The holidays are right around the corner! 2020 hasn’t been an easy year and a lot of us felt it in our pockets, which might make this holiday season feel like it has a little extra financial pressure. If you’re looking for some extra money for the holidays, here’s five tips that might help.
- Open Up Shop
Most everyone has a shirt they never really wear, a book they’ve read and never will again, or just stuff sitting around the house that they never use. It’s time to make some space and some money. Take an inventory of all the items in your home. The stuff that you don’t need anymore… sell it! Put it out on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, or even throw a yard sale. You’d be surprised at how much you could make.
- Seasonal Retail
I’m sure nobody wanted to hear that getting a second job was a solution, but it is the shopping season and retail stores are almost always in need of an extra hand. Try looking for part-time seasonal work early or you might miss out on the chance. Most stores are hiring now for these positions.
- Get Creative
Arts and Crafts aren’t for everybody, but if you’re the type of person that recreates things you saw on Pinterest and it turns out better, maybe it’s time to consider letting that creativity earn you cash. Whether it’s because people like personalized gifts or just because it’s something you don’t see in a Macy’s, smaller craft businesses are more popular this time of year. Sites like Etsy are well known places to sell your homemade goods.
- Over-time
Who needs a second job when the one you’re at is offering over-time? Sure, you’re already dedicated to your regular work week and time off, but by staying a little longer you might like how your check looks on payday.
- The 4 Gift Rule
This tip might not be about how to make money, but might help someone realize they don’t need to go to extra lengths to make more, because they already have enough. We all enjoy the gift of giving, but sometimes it leaves us with the unwanted gift of credit card debt. It’s not easy, but by limiting the number of gifts you buy each of your family members to a more moderate amount, you can still have a happy holiday and stay within your budget.
Whether you decide to turn your hobby into a full-on arts and crafts enterprise, or pick up a couple of extra hours on the job, there’s extra money out there to be made. And, if come January you do find yourself climbing back out of debt, consider how your financial institution could help.
And don’t forget that Dover Federal's special Christmas Club account is an easy way to save little by little throughout the year, so you’ll have plenty of funds available in time for next year’s holiday shopping or winter vacation. We’re here to help you get there.
