I need to earn just a little more money...

alyth

Right, I've booked the most amazing life experience trip ever, and need to earn just a little more money to spent some time in China both before and after the experience - I'm going to work with pandas for 2 weeks at Wolong Panda Reserve in China!

I've done everything I can think of - I've put 65 books on Amazon tonight, I've a pile of stuff to ebay, I've signed up for mystery shopping, I'm looking for a part-time job as I'm about to start a 3 day a week job, but for more money than working 5 days, so I can work in a bar or something, I'll have more time at home so have signed up for surveys, and will be able to enter competitions,but does anyone have any more ideas? This is my dream trip, and basically the more money I can save, the longer I can spent in China! I've got really cheap flights, got a cheap hotel in China, I'm just looking to pick the brains of MSE'ers to see if there's something I've missed! I want this to be a fun challenge in trying to earn as much money as possible to enjoy what I have dreamed of doing for years!

catchooky

When are you going?
Maybe it could be an option to stash your cash into a high savings account which could help to add at least a few pennies (every little helps though!!)
You could car boot some larger stuff which really can't be ebayed, and how about trying to 'sell your skills'? I read in a magazine that if you had a skill to sell like cooking or eyebrow plucking, then you could try teaching friends and family, and also friends of friends etc. You could charge a minimum 'donation' and help to earn a few extra pounds.
Good luck!!!!!

Andy_L

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=325861

alyth

I'm gong exactly six months today!

Selling my skills is an absolutely brilliant idea, I had never thought of that - I'm not sure what my skills are (!) but it's given me some fantastic options to think about - I live in a smallish village so I'm sure there are people who would maybe want something I can do! Thanks for that.

southern_chick

try the Old style board, it wont tell you how to make more money (sorry!!) but will tell you about how to save money, obviously if you outgoings go down you'll be able to save more for your trip

Have a fantastic time

SC XX

alyth

thanks Southern Chick, I'm having a little competition with myself to see how much money I can't spend! Thankfully I have no outgoings as partner pays for everything, but I've made it a personal challenge to buy as little as possible and put away as much money as I can! So only buying things like pepsi on bogoff, no toiletries unless on bogof, etc.

skollieal

No suggestions I am afraid, but just wanted to say good luck........ am really motivated by your enthusiasm and determination and know that with such an attitude you will succeed big time. How about charging your partner for conjugal duties????????Only kidding but i did suggest it once to mine and it certainly spiced things up which meant there was less time to spend money lol. Sorry this might be breaking the rules talking about such things on here lol

Miss_Penny_Pincher_2

Congratulations on the trip alyth! Sounds really exciting

Do you use Quidco at all? It's a good easy options to quickly earn money through signing up for things such as A&L current account (£50 through Quidco + £50 if get somebody to send in a 'recommend a friend' voucher after opened), Cahoot savings account (£25), Marbles Card (£20), Screenselect (£15).

Also possibly use Quidco for gambling sites as even though need to deposit and wager e.g. with bingos.co.uk need to bet £10 but Quidco pays back £30 = £20 profit and get to keep any winnings too.

Local councils often require election count, voting booth and postal vote staff for the May elections so could find out whether you can put your name down for this - this would only be a day or twos work at most though.

Good luck

Maz

I do Kleeneze, make around 400 quid a month for about 10 hours work a week.

alyth

skollieal, that's a brilliant suggestion! OH is being pretty good actually as I'm saving £2 coins and when he gets one it goes into panda fund, and as it's bonus month for him this month I'm hoping for a contribution in return for the ironing!

I've made £30 on amazon this weekend already, entering competitions etc. I'm so motivated by this, I've decided to give up alcohol until pandatrip as well which will save me a fortune (!). I'm so motivated to do this, it's a really exciting challenge for me (rather sad I know) but the thought of my baby pandas is enough to stop me spending any money - I've put a picture of a panda in the front of my purse, a tip I got from MSE ages ago, so whenever I open my purse to pay for something, it really makes you stop and think "do I really need this", even if it's just a can of drink or something!

Clive_Woody

If you are fit young and healthy you could consider volunteering for clinical trials, these pay very well. I volunteered for several during my student days and they paid for skiing holidays and much more. You can easily be paid over £1000 these days for volunteering to take part in a study. You will most likely be required to spend a number of nights in the trial unit, but all of your meals will be provided and usually entertainment is pretty good (DVDs, video games, library, internet access etc...). Not a good idea if you are squeamish about giving blood, but the trial nurses will be very experienced at taking blood as they do it every day.

I should point out this is my field of work, but I am not recommending any particular unit as this would be unethical. Do a google search to see who is running clinical trials in your area (generally travel expenses will also be paid). If you want any more info send me a PM.


Disclaimer: Only do this if you feel comfortable with this and understand what you are agreeing to. Trials in the UK are approved by both government regulators and an independent ethics committee. You should be given an information leaflet (often up to 10 pages long, maybe more), read this carefully and if you have questions ask the doctor running the trial. Only sign this form when you are happy you know what you are agreeing to.

As I said, this is something I did as a student and it paid good money. I was comfortable taking part in clinical trials and felt I was doing some good too. If you feel the same then it might be something worth considering.