Select Page

Make Extra Cash During the Holidays: Easy Tips

by

How to Make Extra Cash During the Holidays

The holiday season is joyful but can also be stressful on your wallet. Gifts, travel, and celebrations can add up fast. But, there are many ways to earn extra cash during the holidays.

You can take on seasonal jobs, sell things you don’t use, or even freelance. This article will show you 14 easy ways to make more money. You can do this without working too hard.

By planning early and using what you already have, you can make holiday cash flow. You might need extra money for unexpected costs or to start the new year better. These tips offer many chances to earn more during the holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • Explore temporary seasonal jobs in retail, delivery, and local businesses
  • Sell unused items through online marketplaces and specialized platforms
  • Freelance your skills in high-demand areas like web design, copywriting, and software development
  • Offer pet care services such as dog walking, pet sitting, and boarding
  • Provide tutoring services, especially in subjects like English, science, and math
  • Earn extra income through food delivery platforms and short-term rental platforms
  • Maximize cash back rewards on holiday spending using credit cards

Temporary Seasonal Jobs: A Reliable Source of Income

As the holiday season gets closer, temporary jobs can help you earn extra money. You can use this extra cash for special gifts, savings, or to pay off debts. These jobs are flexible and easy to find.

Retail and Delivery Jobs at Department Stores and Shipping Companies

Department stores like Macy’s and Target hire more people during the holidays. These jobs are from fall to new year, perfect for extra cash. UPS and FedEx also hire more drivers for fast package delivery.

Opportunities at Local Businesses Selling Holiday Goods

Local shops like bakeries and Christmas tree sellers also need help. Working here supports your community and earns you money. Seasonal jobs often have flexible hours, fitting well with other plans.

Job Type Key Responsibilities Potential Benefits
Retail Sales Associate Assisting customers, handling transactions, stocking shelves Flexible hours, employee discounts, potential for overtime
Delivery Driver Picking up, transporting, and delivering packages Flexible schedule, potential for tips, opportunity to work outdoors
Holiday Specialty Shop Assistant Providing customer service, merchandising, inventory management Engaging work environment, chance to explore new industries

Seasonal retail jobs

Temporary seasonal jobs offer flexibility and extra income. They help you boost your holiday budget and start the new year financially strong.

Selling Unused Items: Declutter and Earn

Do you want to clean up your home and make some extra money? Selling things you don’t use is a great idea. Sites like Craigslist, Facebook, and eBay are great for selling many things. You can sell electronics, furniture, clothes, and more.

Unlock the Value of Your Unused Items

Studies show most homes have over $4,000 worth of unused stuff. Selling these items can help you clean up and make money. You can use the money for holidays, paying off debts, or saving for something special.

Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Depop, and Poshmark are good for selling. You can sell clothes, electronics, and collectibles. High-end items like designer clothes and jewelry do well on eBay.

For those new to selling, eBay Valet can help. It takes care of the selling details. Gently used clothes, handbags, and old tech also sell well.

To make more money, sort your items. Put them in trash, donate, yard sale, and resale piles. This helps you choose the best place to sell your items.

Specialized Platforms for Unique Items

For special items like vintage goods, handmade crafts, or designer clothes, try Etsy, Poshmark, and Depop. These sites are for unique and high-quality items. They help you find buyers who want these things.

Selling your unused items can clean up your space and give you extra cash. You can use the money for holidays, new clothes, or even paying off a mortgage. It’s good for you and your community.

Selling unused items

“Selling used items can help in decluttering spaces and earning extra cash, contributing towards financial goals like debt payment or saving for a home down payment or a vacation.”

Freelancing: Monetize Your Skills and Expertise

If you have special skills, freelancing can help you earn extra money during the holidays. You can offer services like web design, writing, editing, social media, and software development. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr make it easy to find clients online. This way, you can work on your own schedule and earn more.

Freelancing lets you use your skills as you want. Whether you’re a pro or a hobbyist, there’s a need for your talents online. Here are some tips to make the most of your skills:

  • Find your best skills and make profiles on sites like Upwork and Fiverr.
  • Show off your work, skills, and good reviews to get clients.
  • Charge fair prices but be open to talks for the right jobs.
  • Keep in touch with clients, do great work, and build a good name.
  • Try different services or platforms to earn more.

Freelancing in the holidays can be a great way to earn extra and learn new things. By using your special skills, you can meet the holiday demand for flexible services.

freelancing

Pet Care Services: A Furry Opportunity

Animal lovers can make extra cash by offering pet care services. This includes dog walking, pet sitting, and boarding. People often need these services when they travel.

Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, and Boarding Options

Pet sitting and dog walking rates are $15 to $25 an hour. In big cities, rates might be higher. You can set your own rates based on where you live and what services you offer.

  • Dog walking: This is a great way to make extra money, especially during the holidays.
  • Pet sitting: You can take care of pets in their own home. It’s a comfortable option for them.
  • Pet boarding: Hosting pets in your home is a good choice for pet owners. It’s safer than kennels.

Using Online Platforms like Rover and Wag

Online platforms like Rover and Wag help pet owners find reliable care. You can choose your own hours and rates. You’ll need to create a profile, pass background checks, and show your animal care skills.

“I started offering pet care services through Rover and was able to earn over $60,000 in a year. It’s a flexible and rewarding way to make extra money, especially during the busy holiday season.”

pet care services

How to Make Extra Cash During the Holidays as a Tutor

If you love teaching and helping students, tutoring is a great way to make money during the holidays. You can help with English, math, science, or test prep. There are many chances to use your skills and help students.

Online Tutoring Through Platforms and Test Prep Companies

Online tutoring sites like Tutor.com, TutorMe, and Care.com make it easy to find students. They hire tutors for all ages and subjects. Test prep companies like PrepNow and Varsity Tutors also need tutors for SAT and ACT prep.

Marketing Your Tutoring Services Locally

You can also advertise your tutoring in your area. Make a website or use social media to show what you can do. Talk to college libraries, community centers, and schools about working together.

Post flyers in places like coffee shops or community boards. This can help you find students who need help during the holidays.

Whether online or locally, tutoring is a good way to make money. With more students needing help, now is a great time to start tutoring.

holiday tutoring

Food Delivery: Flexible Income on Your Schedule

Looking for extra cash during the holidays? Try driving for food delivery apps like Postmates, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub. You can pick up orders in your area and keep all your earnings, including tips. This is a great way to make money without giving up your time.

Popular Food Delivery Apps and Platforms

The food delivery market is growing fast, expected to hit $165 billion soon. Many apps offer flexible income chances. Let’s look at some top ones:

  • Uber Eats pays around $23.27 per hour, Indeed says.
  • DoorDash offers about $15 per hour, on average.
  • GrubHub pays drivers about $15.49 per hour.
  • Instacart pays its drivers an average of $8 per hour, Indeed reports.
  • Shipt, owned by Target Corp., pays shoppers around $15 per order.
  • Amazon Flex needs drivers to be 21 and have a big vehicle for delivery.

Remember, tips are key to your earnings. Some services don’t cover vehicle insurance or mileage, as drivers are independent contractors.

Delivery Service Average Pay per Hour
Uber Eats $23.27
DoorDash $15.00
GrubHub $15.49
Instacart $8.00
Shipt $15.00 per order

food delivery

With more online shopping and holiday food delivery needs, driving for these services can be a good way to earn extra. It’s flexible and can help with your holiday spending.

Renting Out Your Space: Turn Vacant Areas into Profit Centers

In today’s world, making money from empty spaces is easy. You can rent out a spare room, an in-law suite, or unused storage. This can be a great way to make extra money during the holidays.

Short-Term Rentals on Airbnb and Vrbo

Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo make it easy to rent out your home. You can offer a cozy, ready-to-go place for travelers. This can bring in a lot of money, making a big difference in your holiday budget.

Renting Storage Space Through Neighbor and StoreAtMyHouse

Got unused space in your basement, garage, or attic? Rent it out on Neighbor and StoreAtMyHouse. These sites help you find people who need extra space. You can make money without dealing with guests all the time. You can choose to rent by the hour or for a long time.

Platform Potential Monthly Income Key Features
Airbnb Thousands per month
  • Listing your space as a short-term rental
  • Targeting travelers and vacationers
  • Fully furnished and turnkey experience
Neighbor Passive income
  • Renting out unused storage space
  • Flexible hourly or long-term options
  • Connecting with renters in need of extra space

Before you start, check local laws and make sure your insurance covers rentals. Using these platforms can turn your empty spaces into money makers. This works not just during the holidays but all year round.

Rewards Credit Cards: Earn Cash Back on Holiday Spending

As the holiday season comes, smart shoppers want to spend wisely. They look for ways to earn extra cash. Using a rewards credit card for holiday buys is a great idea. This way, you can get cash back on your purchases.

Many rewards credit cards offer great deals during the holidays. For example, American Express Offers give you $40 back when you spend $200 at JetBlue. You can also get $150 back at Marriott properties and $5 back with Apple Pay.

Bank of America’s BankAmeriDeals program offers cash back too. You can get 8% back at PetSmart and 5% off at eBay. H&M and Macy’s also offer 5% back.

Capital One Offers give cash back of up to 14% at Temu. You can also get 9% back at HSN and 8% at Macy’s. Chase Offers have deals like 10% cash back at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Sephora offers 10% cash back too.

By using your rewards credit card smartly, you can earn cash back. This helps lower your spending. Always pay off your balance in full to avoid interest and get the most from your rewards.

Credit Card Issuer Holiday Offers Rewards
American Express $40 back on $200 at JetBlue, $150 back on $750+ at Marriott, $5 back on $50+ with Apple Pay Amex Offers
Bank of America 8% back at PetSmart, 5% off at eBay, 5% back at H&M and Macy’s BankAmeriDeals
Capital One Up to 14% back at Temu, 9% back at HSN, 8% back at Macy’s Capital One Offers
Chase 10% back at IHG Hotels, 10% back at Sephora Chase Offers
Citi 5% back on Lyft rides, $10 back on $50 at PetSmart Citi Merchant Offers

By using these rewards credit card offers, you can earn cash back. This way, you can spend less during the holidays. Always pay off your balance in full to avoid interest and get the most from your rewards.

Monetizing Hobbies: From DIY Crafts to Online Reviews

If you love making things or trying new products, you can make money from it. Selling things you made like baked goods, candles, or decorations on Etsy and Amazon is a fun way to earn. You can also get paid for sharing your thoughts on products on Surkus.

Using what you already love and are good at is a smart way to make more money during the holidays.

Selling Handmade Items on Etsy and Amazon

Etsy has 1.9 million sellers and 31.7 million buyers. It’s a great place for people who make things by hand. Jewelry making is especially popular on Etsy, with a focus on unique pieces.

The founder of Three Bird Nest on Etsy made up to $70,000 a month. This shows how making money from hobbies is possible.

Getting Paid for Product Reviews and Testing

You can also get paid for sharing your opinion on products on Surkus. This lets you try new things and give feedback, all while making extra money.

Whether you like DIY crafts or online product reviews, the holiday season is a great time to make money from your hobbies. With places like Etsy, Amazon, and Surkus, you can easily make more money from what you love.

Mystery Shopping: Assessing Customer Experiences

Want to make some extra cash during the holidays? Try mystery shopping. It’s a fun way to earn money by checking out stores and businesses. You’ll buy things, watch how staff acts, and share your thoughts on the whole experience.

This job is great for making money and helping companies get better at serving customers. You must be 18 or older to start. You might get 1 to 10 jobs a month. Pay is from $8 to $25 per job, sometimes up to $100.

Jobs can take a few minutes to over 30 minutes. This includes reading instructions and sending in your report. You’ll get paid in 2 to 3 weeks after the next month.

You might get money back for what you bought. But, you’ll have to pay for things like travel yourself. You’re seen as your own boss, not an employee.

To start, give your bank info online. This is how you get paid for your mystery shopping jobs. It’s smart to talk to a tax expert about what you can write off and how to keep records.

Mystery shopping is flexible. You can do jobs from anywhere, even on vacation, if you have internet. With more people looking for mystery shoppers during the holidays, it’s a good time to join in.

Metric Value
Minimum Age for Mystery Shoppers 18 years old
Monthly Mystery Shopping Assignments 1 to 10
Mystery Shopping Pay Rates $8 to $25 per shop, up to $100
Time to Complete Assignments 2-3 minutes to 30+ minutes
Payment for Completed Shops 2-3 weeks after month-end

Being a mystery shopper is a great way to earn extra money during the holidays. It also helps improve customer service at many places. If you want to make some extra cash or have a flexible job, mystery shopping is a good choice.

Holiday Side Gigs: Wrapping Gifts and Decorating Homes

The holiday season is full of joy but can also be busy. Many people find it hard to wrap gifts or decorate their homes well. If you’re good at wrapping gifts or decorating, you can make money during the holidays.

One good side gig is gift wrapping services. Many people want their gifts wrapped nicely. You can tell others about your service or put up flyers at stores. You can charge $5 to $20 for each gift, based on its size and how hard it is to wrap.

Another side hustle is holiday home decorating. Homeowners might pay for someone to decorate their homes for the holidays. You can make about $15 an hour or $100 to $150 for each job.

“The holiday season is a time when many people are willing to pay for help with the little things, like gift wrapping and home decorating. By offering your services, you can earn extra cash to cover holiday expenses or save for the new year.”

If you’re good at making things look festive, these gigs are for you. Whether you’re wrapping gifts or decorating homes, you can make money. So, use your skills to make the most of the holiday season.

Cashback Apps and Sites: Earn While You Shop

When you’re shopping during the holidays, cashback apps and sites can help. Apps like Swagbucks, MyPoints, and Zynn give you cash or gift cards for easy tasks. These tasks include watching videos, taking surveys, and shopping online.

Other apps and websites can also save you money. Tools like Rocket Money and Trim find and cancel unwanted subscriptions. They also negotiate better rates on bills. This can give you a nice financial boost during the holidays.

Popular Cashback Platforms for Online and In-Store Purchases

  • Swagbucks: Earn points for online activities, which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash through PayPal.
  • MyPoints: Earn points for completing various tasks, such as taking surveys, watching videos, or shopping through their portal.
  • Zynn: A video-sharing platform that rewards users with cash for watching and engaging with content.
  • Rocket Money: Automatically identifies and cancels unwanted subscriptions, while also negotiating better rates on bills.
  • Trim: A financial assistant that can help you save money by managing subscriptions and negotiating bills.
Cashback App/Site Average Monthly Earnings Key Features
Ibotta $10 – $20 (up to $300 for very active users) Offers cash rebates for purchasing specific products or shopping at certain retailers.
Rakuten $10 welcome bonus for new users, $30 referral incentive Provides cash back on online purchases and has a referral program.
Dosh $1 welcome bonus, $10 for each friend referred Automatically applies cashback to linked credit/debit cards for in-store and online purchases.
Payce $5 for spending $20-$25 or more Requires a minimum of $10 earned before cash out and offers various cashback offers.

Using cashback apps and cashback sites can earn you rewards. You can get online shopping rewards on your holiday buys, both in-store and online. With a bit of effort, you can save money and enjoy the holiday season.

Conclusion

The holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful. You can make extra holiday cash with side hustles and jobs. This way, you can cover your holiday budget and start the new year well.

There are many ways to earn extra income. You can work in retail, deliver food, or even rent out your space. These jobs help you earn money during the holidays.

Be creative and determined to make the most of the holiday season. Don’t let money worries ruin your fun. Enjoy a stress-free holiday season with extra cash.

FAQ

What are some reliable sources of extra income during the holiday season?

You can get extra money by working temporary jobs at stores and delivery services. You can also sell things you don’t need online. This way, you can make some extra cash during the holidays.

How can I earn extra cash by freelancing during the holidays?

Freelancing is a great way to make money during the holidays. You can do web design, writing, editing, and more. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr help you find clients online.

What pet care services can I offer to earn extra money during the holidays?

You can make money by taking care of pets. This includes walking dogs, sitting for pets, or boarding them at your place. Use Rover or Wag to find pet owners who need your help.

How can I monetize my hobbies and skills to generate extra income?

You can sell your handmade items online. Use Etsy or Amazon to sell baked goods, candles, or decorations. You can also get paid for sharing your opinions on sites like Surkus.

What are some easy ways to earn cash back on my holiday spending?

Use a cash back credit card or download apps to earn money back. Sites like Swagbucks, MyPoints, and Zynn give cash or gift cards for simple tasks. This way, you can earn money without much effort.

Source Links