10 Ways To Make Fast Cash for the Holidays
Being able to enjoy the holiday season without worrying about how to pay for gifts and activities is the stuff people dream of. You want to be able to do the things you love without sacrificing your budget or eating into your savings. Thankfully, there are many approaches you can take to come up with the resources to create a joyful experience.
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Here are some expert-backed ways to make some fast cash for this festive season.
Reduce Your Spending
If you want to make money quickly to cover your holiday expenses, the first thing you should do is to reduce your spending, advised Linda Chavez, founder and CEO of Seniors Life Insurance Finder. “Start by making a list of all your expenses and identify areas where you can cut down.”
This could be anything from eating out less often, reducing your daily coffee intake or avoiding unnecessary purchases.
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Sell Unused Items
One hustle that can bring in quick cash for the holidays is selling items you no longer need, said Michael Hammelburger, CEO of The Bottom Line Group.
“Take a stroll through your closet or garage — those old gadgets or clothes might be someone else’s treasure,” he highlighted. “I once decluttered my space and made a decent chunk by selling vintage stuff online. It’s like giving your belongings a second chance and padding your wallet simultaneously.”
Andrei Vasilescu, co-founder and CEO of DontPayFull, recommends selling clothes, electronics, furniture or other goods through online marketplaces or consignment shops or hosting a garage sale. “Sort through your belongings and identify items you no longer need or use.”
Offer Services
If you have a specific skill or talent, you can offer your services to others in exchange for money. Chavez said this could include anything from tutoring to freelance work like graphic design or writing. “You can advertise your services through social media or online marketplaces like Fiverr or Upwork.”
Take on Odd Jobs
According to experts, taking on odd jobs is another effective way to make some quick cash. You can consider babysitting, dog walking, lawn mowing or even helping out with tasks like moving furniture or painting. Chavez recommended finding these types of jobs through websites like TaskRabbit or by asking around in your local community.
Similarly, Hammelburger suggested offering a service in your local community. “Whether it’s pet sitting, house cleaning or holiday decorating, people are willing to pay for convenience,” he added. “I once helped neighbors with Christmas light installations — it was a win-win, making their homes festive while boosting my holiday fund.”
Teach Online Classes
If you possess expertise in a particular subject, Vasilescu said you should consider teaching online classes or tutoring students in your area. “Online teaching platforms like Udemy and Teachable allow you to create and sell your own courses, while tutoring sites like VIPKid and Skooli connect tutors with students worldwide.”
Participate in Online Surveys
“There are many companies that will pay you to participate in online surveys and provide feedback on products and services,” Chavez noted. “While this may not bring in a significant amount of money, it can add up over time and is an easy way to make some extra cash.” That said, she suggested making sure to do your research beforehand and only participate in reputable survey sites.
Vasilescu agreed, saying there are numerous websites and mobile apps that offer paid online surveys as a way to earn extra cash. “While the payouts are typically modest, completing surveys during spare time can add up to a decent amount.”
Become a Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical or creative assistance to clients remotely. Vasilescu noted that if you have strong organizational and communication skills, you should consider offering virtual assistant services through platforms like Zirtual and Fancy Hands.
Rent Out a Room or Parking Space
If you have extra space in your home or own a parking spot in a convenient location, you can rent it out temporarily to recoup holiday expenses. Vasilescu advised using platforms like Airbnb and SpotHero, which can facilitate short-term rentals of rooms, apartments and parking spaces.
Preparing Homes for Winter
“At this time of year, homeowners in regions with milder winters start to think about winterizing their homes in preparation for the colder months ahead,” said Richard Adams, lead researcher at WithinHome. He noted that many people either lack the time or the expertise to accomplish it on their own.
“This is a service that would be very easy to market in your area if you know how to use a drill gun and a tube of caulk effectively,” he added. “Simply print off some postcards or flyers and advertise your winterizing services.”
Adams said this can include things like cleaning gutters, raking lawns, sealing windows and doors, and installing weather stripping, among other things. “You will be astonished by the amount of money that people are willing to pay you to remove tasks such as these from their to-do lists.”
Organize a Night of Holiday Shopping
Finally, Adams recommended organizing with a group of your other artsy friends or even with some local businesses and working together. “Products created in the immediate area are quickly gaining in popularity among consumers,” he emphasized. “Your side business might benefit from participating in a local craft fair in order to attract new customers and build up its clientele.”
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