Before we get started, a quick hello. If you’ve been around the blog for a while, you’ll already know me as Miss Frugal. I’ve popped up here and there over the years, but while Mam isn’t very well, I’m helping out a bit more and learning the ropes of blogging along the way.
I’ve considered a few of these options over the last few months but I thought I’d see if there was a blogger in me before that. Fingers crossed for me please!
With the cost of living still being a worry for so many people my age, earning extra money has started to feel less like a “side hustle trend” and more like a sensible way to stay afloat. Going into 2026, a lot of us aren’t just looking for quick cash anymore — we’re trying to build a bit of financial stability without completely burning ourselves out.
Whether it’s to help cover rent, save for travel, pay off debt or just feel less stressed month to month, side income has become a normal part of life for lots of people in their twenties. The key is finding something realistic that fits around work, study and actually having a life.
Here are some of the most manageable and popular ways people are earning extra income as we head into 2026 — and what they’re really like.
Delivery work and gig driving
Delivery work is still one of the easiest ways to earn extra money because of how flexible it is. Apps like Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo let you work when it suits you, which is ideal if your hours change or you’re balancing more than one job.
The job itself is pretty straightforward. You log in, accept a shift or delivery, follow the route and get paid. Over time, it actually becomes quite satisfying — you learn shortcuts, get quicker, and know exactly what you’ll earn for your time. Working evenings, weekends or busy periods can really boost your income too.
For a lot of people my age, this works well because it fits into spare hours without the commitment of a second job.
Renting out your car or van
If you have a car or van that isn’t used every day, renting it out can be a surprisingly easy way to make money. This works especially well if you work from home, commute by public transport or have access to another vehicle.
Some people make enough to cover insurance, tax or part of their monthly payments just by renting their vehicle out occasionally. The most important thing is making sure the insurance is right as you need a A special type of van insurance is needed for personal or private use — standard policies usually don’t cover rentals, even if it’s for personal use. Getting the correct cover is essential.
This side hustle works especially well for people who commute by public transport, work from home, or own a second vehicle. Some vehicle owners make enough to cover insurance, tax and even part of the finance payments simply by renting their van out a few days a month.
Freelancing skills you already have
Freelancing has become really common, especially among younger workers. More companies are happy to outsource tasks rather than hire full-time staff, which creates loads of opportunities for flexible work.
If you’ve got skills in writing, admin, social media, design, editing, customer support or marketing, freelancing can pay well. Most people start with smaller jobs, build confidence, and then increase their rates over time.
The best part is the control. You decide how much you work, who you work with and how you fit it around your life.
Selling and reselling online
Selling things online is one of the easiest ways to get started. Platforms like Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace make it simple to sell clothes, tech or home items you no longer use.
Some people take it further and resell items for profit — buying second-hand pieces cheaply and selling them on. You don’t need a big budget to start, and it’s a good option if you enjoy hunting for bargains or organising things at home.
It’s flexible, low risk and easy to scale up slowly.
Offering local services
Local services are always in demand. Cleaning, dog walking, babysitting, gardening, car washing or helping people organise their homes can all bring in reliable extra income.
These jobs work well if you prefer practical, hands-on work and don’t want to sit behind a screen. They’re also great for repeat bookings — once people trust you, they usually stick with you.
Even a few hours a week can really help financially.
Creating digital content or products
Digital income is huge right now. People are earning money through social media, blogs, newsletters, templates, digital planners and online courses.
This route takes patience — it’s not instant money — but it’s one of the most flexible long-term options. Something you create once can continue earning long after you’ve made it, which is really appealing if you’re thinking ahead.
It suits creative people or anyone who enjoys building something over time.
Teaching or sharing what you know
If you’re good at something, there’s a good chance other people want to learn it. Tutoring, fitness coaching, photography, music, crafts, coding or even driving theory can all be turned into paid lessons.
Teaching can be done online or in person and is often really rewarding. It builds confidence, creates connections and feels genuinely useful — which is a nice bonus when you’re earning extra money.
A few common questions
How much can you realistically earn?
This depends on what you choose. Freelancing and digital products tend to offer the highest long-term potential, while delivery work and local services provide more immediate income.
Do you need insurance?
Some side incomes do require specialist insurance, especially delivery driving or vehicle rental. Always check before you start to avoid problems later.
How much time do you need?
Even five to eight hours a week can make a difference. The goal is something that fits around your life, not takes it over.
What’s the easiest way to start?
Selling online, offering local services or delivery work are usually the simplest. Freelancing pays more but needs existing skills.
Side income doesn’t have to mean constant stress or working every spare minute. For a lot of people my age, it’s about finding a bit more breathing room, more choice, and a sense of control over money — and doing it in a way that still leaves time to actually enjoy life.
Hopefully this will inspire someone to make some money in 2026.
PS I made it through a whole post without an emoji – my Mam will be traumatised lol.
I’d love you follow me on Twitter and it would be amazing to see you over on my Facebook page and on Instagram. If you’re interested, you can find out more about me here and while I’ve got your attention, if you’re wondering why some of my posts lately are a little bit less frugal then have a read of this post. 😉 This is a collaborative post
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