As the holiday season approaches, the financial pressures of gift buying, travels, and festive celebrations can be daunting. But fear not, there are numerous smart strategies to earn some extra cash for Christmas, enabling a more relaxed and enjoyable season. This list contains a series of practical and creative ideas to boost your funds during the festive period, whether through a seasonal job or just extra cash to fatten your wallet.
1. SIGN UP FOR A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
An effortless way to earn additional bucks is by opening a new credit card or bank account. Various banks and credit card companies offer sign-up bonuses ranging from $50 to over $500. However, ensure you understand the stipulated terms and conditions as some might require a certain number of transactions or a minimum deposit.
Remember, good credit is key for attaining credit cards with lucrative bonuses. If you’re interested in bank account bonuses, be prepared for direct deposit setup or maintaining a certain balance in the account for a few months. It might be a decent option if you can temporarily utilize your emergency funds for the bank bonus.
Even if the bonus payout doesn’t arrive before Christmas, keep in mind the bonus can be claimed later to offset your holiday expenses.
2. SELL UNWANTED ITEMS
A simple way to generate funds for Christmas is by selling items you no longer need. Online platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace are ideal for such sales, or even an old-fashioned garage sale. This doubles as an effective way to declutter your house and turn unused items into cash.
Start by sorting through your house, room-by-room, gathering items to sell. Increase your selling prospects by listing your items on several platforms. For example, platforms like Poshmark might yield better sales for items like clothing and handbags.
Consider exploiting the season by selling festive decor or items that could be ideal gifts, such as collectibles or electronics. Don’t underestimate the potential worth of your old belongings- the financial outcome might be pleasantly surprising!
3. CASH IN ON YOUR CREDIT CARD REWARDS
If you possess a rewards-generating credit card, consider redeeming those points for extra spending money. Most issuers allow points to be converted into cashback usable towards anything. Just ensure you’re aware of all redemption restrictions and applicable fees.
I personally find the unlimited 1% cashback for all purchases on my Citi Double Cash Card helpful in covering holiday expenses. Furthermore, I receive an additional 1% cash back when I settle the card balance for the purchases. This year, we have allocated the cashback rewards towards our fuel costs due to our 8-hour holiday drive to visit family.
4. TAKE UP A SEASONAL WAREHOUSE JOB
Fulfillment centers and retail entities often seek additional support during the holiday season. Consider such seasonal jobs, which not only pay on an hourly basis but often allow opportunities for overtime, bringing in more cash. Besides, working for these companies may offer discounts for holiday gifts, thus saving money on your own shopping.
For those interested in seasonal work, companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are continuously hiring. Amazon, for instance, offers flexible part-time shifts about four hours daily, allowing you to select a schedule compatible with your needs. Some companies also provide sign-on bonuses and weekly pay. Remember, these temporary positions can potentially convert into long-term employment opportunities.
5. BECOME A DELIVERY DRIVER
While the popularity of food delivery services such as Uber Eats, Grubhub and DoorDash surges, delivery driving presents plenty of opportunities to earn extra money. You may also consider becoming a courier for delivery services like Amazon Flex.
These platforms are flexible and grant the freedom to choose working hours. You can earn approximately $15 to $20 per hour, although the downside includes footing the bill for fuel and vehicle maintenance. However, these apps usually offer weekly payouts or even same-day cash-out facilities for a nominal fee. Additionally, you keep 100% of your tips.
6. UTILIZE REWARDS APPS AND PARTICIPATE IN SURVEYS
Consider exploiting rewards apps and participating in online surveys for some fast and easy cash. Platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten pay users to shop, watch videos, take surveys, and more. Be sure to check the payout minimums and any potential fees before signing up.
7. TRADE-IN ITEMS ON AMAZON
Remember, Amazon offers a trade-in program if you’re looking to sell items. This allows trading in items like books, electronics, and DVDs in return for Amazon gift cards. Alongside decluttering, it’s a chance to earn some extra money.
Provide details about the item and its condition and Amazon will estimate a quote. After shipping the item for free, if everything checks out, you’ll receive an Amazon gift card based on the quoted amount, which can be used in holiday shopping.
IN SUMMARY
With the holiday season comes stress, but it doesn’t have to be. By leveraging these smart strategies to earn extra cash for Christmas, you can lessen financial strains and enjoy a more relaxing holiday season. Whether by selling your items online, picking up a seasonal job, or using cashback rewards, there are numerous ways to get some extra cash flow. Happy holidays! – Smarasset.com.
