If you’re looking to increase your income, one of the best places to start is with your own knowledge. Knowing how to make money, whether through a side hustle, smarter saving, or new skills, doesn’t need to cost you anything. There are plenty of free, valuable resources that can help you move forward.
Here are seven practical and completely free ways to start learning how to make more money, with a variety of formats to suit different learning styles.
1 – YouTube Videos
YouTube is packed with creators who specialise in personal finance, side hustles, investing, freelancing, and passive income ideas. The beauty of YouTube is that you can learn at your own pace, with visual examples that make complex ideas easier to understand.
Why it’s useful:
- Free access to thousands of hours of content
- Real-time tutorials you can follow step by step
- Diverse creators sharing real experiences
Just make sure you stick to reputable channels and always cross-reference advice before acting on it.
2 – Podcasts
Not everyone has time to sit down and study, which is where podcasts come in, and whether you’re walking the dog or cooking dinner, you can absorb quality information in the background.
Here are a few topics you’ll find in popular money-related podcasts:
- Building passive income streams
- How others grew a side hustle
- Managing time, habits and mindset
- Lessons from entrepreneurs and creators
Podcasts are especially good for motivation. Hearing real stories can make your goals feel more achievable.
3 – Webinars
Webinars are often hosted by professionals who specialise in business, marketing, or personal finance. Most are free to join and can be either live or recorded, giving you the flexibility to attend when it suits you.
You’ll often get:
- Deeper explanations of money-making methods
- Q&A segments where you can ask questions
- Downloadable resources or action plans
Unlike short-form content, webinars usually go into more detail, making them ideal for those ready to take the next step.
4 – Free Online Courses
There are plenty of full-length courses available at no cost, covering everything from budgeting and digital marketing to investing and freelancing.
Some great platforms include:
- Coursera – Courses from universities and institutions
- FutureLearn – UK-based with short, flexible classes
- Alison – Free business and finance courses with optional certificates
If you’re curious about trading, for example, you could look, for example, a free forex trading course to learn the basics without spending money upfront. It’s a smart way to see if a skill is right for you before committing to it.
5 – Local Seminars and Workshops
Don’t overlook what’s happening in your local area. Libraries, job centres, universities and community centres regularly run free events designed to help people boost their financial skills or income opportunities.
What to look out for:
- CV writing or job-hunting sessions
- Intro to business or self-employment
- Money management workshops
- Digital skills bootcamps
The bonus? You might meet others on a similar journey, which can lead to collaboration or extra support.
6 – Blogs & Newsletters
Some of the best money advice is written by people who’ve lived it. Financial bloggers and money-savvy creators often share free tips, step-by-step breakdowns, and long-form guides, all accessible on their blogs or via weekly email newsletters.
Look for content that:
- Gives practical advice without upselling
- Shares real numbers and case studies
- Focuses on earning, not just saving
Newsletters are great for staying in the loop with minimal effort, and they often link to other resources worth checking out.
7 – Online Communities and Social Media
You can learn a lot from people who’ve already been where you’re starting. Online communities are full of useful insights, feedback, and honest answers you won’t always get from polished courses.
Try:
- Typing in ‘side hustle’ or ‘personal finance’ on TikTok or Instagram
- Reddit threads like r/SideHustle or r/UKPersonalFinance
- Discord servers for freelancers, creators or small business owners
- Facebook groups for niche income streams (reselling, tutoring, digital products, etc.)
Just remember, always fact-check and avoid any “get rich quick” advice, as the best communities are the ones where people are honest about both wins and failures.
There’s Always a Way to Learn More
You don’t need a fancy subscription or expensive programme to start learning how to increase your income. Whether you’re tuning into a podcast, attending a free seminar, or diving into a free forex trading course, what’s important is that you start.
Mix it up. Try different formats. See what sticks. The more you learn, the more options you’ll see, and the easier it becomes to act on them.
