Easy ways to make money and improve your finances

If you’re not thrilled with your bank account balance at the end of every month, we hear you — you’re not alone. Plenty of people can end up feeling squeezed after all their monthly bills are paid. Or, you might simply wish you had a little more financial breathing room. Whether you're looking to build your savings, pay off debt, or achieve long-term financial stability, one way of reaching your goal is simply making more money. But how are you supposed to do that, exactly?

This article will dive into practical strategies and actionable tips to help you boost your bank balance in no time. From leveraging your existing skills to embracing new technologies, there are easy ways to make money and improve your financial well-being. Let’s go!

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The Internet has revolutionized the way we make money, providing opportunities to supplement your income or embark on a full-fledged online career — all from the comfort of your own home. 

Here are a few strategies that can help you improve your finances right now:

Do you have around 30 minutes each day to answer a paid survey online? By signing up with reputable survey websites, you can share your opinions on various topics — and get paid for it. While paid surveys may not provide substantial income, they offer a flexible, simple way to make some easy money. Per survey, you can usually get at least €10. 

Are you good with Photoshop or have a way with words? Put your writing, graphic design, programming, or even digital marketing skills and expertise to good use and earn some extra cash! Offering freelance services online can be an easy way to inject some additional income into your bank account. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr connect freelancers with clients. The amount you can earn as a freelancer depends on several factors, including your experience, the demand for your skills, the complexity of the projects, and your rates. Welcome to the gig economy!

A good spring cleaning and decluttering session can also be an easy way to make money. Sort out items that are in good condition but that you no longer need or use, then list them on websites like Etsy, Vinted, or eBay. Make sure to write compelling descriptions, take high-quality photos, and provide accurate product information with relevant keywords to improve your listing’s visibility in the search results. Set prices that are fair but competitive — and just like that, you can start selling and bring in some extra cash.

Generating passive income is a great way to put your existing resources to good use, like your spare room, car, or savings account. By identifying and capitalizing on the resources you already have, you can establish passive income streams that make money for you without requiring much work.

Don’t have a spare room to rent out? Try something new to generate more money, like starting a side hustle or selling things you produce yourself — keep reading to find out how.

Whether it's your beach house, family cottage, or a room in your apartment, renting out property can generate extra money consistently. Consider short-term rentals like Airbnb or even an agency to help you earn passive income. Properly managing your rental property, offering competitive rates, and providing a comfortable and inviting space can attract regular bookings and boost your property’s earning potential.

With interest-bearing savings products and stock market investments, you can put your money to work for you. The potential earnings depend on how much risk you accept — the stock market is riskier but you have a chance at higher returns on your investment, while savings products are more conservative but offer a guaranteed return.

• Interest-bearing savings products like high-yield savings accounts (hello, compound interest) or certificates of deposit (CDs) offer a low-risk option to earn passive income through interest payments. 
• Stock market investments can provide opportunities for your capital to grow and for you to receive dividend payments. By carefully selecting diversified stocks or putting money into index funds, you can maximize the growth of your investments.

There are risks involved, but with informed decision-making, long-term investment strategies, and careful monitoring of the market, you can grow your money.

If you have the time and energy, finding a flexible part-time job can be a great way to boost your income. Can you work one Saturday a month in your local market? Register as a film extra? Distribute leaflets? You can also offer services part-time, such as pet sitting, gardening, or babysitting. These roles can be a welcome change from your usual routine, and typically, there’s no long-term commitment. 

Whether you're an artist, a crafts enthusiast, or a skilled artisan, online platforms like Etsy, eBay, or even your own website provide a global marketplace for selling your products. With the convenience of online transactions and shipping services, there’s a whole world of potential customers out there. Tap into your creativity, get familiar with e-commerce technology, and make easy money doing what you love.

In essence, spending wisely is also a way to earn money! When you make conscious decisions about where and how you allocate your hard-earned cash, you maximize your purchasing power and stay in control of your finances. Sounds impossible? Here's how to do it: 

Carefully examine your spending habits and identify areas where you can cut back. Can you reduce your gas bill? Simple changes to your everyday habits can really help you save: Cooking at home instead of eating out, brewing your own coffee rather than having a barista do it for you, or reducing unnecessary subscriptions and memberships can add up to significant savings over time. For even more tips, check out our article on how to save money fast.

Choosing a bank with no hidden fees allows you to keep more of your hard-earned money. With transparent fee structures, you can avoid unexpected charges and stay in control of your finances. Plus, some banks offer attractive cashback incentives that can help you save even more money. Find an account that’s perfect for you.

When you regularly monitor your accounts and expenses, you get a clear understanding of your financial situation and can make more informed decisions about your spending. It also helps you identify areas where you may be overspending or wasting money. That way, you can cut back and allocate those funds towards things that are more meaningful to you, such as saving for emergencies, investing, or pursuing your dream career. 

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With N26, money management is beautifully simple. Intuitive features like Spaces sub-accounts let you easily allocate funds for specific expenses or save towards your goals. Use Insights to organize your finances, track your spending, and set budgets. Plus, push notifications help you monitor your account activity in real-time, which means you’re empowered to take care of your financial well-being. Opening an account with N26 takes just minutes, and there’s no pesky paperwork. Achieve your goals and build a more secure future today with a N26 account.