Need some extra cash for the holidays? Accompanying items approved by experts will help

We all feel financial stress during the holiday season. Exclusive CNET survey found that 72% of American adults say they will have to make some financial sacrifices to afford a vacation this year.

If you can’t afford it travel and gifts, personal finance experts recommend two different ways to increase space in your budget: cut costswhich may mean sacrificing shopping for friends and family or making more money.

Taking a temporary gig is one way to provide yourself with a financial cushion. Daniella Flores, CNET Money side job expert and founder I like to playsays the holidays are a great time to start some extra work, especially if you have some downtime or can make an income from your passion without draining pleasure from it. And while finding a partner or part-time job isn’t a quick fix for most people, there are alternatives to making vacations more affordable.

4 extra gigs you can start today to boost your holiday savings

When deciding whether to undertake a side hustleand choosing the right one depends on your availability and priorities. Make sure you don’t sacrifice what’s important to you, like quality time with your family or your safety.

For example, pet sitting might be ideal if you work remotely and have a flexible schedule. Conversely, if you often run errands or go to work, food delivery concerts might be a better fit.

Flores shared four side gigs to help you earn money during the holiday season. You can also get creative and start a job that suits you best, such as gift wrapping or baking.

The pet is sitting

During vacations, people travel more often and have to leave their four-legged friends behind.

“This time of year is extremely good for pet care,” Flores said. You can use apps like pet care Rover and Meowtel to start Flores noted that you can set your own rate and work when you want, although you often pay a service fee for using the program. You can also try asking your neighborhood about upcoming opportunities.

Even after the holiday season, you can continue this side hustle for households that need help caring for their pets during work or other vacations.

More details: I made thousands last year on a side hustle that I had no intention of starting

Delivery of products or food

Another hot item for the holidays? Grocery and food delivery for busy people who don’t have time to wander the aisles.

“A lot of people need to shop and don’t have time. Here you are, Flores said.

You can check out popular delivery apps like Uber Eats or Instacart to register and arrange gigs according to your availability. A delivery service can come in handy for large gatherings such as Thanksgiving or evening or weekend football parties.

Keep in mind that the payment is not permanent. How much you earn depends on demand, time of day, distance and other factors. Instacart and other delivery services also charge fees that may affect your payment.

Sell your old stuff

Most likely, you have clothes in your closet that no longer match your style. Or maybe you have extra electronics that you barely use. Flores recommends returning them cash deduction.

“If you also have unwanted gifts from last year or holiday clothes you’ve outgrown, try selling them on apps like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmarka and eBay to make extra money.”

Bola Sokunbi, a CNET Money expert and the founder Smart Financealso recommends selling items that households need most, such as baby essentials. As people prepare for the holidays, they can buy your unused items as gifts to save money by putting cash in your pocket.

Selling second-hand items isn’t a steady source of income, but if you’re looking for some extra dollars to help you afford the holiday season, this gig shouldn’t cut into your weekly schedule too much.

More details: Looking for some extra cash? What one money expert recommends to make ends meet

freelance

Flores recommends turning your skills into a freelance vacation. For example, you can take holiday pictures in the park or holiday card design. While these gigs may take longer to secure because you need a client base, they can generate significant income in both the long and short term.

“Look on Linkedin for any freelance gigs that are hiring,” Flores said. You can also tell your friends and family or post on social media to spread the word.

If you’re considering freelance design, photography, or writing, make sure you have a portfolio and resume ready. Set bids and estimate your schedule to ensure work is completed during the holidays.

Taking on a second job can give you extra room to afford a vacation without taking on debt. But you might want to consider celebrating the holidays differently to stay within your budget. Shang Savedera, CNET Money expert, shared some creative ideas holiday gift ideas to avoid FOMO, which are budget-friendly and rely on your skills more than your wallet.

It’s never too late to start a side gig

With the holiday sales underway, you may worry that you won’t have enough time to create another income stream. But Flores says not to stress.

“There are a lot of extra gigs you can start researching now to start saving for Black Friday and other holiday deals,” she said.

Flores advises checking concert schedules to see what’s available near you. Some of these programs require background checks and verification, so if you’re planning to get started, don’t wait. The initial process may take longer than expected.

Apart from the apps mentioned above, here are a few others worth checking out.

Fiverr for freelance services including search engine optimization, business consulting, writing, design and music.
Elevator or Uber if you are comfortable driving around the city. A ride to/from the airport during the holidays can bring money.
TaskRabbit to run errands in your neighborhood, such as running errands, packing furniture, or helping someone move.
Etsy sell your craft and digital products that can be gifted for the holidays. Two examples are handmade scarves or a digital file of a holiday card.