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Honestly don't think I can save on outgoings, so how can I try to make a bit extra cash?

126 replies

gretagrape · 15/10/2013 16:02

Hi. First time on this section, but would really appreciate some input. It's me, husband and 6mo and our outgoings per month are as follows:
mortgage and council tax - can't change those!
water - on a meter - £27
gas/elec - fixed - £95
house/contents insurance - £23
phone/bb - £16 (paid line rental in advance for 12 months already)
petrol - £300ish
cat insurance - £16
tv licence - £12
sky - free until December then will be cancelling
mobile - £35
sainsburys - £220-£240 (includes cat food, bathroom/kitchen stuff and own-brand nappies)
abel & cole organic fruit and veg - £60 (only just started this as son onto solids - no more expensive than food at sains but better variety so would like to keep)
That's it - no ciggies, no alcohol, no gym, no going out or takeaways. We walk with the pram if we are going less than 1hr walk each way (petrol is mostly work mileage); 90% of son's clothes and toys are family's seconds, and we probably average £20 on clothes (not joking, almost nothing in the last 12 months apart from maternity wear for me!).
Even with this we are struggling - husband got free upgrade on phone so it was sold on ebay, but we really don't have much other 'tat' that we could sell.
Can anyone suggest any ways of trying to make a little bit extra?
Thanks
x

OP posts:
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notagiraffe · 02/11/2013 22:29

Hi OP, I do market research focus groups. They pay between £30-£60 per session and rarely last more than an hour or two, with free sandwiches and drinks, and sometimes, free products. Sign up for a few companies and then when they email, reply immediately as they seem to operate first come first served.

I sell tiny amounts of stuff on ebay - only things I'm pretty certain will sell as it is time consuming, but the money comes in handy.

Don't forget loyalty card schemes. Nectar points really add up, as do Boots card points.

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