earning Archives - Mouthy Money https://s17207.pcdn.co/tag/earning/ Build wealth Mon, 03 Mar 2025 08:58:05 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://s17207.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cropped-Mouthy-Money-NEW-LOGO-square-2-32x32.png earning Archives - Mouthy Money https://s17207.pcdn.co/tag/earning/ 32 32 How to sell your stuff online for free: eBay gets rid of fees for private sellers https://s17207.pcdn.co/budgeting/how-to-sell-your-stuff-online-for-free-ebay-gets-rid-of-fees-for-private-sellers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-sell-your-stuff-online-for-free-ebay-gets-rid-of-fees-for-private-sellers https://s17207.pcdn.co/budgeting/how-to-sell-your-stuff-online-for-free-ebay-gets-rid-of-fees-for-private-sellers/#comments Mon, 25 Nov 2024 11:35:48 +0000 https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/?p=10466 Shoestring Jane walks us through the latest updates in online selling, including how eBay fees have been removed for private sellers Selling your stuff online for free became even easier last month, as eBay announced they were scrapping all fees (apart from vehicles) for private sellers. This was music to my ears, as I have…

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Shoestring Jane walks us through the latest updates in online selling, including how eBay fees have been removed for private sellers
Selling your stuff online for free: eBay gets rid of fees for private sellers
Woman taking a picture of a bag


Selling your stuff online for free became even easier last month, as eBay announced they were scrapping all fees (apart from vehicles) for private sellers.

This was music to my ears, as I have been selling some bits and bobs on eBay to help my mum move house. We thought we were doing well, having made around £330, but then we realised eBay had taken £118 in fees! That’s quite a chunk! 

I decided to see what I could list on Vinted, as they have no selling fees. It seems I wasn’t alone in moving to Vinted. It has become hugely popular, and although the focus is still on clothing, the platform is gradually increasing the categories of items you can sell to include homeware, electronics, entertainment and pet care. 

As well as the threat from Vinted, eBay faces growing competition from Depop, which recently scrapped most of its selling fees (apart from a small payment processing charge).

Now eBay has responded to the competition, and private sellers have no final value fees to pay. 

Private sellers can list 300 items a month, which is way more than most of us will need if we are just having a sort-out This means that if you want to make a bit of money selling your old stuff to help fund Christmas, you can make even more than you would have in the past.

Business sellers

eBay’s decision to scrap final selling fees for private sellers caused consternation amongst business sellers reselling used items for a profit.

After all, businesses still have to pay final selling fees, alongside shop fees if they have one. Many felt that with no fees private sellers would be able to undercut their prices by some margin.

However, eBay seems to have a long-term plan, as they recently announced they were scrapping fees on used clothing for business sellers, too. It is possible that they will decide to extend this to other used items. 

This move may also be a reaction to the launch of Vinted Pro, Vinted’s new platform for business sellers, which continues with the current Vinted model of charging purchasers a ‘buyer protection fee’ instead of selling fees.

Buyers pay between 3% and 8% of the item price, which Vinted say protects their money and covers refunds, customer service, etc. My hunch is that eBay will introduce a similar fee for buyers shortly.

Which is best? Vinted vs eBay

I asked members of my Facebook group, My Secondhand and Frugal Life, which platform they preferred to use for buying and selling. Opinions were divided.

Many felt you couldn’t command very high prices on Vinted. As a result, they tend to list lower-value items there and more expensive things on eBay. Angela said, “I love Vinted for selling clothes. I tend to use eBay for more specialised items as you can usually get a bit more.” From a buyer’s perspective, there were “great bargains on Vinted”.

Marina agrees, but likes how easy Vinted is to use. “ If you have something you want more than a couple of quid for, then eBay gets you a lot more chance. But Vinted is so much easier.” Caroline says, “eBay has a bigger reach, but the Vinted interface is better.”

Customer service quibbles

There were a couple of comments about poor customer service on Vinted when things went awry. Miki feels there is little support when you are dealing with a scammer. “If a buyer says (the item is) a fake, Vinted side with the buyer and you lose your items. It’s happened to Dr Marten sellers I know who don’t sell fakes… I’d rather be protected on eBay.”

Mandy bought a T-shirt listed as new without tags, but when it arrived it had blood stains on it. The seller insisted on a return, which Mandy had to pay for, even though the item was not as described. On eBay, the cost of returning a faulty item would have been the seller’s responsibility.

Donna’s Vinted account was hacked, and she said, …”the customer service was appalling trying to get it sorted … after a week and a half, I just asked for the account to be closed. Never had any of that in all my years using eBay.”

However, Fiona has only had positive experiences with Vinted: “I find the people friendly and customer service is always great if there is a problem.”

The tax issue

One development to consider when selling items on any online platform is that HMRC now requires anyone with a turnover of more than £1000 from the sale of personal items to complete a tax return. 

This has caused worry and confusion among private sellers, but Vinted explains it like this: “In the UK, if the money you make on Vinted over a year is less than what you paid for the items, you pay no tax.

“The only time that an individual item might be taxable is when you sell it for more than £6,000 and there is a profit from the sale (ie it sells for a higher price than you paid for it.” You can read the full guidance here.

Ebay’s information on the tax obligations of private sellers is a little less clear, stating only that “sellers may be required to declare and pay taxes on income earned from eBay sales.” Their policy can be found here.

One thing that is clear is that online selling platforms like eBay and Vinted are now obliged to report sellers with a turnover of £1000 or more to HMRC. Although you may be asked to complete a tax return, this doesn’t necessarily mean there will be tax to pay.

Conclusion

Despite all the changes, selling your stuff online for free is a great way to declutter and you can use the money you make to spend on items that you will appreciate more. Do you sell online?

Photo credits: Pexels

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Get fit, make money – how to profit from fitness apps https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/budgeting/get-fit-make-money-how-to-profit-from-fitness-apps/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=get-fit-make-money-how-to-profit-from-fitness-apps https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/budgeting/get-fit-make-money-how-to-profit-from-fitness-apps/#comments Wed, 20 Nov 2024 11:10:16 +0000 https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/?p=10475 Do you want to stay fit and earn cash? Nick Daws reveals top fitness apps that pay you to stay active. In today’s busy world, finding time to stay fit can feel like a challenge. But what if working out could help your wallet as well?  Thanks to a range of fitness apps available on…

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Do you want to stay fit and earn cash? Nick Daws reveals top fitness apps that pay you to stay active.
get fit and make money 
woman exercising


In today’s busy world, finding time to stay fit can feel like a challenge. But what if working out could help your wallet as well? 

Thanks to a range of fitness apps available on your phone, staying active can do more than just improve your health – it can also help you make or save money. 

From cashback on fitness purchases to rewards for hitting step goals, technology is making it easier than ever to turn your workouts into financial gains. 

Here’s how you can get fit and boost your bank balance into the bargain.

1. Get paid to walk with apps such as Sweatcoin

Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise. With Sweatcoin, you can get paid simply for walking. 

The app tracks your steps and converts them into ‘sweatcoins’, a form of digital currency. These can be redeemed for goods and services, including fitness gear, tech gadgets and even gift cards. You can also save up your sweatcoins to donate to charitable causes.

How it works:

  • Download the Sweatcoin app (available for iOS and Android).
  • Let the app track your steps in the background.
  • Earn sweatcoins for every step you take.
  • Redeem sweatcoins for a variety of products or donate to charity.

Potential savings: While you won’t make a fortune, Sweatcoin rewards can help you offset costs on everyday purchases, contributing to long-term savings.

2. Get cashback for staying active

Some fitness apps and services now offer rewards for maintaining an active lifestyle.

For example, Vitality, a UK health insurance provider, encourages you to stay active by offering cashback and rewards like discounts on gym memberships and sports gear.

By linking your fitness tracker or app to their system, you can collect points for every run, walk, cycle or workout, which you can then redeem for rewards.

How it works:

  • Sign up for a Vitality health insurance plan.
  • Track your fitness activity with your app or wearable device.
  • Accumulate points for activities such as walking, cycling or going to the gym.
  • Redeem points for rewards like gift cards, Apple Watches or cashback on your premiums.

Potential savings: Depending on how active you are, you can save hundreds of pounds a year on insurance premiums and lifestyle products.

3. Earn cashback on healthy purchases

Several UK-based banking apps, such as Monzo and Curve, offer cashback or discounts for spending on fitness-related purchases, such as gym memberships, sports equipment and healthy food.

They often partner with wellness brands, offering users cashback when they make qualifying purchases.

How it works:

  • Sign up for a Monzo or Curve account (or link your existing account to an app that offers cashback).
  • Use your card to make fitness-related purchases, such as gym memberships, sports gear or nutrition supplements.
  • Earn a percentage of your purchase back in cashback, which is credited directly to your account.

Potential savings: Cashback offers can range from 1% to 10% depending on the brand, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds annually.

4. Offer online fitness coaching

If you’re already passionate about fitness, why not turn your hobby into a source of income?

Apps like Fiverr and Upwork allow you to offer personal training, fitness coaching or wellness advice to clients around the world. 

Whether you’re a certified personal trainer, a yoga instructor or a fitness enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge, there are people willing to pay for your expertise.

How it works:

  • Create a profile on a freelancing platform (e.g. Fiverr, Upwork).
  • Offer fitness-related services, such as personalised workout plans, online coaching sessions or nutritional guidance.
  • Set your rates and start taking on clients.

Potential earnings: Depending on your skills and experience, freelance fitness coaches can charge anywhere from £20 to £100 per hour, making it a lucrative side hustle.

5. Sell fitness plans and content

Another potentially profitable option if you’re a fitness fan is creating and selling digital products such as workout plans, ebooks or exercise videos. 

Platforms like Etsy and Gumroad allow you to create and sell fitness-related digital content. Whether it’s a beginner’s guide to weightlifting or a 30-day home workout plan, there’s a growing market for well-structured fitness programmes. 

Another option would be to set up a health and fitness channel on YouTube and profit from a share in the advertising revenue. It worked for Joe Wicks!

How it works:

  • Create a digital product, such as a workout plan, healthy recipe guide or training video.
  • List your product on a digital marketplace like Etsy or Gumroad.
  • Promote your product through social media or fitness-related communities.

Potential earnings: While the income may start off small, digital products have the potential to generate growing amounts as word spreads, meaning you earn money without much ongoing effort.

6. Save on gym memberships

With the rise of high-quality fitness apps like Nike Training Club and FitOn, you no longer need an expensive gym membership to stay fit. 

Many of these apps offer free or low-cost workouts that you can do from home, saving you money on gym fees, travel and equipment.

How it works:

  • Download a free fitness app (e.g., Nike Training Club, FitOn, or Freeletics).
  • Choose from a variety of workouts, from yoga to high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
  • Follow guided workouts from your phone, often with no equipment needed.

Potential savings: Typical gym membership in the UK costs around £40 a month. By using a free or low-cost fitness app, you can potentially save £480 a year or more.

7. Get discounts on fitness tech

Several apps and fitness services offer discounts on wearables like Fitbits and Apple Watches if you commit to using their platforms. 

For example, with health insurer Vitality (mentioned earlier), you can get an Apple Watch for as little as £37 if you hit your activity targets each month.

How it works:

  • Sign up for a fitness or health platform that offers wearable discounts.
  • Purchase a discounted fitness tracker or smartwatch.
  • Keep up with your activity goals to avoid paying full price.

Potential savings: A premium smartwatch like an Apple Watch can cost over £400, so taking advantage of fitness-related discounts can save you hundreds of pounds.

Closing thoughts

Staying active doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right fitness apps (and a bit of physical effort) you can improve your health while saving or even making money.

Whether you’re earning cashback for your daily steps or saving on costly gym memberships, there are lots of ways to maximise both your fitness and your finances. 

So lace up your trainers, download a fitness app, and start boosting both your body and your bank balance!

Nick Daws writes for Pounds and Sense, a UK personal finance blog aimed especially (though not exclusively) at over-fifties.

Photo credits: Pexels

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Balancing a part-time job with studies: a financial survival guide for students across the UK https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/budgeting/balancing-a-part-time-job-with-studies-a-financial-survival-guide-for-students-across-the-uk/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=balancing-a-part-time-job-with-studies-a-financial-survival-guide-for-students-across-the-uk https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/budgeting/balancing-a-part-time-job-with-studies-a-financial-survival-guide-for-students-across-the-uk/#respond Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:08:43 +0000 https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/?p=10449 High school student Joel Davies shares essential tips for balancing part-time work and studies With financial independence a life essential, students from GCSE through to university are increasingly taking on part-time jobs. Balancing work with studies, hobbies, and social life isn’t easy. Regional differences make it even more challenging, students in the South might earn…

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High school student Joel Davies shares essential tips for balancing part-time work and studies
Balancing a part-time job with studies
Young woman working with laptop


With financial independence a life essential, students from GCSE through to university are increasingly taking on part-time jobs.

Balancing work with studies, hobbies, and social life isn’t easy. Regional differences make it even more challenging, students in the South might earn more but face higher living costs, while students in the North may struggle with fewer job options but enjoy lower expenses.

As I get ready to start my own part-time job, I’ve gathered tips to help students across the UK manage these challenges while staying on top of their studies and well-being.

College student Leo from London shared his take on juggling work and study. He believes discipline is key: “It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted, and I’m still figuring it out myself. But with strong time management and discipline, it’s more manageable than people think.

“I still make time for hobbies like the gym, gaming, and basketball, but the trade-off is a reduced social life, just part of the grind.”

In the North, students like Malachi face a different reality as they balance work, A-Levels, and extracurriculars. Fewer job opportunities mean greater competition, while lower living costs ease the pressure.

Here are some practical strategies to help students across the country manage their finances without compromising on school or social life.

1. How much should you work?

Balancing income with academics can be tough. Here’s a look at what’s manageable for students at different stages:

  • GCSE Students: A 5–10 hour work week is often best for GCSE students. Weekend shifts are ideal, keeping evenings free for homework and rest. Try to find a job close to home to cut down on travel time.
  • A-Level Students: A-Level students, who face a demanding study load, may find 10–15 hours per week manageable. Evening or weekend shifts are best for flexibility. In the South, students might need more hours to keep up with higher living costs.
  • University students: With more flexible schedules, university students can handle 15–20 hours a week. Southern students may hit financial goals with fewer hours due to higher wages, while Northern students should seek stable hours to maintain consistent income.

Tip: In the South, you might need longer shifts to meet higher expenses, while Northern students could aim for steady shifts to ease competition for fewer jobs.

2. Budgeting time and money together

Balancing work and study involves planning time and money effectively. Here’s how:

  • Tracking spending and hours Worked: monitor both spending and hours worked. Budgeting apps can help you track both time and finances, giving you a clearer picture of where your earnings and hours go.
  • Time-blocking techniques: Reserve blocks of time for studying, working, and downtime. For example, schedule weekday evenings for study, weekends for work, and keep one day for relaxation or hobbies. Adjust your schedule as needed for exam season or social plans, and tailor your approach based on where you live—Southern students may need more flexibility, while Northern students could aim for a more consistent weekly pattern.

Tip: By tracking both money and hours, you can adjust your schedule to avoid burnout while still reaching your financial goals.

More from Joel Davies

3. Setting boundaries and saying no

It’s important to set boundaries with work and social commitments. Here’s how to handle it:

  • Setting boundaries with employers: Be clear about your availability with your employer, especially during exams. If you’re balancing A-Levels with work, let your manager know your availability each week.
  • Managing social invitations: It’s tempting to say yes to every invite, but it’s essential to take time for yourself. Politely declining with, “I’ve got a lot on this week with work and studying, but let’s catch up soon,” lets friends know you still care.
Sample scripts for saying no:

To your employer: “Thanks for offering me more hours, but my study load’s pretty intense right now. I’ll let you know if my availability opens up.”

To friends: “I’d love to join, but I’ve got a busy week with work and studying. Let’s plan something for next week.”

Tip: Boundaries help prevent burnout and keep you performing well in both work and studies.

4. Maximising perks and stretching your income

Make every pound count by taking advantage of job perks:

  • Employee benefits: Many jobs offer perks like discounts, free meals, or help with travel costs. Take advantage of these to cut down on expenses. Retail jobs, for instance, often come with discounts, which can be especially helpful in high-cost areas like the South.
  • Jobs that build experience: Look for jobs that relate to your future goals. For instance, a job as a social media assistant is useful if you’re interested in marketing. Northern students may want to choose stable jobs with experience-building potential, even if the pay isn’t as high.

Tip: Choosing flexible jobs with added benefits lets you build skills for the future and still meet your financial needs.

Balancing a part-time job with studies can be a challenge, but with these strategies, it’s possible to handle work, school, and personal life without sacrificing success in any area.

Wherever you’re studying in the UK, these tips can help you make the most of your time and income as a student. Remember, finding balance is different for everyone, but with some planning and discipline, you can find an approach that works best for you.

Photo credits: Pexels

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Turbo-charged or terminated: is your job safe from AI? https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/investing/turbo-charged-or-terminated-is-your-job-safe-from-ai/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=turbo-charged-or-terminated-is-your-job-safe-from-ai https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/investing/turbo-charged-or-terminated-is-your-job-safe-from-ai/#respond Thu, 01 Aug 2024 15:07:19 +0000 https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/?p=10277 Joe Danbury explores how AI could either turbo-charge or terminate careers in the future. “As an AI developed by OpenAI, my purpose is to assist, inform, and inspire through the power of language and knowledge. In five years’ time, I envision myself as a more intuitive and adaptable presence, seamlessly integrating into the fabric of…

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Joe Danbury explores how AI could either turbo-charge or terminate careers in the future.


“As an AI developed by OpenAI, my purpose is to assist, inform, and inspire through the power of language and knowledge. In five years’ time, I envision myself as a more intuitive and adaptable presence, seamlessly integrating into the fabric of daily life to foster creativity, understanding, and global connection.” – GPT4

For thousands of years, the only way new information came into existence was from the relentless toil of human effort. Those who were lucky enough to be literate shaped humanity’s progress through the written word.

Up until recently, we humans retained this monopoly. Yet like a slowly rising tide, computer-generated text has been getting better and better. For the most part this has been so subtle that it was easy to ignore.

Ask the average person what a transformer model is and they’ll probably start thinking of decepticons. It was only with the explosive popularity of ChatGPT3 that the public started waking up. Now it seems impossible to ignore the possibilities – both positive and negative – of advanced, easily-accessible AI.

Has the rising tide of AI development become a tsunami? It really depends on who you are and what you do.

This article will try and clear the smoke surrounding the long-term impacts of AI by focusing on five different careers – two of which stand to benefit from AI, and three of which may no longer exist in ten years’ time.

Terminated

Let’s start with the bad news; AI is coming for some jobs.

Customer service operators

If you’ve had a parcel delivered by firms like Evri or Yodel, you may be raising your eyebrows. Many current chat bots are useless, only used by cheapskate companies who don’t care about providing a good service.

Yet the fundament difference between the chatbots of old compared to chatbots like GPT4 is all to do with how they work. Current models are able to ‘look back’ through a conversation to understand the overall context of your request.

The reason that they threaten this job is two-fold. Most customer service issues are very simple to solve, and it’s much cheaper to use chatbots than humans.

Older chatbots follow rule-based logic, which works fine for simple queries, but splutters and dies when it encounters anything beyond very narrow bounds. LLMs such as GPT4 can reason about the answers they give. It’s the difference between reading from a script and actually engaging with the problem at hand.

They can also recognise when they can’t answer a query. This is a game-changing combination – sufficiently advanced chatbots can recognise the limits of its design and escalate the query to a human operator.

Not only can one LLM manage the vast majority of incoming queries – if something goes beyond its limitations, it can hand over control to a human.

This means we can expect to see customer service departments made up of one LLM and a few senior employees who step in to handle complex queries. Customer service operators? Terminated.

Coders

The reason that language models such as ChatGPT4 work in the first place is because of a clever bit of computing called Natural Language Programming (NLP).

The genius of NLP is that it allows humans to communicate with computers using human speech. However, it’s important to remember that LLMs are still computers – and that computers’ mother tongue is code.

It converts prompts into code, analyses them, and outputs its response as ordinary language. But a really cool emergent feature of this is that LLMs can ‘translate’ ordinary language into a wide variety of coding languages.

This has the knock-on effect of LLMs being able to write code for a wide variety of tasks with minimal human oversight. Great news for tech companies with tight deadlines; terrible news for junior software engineers.

Why? Simple. More AI means fewer humans. Just like in the example above, you can have a handful of senior software engineers who use advanced AI systems to replace the guys doing the grunt work.

Moreover, AI systems don’t get tired, don’t demand higher pay, and don’t unionise! Capitalism, baby, let’s go!  

Junior software engineers? Terminated.

Prompt Engineers

Getting a little meta here, but you may have seen some positions at AI companies offering eye-watering salaries. Prompt engineers at Anthropic are currently starting at $280k a year – as of April 2024.

They are responsible for designing effective prompts. What does this mean? Imagine a vending machine with gold bars inside. Everyone wants the gold inside.

There is a way to get it, but doing so is incredibly complicated.

This means that those who know how to use the vending machine are rewarded richly, whereas the average person loses out.

Before you start googling ‘prompt engineer jobs near me’, consider this. What if the whole future development of our gold vending machine was focusing on making it easy for everyone to share in the riches it offers?

Sooner or later the rewards will be shared by all – and at that point there is no value in having esoteric knowledge about how to make the machine work.

This is the end goal of the big AI companies. Sooner or later, you won’t need to be a prompt engineer to use an LLM – and at that point, AI companies won’t need professional prompt engineers anymore.

Prompt engineers? Terminated – ironically, through their own work.

Turbo-charged

Teachers

I think teachers are some of the most undervalued members of society. They face near-constant stress, work exceptionally long hours, and are woefully underpaid. Yet because they are dedicated to improving the lives of children, they push through it.

What if we could build advanced technology that would make teachers’ lives easier? What if this technology also improved the standard of teaching so that every child had their own, tailor-made personal tutor?

Advances in Natural Language Processing (NLP) mean that a chatbot can generate text to fit all levels of reading comprehension. Whether it’s a five-year-old or a fifty-year-old, complex LLMs can explain difficult concepts in easy-to-understand ways.

Moreover, they can generate personalised explanations – meaning that if you need to explain compound interest to a kid who loves Star Wars, you can do so in seconds.

This means that teachers can generate personalised learning materials for a wide range of students in a fraction of the time.

This is already happening; the Khan Academy have created ‘Khanmigo’, an AI chatbot built specifically for education under strict ethical guidelines (read more here). [This article is also really useful WaPo).

Software that doesn’t judge children (or adults, for that matter) can be extremely effective for shy kids who may feel self-conscious about not knowing something.

I use GPT4 all the time to teach me new things. But I’m careful to not take everything it says at face value.

A key concern with using A.I. in schools is that children may start consuming hallucinated information as fact – effectively eroding our knowledge base through AI error. It is important to note, therefore, that efforts to introduce AI into education are being carefully monitored.

These AI systems aren’t going to replace teachers, but will hopefully become an indispensable tool that allows every child to flourish and learn in a way that suits them.

The issues facing teaching won’t be fixed entirely by mass adoption of AI systems – but developing these systems properly may have domino effects that help with other problems.

Teaching? Turbo-charged.

Writers – brainstorming, information gathering, editing and proofreading.

This may be the elephant in the room. Writers are worried that they will be replaced by AI systems, and for a while there didn’t seem to be any evidence against this happening.

However, it’s becoming clear that this isn’t the case – largely because you can’t train AI models on AI-generated content (the technical reasons for this are that the model output quality collapses over time due to information degradation and regression to an unoriginal, shitty average. Not sure how relevant this is).

This means that there will be a premium on human-generated content as time goes on. Which should, in theory, be great for journalists and creatives, as there may soon become a high premium on original writing (provided that AI companies actually pay to use content – see the FT’s deal with OpenAI.)

We can see a future where humans are still writing the articles – but there is extra revenue generated from selling on this content as training data.

But how else can AI systems benefit writers beyond merely serving as an additional way to make money?

Writers’ block can be frustrating at the best of times. Yet sometimes, all you need is a little nudge to get the gears turning. Whilst I’m not staring down the barrel of a tight deadline right now, I do want to get a move on and finish this draft.

Because of this, I enlisted GPT4 to suggest a brief list of jobs that could benefit from widespread adoption of LLMs. I didn’t use it to write the text for me. Rather, I used it to help me decide what to write about.

I can see that it may initially seem like cheating to use AI in a creative task. You’re interested in my work (I hope) – not a machine’s. Recognising this is key to using AI in a creative task.

The depth and nuance that humans bring to a discussion can’t be replicated by AI systems. Yet AI systems can generate resources in fractions of the time that humans spend doing the same task.

So, writers can use AI in a symbiotic relationship, in which AI systems provide useful prompts for humans to produce high quality content from, which in turn is used to help make AI systems better.

Photo Credits: Pexels

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Make a sideline income renting out your driveway https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/budgeting/make-a-sideline-income-renting-out-your-driveway/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=make-a-sideline-income-renting-out-your-driveway https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/budgeting/make-a-sideline-income-renting-out-your-driveway/#comments Thu, 25 Jul 2024 11:24:18 +0000 https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/?p=10162 Nick Daws gives practical tips on how to earn extra money renting out your driveway as a parking spot. With the cost of living steadily rising, many homeowners are looking for creative ways to generate extra income. One such opportunity is renting out your driveway.  If you have a parking space or driveway that sits…

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Nick Daws gives practical tips on how to earn extra money renting out your driveway as a parking spot.
Cars parked on a street.


With the cost of living steadily rising, many homeowners are looking for creative ways to generate extra income. One such opportunity is renting out your driveway. 

If you have a parking space or driveway that sits empty most of the day, turning it into a source of passive income is easier than you might think. Here’s how you can get started and make the most from this opportunity.

Why rent out your driveway?

The demand for parking spaces in busy cities and towns across the UK is huge. Many areas suffer from a lack of available (and affordable) parking, leading commuters, tourists and even local residents to search for alternatives. Renting out your driveway can help fill this gap while putting extra money in your pocket.

How much can you earn?

The amount you can earn by renting out your driveway varies based on location, demand and the availability of alternative parking options. In central London, for example, you could earn between £150 and £400 per month. In other cities and suburban areas the earnings might be lower but still substantial enough to make it worth your while.

So how do you get started?

Various apps and online platforms make it easy to list and rent out your driveway. These platforms provide a user-friendly interface, allowing you to manage bookings and payments efficiently. 

In this article I will focus on JustPark, one of the most popular and widely used parking platforms. But there are several others – listed later – that are well worth checking out too. 

How does JustPark work?

Through their website and mobile app, JustPark puts drivers in touch with home-owners and businesses who have parking spaces (and/or EV charging facilities) available near their destination. They say they help over 13 million drivers a year find parking spaces at over 45,000 UK locations.

Listing your space is free and you can set your own price based on how long the driver wishes to stay. JustPark will suggest an appropriate price based on your location and the facilities you are offering, but you aren’t obliged to accept this.

JustPark charges space-owners (or hosts as they call them) a 3% fee on bookings (so if you charge £10 they will take 30p, meaning you receive £9.70). They also make money from drivers, adding up to 25% of the host’s asking price to the fee charged. They say, however, that charges to drivers are still typically 30% lower than ad hoc street parking (if you can find it), which makes the service attractive to drivers too.

More from Nick Daws on Mouthy Money

A big attraction of JustPark is that they handle all the admin on your behalf. All payments are made via the site, and hosts can withdraw earnings via PayPal or direct to their bank account. JustPark also ensures hosts still get paid even if the booker doesn’t turn up.

The money you earn from renting out your parking space is covered by the tax-free trading allowance, so you can make up to £1,000 per year completely free of  tax (and no need to declare it to the taxman). According to the JustPark website, hosts have made a total of over £50 million since the platform first started. Their top hosts earn over £4,000 a year. 

All drivers using the service have to register, so you know exactly who will be using your space on any given day. There is also a rating system so you can see any comments other users of the service have made about them. Hosts are also rated by drivers, incidentally.

You can offer spaces by the day, week or month, and set any restrictions you wish on when your space is available. Anyone is welcome to advertise spaces on JustPark, but the locations in most demand are those near airports, stations and stadiums, and in major cities. 

Other options

As mentioned, JustPark isn’t the only platform offering this service. Here are a few others to check out:

Parklet – Similar to JustPark, Parklet allows homeowners to rent out their parking spaces. It offers flexible payment options, including monthly rentals, which can attract long-term renters.

Your Parking Space – YourParkingSpace caters to both short-term and long-term parking needs, making it ideal for different types of renters. The platform handles all the logistics, including payment processing.

Kerb – Kerb is a parking app that allows homeowners to rent out their driveway to commuters, event-goers, and more. It has a global reach, making it useful for those living near airports or other major transport hubs.

Top tips

To maximize your earnings and attract more renters, consider the following tips:

  • Create clear and detailed listings – include high-quality photos and precise descriptions of your space.
  • Offer competitive pricing – research similar listings in your area to set a competitive rate.
  • Maximize availability – the more available your parking space, the higher your chances of securing renters.
  • Communicate well – respond promptly and courteously to booking requests and enquiries.
  • Prioritize safety and security – ensure your driveway is well maintained and well lit at night. 
  • Avoid confusion or misunderstandings – provide clear instructions for renters.
  • Offer EV charging facilities – with EVs growing in popularity, this can be a great selling point for your space. And of course, you can charge more too.

Closing thoughts

I hope this article has opened your eyes to the money-making potential of renting out your driveway. 

Obviously in recent years the pandemic and working from home reduced demand for parking. But with life returning to normal now, demand for parking spaces is steadily increasing again. If you are lucky enough to have a driveway or other parking space you could rent out, why not start making money from it today?

  • Of course, if you don’t have a suitable space to offer, you won’t be able to benefit from this opportunity. You could still use JustPark and similar platforms to save money on your own parking costs, though. Either way, these services are well worth checking out.

As always, if you have any comments to share about this article, please do leave them below.Nick Daws writes for Pounds and Sense, a UK personal finance blog aimed especially (though not exclusively) at over-fifties.

Photo credits: Pexels

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Diary of an SME Owner: we can network it out https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/pensions/diary-of-an-sme-owner-we-can-network-it-out/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=diary-of-an-sme-owner-we-can-network-it-out https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/pensions/diary-of-an-sme-owner-we-can-network-it-out/#comments Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:19:02 +0000 https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/?p=10122 In this instalment of his monthly column, “Diary of an SME Owner”, Michael Taggart continues to tell all about the highs and lows of relaunching and running a tea company, MDTea, alongside his wife, Helen.  This month, Michael re-lives a networking nightmare, mourns the demise of a neighbouring business and sets his sights on a…

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In this instalment of his monthly column, “Diary of an SME Owner”, Michael Taggart continues to tell all about the highs and lows of relaunching and running a tea company, MDTea, alongside his wife, Helen. 


This month, Michael re-lives a networking nightmare, mourns the demise of a neighbouring business and sets his sights on a second high street store.

May 5th

We’ve joined a networking club, called Network My Club. We don’t have a club, but we do want to network – so joining Network My Club seemed to be at least half a good idea. Permit me, Diary, to tell you a short story about my introduction to networking.

A long time ago in a land far, far away (Holland), I joined my boss at a conference. Let’s respect section 15, subsection 2, paragraph (d) of the Defamation Act 2013, and call my boss John Smith.

I was tasked with acting as John’s wingman at about five events over the two days in Amsterdam, and my job at each was to chat effervescently with people in whom I had no interest, about things I didn’t understand, while proudly representing a company I hated and wanted to leave. I had been commanded to sparkle while all around me was dark and hopeless.

On the first evening, my suitcase not yet unpacked, I met John at one of those joy-sapping sponsored parties in city centre hotels that belong at airports. He was soon working the room, at the same time throwing judgemental glances back at me as I shuffled awkwardly on the outskirts of various groups saying nothing or worse.

Everywhere I looked, Billy or Willemina Big-Business-Bananas was loosing off machine gun rounds of pith, wit and gossip – carelessly lobbing incendiary opinions into random groups of delegates and piercing people’s armour with warheads of pure personality. I had turned up with a pea shooter.

Just when I was about to seek respite in the toilets for the fourth time, I spied a waiter offering attendees a basket of cannabis jelly beans. I presumed, of course, they were some weak faux version – surely one wouldn’t be offered drugs at a work event in a respectable city like Amsterdam? – but even a subtle effect might be enough to loosen my conversion cords, I reasoned. Ignoring a stricture to “please take only one”, I popped four in my mouth.

An hour later, I felt weird and sick, incapable even of a false smile, and certain only of one thing: I could not stay in that room. But surely I couldn’t just perform a French exit? I had a long fight with my conscience which, eventually, I won and I fled with The Clash’s most famous song trespassing in my tormented mind.

I was only vaguely aware of the hammering on my hotel door at 10pm and woke the following morning to around 20 missed calls from John, from John’s personal assistant (who wasn’t even in Holland) and from a takeaway delivery driver. Luckily, I felt fresh and managed to lie my way out of the trouble over breakfast, later completing the trip with my reputation only slightly ruined.

Those were very different times and I am now good at talking to people I don’t know while simultaneously tearing food from wooden skewers with my teeth and drinking warm wine – so let’s see what benefits Network My Club brings. I’ve signed up to an event at Twickenham Rugby Stadium early next month.

May 18th

News reaches me that a chain of hardware shops is to close after 120 years of trading in various sites across Brighton. Dockerills, a family-run business, is shuttering its single remaining store which itself has served locals since the 1970s. The owners are apparently despondent and are blaming the diminishing spending power of shoppers, as well as the huge hit Covid took on the business.


Like most sensible retailers, I know that the traditional high street is in decline. Yet, I have always believed that something different but good will replace it – venues offering experiences that cannot be found online, rather than just selling products that can.

But Dockerills is that experience-based business! You go there to talk to a knowledgeable staff member about the best ways to repair, restore or build the important things in your life. So maybe even these places are not immune to the dark clouds gathering over Britain’s shopping streets?

Machiavelli, who famously penned a treatise on The Art of War, observed that “whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times”. It’s a truth undiminished by time and of particular relevance to retailers in 2024.

So, fellow shop owners, I beseech you: diversify your income streams, spread your risks, get online, and, while you’re at it, stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, and disguise your fair nature with hard-favoured rage; for tomorrow we fight. A battle is coming.

For MDTea, I’m beginning to think leaving the battlefield – i.e. the high street – entirely might be the route to success.

May 24th

It’s good to change your mind. I’ve changed my mind about many things. For example I used to think Millennials were well-fed, well-watered, well-intoxicated, warm, dry, comfy, self-entitled whingers, who had an obsessive compulsion to declare themselves owners of bricks.

But now they’re old with bad knees and grey hair – and mostly still brickless – I realise I was being hard on them from my own entitled position.

You see, buying a house was easy when I did it so I didn’t need to whine about not having one. In fact, I got a 110% mortgage (read about that here). I also now realise it wasn’t the fault of Millennials that they were entitled.

They’d had a lifetime of being told “you’re amazing – have a medal for coming last”. I’d also allowed myself to become annoyed unnecessarily about their tendency to eat raw food and do yoga and to be sure to let you know they were doing both things. But I’ve recently discovered the downward dog, and while I don’t love getting into that position, I now understand the point of it.

All of which brings me to my Big Change of Mind: we’re going to do more high street-based retail, not less. Because, despite the misfortunes of Dockerills, businesses that offer experiences are indeed thriving. I know because I’ve done some Googling. Examples I found include the outdoor clothing brand Patagonia, which hosts film screenings and public talks in its stores.

Zara’s flagship store has  interactive mirrors equipped with something called ‘radio-frequency identification technology’, which detects what item of clothing a customer is holding, and offers advice on what might go well with it! So we can do this too, offering in-store tasting events and learning opportunities. Ensuring people can see and smell the beautiful tea inside our packaging.

It just so happens that we have been presented in the last few days with an opportunity to collaborate on a new shop in a health centre in a reasonably affluent area of Hove (Brighton’s upmarket sibling). More follows!

June 6th

To the blessed turf of Twickenham Rugby Stadium for a Network My Club event – and, wow, did it leave my Dutch Disaster in the shade! You absolutely must not attend these events by seeking to receive, rather than give.

The idea is that, by paying it forward, there is a powerful long-term benefit from the relationships you will win with your kindness. Yet, in two and a half hours I was virtually bombarded with offers of business support and help. They ranged from expert advice about funding options for MDTea, to guidance on how to outsource our sales, to offers of introductions to key food and beverage buyers in the hotel industry.

My ‘to do’ list is bursting with follow-ups on ideas, opportunities and new relationships that sprang from that single event.

I sometimes think I’m wrong to think of business as a battle. When we talk of ‘Captains of Industry’ and ‘victories’, our rhetoric is – here comes another military metaphor; see how easy it is! – misfiring.

Maybe that’s because we’re not fighting each other…or anyone, for that matter. We’re actually all on the same side and if we can support each other when the economic weather is bad, we’ll all win.

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Money must-knows before getting a job in Australia  https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/budgeting/money-must-knows-before-getting-a-job-in-australia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=money-must-knows-before-getting-a-job-in-australia https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/budgeting/money-must-knows-before-getting-a-job-in-australia/#respond Thu, 06 Jun 2024 07:38:37 +0000 https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/?p=10002 Sophie King shares key tips and insights for anyone looking to land a job in Australia while traveling as a backpacker Most backpackers who come to Australia will find themselves working at some point. Some fly out with very little money and get work right away before travelling around, others transfer from a job back…

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Sophie King shares key tips and insights for anyone looking to land a job in Australia while traveling as a backpacker
How to get a job in Australia


Most backpackers who come to Australia will find themselves working at some point. Some fly out with very little money and get work right away before travelling around, others transfer from a job back home, while others travel first and then get a job after a couple of months. 

I did the latter, travelling round first before settling in Sydney. I managed to get a job within two weeks of trying. It was the only one who came back to me out of about 60 applications. 

This role required me to get a police check. Despite having one in the UK I needed to get one in Australia as well. It cost me $50. I luckily hadn’t run out of all of my money, but it reminded me of the extra costs you might need to make before starting work. 

Australia is one of the safest places I have ever been to, and I think a large part of that is because of how regulated it is. But if you’re someone looking for a job, the rules and regulations might come as a bit of a pain at first, because it usually means paying for a course.

Read more from Sophie King on Mouthy Money

If you’re travelling around Australia (or elsewhere) before you plan on getting a job make sure you’ve considered the added costs before landing yourself a role.

Once you have these, or the ones required for the job you’re after, it should be really easy to get a role. Just make sure you’ve given yourself the time and money to get them.

Here’s some of the extras you might need to get before getting a job

RSA – up to $124 (£65 ish)

In order to serve alcohol, you’ll need an RSA (Responsible Service for Alcohol) license. The cost varies depending on the company you use and the state you’re in.

Many backpackers have been scammed by fake websites so make sure you’ve chosen a legitimate company. If you’re staying in a hostel they’ll usually have information on which firms to use. You can do the RSA online, over the phone or in person.

Police check – $49:90 (£25 ish)

You might need to get a police check before starting a job, or they might require you to get one within the first couple of shifts. In my job, my UK police check didn’t count so I needed to go through the New South Wales system to get a valid check.

White Card – up to $350 (£165 ish)

If you’re wanting to work in construction, then you’ll need a white card. Like the RSA, these vary from state to state and you’ll need to get the appropriate one for each location. In Queensland a white card can cost up to $350 but in New South Wales, it might cost you only $120.

Traffic Control Card – up to $600 (£300 ish)

Many backpackers become a traffic controller as the hours are long and it pays well. But in order to become one, you’ll need to complete a course. Depending on where you’re working and the type of course you do, you could be paying anywhere up to $600. 

Photo credits: Pexels

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How to earn money from your phone https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/budgeting/how-to-earn-money-from-your-phone/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-earn-money-from-your-phone https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/budgeting/how-to-earn-money-from-your-phone/#respond Thu, 16 May 2024 13:21:23 +0000 https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/?p=9994 Shoestring Jane gives top tips on how to earn money using your smartphone Stop mindlessly scrolling and earn money from your phone instead. Do you ever find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your phone, thinking you are just wasting time? Consider using some of that time to make a little extra cash instead. Here are some…

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Shoestring Jane gives top tips on how to earn money using your smartphone
Woman using her phone to earn money


Stop mindlessly scrolling and earn money from your phone instead.

Do you ever find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your phone, thinking you are just wasting time?

Consider using some of that time to make a little extra cash instead. Here are some ideas to earn money from your phone. Most of them can be done in a few minutes here and there. 

The Biscuit app

If you are a dog walker, the Biscuit app allows you to earn vouchers from stores like Tesco, Deliveroo and M&S, along with discounts on pet food and services. The best part is that you earn these doing something you would be doing every day anyway – walking your mutt!

I discovered Biscuit a few months ago and I am a big fan. You input your dog’s microchip number and some basic details, and then each time you head off for a walk you start the app. It tracks your walk and the number of minutes you were out, and if you hit your daily target you earn points in the form of ‘biscuits’.

Once I got into the habit of remembering to turn the app on, I quickly built up the 5000 biscuits required for my first reward. I chose a £10 M&S voucher and am working towards my next one.

You can earn even more biscuits if you input information like your pet’s weight, the date of their annual vaccinations and the dates you administer flea and worm treatments.

Survey sites

I have tried several online survey companies and, in my opinion, many are not worth the effort.

They frequently ask a lot of questions before screening you out, which is very frustrating when you can spend five to ten minutes on the screening questions. Even when I have managed to get through to do a survey, I have found the rewards too small to be worth the time spent earning them.

There are a couple that I think are worth mentioning, however, particularly if you have odd bits of time during your day.

More from Shoestring Jane on Mouthy Money

Earn money from YouGov surveys

I like YouGov because I never get screened out, the surveys are straightforward, not too time-consuming and quite interesting.

I have been asked for my views on government policies, how well I think the NHS is working and on issues around Covid, as well as for my opinion on a range of companies and services.

It has taken me a long time to reach the 5000 points required for a £50 payout, partly because I only get offered one or two a fortnight, and partly because I forget to do them and they time out. I am currently at 4630 points – 370 to go – so I am very motivated to do every survey I am sent!

Prolific Academic surveys

Another survey site that pays comparatively well is Prolific Academic. The only problem is that you must apply almost immediately as the spots fill up in minutes. This may suit you if you sit in front of a screen much of the time, as you will see the notifications.

The company provides data for academics and researchers and requires you to give well-considered answers. When you get accepted, surveys can pay as much as £10, making Prolific one of the highest-paying survey sites I have come across. 

Sell your photos

If you have a passion for photography, you can sell good-quality images to agencies like Shutterstock.

You earn a small fee each time one of your images is downloaded (between 15% and 40% of the sale price), which may only be pennies initially but can add up over time. The more useful and popular the images you contribute are, the greater your earning potential. 

There is a good review of the pros and cons of becoming a Shutterstock contributor here.

Declutter your books and media

If you have shelves full of unloved books, games, DVDs and CDs, why not sell them to make money?

Companies such as Ziffit and WeBuyBooks give you an instant price when you scan in the bar codes of your items, which must be in good condition. Then you box them up, send them using the pre-paid label and, once they have been checked, you will be paid.

Make sure you check the condition guidelines and FAQs before you post your items. If they are rejected, they won’t be returned.

Sell your unwanted clothes

Vinted has taken off in recent years and with good reason. The app is straightforward and user-friendly, making listing your old gear for money quick and easy. Even better, there are no listing fees and no commission to pay. So why not declutter your wardrobe and sell your unwanted clothing?

Interestingly, eBay must be feeling the effect of Vinted’s success as you can now sell your clothing for free there, too. However, there is still a commission to pay when selling shoes and accessories.

I asked my Facebook group which platform they preferred and Vinted was the resounding winner, although some felt you could ask higher prices on eBay.

None of these methods to make money from your phone will earn a fortune. However, using the time you might otherwise spend scrolling social media could allow you to earn significant extra cash.

Photo Credits: Pexels

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Diary of an SME Owner: remember, Reader, it’s all luck  https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/pensions/diary-of-an-sme-owner-remember-reader-its-all-luck/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=diary-of-an-sme-owner-remember-reader-its-all-luck https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/pensions/diary-of-an-sme-owner-remember-reader-its-all-luck/#respond Thu, 09 May 2024 11:30:50 +0000 https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/?p=10008 SME owner Michael Taggart remembers his spiritual link to a famous comedian, accidentally enters the Lisbon Marathon and spots a huge societal trend – almost certainly prematurely.   In this instalment of his monthly column, “Diary of an SME Owner”, Michael Taggart continues to tell all about the highs and lows of relaunching and running a…

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SME owner Michael Taggart remembers his spiritual link to a famous comedian, accidentally enters the Lisbon Marathon and spots a huge societal trend – almost certainly prematurely.  
Michael Taggart Diary of An SME Owner


In this instalment of his monthly column, “Diary of an SME Owner”, Michael Taggart continues to tell all about the highs and lows of relaunching and running a tea company, MDTea, alongside his wife, Helen.  

This month, Michael remembers his spiritual link to a famous comedian, accidentally enters the Lisbon Marathon and spots a huge societal trend – almost certainly prematurely.  

Diary of An SME Owner

March 25th 

I was born in Plymouth on a clear, crisp morning in the first week of October, 1975 – a week that might one day be considered one of the most significant in the cultural history of homo sapiens.

Because, in the miniature form of a newborn baby, that period bestowed upon entertainment-seekers the world over a talent who would eventually bestride the fields of comedy, pop-philosophy, writing and life coaching with Napoleonic command. Yes, that was the week Tim Minchin was born. 

While Minchin would soon be spirited off to do his growing up in sunkissed Western Australia, he made his way into the world – four days after my début on Planet Earth – in the damp East Midlands, just 230 miles from my Devon stable (A38, then M5, then M40 is the route I usually recommend from Plymouth to Northampton).

A coincidence, then, not just of time but also of place. Were we somehow one soul split into two bodies, I often wonder, looking back. These were not the only signs of our twin flame connection. 

MORE DIARY OF AN SME OWNER by Michael Taggart

As Minchin grew from baby to boy, that puppy-faced Perth pre-schooler could not have known that he and I were both the second sons of public sector workers (his parents were doctors; mine a teacher and a civil servant).

Nor could he have guessed, as our four testicles dropped virtually simultaneously (my pair here in Northern Europe and his where the ancestral land of the Aborigines meets the Indian Ocean), that we shared a guilty love of man-scara and guy-liner. It was just a thing we both did.

Adolescence bestowed on each of us pleasant baritone singing voices and we would soon fancy ourselves as vocalists, each eventually taking the lead role of Judas in the hit rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. Minchin’s spellbound audiences in Dublin, London and Sydney must have been larger than mine in a dusty school hall in Crownhill, Plymouth.

But the thrill would have been as intense for both of us, further connecting the parallel railway tracks of our destinies with the timber sleepers of our shared experiences.  

I bring all this up because I happened, in an idle moment this morning, upon Minchin’s famous 2013 speech to graduating students at his alma mater, the University of Western Australia. It reminded me that because Minchin and I are two bodies with one mind, I should listen when he speaks, as one listens to one’s conscience. 

“Remember it’s all luck,” he told those young mortar board-sporting men and women. “You are lucky to be here. You are incalculably lucky to be born and incredibly lucky to be brought up by a nice family who encouraged you to go to uni. Or if you were born into a horrible family, that’s unlucky and you have my sympathy – but you are still lucky.

Lucky that you happen to be made of the sort of DNA that went on to make the sort of brain which – when placed in a horrible childhood environment – would make decisions that meant you ended up eventually graduating uni.

“Well done you for dragging yourself up by your shoelaces. But you were lucky. You didn’t create the bit of you that dragged you up. They’re not even your shoelaces.” 

He added: “Understanding that you can’t truly take credit for your successes, nor truly blame others for their failures, will humble you and make you more compassionate. Empathy is intuitive. It is also something you can work on intellectually.”

I remind myself of this every day and urge every successful business owner to do the same. 

April 3rd 

I suppose it was bound to happen at one point or another – and it won’t be the last time. One of the businesses we supply, a chain of cafés in Brighton and Worthing, has gone into liquidation. That ship will sink with our last invoice still unpaid. It’s a near miss really, as it’s less than £200. But it’s also a reminder for any SME owner to look for the signs a client is in trouble.

Chuck them a rubber ring if you can – but make sure you’re not too tightly tied to a ship that’s definitely going down. It’s also a moment to reflect that someone’s dream may well have sunk and that compassion is the order of the day.

The hospitality sector is experiencing some of the choppiest seas it has navigated in the last half century. And this latest bad news has spurred me on to redouble our sales efforts. When life gives you storms, dance in the rain. 

April 13th  

I’ve entered the Lisbon Marathon and have until October 6th to prepare. I was drunk when I did it but I’m glad, all the same. I make better decisions when I’m fit (such as not entering marathons when drunk). I also have access to a broader range of trousers and shirts, the smaller ones suddenly coming into play. The business benefits of this project are innumerable.  

S’miles to go: Michael kicks off his marathon training with a massive barbecue (it’s a fuel thing, apparently) 

April 28th 

I’m convinced the health benefits of green tea are finally going mainstream. That said, I spent most of the last decade prematurely telling people “the Golden Age of podcasting has arrived”.

In fact it hadn’t – not quite – and when that age finally dawned, I had quit my marketing career and was no longer trying to convince podcastless business owners to release podcasts.

In fact, I had become a podcast-free SME owner myself. I was like an evangelist who, having spent years gleefully telling fellow Americans the Rapture is nigh, disappears to Benidorm for two weeks when the day for everyone to float off into space finally arrives.

Anyway, take it from this SME owner the signs are everywhere that my latest great analysis of UK culture is correct – and not wildly premature. Radio 4, for example, just dedicated a whole 15 minute show to the topic.

The latest research, listeners heard, suggested green tea is good for your heart and mind, specifically helping to: 

  • enhance fat metabolism during exercise; 
  • dismantle harmful arterial plaques, 
  • Improve your mood, and 
  • potentially mitigate against conditions like dementia and heart disease. 

Is this the Green Age of Tea? You heard it here first. 

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How to make money from classic cars https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/investing/how-to-make-money-rom-classic-cars/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-make-money-rom-classic-cars https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/investing/how-to-make-money-rom-classic-cars/#comments Wed, 24 Jan 2024 09:21:06 +0000 https://www.mouthymoney.co.uk/?p=9692 Nick Daws delves into classic car investment, revealing its allure beyond financial gains, encompassing history, aesthetics, and practical considerations. Today I’m spotlighting an unusual investment opportunity, but one with a surprisingly broad range of attractions, including tax-free profit potential. I’m grateful for their assistance with this article to my friends at Car & Classic, Europe’s…

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Nick Daws delves into classic car investment, revealing its allure beyond financial gains, encompassing history, aesthetics, and practical considerations.


Today I’m spotlighting an unusual investment opportunity, but one with a surprisingly broad range of attractions, including tax-free profit potential.

I’m grateful for their assistance with this article to my friends at Car & Classic, Europe’s largest online marketplace for classic and niche vehicles.

In this article I’ll reveal the attractions of investing in classic cars, and set out tips and advice for those new to this field. But let’s begin with some definitions…

What is a classic car?

Generally speaking, the label of classic car is applied to a vehicle at least 20 years old, with historical significance or scarcity value, and in good condition or restored to its original condition. The term ‘modern classic’ typically refers to such cars built in the 80s, 90s or 00s. 

Obviously these terms are somewhat subjective and based on a value judgement of the vehicle in question. Not every old car, even if still roadworthy, would be described as a classic, modern or otherwise.

Why invest in classic cars?

Investing in a classic car is unlikely to be solely a financial decision. 

Obviously it will appeal most to those who have an affinity for motor vehicles, along with an appreciation of their aesthetic quality and historical significance. Buyers will also need to be reasonably hands-on with their purchase, ensuring it is properly maintained and perhaps restored.

That being said, there are plenty of hard-nosed economic reasons for investing in classic cars too.

One is (of course) the money to be made. While most modern cars typically depreciate in value, classic cars can appreciate over time, sometimes quite spectacularly. 

Car & Classic’s chied executive Tom Wood quotes the examples of a Ford Escort RS1600i that sold for over £40,000 on their website, and an Aston Martin DB2/4 which sold in the Netherlands for an eye-watering 185,000 Euro (around £160,000). Clearly those prices are a lot more than these cars would have cost originally!

What’s more, any profit you make when selling your classic car will normally be tax-free. As discussed in this recent guest post on my Pounds and Sense blog, private cars can be sold for any price without attracting a charge to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) and that includes classic cars. 

  • This is particularly significant with the recent large cuts in CGT tax-free allowances. Obviously tax laws may change in future – but according to the author of the article mentioned in the paragraph above (an associate in the private client team at law firm RWK Goodman), that is how the law stands currently.

A further attraction is that you can (if you wish) use your vehicle for everyday driving as well. This can also have financial benefits.

If your car is over 40 years old, it will normally be eligible for historic vehicle tax exemption. You are also exempt from the requirement for an annual MOT (though it’s advisable to continue testing your vehicle, to avoid safety concerns).

And in London cars over 40 years old are exempt from the unpopular ULEZ charge. Other cities with similar schemes have been following suit.

Finally, for investors looking to diversify their portfolios, classic cars can  provide an alternative asset class that may not necessarily follow the same market trends as stocks or bonds. Diversification is of course one of the key principles of successful investing.

Top tips

Clearly if you’re going to invest in classic cars, your budget will be a key consideration. 

The good news is you won’t need a king’s ransom to get started, especially if you’re willing to take on a bit of light restoration. For example, a shiny red Porsche 2.5 2+2 GT 1988 944 Coupé recently sold on the Car & Classic website for a relatively modest £5,000.

Some other important considerations for would-be classic car investors are listed below.

Historical significance: Cars that played a crucial role in history or are associated with iconic figures often command higher values. Models such as the Jaguar E-Type or Aston Martin DB5 (the classic James Bond car), for example, have a cultural and historical significance that adds to their allure.

Limited supply: Classic cars are finite in number, with many models no longer in production. This scarcity enhances their desirability – and as demand increases, so does their value.

Restoration potential: Classic cars in need of restoration can be purchased at a lower cost. Enthusiasts who enjoy the process of restoring a vehicle not only add value to the car but can gain a great sense of satisfaction from the project.

Aesthetic appeal: Classic cars are admired for their unique designs and aesthetic appeal. Models from certain decades or with specific design features may experience increased demand, driving up their value.

Maintenance and storage: Owning a classic car requires ongoing maintenance and proper storage to preserve its value. It’s crucial to factor in these costs when budgeting for your investment.

Documentation: It’s important that any car comes with proper documentation, including a detailed history, maintenance records and provenance. This documentation can significantly impact the car’s value.

Market trends: Staying informed about market trends in the classic car field is crucial. Certain models may experience spikes in value due to cultural trends or changes in buyer preferences. Magazines such as Classic Cars and websites such as Car & Classic can help with this. You can also seek advice from professionals in the field. Knowledgeable appraisers, auction houses and dealers can provide insights into current trends and help you make informed decisions. 

Emotional attachment: While a passion for classic cars can be a driving force (no pun intended!) it’s essential to strike a balance and approach any proposed investment with a level head. Emotional attachment has the potential to cloud judgement when making financial decisions. Sometimes a second opinion can be invaluable.

The latest trends

I asked Car & Classic what the latest trends in the classic car market are.

Dale Vinten, head of editorial at Car & Classic, replied: “The past six months have seen prices soften overall making it a very good time to buy, with expectations of the market picking up in spring 2024. The UK has been challenging with inflation, interest rates, conflicts and a lack of stability affecting the market, but interest remains strong for classics.

“Europe is generally faring better and we are seeing growth from the so-called ‘youngtimer’ sector – so-called modern classics that are easier to use and maintain on a daily basis than older vehicles. 90s and 00s vehicles have experienced the biggest growth in average number of email enquiries per listing over the past five years.

“My personal tip though is at the opposite end of the spectrum – the pre-war sector. These vehicles offer incredible value for money with more affordable prices since the peak back in 2015. These cars could be a solid investment but are also versatile, providing access to some of the great motoring events and historic competitions across the continent.

Closing thoughts

If you’re looking for an unusual investment opportunity with good tax-free profit potential and offering great personal satisfaction as well, classic cars are well worth considering.

Just ensure you are well informed and well prepared for your new venture, and your family are on-side too.

If you have any comments or questions about this article, as ever, please do post them below.

Nick Daws writes for Pounds and Sense, a UK personal finance blog aimed especially (though not exclusively) at over-fifties.

Disclaimer: I am not a qualified financial adviser and nothing in this post should be construed as personal financial advice. You should always do your own ‘due diligence’ before investing and take professional advice if in any doubt how best to proceed. All investing carries a risk of loss.

Photo credits: Pexels

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