As we approach the holiday season, numerous individuals already feel the tightening grip of monetary concerns. Between gift shopping, holiday travels, and festive celebrations, managing finances can be a daunting task. Nevertheless, there are a multitude of smart strategies to earn extra income for the holiday season to assure an enjoyable, stress-free time.
If you’re seeking a temporary endeavor for some additional income, or even a small boost to your bank balance, this list has got it all. Here are my top picks for effortlessly intelligent methods to generate extra earnings throughout the holiday season.
1. SIGN UP FOR A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
A simple approach to generating some additional funds is by opening a new credit card or bank account. A myriad of banks and credit card companies provide sign-up bonuses to their new clients, ranging from $50 to more than $500. However, be prudent and ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions before committing. Some accounts might impose requirements like a minimal deposit or a specified quantity of transactions to be eligible for the bonus.
Also, you’ll need a good credit history to qualify for credit cards offering lucrative sign-up bonuses. If you aspire to earn a reward from opening a new bank account, you’ll likely have to arrange a direct deposit system or deposit a certain amount into the account and maintain it for a few months. This could be particularly beneficial if you have an emergency fund that you could use for the bank account bonus.
Even if the bonus doesn’t arrive before Christmas, you can later recoup the equivalent amount once it’s credited after the holiday season.
2. SELL YOUR UNUSED ITEMS
Another effortless method to generate extra holiday income is selling things you don’t use anymore. Platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, or even garage sales, facilitate this. It’s a fantastic way to tidy up your house and simultaneously increase your pay. Begin by systematically going through your home, gathering potential sale items. You could consider listing your items on multiple platforms to reach a wider audience, or choose the best platform according to what you’re selling. For example, you might find more success on Poshmark than Offer Up if you’re selling clothes and accessories.
Make the most of the festive season by selling decorations or items that would make perfect gifts like electronics or collectibles. You might be surprised at how much you could potentially earn from your old belongings!
3. REDEEM CREDIT CARD REWARDS
If your credit card has a rewards program, think about converting those points into extra spending cash. Many credit card companies provide the option of redeeming your points for cash back, which can be used for whatever you want. Just be sure to familiarize yourself with the various redemption options and any inherent restrictions or charges.
I personally prefer using my Citi Double Cash Card for cash back rewards to support my holiday expenditures. With this card, I earn a continuous 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 1% when I pay off the card balance for those purchases. This year, we plan to use the cash back to cover fuel expenses since we’re driving for 8 hours to visit family for Christmas.
4. ACQUIRE A SEASONAL WAREHOUSE POSITION
Many retail and shipping companies hire additional staff during the holiday season to cope with increased demand. You should contemplate applying for a seasonal position at a warehouse or delivery center. These jobs usually pay hourly, potentially enabling you to work overtime for additional income. Plus, you might be eligible for discounts on holiday purchases, assisting you in saving money.
For instance, if you’re considering earning extra money for Christmas, companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are consistently hiring. Amazon provides flexible part-time shifts approximately four hours each day, making it easier for you to accommodate it into your schedule. Some companies also offer sign-on bonuses and week-to-week pay. Remember, temporary roles can often evolve into permanent positions.
5. BECOME A DELIVERY DRIVER
An excellent strategy to earn extra Christmas money is by becoming a delivery driver. Given the popularity of food delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, you’ll have numerous opportunities to earn money by delivering food. Alternatively, you could become a courier for a company like Amazon Flex to deliver packages.
These apps are flexible, allowing you to work at your own convenience. Although the earnings may vary from $15 to $20 per hour, keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for gas and vehicle maintenance costs. These apps usually pay weekly or offer same-day cash out for a nominal charge. Plus, you get to keep 100% of the tips you earn.
6. EARN THROUGH REWARDS APPS AND TAKE SURVEYS
If you’re scouting for an effortless way to earn some money, try rewards apps and online surveys. Numerous apps and websites compensate you to shop, watch videos, complete surveys, and more. Some popular ones include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten. Ensure that you’re aware of the payout minimums and any associated fees before you sign up.
7. TRADE IN YOUR ITEMS ON AMAZON
Lastly, if you have items to sell, use Amazon’s trade-in program to earn extra money for Christmas. By trading in items like books, electronics, and DVDs, you can receive Amazon gift cards. This is an excellent way to dispose of things you no longer need whilst earning extra cash.
It’s a simple process: input details about the item and its condition. Amazon then provides you a quote and offers free shipping. Once your items pass the check, you’ll receive an Amazon gift card equivalent to the quoted amount, which can be quite handy when shopping for holiday gifts.
SUMMARY
While the holiday season can be daunting, it doesn’t have to be. With these smart strategies to earn extra cash for Christmas, you can ease the financial pressure and enjoy a serene holiday season. Whether you decide to sell some possessions, take up a seasonal job, or utilize cash back rewards, there are a plethora of options to suit your needs. Enjoy the holiday season to the fullest!
