Turn your hobby into a second income

From eating free meals in restaurants to buying alcohol, we reveal six ways you could make extra money in your spare time.

Think of a typical weekend. How do you spend your free time apart from watching TV and having one too many beers?

If you have a particular hobby or interest, you might not realise you could use this activity to supplement your income. We show you how.

1. Web design

Tech wizards could put their expertise to use by designing and building websites for small businesses and start-ups.

As soon as you have a few satisfied customers, you could pick up more business through word of mouth.

You could also try advertising your services through websites such as PeoplePerHour and Freelancer.co.uk.

2. Become a mystery shopper

Many retailers employ mystery shoppers to review the quality of service in their branches – something that will probably come naturally if you hit the shops most weekends.

If you visit restaurants, you could end up with a free meal and having your expenses reimbursed.

If becoming a mystery shopper appeals to you, visit websites such as Market Force and Retail Maxim.

3. Car booting

Do you love to spend a Sunday morning or bank holiday haggling at your local car boot sale?

Then, you could set up your own stall and clear out the kids’ old school uniform or your old university textbooks.

For more information on how to sell your clutter, check out The £2,817 fortune in your attic.

4. DIY

Anyone with a knack for making home improvements or decorating could supplement their earnings by taking on odd jobs.

The amount you can charge will depend on the average rate in your area and how specialised your skills are.

Let’s say, for example, you charge £15 per hour and work five hours a week. You could pick up £75 per week, which would equate to £300 per month.

5. Arts and crafts

If you have a flair for knitting, making jewellery or homemade cards, you could sell your creations at arts and crafts fetes.

If you’d like to increase your customer base, you could consider setting up your own website. Alternatively, websites such as Etsy and Misi allow users to sell arts and crafts.

6. Going to the pub

If you’re a regular in your local watering hole, you could try to pick up a few shifts behind the bar.

You’ll probably still be able to chat to the regulars and they might even buy you a drink or two. Just try not to overdo it ­– getting drunk on the job is rarely a wise career move.

If you’re 18 or 19, you could get paid to buy alcohol if you register with Serve Legal. This service sends young people into pubs, supermarkets and off-licences to buy alcohol, so they can check whether staff are asking for ID – pretty sure that would have been my dream job when I was 18.

Sorry to end on a dull note, but if you are able to earn extra income, don’t forget to inform HMRC. This extra money could affect the amount of tax you pay or any benefits you receive.

For more articles like this, check out Three ways to make money online and Six top money-saving websites.

**This material is for information purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly encourage our readers not to rely solely on this content, but to seek independent advice when making financial decisions.**

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