We’re all feeling the squeeze financially, especially at Christmas. The availability of credit can tempt us into taking out loans to fund the festive season but is this really the answer? Getting into debt is never a long-term solution. Looking for ways of boosting your income could mean you have some extra cash sloshing around. Not just at Christmas, but throughout the year.

Make Available Cash Work Harder

Before you start rushing out and getting second jobs and flogging things on Ebay, take some time to look at where your cash is going at present. There are hundreds of advice forums like Money Saving Expert, which will give advice on how to cut your spending on household bills and expenses. They’ll walk you through switching your energy supplier and help you reclaim your PPI. Use the site’s spreadsheets and budget planners to work out where your spending can be cut. Head over to the forums section of money websites to discuss your situation with others in similar circumstances.

Boosting Your Income With a Second Job

Getting a second job can be a great way of earning a little extra cash. The trick is finding something which will work around your current employment. For a short term boost over the festive period, look at retailers and the hospitality industry, which takes on extra workers to cover the peak period. The benefits of this sort of work is that you can start straight away, and you won’t need a DBS check. If you can be flexible, you stand the best chance of getting a casual job. If you have standard work as a nurse, or are a medical student, carer or similar, then you can sign up with the NHS bank to take on additional shifts as and when you choose. You won’t need to apply for a new DBS check if you’re working in the same NHS trust.

Selling Stuff

Let’s face it. Most of us have more stuff in the house than we really need. Ebay isn’t the only option for selling old, unwanted items for extra cash. Check out local selling sites for a quick sale, or specialist sites for vintage clothes, books or CDs. You won’t make a fortune, but if you’re not using the items anyway, it makes sense to earn some cash for having a clear out. Even kids’ toys like Lego can be sold by the kilo to earn some extra money.

Cashback Apps

If you’re an online shopping fan, then you could earn cashback on many of your purchases. Check out websites like Quidco, Topcashback or Boom25, which give you a small percentage of your spend back. Saving 3% on a clothing order doesn’t sound much, but get into the habit of doing it and it’ll soon mount up. Larger levels of cashback are available for taking out new insurance products or changing your bank account. Other apps will give you instant vouchers to use on purchases from major supermarkets and other stores.