with these products it can be worth waiting – if you’re able to – for someone who wants to buy the item to use rather than to clean up and resell.

By the same token, though, if you have broken gadgets, wires and connectors that you don’t use anymore, those very professionals could be the best people to sell them to. Ordinary users don’t usually have the ability to mend these products so they wouldn’t be interested, but professionals would be interested in gadgets in any state – even for the parts. See what you can get online rather than just chucking them in the bin.

books, cds, dvds and games

You can get instant cash for these using the Ziffit app. It’s easy to use. Just download the app and then use it to scan the barcodes of any books, CDs, DVDs and games you don’t want. Once you’ve scanned them the app tells you how much they would give you for them and you can decide if you want to proceed with each item. The postage to Ziffit is free and they will put the money into your PayPal account pretty much straight away.

Admittedly you could probably get more for each item by selling them individually online but it would take a while and you would have to organise postage for each one which is too much hassle! However, with Gumtree, you can arrange for a local buyer to pick up the item from your home, or you can meet them in a nearby public area if more convenient for you, eliminating post and packaging costs.

 

2. then the clothes

high street brands

When it comes to clothes, there’s a big difference in price between brands.

You don’t have to have a wardrobe full of high fashion items for them to sell well. Brands like Karen Millen, Hobbs, Jigsaw, Ted Baker and Diva, for example, sell for good amounts.

Ideally photograph them on you in good light. Also photograph the label and any tears or missing buttons etc.

 

not so well-known

If you have a lot of clothes from Primark, M&S and other shops that aren’t so in demand, you can sell them for a decent amount by grouping them together and selling them as a job lot. So you could photo them spread out on the floor/bed and advertise them as, say, “Assorted women’s clothing size 12, 10 items”.

See what others are charging for this kind of bundle and put something similar as your price.

 

3. sell the big stuff to make room for christmas!

Selling furniture and electrical goods you don’t want in the run-up to Christmas gives you the double-whammy of bringing cash into the Christmas coffers while freeing up space in the house for any guests you’re planning on inviting!

Furniture and electrical goods

You’re definitely best off selling these on your local Gumtree as you can sell to local people who can pick up the items without too much fuss.

Do good, clear photos, see what others have charged for something similar and set your price.

You could be surprised by how much you make – furniture, bikes, children’s scooters and pushchairs all do well.

Remember to make a big thing of any special features – for example, if it’s 1970s vintage you can charge a lot more. Velvet is very fashionable at the moment so if you have any furniture that is covered in that, big it up!

your car!

Yes, now is a great time to sell your car if it’s hanging around in the front drive just gathering dust.

Selling your car would definitely pay for Christmas…and possibly give you extra to put away for Christmas 2019, so if you don’t need it anymore, save yourself the cost of insurance, road tax, repairs and parking tickets as well as making money on the machine itself by selling it now.

Gumtree is the UK’s fastest growing motors marketplace, so is the perfect place to sell or buy a pre-owned car. Head of Motors at Gumtree, Vik Barodia, offers some practical tips for car sellers to bear in mind before any money exchanges hands.

1. Set the stage: Be organised and prepare your paperwork (including your V5C, MoT certificate and servicing receipts) in advance. Give the car a proper wash and polish (or pay for a professional valet), vacuum the carpets and give the interior a wipe over. Look at how you can replace anything that looks tatty – from wipers to wheel trims to chips and scratches, small touches can make a big difference. Get smart repairs done to bumper scuffs and parking dents – mobile body repairs are very cost effective.
2. Make sure you have all the parts: Does the key or fob work in all the locks? Is there a spare set? Do you know the security code for the radio? Reassure potential buyers that you have all the necessary tools and accessories for the car you are selling.
3. Check out the competition: Search online sites to help you judge the right price to offer your car for. Check out what other sellers are offering and look at factors like mileage, condition and service history to help you make a decision.

For more tips on selling your car, as well as other items online, visit the Gumtree Blog. Gumtree’s  recently teamed up with the How to Academy and negotiation expert, Gavin Presman, to create a free guide to ‘The Etiquette of Buying and Selling Online’.

 

 

Make and sell Christmas goodies

If you’re handy in the kitchen you can make money by creating Christmas goodies and selling them at local car boot sales and markets.

Check out our article here about how to make money by baking cakes, sweets and jams and selling them locally, and this one which has everything you need to know to make money baking.

Home in on Christmas cakes, Christmas sweets (wrapped in cellophane with pretty ribbon tying it up), Christmas biscuits (also wrapped in cellophane) and even jams and chutneys if you are good at those.

 

hampers

Another big one to make money is Christmas hampers. As you can see in our article here, they’re not that hard to make. You can use pretty much anything as the ‘hamper’ including tote bags, plant pots, attractive dinner plates and even large cups.

You can fill these ‘hampers’ with homemade goods, or cheap smellies from the pound shop or your local market. They could also be filled with a mix of items, including perhaps bits and pieces you already have in your cupboards!

 

turn these into presents

The other good thing about making cakes or hampers to sell at Christmas is that you can use any you don’t sell as presents. It’s another win-win!

 

recycle and regift

Another great way to save money at Christmas is to see what you already have that could be turned into presents for friends and relatives.

• Do you have a nice vase that you could clean up, decorate with ribbon and tinsel and give to someone with some seasonal flowers?
• Or maybe a nice plant pot that you could do the same with? Get a nice Poinsettia from the supermarket (they go for about £5 each at Tesco) and transfer it to the pot.
• Are you good at sewing?

 

gumtree free stuff

Also lurk on the ‘Free Stuff’ section at Gumtree to see what people are giving away. You’d be amazed what you can get there for absolutely nothing.

The people giving things away on that section live in your neighbourhood so all you have to do is to go to their place to pick things up.

You could get ornaments, chairs, tables, bags of clothes or bed-linen and even tools there. Scour the page every day to see what’s being offered and if there’s anything you could turn into a gift (like a vase or photo frames or even kitchen equipment that could be turned into hampers) get in touch with them asap to pick them up for free.

 

more great christmas money-makers in our free ebook

Find out yet more ways to make money for Christmas and avoid a January financial hangover by downloading our FREE eBook on how to make money for Christmas, produced in association with Gumtree.

Go here to get your free copy.

 

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How To Make Money Fast As A Student? 16 Ways That Pay Well

College life can be financially challenging, but with a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, students can find various ways to make money. This isn’t about overloading your schedule; it’s about smart, flexible side hustles that fit into the nooks and crannies of your student life. 

Here are some proven methods to earn some extra cash while studying:

1. Selling Feet Pics

Yes, you read that right. Selling feet pics is a thing, and it’s booming. It’s the offbeat side hustle you never knew you needed. There’s a whole market out there that appreciates a good foot photo. 

If you’re comfortable, snap some high-quality pics of those well-groomed toes. Platforms like FeetFinder are your go-to. They’re safe, and they’re specific. 

Remember, anonymity is key. Never share personal info. Keep it professional, keep it classy. Upload consistently, and watch your follower count rise. 

Set your prices, and let your feet do the talking. It’s as simple as click, upload, and earn.

2. Sell Textbooks

Textbooks: the necessary evil of college life. They cost a fortune, but here’s a secret – Once you’re done with them, don’t let them gather dust. Sell them! 

There’s always a new batch of students looking to save a few bucks. Websites like Chegg or your campus bookstore are perfect for this. Snap a pic, set a fair price, and post. It’s that easy. 

Keep your books in good shape, and they’ll reward you at the end of the semester. It’s recycling with benefits. You clear out space and fill up your wallet. 

3. Sell Old Clothes

Fashion resale platforms like Depop, Poshmark, or even eBay are the best marketplaces for pre-loved fashion. 

Style each piece, take a flattering photo, and write a description that sells the story as well as the style. Be transparent about the condition, and set a price that’s fair but leaves room for negotiation. 

This isn’t just a purge – it’s a side hustle. As your clothes find their new catwalks, your bank account will thank you. 

Plus, it’s a green move in our increasingly eco-conscious world. You’re not just selling clothes; you’re promoting a fashionably sustainable lifestyle.

4. Freelance Writing

Got a flair for writing? Put it to work. Blogs, websites, e-magazines – they all need writers. And you? You’ve got the goods. Sign up on freelance platforms like Upwork or Freelancer. 

Craft a catchy profile. Then, start pitching. Write about what you know, what you love. Keep your sentences snappy, your grammar clean. 

Every assignment you nail is a step towards a fatter wallet. And the best part? You’re the boss. Work in your dorm, a cafe, or under the trees. Write, earn, and thrive on your own terms.

5. Virtual Assistant

Perfect. Small businesses and busy professionals are on the lookout for virtual assistants. It’s all about managing emails, scheduling meetings, or updating databases. And you can do it from anywhere. 

All you need is a laptop and some hustle. Check out job boards or virtual assistant companies. Be proactive. Send out proposals. 

When you land that gig, be reliable. Impress one client, and more will follow. It’s not just work; it’s building a network. Your attention to detail today could lead to bigger opportunities tomorrow.

6. Invest in the Stock Market

Investing in the stock market can be risky but also rewarding if you have a right strategy.. As a student, you might think this is a game for the big players, but micro-investing apps have changed the scene. 

Start with a sum you’re comfortable with – something you won’t miss if the market dips. Use apps like Robinhood or Acorns, which are tailored for beginners and allow you to invest small amounts. 

Before you dive in, soak up knowledge from investment podcasts, books, and articles. Remember, the stock market isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme; it’s about making informed, long-term investments. 

With patience and persistence, you could see your financial seeds grow into a robust portfolio. It’s a practical lesson in economics and patience, all while potentially padding your pocket.

7. Sell Student Game Tickets

Got a ticket to the big game but swamped with studies? Sell it! Student tickets are often discounted, making them a hot commodity. 

There’s always someone looking to cheer on the home team. Use social media captions, campus bulletin boards, or ticket resale sites to get the word out. 

Be quick though; the closer to game day, the hotter the ticket. Set a fair price, but don’t be afraid to make a little profit for your entrepreneurial spirit. 

It’s a simple exchange – your ticket for their cheers, and your wallet gets a little heavier. Just ensure you’re following the rules; some schools have strict policies. 

8. Tutoring

Are you acing your classes? Share the wealth – with knowledge, that is. Tutoring is a win-win: you reinforce your own understanding while helping others. Start by advertising your expertise. Flyers, social media, and word of mouth work wonders. 

Set up sessions at times that suit your study schedule. Keep your rates competitive, but don’t undervalue your smarts. 

Be it calculus, coding, or chemistry, your brainpower can be someone else’s lifeline. Plus, it’s rewarding – seeing that ‘aha’ moment in your tutee’s eyes? Priceless. Tutoring isn’t just a job; it’s an investment in your future as an educator and a leader.

9. Advertise for Local Businesses

Become a walking billboard for local shops and eateries. It’s simple: they get the word out, you get paid. Wear their branded gear around campus or town. Snap a pic, post it online, and boom – you’re in marketing. 

Make sure to tag the business and use their preferred hashtags. It’s about being seen, so be strategic. Hang out where the crowds are, like coffee shops or the library. 

Negotiate a fair price for your mobile advertising services. It’s not just about earning cash; it’s about being part of the local business community. Also, you might score some freebies along the way!

10. Rent Out Parking Space

Got a prime parking spot you’re not using? Rent it out. Game days, concerts, or just regular school days can turn your empty spot into a money-maker. 

List it on parking apps or put up a sign. Make sure to clear it with your landlord or campus parking services first. 

Set a competitive rate, and watch as students and faculty alike vie for your spot. It’s passive income at its finest. You do nothing, and your parking space does all the work. Just sit back and let that parking spot pay off.

11. Organize Trips

If you are someone who loves to travel, this can be the perfect way to earn quick money. Start by identifying popular or unique destinations, then negotiate group rates with travel providers. 

Create enticing itineraries that include both popular sights and hidden gems. Market your trips as not just getaways, but as bucket-list adventures or educational experiences. 

Use social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth to spread the excitement. Charge a planning fee or secure a free spot for yourself as the organizer. 

Each successful trip can enhance your reputation as the go-to travel guru on campus, potentially leading to even more opportunities. Remember, you’re not just selling a trip; you’re creating memories that’ll last a lifetime.

12. Blogging

Choose a niche that you’re passionate about and that resonates with an audience. It could be anything from sustainable living to campus life hacks. Regularly craft engaging, relatable content that provides value, whether it’s through tips, entertainment, or insights. 

Optimize your blog for search engines to increase visibility. Monetize your blog through advertisements, affiliate marketing, or by creating and selling your own digital products or services. 

Engage with your readers through comments and social media to build a community around your blog. 

As your following increases, so do the opportunities for sponsorships and partnerships. Blogging isn’t just about making money; it’s about building a personal brand and connecting with like-minded individuals.

13. Participate in Research Studies

Universities and research organizations often look for students willing to contribute to scientific progress. These studies can range from simple questionnaires to more involved clinical research. 

Keep an eye on university bulletin boards, department emails, and dedicated online platforms that list such opportunities. 

The time commitment can vary, offering flexibility to fit around your studies. Compensation can be in the form of cash, gift cards, or even course credits. 

Beyond the financial aspect, participating in research can be intellectually stimulating and offers a glimpse into the industry of academic research. It’s a way to support the advancement of knowledge while also padding your wallet.

14. Do Odd Jobs on TaskRabbit

Got some free time and a can-do attitude? Hop onto TaskRabbit. It’s a marketplace for odd jobs and errands that people need help with. It connects you with people in your area who need help with tasks — anything from moving furniture to fixing a leaky faucet. 

Create a profile, list your skills, and then browse the tasks available. You can choose what you do and when you do it, making it the ultimate flexible job for a busy student schedule. It’s not just about the extra cash; it’s about helping out and learning new skills along the way. 

Also, you never know who you might meet – your next task could lead to a lasting connection or a future job opportunity.

15. Rent Your Extra Room

An extra room in your apartment is more than just empty space; it’s potential income. Platforms like Airbnb have made it easier than ever to connect with people looking for a short-term place to stay.Make sure it’s clean, cozy, and welcoming. 

You can rent it out when it suits you — whether it’s during big local events when demand is high or all year round. Be a good host, provide local tips, and ensure a comfortable stay, and you’ll rack up positive reviews which can lead to more bookings. 

Set clear rules to ensure both you and your guest have a pleasant experience. It’s not just renting space; it’s hospitality. And with each guest, you’re not just earning rent; you’re opening the door to new cultures and stories.

16. Offer Specialized Services

Use your niche skills to offer specialized services. Students and locals alike may need your expertise. 

Market your skills through social media and also ask some of your friends, professors and others who might need your niche services. Set up a simple booking system and get ready to share your knowledge. 

You might be someone with a lot of knowledge in the niche of digital marketing, tech or even finance. Become a consultant, help people, clear their doubts. It can be a one-on-one session or a small workshop, making each interaction count. 

You’re not just offering a service; you’re providing a personalized experience that can’t be found just anywhere. It’s about showcasing your passion and turning it into profit.

Keep your service top-notch, and your clients will do the marketing for you through word-of-mouth.

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

The post How To Make Money Fast As A Student? 16 Ways That Pay Well appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Do your Christmas lights meet safety standards?

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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Make Money Spending Money with Quidco

This post is sponsored by Quidco

At this time of year particularly, purse strings are tight and we must all be on the lookout for bargains and money-saving hacks. So anyone that claims you can ‘make money by spending money’ should be approached cautiously, right?

But that’s exactly what Quidco do: they offer cashback on the things you’d be buying anyway, just for going through their site and their preferred retailers. Imagine writing out your Christmas list and then hitting BUY and then getting a high rate of return as cashback on your purchases?

No, it isn’t too good to be true, and Quidco do that thing we all want: make it easy for us to buy items and claim cashback in three easy steps:

1. Browse or search Quidco for great cashback rates, huge discounts and vouchers.
2. Use the Quidco “Get cashback” button to make sure your purchase tracks properly.
3. Cash-out your earnings to PayPal, a direct bank transfer, or a range of gift card options.

Every time you shop the brands on Quidco, they’ll reward you a slice of commission as cashback. If you find a higher applicable cashback rate for your purchase on any other UK cashback site, Quidco will match it and add a little extra on top.

What is Cashback?

Whenever you see advertising online, the brand has paid everyone involved to see that advert, except you. Quidco do a similar thing, except instead of keeping all the money, they pay YOU a generous slice back in the form of cashback.

How Long Does It Take To Get Paid?

Quidco works closely with brands to make sure every purchase is checked and valid. Every brand has an ‘estimated’ time for tracking and confirming purchases, so remember to check that out when you go to buy.

How Can I Trust Quidco?

Quidco has been helping people earn cashback for over 15 years and they pride themselves on being one of the UK’s leading cashback services. They have over 10 million members in the UK and over £1 billion earned in cashback.

What Are Some Examples of Offers?

Amazon, Argos, Boots, Just Eat, ASOS and 5000 more companies are partnered with Quidco, just for starters. While browsing that list, you’re sure to find quite a few brands you already buy from or are thinking of adding to your Christmas list. Well BEFORE you head to their websites, consider looking through the offers from these brands via Quidco.

Quidco’s FREE membership will also help you with the latest offers with the highest cashback, to make your Christmas shopping even easier. Need a new TV? Several electrical brands are offering high percentages off their products, and Quidco will show you which. Need to buy some Kickers for your kids? Currently there’s an 8% cashback deal on selected shoes, PLUS many of these brands offer FREE delivery through Quidco.

Compare, Save and Earn Cashback

You can even earn cashback and save by comparing your insurance, utilities, and broadband. Plus pet insurance, energy bills, travel… the list goes on and on. Quidco gives you multiple services to choose from and find that deal you’re after, and remember: you’ll ALWAYS get cashback for using any of these services! So Quidco means it when they say the more you spend, the more you can save, and on things you perhaps didn’t even consider!

£10 Cashback For New Members

If all of the above already sounds tempting, how about this: new members (remember, it’s FREE) get a further £10 cashback to welcome them in. Again, it’s really simple:

1. Sign-up
2. Browse over 5,000 retailers
3. Complete a purchase of £5 or more with almost any retailer before 31/01/2024 23:59:59 (see terms and conditions for retailer exclusions)
4. Earn a new member bonus of £10 cashback
5. Withdraw to your bank, PayPal or as gift vouchers Use THIS LINK to join and you’re quids in.

 

Have a Merry Christmas with Quidco’s cashback incentive, and get cash back you didn’t expect to see again.

Sign up now.

 

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

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All the things you can do if you can’t pay your energy bill

In the current financial climate many people can’t pay their energy bill and many of us are falling behind with payments.

Payment Plans and Supplier Support

First of all, if you fund yourself in this situation, the best thing to do is to get in touch with your supplier: regulator Ofgem makes sure your supplier helps you: most usually with an affordable payment plan. Also it’s good to know that under recent pandemic regulations, your supply will not be cut off if you fall behind on your payments.

As well as a payment plan review, you may in certain circumstances be able to arrange reduced payments or a payment holiday.

If you prepay your energy bills, similarly your supplier can help, including £5 of emergency credit on both your gas and electricity meter, accessible by entering the card or clicking a button when the option pops up – this will have to be repaid when you top up.

Friendly credit also means you won’t be cut off if your credit runs out on evenings, weekends and bank holidays when the shops are closed.

If you can’t afford to keep the meter topped up, you may be eligible for additional support credit (or extra support credit): again, contact your supplier. This may also apply to the vulnerable: pensioners, disabled customers or those with a long-term medical condition.

Ofgem has introduced protective measures to ensure customers have access to discuss this kind of help with their supplier, on a case by case basis.

If you outright can’t pay your energy bill, you may also be eligible for hardship funds, depending on your circumstances and ability to pay. Again, get in touch with your supplier to begin the process.

 

Charitable Trusts

There are also many charitable trusts and funds offering schemes and grants to help with your energy costs, faulty or old boilers, or to help make your home more energy-efficient.

A good starting point is the British Gas Energy Trust as they’ll help support not just their own customers, but those with any supplier.

There’s also more specific customer help from: EDF Energy Customer Support Fund / E.on Energy Fund / E.on Next Energy Fund / Ovo Energy Fund/ Octo Assist Fund / Scottish Power Hardship Fund.You may need to get help applying to these schemes as they can be fairly complicated procedures. Most require you to have spoken to a debt advisor and worked out your income and expenditure in detail, ready to present your case. You can get help from some charities to do this.

Government Support

Some good recent news is that households in England, Wales and Scotland can claim Government support this year, including an automaticdiscount on your bills.

If you’re in council tax bands A to D, there is a council tax rebate coming into place soon, and also help being put in place for those who don’t qualify for this.

If you have a standard credit meter, the Warm Home Discount is a £140 rebate applied to your electricity bill between October and March. If your energy supplier is part of the scheme, you’ll br notified of how this will be applied to you.

Another way to save on bills is to pay by monthly direct debit, which earns interest on overpayments for the supplier, and assured them you’re a regular payer: it could also save you up to £90 a month.

Finally, it’s worth noting that doing things like leaving electrical products on standby, or the heating on all day, actually drives your bills up, so look around you home and see where you can cut costs by switching things off and carefully regulating your output.

What Jasmine Says

MoneyMagpie’s Jasmine Birtles says, “If you can’t pay your energy bill firstly don’t feel alone – you are one of many in the country who are really struggling to pay. Secondly get in touch with your energy provider immediately. They all have sections of the business that are there to help people who can’t pay their bills for one reason or another. It’s possible that they will be able to reduce your bill or spread it over a longer time period to enable you to pay. Also they might put you on a meter so that you only pay as you use the energy. This can help you with budgeting although the downside is that it tends to be more expensive than being on a contract.

“Also there are some energy-related benefits that you may be entitled to. Use the benefits calculator at Entitledto or Turn2Us to see if there’s anything you could apply for and also speak to your local Council to see if they have any hardship grants that could help you get over this particular financial pressure.”

MoneyMagpie also take a look at all the other things you may be eligable for financial help with here.

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