As the festive season is fast approaching, many of us are already grappling with our wallets. Between gift-shopping, holiday getaways, and festive celebrations, making ends meet can be quite the challenge. But fear not. There are numerous smart strategies to earn extra money for Christmas, which would allow you to have a relaxed and fun-filled festive season.
Regardless of whether you’re scouting for a temporary secondary job or you just need some additional savings for your expenses, this compilation will serve your purpose. Below are a few of my top picks for easy and inventive ways to generate additional income during the holiday season.
1. APPLY FOR A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
An effortless way to earn some additional income might be applying for a new credit card or bank account. A host of banks and credit card providers present new customers with sign-up incentives, which might range from $50 to more than $500. Just ensure you delve into the specifics and comprehend the terms of agreement before you sign up. Some accounts might necessitate an initial deposit or a fixed number of transactions to secure the bonus.
Good credit is key if you wish to qualify for credit cards that propose a large sign-on bonus. If your objective is to earn a reward for starting a new bank account, you may need to agree to set up a direct deposit or put a particular sum of money into the account and maintain it for several months. But it might be a good plan if you have emergency savings to capitalize on for the bank account reward.
Even if the bonus doesn’t reflect in your account before Christmas, you can discount the bonus sum whenever it enters your account post-celebrations.
2. UNLOAD UNWANTED ITEMS
Another simple way to amplify your Christmas budget is by selling goods you no longer need or desire. You could sell your commodities online through platforms such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, or arrange a yard sale. It’s not just an excellent opportunity to clear clutter from your home, but also make additional cash simultaneously. Commence by gathering stuff from each room of your house to sell. Broaden your reach by listing on multiple platforms, or select the most suitable platform for a specific type of item.
Seize the festivity spirit and sell decorations or articles that would make perfect gifts such as electronic devices or collector’s items. You might be astonished by the value of your old possessions and the revenue it could contribute!
3. CASH IN YOUR CREDIT CARD POINTS
If you possess a credit card that accumulates reward points, cashing them in could offer additional spending money. Several credit card companies allow you to redeem your points for cash back, which you can spend however you like. Just make sure to confirm the redemption alternatives and any charges or constraints that might apply.
I personally prefer utilizing my Citi Double Cash Card for cash back rewards to help cover holiday spending. This card enables me to obtain unlimited 1% cash back on all acquisitions and an extra 1% cash back when I square off the card balance for those transactions. This year, we’re using the cash back to cover fuel expenses as we drive 8 hours to visit family for the holidays.
4. SNAG A SEASONAL WAREHOUSE GIG
Numerous retailers and shipment enterprises recruit extra workforce during the holiday season to cope with the increased demand. Contemplate applying for a short-term job at a warehouse or distribution center. These roles usually offer hourly wages, and you might have the opportunity to work over-time for additional earnings. Plus, employee discounts on festive presents could also help reduce your own shopping costs.
For instance, companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are consistently hiring. Amazon proposes adaptable part-time shifts for about four hours per day, hence you could choose a schedule that best suits your requirements. Some companies also provide sign-on bonuses and weekly payment. Bear in mind, temporary employment could also translate into permanent job opportunities.
5. DELIVER FOOD OR PACKAGES
Another fantastic strategy to top up your Christmas fund is by offering delivery services. With the surge in food delivery apps such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, there are abundant scopes to earn by delivering meals. Additionally, you might consider becoming a courier for a company like Amazon Flex, which delivers packages to the customers’ doors.
These services are flexible and authorize you to decide when you work. You could generally expect to earn between $15 to $20 per hour, although you have to account for costs like gas and vehicle maintenance. These apps also offer weekly payments or same-day cash out for a slight fee. Plus, you get to take home 100% of your tips.
6. USE REWARDS APPS AND COMPLETE SURVEYS
If you wish to easily earn some extra money, consider adopting rewards apps and answering surveys. There are countless apps and websites that pay you for shopping, watching videos, taking surveys, and much more. Popular options include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten. Just ensure to verify the payout minimums and any fees before registering.
7. TRADE-IN ITEMS ON AMAZON
Lastly, if you have items to sell, Amazon’s trade-in program could be leveraged to make extra money for Christmas. You could exchange items like books, electronics, and DVDs for Amazon gift cards. This is an excellent manner to dispose of items you no longer need, while making additional money simultaneously.
Simply list the item details and describe their condition. Amazon will provide you a quote and let you ship the item for free. Provided everything aligns, you would receive an Amazon gift card based on the quoted amount. This could be extremely useful while shopping for holiday gifts.
IN SUMMARY
Though the holiday season can be demanding, it doesn’t have to be. By employing these astute methods to earn extra money for Christmas, you could alleviate the financial pressure and relish a stress-free holiday season. Be it selling your possessions online, taking a temporary job, or banking on cash back rewards, there are a variety of options to choose from. Happy Holidays!
