How to Earn Extra Money During the Holiday Season

We all know how expensive the holidays can be. Presents, parties, special food. Add to that the occasional trip to visit relatives (or the expenses of acting as host) and you will probably start to seriously worry about money long before December rolls around. If you always find yourself incurring in debt in order to pay for your holiday expenses, here are some ideas to help you earn a little extra just when you need it.

Instructions

1. Try squeezing in some overtime. Sure, you want to spend the holidays with your family, but working a few extra hours at the beginning of December wouldn’t necessarily affect that. Extra holiday help is especially sought-after in retail shopping, but don’t discount the possibility of picking up some extra hours, even if you work in other areas.

2. Become a Santa’s helper. This can be done in a variety of ways beyond the obvious way of wearing a red suit. For example, lots of parents buy their kids Santa letters, so you could earn some extra cash by offering to write them and advertising your business at local malls and parent-teacher conferences. Or you can ask your local post office if they hire extra holiday help to help them deliver Santa letters (some post offices offer this service in their communities).

3. Make the most of your abilities. If you have a artsy hobby, you can probably put it to work during the holiday season. Regardless of whether you paint, make your own soap or knit scarves, chances are they will be a local holiday market in your community where you can sell these items.

4. Find a second job. If you cannot land extra hours in your day job, look around for opportunities to work during the holiday rush. Department stores and delivery services are the obvious choices, but don’t discount other things, such as babysitting kids while parents are busy out shopping.

Tips & Warnings

• Saving money is a good way to increase the amount in your pocket without actually having to work for it. You can do this by shopping sales, baking cookies as presents or playing Secret Santa (rather than giving gifts to everybody).