We could all use a little extra cash for Christmas and it’s actually pretty easy to earn some.
By Alex Soulopoulos
As Christmas gets closer, most of us see our bank balances drop significantly as a result of exxy family presents and a few too many late-night dinners and cocktails. This year you won’t be scraping through the silly season eating baked beans and searching for gold coins on the pavement. Instead, you’ll use one of these new, exciting ways to make some extra cash for Christmas.
Pet project
What could be more fun than baby-sitting a cute, cuddly cat or dog these holidays? Pet owners are always on the lookout for an alternative to kennels, and with a site like Mad Paws, you can offer your services to care for pets in your local area.
You could also try advertising your services in your local Facebook group or putting up an old-school note on the community services board at the shops.
The bonus of pet sitting as you’re often house sitting as well – so try offering your services in an area that you’ve always wanted to visit (Byron Bay in summer springs to mind?).
Sales force
Are you afraid to open your wardrobe in case an avalanche of extra clothes and shoes cause a serious head injury? This option is for you.
Spend a few hours sorting through your excess gear and categorise into piles by new/used and designer/chain store.
Often it’s a good idea to combine chain store purchases into one listing (ie. assortment of t-shirts), as opposed to selling them each separately. Although it will take time and organisation, you’ll be surprised at how much money your redundant stuff can fetch.
Crafty way
This must be the most fun way to earn extra cash for Christmas. Get in touch with your inner child, grab some Clag glue and get crafty. This year, try your hand at Christmas tree decorations, home-made jewellery and baked goods to sell on Etsy or at your local markets.
With ‘artisan’ all the rage, you’re bound to get some interest in your goods. Plus it gives you something to do while you binge watch summer TV.
Open space
This one’s for all those CBD dwellers who haven’t yet realised that their driveway or car space is prime real estate.
Your unused parking space can make you a few hundred dollars a month! Advertise the spot using online classifieds, a Facebook post to friends or in your local group, or by simply printing a few A4 flyers and handing them around to local cafes and offices.
Even easier, a site like Park Hound will rent your space for you.
You potentially have an untapped gold mine sitting outside your door.
Clever house
For those lucky enough to go travelling over the holidays, why not rent out your home or apartment and make some extra moolah while you’re sipping cocktails on a beach? Renting your house will no doubt cover your rent or mortgage and then some, especially if you live near a tourist destination. Check out sites like AirBnB and Stayz for listing.
There really is no excuse for being a scrooge with this range of fun and quick ways to make extra cash for Christmas. With all the extra money you’ll have, you can afford to add a few extra Yuletide goodies to the shopping basket for yourself.
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