How to make money this Christmas – from renting out a room to having a clear-out

Christmas is going to feel a little different this year. Which? research shows nearly half of consumers plan to reduce the amount they spend on gifts and three in ten are considering buying cheaper food, or less of it, due to rising living costs.

To help you make savings, Which? has compiled a comprehensive Christmas food guide, rounding up the best value picks from our expert reviewers’ taste tests.

But what if I told you that there are ways you could actually boost your finances this festive season? Here’s a list of relatively simple steps to put a bit more cash in your pocket this winter.

Have a clear-out

Do you have stuff that others may want? Renting or selling unused and unwanted items can be an easy way to make money. Vinted, Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree were the top-rated websites in our survey about the best places to sell your second-hand items.

Rent out a room

If you’re fortunate enough to have a big home, letting a spare room could provide an extra source of income. You could make up to £7,500 a year tax-free by taking a lodger through the Rent a Room government incentive scheme.

Economy drive

Have you got a car that you don’t often use? Renting it out could yield some extra cash. Apps such as Turo, Hiyacar and Karshare can help match you with nearby drivers. But make sure you factor in the effects of wear and tear, and any insurance implications this might have.

Reclaim what’s yours

When the frenzy of getting ready for Christmas abates, spend any quiet moments and free time over the holiday period trying to reclaim lost cash. It’s easy to lose track – I’ve managed to find £100 in an old Abbey National kids’ savings account. Across the country, billions of pounds sits dormant in current or savings accounts and Premium Bond winnings. Use gretel.co.uk or mylostaccount.org.uk to get started on your search.

If you want more tips and tricks on saving money, as well as chat about cash and alerts on deals and discounts, join our Facebook Group, Money Pot.

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