This page lists the tools, apps and small “money boosters” I actually use.
I’m not into overcomplicating things – these are simple, realistic ways to earn a bit of extra “beer money”, get cashback, or make my money admin easier.
Some of the links on this page are referral or affiliate links. That means if you sign up or buy something through them, I may earn a small commission or bonus at no extra cost to you. It helps support Side Hustle Sidequest and keeps the site running.
Only use them if you genuinely want the thing anyway – please don’t overspend just for points or rewards.
Cashback Sites
Everup
This is the app I feel consistently gives good returns. Plus cheeky little mini games you can play to earn extra coins and cash.
You can use my referral for the cashback app Everup. When you redeem £10 to a giftcard from your earnings you will get 5 million in game coins which you can use of mini games to earn extra cash (approx £4)
Jam Doughnut
Check out the JamDoughnut App. Get Instant Cashback from the brands you already shop with. They also have daily competitions where you can win real money so be sure to dial in! Use my link below to get a free sign up bonus: GLCR . https://jamdoughnut.onelink.me/vv6d/referrals?&deep_link_sub10=GLCR.
TopCashback
Get cashback on things you’re buying anyway by clicking through TopCashback before you shop. I mainly use it for big spends like insurance, travel, and utilities. I let it quietly build up in the background.
My link: Join TopCashback using my link – I may earn a small bonus if you sign up and use it.
Product recommendations
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This link costs you nothing extra, but helps support Side Hustle Sidequest.
Live on Less, Invest the Rest — Andrew Craig
A clear, practical guide to building wealth without the jargon. Craig’s advice on balancing risk and focusing on long-term growth shaped how I built my own Trading212 pie.
The Psychology of Money – Morgan Housel
Short stories about how people actually behave with money, not how they “should”. Great for mindset: why staying calm, consistent and slightly boring often beats being clever.
The Simple Path to Wealth – JL Collins
A calm roadmap to financial independence built around low-cost index funds and not faffing about. Ideal for readers who want a simple investing approach and don’t care about beating the market.
Quit Like a Millionaire – Kristy Shen & Bryce Leung
Early retirement + how-to, with real numbers. Focuses on frugality, maths and using investing to buy back your time. Good for readers who find FI/RE interesting but want to see how it can actually work.
Money: a Users Guide – Laura Whateley
Straight-talking UK guide that covers the real-life stuff: rent, bills, debt, savings, investing, pay, and money feelings. Great “adulting with money” handbook for normal people who don’t want jargon.
Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy – Héctor García & Francesc Miralles
This book is frequently mentioned whenever people discuss purpose, direction, or “what they’re meant to be doing with their life”. This sounds far more intense than how I actually use it.
At its simplest, Ikigai is just a framework for spotting overlap. It involves what you’re good at and what you enjoy. It also considers what the world needs and what people will pay for. When you’re trying to find a niche, that overlap is genuinely useful. This applies whether it’s for a side hustle, a creative project, or simply deciding what not to do.
I don’t treat it as a life manifesto. I use it more like a sorting hat for ideas. If something sits comfortably across a few of those circles, it’s probably worth exploring. If it doesn’t, I stop trying to force it.
It’s calm, practical, and reassuring in a world that often tells you to monetise everything immediately. Worth dipping into if you’re stuck, spinning too many plates, or just want a gentler way to narrow your focus.
