The holiday period is fast-approaching, which implies that many of us are already anticipating the financial weight. Balancing expenses for presents, holiday travel, and festivities can make it difficult to sustain a budget. However, there are myriad smart strategies to boost your Christmas budget, ensuring a relaxed and joyful holiday season.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a temporary gig or simply need a little financial cushioning in your bank account, this list has your back. Below are some chosen strategies that are both straightforward and smart to increase holiday income.
1. SET UP A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
A simple method to pad your wallet could be to set up a fresh credit card or bank account. Several banks and credit card companies offer sizable new customer bonuses, reaching from $50 to $500 or even more. Just ensure you’re fully aware of the terms and conditions before signing up – some accounts may necessitate a base deposit or a fixed number of transactions to be eligible for the bonus.
Remember, a good credit rating is required for credit cards that grant a sizable sign-on bonus. If you’re hoping for a reward for opening a new bank account, be prepared for setting up a direct deposit or retaining a certain amount in the account for a few months. Nonetheless, this could be an ideal choice if you have a financial safety net to exploit for the banking bonus.
2. DO A LITTLE SPRING CLEANING
Another effortless way to boost your Christmas budget is by selling items that have lost their utility or appeal. Platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace are effective for virtual sales, or you could organize a yard sale. This is also an excellent opportunity to unclutter your home while adding to your pocketbook. You can cross-list on multiple platforms for a wider audience. Certain items might sell better on some platforms than others; for instance, clothes and bags might attract more buyers on Poshmark than on Offer Up.
3. CASH IN CREDIT CARD REWARDS
If your credit card comes with reward points, consider cashing them in as additional holiday cash. An array of credit card companies offer the option to redeem points for cashback, which can be used on any purchases. Be sure to check the redemption options and any applicable fees and restrictions.
4. APPLY FOR A SEASONAL WAREHOUSE JOB
Numerous retailers and shipment companies seek seasonal workforce during the holidays to meet demands. Interested applicants could consider warehouse or fulfillment center jobs. These positions generally pay hourly, and overtime might be an option for those seeking additional income. There might be perks too, like holiday gift discounts.
5. BECOME A DELIVERY DRIVER
Becoming a delivery driver is an excellent way to yield additional income as eateries like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash frequently look for drivers. You could also consider working as a courier for Amazon Flex. These apps are flexible, allowing you to set your working hours. Earnings can range from $15 to $20 per hour, but you would have to factor in gasoline and maintenance costs. Drivers also get to keep 100% of their tips.
6. UTILIZE REWARD APPS AND TAKE SURVEYS
Consider exploiting reward apps and answering surveys if you’re after low-effort ways to accumulate side cash. Various apps and websites pay you for shopping, watching videos and completing surveys. Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten are some of the popular choices.
7. TRADE-IN ON AMAZON
Lastly, if you’re looking to sell, consider utilizing Amazon’s trade-in program to augment your Christmas budget. Useless old items like books, electronics, and DVDs can be traded in for Amazon gift cards. This can be ideal for simultaneously cleaning out your space and acquiring some extra holiday cash.
Yes, holiday seasons can be strenuous due to financial strains, but it doesn’t always have to be. Employ these smart strategies to relieve some fiscal pressure and enjoy a hassle-free holiday season. The options are diverse, from selling redundant items online to commencing a short-term job or utilizing cashback rewards. Wishing you a relaxing holiday season!
