I'm pretty sure you're well aware by now that Christmas is just around the corner and perhaps your feeling a bit of anxiety about holiday money matters. Not only are there gifts to pay for, there are kid's school parties and teachers gifts. recitals and plays, Christmas dinner, travel expenses and even family portraits. If you're reading this post then you're probably just like everyone else in America, wondering where the heck all that Christmas money is going to come from. But before you whip out that credit card, here are a few ways you can come by $500 or more just in time for the holidays.
Save money for Christmastime by temporarily suspending casual spending and other money draining habits.
▲ Going out to Eat ▲
Going out to eat is wonderful. You don't have to cook a thing, the food is often delicious and you don't have to clean up afterwards! But the convenience of having someone else feed you and your family comes with a price.
If you buy your lunch everyday during your work break 5 days a week at an average of $7 a meal, that will add up to be about $140 in the span of 30 days.
And a family of four going out to eat just once a week:
$8 average for meal and drink x 4 = $32 per outing
$32 x 4 weeks = $128
▲ Going to the Cinema ▲
Taking a family of four to the cinema every weekend can set you back upwards of $130, not including the price of snacks. I'm sure you and your family can survive not going to the movies for 30 days. If there's something you're just dying to see, hang tight! It's going to be in the Redbox in just a few short months anyway. So be patient and you'll be able to enjoy that blockbuster in the comfort of your own home in no time!
▲ Fancy Coffee Drinks ▲
There's nothing like a yummy mocha in the morning or a frappuccino on the way home from work but the cost of those drinks really add over the course of 30 days. If you buy a specialty coffee every morning before work, five days a weeks for 30 days that can add up to be about $60. Instead of buying, try brewing your own coffee at home, jazz it up with some tasty flavored creamer and take it along with you in a travel mug.
▲Smoking ▲
Quitting smoking isn't really something that should be done temporarily for the sake of saving money for Christmas. It's something that should be done permanently for the sake of your health as well as your wallet. Cigarettes average around $6 a pack and if you smoke a pack a day for 30 days that's $180 gone up in smoke.
Let's look long term here: Quitting smoking for good will save you around $2,200 in a year!!
• • • Making Money • • •
Make tons of cash in just a few weeks so you and your family can have a happy and fulfilling Christmas.
▲ Sell Items on Facebook ▲
My husband I have made hundreds of dollars from selling odds and ends and unwanted items through Facebook swap shops. Some items have sold within minutes of posting! Just search for groups with your Facebook search bar or ask friends to add you to the ones they're already in.
▲ Have an Impromptu Yard Sale ▲
I've totally done this before. One morning I gathered up as much stuff as I could and set up shop outside my home. I only made about $15 after a few hours, but that was $15 more than what I started with. If you really want to profit from a yard sale (and if you have the time) have a sale during the weekend and advertise on Facebook and Craigslist. NOTE: some cities require you to have a permit to hold a yard sale. Ask around or contact the city before setting up.
▲ Do Odd Jobs ▲
Babysit, yard work, walk some dogs, clean someone's house, mend some clothes, do some laundry, run errands, anything! Call around or post on Facebook or Twitter that you're open for some side work.
▲ Get a Temp Seasonal Job ▲
Almost every retail business hires extra part-time help for the Christmas season. If you've got the extra time, this is probably your best bet for earning some extra dough for Christmas.
▲ Earn Free Gift Cards Online ▲
I'm talking about Swagbucks. Before you roll your eyes and scroll down to the next tip, please take note that Swagbucks is 100% legit and absolutely FREE. I haven't been on in a few months but with the Christmas season coming up I'm getting back on right now! I would never promote I site that I don't trust or use myself. To learn more about Swagbucks please check out my post:
What the Heck is SWAGBUCKS? Myths and Truths of earning FREE gift cards
or feel free to use my referral link to sign up HERE.
▲ Collect Your Change ▲
Check the cup holders in the car car, under couch cushions, coats in your closet and don't forget your old purses. You'll be surprised how much you can scrape up after a quick search! You might not be able to go to Disney World tomorrow but you'll probably be able to buy a few great stocking stuffers.
I hope my post helped! Do you have any great ways to make money for Christmas?
▲▲ FOLLOW MEEEE! ▲▲
I hope my post helped! Do you have any great ways to make money for Christmas?
▲▲ FOLLOW MEEEE! ▲▲
