Whether we like it or not, the holiday season is now upon us. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Years are the time of year where we usually bring in the yuletide cheer and spend more time with the family. But for some of us, it can be a time of the year where extra money is needed to cover expenses that are extras—so some additional streams of income are required.
I’ve come up with Five Ways to Make Some Extra Money During the Holiday Season that can help create additional funds for you to save for a rainy day or splurge during the most wonderful time of the year. Here we go:
Seasonal Employment
Department stores, Big Box Retailers, and smaller locally owned shoppes are all looking for additional help during the holiday season. If you are looking to make some extra bucks this holiday, now’s the time to apply. With the long hours stores will be open, you will virtually be guaranteed hours that will allow you to make some cash on the side. And seasonal jobs aren’t just limited to stores. Call centers and other customer service related jobs are hiring during this time of year as well. Don’t have time to look for seasonal work? Try a temporary agency, who will do the heavy lifting for you.
Consign
During this time of year, I am always going through my closets to create additional space and rid the household of things we no longer use. Many of these things are worth money and can be sold to create extra income. That designer dress that you no longer wear could be worth some coins. So gather all of your barely worn apparel and head over to the consignment shop—you can make a little nest egg by consigning your items.
Turn that Hobby into a Jobby
Do you like to take photos? Why not put that expensive camera to use and charge to take holiday portraits for families? Most of all us have a hobby that could be a way to make extra income.
Be a Personal Shopper/Errand Runner
On your days off from your workplace, you could be making extra money being a personal shopper. Create an online ad or share on your social networks your services and watch people flock to you for your expertise. You could even work as a personal assistant or errand runner for a fee.
Mystery Shop
The Mystery Shopping industry is a wonderful way to make a little additional income each month and gives you the opportunity to dine out and buy items you actually already like. And during the holiday season, they are always looking for shoppers to secretly scope out competition and deals at other stores while measuring quality assurance and customer service. In this Forbes article (click here), an author tells of making $14,000 per year by being a mystery shopper. It is something that can easily be done on your lunch hour or time off of work.
This holiday season, make sure to spend it with those you love. But if you need to, also spend it making some extra cash. Your wallet will thank you!
I’ve done the mystery shopping and it’s actually kind of fun. I still get emails. Maybe I need to pick that back up.. Great tips.
Thanks, Val. I know a few people who supplement their income with Mystery Shopping. It’s fun and a fab way to make some extra dough.
This is so true! I just picked up a seasonal job to make a few bucks this Holiday season. Thanks for sharing!
Keyonda, thanks for commenting. Seasonal holiday jobs are a great way to add some additional income.
Thanks for the tips. I have been a Full time homemaker since 2001. My boys are older now, and I am on a mission to find a job. Part time only for now. You have any tips for a mother who hasn’t worked outside the home in such a long time?
Tonya, first off, thanks for commenting. Despite the fact that you may have been out of the workforce for many years, being a stay at home mom and homemaker isn’t an easy job and requires a lot of skill. Use those skills of organization, planning, and detail, to move forward with seasonal work. All of those qualities would make for great customer service and seasonal positions in department stores, especially in the toy and kids clothing area. You can also look for work in your previous field before becoming a full-time mom. Utilize any hobbies you may have and turn it into something that could earn income for you. As a former HR manager, I liked hiring people who had taken some time off from the workforce. They are more “hungry”, passionate, and willing to work hard. Less jaded. Hope this helps!