3 ways to earn extra money you may not have thought of

By Gabriella Margerison · · 2 min read
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Every little bit of money counts these days. But working extra hours can be extremely draining, and not every pay rise conversation goes how we hoped. So are there any ways to save or earn money you may not have considered? 

Maybe! Let’s float three of them by you, for your cost of living consideration.

Sell your old mobile handsets

A new smartphone may cost an arm and a leg, but selling your old ones could give you cash back. According to smartphone manufacturer OPPO, Australians have a national stockpile of $5.7 billion worth of old handsets lying around. 

Each device has an estimated value of $186, though this will vary based on the make, model, and condition – and where you trade in your mobile phone. 

So if your old handset is just gathering dust, consider putting it to work for your bank account. And while you are at it - now could be a good opportunity to check that you are on the most cost effective mobile phone plan for your needs. Compare mobile phone plans now.

Rent out unused space

Not using your garage? Spare room? Shed? Online marketplaces like Spacer and Parkhound have risen in popularity, and no wonder. Spacer estimates that hosts renting out unused storage space on its platform earn $200 a month on average.

Remember that if you are a renter, you may need your landlord’s permission before renting or subletting your place. Check your tenancy agreement for any terms and conditions.

Use your savings round-up feature

Okay, this is a bit of a cheat. Many banks these days offer a round-up feature, meaning every purchase you make is rounded up to the next dollar while the extra cents are diverted into your savings account. You’re not technically earning any new money, since every cent that goes into your savings is your own – but you are saving, and that’s the point.

Growing your savings with every purchase can be a great way to live in savings mode first, spending mode second. And if your savings account has a fantastic interest rate, then all this extra money can compound over time into better returns, and that is earning you money.

We can see this in action with Moneysmart’s compound interest calculator. If you start with a balance of $5,000 and deposit just $50 monthly with an interest rate of 5.55%, you could accumulate $300 in interest over the course of a year. Not too shabby!

Compare savings accounts below.

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Last updated 27 July 2024 Important disclosures
  • Savings Account

    5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus variable rate is available for the first 4 months.

    Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Savings Maximiser

    5.50% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)

    0.55% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    For customers who have an Orange Everyday account, deposit $1000 into a personal ING account, make 5 eligible transactions and grow their nominated Savings Maximiser account each month.

    Great variable rate every month when you grow your balance each month in addition to other eligibility criteria. No ING fees to pay. Save even more with ING Everyday Round Up. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^

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  • Reward Saver Account

    5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)

    0% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.

    Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.

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  • Bonus Saver Account

    5.00% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    0.05% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus rate when at least $20 is deposited each month and five Visa Debit transactions are made each month using linked Glide transaction account.

    Start saving and earn interest with just a $20 deposit and make 5 eligible transactions each month. No fees or penalties for withdrawing money.

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    High Interest Savings Account

    5.75% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)

    4.40% p.a.(for $0 to $250,001)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening

    Reward yourself with a higher rate for your good savings habits with the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance. Support Aussie farmers with every dollar you save.

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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

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