Want to make money online, but don’t know…

  • Where to start?
  • What’s safe, and what’s a scam?
  • What’s the best use of your time?

Don’t panic – that’s what Money-Making Mums is here to help with. I got into the world of online side hustles way back in 2009, and have personally vetted every single one of the apps and websites in this free money-making toolkit to make sure they’re not only safe, but worth your time.

Choose a few of these to get started, and work out which sort of side hustles you find the most enjoyable, like surveys or paid interviews. Or, sign up for all of the below, and maximise your money-making potential. There are no limits to how many you can sign up to, and how much you can make online, so let loose and start earning extra income!

Top-paying survey sites

Author’s favourite: Prolific (sign up here)
Runner up: YouGov (sign up here)

Qmee (sign up here)
LifePoints (sign up here)
Valued Opinions (sign up here)
OnePoll (sign up here)
Swagbucks (sign up here)

Best paid interview sites

Author’s favourite: User Interviews (get an extra reward when you sign up through this link!)
Runner up: People for Research (sign up here)

FOLK by Field Sauce (sign up here)
Zest (sign up here)
Take Part in Research (sign up here)
Angelfish Opinions (sign up here)
Respondent (sign up here)

Best money-making apps for busy mums

Author’s favourite: OnePulse (sign up here)
Runner up: THX (sign up here – mobile only)

Airtime (sign up here – enter code F43A68R6 for an extra reward)
Roamler (sign up here)
Shepper (sign up here)

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How to choose the best side hustle for you

Choosing the right side hustle site is key to ensuring you get the most out of your extra time, without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’re looking to earn some extra cash by completing online surveys, joining focus groups, or trying out other money-making opportunities, it’s important to pick a side hustle that suits your lifestyle and fits around your family commitments. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the best fit:

  • Safety first: Always prioritise safety when choosing a side hustle site. Look for established, reputable platforms with plenty of positive reviews. Avoid any sites that seem too good to be true or ask for upfront payments.
  • Time commitment: Consider how much time you can realistically dedicate to your side hustle. If you have small pockets of time throughout the day, online surveys might be ideal. If you can set aside larger chunks of time, focus groups or freelance work might be more rewarding.
  • Flexibility: As a busy parent, flexibility is key. Choose side hustles that allow you to work on your own schedule. Sites that offer a variety of tasks with different time requirements can give you the flexibility to pick and choose what fits your day.
  • Earning potential: Different side hustles come with different earning potentials. Research what each site offers and weigh it against the time and effort required. While some tasks might offer quick and easy money, others might be more lucrative in the long run.
  • Personal interest: Choose a side hustle that aligns with your interests. This not only makes the experience more enjoyable but can also increase your chances of sticking with it. Whether it’s testing products, sharing your opinion, or offering a service, make sure it’s something you’ll enjoy doing.
  • Payout options: Check how each site pays out earnings—whether it’s through PayPal, bank transfers, or gift cards—and choose the one that suits you best. Also, be mindful of the minimum payout thresholds to avoid frustration later on.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a side hustle that not only fits your lifestyle but also helps you achieve your financial goals without adding unnecessary stress to your day. For more money-making ideas, head on over to my blog.