As we approach the holiday season, many of us start to feel financial pressures. The costs of presents, travel, and festive celebrations can stretch budgets. However, there are numerous smart strategies to boost your Christmas funds, ensuring you have a relaxed and joyful holiday season.
Whether you seek a short-term side job or just need some additional funding in your bank account, the following list may give you the perfect solution. Here are a few of my top seamless and smart approaches to making extra money over the holidays.
1. INITIATE A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
An effortless way to get extra cash is to open a new credit card or bank account. Numerous banks and Credit Card Companies offer sign-up rewards for new clients; this could range from $50 to $500 or even more. However, ensure to thoroughly read and comprehend the stipulations before you proceed. Some accounts may necessitate a minimum deposit or certain number of transactions to be eligible for the bonus.
Moreover, having good credit is crucial to become eligible for credit cards that provide significant sign-on bonuses. If you aspire to earn a reward for initiating a new bank account, you likely need to set up direct deposit or deposit a specific amount of money into the account and retain it there for a few months. This could be a viable option if you possess an emergency fund to utilize for the bank account bonus.
Even if the bonus money doesn’t arrive before Christmas, you can still take advantage of the bonus and reimburse yourself when it comes in after the holidays.
2. LIQUIDATE YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS
Another effortless method to generate extra funds for Christmas is to sell items that you no longer require. Product trading is not only an effective way to declutter your living spaces but also an avenue for making some quick cash simultaneously.
Additionally, consider capitalizing on the holiday season by selling decorations or gift-worthy items like electronic devices or collectibles. You’ll likely be surprised by how much money you can earn from your old items!
3. REDEEM YOUR CREDIT CARD REWARDS
If you own a credit card that accumulates reward points, consider converting them into extra spending money. Various credit card issuers permit you to exchange your points for cash back, which can be used as you wish. I favor using my Citi Double Cash Card for cash back rewards to assist with holiday spending. This year, our cash back is catering for fuel costs for our 8-hour family visit drive for the holidays.
4. CONSIDER A SEASONAL WAREHOUSE POSITION
During the holiday peak, numerous retailers and shipping companies are in need of additional manpower. Consider applying for a seasonal job at a warehouse or fulfillment center. These job positions typically provide hourly pay, possibility of working overtime, and considerable discounts on holiday gifts. Temporary jobs such as these can potentially lead to permanent employment opportunities.
5. BECOME A DELIVERY DRIVER
In the age of burgeoning food delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, becoming a delivery driver can be great way to earn extra Christmas money. You could also consider working as a courier for a company like Amazon Flex.
6. USE REWARDS APPS AND COMPLETE SURVEYS
More simple ways to make extra cash include using rewards apps and completing surveys. Some popular options are Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten. Be mindful of the payout limits and any associated fees before signing up.
7. TRADE-IN YOUR ITEMS ON AMAZON
If you have items to dispose of, think about using Amazon’s trade-in program. This strategy allows you to exchange items like books, electronics, and DVDs for Amazon gift cards, which can be handy when shopping for holiday gifts.
IN SUMMARY
The holiday season can cause anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Any of these clever tactics to make extra money for Christmas could alleviate some of your financial concerns and pave the way for a serene holiday season. Be it selling possessions online, undertaking a seasonal job, or using cash back rewards, there is a wide range of options to consider. Merry Christmas!
