As the holiday season quickly approaches, it’s not uncommon for our wallets to feel the pinch between gift shopping, travel expenses, and festivities. However, fret not. There are numerous smart strategies to earn additional Christmas cash, ensuring a merry, stress-free holiday season for all.
If you’re on the hunt for a seasonal side gig or just some supplemental money to bulk up your savings, this list has something for everyone. Here are a few of my top picks for easy and smart ways to increase your income during this cheerful holiday season.
1. SET UP A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
One simple method to gain some extra income is to explore opening a new credit card or bank account. Several financial institutions and credit card companies offer new clients sign-up benefits that can stretch from $50 to $500 or more. Always remember to review the small print and comprehend the terms before committing. Certain accounts may demand a minimum deposit or a specific number of transactions for the bonus to kick in.
A good credit score is crucial to qualify for credit cards that offer a generous signing bonus. If you’re hoping to obtain a reward for setting up a new bank account, you might need to set up direct deposit, deposit a lump sum of money into the account, and keep it there for several months. If you own an emergency fund, you could use it to profit from the bank account bonus.
Even if the bonus doesn’t arrive before Christmas, you could use the bonus afterwards to offset holiday spending.
2. SELL UNWANTED ITEMS
Another effortless route to accumulate extra Christmas cash is to sell items that are no longer needed. Online platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace are great for this, or you could even host a yard sale. It’s an excellent way to declutter your space while padding your pockets. Begin by systematically examining each room of your home and gather items to sell. Post your offerings across a selection of platforms to reach a wider audience.
Capitalize on the holiday season by selling decorations or gift-appropriate items like electronics or collectibles. Your older items might surprise you with their potential value!
3. CASH IN YOUR CREDIT CARD REWARDS
If you own a rewards-earning credit card, ponder trading in those rewards points for extra spending money. Certain card issuers will let you trade your points for cash, which can be used for any of your needs.
4. TAKE UP A SEASONAL WAREHOUSE JOB
In preparation for the holiday rush, many retailers and shipping corporations are on the lookout for extra hands. Think about applying for a brief stint at a warehouse or distribution center. These jobs often pay by the hour, with the potential for overtime. Plus, employee discounts on holiday gifts could score you some savings.
5. BECOME A DELIVERY DRIVER
In the era of food delivery services such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, becoming a delivery driver is a viable way to earn extra cash. Amazon Flex also offers delivery driver opportunities. These platforms are flexible, allowing you to set your work hours.
6. USE REWARDS APPS AND PARTICIPATE IN SURVEYS
Making some extra cash can be as straightforward as using reward apps and participating in surveys. Apps and websites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten pay you to shop, watch videos, and answer surveys.
7. MAKE USE OF AMAZON’S TRADE-IN PROGRAM
If you have items to sell, Amazon’s trade-in program could be a boon. You can exchange items like books, electronics, and DVDs for Amazon gift cards.
IN SUMMARY
While the holiday season can often be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. By utilizing these ingenious methods to earn extra cash for Christmas, you can ease the financial stress and relish a serene holiday season. Whether you opt to sell items online, secure a seasonal job, or benefit from cash back rewards, there are ample opportunities to explore. Happy holidays!
