With Christmas on the horizon, many of us are starting to feel pinched financially. The expenses of gift shopping, holiday trips, and festive celebrations can rapidly add up. But don’t fret- there are several ingenious strategies to earn extra cash for Christmas, promising more relaxation and enjoyment throughout the holiday season.
If you’re in need of a part-time gig this season or simply some added funds to boost your bank balance, we’ve got your back. Here are a few of my top picks for simple, smart ways to boost your income during the holiday period.
1. APPLY FOR A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
One effortless way to generate additional income is by opening a new bank account or credit card. Banks and credit card companies often offer sign-up incentives for new clients, potentially anywhere from $50 to $500 or more. Be sure to study the terms and understand all conditions involved before you commit. Certain accounts may demand a minimum deposit or a certain number of transactions to be eligible for the bonus.
Good credit is a necessity for accessing credit cards with substantial sign-on bonuses. If you’re aiming to earn a reward via opening a new bank account, you should be prepared to arrange a direct deposit or commit a sizeable sum into the account for several months. This could be a lucrative idea if you have an emergency fund to invest for the bank account bonus.
Even if the bonus doesn’t arrive before Christmas, you can still put it to good use by reimbursing yourself once it arrives after the holidays.
2. SELL UNUSED ITEMS
Another straightforward method to make extra cash for Christmas is by selling items you no longer need. Online platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace can help you to rid your home of clutter while padding your wallet. Start by examining each room and gathering items to sell. To reach a wider audience, consider cross-posting on multiple platforms. You can also choose platforms that best suit the type of items you have to offer.
Take advantage of the festive season by selling decorations or items that could be potential gifts like electronics or collectibles. The value of your old belongings might surprise you!
3. REDEEM CREDIT CARD REWARDS
If you possess a credit card that earns reward points, consider trading them in for some extra spending money. Most credit card companies offer the option to redeem points for cash back. Just make sure you understand the redemption process and any accompanying fees or restrictions.
Personally, I use my Citi Double Cash Card for cash back rewards to offset holiday expenditure. It generously offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 1% cash back when I settle my card balance. This year, we aim to use the cash back reward to cover fuel costs for our 8-hour drive to visit family during the holidays.
4. TAKE ON A TEMPORARY WAREHOUSE POSITION
Many retail and shipping organizations bring on additional personnel during the holiday season to manage the increased demand. You could consider taking a seasonal job in a warehouse or distribution center. These jobs usually pay on an hourly basis, sometimes providing opportunities for overtime. On top of that, there might also be discounts on holiday gifts, further aiding in paring down your shopping expenses.
Companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, are often hiring this time of year. Amazon, for instance, offers flexible part-time shifts lasting approximately four hours a day, so you can choose a schedule that best suits your needs. Some companies also offer sign-on bonuses and weekly pay. Notably, these temporary positions may also lead to permanent employment opportunities.
5. BECOME A DELIVERY DRIVER
Another excellent way to earn additional funds for Christmas is by becoming a delivery driver. With the proliferation of food delivery apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, there are many opportunities to earn money by delivering food. Alternatively, you could sign up as a courier for a company like Amazon Flex, which delivers packages to customers’ homes.
These apps are flexible, allowing users to choose their working hours. On average, you could earn around $15 to $20 per hour, but remember, you’re responsible for fuel costs and vehicle maintenance. Payments are usually sent out weekly, or you can pay a small fee to cash out the same day. Plus, you get to keep 100% of your tips.
6. USE REWARDS APPS AND TAKE ONLINE SURVEYS
If you’re looking for a simple way to accumulate some extra money, consider using rewards apps and participating in online surveys. Various apps and websites pay users to shop, view videos, take surveys, and more. Popular platforms include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten. It’s essential to check payout minimums and any underlying fees before registering.
7. USE AMAZON’S TRADE-IN PROGRAM
Last but not least, if you have stuff to sell, consider utilizing Amazon’s Trade-in program for extra Christmas money. You can exchange items like books, electronics, and DVDs for Amazon gift cards. This is a smart way to part with items you no longer need while earning extra money.
Simply add the details about each item, including its condition. Amazon will provide you a quotation and a free shipping option. Once everything is verified, you’ll receive an Amazon gift card equivalent to the quoted amount, which will undoubtedly be useful during your holiday shopping.
CONCLUSION
The holiday season may bring stress, but it doesn’t have to. By implementing these ingenious strategies to earn additional money for Christmas, you can lighten your financial load and truly relish a stress-free holiday season. Whether you choose to sell items online, secure a seasonal job, or utilize cash back rewards, there are boundless options to explore. Happy holidays!
