Tynah Matembe is an award-winning entrepreneur, money coach and CEO of MoneyMatiX, a pioneering platform advancing inclusive financial education and well-being
There’s no better time than now to take a few simple steps to boost your income and stay one step ahead of high street prices – with smart side hustles and savvy strategies. I’m all about finding ways to put more money on the table.
Have you thought about:
Lunch at work – SAVE £1,012 a year. If you spend an average of £4 a day on a Prêt lunch, and there are 261 working days a year in you would SAVE a whopping £1044. Take your lunch to work instead.
Clothes swap/sell – SAVE 70%. Vinted is an online marketplace and mobile app that allows users to buy, sell, and swap second-hand fashion, including clothes, accessories, and more. It’s especially popular for those looking to declutter their wardrobes and earn some extra cash, or for savvy shoppers who want to pick up quality branded or designer items at a fraction of the original price. By choosing pre-loved fashion instead of buying new, users can make significant savings. For example, Levi’s jeans that retail for around £100 often sell on Vinted for £30–£50, saving you up to 70%. Nike trainers typically priced at £120 can be found for £40–£60, while designer handbags that usually cost £200–£800 are frequently available for £70–£400. Whether you’re looking to make money or save it, Vinted offers a smart, sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe.
Travel for less – SAVE £600 a year. You can save 30% or more on travel costs by adopting budget commuting and fuel-saving strategies. For example, railcards can reduce train fares by about a third, saving £40-50 a month, while carpooling can halve fuel expenses, saving around £50 monthly (check out https://www.blablacar.co.uk ). Although switching to public transport or cycling may require some upfront investment, these options offer significant long-term savings by reducing fuel, parking, and maintenance costs. Additionally, driving efficiently and maintaining your vehicle can improve fuel economy and lower petrol or diesel expenses. Together, these strategies can substantially reduce your monthly travel budget and boost your overall savings.
Unused space is money on the table – MAKE £1,000 per month Do you have any space you could monetise? Millions of rooms across the UK lie empty, and in London alone, the number of empty homes hit a record high of 93,602 in 2024—38,386 of which are long-term vacant. Sites like spare room make it easy to find lodgers. By taking one in, you can earn some much-needed extra cash. Plus, with London facing a severe shortage of available rooms, you’ll also be helping to ease the housing crisis!
Hidden cash in your own home – MAKE £1,000 a month. Could you be sitting on a fortune without even knowing it? One person’s junk is another’s jackpot – and Facebook Marketplace is your secret weapon! I’ve seen it happen time and again: list ANYTHING for free and watch buyers snap it up in HOURS. Seriously, a quick rummage around your house could score you a cool £1,000 with barely any effort! Set your sights on that £1,000 target, hunt down those hidden gems, declutter, and boom – there’s your dream holiday fund staring you in the face. Who knew your clutter could pay for your next getaway?
Is your driveway secretly a goldmine? MAKE £1,200 a year. If you live near a busy airport, train station, or in a big city – your driveway could be raking in serious cash! Thanks to online parking apps, people are turning their unused parking spots into steady cash machines. Some savvy space-owners pull in over £200 a month! Whether you want to earn easy money letting others park in your driveway or garage, or you’re hunting for cheap parking, these apps have got you covered. In hotspots like London, cashing in on your parking space can be even more lucrative. Don’t let your driveway go to waste – start earning today! Check out JustPark, YourParkingSpace, or ParkOnMyDrive and turn your parking spot into cold, hard cash on the table!
Off on a last-minute holiday? Rent out your car. MAKE £6,492 a year . I’ve just discovered a game-changing secret… it’s called Turo, and it’s like Airbnb but for your motor! Yep, Turo is a fab car-sharing platform where you can rent out your ride while you’re off living your best life – and the cash rolls in. Some top UK hosts are pocketing an average of £6,492 a year PER CAR they list on the app! From everyday drivers to luxury wheels, there’s a demand for it all. So why let your car gather dust when it could be your next money-maker? Sign up to Turo and hit the accelerator on putting more money on the table.
Free family days out. SAVE £120 – Keeping the family entertained during school holidays and bank holidays doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of free and low-cost activities to enjoy, from discovering hidden local gems on Tripadvisor to browsing websites like Day Out With The Kids and Kids Pass, which are packed with ideas for all ages. Money-saving expert Martin Lewis also offers a helpful round-up of budget-friendly suggestions – https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/things-to-do-with-the-kids/. Outdoor adventures and creative crafts using everyday household items can keep children engaged for hours, boosting their wellbeing and imagination – without costing a penny. A typical UK family day out currently costs between £90–£120+ , depending on the destination, food, transport and extra.
Side hustle ideas. MAKE £2,300 per year. We all have that one idea we keep coming back to – the business dream or creative gig that lingers in our minds but never quite makes it to reality. Maybe it’s a home baking business, selling handmade crafts, launching a blog or podcast, offering freelance services, or turning a hobby like photography or fitness into a paid opportunity. The beauty of a side hustle is that it can start small, fit around your existing commitments, and grow at your own pace. Whether you’re looking to earn extra income, explore a passion, or build something of your own, now might be the perfect time to stop overthinking and start exploring. What’s that one idea you can’t shake – and what’s stopping you from giving it a go? Once you have your Hussle check out Fiverr – an online freelance marketplace where people can buy and sell services. Beginners can make up to £2300 a year.
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Ditch those small spends. SAVE £1,500. Think it’s the big-ticket buys wrecking your wallet? Nope – it’s the tiny, everyday habits you barely notice, like that £1.50 bottled water you grab every day, the gym membership you never use, or sneaky impulse app buys when you’re bored. Those small expenses add up fast, quietly draining hundreds of pounds a month. Want to stop the leak? Track your spending for a week, find one habit that’s burning cash with no real payoff, then ditch it or swap it for something cheaper – like using a refillable bottle, jogging instead of the gym, or deleting that unused app. One simple change can save you a bundle without cramping your style.
Free local resources. Before reaching for your wallet, take a moment to explore what’s already available in your local area – for FREE. Many communities offer a surprising range of resources that can help stretch your budget without sacrificing quality of life. From library programs that offer everything from free books and digital media to classes and workshops, to local councils and community centres that provide food pantries, clothing swaps, and repair cafés – there’s often a wealth of support available if you know where to look. Parents can find free baby groups and toy libraries; job seekers might benefit from resume workshops or career coaching; and fitness lovers can take advantage of public walking groups or free outdoor yoga sessions in the park. These services not only reduce spending but also connect you with your community – a double win.
Bonus tips for keeping costs down: SAVE £1,000 . Walk instead of taking the bus – it’s healthier, greener, and completely free. In 2022, the average single bus fare for a three-mile journey in the UK was £2.47 , with day tickets averaging £5.29 and weekly tickets around £19.37. Just think how much you would save over a year.
Finally, if you’re going out in the evening, only take cash . It’s a simple trick that helps you stick to your budget and avoid unexpected spending Small changes like these can make a big difference to your wallet – without missing out on the fun.