5 easy ways to make some extra Christmas shopping money.

The holidays will be here before you know it and it's important to stick to your budget. Here are my five tips to save and make some extra cash for everyone that's on your nice list this year.


Number 1: Selling gently used or like new clothing and accessories that you're not using

I send my clothing to Thredup and it's so easy. I request a free mailing bag online. Once it arrives, I pack it with my stuff and request a pick up with USPS and they will pick it up at my front door. It takes about two to three weeks for Thredup to give you a buyout quote, but you can request for it to be moved up for a small fee. They will give you either a store credit to use on their site shopping (they have many new with tag items) or they'll send you a Visa gift card. Selling items you no longer need is always fast, and it's an easy way to create some extra cash flow. There are also local facebook selling groups in your area for those bigger items you're looking to unload.




Number 2:  Using Your Credit Cards for Good

I use my credit card to pay for all of my bills rather than a debit or a check. it's important to do this on the card that gives you cash back rewards. Both my Chase and my PNC Bank Visa card offer 1.5% back on all purchases and 5% on certain items monthly. These are usually in categories like grocery, retail or entertainment. I then make sure to pay all of my bills with my card and then pay off my balance at the end of the month. I make anywhere between $20 and $50 dollars each month depending on the offer.

Number 3: Using a savings app

I love using the Acorns app because it makes saving so much easier.  By setting up an auto monthly amount to be deposited, it helps me keep on track with my savings goals.  Acorns has a natural higher interest rate (3-5%) than other accounts, but you can make even more money with what is called "Found Money." Acorns has partnerships with many different brands and if you click on the associated link, they'll add a percentage of money to your account based on the current offer. For example, I was buying a wedding present online at Macy's and having it shipped to the couples house. By clicking on the link, I made an extra $6 just by using the link for a purchase I was going to make anyway.

Number 4: Using Ebates and Shoptagr Together

This is something I wish I would have done years ago. I use these two as my tag team of savings.  Not only does Ebates give me cash back on the stores I love to shop at, they also let me know what promo codes are available to get even more savings on the items I love. Shoptagr allows me to tag individual items I want to buy. Once those items go on sale, I get an email notification. I then go through my Ebates link to make my purchase and get even more savings. This quarter I have a $60 check coming to me. Did I mention also the 1.5% cash back on my visa card.


                                                                Number 5:  Subscribe and save on Amazon


Seriously, Amazon has saved my life time and time again and now I can save even more. I started after I had my son and found that I could save huge on his formula. We're talking $40 a month on that alone.  I love using the subscribe and save feature for items like paper towels, cleaning products, batteries and pretty much anything that we consistently use on a monthly basis. Most of these items are the ones that you don't know you're out. The prices get even lower when you have five or more items coming a month.  I just can't wait until Amazon starts delivering food!

The time it takes to set up your accounts and start savings is minimal. The extra savings and money you can make this holiday season will be so amazing you'll want to keep using these tips next year. If you do, you'll find that your savings will add up quickly. What will you do with the savings? Pay off debt, vacation, new handbag?