As the festive season is drawing near, several of us are already experiencing financial pressure. From gift buying to holiday trips, along with the many celebrations, it can be challenging to balance the budget. Nonetheless, rest easy; there are numerous ingenious methods to raise additional funds for Christmas, enabling you to have a relaxing and delightful holiday season.
Whether you’re searching for a temporary additional job or just need some extra cash to bolster your savings, this guide will provide you with some popular and easy strategies to earn extra income during this festive period.
1. SETTING UP A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
An uncomplicated method to earn extra income is to sign up for a new credit card or open a bank account. Several banks and credit card companies offer sign-up incentives to new clients, which can vary from $50 to over $500. Make sure to comprehend the terms before signing up; some might require a requisite deposit or a specific number of transactions to be eligible for the bonus.
Qualifying for credit card bonuses often require having good credit. If you aim to get a reward for opening an account, you might need to set up a direct deposit or maintain a certain amount of money in the account for a few months. However, if you have an emergency fund, you can use it to earn this bonus.
Even if the bonus does not arrive on time for Christmas, you can always use it to refund your expenses incurred during the holidays.
2. SELL UNWANTED ITEMS
Another straightforward way to fund your Christmas is to sell items you no longer require. Online platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace can be great places to find buyers. Alternatively, you could set up a garage sale. This is an excellent way to tidy up your home while also earning money. Start by collecting items to sell and post them across different platforms to increase their visibility.
Utilize the festive time to sell decorations and other items like electronics or collectibles that can serve as great gifts. Old belongings can be surprisingly valuable, so don’t underestimate their potential!
3. EXCHANGE CREDIT CARD REWARDS FOR CASH
For those with credit cards that accumulate points, consider exchanging them for added spending money. Many companies offer cash back in exchange for your points. My personal preference is the Citi Double Cash Card which rewards 1% cash back on purchases and an additional 1% when paying off the card balance. This would be directed towards covering fuel costs for traveling to visit family during the holidays.
4. TAKE UP A SEASONAL WAREHOUSE JOB
A large number of retailers and shipping firms take on additional staff during the holiday season to cater to increased demand. A part-time job at a warehouse could be a good option, with hourly wages and the potential for overtime. On top of this, staff discounts on gifts could be a bonus, lowering your own shopping expenses.
For instance, companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are constantly hiring. Amazon offers part-time shifts of around four hours, allowing you to select the best fit for your schedule. Some companies also provide weekly pay and signing bonuses. Additionally, these temporary roles could potentially lead to permanent job opportunities.
5. BECOME A DELIVERY DRIVER
Becoming a delivery person could be a great way to earn extra money for Christmas. Due to the prominence of food delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, there are plenty of openings for delivery jobs. Alternatively, delivering packages for Amazon Flex could be another option.
The advantage here is flexibility, allowing you to work when convenient. Earnings typically range between $15 to $20 per hour, plus the tips. However, the expenditure on fuel and vehicle maintenance would have to be accounted for.
6. USE REWARDS APPS AND FILL OUT SURVEYS
Engaging with rewards apps and filling out surveys are easy methods for earning extra cash. Numerous apps and websites offer you money for shopping, watching videos, and participating in surveys. Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten are some preferred options.
7. TRADE YOUR STUFF ON AMAZON
Finally, consider using Amazon’s trade-in program to get rid of items you no longer need and earn additional money for Christmas. You can exchange items like books, electronics, and DVDs for Amazon gift cards, which can be used towards your holiday shopping.
In conclusion, the holiday season can be demanding, both emotionally and financially, but it doesn’t have to be. With these savvy strategies for raising additional funds for Christmas, you can lessen your financial stress and have a more enjoyable holiday. Be it online sales, a part-time job, or cash-back rewards, a myriad of options are available. Enjoy your holiday season!
