Making your list and checking it twice? When your budget is tight, generosity may take a back seat to frugality. However, bringing in additional money ahead of the holiday season can help you meet your savings goals and stay on your in-laws' good side.
There are plenty of side hustles to fit a range of interests, so earning extra funds fast is well within reach. And saving in advance can help you shop for gifts for your loved ones without taking on additional debt.
Here are eight ways to make money before the holidays:
1. Get a Seasonal Job
Seasonal retail jobs offer a great way to bring in additional funds during the holidays, with the expectation that the position may end after the start of the new year. These gigs tend to begin when shopping ramps up in the fall. They may end sometime in January or February, when the rush fizzles out and restocking is done.
If you're looking for seasonal work, consider these possibilities:
- Drive for delivery services such as UPS and Fedex.
- Check for openings at your local mall.
- Try department stores such as Macy's, Kohl's and Target.
- Ask around at neighborhood businesses that sell holiday goods, such as bakeries or Christmas tree vendors.
Tip: To get the most out of your efforts to hit your holiday savings goals, see if you can get a job somewhere that you could do the bulk of your holiday shopping. Some shops offer employee discounts, which could make your holiday funds go further.
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2. Sell Stuff You No Longer Use
Take inventory of the things you have around the house that you no longer want or need. Clothes you never wear, unwanted furniture, appliances, utensils, decor and more—all of it could be someone else's treasure, and help you make money from home.
Local marketplaces on sites such as Craigslist, Nextdoor or Facebook could be fruitful places to list your items online. If you're willing to ship, you can reach a larger audience by:
- Selling miscellaneous items online on eBay or Amazon
- Selling clothing on Poshmark or Depop
- Selling vintage goods and crafts on Etsy
Learn more >> Best Places to Sell Your Stuff Online
3. Find Freelance Work
Picking up freelance work in a field in which you already have skills or experience can be a flexible and lucrative way to bring in extra cash. Web design, copywriting, editing, social media marketing and software development are all among the most in-demand freelance skills.
It's easy to start offering your services and applying for freelance gigs on online platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr. If you find that you enjoy the freedom and creative challenges freelancing offers, you can also launch an online business to offer your professional services to a wider clientele.
Learn more >> How to Start an Online Business
4. Take Care of Pets
If you love hanging out with animals, why not apply your passion to bring in extra income ahead of the holidays? Dog walking, dog and cat sitting in someone else's home, and boarding animals in your home are all good options.
These services are often even more in demand over holidays, which means you won't have a hard time finding someone who needs you to watch their furry friend—and you can charge a premium for your services. To get started with this holiday side hustle, connect with clients through platforms such as Rover or Wag, or reach out to neighbors and friends.
5. Tutor a Subject
Do you have a knack for an in-demand subject, such as English, science, math or computer science? Tutoring could be a great way for you to turn your skills into a profit. Plus, tutoring can be extremely rewarding for people who love helping others learn and reach their goals.
Here are some potential ways to get started:
- Offer your services online through platforms such as Tutor.com or TutorMe. Many families also seek grade school tutors via sites such as Care.com.
- Build an online presence by creating a website for your services.
- Let your friends know about your new tutoring business on social media.
- Connect with students in person by putting up fliers or reaching out to local college libraries.
- Help students prepare for standardized tests. If you did well on your SAT, PRAXIS or GRE, for instance, you could apply for part-time online tutoring gigs through a company that specializes in test prep.
6. Deliver Food
Another tried-and-true way to earn extra money is driving for a food delivery service. There's a demand for delivery drivers on platforms such as Postmates, Uber Eats, DoorDash and GrubHub. It's flexible and offers the ability to earn substantial income fast.
Keep in mind that you'll need to meet the driver requirements for each individual platform and, of course, you'll need a working vehicle. But apart from that, it's a highly accessible gig. In high-demand areas, working during busy hours and earning tips make this a lucrative way to make your holiday savings goal a reality.
Learn more >> How to Make Money With Your Car
7. Rent Out Your Space
If you have a spare room, renting it out on platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo could help you earn holiday funds. That's particularly true if you live in a popular travel destination. It's free to list your space on these platforms, but they'll take a percentage of your profit.
Just be sure to research regulations in your area before you decide to rent out your space. In particular, be sure short-term rentals are permitted in your zone and check out what types of taxes will apply. Also, be aware that a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy could exclude you from renting out your space.
8. Use a Rewards Credit Card
During the holiday season, you may be doing more shopping than usual. A cash back rewards credit card can help you earn money on the spending you'll already do.
If you choose a cash back credit card with generous rewards in retail, for instance, you could rack up a modest sum. Then, you could redeem that money as a statement credit to trim down your balance.
Just be aware that rewards cards are only worth it when you can afford to pay off your balance in full each month before interest accrues. In other words, be sure to save ahead of time and only make purchases you're positive you can repay. Otherwise, you may end up carrying holiday debt into the new year.
Learn more >> Are Credit Card Rewards Worth It?
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Get More From Your Money
In tandem with spending strategically this season, picking up a holiday side hustle can help you afford the gifts you want to buy your loved ones. There's no shortage of possible ways to bring in extra cash this holiday season, and the right gig for you is one that you enjoy and that employs your creative skills.
But remember that while increasing your income can bring in extra cash, that cash will only go as far as you make it go. Creating a budget should be your first step to planning for the holidays. Your budget helps you know where your cash is going, and it helps you set aside funds for specific goals—including nailing your holiday shopping.