Make money teaching English as a foreign language

Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is something you can do if you’re a native English speaker and have a bit of training. It’s also a huge growth industry with massive demand. You can do it abroad or make extra cash here in the UK.

• What teaching English as a foreign language courses are available?
• Can an internet course teach me the skills needed?
• How much can I make?

Teaching English abroad is a popular career choice. Most teachers do go abroad to teach, often as a way of experiencing a foreign country and culture. However, there are plenty of non-native speakers living in the UK who want lessons and are prepared to pay for them. That’s where you come in!

You don’t need to have a qualification or learn the language of your students to teach English to private students, if you manage to get them. However, if you want to teach in a college then there are industry-standard qualifications (the CELTA or TESOL certificates) that you will be expected to have. Many students will want to know that you are qualified. Lucky for you, we’re here to help you make sense of all these courses.

 

What TEFL courses are available?

Teaching English as a foreign language, or TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages), is the industry jargon used for talking about this type of English language teaching.  Teaching English as a foreign language should refer to teaching abroad. TESOL refers to teaching people who already live in an English-speaking country.  However, in practice they are used interchangeably.

Most language schools require a teacher to hold one of two recognised language teaching qualifications:

• CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
• The Trinity CertTESOL qualification run by Trinity College London.

Both courses are run in numerous locations in the UK and Europe, typically in universities. Courses are also available in private language schools as well. You’re looking at between £300 to £900 to complete a course, depending on the level you choose and whether you want to take online only, hybrid, or classroom only.  Universities tend to charge more than local colleges. Generally a full-time course will last from 4-6 weeks. Many places also offer the option to do the course part time: mainly during evenings and over weekends.

Will any TEFL course do?

It’s important to recognise that employers aren’t just looking for any old TEFL qualification. When prospective employers ask, ‘have you got a TEFL certificate?’ they are usually referring to is the Trinity Certificate TESOL, the Cambridge CELTA or a certificate gained from doing a course of equivalent length and value. It’s important to choose a course with practical teaching practice. This is because future employers will want to know you have been observed in the classroom. It also means you can stand up in front of a class, which is a bonus. You must ensure the course you choose is accredited by a third party independent body, such as a university. Look for ‘accepted by OFQAL’ if you are looking at a TESOL course to teach in the UK, as this is a recognised qualification by the UK government.

How do you get on the course?

As part of the application process, you will probably be required to attend an interview and complete a language/grammar awareness test.

Other language franchises (such as i-to-i) do their own training, typically in a foreign country. This can work out cheaper. However, you are then tied into working at their schools and you come away with an unrecognised qualification. The training is often limited to just a few days, so this option is better suited to a ‘holiday job’.

It’s worth shopping around as you might find it more enjoyable to learn abroad. It could also end up being much cheaper as well, especially if the pound is performing well against the local currency. Some schools, such as International House, offer a CELTA or TESOL course and then the possibility of a job with them (although this is not guaranteed). You may find it easier to get a job in a specific city if you complete your training with a local school.

Another option is TEFL England, they run both local and online courses at reasonable prices. A 120 hour course costs only £340.

Try a free option

You can even try an online TEFL trial course for nothing. This is a great way of discovering whether their course is for you.

Find the best value course

Shop around before you commit to a course – and be realistic about your capacity to learn. If you can’t commit to weekly in-person classes, an online course in your own time might be a better option. However, this does limit your in-person teaching opportunities, which it’s important to practice before you complete the qualification.

Although CELTA/CertTESOL courses are generally regarded as the best option, there are still employment options open to you if you decide not to undertake either of these. The British Council recognises qualifications that meet certain criteria. These courses have to be externally validated, contain at least six hours of assessed teaching and involve at least 100 hours of input.

However, you could still lose out to CELTA or Trinity Cert TESOL trained teachers in areas where competition for jobs is very high, or where there is an overriding preference for the Cambridge/Trinity College qualifications.

 

Can an online only course teach me the skills required?

An online course could be all right for one-to-one or when working in a supportive environment. However, it would not prepare you enough for the typical classroom. Knowledge of the language is secondary to knowing ‘how’ to teach. As such, many employers won’t consider your application if you’ve had no face-to-face teaching time.

If you do decide to go down the online route, then there are certainly some useful books on teaching techniques you will want to read. It’s also worth brushing up on basic grammar.

It’s useful to look at some course books (which come with supportive teacher’s notes) just to see what areas of the language are typically problems for students. Headway produce a range of great study guides for students, which are worth checking out.

 

How much can you make?

The starting salary for a newly-qualified teacher is usually £15 an hour and rises with experience. Diploma-qualified teachers will be paid significantly more. However, you need a minimum of two years teaching experience to be accepted onto a DipTESOL postgraduate course.  The DELTA’s entry requirements are more flexible.

Lots of teachers supplement their income by teaching privately, one-to-one. It’s possible to make it into a career, but there is constant pressure to find new students. This is because most students only need a few months’ tuition. Teachers have to be careful as they are usually contractually prevented from ‘poaching’ students from their school.

If you do work as a private tutor you can start by charging about £20 an hour. That being said, £30+ would be reasonable for an experienced teacher. You can also charge for proof-reading essays. Try advertising in universities and local colleges to get such work.

 

A personal view: is TEFL for you?

Rebecca Selley, an English graduate from Devon, shares her experiences here:

“I started teaching straight after university. I decided to do a CELTA course as I was already planning to go travelling and thought it would be a good way to fund my way around.

The course was surprisingly tough – preparations for a 10 minute teaching slot seemed to take us a good 2 nights. The idea of teaching 5 or 6 hours a day was incomprehensible. Some people transformed into natural teachers while, for others, the whole experience put them off teaching forever. I managed to scrape through it in one piece!

Unfortunately all of the decent schools abroad wanted some experience so I applied to a school in London on a fairly low wage but eventually managed, with the help of some private lessons, to save enough to go away. I was offered work in Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia but the prospect of having to hang up my backpack for less than £5 an hour was not tempting and I have yet to work abroad.

When I got back I was lucky enough to find an employer who was happy to pay the course fees for me to do a DELTA course at university.

This year is my 5th in the industry, and although I have decided to move on elsewhere, I think it has had an enormous impact on my life and has given me the opportunity to meet countless memorable characters. Just today in my class was a Thai grandmother, the daughter of a famous Saudi actor and a Japanese footballer.  It’s the closest experience you can get to travelling without a passport.”

The post Make money teaching English as a foreign language appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

10 Ways to Stay Motivated as a Freelancer

Updated 3rd April 2025

Going it alone as a freelancer is a brilliant feeling… until the work seems to dry up or get repetitive. Staying motivated as a freelancer is essential for your business success – but it can take a bit of tough love and discipline to keep going!

Use these strategies to stay motivated and keep pushing your business forward, even when you’re in a bit of a slump. You’ll feel productive even on days without client work AND you’ll get out of the doldrums, too!

• Join a Virtual Networking Group
• Diarise Your Day
• Set Goals
• Change Your Workspace
• Exercise Daily
• Get Dressed
• Make an Appointment Every Day
• Take Regular Breaks
• Use Apps to Improve Your Focus
• Arrange Social Engagements
• More Freelance Tips

Join a Virtual Networking Group

One of the most effective ways to find work is through your network. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been freelancing for years or you’re just starting out! Finding an industry group to join will make a difference to your work.

Not only will you earn referrals and hear of job opportunities through your group, but you’ll benefit from ‘shop talk’ with a wide range of people. Freelancers aren’t as competitive with each other as you may initially believe. In fact, they’re a supportive group of people who champion others who’ve taken the freelance leap!

Look for Slack communities, Facebook groups, or LinkedIn groups to start with. Look at your local Chamber of Commerce to find out what they’re doing in terms of virtual meetings. They’re a great way to meet other local business people AND promote your work without being too salesy.

Some groups run webinars, others like a Zoom meeting. Some are continuous chat channels like Slack, that you can dip in and out of depending on how much time you’ve got. Keep regular contact and answer questions as well as asking them. Giving back to the community makes others more receptive to helping you out, too.

When you go to industry events and start to see familiar faces, it’s also worth asking if there are any word-of-mouth freelance groups you could join. A great example of how this can be successful is with The Messy Collective, a community that started out as a small group for women, non-binary and trans writers – and is currently over 3000-people strong. The Whatsapp community is full of group chats dedicated to elements of being a writer, while the Substack provides regular information, and the monthly networking events (known as parties!) help real-life connections.

Diarise Your Day

Even if your books are bare and there’s no work coming in, spend time planning your day or week in a diary. Stick to your appointments!

Block out times for research, cold pitching, or training webinars. Use the time you’ve got spare to learn more about your industry or how to run your business. These skills come in handy later on, so it all counts as business-related activity even if you feel it’s not earning you money right this moment.

When you’ve got a lot of clients on your plate and you’re juggling tasks, a diary plan helps to break your workload into manageable chunks. Set out blocks of time – say every 60 minutes – and write a schedule for your work. Include time for social media and emails, too! Often, block-checking emails then ignoring them for an hour or two is a great way to improve focus and productivity.

Set Goals

As part of your diary planning, or a larger project, make a list of goals. These could be short-term business goals for the week or month, or longer goals such as what you want to achieve by the end of your first year freelancing.

Having something to focus on and work towards keeps you focused on work and reminds you why you went freelance in the first place. When work is slow, these goals help you decide what you need to do next to get where you want to be – such as taking extra training courses or increasing the number of cold pitches you do each week.

Change Your Workspace

Working as a freelancer at home means you can go a little la-la from staring at the same four walls.

If you’re stuck in a rut, change your workspace. This could mean any number of things: rearrange the furniture in your home office, or move from the sofa to the kitchen table. Perhaps you can take your laptop to the local park for an afternoon of work in the sunshine, or maybe you can visit a friend to work together at their place.

Regular freelancers who don’t have a home office, or like the differentiation of work/home space, find co-working spaces revive their motivation. You get the benefits of going to an office, but for your own business. Look for local workspaces in your area – you can often rent a hotdesk space by the day or week, and some offer free trials to get you started.

And remember one of the best, free, places to work: your local library. Many now have cafes too, and lots of useful resources – even things like business networking events sometimes – so make sure you check out your local library. It’s warm and dry, friendly, quiet, and FREE. Sounds perfect to us!

Exercise Daily

There’ll be days when you feel like you’re too busy to get some exercise, and other days when your motivation for doing anything except watch Netflix is nil. Don’t let it get to you!

Take time for at least 15 minutes of exercise – even on the days you don’t feel like it. Not only does it get you away from your desk/bed/sofa, but exercise also stimulates mental ability and can help you find inspiration. It also staves off depression – and is something you can do with a friend, to boost your social interactions, too.

Try the NHS quick workouts, pop to the gym to lift some weights, or get out for a brisk walk around the block. Alternatively, start your day with a yoga routine to feel invigorated, or arrange to meet a friend for some tennis or a kickabout in the evening after work.

Exercise doesn’t have to cost you a penny, but it’s essential for keeping you motivated as a freelancer. It helps you find mental clarity, boosts your health so you’re not at risk of taking (unpaid) sick days, and helps relieve strains from poor posture sat at a desk all day.

Get Dressed

Your pyjamas might be the comfiest clothes you own – but it’s not going to put you in a work state of mind!

Every day, get up and get dressed. Even if you’re changing from ‘sleeping PJs’ into what’s officially known as ‘lounge wear’, that act of getting changed into something different helps change your mindset into work mode.

Some people find the simple act of putting shoes on is all it takes to give them confidence for that all-important client call! It can help you feel like you’re a professional at the office (which you are, just at home), and resets your thinking into a business-like attitude.

At the end of the working day, change back into your PJs! This helps signify the end of your work time and start of your wind down evening time.

Make an Appointment Every Day

Treat your working week as if you’re going to the office. Even if you’re a part-time freelancer, use your working days as efficiently as possible.

Avoid losing focus by making sure each work day has at least one appointment in it. This might be calling a potential new client, catching up with an existing one, or attending a training webinar. Just pick something that forces you to get your business head on!

It’s also a good way of making sure you’re moving towards the goals you set. An appointment doesn’t have to be with a client or potential customer. It can be an appointment with yourself! Promise yourself you’ll spend one hour reading about a topic, or that you’ll spend two hours developing your business plan. It puts your business at the forefront of your daily routine – and helps you stay motivated as a freelancer.

Take Regular Breaks

On the flip side, don’t stuff your day with back-to-back calls if you can avoid it! The likelihood is, you chose freelancing to get away from the 9-5 grind and find a flexible way of working that suits you.

The trouble with that – plus the knowledge that you’re responsible for every penny that goes into (or out of) your pocket – it it’s easy to get carried away. You’ll realise you’ve been sat in the same position for hours on end, trying to finish your latest project or sending off ‘just one more pitch’.

Set a timer on your phone to go off every hour. Get up, stretch, make a cup of tea. Spend at least five minutes away from screens in each hour and revive yourself! Take a lunch break, too. Going full force all day long is the guaranteed route to burnout – and no freelancer stayed motivated when that happens!

Use Apps to Improve Your Focus

Sometimes, you can do everything right and yet still find it hard to stay motivated as a freelancer. The world in 2020 is a particularly big challenge: there are many, MANY distractions going on around us and it’s easy to get sucked into a mental wormhole about it all.

If you struggle to stay focused on your work during the day, consider using apps to help. For example, if you know that social media drains your time AND energy, use a blocking app on your computer. Apps like AppBlock let you set the times you are – and aren’t – allowed to access other apps on your phone or desktop.

It means that, even if you’re tempted to check Facebook instead of write that proposal, you physically can’t! You can go one step further with similar apps for things like writing, too: Cold Turkey Writer blocks EVERYTHING until you reach a set goal!

Many freelancers struggle with their focus overall. Staying motivated as a freelancer involves an ability to cut out the distractions – which are often caused by a busy mind and that leads to a lack of sleep! Try apps like Flipd or Calm to help you learn techniques for coping with a busy head. Meditation strategies and even the sound of a crackling fire to lull you to sleep at night can all help you manage your mental focus.

Arrange Social Engagements

Don’t forget to have a life, too! Staying motivated as a freelancer is nigh on impossible if you’re all work and no play. It’s so easy to keep cancelling plans because you want to work on your next pitch, or you’ve got client work you really want to get finished (even if the deadline isn’t until later in the week).

Taking time for yourself to have social interaction is vital to maintaining your motivation during your working day. Set time aside to spend time with your family, and make sure you have at least one full day off every week to do things with your friends, family, or even just some ‘me-time’ that’s away from your desk.

Social interaction is important for your mental health and maintaining your relationships. However, it can also boost your enthusiasm for your freelance work. Taking time away from your computer to do something entirely different gives your brain time to percolate ideas in the background. You’ll return to work revived! Going out to do things, like taking a walk with your family or watching a film with friends, also brings inspiration from other places that you can introduce to your work.

The post 10 Ways to Stay Motivated as a Freelancer appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Make money if you have a physical disability

In the wake of recent announcements about cuts to disability benefits and Personal Independent Payment (PIP), many disabled people are scared about what will happen if their income drops and they cannot work, or work full-time.

We’ve come up with lots of ways to make money on the side in easy and unexpected ways, even if you’re not very mobile. (Keep an eye out for a new series coming soon that will cover other types of invisible disabilities and mental health conditions.)

Here’s a list of just some of the many ways people with physical disabilities can make extra money, without loads of hassle.

Many of them are not only handy for bringing in the cash, they’re also fun to do!

• • How to make money if you’re not mobile
  • Make money if you’re semi-mobile
  • How to make money if you’re mobile with other disabilities
  • Top 5 tips for disabled people looking to find work 

 

 

How to make money if you’re not mobile

If you you’re not mobile or have a fluctuating condition that impacts your daily mobility, you might be tempted to think there are no money-making opportunities for you. But you’d be wrong!

There are loads of ways you can make some money from home – from online surveys to setting up a blog.

Here are some great money makers especially for you:

 

Make money with online surveys

Online surveys are great ways to make some extra cash, with very little effort required. Simply sign up to a safe, secure online survey site and you’ll be paid cash for filling out their surveys.

They don’t require a special commitment – you can fill them in during the ads of your favourite TV shows or whenever you have a spare half an hour.

Online surveys can make you up to an additional £50 a month.

At MoneyMagpie we like Nielsen Computer Panel UK. It’s great: all you have to do is download their app onto your computer and mobile devices and you’re automatically entered into prize draws.

Nielsen researches internet users’ behaviour and randomly selects users for monthly prize draws, as well as larger yearly draws. As long as you’re comfortable with the setup, Nielsen doesn’t require any active participation on your part. All you need to do is register, answer a few questions about your internet use and then you get rewarded for using them!

Check out the following of top survey sites:

• Swagbucks
• Nielsen Online Panel
  
• InboxPounds
• Toluna
• LifePoints

See our article on MoneyMagpie-approved survey sites and start making money today.

Some sites let you swap your earned points for cash or great vouchers such as Amazon gift cards.

Just remember, never pay to sign up to an online survey site.

 

Make money writing to magazines

Magazines are often looking for true life stories from ordinary people – you can make a lot of money from telling yours.

Very few people actually write in to magazines with their true life stories, so there’s plenty of opportunity to contact features teams and sell yours.

You can make up to around £2,000 depending on how sensational or interesting the story is – in fact one MoneyMagpie reader earned £2,200 for her life story.

Stories can vary and you can talk about anything – magazines look for stories of tragedy, hope, inspiration or humour.

How to sell your story to magazines

The process is simple. Phone up or email a journalist (or contact the features team via email) and briefly outline the story you’re interested in selling. You can get your money in as little as two weeks!

Take a Break magazine offers up to £2,000 for true stories, and other magazines and newspapers offer between £200 and £2,000 depending on how good the story is.

You can make even more by including a relevant photo, which helps make your story more interesting!

If you have a life story you’d like to sell, target the magazines you know your story will be relevant to.

For example, a story of dramatic weight loss would be ideal for a magazine like Woman’s Weekly, but may not be great for Total Film!

Keep an eye out for magazine competitions too. You could win big prizes for doing very little.

Some magazines even reward cash for tips, recipes and star letters too. Check your favourites and see what they offer.

 

Have a sharp eye for detail? Make money reading…

If you can spot grammatical errors from a mile off then proofreading is the perfect career for you.

To be a proofreader you must have an excellent standard of English and strong attention to detail, so you can spot all the errors in documents and manuscripts.

There are no set entry requirements for becoming a proofreader, but relevant experience is a bonus (and if you’ve got a degree in English, that won’t hurt either!). Proofreaders spot mistakes in texts and make changes.

Proof reading pays surprisingly well, with the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading (CIEP) reporting that the minimum hourly rate for experienced and qualified proofreaders is £29.85.

For those with less experience, don’t fret. A talented newbie proofreader can still earn up to £15-20 per hour. Not bad for a flexible job.

Another great thing about freelance proofreading is that you usually work flexible hours. You can plan your working day around deadlines and how long the manuscripts will take.

Once you’ve finished your work, you’re done for the day. So, if you’re a fast and diligent worker, you could be earning a decent wage that fits around your social life.

 

Make a name for yourself online and make extra cash – or freebies!

Do you have something you want to share with the world?

Have you got opinions people need to hear?

Consider setting up a blog.

Blogs can be about absolutely anything. They can be personal, like a kind of diary blog, or you could simply write about a subject you find interesting.

If you have something unique to say, write it. It’s very therapeutic and you can make good money on the side from blogging if it becomes successful.

Here are some useful tips on how to make your blog more popular:

Firstly, write about something you’re passionate about. It’s important you find it fun to do or you won’t be motivated, and people will find it less interesting to read. You have to ooze enthusiasm.

Publish your blog on a popular site like WordPress. The free version comes with lots of tutorials to help you learn more about running your website.

Remember to focus on promoting your blog in various ways. Word of mouth, telling your friends and family, and using social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) are great ways to get your content noticed!

Finally, you could use your blog to sell things or advertise your own services.

See our article on how to make money blogging.

(Keep an eye out for a new article April 2025: Making money writing with subscriptions – how to use Substack and Patreon to make money!)

Make £15-£25 an hour as a Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistant positions are a great opportunity to make money if you’re skilled on the computer but not very mobile.

To be a virtual assistant you must be computer literate and confident with major software packages. You can adapt your workstation with things like speech-to-text software if you have limited mobility in your hands, too.

There’s high demand for virtual assistants from small businesses who can’t afford full-time admin support. Some larger companies also employ virtual assistants to work from home: much secretarial work can be completely remote.

As a virtual assistant you’ll answer calls in a professional manner, reply to emails, and manage diary bookings. You’ll have to be proactive and work to meet deadlines, and you may be tested to see if you’re performing to a high standard.

You can find work as a virtual assistant by signing up to a decent free agency, and can earn up to £27 per hour.  Try Virtual Office Temps or the Society of Virtual Assistants has more information and lots of tips on how to get started.

How exciting would it be to work with clients across the globe and liaise with people from different countries?

Read more about becoming a virtual assistant here.

 

Make money calling companies

If you’re not mobile, there are loads of phone-based mystery shopper jobs. You call a given company and ask a list of questions. All you have to do is report their response.

Mystery shoppers are also needed in the online world. Your role will be to contact and send specific enquiries to websites. You’ll monitor the speed and contact of the response. Again, you’ll probably provide your feedback through a straightforward and simple questionnaire.

You’ll then be paid when you’ve reported your findings. Once you’ve done your bit, you will sometimes be paid within 24 hours of your assignment.

Pay rates differ for different agencies and companies. You can expect to earn £5-£25 per task plus expenses. However, for phone calling mystery shopper jobs the pay is much lower – £1-£5 for phone work.

This obviously won’t pay the bills, but it’s a fun way to earn a bit of extra cash. If you’re interested in taking part in mystery shopping, see our article for the best and safest mystery shopper agencies.

Never pay to join a mystery shopping agency. You are being paid for your service.

Make money chatting to people

If you have a friendly, customer-focused attitude and excellent, professional telephone manner, working as a phone agent could be the ideal job for you.

There’s loads of home based call centre work for individuals who aren’t mobile. All you need is a computer, the internet and a phone, and your job is to simply answer customer service calls and deliver excellent service.

Customer service is increasingly branching out. Clients are contacting companies and making their queries via email, social media and online chats, so there’s more technical support work for those who aren’t very mobile.

Additionally, social media is all around us and dominating the internet. Many companies recruit individuals to be responsible for the social media of their company. It’s now crucial for promoting products or companies.

Keep an eye out for virtual social media roles on job sites as you can gain some excellent transferable skills.

Find out how you can make money from answering the phone here.

How to make money if you’re semi mobile

If you’re okay getting around, but can only put so much strain on yourself, try one of these ways to make extra cash…

Make money tasting food and watching adverts

Focus groups are a particularly fun and interesting way to make money on the side.

Register with companies such as Take Part in Research and you can earn up to £250 for sharing your opinion.

Focus groups vary from filling out paid surveys for a couple of weeks to going in and reviewing and assessing various products and even TV ads before their release!

It’s an exciting opportunity to make some good cash and meet people from all walks of life. It’s great for individuals who love testing products and talking to people. You’ll also get to share your thoughts on innovative products and services.

Sometimes, you’ll hit the jackpot and test foods. To find out more about how you can become a grub tester, read our article on getting paid to test food…yes, even chocolate.

If you aren’t able to get to a focus group then you can take part in online focus groups or even do an interview over the phone.

Make money with a punchy pun

Feeling creative?

Write messages for greeting cards for a bit of extra cash!

Although this is a very competitive market, a lot of money can be made from writing witty lines, and it’s an exciting industry to work in. A punchy pun could earn you up to £150!

The most popular cards are funny, likeable and witty puns. Who doesn’t like a clever joke that puts a smile on our faces?

However, other greeting card types include sentimental messages and traditional cards that use rhyming poetry.

The first step to getting your message published is research galore. Decide which type of message you’d like to write in greeting cards, and find out who publishes these types of messages.

It’s worth visiting a high street card shop such as Clintons. Spend time viewing the cards and note the relevant publishers that you want to contact. You can find the publisher on the back of each card.

Keep an eye out for niche shops that sell greeting cards, e.g. book stores, garden centres, craft shops and gift shops.

Also, visit greeting card trade fairs where you can gain publisher contacts and do some networking. You could even pitch to them and show them your example greeting card messages.

Golden Rules:

• NEVER submit your work without reading the submission guidelines. Find them on the publisher’s website.
• If you submit work and haven’t followed these guidelines, your work won’t get read.
• If you can’t find their guidelines, write to the publisher to request them.
• When you receive a response regarding your greeting card message, keep track of your contacts.

It may take a while to get going, but many people make good careers from greeting card writing, and it’s a very creative, interesting industry to work in. Check out the Greeting Card Association site for freelance work.

If you’re interested in making money on the side from fun greeting card writing see our more detailed article.

 

Make money selling your old stuff

Have you got piles of used books, DVDs, games, CDs, and clothes cluttering up your room?

Sell them and make extra cash!

As they say: tidy house, tidy mind and you’ll be a good bit richer.

Sell on sites like Ziffit, Amazon and eBay. On Ziffit you can simply type in the barcode and find out how much cash you can get.

Visit our Clear Your Clutter section to find out more about getting paid for your old stuff. 

 

Make money if you’re mobile but have other disabilities

If mobility isn’t a problem but you have other health issues which may hinder your ability to find employment, here are some great money makers to try.

Earn £60 an hour dog walking

If you’re mobile and enjoy being out and about in the fresh air, dog walking could be for you.

Dog walking is an enjoyable, lively job that pays surprisingly well. You can make up to £50 an hour if you’re brave enough to walk four dogs at the same time. Some people can take even more, so it can be a lucrative business idea.

If you want a slightly easier dog walking experience, you can earn up to £10-12.50 an hour walking one furry friend at a time. This is the perfect job for animal lovers.

You can go about dog walking by joining an agency such as Tailster for immediate work. Tailster is free to join and advertises you to hundreds of people in need of a dog walker.

Of course, the advantage of working with an agency is that they do the hard work of getting the jobs in. The disadvantage is that they take a cut of the money.

As an alternative, register with Petpals as a dog walking company and apply for jobs on there. You can also simply put an ad out in your local area – on noticeboards, through people’s doors, on local websites – advertising your services. Quite often you can also find new clients while you’re out walking the dogs. Make sure you take a stack of business cards while you’re out.

For more details on how you can get work as a dog walker see our article.

Top 5 tips for disabled people looking to find work

• Look for the Disability Confident symbol, which can be found on job descriptions online. It indicates that the employer is committed to employing disabled people.
• If you’re a young disabled person looking for work after school look at the apprenticeship scheme run by the Government.
• Go to your local job centre and find your disability employment advisor. They will assist you in your job search and tell you about relevant courses you can do to improve your experience and skills. They can also teach you interview skills.
• The Work and Health Programme is another fantastic government-funded scheme that helps disabled people find employment and stay in work through free courses.
• Access to Work offers grants for current workers and those about to enter employment. They can pay for specialised equipment and even offer help travelling to and from work. Both employees and self-employed people with disabilities can apply to the scheme.

 

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Spring Statement 2025: The Key Points

This week’s Spring Statement saw Chancellor Rachel Reeves deliver some significant changes and challenges. Read on to find out how the Spring Statement announcements may affect you.

Blow to Economic Forecast

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecast was a big part of the Autumn Budget, where Reeves stated a mission for economic growth. It has now been revised to just 1% – half of the previous budget. Reeves says plans such as the new Heathrow runway, pensions investments, changes to planning processes, and the National Wealth Fund will help tackle this. She also pointed out that the OBR have upgraded forecasts from next year and beyond, however.

Universal Credit and Other Benefits

The announcements last week are here to stay, according to the Spring Statement. Huge cuts to social security payments is the biggest (and most unpopular) change to the budget, in an attempt to claw back just under £5bn in costs. However, the OBR has confirmed that the actual savings would be closer to £3.4bn once costs of additional spending elsewhere is taken into account.

Along with the proposed cuts to in-work benefit PIP (Personal Independent Payment), which is currently under a green paper consultation review, today we heard about additional cuts to Universal Credit for some. The standard allowance will increase from £92 a week in 25/26 to £106 a week by 2029/30 tax year. However, the health element – additional money for those too sick to work or who cannot work full time due to illness – is going to be cut by 50% and frozen for new claimants.

There was no further detail about the already-announced changes, such as migrating PIP to Universal Credit and changing Work Capability Assessments. This is because they are currently in a green paper consultation and there are no further updates following last week’s announcements.

Reduced Govt Running Costs

Reeves promised to ‘fundamentally reform the British State’. She wants to introduce ‘efficiency savings’ to reduce the running costs of Whitehall by £2bn (15%) by 2030, with some job cuts and introduction of technology. This includes a £3.25bn ‘transformation fund’ of AI software, civil service voluntary redundancies, increased support for children in foster care for support in education and ongoing work, and new computer systems for the Govt such as for the Ministry of Defence and HMRC.

Massive Defence Spending Increase

With the world changing fast around us, the Chancellor committed a further £2.2bn spending on defence this year. This includes defence manufacturing and industry, as well as training for jobs – and also improvements to housing for military families.

Taxes

Despite a record tax burden, the Chancellor confirmed no tax increases (for now). However, changes announced in the autumn, such as the increase in National Insurance for employers (and cut for workers), stamp duty rises, and frozen Income Tax thresholds, will go ahead as planned, predicted to balance around £40bn of the tax burden.

Reeves did promise a ‘crackdown’ on tax evaders, with an investment in ‘cutting edge technology’ to help recoup an extra £1bn a year in unpaid taxes.

What About Fuel, Alcohol Etc?

Because this was not technically a budget but a financial ‘realignment’ because ‘the world is changing’ since Labour came to power, there was not a full breakdown on changes that usually are announced that impact the cost of our spending, such as fuel and alcohol duty. However, forecasts suggest households will be an average of £500 better off a year in future… but that remains to be seen, as they are only forecasts.

 

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Where to Sell Cassette Tapes: Best Platforms and Strategies for Maximum Profit

Cassette tapes have made a surprising comeback, fuelled by nostalgia and a growing community of collectors and audiophiles. If you have old tapes lying around, you might be sitting on a valuable collection. Whether you are an individual seller or a shop looking to offload stock, this guide will show you the best places to sell cassette tapes and maximise your earnings.

Best Platforms to Sell Cassette Tapes

1. eBay

Best For: Rare, collectible, and vintage tapes

eBay remains one of the top platforms for selling second-hand tapes due to its global reach. Listings can be auction-style or “Buy It Now,” giving sellers flexibility in pricing.

Case Study: A seller listed a rare Metallica cassette from the ’80s and started bidding at £10. Due to its limited edition status, the price soared to £300 in a week!

Tips:

• Take high-quality photos from multiple angles.
• Mention the condition (sealed, used, etc.).
• Offer international shipping to attract collectors worldwide.

More selling tips on MoneyMagpie

2. Discogs

Best For: Music enthusiasts and collectors

Discogs is a music marketplace where collectors and audiophiles search for specific releases. Unlike eBay, it is tailored specifically for music sales, making it an ideal platform for selling tapes.

Example: A seller listed a rare Nirvana “Bleach” cassette and sold it for £150 within days due to Discogs’ active music collector community.

Tips:

• Provide detailed metadata (year, edition, label).
• Grade your cassette and case condition accurately.
• Engage with buyers through messages for better conversions.

3. Facebook Marketplace & Groups

selling old casettes

Best For: Local sales and bulk deals

Selling on Facebook Marketplace is a great way to offload common or bulk cassette collections quickly without shipping hassles.

Case Study: A collector in Manchester sold a box of 100 second-hand tapes for £250 by targeting local vinyl and cassette collector groups.

Tips:

• Join niche groups like “Cassette Tape Collectors” or “80s & 90s Music Fans.”
• Use high-quality images and be transparent about tape conditions.
• Offer bundle deals for faster sales.

4. Etsy

Best For: Vintage and artistic collections

Etsy is a hotspot for vintage and handmade items, making it ideal for selling cassette tapes with unique appeal.

Example: A seller packaged 80s rock mixtapes in retro-designed cases and successfully sold them as gifts, making £1,000 in a month.

Tips:

• Add creative descriptions and artistic images.
• Offer custom-made cassette bundles for niche buyers.

5. Reddit’s r/cassetteculture & Other Forums

Best For: Engaging with serious collectors

Reddit has a thriving cassette collector community. Posting tapes for sale on r/cassetteculture can yield fast sales without marketplace fees.

Example: A user posted a rare punk rock tape and received multiple offers within hours, selling it for £75 directly via PayPal.

Tips:

• Follow forum rules before posting.
• Be active in discussions to build credibility.

6. Local Record Shops & Car Boot Sales

Best For: Quick cash sales

Many independent record shops buy used tapes, especially in urban areas where vintage music culture is strong.

Case Study: A seller in London visited a local vinyl shop and sold 30 used tapes for £5 each, making a quick £150.

Tips:

• Call shops ahead to check if they buy cassettes.
• Bring rare or niche genres for better offers.

7. Gumtree & Preloved

Best For: No-fee, local sales

Gumtree and Preloved allow you to sell directly to local buyers without fees or commissions.

Example: A user in Birmingham sold a collection of 50 classic rock tapes for £200 within a week by meeting buyers in person.

Tips:

• Be clear about pickup locations.
• Accept cash only to avoid scams.

Explore more selling options on MoneyMagpie

How to Maximise Profits When Selling Cassette Tapes

1. Identify Valuable Tapes

Not all tapes are equal. Limited editions, first pressings, and sealed tapes can fetch high prices. Research on platforms like Discogs to check market value.

2. Bundle Sales

Selling tapes in themed bundles (e.g., “80s Rock Collection”) attracts more buyers and increases profits.

3. Clean and Test Tapes

Clean your tapes and test playback quality before listing. A working tape commands a higher price.

4. Optimise Your Listings

Use targeted keywords like “sell cassette,” “selling tapes,” and “second-hand tapes” in your descriptions to attract more buyers via search engines.

5. Engage with Buyers

Prompt responses and good customer service can lead to repeat sales and positive reviews.

Conclusion

Selling cassette tapes can be a lucrative venture if you use the right platforms and strategies. Whether you choose eBay for rare finds, Discogs for music collectors, or local shops for quick cash, there’s a market for your tapes. Follow the best practices outlined above, and you’ll turn your old cassettes into profit in no time!

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Looking to sell your cassette tapes? Start listing today on these platforms and tap into the growing retro music market!

Find more money-making ideas on MoneyMagpie

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Weird Ways to Make Money in the UK in 2025: Unusual Side Hustles That Actually Work

Looking for creative and unconventional ways to make extra cash? The UK in 2025 offers plenty of weird and wonderful opportunities to earn money outside of traditional jobs. Whether you want to turn a hobby into a profitable venture or try something truly bizarre, this guide will show you how. Here are the top unusual ways to make money in the UK right now, with real-life case studies to prove they work!

1. Selling Air from Famous Locations

Can You Really Sell Air?

Believe it or not, people are making money by bottling and selling air from famous UK locations. Whether it’s “Pure Scottish Highland Air” or “Crisp London Morning Air,” collectors and tourists are paying a premium for it.

Case Study: In 2024, a Manchester-based entrepreneur started selling jars of “Lake District Fresh Air” on eBay and Etsy for £30 each. By targeting international buyers, particularly those in polluted cities, he made over £10,000 in just six months.

How to Do It:

• Use high-quality glass jars and create appealing labels.
• Market the air as a novelty item or souvenir.
• Sell on platforms like eBay, Etsy, or through your own website.

More side hustle ideas on MoneyMagpie

2. Renting Out Your Driveway or Garden for Campers

Earn Passive Income with Your Outdoor Space

With the rise of “staycations” and budget travel, people are looking for affordable camping spots. If you have a driveway, garden, or a bit of land, you can rent it out for overnight stays.

Case Study: A homeowner in Brighton started renting their small back garden for £15 a night on platforms like JustPark and HomeCamper. Over the summer, they made £2,500 without any effort beyond setting up a booking system.

How to Do It:

• List your space on websites like JustPark, HomeCamper, or Airbnb.
• Offer basic amenities like Wi-Fi, water access, or outdoor power sockets.
• Market your space as a budget-friendly option near tourist attractions.

More ways to make money on MoneyMagpie

3. Becoming a Professional Queuer

Get Paid to Stand in Line

In the UK, where queues are a national pastime, some people will pay to have someone stand in line for them. Whether it’s for concert tickets, new product launches, or passport offices, professional queuers are in demand.

Case Study: A Londoner started offering queueing services on TaskRabbit, charging £20 per hour to stand in line for popular events. He now makes up to £1,000 a month during busy seasons.

How to Do It:

• Advertise your services on TaskRabbit, Fiverr, or local Facebook groups.
• Target events like Wimbledon, theatre premieres, or sneaker releases.
• Offer updates to clients via WhatsApp to keep them informed of progress.

4. Renting Out Your Wardrobe

Make Money from Clothes You Rarely Wear

If you own designer clothes, vintage pieces, or unique costumes, renting them out can be a lucrative side hustle.

Case Study: A woman in Liverpool started renting her collection of vintage dresses through HURR and By Rotation. In just three months, she made £2,000 by renting outfits for parties, weddings, and photoshoots.

How to Do It:

• List your items on clothing rental platforms like HURR, By Rotation, or My Wardrobe HQ.
• Take high-quality photos and write detailed descriptions.
• Offer doorstep delivery or postal rentals for extra convenience.

Check out more side hustles on MoneyMagpie

5. Selling Your Hair or Beard Clippings

Human Hair is in Demand

Hair is used for making wigs, extensions, and even artist projects. If you have long, unprocessed hair, you can sell it for a significant price.

Case Study: A man from Birmingham sold his 16-inch beard for £350 to a wig manufacturer through a specialist hair-buying website.

How to Do It:

• Sell your hair on sites like Banbury Postiche or BuyandSellHair.com.
• Ensure your hair is untreated (no dyes or chemicals) for the best price.
• Longer and rarer hair types (e.g., redheads) fetch higher prices.

6. Becoming a Human Guinea Pig for Scientific Studies

Get Paid for Medical Trials and Experiments

Many universities and research institutions pay volunteers for psychological studies, sleep research, and even vaccine trials.

Case Study: A student in Edinburgh participated in a sleep study where he was paid £150 per night to stay in a research facility. Over two weeks, he earned £2,100 while simply sleeping!

How to Do It:

• Sign up with institutions like Covance, FluCamp, or university research centres.
• Look for non-invasive studies if you’re concerned about risks.
• Read all the terms before signing up for any trials.

7. Becoming a Professional Cuddler

Get Paid to Provide Comfort

Believe it or not, professional cuddling is a legitimate service that helps people with stress, anxiety, and loneliness.

Case Study: A woman in London started a cuddling service, charging £60 per hour for platonic cuddles. With regular clients, she now makes £3,000 a month working part-time.

How to Do It:

• Join platforms like Cuddle Companions or Cuddle Comfort.
• Set clear boundaries and have a safe meeting place.
• Market your services as a way to boost mental well-being.

8. Playing Video Games for Money

Turn Gaming into a Side Income

With the rise of streaming and online competitions, playing video games can be profitable.

Case Study: A teenager in Manchester started offering coaching sessions for Fortnite on Fiverr, making £500 a month teaching new players.

How to Do It:

• Stream on Twitch and earn through ads and donations.
• Offer coaching on Fiverr or Upwork.
• Participate in online tournaments with cash prizes.

Conclusion

From selling fresh air to becoming a professional cuddler, there are plenty of weird and wonderful ways to make money in the UK in 2025. Whether you’re looking for a full-time hustle or just some extra cash, these ideas prove that thinking outside the box can pay off!

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The Best Ways to Make Money in the UK in 2025

Looking to boost your income? Whether you want a full-time side hustle, passive income, or just some extra cash, there are plenty of ways to make money in the UK in 2025. From online ventures to offline gigs, this guide covers proven methods, real-life case studies, and expert tips to help you get started.

Our readers told us their best ways to make money this year.

1. Selling Digital Products

Earn Passive Income from Your Skills

If you have a skill in graphic design, writing, music, or education, selling digital products is a great way to generate passive income.

Case Study: Emma, a teacher from Leeds, created downloadable revision guides for GCSE students and sold them on Etsy and Gumroad. Within six months, she was earning £2,000 per month in passive income.

How to Get Started:

• Identify a skill or knowledge area you can monetize.
• Use platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Teachable.
• Market your products via social media and SEO.

More money-making ideas on MoneyMagpie

2. Renting Out Your Car or Driveway

Turn Your Unused Space into Cash

With the rise of car-sharing platforms, you can earn money by renting out your vehicle when you’re not using it.

Case Study: James from Manchester listed his car on Turo and made £350 per month by renting it out just on weekends.

How to Get Started:

• List your car on platforms like Turo or Getaround.
• Ensure you have the right insurance.
• Set competitive pricing based on demand.

3. Freelancing Online

Get Paid for Your Skills

With platforms like Fiverr and Upwork, you can turn skills like writing, graphic design, or social media management into a profitable freelance business.

Case Study: Sarah, a university student in London, started freelancing as a virtual assistant and now earns £1,500 per month working part-time.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up on Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour.
• Create an impressive portfolio.
• Offer competitive rates and grow your client base.

Check out more freelancing tips on MoneyMagpie

4. Investing in Stocks and Cryptocurrencies

Grow Your Money Over Time

Investing isn’t just for the wealthy. With apps like Freetrade and Trading 212, anyone can start investing with as little as £10.

Case Study: Tom from Bristol started investing £100 per month in ETFs. After two years, his portfolio had grown to over £3,000.

How to Get Started:

• Use commission-free investing apps.
• Diversify your portfolio.
• Stay informed about market trends.

5. Becoming a Delivery Driver

Earn Money on Your Own Schedule

With the rise of food and package delivery services, becoming a delivery driver can be a flexible way to earn money.

Case Study: Liam from Birmingham works part-time for Uber Eats and Deliveroo, making an extra £800 per month.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up for Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or Amazon Flex.
• Use a bike or scooter for cost-effective deliveries.
• Work during peak hours for higher earnings.

6. Selling Second-Hand Items

Make Money from Unwanted Goods

Decluttering your home can lead to extra cash. Selling on platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace is easier than ever.

Case Study: Rebecca from Glasgow made £1,200 in three months selling vintage clothes on Vinted.

How to Get Started:

• Take high-quality photos of items.
• Write detailed descriptions.
• Price competitively and offer bundle deals.

7. Participating in Paid Research and Surveys

Get Paid for Your Opinion

Companies pay for consumer opinions through online surveys, focus groups, and product testing.

Case Study: David from Nottingham earns £300 per month by taking surveys and participating in focus groups.

How to Get Started:

• Join sites like Prolific, YouGov, and Swagbucks.
• Sign up for in-person focus groups.
• Be consistent with participation.

Find more side hustle opportunities on MoneyMagpie

8. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Get Paid to Spend Time with Animals

If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking can be a fun way to earn extra income.

Case Study: Lucy from London earns £500 per month walking dogs via Rover and BorrowMyDoggy.

How to Get Started:

• Sign up for platforms like Rover.
• Set competitive rates.
• Build a trustworthy profile with reviews.

Conclusion

Making money in the UK in 2025 has never been easier. Whether you want to start a side hustle, build passive income, or turn a passion into profit, these methods can help you achieve your financial goals. Start today and explore even more ways to make money on MoneyMagpie.

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