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Brits making £500 a month from side hustles as living costs continue rising
Reach Daily Express | April 21, 2026 8:40 PM CST

Brits are increasingly turning to side hustles to boost their income as the cost of living continues to rise, with some earning as much as £500 extra a month.

From freelance writing to selling clothes online, more people are finding flexible ways to make additional cash alongside their main job.

Platforms like Fiverr, Vinted, and Upwork have seen a surge in users offering services ranging from social media management to graphic design, highlighting a growing trend towards freelance and remote work, as well as selling clothes online.

Based on 2025 financial results released in April 2026, Vinted experienced significant growth, with its user base expanding by 23% year-on-year.

In the UK alone, Vinted is estimated to have grown to 17.4 million users, marking it as one of the fastest-growing markets.

One TikTok user recently claimed they make over £600 a month by selling digital products online, while others have shared how reselling clothes on Vinted has helped them bring in consistent extra income.

The rise in side hustles comes as many households continue to feel the strain of rising bills, with workers looking for practical ways to stay afloat financially.

One user on Reddit commented: "The beauty of a product-based side business is that once it's made, it's literally a case of packing it up and getting it sent to the customer. I made £300 yesterday for 20 minutes' work."

Whilst another added: "I've learned fast it's not about million pound ideas, it's about small wins and stacking them."

The MoneySavingExpert platform lists 10 ways to bring in extra cash, including entering contests as a cash-boosting hobby.

"From cars to £20,000 cash, five-star USA holidays to £10,000 Tesco gift cards or even two years' rent paid, MoneySavers have won it all. It's all about 'comping', a potentially profitable hobby for the lucky."

Popular side hustles include freelance writing, tutoring, social media management, and selling handmade or second-hand items, many of which can be started with little to no upfront cost.

Experts say the appeal lies in flexibility, allowing people to work around existing commitments while building an additional income stream.

With the 2026 elections coming up, MoneySavingExpert also suggests taking on the role of a poll clerk, which can earn you up to £290 a day with training included.

While not every side hustle guarantees high earnings, many say even an extra £50 to £100 a month can make a noticeable difference in covering essentials.

As more Brits look for ways to manage their finances, the trend of side hustles shows no signs of slowing down.


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