One in four Britons considering a ‘side hustle’ to make money, poll finds

The research revealed one-third expect to have a financial shortfall this festive period

One cited ‘side hustle’ is selling clothes and second hand belongings at car boot sales (AFP via Getty Images)

Dog walking, and selling old clothes and technology are among the ways adults are starting a “side hustle” to make money for Christmas and beyond, research claims.

A poll of 2,000 adults found one-third expect to have a shortfall of £239 on average this festive period.

Meanwhile, 13 per cent anticipate being £500 or more short of what they need this year.

As a result, one-fifth have started a “side hustle” to increase their income ahead of December, while a further one in four are considering starting one up.

The research, commissioned by musicMagpie, also found one in three of those who are already earning extra money started doing so before May this year.

And 55 per cent plan to continue even after the Christmas period.

The research found Christmas typically costs £619 to cover the expense of gifts, travel, presents, Christmas dinner and charitable donations.

As a result, people are hoping to make about £192 from their side hustle, although one-fifth are relying on earnings of £250 or more.

Lesley Finlayson, 59, from Walthamstow, London, has managed to earn hundreds of pounds of additional income from jumble sales, online surveys and selling old tech.

Lesley said: “I started ‘side hustling’ initially to clear out my clutter and make some money from it, but it then led me to raising money for a care home that I volunteered at.

“As I was doing well and was able to raise this money on the side, I then decided to build up a pot for Christmas and start other ‘side hustle’ funds that I set aside for specific reasons, such as birthdays.

“My side hustles have included selling old books, CDs, and DVDs. I was also able to collect old books from around the village which went towards my neighbour’s daughter’s Irish dancing lessons.

“There have also been a few jumble sales locally, where I have pitched my table. I have made £165, £150, £186, £55 respectively from all jumble sales and £120 from a big garage clear out."

The study also revealed that among the reasons for earning extra money is the rising costs of Christmas, having less in savings this year and wanting to make the holidays more memorable.

But three in 10 put their need for a ‘side hustle’ down to a drop in their earnings during 2020, with one-fifth seeing a reduction in their wages.

This has led to 50 per cent of those struggling to afford Christmas stating that their situation is specific to this year.

Because of this, 28 per cent are also looking to cut costs on gift buying with more than one in 10 planning a Secret Santa to ease the financial strain.

Almost one in five (18 per cent) will be making their own presents and 17 per cent will be buying second-hand gifts, such as refurbished tech, instead of brand new.

The research, conducted via OnePoll, also revealed that the festive period is not the only time adults look to earn some extra cash, with 35 per cent having ways of increasing their earnings throughout the year.

Taking on a second job and selling pre-loved items such as clothes, technology and toys are among the more popular ways of adding some extra money to savings.