Preparing for the holiday season can often leave us feeling the pinch financially. Balancing the costs of gifts, travel, and festive celebrations can be challenging. However, there are numerous smart strategies to make some extra money for Christmas, ensuring you have a relaxing and joyous holiday period.
Whether you’re seeking a temporary seasonal job or just need an additional income stream to bolster your bank account, the following suggestions might be useful. Here are some uncomplicated and ingenious ways to earn additional funds during the holiday season:
1. LAUNCH A NEW BANK ACCOUNT OR CREDIT CARD
Consider opening a new bank account or credit card for a hassle-free method to earn some extra cash. Numerous banks and credit card companies provide sign-up bonuses to new customers, potentially ranging from $50 to over $500. However, always take time to familiarize yourself with the conditions and small print before opening an account. Some may require a specific number of transactions or a minimum deposit to claim the bonus.
On the other hand, good credit is needed to qualify for credit cards with attractive sign-up bonuses. Meanwhile, to earn rewards for opening a new bank account, you may have to set up a direct deposit or maintain a certain balance for several months. Nevertheless, this option might be ideal if you have an emergency fund that you could use for the bank account bonus. If you earn the bonus after the holidays, you can reimburse yourself then.
2. SELL UNUSED ITEMS
Selling items that are no longer needed or wanted is another straightforward way to fund your Christmas. Online platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace are perfect spots to start, or you may consider organizing a garage sale. Decluttering while earning extra cash is a win-win situation.
Start this process room-by-room and list your items on multiple platforms for a wider buyer reach. You could also choose platforms suited best for the type of items you have. For instance, Poshmark might fetch you a better price for clothes and purses compared to Offer Up.
Take advantage of the holiday season by selling festive decorations, great gift items such as electronics or collectibles. You might be amazed at the value of your old items!
3. REDEEM CREDIT CARD POINTS
If you have a rewards credit card, think about trading in your points for some additional spending money. Many card companies allow you to redeem your points for cash back, which you can spend wherever you wish. However, be sure to check the redemption options and any associated fees or restrictions.
4. CONSIDER A SEASONAL WAREHOUSE JOB
Several retailers and shipping firms hire extra seasonal staff to meet the holiday rush. Consider applying for such positions at a warehouse or a fulfilment centre. You might be able to work overtime to earn even more, plus you could potentially get discounts on gifts.
Companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are always looking to hire extra hands around Christmas. Some of these offer part-time shifts with flexible hours, and some even offer sign-on bonuses and weekly pay. Remember, these temporary positions could lead to permanent job opportunities.
5. BECOME A PACKAGE OR FOOD DELIVERY PERSON
Becoming a delivery driver is an excellent method to earn additional holiday money. With the increased popularity of delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, opportunities are abundant. Consider platforms like Amazon Flex for package delivery.
These apps are flexible, allowing you to set your own schedule. Earnings typically range from $15 to $20 per hour, but remember you’ll need to use your own vehicle.
6. USE REWARD APPS AND COMPLETE SURVEYS
Using reward apps or taking online surveys can be a simple way to earn supplemental income. Websites that offer payment to shop, watch videos, and take surveys include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten. Ensure you check payout minimums and any associated fees before signing up.
7. TRADE YOUR ITEMS ON AMAZON
Lastly, think about making additional Christmas money through Amazon’s trade-in program. You can exchange items like books, electronics, and DVDs for Amazon gift cards. This can be a brilliant way to offload unwanted belongings and simultaneously add to your finances.
In sum, the holiday period can be demanding, but it doesn’t have to be financially. By leveraging these clever techniques to supplement your Christmas budget, you can relieve some financial pressure and ensure a peaceful holiday season. Whether you decide to sell online, secure a seasonal job, or use cash back rewards, there are myriad ways to finance your festivities. Enjoy your holidays!
