When money’s tight, finding extra cash can feel like trying to squeeze water out of a stone.
But the good news? There are more ways than ever to earn on the side, and some can fit around your job, family, and existing commitments.
This isn’t about “get rich quick” schemes.
It’s about realistic, proven methods to top up your income. Many of which real people in the UK are already using to pay bills, save for holidays, or build a safety net.
How to earn a little extra cash
Each of these options can earn anywhere between £50 to £500 extra per month depending on how many hours you can dedicate to them.
1. Freelance on the side
If you have a marketable skill, you could use an online freelance platform to earn a little extra from that skill.
Platforms like Toptal, Guru, Freelancer.com and Upwork all have hundreds or thousands of freelance jobs you can apply for and earn.
You’ll need to set up an account, set up a payment method (PayPal works fine) and begin applying, but it’s very simple to do.
Some jobs require you sit a couple of tests. Basics like English comprehension, spelling, grammar and that kind of thing.
Otherwise, you can apply for jobs like blog writing, editing, translation, virtual assistance, customer support, web development, mobile app development and all kinds of things.
2. Online tutoring
Online tutoring is another viable way to earn money. Similar to freelancing, you set up a presence on a website and offer your skills to the world.
If you have a core skill or qualifications in a particular subject, you can teach others for a set fee.
You have the flexibility to choose your own hours and a marketplace of people wanting to learn.
Websites like Skooli , Tutor Me and Tutor.com make it easy to earn a little extra money, as long as you have demonstrable skills or qualifications in a subject.
3. Drive for Uber or other ride share app
If you have a decent car and can spare some hours, working for Uber, Lyft or one of the other ride sharing apps can earn a little extra cash.
The hours can be long and the money won’t be amazing, but when times are tough, it’s definitely an option.
Depending on where you live and what apps are available, you can drive whenever you like, meet new people, see new places and earn some income along the way.
The amount you earn depends on how long you drive, the type of car you have and where you live, but it’s all extra income!
4. Food delivery driver
If driving people around doesn’t sound like your idea of fun, how about driving their food? There is usually demand for food delivery drivers in most larger towns and cities.
Driving for a takeaway or restaurant can offer reasonable pay for reasonable hours. Although those hours will typically be evenings and weekends.
You don’t need to work for one of the delivery apps as many restaurants employ their own drivers too.
Check windows, contact local restaurants that deliver and see what’s out there.
5. Babysitting
While the world around us may have changed completely, some of the old ways of making money still ring true. One of those is babysitting.
There are apps for that of course, but there’s also word of mouth. Get the word out that you’re offering babysitting, that you’re reliable and dependable and see what happens.
6. Pet sitting or dog walking
If babies aren’t your thing, how about pets? Anyone comfortable around animals could be a pet sitter or dog walker.
Pet sitting will typically be looking after an animal while the owner is at work or on holiday.
Pet owners are often willing to pay well for reliable care. Rates are around £15/hour for walking and £22/hour for sitting.
You can advertise locally, join a site like Rover, or post in community Facebook groups. It’s flexible, outdoors, and gives you a furry friend or two along the way.
7. Sell unwanted items online
Selling your old items on eBay or Etsy is a temporary way to make a little income, but you could also make a little more of it.
Visit charity shops, go to car boot sales and even yard sales (yes, we have them here in the UK). Buy anything you think someone would buy and resell it on your platform of choice.
Books, clothes and lots of items can be had for next to nothing and be resold for a little profit.
Again, you won’t make a fortune and it can be hard work managing packaging and shipping. But, as long as you price items right, you could make a little extra money.
8. Sell your photographs
If you’re a keen photographer and have an eye for the world, you could turn that into money.
This one is a slow burner but you could do it alongside some of these other options.
Take pictures of the world around you and sell them on platforms such as Foap, Shutterstock or Alamy.
You don’t usually earn much per image, but the more you upload, the higher the chances of making some money.
Like some of these other options, you could sell photographs alongside other gigs. Take pictures while dog walking, edit them between freelance gigs on Upwork and upload them to sell.
9. Be a user tester
If you have patience and an eye for detail, you could be a user tester. Web developers and app designers use testers to ensure their designs work properly and get feedback on how easy a product is to use.
Websites like UserTesting or TryMyUI will pay for feedback and for testing products.
You’ll need to be comfortable with making videos showing your experience and in giving constructive feedback. Otherwise, this is a simple and accessible way to make a little extra.
10. Complete surveys
Completing surveys is probably the least lucrative of these options but it’s so accessible and so easy, I would be remiss if I didn’t include it.
Websites such as Valued Opinions and Toluna will pay fixed fees in return for your completing surveys online.
Many surveys will take just minutes and will pay relatively little. Other surveys can take a little longer but pay better.
If you don’t have a core skill you can use or teach or aren’t able to drive, dog walk or earn in other ways, this is still extra income.
Tax essentials for side hustlers
If you earn more than £1,000 a year from your side hustle, you must register with HMRC and file a self-assessment tax return.
Keep records of your earnings and expenses, and remember that if you’re self-employed, you may also need to pay National Insurance contributions.
Earning extra money to help you through tough times
Those are 10 realistic ways to earn extra money to help you through tough times.
Each is accessible, requires very little preparation and could genuinely be generating income within hours.
It may not be much income, but every little helps!
Do you have any suggestions for earning extra money? Have a success story you would like to share? Tell me about it below!
Side hustle FAQs
Do I need to pay tax on my side hustle income?
Yes. If your side hustle earns over £1,000 in a tax year (the trading allowance), you need to register for self-assessment and declare it to HMRC. Not doing so can lead to fines.
How much can I realistically earn from reselling online?
It varies. Many casual sellers make £100–£300 a month. With time, experience, and volume, it can become a full-time income.
How do I start pet sitting without experience?
Begin by offering to help friends or neighbours for a small fee to build trust and get reviews. Then join a reputable platform like Rover or BorrowMyDoggy to find paying clients.
Can digital products really generate passive income?
Yes, but it takes upfront work. Once created, products like e-books, templates, or stock photos can keep selling with little extra effort, especially if you promote them on social media or through a niche audience.
