Bring cheer to your wallet this season with these creative and practical money-saving tips
By Jillian Holness
Check out Grocery Ads for Deal
If you’re like me and immediately toss anything in the trash that isn’t an overdue bill or a coupon from your favorite retailer, you probably haven’t been paying attention to the weekly grocery store ads. The holidays are not only a time for gifts and gratitude, but also where it’s perfectly acceptable to throw your diet aside without anyone judging you. If you and your dinner guests are certified big backs and go for seconds, thirds, appetizers, and something sweet at the end of your feast, you must save money on food. The weekly grocery ads are perfect for comparing prices and helping you stick to your menu budget.
Donate Plasma for Extra Cash
Donating plasma may have a reputation for attracting the desperate, but it’s a meaningful way to save lives while earning extra cash. For instance, CSL Plasma offers bonuses for new donors during their first month. Payments are loaded onto a prepaid debit card with funds available after each successful donation. Want to give it a shot? Check out donor requirements and find a location near you click here
Turn your Clutter into Cash
Now’s the perfect time to declutter your home and make some extra holiday cash. Those clothes you swore you’d wear someday or the fancy kitchen appliances gathering dust in your cabinets could be treasures to someone else. List these items on resale platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, or Poshmark, where budget-savvy buyers are on the hunt for unique gifts without the retail price tag. You can turn unused items into funds for your holiday shopping with little effort.
Earn Money while Delivering Holiday Treats
The holidays are peak season for gig drivers on platforms like Shipt, Uber Eats, and DoorDash. From last-minute grocery runs to delivering festive meals, these platforms cater to customers who need extra convenience during the busy holiday season. Whether it’s picking up a forgotten ingredient or dropping off dinner for someone enjoying a quiet holiday at home, you can earn significant tips and bonuses during this high-demand period. The flexibility lets you work around your schedule while cashing in on the holiday hustle.
Cancel your subscriptions.
I’m sure you’ve seen commercials about paying for subscriptions you no longer use, and I’m almost positive, you clicked the skip option before the commercial was over. However, those subscriptions can add up and not being informed about your active subscriptions can mean throwing money down the drain. According to research from Bango, the average American has 4.5 subscriptions and spends $924 a year on them.
Earn Cashback on Your Online Purchases
We all know Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the biggest times during the holiday season to score some deals. But, did you know you can save money and even earn cashback on your purchases all year round? Browser extensions such as Raktuen, Retail Me Not, and Capital One Shopping Offer cash back on your purchases as well as automatically add any coupons you may have missed.
Decorate on a budget
You do not, I repeat do not need another piece of Christmas decor from TJMaxx. Instead, reuse the decorations you have from previous years. But if those decorations are starting to look more tired rather than merry and bright, take a crack at making your own Christmas decorations. Check out Pinterest and YouTube for budget-friendly DIY ideas that can also be a fun activity for the whole family to get involved.
Check out tree-lighting events in Cleveland
Speaking of the whole family, don’t take your family to the mall and overspend this season just because your kids are bored. Instead, check out the annual tree-lighting Winterland ceremony at Public Square. There’s also a tree-lightening ceremony at Crocker Park. It features a block party with food trucks, photos with Santa, activities, and live performances.
Lend a Hand with Task Rabbit
If you’re great with putting things together, know your way around minor home repairs, or don’t mind getting your hands dirty cleaning or moving furniture, then Task Rabbit is the place for you. Task Rabbit connects you to locals in your area in need of labor. This flexible side gig allows you to make your own rates and keep 100 percent of your tips.
Open a HYSA
Unlike traditional savings accounts, high-yielding savings accounts or HYSAs grow interest each month with an annual average percentage yield or an APY. Now, would be a perfect time to open up an account and start investing for next year’s holiday celebrations. Check out these popular HYSA options