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Day 5: How do I make more money?

Have you been wondering if making more money could get you out of out of debt sooner?

It might seem like that is easier said than done. But don't give up! There are ways you could boost your income.

Today's tasks...

  1. Task 1: Look at ideas for making more money
  2. Task 2: Choose the ones that work for you and give them a try

Task 1: How do I make more money?

You might not have thought about doing these:

Check you are getting all the benefits you can

Every year, thousands of people in the UK fail to claim benefits and tax credits they are entitled to. There are billions in unclaimed benefits every year.

Use our free benefits calculator to find out what you can claim.

Ask your adult children for board

If you have adult children living with you, ask them to make payments towards the cost of running the home.

Even if they can only give you a couple of pound a week, that can help a bit.

And opening up to your children about money can help your wellbeing. Even if it is hard starting the conversation.

Sell unwanted items

You might be able to increase your income by selling some things you no longer need. Even if you don't make much money, it can be good for you to have a clear out.

You can sell clothes, electronics, DVDs and - well all sorts of things.

Our top tips:

  1. Be honest - what do you really need to keep? Make a list of what to sell
  2. Is there anything that can be given new life by updating it?
  3. Search online for anything you own that might be of a higher value
  4. Work out any hidden costs, such as postage
  5. Ask for free help from experts
  6. Take nice photographs if you are selling online
  7. Make sure you clean or mend anything you are selling

More tips to make money by having a clear out.

Task 2: Try a money-making idea for yourself

Now you know a bit more about how to make some extra money, it’s time to put it into action. You can do this by:

  • Using our benefits checker and applying for any extra benefits you are entitled to
  • Pick a free day in the next couple of weeks to go through your clutter and sell it
  • Read more saving and making money guides

A good way to keep going with this is to:

  1. Think about how much you could earn or make
  2. Then work out how much that comes to every week, month and for the whole year

Seeing how much it works out as can help you see what a big difference that could make to you.

We hope you are feeling inspired by our ideas.

Debt happens. We deal with it.

We have helped millions of people since 1993.

Find out how.

"StepChange has been amazing!"

"From the minute I contacted them they helped with everything from sorting out the debts and producing my income and expenditure to dealing with the companies and working out a manageable payment scheme for me. I am now on my last payment and will be debt free in only 7 months, ready for a worry-free summer."

Carl, Trustpilot Review

 Coming up in day 6...

Tomorrow we will take a look at how you can trim spending in your budget to save money.

Skip ahead to day 6 now