With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us are already feeling the financial strain. Between buying gifts, holiday travel, and all the festivities, it can be tough to make ends meet. But don’t worry. There are plenty of clever ways to make extra money for Christmas so you can have a stress-free and enjoyable holiday season.
Whether you’re looking for a seasonal side hustle or you just need some extra cash to pad your bank account, this list has you covered. Here are some of my favorite easy and clever ways to make extra money during the holidays.
1. Open a New Credit Card or Bank Account
If you’re looking for an easy way to make some extra cash, consider opening a new credit card or bank account. Many banks and credit card issuers offer sign-up bonuses for new customers, which can range anywhere from $50 to $500 or more. Just be sure to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions before you sign up. Some accounts may require a minimum deposit or a certain number of transactions to qualify for the bonus.
You must also have good credit to be able to qualify for credit cards that offer a generous sign-on bonus. If you’re looking to earn a reward for opening a new bank account, you likely need to be willing to set up direct deposit or deposit a certain amount of money into the account and keep it there for several months. Still, this could be a great idea if you have an emergency fund to leverage for the bank account bonus.
Even if you don’t receive the bonus money before Christmas, you can earn the bonus and just reimburse yourself whenever it comes in after the holidays.
2. Sell Stuff
Another easy way to make extra money for Christmas is to sell stuff you no longer need or want. You can sell your items online through platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, or you can host a garage sale. This is a great way to declutter your home and make some extra cash at the same time. Start by going through your home room-by-room and collecting items to sell. You may want to try cross-posting on a few different platforms to reach more people. Or, you can choose the best platforms for the type of item. For example, if you have clothes and a few purses to sell, you may have more luck on Poshmark than Offer Up.
Take advantage of the holiday season and sell decorations or items that make great gifts like electronics or collectibles. Don’t underestimate the value of your old belongings- you may be surprised at how much money you can make!
3. Cash Out Your Credit Card Rewards
If you have a credit card that earns rewards points, consider cashing them out for some extra spending money. Many credit card issuers allow you to redeem your points for cash back, which you can use for anything you like. Just be sure to check the redemption options and any fees or restrictions that may apply.
I personally like using my Citi Double Cash Card for cash back rewards to help cover holiday spending. With this card, I get an unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 1% cash back when I pay the card balance off for those purchases. This year, we are using the cash back to cover fuel costs since we are driving 8 hours to visit family for the holidays.
4. Get a Seasonal Warehouse Job
Many retailers and shipping companies hire extra help during the holiday season to keep up with demand. Consider applying for a seasonal job at a warehouse or fulfillment center. These jobs typically pay hourly, and you may even be able to work overtime for some extra cash. Plus, you may be able to score discounts on holiday gifts, which can help save money on your own shopping.
For example, if you’re looking to make extra money for Christmas, companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are always hiring. Amazon offers flexible part-time shifts for around four hours per day, so you can choose a schedule that best fits your needs. Some companies also offer sign-on bonuses and weekly pay. Remember, temporary jobs can also lead to permanent job opportunities.
5. Deliver Food or Packages
Another great way to make extra money for Christmas is to become a delivery driver. With the rise of food delivery services like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, there are plenty of opportunities to make money delivering food. You can also consider becoming a courier for a company like Amazon Flex, which delivers packages to customers’ doors.
These apps are flexible and allow you to choose when you work. You can typically earn anywhere around $15 to $20 per hour but the downside is that you have to pay for gas and upkeep of your vehicle. These apps also pay weekly or you can cash out the same day for a small fee. You also get to keep 100% of your tips.
6. Shop With Rewards Apps and Take Surveys
If you’re looking for an easy way to earn some extra cash, consider using rewards apps and taking surveys. There are a variety of apps and websites that pay you to shop, watch videos, take surveys, and more. Some popular options include Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Rakuten. Just be sure to check the payout minimums and any fees before signing up.
7. Trade-In Your Stuff on Amazon
Finally, if you have items to sell, consider using Amazon’s trade-in program to make extra money for Christmas. You can send in items like books, electronics, and DVDs for Amazon gift cards. This is a great way to get rid of items you no longer need while making some extra money at the same time.
Just enter the details about the item and describe the condition. Amazon will give you a quote and allow you to ship the item for free. As long as everything checks out, you’ll receive an Amazon gift card based on the quoted amount. This will come in handy when shopping for holiday gifts.
Summary
The holiday season can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. By using these clever ways to make extra money for Christmas, you can alleviate some of the financial burden and enjoy a stress-free holiday season. Whether you decide to sell your stuff online, pick up a seasonal job, or use cash back rewards, there are plenty of options to choose from. Happy holidays!
