The good news is that there are plenty of options – from negotiating a pay rise at work, to starting a flexible side hustle or making money from things you already own.
Here’s how to give your income a spring boost.
Ask for a pay rise – and prepare your case
Most people only think about pay rises when they change jobs – but staying put doesn’t mean staying on the same salary.
You might feel uncomfortable asking for more money, but negotiation is a normal part of working life. If you haven’t had a pay review recently, the beginning of the new financial year can be a good time to start the conversation.
Preparation is key – so gather evidence showing how your work has benefited the business. This might include revenue you’ve generated, projects you’ve delivered, efficiency improvements you’ve introduced, or extra responsibilities you’ve taken on.
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It also helps to know the market rate for your role. Salary comparison sites and recruitment adverts can give you a sense of what similar jobs are paying.
Timing matters too. Avoid asking during stressful periods for your manager or the business. Instead, request a meeting in advance so the discussion feels professional rather than confrontational.
If a pay rise isn’t possible immediately, consider negotiating other benefits – such as a bonus, extra annual leave or a formal salary review in six months.
Start a side hustle
‘Side hustles’ have become increasingly popular, especially as many can be done flexibly alongside a full-time job.
Online freelance work is one option. Platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork connect freelancers with clients looking for help with writing, design, admin support, coding and more. If you already have a professional skill, freelancing can be a natural extension of your day job.
Creative hobbies can also become income streams. Handmade crafts, artwork or digital products can be sold through platforms such as Etsy, Folksy and Shopify.
Alternatively, some side hustles involve less creativity and more practicality. Pet or house-sitting, tutoring, gardening or cleaning can all generate extra cash and often require little upfront investment.
The key is choosing something manageable. A side hustle should boost your income without exhausting you. Start small and see how it fits around your existing commitments.
To keep track of side hustle income, it can be a good idea to have a separate bank account. Natwest and Royal Bank of Scotland had a clean sweep in the 2026 Your Money Personal Finance Awards, winning Best Student Current Account, Best Reward Current Account and Best Everyday Current Account.
Mystery shopping and micro‑tasks
If you want something flexible that fits around your full‑time job, mystery shopping and micro‑tasks are two of the easiest ways to earn bit of extra cash.
Mystery shopping firms such as Market Force and Grass Roots pay you to review shops, restaurants and services. Tasks are generally straightforward although in some cases you may have to pay for items before being reimbursed.
If you want tasks you can do from home, the best-paid survey sites include Ipsos iSay, Swagbucks and YouGov.
Cash for clutter
Another quick way to boost your finances is by selling items you no longer use. Many households have hundreds of pounds’ worth of unwanted belongings sitting in cupboards and garages.
Clothes, electronics, furniture and children’s toys can all fetch decent prices online, with popular selling platforms including eBay, Vinted and Facebook Marketplace.
Designer clothing, branded trainers and popular tech products tend to sell particularly well. Even everyday items such as books, kitchen appliances and home décor can bring in smaller but worthwhile amounts.
Income from selling items can quickly add up – why not save it for a rainy day? Spring was declared the best App-Only Savings Account in the 2026 Your Money Personal Finance Awards, while Skipton Building Society won the Everyday Savings Account category.
Rent out spare space
If you have a spare room, renting it out could provide a significant extra income stream, albeit with the downside of sharing your living space with an extra person.
The government’s Rent a Room Scheme allows homeowners and tenants to earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free by letting out furnished accommodation in their home.
This could involve taking in a long-term lodger or renting the room occasionally to guests through platforms such as Airbnb.
However, there are a few things to check first. If you rent your property, your tenancy agreement must allow subletting. If you own you home, you should speak to your mortgage lender and home insurance provider.
If you don’t need your lodger income for day-to-day expenses, it can grow tax-free in an ISA. Aldermore won the best Cash ISA Provider award in the 2026 Your Money Personal Finance Awards.
Understand the tax rules
If you start earning extra money outside your main job, it’s important to understand the tax implications.
In the UK, the ‘trading allowance’ means you can earn up to £1,000 per year from self-employment without needing to declare it. If you earn more than this, you’ll usually need to register for self-assessment with HMRC.
This doesn’t necessarily mean a large tax bill – you can deduct allowable business expenses, such as equipment, software or materials used for your side hustle.
If your side income grows, it may also be worth setting aside a portion of your earnings for tax so you’re not caught out later.
