MARTIN Lewis has revealed how you could boost your bank balance just by drinking beer – and it takes just a few taps on your phone.
In the latest MoneySavingExpert (MSE) newsletter, Martin said there are plenty of simple ways you can earn additional income.
And why not take advantage of apps that help you earn money in your spare time?
For example, the team at MSE said you could be paid up to £20 for carrying out simple market research tasks.
Free app Roamler pays you for carrying out market research tasks.
MSE said: “Fancy getting paid to buy a beer? It could happen if you choose to take on a mission…
“Free apps pay up to £20 per job to check prices/take photos, from tasks such as counting stock in shops, snapping menus in restaurants and even ordering a beer to photograph how it’s served.”
If you’re earning extra income, it’s important to bear in mind that everyone is allowed to earn up to £1,000 a year from a side hustle.
If you earn more than that in a year, you’ll have to fill out a self-assessment tax return to declare that income and pay income tax on it.
You must do this whether you’re self-employed or earn a salary or wages from a company.
With the cost of living crisis continuing to bite, we look at more than a dozen money-making apps that can help you boost your income by thousands of pounds.
Shepper
Shepper is a market research and data collection platform.
It lists thousands of simple tasks on its platform like checking promotions and monitoring stock levels in your local supermarket.
This includes carrying out jobs at local supermarkets and takeaway restaurants.
Your findings are then logged on the app.
Tasks take anywhere from five to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity.
How do I file a tax return?
TO file a self assessment tax retun, you’ll need to register with HMRC first, which will then issue you with a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
You must register for self assessment by October 5 if you have to file a tax return and you have not sent one before.
You can do so by visiting www.gov.uk/register-for-self-assessment.
If you’ve previously registered and already have a UTR, you don’t need to go through this step again.
Once you’ve got your UTR, you can sign in via the “Self Assessment tax return” section of HMRC’s website by visiting www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return.
You can then file your self assessment tax return online.
The deadline for sending a return online is January 31 every year.
If you need a paper copy of the main Self Assessment tax return, call HMRC on 03000 200 3610 and request an SA100 form.
The deadline for sending a return using a paper form is October 31 every year.
You need to pay the tax you owe by midnight on January 31 each year.
HMRC accepts your payment on the date you make it, not the date it reaches its account.
File late and HMRC will issue you with a fine.
Users can earn up to £22 per hour completing market research tasks in their community.
We spoke to one savvy saver who boosts his income by £200 a month just by using this app.
TopCashback
Customers can make a purchase from a store through TopCashback and then earn money back after.
You can shop at a range of stores, including Very, Argos, Selfridges, John Lewis, Wilko and New Look.
The cashback can either be turned into a gift card to use at a participating retailer or transferred into your bank account.
While transferring to your bank account might be easier, if you get your points transferred onto a gift card.
This way TopCashback will increase the value (but only slightly).
Mum-of-two Sarah Ryman, 48 has made £2,200 using TopCashback – and she said it took just a few clicks of her keyboard.
JamDoughnut
JamDoughnut is another cashback site where shoppers can earn up to 20% back from their purchases which is paid into a “wallet” on your account.
You can choose whether to receive your money in gift vouchers, or you can transfer the cash into your bank account.
There’s a 30p charge each time you withdraw money.
The app also runs regular competitions, including a daily £10 giveaway for 10 users.
Graham Leydon, 31 told The Sun how he made earned £350 using JamDoughnut which has helped him pay for two holidays.
BeMyEye
With BeMyEye, you earn money when you hit the high street by taking photos of how certain products are displayed in-store, or by speaking to shop staff.
You are essentially getting paid to be the “eyes” in store.
You can earn up to £12 per task, though many pay between £4 and £6. Can be one of the busier tasking apps.
Second income ideas to boost your bank account
ANYONE looking boost to their bank account may be looking for a source of second income.
Earning extra cash from outside of a main job could be easier than you think – and even lead to a new creative career.
Sell old stuff
There’s nothing like a new year to have a new start, and having a good clean out could fill up your purse.
Selling unwanted items like clothes, crockery and even make-up is easier than ever thanks to selling sites like Vinted, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace.
How each works is different, so read the small print first.
Usually the platform will take a cut of the sale and you may have to pay for postage on top, so factor that into your selling price.
Get crafty
If you have some hidden creative talents then put them to good use – you could make more than pennies selling your wares online.
Entrepreneurial mum Lara Christie, 40, has boosted her family finances by £2,000 creating handmade cards, baubles and pictures, selling them at local fairs and on her own website.
But remember to factor in any costs involved, like buying materials or creating and promoting your website, when calculating your profit.
Odd jobs for others
Other talents like DIY or assembling flat-pack furniture can also be put to good use to earn you money.
On platforms like Task Rabbit or Airtasker, you can advertise such skills and be hired by someone who needs you, setting your own rates.
We spoke to dad-of-one Greg Snowden who switched part-time bartending for doing home improvements and other small jobs through Task Rabbit, making £3,000.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Source: Martin Lewis reveals you could get paid to drink beer – & more money making tips
