The holiday season can be tough on your budget, with expenses like gifts, decorations, party outfits, food, and travel adding up quickly. According to CNET, about 72% of U.S. adults are making financial adjustments for this holiday season. While cutting back on expenses is one option, another effective strategy is to increase your income. Here are some ideas to boost your holiday earnings:
1. **Work as a Seasonal Hire**
Many retailers hire seasonal, part-time staff to help manage the increased shopping traffic during the holidays. If you enjoy working in a craft store, boutique, or toy shop, consider applying for jobs in your area. The additional wages and tips can supplement your regular income, and many retailers offer employee discounts.
2. **Put Up Other People's Holiday Decor**
If you love decorating for the holidays, you can offer your services to those who find it a chore. You can handle tasks like setting up and removing Christmas lights, yard and porch displays, and outdoor inflatables. Indoors, you can manage the Christmas tree, mantle, and table centerpieces.
3. **Offer Gift-Wrapping Services**
Some people lack the time or skill to wrap gifts beautifully. If you have the time and consider yourself skilled at gift-wrapping, offer your services in your local community. Post ads on local Facebook groups or other community platforms to let neighbors know about your service.
4. **Become a Pet-Sitter**
Many people travel during the holidays, leaving their pets behind. You can use pet-sitting apps like Rover and Meowtel to find opportunities or ask around your neighborhood. You can set your own rates and work when you want, though you may pay a service fee when using an app.
5. **Provide Snow Removal Services**
If you live in an area with winter storms, consider offering snow removal services to individuals or businesses. Services like shoveling, plowing, de-icing, and roof clearing are essential after each snowfall, providing recurring income throughout the winter.
6. **Try a Cash-Back Site**
If you prefer earning money from home, consider using cash-back sites. When you shop online, check out sites like Ebates or Ibotta to see if you can get cash back for your purchases. These sites earn a commission for referring you to their partner brands and share some of that money with you as cashback or gift cards.
By exploring these options, you can pad your holiday paycheck and enjoy the season without financial stress.