How to Make Extra Cash on the Side

Each month, we share what we did and how you can make money on the side.

You can find all the updates here and the current total is $32,861.72 on the side for the year. It could have been more, however, this year we had a different focus.

That said, there are still loads of ways to make and save money which we love discovering and sharing with you. Here is everything for November.

This post contains affiliate links for products and services we use. Read my full disclosure here. 

Referrals – $2,057.45

Since everyone is doing Christmas shopping and looking for ways to make and save money, we have had quite a few friends reach out for discount codes and recommendations.

As such, we made an extra $2,057.45 with them. This is different to affiliate marketing and does not include income from affiliate programs. It is ‘refer a friend’ programs which numerous companies offer and anyone can use.

Rented The Room – $500

Airbnb has been our preferred method of renting a room (read my full guide here). This month we have an arrangement with friends who are staying with us for a bit instead.

We had quite a few enquiries for the spare room in our house in November but opted to go with my friends. They’ll be staying until they get an apartment in the city, then we’ll probably go back to Airbnb.

Sold Things On eBay – $114

When we actively bought things to resell we make thousands (read about that here). This year, we opted to scale that back as we had travel and other commitments which made it harder.

In November, we listed a few items of clothing for sale and it really put us off eBay ever again. Two of the buyers claimed their items didn’t arrive and first asked for refunds then opened disputes with PayPal.

Since we use tracking, it showed the items had arrived. Once they opened the dispute, we wrote in our response it shows as delivered and we re not refunding.

The buyers then closed their disputes. The wording and how they went about it made us feel like they do this regularly and having spoken to others, we know it is happening more.

ALWAYS post with tracking so you have proof. No matter how small the item is, always get tracking.

Testing Online Surveys – $350

In October, we tested a bunch of Australian online survey sites again.

For November, we did a few to be sure and tested a couple of others readers recommended. Octopus Group  has been the best for us and has a standard rate for the time so no surprises with them about how much you’ll be paid.

Find the best Australian online survey sites here which you can make a few thousand a year.

Bonus Writing – $1,250

We have regular clients for freelance writing through another business but this month picked up a couple of random articles separate to our proper freelance writing.

For freelance writing, doing a course will help you make a lot more money quicker. There is a clear difference between those who have no experience or qualifications vs those who do.

If it is something you want to do get your own site (we like SiteGround for hosting then download WordPress for free) and start promoting your work.

Include a portfolio, apply for jobs, pitch everywhere you can and get the experience. Writing improves the more you do it so don’t wait for opportunities, get out there and do it. We cringe at my early work but wouldn’t have progressed if we didn’t do it.

Check out this post for more information.

Market Research – $250

We get offers for this all the time but don’t usually do it. The rate is $100+ for the ones we get sent. Check out this post for more on market research. Farron and Replenish are the two we know of with good work and regular offers.

Odd Jobs – $968

This time of year is ideal for odd jobs such as cleaning, yard work, babysitting and other random things people need doing. Most people are busy and stressed so this is the time of year they are most likely to outsource what they need to get done.

Check out 43 ways to make money as a single mum or 16 ways to make money on the side or 10 ways to make $10,000 for more ideas.

Bank Bonus – $50

Banks often have sign up bonuses. We tested one last month and scored $50 (it was open for a limited time). We’ve now been using this account as a ‘splurge’ account.

ING offers $100 for new customers opening ING Everyday accounts. You need to deposit $1,000 and open a savings account too. Use the code CNW116 to get $100.

Bonuses/VIP/Reward Programs – $873.95

A combination of points from different reward programs were cashed out in November to get $573.95. This included FlyBuys and other reward programs you can find here.

Other Bonuses

On top of the above income, we picked up quite a few freebies this month including getting first aid and CPR certifications, some specialist certificates in autism and epilepsy, freebies from Woolworths Bunch and a few other things.

We don’t include them in our side hustle updates but the value this month was over $1,000 in extra things we wanted or was thinking about getting anywhere so that’s a decent amount.

How do you make money on the side?

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