8 Ways to Bring in Extra Cash for the Holiday Season

​Whether your family observes Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or another holiday, many view this time as a stressful moment of the year. During this season, families seek ways to bring in supplementary funds for gifts, food, decor, entertainment, travel and for utility bills increases during the winter months. It is no question that this time of year calls for additional money for most families. 

​Despite your situation, I am here to demonstrate ideas for you to make extra cash. Let's reduce some of the stress for you this year.

Here are ways you can make extra money from home: 
1. Work remotely as a customer service rep either by phone, email or chat support.
This type of job is the most in-demand for those looking for work from home seasonally. I recommend checking out Apple, AMEX, Nordstrom, Amazon, and 1-800-Flowers just to name a few. In this role, you would be looking for temporary seasonal support work by phone, chat or email to assist companies during the most significant shopping and travel time of the year. Depending on the company these positions are generally between $9 to $17 per hour. Many of these jobs come with great perks such as discounts on items and services. 

2. Earn money back with Ebates.
I am an avid user of Ebates. This service isn’t a job. However, you can earn cashback on purchases you are going to make for the holidays. You can check out my Ebates review here and signup here to start earning money back. 

3. Make a few extra bucks with crowdsourcing sites.
During the holiday season, businesses will need help. People frequently travel during this time. You can make extra cash by helping professionals on websites such as Fancy Hands, TaskRabbit, and Mechanical Turk. Also, you can set yourself up on Fiverr and offer a service that matches your skillset. With this alternative, you don't have a strict schedule to follow. You can take work as you are available.  

4. Pick up groceries or fast food for clients.
Sign up with Instacart, Postmates or UberEats to earn extra cash by picking up food for customers. This option can offer $20 per hour and more dependent on where you reside. 

5. Drive with Amazon, Lyft or Uber.
You can earn extra money by transporting people around with Lyft/Uber or by delivering packages with Amazon. 

6. Start a home-based business in direct sales.
Direct sales is a fabulous way to earn extra money, especially during the holiday season. You will need to find a business with products you love. Check out my post on Direct Sales as an Income Opportunity + Business Evaluation Checklist to help you get started. 

7. Offer dog sitting services for families.
One of my previous Business Communication students created a full-time dog sitting business, but this could be a promising side gig. Dog sitting is an additional way to make extra cash for the holidays. You can host pets at your home if you have space or sign up for a dog walking service to help people take care of their fluffy family members. You can check out companies such as Rover and Dog Vacay. 

8. Rent out extra space.
If you have an extra room, basement or space, you can earn extra cash by renting to travelers during the holiday season. Websites such as Airbnb has made this process easy for you. 

Final Thoughts
This list only provides a small number of things you can do to earn extra cash before the holidays. Our goal is to show you that with research and creativity you can make more money to meet your goals for the holiday season.

​About Rita 
Rita is a freelance writer, consultant, professor and flex work enthusiast who enjoys the freedom and flexibility of working remotely. After starting remote work in 2011, she has continued to work remotely and currently enjoys the flexibility. Today, Rita continues to embrace the remote work lifestyle and encourages others to do what they love on their own terms. Be sure to follow the Guide to Working at Home where we share advice, jobs, tips for remote workers, freelancers, business owners to find flexible work and opportunities.

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