As the holiday season approaches, we understand that the financial burden can start to weigh heavily. From purchasing presents to traveling and hosting festive events, it can be challenging to keep a balanced budget. However, fear not – a multitude of savvy strategies exists to bolster your finances during this festive period, ensuring you can relish a worry-free holiday season.
Whether you’re in search of a temporary job during this time or merely need an extra income boost, this list provides ample options. Here are some of my top quick and thoughtful strategies to augment your income during the holiday season:
1. TAKE OUT A NEW CREDIT CARD OR BANK ACCOUNT
Seeking a simple way to earn some bonus cash? Think about opening a new bank account or credit card. Numerous banks and credit card providers present new clients with sign-up bonuses, which can vary between $50 to $500. Ensure that you comprehend the terms and conditions before signing up – some will stipulate a minimum deposit or a specific number of transactions.
Having a good credit score will help you qualify for credit cards with generous sign-on bonuses. If you plan to earn rewards by opening a new bank account, you may need to set up direct deposit or maintain a certain amount in the account for a few months. Regardless, if you have emergency savings, this could work in your favor to earn the bank account bonus.
Although you may not receive the bonus before Christmas, you can always reinvest it into your budget after the holidays.
2. SELL UNWANTED ITEMS
Another straightforward method to generate additional Christmas cash is selling items you no longer require. Online platforms such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace provide a viable platform to sell your belongings or even host a yard sale.
Start by sorting through your stuff room-by-room and gathering items to sell. Depending on the item type, some platforms may prove more successful than others. For example, Poshmark may yield more success selling clothes and accessories than Offer Up.
Attempt to maximize the festivity rush by selling decorations or presents-like items such as electronics or collectibles. Do not undervalue your old assets- you may be astounded at how much you can earn!
3. REDEEM YOUR CREDIT CARD REWARDS
If your credit card has a rewards program, consider cashing it out for some additional spending money. Many credit card companies enable you to convert your rewards into cash, which can then be used freely. Ensure you understand the redemption process and any associated costs or restrictions.
4. APPLY FOR A SEASONAL WAREHOUSE JOB
During the holiday season, many retailers and delivery companies increase their workforce to meet demand. A seasonal job at a warehouse or fulfillment center could offer a well-paid hourly rate, potential overtime work, and even employee discounts on holiday purchases. Companies such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are always on the lookout for seasonal workers.
5. BECOME A DELIVERY DRIVER
With the growth of delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, there’s no shortage of opportunities to earn some extra money. Services like Amazon Flex offer package delivery directly to consumers’ doors. These platforms usually pay weekly or even daily, and what’s more, you get to keep all the tips.
6. USE REWARDS APPS AND COMPLETE SURVEYS
For an easy income lift, consider rewards apps or online surveys. Apps and websites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten pay you to perform a range of tasks, like shopping, watching videos, or taking surveys.
7. TRADE-IN ITEMS ON AMAZON
If you wish to sell some items, Amazon’s trade-in program provides a way to earn extra Christmas funds. You can trade-in objects like books, electronics, and DVDs for Amazon gift vouchers.
To recap, there are plenty of ingenious methods to earn extra holiday cash. By employing these strategies, financial stress can be diminished, paving the way for a more enjoyable holiday season. Whichever option fits you best, remember to enjoy your holidays to the fullest. Happy holidays from SmartAsset.com!
