50 ways to save or make money when the clocks go back

The clocks go back this Sunday (25 October), and, let’s face it, few of us relish the prospect of being plunged into darkness by 4pm.

But there are a few silver linings: an extra hour in bed, lighter mornings and, potentially, the chance to give your finances a bit of a boost. 

The idea of changing the clocks was first floated in part because people thought daylight was being wasted when we slept through the lighter summer mornings. Then, in 1916, during the First World War, Germany moved the clocks forward to conserve energy. Many other European countries, including the UK, followed suit.

So, how will you spend your extra hour? Snuggled under the duvet, or getting proactive about your finances?

If you fancy the latter, here are 50 ways to save money, make extra cash and find financial support. You might even discover money you didn’t know you were entitled to.

First, make sure you’re not missing out

1. Check what benefits you could claim

Spend a few minutes using our free benefits calculator to see what financial support you could be missing out on. It takes far less than an hour.

2. Give your budget a makeover

Use your extra hour to work out what’s coming in and going out. You might be surprised by where you can cut back.

3. Cancel subscriptions you no longer use

Check your bank statements for forgotten streaming services, gym memberships and apps. Those little monthly payments can add up.

4. See if you could save by remortgaging

If you’re coming to the end of your mortgage deal, spend an hour comparing rates and fees to see whether you could lower your repayments.

5. Find cheaper insurance

Don’t auto-renew your car, home or pet insurance. Compare quotes and see whether switching could save you money.

6. Hunt for a better energy deal

Use your extra hour to compare tariffs. Check the likely annual cost, exit fees and how the energy price cap could affect your decision before switching.

7. Switch bank accounts for a cash bonus

Some banks offer £100 - £200 to new customers who switch. Spend an hour comparing deals, eligibility rules and customer reviews to see whether you could cash in.

8. Get paid to shop with cashback

Sign up to sites such as TopCashback or Quidco. You could earn money back on purchases you’d make anyway, without spending extra just to get cashback.

9. Set up cheap-flight alerts

If you’ve got a holiday in your sights, use your extra hour to set up price alerts on Kayak and Skyscanner to get notified when fares change.

10. Check your mobile phone tariff

If you’re paying for data you never use, compare SIM-only deals and check whether you’re out of contract. You could get the same service for less.

Make money from what you already have

11. Turn clutter into cash

Spend an hour listing unwanted toys, clothes, books and gadgets on Vinted, eBay, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. With Christmas approaching, now could be a good time to sell.

12. Sell your old tech

Old phones, tablets and games consoles could be worth a tidy sum. Compare trade-in offers and private-sale prices, and wipe your personal data before selling.

13. Sell unwanted clothes in a bundle

If you’re short on time, group similar clothes together and sell them as a bundle. It’s a quick way to clear space and make a bit of cash.

14. Give online competitions a go

Use your spare hour to enter free competitions online, on social media and in magazines. Prizes range from cinema tickets to holidays and gadgets, though winning is never guaranteed.

15. Get paid for your opinions

Register with market research agencies such as Saros and Angelfish Opinions. Some focus groups pay £50 - £100 or more for your time and views, depending on the study.

16. Rent out your spare room

Got a spare room? Taking in a lodger could bring in regular income. Under the Rent a Room Scheme, you may earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free. Though check the rules and how a lodger could affect your benefits, council tax discount, mortgage and insurance.

17. Rent out your parking space

If you’ve got a driveway that sits empty all day, spend an hour checking parking-space rental platforms to see whether local commuters or visitors might pay to use it. But be sure to check restrictions, fees and tax implications first.

18. Make money from your hobbies

If you’re good at knitting, baking, sewing or photography, use your extra hour to research selling your creations online or at local markets. Work out your costs before setting prices.

19. Offer your skills as a freelancer

Good at writing, proofreading, design or social media? Spend your extra hour signing up to freelance sites such as Fiverr to offer your services. A small job could be the start of a useful extra income stream.

20. Turn your knowledge into tutoring

Could you teach a language, school subject or musical instrument? Use your spare hour to research tutoring platforms or advertise lessons locally.

21. Look for paid pet-sitting jobs

Likewise, if you love animals, spend an hour looking for local dog-walking or pet-sitting opportunities. Start with people you know or reputable platforms, and check insurance requirements.

22. Offer help with odd jobs

If you’re good at gardening, cleaning, ironing or assembling furniture, then advertise your services locally. Agree prices upfront and stick to jobs you can do safely.

23. Find a flexible side job

Use your extra hour to search for evening or weekend work in shops, restaurants or delivery services. A few extra shifts could give your finances a boost.

24. Get paid to test websites and apps

Some companies pay you to test websites and apps and give feedback. Spend an hour researching reputable testing platforms, and never pay a fee to access work.

25. Sell your unwanted books and games

Clear out your shelves and check whether second-hand bookshops, trade-in services or online marketplaces will pay for your old books, video games and board games.

Slash the cost of everyday life

26. Plan your meals for the week

Use your extra hour to check your cupboards, fridge and freezer, plan meals and write a shopping list. You’ll waste less food and avoid unnecessary buys.

27. Compare supermarket prices

Spend a few minutes comparing your regular shopping basket. Switching to own-brand products and checking unit prices could cut your food bill.

28. Give batch cooking a go

Put your extra hour to work making meals for the freezer. You’ll have easy dinners ready when you’re tired and tempted by an expensive takeaway.

29. Rescue food at a discount

Check Too Good To Go and OLIO for discounted surplus food or free items shared locally. What’s available will depend on where you live.

30. Make a packed lunch

If you buy lunch at work, use an hour to prepare a few lunches in advance. Sandwiches and leftovers can be much cheaper than buying food every day.

31. Switch to a reusable coffee cup

If you’re a regular café-goer, then try making coffee at home or taking a reusable cup. Check whether your favourite café offers a discount for bringing your own.

32. Check your water bill

Have a water meter? Look at ways to reduce usage. If you don’t, spend a few minutes checking whether having one could save your household money.

33. Borrow instead of buy

Before buying tools, books or party equipment, check whether you can borrow them from a library, lending scheme, friend or neighbour.

34. Buy second-hand before buying new

Need furniture, clothes or household goods? Check charity shops and trusted second-hand sites before paying full price.

35. Repair rather than replace

If you’ve got a broken zip or wobbly chair, use your spare hour to look into repair cafés, local services or simple fixes that could save you buying new.

36. Check your council tax band

Think your home is in the wrong council tax band? Spend an hour checking similar properties and the official challenge process. A successful challenge could lower your bill, but check the risks first.

37. Check for council tax discounts

You could qualify for a discount, reduction or exemption depending on your circumstances. Check your council’s website to see whether you’re paying more than you need to.

38. Make the most of your local library

Borrow e-books, audiobooks, films and magazines for free. Your library may also offer free Wi-Fi, computer access and local activities.

39. Cut your transport costs

Use your extra hour to compare travel options. A railcard, season ticket, advance booking or occasional cycle ride could help you spend less getting around.

40. Check whether you qualify for discounts

From leisure centres to museums and transport, discounts may be available if you’re eligible. Spend a few minutes checking before paying full price.

Find financial help you might be entitled to

41. Search for grants you don’t have to repay

Use your extra hour to search for grants that could help with essentials such as furniture, white goods and bills. Check reputable grant directories and eligibility rules.

42. Check whether you qualify for council support

Your local council may offer help with essential costs. Check its website or contact the council to find out what support is available to you.

43. See if you can get help with energy bills

If you’re struggling with energy costs, spend a few minutes checking whether your supplier, local authority or a charity offers support for eligible households.

44. Check your pension entitlements

Approaching or past state pension age? Check you’re getting everything you’re entitled to. Pension credit could provide extra income and open the door to other support.

45. Find out if you can get help with childcare

If childcare costs eating is into your wages, use your extra hour to check whether you qualify for government childcare support.

46. Check for help with school costs

If you’re struggling with school meals, uniforms or transport costs, check your council’s website and ask your child’s school what help may be available.

47. Check whether you’re missing out on disability support

If you have a disability or long-term health condition, you may qualify for financial support. Check the rules for PIP in England and Wales or the relevant scheme where you live.

48. Find out whether you can get help with NHS costs

You may qualify for help with prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests or glasses. Check the NHS Low Income Scheme and other exemptions before paying.

49. Get free help with debt worries

If you’re worried about your finances and debt, the best possible use of your extra hour on Sunday could be to get free debt help.

You can access our online debt advice 24/7 at a time and place to suit you.

If you prefer to talk to someone over the phone, we’re here Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Call us on 0161 518 8285.

50. Check what support your employer offers

Your employer may offer discounts, travel support, pension contributions or other benefits. Spend a few minutes checking your staff handbook or asking HR what you could claim.

Make your extra hour count

You don’t have to tackle all 50 ideas in one go. Pick one that works for you and use that extra hour to get started.