As the festive season approaches, the financial pressures of gift purchasing, holiday travels, and celebrations can become overwhelming. However, don’t fret. There are several easy and creative methods to boost your income this Christmas, allowing for a more enjoyable and less stressful holiday season. Whether you need an additional income stream for the season or wish to supplement your bank balance, the following suggestions can assist you. Here are a few of my favorite simple and innovative ways to increase your earnings during the festive period.
1. APPLY FOR A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
An effortless approach to extra cash is opening a new credit card or bank account. Many financial institutions and credit card companies offer welcome bonuses for new clients, potentially ranging from $50 to $500 or more. Remember to read the fine print and fully comprehend the terms and conditions before signing up. To meet the bonus qualifications, you might need to maintain a minimum balance or complete a certain number of transactions.
Your credit score should be in good standing if you aspire the generous sign-up bonuses offered by credit cards. Meanwhile, if you prefer to garner a reward in exchange for opening a new bank account, it’s likely you’ll need to establish a direct deposit or retain a specified sum in the account for a few months. Still, if you possess an emergency fund to utilize for the bank account bonus, this can be an excellent idea. While the bonus might not be received before Christmas, it can ultimately reimburse you after the holiday debts.
2. SELLING YOUR BELONGINGS
Another quick way for a Christmas cash boost is selling items that are no longer essential or desired. There’s a range of online platforms, such as eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace, that facilitate your sales or even hosting a yard sale can suffice. This is a great opportunity to declutter and generate additional cash simultaneously. Start by collecting items to sell around your home. Consider listing your items across various platforms to expand your audience. Or, choose the most effective platform for the specific item you’re selling.
Use the holiday season to your advantage; sell decorations and items ideal for gifts such as electronics or collectibles. Don’t undervalue your old belongings; you might be stunned by the potential earnings!
3. REDEEM CREDIT CARD REWARDS
If your credit card generates reward points, consider redeeming them for some holiday spending money. Many card issuers allow you to convert your points into cash, which can be used as you please. Ensure that you examine the redemption procedures and any potential fees or limitations.
Personally, I enjoy using my Citi Double Cash Card to reap cashback rewards to manage holiday expenditures. With this card, I earn endless 1% cash back on purchases and an additional 1% when paying off the card balance. This year, we will use the cashback to manage traveling expenses as we will be on an 8-hour road trip to visit family during the holidays.
4. SEASONAL WAREHOUSE EMPLOYMENT
During the holiday season, numerous retailers and logistic companies need additional staff to cope with the surge in demand. Consider applying for a job at a warehouse or fulfillment center. They typically offer hourly wages plus potential overtime earnings. Plus, you may qualify for discounts on holiday gifts, which can assist in managing your own shopping expenses. Recruiters like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are consistently hiring. Amazon offers convenient part-time shifts, allowing you to choose the schedule that best matches your needs. Some companies may also provide sign-up bonuses and weekly wages. Don’t forget, these temporary jobs can occasionally result in permanent employment opportunities.
5. DELIVERY DRIVER
One more excellent strategy for boosting your Christmas earnings is becoming a delivery driver. With the increasing popularity of delivery services such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, there are ample opportunities to generate income delivering food. Alternatively, consider becoming a courier for a company like Amazon Flex, which delivers packages to customers’ residences.
These apps offer flexibility, allowing you to choose your working hours. Average earnings can typically range from $15 to $20 per hour, although keep in mind that you’ll need to cover gasoline costs and vehicle maintenance. These apps usually offer weekly payments or permit same-day cash withdrawals for a nominal fee. Plus, you retain all your tips.
6. REWARDS APPS AND SURVEYS
If you’re searching for effortless ways to make extra money, using rewards apps and filling out surveys could be your solution. Several apps and websites will pay you to shop, watch videos, complete surveys, etc. Some recommended options include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten. Remember to review the payout thresholds and any associated fees before signing up.
7. AMAZON TRADE-IN PROGRAM
Finally, if you have items to sell, Amazon’s trade-in program can offer an advantage. In exchange for items like books, electronics, and DVDs, you receive Amazon gift cards. It’s a hassle-free method to discard unnecessary items while simultaneously boosting your Christmas income.
Just provide the item details and include a condition description. Amazon will provide a quote and offer free shipping for the item. Subject to inspection, you will receive an Amazon gift card valued at the quoted price. These could come in handy when buying holiday gifts.
SUMMARY
Although the holiday period can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By employing these innovative methods to boost your Christmas fund, you can ease some fiscal pressure and enjoy a carefree holiday season. Be it online sale of items, doing seasonal work, or using cashback rewards, there are numerous choices available. Happy holidays!
