[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ow that the children are back in school and life takes on a slightly less hectic feel many of us are looking towards the end of the year and Christmas. Yes, it’s not that far away and I think they are slipping in an extra one a year as it only seems like yesterday that my lot were careering down the stairs to see what ‘the big guy’ had left them.
It also seems to me that each passing year Christmas is getting that bit more expensive as electronic devices are alongside the request for the latest Barbie on the Christmas list.
This expense led me to think about how to make a few extra pounds from home to supplement the budget and so I decided to check out what is out there.
Firstly, it was apparent that I needed to get creative, as there are ways out there that enable you to get treats, even furnish your house without spending anything at all.
If you are a bit cash strapped check out Freecycle.org which is a great place to pick up some free stuff as the whole ethos of the site is to encourage people to ‘free cycle.’ This keeps a lot of things ending up in the landfills when they are perfectly good for further use. Freegle is another site where local folk offer unwanted objects, and as they say one man’s rubbish etc.
Check out Gumtree too, and remember to join the local groups on social media where people post either freebies or cheap items (I picked up a nearly new fridge for £30 from my local group.)
Making the most of the free trials on offer is a good way of getting various goods and services at no cost. Simply sign up to the trials that suit you the best but remember to make a note when the free trial runs out so you are not charged when the introductory period runs out. Trials like Netflix or Tastecard which is the restaurant discount card are good starting points.
If you are into playing games, and being social at the same time then you might want to join an online bingo site like Swanky Bingo. Online Bingo sites offer great bonuses and welcome offers, plus they are a fantastic source of entertainment as you make new friends, and catch up with other friends and family members, and of course you are always in with the chance of a great win too!
If you are after a more sedate way of earning some extra cash and don’t mind taking your time then think about completing some of the many surveys that award you either money or amazon vouchers. Surveys can be carried out when and where you want to and only take a few minutes to complete. Once you have completed enough to fulfil the sites requirements then you will get your rewards, but make sure you use it or you will lose it as there will be a time restriction to cash in.
If you are crafty think about selling some of your stuff on ebay or on one of the social media sites. Home-made articles, if made to a high standard are all the rage to give as presents so if you have a talent make it pay for you!
