20 Ways Single Mums Can Make Extra Money Today

With prices rising worldwide, managing a household budget on a single income is harder than ever. As a single mum, I know the importance of finding ways to make a little extra money—whether it’s working from home or going out to work. Today, I want to share 20 ideas that you can start today to earn some extra income. Many of these are flexible, so you can fit them around family life, school runs, and everything else that comes with being a mum. Let’s dive in!

Number One - Online Surveys

Taking online surveys is a simple way to make extra cash, though it won’t make you rich. Some platforms pay small amounts per survey which add up over time and some give vouchers for places such as Amazon, Uber eats as well as others places. These are great to do when you’re waiting in the car for school pick-up or have a spare 10 minutes in your day, it can be an easy way to earn a few pounds. Prolific is a popular choice, however there is a waiting list for this particular site but there are many other sites you can join for free, do a little research to find the ones that work for you.

Number Two - Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping is a great side gig for mums who are already out running errands. Various apps let you see which shops have tasks in your area. You might need to evaluate a store, take photos, speak to a member of staff or just give feedback. It’s a fun way to make a bit of money, especially around the holiday season. Earnings vary, but it can be a good option for those little extras.

Number Three - Reselling Items

If you have unused items at home, like toys, clothes, or household goods, selling them can bring in extra cash. Start by listing items on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Vinted. If you enjoy it, you might look into buying second hand items from charity shops or car boot sales to resell, this can turn into a good business however start small with your own items. This is a great opportunity to declutter and earn a little bit of extra money.

Number Four - Renting Out Your Stuff

If you have things you don’t use all the time such as camping gear, a driveway, or a spare room in your home consider renting them out. Websites allow you to rent out parking spaces or even your home for short periods. Just make sure to check local regulations, especially for property rentals. Renting out items can bring in good money, particularly during peak seasons or events.

Number Five - Babysitting or Childminding

If you’re a stay-at-home mum another option is to start offering childminding or babysitting services that could easily fit into your life. Advertise on local Facebook groups or use apps that connect parents with sitters. Be sure to check if you need any particular certifications or clearances, like a DBS check in the UK.

Number Six - Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you’re an animal lover but unable to have your own pet an option is pet sitting or dog walking which could be ideal for you. You’ll need to be comfortable with pets and may need insurance if it becomes a regular side business. It’s a flexible option where you can pick and choose your clients and this will bring in a little extra cash. If you have children, ensure the animals you take care of are child friendly animals.

Number Seven - Selling Handmade Goods

If you’re crafty, consider selling handmade items like candles, cards, or baked goods. Advertise your items on platforms such as Etsy or Facebook Marketplace these sites are great places to sell unique, handmade products. It could even become a regular side income if you find the right audience.

Number Eight - Virtual Assistant Work

Being a virtual assistant - VA - for short is perfect if you have strong organisational skills. VA work can range from email management, calendar management to social media support. This is a great job that you can do working from home and you can often set your hours meaning you can work around your children. To get started, reach out to small business owners or sign up on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to advertise your services.

Number Nine - Photography

If you love taking photos, you might earn some extra money selling your images as stock photos. Websites like Shutterstock allow you to upload and sell your photos. You may only bring in a small amount of extra income however by posting you will be able to make a little extra profit. You don’t need a fancy camera; smartphone cameras today are often good enough. Plus, it’s an activity you can enjoy with your kids while you’re out and about!

Number Ten - Food Delivery

If you have spare time and some form of transport, consider food delivery for services like Uber Eats or a local supermarket. The pay varies, but it can fit around family life such as working when children are at school or at weekends, you can choose hours that work for you.

Number Eleven - Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a great way to earn passive income. You recommend products, and if someone buys through your link, you get a commission. There are plenty of free resources online to help you get started, so don’t feel pressured to buy a course unless you’re sure it’s worth it. Learning from a free course will give you a chance to see if this is something you want to invest in further. You can do a free beginner course with sites such as Alison.com for free beginner courses.

Number Twelve - Online Customer Service

Many companies need customer service representatives who work from home. If you’re good with people, this could be a good option, especially as it’s often shift-based and flexible. Some roles may require phone interaction, while others may only need online chat support. Some can be done at your set times which is a great opportunity to do when the kids are asleep.

Number Thirteen - Tutoring

If you have expertise in a particular subject you don’t necessarily need to be a qualified teacher for some sites but online tutoring could be a valuable side gig. Websites like Preply or iTalki allow you to teach English to non-native speakers or offer tutoring in other subjects. It’s a flexible option, although the hours can vary depending on the students' locations.

Number Fourteen -Transcription Work

If you’re a fast typist, transcription work could be a good fit. Many content creators need transcriptions for videos, podcasts, and other media. Websites like Rev and TranscribeMe offer regular transcription gigs, you can even add your services to sites such as FIver and Upwork. Another great side gig to do around family life and commitments.

Number Fifteen - Proofreading and Editing

Proofreading is another great option for mums with a keen eye for detail. If you’re good at spotting errors and have experience with editing. This is a role you can often do from home. You could be proofreading books, documents and more. Again, check out Upwork and Fiverr to find proofreading gigs.

Number Sixteen - Freelancing

Freelancing in areas like writing, graphic design, or video editing can bring in significant money if you have the skills and knowledge. Sites like Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour allow you to create a profile and start finding clients. Meaning you can work your own hours which fits around your family.

Number Seventeen - Blogging

Blogging is a great way to bring in extra money, however it can also take time to make money, but it’s rewarding if you enjoy writing and sharing ideas. You can start a blog on platforms like WordPress or Systeme.io, which offer free plans. Monetizing a blog involves affiliate marketing, ads, and potentially selling products, but it’s a long-term strategy. If you would like to start with systeme.io you can do so here -

Number Eighteen - YouTube

If you prefer making videos over writing, consider YouTube. While it’s not instant income, you can grow an audience and earn through ad revenue however if you are yet to meet the requirements of YouTube for their monetisation you can earn from YouTube by sponsorships, and affiliate links. Plus, it’s something you can work on while the kids are at school or in the evenings.

Number Nineteen - Print on Demand (POD)

Print on demand is an e-commerce model where you design custom products, such as clothing or phone cases, which are then printed and shipped by a third-party provider but only when a customer places an order. Meaning you don’t need to hold any inventory or handle shipping yourself, everything is managed by the print-on-demand provider, such as Printify, Gelato, or many others. This is a low-risk side hustle and you only pay when someone makes a purchase. However, building a successful print on demand business takes time, consistency, and an understanding of how to market your products effectively.

Number Twenty - Making Money with Amazon

Amazon offers multiple ways to earn income, whether you're interested in publishing, selling products, or providing services. Here are some popular options:

Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing): With KDP, you can publish your own books, journals, colouring books, or other content and sell it on Amazon. This is a great way to get started with self-publishing, especially if you have creative ideas to share.

Amazon FBA (Fulfilment by Amazon): Through FBA, you can buy products in bulk and have them stored, packed, and shipped by Amazon. This can be a convenient way to sell products without handling the logistics yourself.

Reselling Used Books: You can find books in good condition at charity shops or garage sales and list them as used books on Amazon. Many people prefer buying used books, and you can build a profitable side business by sourcing and reselling them at a higher price.

Delivering with Amazon Flex: If you’re interested in local deliveries, Amazon Flex lets you earn money by delivering packages for Amazon. You set your hours and get paid per delivery, making it a flexible option.

These are 20 ideas that offer a range of options for single mums to earn extra money, from quick wins to long-term strategies. As a single mum myself, I understand the daily challenges, and I hope some of these ideas will make a difference for you. Remember, even a few extra pounds here and there can add up, especially over time.

Good luck, and let me know in the comments if you try any of these or have your own tips to share!

Until next time

Rachel