As the festive season draws near, the accompanying financial squeeze is already apparent for many, mostly due to holiday traveling and gift-purchasing. However, don’t fret; there are ingenious methods to earn additional cash for Christmas, ensuring a relaxing, delightful holiday season. Whether a temporary holiday job or some extra padding for your savings appeals to you, this list delivers an array of simple, smart ways to make additional money over the holidays.
1. CONSIDER OPENING A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
For a straightforward way to earn some extra cash, think about opening a new credit card or bank account. Numerous banks and credit card companies offer attractive sign-up bonuses for new clients, typically ranging from $50 to $500 or even more. However, always ensure you understand the fine print and the terms and conditions before you commit. Certain accounts might require a specific minimum deposit or a certain amount of transactions to qualify for the bonus. Remember, you need good credit status to qualify for credit cards with significant sign-on bonuses. Similarly, if you consider a reward for a new bank account opening, you might need to set up direct deposit or hold a certain amount for a few months. Nevertheless, this could be an ideal move if you have an emergency fund you can utilize for the bank account bonus. Even without receiving the bonus before Christmas, you can get the bonus and then reimburse yourself whenever you receive the subsequent holiday.
2. SELL UNWANTED ITEMS
Selling items you don’t need or want is another simple method to make extra money for Christmas. List these items on platforms such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, or hold a garage sale. This approach gives you the advantage of tidying up your home while making some money. Begin by going through each room in your home and gather items to sell. Post on multiple platforms to reach a wider audience. Consider where the items will sell best; for instance, clothes and accessories could sell better on Poshmark than Offer Up. Use the holiday season to sell decorations or items that make great gifts like electronics or collectibles. Don’t underestimate the value of your old items; they might turn out to be worth more than you think!
3. REDEEM YOUR CREDIT CARD POINTS
If you have a rewards-earning credit card, consider cashing in your points for some extra spending money. Many card issuers let you redeem points for cash back, which you can use as you wish. Remember to check on redemption options and any applicable fees or restrictions. For instance, I find my Citi Double Cash Card rewarding for earning cash back, helping me cover holiday expenses. This card offers an unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases and an extra 1% when I pay off the balance for those purchases. This year, the cash back is covering our fuel costs, as we drive for 8 hours to visit family over the holidays.
4. TAKE UP A TEMPORARY WAREHOUSE JOB
Numerous retailers and couriers seek additional help during the holiday season to meet the heightened demand. Consider getting a seasonal job at a warehouse or fulfillment center. These jobs offer hourly rates and possible overtime opportunities for extra cash. Plus, there’s a chance of getting discounts on holiday gifts, allowing you to save on your shopping.
5. BECOME A DELIVERY DRIVER
The increased popularity of food delivery services such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash provides opportunities to make money delivering food. You might also consider working as a courier for companies like Amazon Flex. However, remember that you’ll have to cover the gas costs and vehicle maintenance.
6. USE REWARDS APPS AND COMPLETE SURVEYS
Rewards apps and surveys offer an easy way to earn extra cash. Platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten pay you to shop, watch videos, take surveys, and more. Always check the minimum payout requirements and any applicable fees before signing up.
7. TRADE-IN YOUR ITEMS ON AMAZON
If you have things to sell, consider using Amazon’s trade-in program for extra Christmas money. You can exchange items such as books, electronics, and DVDs for Amazon gift cards, which will come in handy for holiday shopping.
IN SUMMARY
The holiday season can be financially stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. By utilizing these innovative methods to make extra cash for Christmas, you can relieve some of the financial load and enjoy a worry-free holiday season. Whether you decide to sell items online, take a seasonal job, or use cash back rewards, a plethora of options exist. Best wishes for the holidays!
