The holidays should be the happiest time of the year – when friends and family get together and everyone celebrates. One thing that often causes some tension around the holidays is finances. With gifts, decorations, and parties, it’s easy for the cost of the holidays to become rather expensive. To make sure money doesn’t come in the way of your enjoyment, it’s best to find ways to make extra money for the holidays. Here are eight ways to do so:
1. Sell Unwanted Items
Do you have clothing in your closet you’ve never worn? Or appliances that are working perfectly that you just never use? Consider selling these unwanted items to make extra money for the holidays. In addition to clearing up some space in your home, you get some additional cash in process as well!
You can sell unwanted items two ways: by shipping them or in person. Most likely, you’ll list the items on a website, whether that be eBay or Craigslist. With eBay, you’ll have to accept payment online, ship the item to the buyer, and pay a listing fee. With Craigslist, there is no payment portal or listing fee. But, you’ll have to meet the buyer in person; so make sure you stay safe.
2. Bing Rewards
Most of us use Google to perform our web searches. But if you want to be rewarded for something you do online anyway, consider switching to Bing. Bing has a rewards program in which you earn points when you make searches. These points can be redeemed for gift cards or used as credits towards the purchase of Microsoft products.
You can make the switch just for the holiday season to reap the rewards. Or you can make it a permanent switch. After a while, you might not notice the difference in results between Google and Bing.
3. Freelance
We all have valuable skills we can offer to others. It’s just a matter of identifying which skills others are willing to pay for. Once you find that marketable skill, it’s time to freelance. You can start by working with family and friends and local businesses. If your skills can be offered online, even better. Here’s a list of examples of some common skills you can use for freelancing:
- Photography
- Graphic design
- Writing
- Virtual assistant
- Crafting
- Tutoring
4. Seasonal Part-time Job
If you’d rather stay off the computer and earn money the old-fashioned way, a seasonal part-time job might be just what you need. Many retail stores are looking for extra hands during the holiday season in order to keep business running smoothly. You’ll likely end up working as a cashier or salesperson.
The hourly wage might not be impressive. But the job shouldn’t be hard. Plus, most stores offer employee discounts. So you can even save money on your holiday shopping while making extra money!
5. Airbnb
If you own your home, renting out a room can be a very profitable way to make extra money for the holidays. Airbnb is an online marketplace that connects homeowners with temporary renters. You can rent out a room for one day at a time, one week at a time, or even monthly. If you’re going away on vacation, you can rent out your entire home to make even more money with Airbnb.
6. Ride Sharing (Uber/Lyft)
Ride sharing is a newer way of making extra money. Companies like Uber and Lyft have evolved and made it easier than ever to make money driving. It works similar to a taxi except rides are requested through a mobile app.
You can drive as much or as little as you want; and you get to make your own schedule. If you’re a good driver, like being on the road, and don’t mind taking people to their destinations, being an Uber or Lyft driver might be the perfect way for you to make extra money for the holidays.
7. Online Surveys
If you’re computer savvy, these last two options will be attractive to you. Taking online surveys is an easy and reliable way to make extra money online. You simply sign up through one of the many online survey providers available, fill out your profile, and complete the available surveys. A few online survey providers include: Harris Poll, Opinion Outpost, and American Consumer Opinion.
Which surveys are available to you will depend on your demographics. Companies are seeking opinions from people from a variety of backgrounds. For completion of most surveys, you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards. Others survey providers will pay you directly in cash.
8. User Testing
You can test websites at UserTesting.com as a way to make extra money for the holidays. All you need is a computer with a microphone and an Internet connection. After you fill out your demographics and complete a sample test, you’ll be all set to start testing websites and getting paid.
Tasks include doing certain functions on a website and recording your opinion – how easy or difficult it is to complete the task. You’re paid via PayPal every week for the tests you complete.
Wrapping Up
There are endless ways to make extra money for the holidays. Whether you prefer to make money online or by a traditional part-time job, there are opportunities out there for you. What’s most important is that you get started now. You’ll want to make sure you have enough time to make the money you want to make and shop the holiday sales.
After the holidays are over, consider keeping your newly found income source as a way to continue making extra money all year long. This way, you’ll be even more prepared for the holidays next year.
How do YOU save money before the holidays? Make sure to share in the comments below!
