As a new mom, I totally get how stressful it can be to think about affording maternity leave. It can really stretch your budget, especially if you don’t have a strong workplace package. Suddenly, you’re dealing with a reduced salary and extra costs like nappies, baby clothes, and setting up the nursery.
It’s no surprise many of us look for ways to earn extra money during maternity leave. However, this isn’t the time to take on anything too demanding. You need something flexible that you can do from home, anytime, even while caring for your baby.
Here are some top ways I’ve found to make money with a new baby:
### 1. Matched Betting
Matched betting is a great way to make money online if you’re in the UK. Despite the name, it’s not gambling because you make a profit every time by taking advantage of free bets and special offers from betting sites. You place two bets that cancel each other out, ensuring you don’t lose money and can pocket the free bet offer. Websites like Outplayed.com provide software and support to guide you through the process. I made £1000 in my first 12 weeks!
### 2. OhMyDosh!
OhMyDosh! pays you to sign up for various free trials and offers. I made £20 in 30 minutes! It’s a quick way to make some cash, although not something you can do long-term. Another similar site is Cashback, which requires completing 15 offers to cash out but can net you around £150.
### 3. Task Apps
Task apps like BeMyEye, Field Agent, and Streetspotr pay you to do small tasks like checking store promotions. You can do these while out with your baby. Job Spotter is another app that pays you in Amazon vouchers for taking pictures of hiring signs in shop windows.
### 4. Transcription
If you’re a fast typist, transcription work can be a flexible option. You listen to recordings and type out the content. While the pay isn’t high for beginners, it’s flexible, and you can do it from home.
### 5. Surveys
Paid surveys are a well-known way to make extra cash. They are flexible and can be done from your phone at any time. You won’t make a full salary, but you can realistically earn an extra £50-£100 a month. Some recommended sites are Prolific, Pinecone Research, and YouGov.
### 6. Swagbucks
Swagbucks pays you for tasks like surveys, watching videos, and playing games. It’s not high-paying, but it’s easy to do from your phone. You can even let videos run in the background while doing other things.
### 7. Tutoring
If you have special knowledge or skills, online tutoring can be a great option. You can tutor English as a foreign language or other subjects. Companies like Course Hero and EF (Education First) offer flexible tutoring opportunities.
### 8. RedWigWam
RedWigWam matches you with short-term assignments like product promotions or mystery shopping. These are great for picking up occasional shifts without committing to a regular job.
### 9. Virtual Assistant
As a Virtual Assistant, you can offer services like answering emails, scheduling social media posts, or bookkeeping. This job is flexible and can be done from anywhere with your laptop.
### 10. Freelancing
If you have skills like writing, graphic design, or coding, freelancing can be a flexible way to earn money. Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and People Per Hour are good places to start.
### 11. Selling on eBay
Selling unused items on eBay can bring in extra cash. You can also turn it into a side hustle by buying items at car boot sales and selling them for a profit.
### 12. Cashback
Cashback sites like Quidco and TopCashBack give you money back for online shopping. It’s an easy way to make extra cash if you shop online frequently.
### 13. Respondent
Respondent.io pays for participating in online research studies. The pay is high, up to $140 per hour, although the work isn’t regular.
### 14. Blogging
Blogging can become a source of passive income. It takes time to build up, but once established, it can bring in money without daily effort. You can earn through ads, affiliate marketing, and sponsored posts.
### 15. Print on Demand
Selling products like T-shirts and mugs through print on demand sites can be a good source of passive income. You create designs, upload them, and earn royalties when they sell.
### 16. Printables
Selling digital files like planner pages or wall art on Etsy can be another source of passive income. You create the design once, and it can sell multiple times.
### Legal and Tax Considerations
If you’re wondering if you can work during maternity leave, check your contract first. Generally, you can do self-employed work without affecting your maternity pay. If you’re self-employed and receiving Maternity Allowance, you’re limited to 10 keeping in touch (KIT) days of work. Also, if you earn over £1,000 in extra income in a tax year, you’ll need to register for Self Assessment with HMRC.
### Final Thoughts
I hope these ideas inspire you to make some extra money during your maternity leave. Whether it’s through flexible online work or starting a small business, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. If you have more ideas, feel free to share in the comments!