The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and, unfortunately for many, a bit of financial stress. With gifts to buy, parties to host, and traveling expenses to cover, the costs can quickly add up. But here’s the good news. With a bit of initiative, you can pad your holiday spending budget through side hustles. Whether you’re looking to cover the entire cost of the season or just earn a little extra for some special gifts, here are some side hustles that can help:
Holiday Spending Budget Help – Side Hustles You Can Try
1. Freelancing
Got a knack for writing, graphic design, or coding? Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect freelancers with clients in need of their specific skills. Depending on your expertise, freelancing can be quite lucrative and flexible enough to fit into your schedule. In the post Covid era there are plenty of remote opportunities that you can explore to cushion your holiday spending budget.
2. Sell Your Crafts
If you’re crafty, this is an ideal time to capitalize on it. Handmade gifts, decorations, and other holiday-themed crafts are in demand. Set up a stall at local craft fairs or sell your creations online through Etsy or Facebook Marketplace. People are constantly looking for a deal and your creativity can really earn you some extra cash through these platforms.
3. Holiday Pet Sitting
Many families travel during the holidays, leaving their pets behind. If you love pets, offering pet sitting or dog walking services can be a fun way to earn extra cash and enjoy some furry companionship. This might not be every one’s cup of tea. But If this is up your alley you are bound to earn some extra bucks for your holiday spending budget.
4. Tutoring
With exams often occurring after the holiday break, many students are looking for some extra help. If you excel in a particular subject or skill, consider tutoring. Websites like Tutor.com or Chegg Tutors can help connect you with students.
5. Ride-sharing or Food Delivery
Platforms like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and UberEats offer flexible hours, allowing you to work as much or as little as you’d like. As a bonus, the holiday season often sees a spike in demand, which can lead to higher earnings.
6. Rent Out Extra Space
If you have a spare room or even an unused garage or shed, consider renting it out. Platforms like Airbnb can help you rent spare rooms to travelers, while sites like Neighbor allow you to rent out storage space.
7. Participate in Market Research
Companies are willing to pay for your opinion. Participating in online surveys, focus groups, or product testing can be an easy way to make some extra money.
8. Seasonal Retail Jobs
Many stores hire seasonal help for the holiday rush. It’s a straightforward job, usually with flexible hours, and you might even get a store discount – perfect for holiday shopping! If you have the hours to spare this can get you to build up a buffer pretty fast. Everywhere you look companies are looking for the extra help.
9. Photography
With family gatherings and holiday events, there’s a demand for photographers. If you have a good camera and a decent eye, offer your photography services for family portraits, parties, and events.
10. Teach a Skill or Workshop
Maybe you make the best holiday wreaths, or perhaps you’ve mastered the art of festive cookie decorating. Whatever your skill, consider hosting workshops or classes. Not only do you earn, but it’s also a great way to meet new people and share the holiday spirit.
Bottom Line…
The holidays are a time of giving and celebrating with loved ones. With a side hustle, you can alleviate some of the financial pressures that come with the season. Debt accumulation is one of the main problems post holidays. If you are looking to manage your money more effectively by earning some extra cash a side hustle is a good option to explore. Plus, many side hustles offer not just a chance to earn but also to learn, meet new people, and even have fun. Dive in, and who knows? Your holiday side hustle might just turn into a year-round gig!
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.