Everyone feels the cash crunch at the end of the year. Just as in the lesson of the ant and the grasshopper, the winter months often need a little extra, especially for celebrating the holidays. Here are 4 ways to bring in the green.
1. Get a Job
Many retailers and shipping companies are looking for extra help during Christmas. Mall stores and big box retailers often hire temporary seasonal employees. Merry gentlemen can don the Santa suit, and elves that can get kids to smile for a photo are always in demand. Sometimes these seasonal jobs can lead to permanent employment, but usually the position is eliminated after ReGiftmas has ended.
2. Start a Business
If the weather cooperated, you could shovel snow. Many a seasonal business has started by doing similar work. Some seasonal business ideas include:
- Hanging Christmas lights
- Cleaning gutters and downspouts
- Making and selling gift baskets
- Sleigh rides or carriage rides
- Selling yule logs, mistletoe, or Christmas trees
3. Sell Your Stuff in the Classifieds
Take a look in the garage, check all the closets, and clean out the kid’s rooms. Sell old stuff and buy new gifts with it. Help someone stretch their holiday dollar by selling your used items in the classifieds.
Some people worry about when they can sell the item they are replacing. The answer is sell the old one as soon as possible. Let’s say you are getting a new washer and dryer. Selling your current set won’t “ruin the surprise” or leave unable to do laundry for more than a day or two. The best time to sell will be before the holidays.
4. Spend Time Not Money
Most people can remember a handful of gifts from their childhood. But we can remember all the people we shared those moments with. Make sure that all the extra time and effort you put into the holidays give your family what they really want — time spent with you.
