Thirty Fast Income Tips

When you're saving for your first home, every extra dollar counts. Whether it’s trimming back, getting creative, or picking up short, sharp gigs — there are plenty of fast, practical ways to boost your income and cut your spending without feeling like you're giving up your whole life. These tips aren’t glamorous, but they work. And if getting into your first home is the goal, that’s what matters.

Make your own coffee instead of buying it.
Downgrade your phone and sell your current one.
Offer dog walking services with a flyer drop in your area.
Rent out a spare room — international students often need accommodation.
Become a homestay parent.
Deliver junk mail — get paid to walk.
Swap convenience for time — make all your own food.
Pick up one-off event work like scanning tickets or handing out flyers.
Avoid buy now, pay later — it’s a debt trap.
Use your kitchen bench as a home office and rent out spare rooms.
Cancel your gym membership — walk or run instead, buy some weights.
Shop around for cheaper power, internet, and phone plans.
Use your local library — books, mags, and movies are free.
Head to free community events and make memories without spending.
Watch free outdoor movies in parks over summer.
Cut down expensive habits — swap pre-workout drinks for DIY mixes.
Grow your own food — even basic veggies like carrots or potatoes.
Join research groups — they often pay well for your time.
Be a film extra — it pays and you don’t need to be famous.
Like pubs? Host a quiz night once a week.
Ditch streaming — watch free-to-air TV.
Learn to hustle on Trade Me — buy, sell, and flip items.
No new clothes — shop vintage, save money, and get better quality.
Mow your own lawn — mow your neighbour’s to cover fuel.
Reconsider your commute — cheaper options might exist.
Use commute time (like on the bus) to upskill for better job options.
Become an online tutor or teacher.
Run walking tours — it’s fun, flexible, and you can earn tips.
Drive for Uber Eats if you have a car.
Rent out your garage for storage.
Babysit — you can earn while watching Netflix as the kids sleep.