Money for Nothing

If you’re new here, or if you’ve read my post Why "I Can't Afford It" Doesn't Wash With Me and you’re thinking, that’s all well and good, but I’ve already cut back as much as possible and I’m still not saving enough—then this post is for you!

I’m going to walk you through some simple wins to get money for (almost) nothing. While none of these will make you rich overnight, stacked together they can make a serious difference to your savings!

💰 Banking & Cashback Offers

• Nationwide Fairer Share Bonus – If you’re a Nationwide customer, they’ve been giving out £100+ loyalty payments to eligible members. You need a mortgage or eligible savings account (like the Flex Saver). Last year, my husband and I got £100 each, and this year we’re hoping for the same. We’ve already had notification of a separate £50 bonus in April.

• Bank Switching Bonuses – Many banks offer £100-£200 just for switching accounts. This fluctuates, and you can’t switch banks too often, but Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert regularly shares the best offers. Also, check First Direct, NatWest, Lloyds, and Santander for current deals.

• Cashback Banks – Some banks literally pay you to spend:

  • Chase Bank – 1% cashback on spending for the first year.

  • Santander – 1% cashback on bills and supermarket shops.

• Chip Savings App – A great option for high-interest savings. They calculate interest daily and show your pending interest when you log in.

🎟️ Free Lotteries & Prize Draws

• Pick My Postcode – A daily free postcode lottery where you can win cash just for checking in. I’ve done this for a few years and, while I haven’t hit the jackpot, I’ve won two cash prizes just for checking the site daily!

• Free National Trust Draws – If you’re a member, these often have free entry, with prizes like holidays or cash.

• Martin Lewis’ Free Draw List – His site frequently features free-to-enter competitions with cash prizes. Sign up for his newsletter to stay updated.

🎉 Referral Schemes & Passive Earnings

• Revolut/Monzo/Starling Referrals – Many digital banks offer £10-£20 per friend you refer. Revolut, in particular, is brilliant for travelling, with great exchange rates. My referral link.

• Chip Savings App – Offers extra interest boosts or cash rewards for referrals. Right now, you get an extra 1% for 90 days if you deposit £1,000. My referral link.

• Curve Card Referrals – Get £5+ when you refer someone to Curve’s all-in-one banking card.

• Airtime Rewards – Connect your debit card and earn money off your phone bill with everyday spending.

• Zilch Buy Now Pay Later – Offers £5-£10 per referral plus cashback on purchases.

• Honey (Browser Extension) – Finds and applies discount codes automatically, earning you cashback when shopping online.

📱 Apps That Pay You for Doing Nothing

• Sweatcoin – Earn ‘Sweatcoins’ just for walking, which can be exchanged for vouchers or PayPal cash.

• Cashback on Utility Bills – Octopus Energy / Utility Warehouse offer up to £50 per referral when switching.

• Google Opinion Rewards – Answer short surveys for Google Play or PayPal credit.

• Microsoft Rewards – Earn free gift cards just by searching with Bing.

📦 Selling Things Without Much Effort

• Ziffit / WeBuyBooks – Scan barcodes on books, DVDs, or games and sell them instantly.

• Vinted / eBay / Facebook Marketplace – Sell clothes and unused items with minimal hassle.

• MusicMagpie – Trade in old phones, consoles, and DVDs for quick cash.

When we bought the boat (three years sooner than expected due to Covid), we sold everything that wasn’t essential. If it wasn’t in use or boat-friendly, it went on eBay or Marketplace. We made several thousand pounds, which was a great boost to our travel fund!

Tax Tip – From 2024, you can make £3,000 before needing to declare any earnings.

🏡 Extra Money for Homeowners

• Rent a Driveway – Apps like JustPark or YourParkingSpace let you rent your driveway for £50+ a month. The more sought-after your location, the higher the price you can charge.

• Rent Out a Spare Room – The Rent-a-Room Scheme lets you earn up to £7,500 per year tax-free from a lodger.

• Rent Out Your Home as a Film Set – This can be extremely lucrative, depending on your location:

  • Small shoots (YouTube, photography, indie films) – £100 - £500 per day.

  • TV shows, music videos, mid-budget productions – £750 - £2,000 per day.

  • Major films, high-end commercials – £2,000 - £5,000+ per day.

  • Period homes, mansions, or sought-after properties – £10,000+ per day for blockbuster productions.

If your home is in London or another desirable area, this could be a huge money-maker!

Final Thoughts

None of these tricks will make you a millionaire overnight, but when you stack them together, they really add up. Whether you’re saving for travel, a house deposit, or just want to boost your income, these low-effort wins can help get you there faster.