As the holiday season fast approaches, many of us begin to think about our budgets. From gift shopping to holiday travel and celebrations, it can be challenging to stay on top of expenses. However, there exist numerous innovative ways to supplement your Christmas budget, ensuring a delightful holiday season without financial stress.
Whether you are in search of a temporary hustle over the holidays or simply require a bit of extra cash for your expenditures, the following list has got you covered. These are my top recommendations for simple and creative strategies to earn additional income over the holiday season.
1. INITIATE A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
An effortless way to earn extra cash could be by opening a new credit card or a bank account. Numerous banks and credit card providers offer welcoming bonuses for their new clients that may vary between $50 to $500 or even more. Prior to signing up, ensure you fully understand the agreement’s caveats as some accounts might demand a minimum deposit or a certain transaction frequency to qualify for the bonus.
Also, consider your creditworthiness, as it can impact your eligibility for credit cards with substantial sign-on bonuses. The criteria for banking rewards often involve setting up a direct deposit or maintaining a certain sum in the account for several months. However, using an emergency fund to avail the bonus could be a smart move.
Even if you don’t secure the bonus money ahead of Christmas, you can reimburse yourself once it arrives, post-holiday period.
2. SELL UNUSED ITEMS
Another effective strategy to secure extra cash for Christmas is by selling items that are obsolete or unused. You can put up your possessions for sale on online portals such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, or host a yard sale. This serves the dual purpose of decluttering your house whilst allowing you to earn some extra money.
3. REDEEM CREDIT CARD REWARDS
In case you have a reward points accumulating credit card, consider redeeming them for some additional holiday spending money. Many credit companies allow you to exchange your points for cashback, which can be utilized as per your wish. Remember to understand the redemption processes and any potential fees or limitations involved.
4. APPLY FOR A TEMPORARY WAREHOUSE JOB
With the holiday season, many retailers and courier companies require additional workforce to manage higher demand. Consider submitting an application for a temporary position at a logistics warehouse or a warehouse fulfilment center. Hourly wages and potential discounts on holiday gifts could help you save up for your shopping.
5. BECOME A DELIVERY DRIVER
With the burst of food delivery apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub, or DoorDash, you have endless options to earn by delivering food. Alternatively, you could register as a courier with Amazon Flex. Despite the potential cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance, the rewarding pay and the flexibility of choosing your work hours, make this a promising option.
6. UTILIZE REWARD APPS AND COMPLETE SURVEYS
An effortless way to sum up extra cash is through reward applications and by filling out surveys. Platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten pay you for shopping, watching videos, filling out surveys, etc. Remember to confirm the payout minimums and any associative costs before signing up.
7. TRADE-IN VINTAGE ITEMS ON AMAZON
Finally, considering Amazon’s trade-in program to sell your items can earn you additional Christmas income. In exchange for your items like books, electronics, and DVDs, you are rewarded with Amazon gift cards.
To conclude, the holiday season need not be a stressful time. By implementing these creative income strategies, you can reduce the financial worry and enjoy a joyous holiday season. Regardless of whether you choose to sell your items, opt for a temporary job, or utilize cash back rewards, myriad options await. Wishing you a happy holiday season!
