My maternity leave is fast approaching, and though the anxiety I had around surviving on maternity pay has mostly eased, I’m still keen to get ahead financially and and take the pressure off whilst I’m off work.
Like many parents-to-be, I’ve been doing my best to save what I can since finding out we were having a baby. But alongside that, I’ve been focussing on making extra income on the side, using quick and flexible ways that fit around a full time job.
I currently work a 9–5, walk the dog most mornings before work and again most evenings, so spare time is limited. Everything I’m doing is:
- Easy to fit around work
- Done from home or on my lunch break
- Worth my time financially
None of these ideas will make you rich overnight, but earning an extra few hundred pounds a month can make a huge difference during maternity leave.
In January, I made an additional £400, broken down as follows:
- Survey sites: £274
- Market research: £13
- Cashback & offers: £3
- Selling on Vinted: £110
I’ve only included money that has actually landed in my bank account so far. I still have a fair amount pending from cashback offers and market research studies, which should be paid in February. As this was my first month properly getting started, I spent quite a bit of time applying for market research opportunities. That’s already paying off as I completed one study at the end of January for £50 (still to be paid), and I have four more booked in for the first week of February totalling £210.
Below is a breakdown of the exact sites and apps I use to earn extra money from home in the UK.
Survey Sites
I’ve been using survey sites for years, and while many pay pennies, there are some genuinely worthwhile options if you know where to look.
After trying almost every survey site out there, these are the ones I consistently use and recommend.
Prolific (My Top Reccomendation)
Prolific is hands down the best survey site I’ve ever used. Over the last five years, I’ve earned over £3,500 through the platform. It consists of:
- Academic studies run by universities
- Topics are often genuinely interesting
- Studies range from 1 minute to over an hour
- Minimum pay rate of £6 per hour (most pay more)
- Cash out from just £6
- I usually earn around £5-10 per day when I’m checking regularly.
https://www.prolific.com/participants
Influence (Quick Video Surveys)
I only recently discovered Influence, but earned £10 in my first week, even during a busy work period.
What makes it different:
- All responses are short video answers
- Super easy to use
- 15-second minimum per response
- Earn between 25p and 63p per question
- It adds up surprisingly fast.
YouGov
YouGov pays well per survey, but the downside is the £50 payout threshold. Surveys aren’t very frequent, so it can take time to cash out, but they’re usually interesting and reputable.
One Pulse App
OnePulse is great for quick wins:
- 1–3 questions per ‘pulse’
- Takes seconds to complete
- Pays $0.15 per pulse
- $20 payout threshold
I keep notifications on because they fill up quickly. Over six months, I’ve cashed out $80 just by doing the occasional pulse.
One Pulse App (use the code BHPRVZ to get a bonus on sign up)
Market Research
Market research pays significantly more, but places aren’t guaranteed and applications take time.
I’ve completed several focus groups via Zoom and earned around £50/hour each time.
Most sites work similarly, in that you need to log in regularly and apply for suitable studies. The researcher may then get in touch if you fit the criteria they’re looking for.
Market research sites I check often are:
Cashback
Top Cashback
TopCashback is one of the easiest ways to save money on things you’re already buying. Just create an account and then use their website to go to the retailers site.
Some of my recent cashback:
- £50 after booking a TUI holiday
- £15 on airport parking
- £50 on Currys purchases
- £50 for opening two savings accounts with £1 deposits
Top Cashback Website (You can get £10 sign up bonus using this link)
Cashback
This is newer to me, but I already have £50 pending after a couple of weeks.
You earn by:
- Completing free trials
- Surveys
- Simple offers
I’ve received several freebies (including underwear, washing tablets and spice pots) and found it pretty straightforward.
Cashback website (You can get £10 sign up bonus using this link)
Sprive
Sprive is slightly different, as the cashback goes straight towards overpaying your mortgage.
How it works:
- Buy gift cards through the app
- Earn cashback
- Cashback is used to reduce your mortgage balance
I’m still getting into the habit of using it, but it’s ideal if you shop in-store. You can get cashback on my highstreet stores including most supermarkets.
Sprive App (Sign up with the code 51396U8V to get Sprive Plus for free)
These methods won’t replace a full-time income, but they’re simple, flexible ways to earn extra money from home, without having to commit too much time. I’ve done this around a full time job and a busy home life.
If you earn over £1,000 per year in additional income, remember you’ll need to register for tax in the UK.
I’m planning to track my progress with regular updates on TikTok, and I’m hoping to get back to sharing more adventures too, especially once baby arrives!
You can find me over on Tiktok and Instagram
L x
*This post contains referral links. I may earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.
Lisa Outdoors 
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