As the festive season quickly approaches, many of us are feeling the pinch. With all the gift buying, vacationing, and partying, managing finances might seem challenging. However, there are several smart strategies to help you earn some extra bucks for Christmas and ensure you celebrate without financial stress.
Whether you want a short-term gig or an addition to your savings, I’ve curated a list of effective and quick money-making methods for the holiday season.
1. OPEN A NEW BANK ACCOUNT OR CREDIT CARD
Considering an easy income option? Try opening a new credit card or bank account. Many banking institutions and credit card providers offer alluring sign-up bonuses for new clients, ranging from $50 to over $500. Remember to go through and understand the terms before committing. Some may require a minimum deposit or a specified number of transactions for the bonus.
Maintaining a good credit score is essential if you aim for credit cards with high sign-on bonuses. If opening a new bank account strikes your fancy, setting up a direct deposit or storing a particular amount for a few months is a usual requirement. However, it’s compelling if you have an emergency fund to use for the account bonus.
Even if the bonus arrives after Christmas, consider it a reimbursement for your holiday expenditure.
2. SELL UNUSED ITEMS
Selling items you no longer need is another effortless way to gather extra Christmas cash. You can put up your items for sale on online platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, or even host a yard sale. This helps you to declutter your home while adding to your bank balance. You can even maximize your reach by cross-posting on different platforms or choosing the best platform based on the item.
Take this opportunity to sell decorations or giftable items like gadgets or collectibles. You might be pleasantly surprised at how valuable your old possessions might be!
3. REDEEM CREDIT CARD REWARDS
If your credit card accrues reward points, considering trading them for spare spending money might be beneficial. Typically, credit card providers allow points to be exchanged for cash back, boosting your spending budget. My personal preference is Citi Double Cash Card for cash back rewards, which helps cushion holiday expenses.
4. TAKE UP SEASONAL WAREHOUSE WORK
Consider applying for short-term work at retailers and shipping companies that need extra hands during the holiday rush. These jobs typically compensate by the hour and might offer overtime, providing some extra padding to your finances.
For instance, companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS frequently need additional staff. Amazon offers flexible part-time shifts, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your schedule. Some companies also provide sign-up bonuses and weekly pay. Notably, these temporary opportunities can sometimes translate into long-term employment options.
5. PICK UP DELIVERY WORK
Another excellent choice for earning extra Christmas money is serving as a delivery driver. Rising on-demand food delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash offer ample opportunities for part-time work. For package delivery, Amazon Flex could be a good option.
These flexible platforms let you work when it suits you. You could earn approximately $15-$20 per hour, but remember to account for fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. Most of these platforms offer weekly payouts and let you keep all your tips.
6. ENGAGE WITH REWARD APPS AND SURVEYS
For an easy way to earn a little extra, try using reward apps or participating in surveys. There are various apps and websites, like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten, that pay you for shopping, watching videos, and filling out surveys. Ensure to check their payout thresholds and any associated fees before signing up.
7. TRADE IN ITEMS ON AMAZON
Lastly, if you have items you wish to get rid of, consider Amazon’s trade-in program. You can trade in books, electronics, DVDs, etc., for Amazon gift cards. All you need to do is provide item details, describe the condition, and ship. Upon approval, you’ll receive an Amazon gift card equal to the quoted amount, handy for Christmas shopping.
TO SUM UP
While the holiday season can get stressful, these smart tactics can help inflate your Christmas budget and enable a worry-free celebration. Whether you opt for online sales, a temporary job, or cashing in rewards, there’s a multitude of strategies at your disposal. Enjoy a happy holiday!
