11 Ways to Earn Extra Money for the Holidays

The holiday season is a beautiful time to be with friends and family, share delicious meals, and exchange gifts — but this wonderful season can also come with a high price tag! 

Luckily, there are plenty of things you could do to earn some extra holiday cash and make this season financially easier. 

Get the money you need this holiday season 

Sometimes, your regular paycheck isn’t enough to cover holiday expenses. Even when you plan to keep gift-buying to a minimum, holiday-related costs can tally up quickly. Having a plan in place to earn extra money for the holidays can allow you to focus on the fun of the season rather than your bank account. 

➢RELATED: 10 Savvy Ways to Stretch Your Holiday Gift Budget

1. Get a holiday side gig or part-time job 

Many retailers hire seasonal workers to keep up with increased demand. They may also look to fill specialized roles that only come around once a year, such as gift wrapping. 

If you’d prefer to stay away from the shopping chaos, look into festivals and craft shows. These events often need seasonal staff to keep everything running smoothly, whether it’s greeting people, working a register, or selling your own wares. 

2. Find an event staff in need 

Corporate dinners, holiday-themed plays, symphonies, ballets, and other events occur from November through January. If you’d like to join an event staff, research local venues, caterers, and event-planning teams to see if they’re hiring supplemental help. Given their seasonal nature, these roles can offer the chance to earn some quick holiday cash. 

3. Hang holiday lighting 

According to HomeGuide.com, professionals charge an average of $240-$650 per installation. If you don’t mind heights and working outdoors, hanging holiday lights could be a lucrative gig! 

One way to break into this business is to decorate your own house as an example of your skills. Order professionally made stake signs advertising your services and display them near the curb. As you complete jobs, offer a discount to clients willing to display a sign on their properties. Keep track of your clients and reach out to them next year for recurring holiday cash. 

4. Childcare and pet care 

This time of year coincides with festive nights out and holiday travel. Turn that time away for your neighbors and friends into income! 

If you’d rather not babysit, you can usually find quite a few animal-sitting gigs around the holidays, as many owners prefer in-home sitting while they’re away to reduce stress on their pets. 

5. Ridesharing 

Rideshare apps like Uber offer a simple way to monetize your free time and help you earn extra holiday cash. Before you sign up, make sure you’re aware of any potential costs. In addition to accounting for gas money, you may need supplemental insurance, and it’s important to account for the wear and tear on your vehicle. 

6. Take on some tasks 

Do you have a specific talent? Maybe you’re a graphic design guru, an excellent writer, or you’re great at home repairs. 

Plenty of apps have made it easy for you to offer your services to people who may need them. Simply use an app like Upwork or Fiverr to create a profile, write your job offer posting, and wait for customers to come to you! 

7. Deliver the goods 

From grocery pickups to takeout deliveries, there are many jobs needing to be filled by those with cars or bicycles. Research which delivery or courier services best match your schedule and browse reputable delivery job apps. For example, DoorDash or Instacart might be the perfect options to try out. They’re easy side gigs for someone who needs flexibility because you can work whenever you’d like. 

8. Download apps that pay 

Earning extra money for the holidays could be as easy as downloading cashback and survey apps. Adding cashback apps to your shopping routine can save you money on holiday spending or just year-round shopping in general. Survey apps require time and attention, but they usually pay you with gift cards that you can use toward holiday shopping! 

9. Join a focus group or take part in a study 

Focus groups typically pay you in cash or gift cards for your time and honest opinions about a product. Search online for focus groups near you. Some are exclusively online or conducted by phone, while others are in person. Taking part in a research study conducted by a college or medical center might be another option, although these have specific health and age requirements. You’ll need to search for studies in your area and assess if you meet all the requirements. 

10. Promote yourself to friends and family 

Whether it’s occasional babysitting or baking cupcakes for parties, there are always ways to lend a hand to your network for pay. Think of something you’re good at that your community would pay for, make business cards, and advertise your services on social media. 

11. Sell your stuff 

Is your home too cluttered for comfort? Then it might be time to get rid of some stuff. Start looking through your clothes, the attic, and your basement for items someone else might be interested in. If you don’t have time to host a yard sale, sell them online on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. 

➢RELATED: DIY Holiday Gift Ideas

Loans for extra holiday cash 

If you still need a little financial help to get through the holidays, Advance America may be able to help. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for a holiday loan, including: 

• Payday Loans. These small-dollar loans could get you the funds you need to cover expenses until your next paycheck. 
• Installment Loans. Receive a lump sum of money now and repay it over time in fixed monthly payments. 
• Title loans. Use your vehicle’s title as collateral for a secured loan through our LoanCenter partner. 
• Lines of Credit. Open a flexible credit line and access funds as needed, up to your set borrowing limit. 

The good news is that not all holiday loans require good credit or credit checks. So, even if your credit is on the lower side, you could still get the money you need to make the holidays merry and bright!

Apply for a holiday loan