The festive season is nearly here, and it’s often a time when some extra cash can really come in handy. Balancing a tight budget around the holidays can be a struggle. Yet, it’s still possible to bring in an additional $500 before Christmas using some smart methods. My husband and I relish the opportunity to boost our income through diverse strategies, particularly when the holiday spending season comes around.
If you’re looking to put some extra funds towards presents, festive decorations, or any other holiday expenses, here are seven practical and proven ways to pocket $500 ahead of Christmas.
1. ONLINE SALES
Fast cash can often be made by selling your items online. Anything from old clothes and unused electronics to toys and tools can be sold for a profit. Platforms such as Offer Up and Facebook Marketplace streamline the process of selling unused goods online. It may seem daunting to aim for $500, but by systematically going through your belongings and actively taking initiative, this goal becomes manageable. Break down the process and aim to hit smaller targets, such as selling $150 worth of furniture, $50 of clothes, and $50 worth of toys.
2. FOOD DELIVERY
Delivering food on platforms like DoorDash and GrubHub is another accessible way to aim for the $500 target. These apps are constantly seeking new delivery partners, and can pay approximately $15 per hour. To reach $500, you’d need to work roughly 10 hours a week over the next three weeks. The best part is you can set your own schedule and get paid regularly.
3. GET PAID TO WRITE
Writing articles for money is a feasible way to generate an extra $500 before Christmas. You don’t need to be an acclaimed author or hold a writing degree to earn income from writing online. Basic language skills and some specific knowledge about the topic are enough to get started. Many websites pay for guest posts, and bloggers often seek content writers. As a novice writer, you could earn between $50 to $100 per article.
4. CASH IN ON CRAFTS ON ETSY
Utilize your creative streak to generate extra holiday funds by selling crafts on Etsy. This platform allows you to sell handmade or digital products to a global audience. Allocate a price to your products on Etsy that justifies your time and effort, and makes working towards your $500 goal achievable.
5. DOG WALKING SERVICES
If you’re an animal lover, dog walking can be an enjoyable and easy source of extra income. Signing up for Rover can present dog walking or pet sitting opportunities. Prices can range from $15-20 for each dog walk to $30-45 for overnight pet sitting.
6. ENJOY ONLINE REWARDS
Try out various online reward sites to chip away at your Christmas fund target even if you’re short on time. Swagbucks and Inbox Dollars pay for completing brief tasks, watching videos, and trying out offers. You can also sign up for Rakuten for cashback on online shopping.
7. JOIN A FOCUS GROUP
Participating in a focus group can pay from $50 to $250 for an hour. Mindswarms and Respondent offer both virtual and in-person focus group sessions.
TO CONCLUDE: EARNING $500 BEFORE CHRISTMAS IS ACHIEVABLE
If you’re aiming to amass $500 before Christmas, remember, you’re not alone. There’s ample time to earn extra income. Decide on the best options for you, set a schedule and start dedicating a few hours per week to your chosen side hustle. Once you get started, you might find that you surpass your goal. The added bonus is that extra holiday money brings less stress and helps to avoid unwanted debt.
