The following post is by Kevin Fullerton. Enjoy!
With utility bills, car repairs, and other unexpected payments, it’s hard to save up during the year to get your kids their holiday gifts. The below six ideas are ways you can afford the holiday gift items they want.
Work Part Time at a Retail Store
Just about every retailer will need holiday help. Be prepared to take on the grunt work though, as you’ll more than likely have the hours current clerks do not want such as closing or weekend hours. However, since it’s the holidays, there are plenty of hours available to work and in less than a months’ time you may find yourself with a considerable amount of holiday shopping money.
Become a Direct Sales Representative
Avon, Amway, Thirty-One, Scentsy, Origami Owl, and Sass N Frass are all direct sale companies actively recruiting representatives. It’s an easy way to start your own side business selling popular items from home or online.
The startup fees are low, and in some cases free to join. Your sales commissions can be 25% or higher. Some companies offer a stellar referral fee if you recruit a direct sales representative under you. The payout could be daily, weekly, or monthly. If you start now, you can rack up some money to afford the gifts for your little ones and possibly discounts with the products you also sell. That’s an additional bonus for you!
Complete Gigs on Online Job Sites
If you’re looking for a side gig, but can’t afford to hire a sitter, there are many online job sites you can sign up for and complete side gigs while at home. So if you are an expert writer, excel in website design, or have advice for business owners, you’ll do well bringing in extra holiday income. Check out the following sites to get started:
- Behance.net
- Guru.com
- Elance.com
- Fiverr.com
- Bloggingpro.com
- Craigslist.com
Sell Your Old Items
Since you’re looking to purchase new items, make room for them by selling your old items. You’ll kill two birds with one stone by freeing up space and bringing in money for those holiday gifts your child wants. Take great photos and upload them to sites such as EBay or Craigslist to sell them online. You could also take them to consignment stores and see what they offer you. Finally, have a garage sale and get rid of everything in one day. Your kids can even help out.
Clean for the Holidays
During the holidays, many families get together for dinner and visits. One thing the host may not have time for is cleaning their home. That’s where you can step in and offer your cleaning service. Just a few homes could bring in the cash you need. This opportunity also gives you the flexibility to create your own working hours. If it’s a good friend of yours, you may be able to bring your kids with you and avoid babysitting fees as well.
