3 Surprising Ways to Find Extra Cash for Christmas

Christmas has a sneaky way of showing up faster than we expect, and the last thing you want is a pile of debt tagging along with your holiday cheer. Instead of stressing over debt in January, why not gather extra cash along the way? You don’t have to overhaul your life or start a side business just to pad your Christmas fund. With a little strategy and a few free tools, you can start racking up extra cash right now, long before the holiday bills hit.

It’s still summer, but that’s exactly why now is the best time to start thinking about Christmas. Planning early isn’t about being overly organized. It’s about giving yourself the gift of time. And time, as it turns out, is one of the best money-savers you’ll ever find.

Here’s why: most Americans admit the holidays hit their wallets hard. Last year, U.S. shoppers spent over $707 billion between November and December, and nearly 1 in 5 people went into debt to cover Christmas costs. Yikes. And the truth is, very few of us regret not buying more. In fact, 70% of Americans say Christmas feels too focused on money in the first place. That’s why getting ahead of the spending game matters. It keeps your holidays joyful, not stressful.

Why Planning Early Helps You Save for Christmas

Planning ahead means protecting your mental health, sidestepping financial anxiety, and keeping your holidays aligned with your values. You can budget now for experiences, like that cozy cabin getaway or a memorable family activity instead of blowing the budget on last-minute panic shopping.

When you spread out the preparation, you give yourself permission to choose wisely instead of reacting under pressure. That means fewer “just grab something” gifts (which, by the way, 19% of recipients don’t even like) and more thoughtful purchases that bring joy, not January regret.

Start small, start now. Christmas isn’t an emergency if you’ve already planned for it.

1. How to Earn Extra Cash with Swagbucks

Swagbucks is an online rewards program that gives users points, called “Swag Bucks,” or SBs, for doing everyday tasks online. One hundred SBs equals $1, which you can cash out for PayPal money or eGift cards to over 1,500 retailers, including Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Starbucks.

What makes Swagbucks appealing is how easy it is to work into your normal routine. You can earn points for shopping you were already going to do, answering surveys and polls, streaming videos, searching the web, or even playing games. And with both a mobile app and website, you can earn from just about anywhere.

Getting started is simple: create a free account, verify your email, and complete a quick task, like a short survey or video, to grab your first SBs. From there, it’s up to you how far you want to take it. Some Everyday Cheapskate readers report earning a few hundred dollars every year that they earmark just for Christmas shopping. Others use it more casually, redeeming a gift card here and there to cover those “budget busters” that pop up during the holidays.

Now, let’s keep it real: Swagbucks isn’t a fast track to riches. One longtime user reported making about $5,000 over six years, while another said they average a few dollars per week by knocking out tasks during downtime. Most users agree it’s one of the better “get-paid-to” platforms out there—legit, user-friendly, and faster than similar survey sites. The trade-off is that the pay-per-hour isn’t high, and sometimes you’ll get screened out of surveys partway through.

The good news? Many users say the points accumulate quicker than expected, especially if you mix and match different earning methods. And Swagbucks often runs sales on rewards, meaning you’ll need fewer points to grab your favorite gift cards. Some members even donate their points to charity.

Bottom line: Swagbucks works best as a low-effort, flexible way to earn a little extra cash or rewards in your spare time. Think of it as “found money” you can stash away now, so December feels a whole lot lighter on your wallet.

2. Using Rakuten to Earn Cash Back and Referrals

Rakuten is a free rebate site that pays you real money, cash back, when you shop through its platform at thousands of popular retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Lowe’s, Target, Best Buy, Groupon, and more. If you’re already shopping online, Rakuten is one of the simplest ways to earn extra cash on purchases you were going to make anyway.

Getting started is simple. Open a free Rakuten account, then either:

• Download the browser extension. It automatically pops up when you’re shopping at a partner store so you don’t forget to activate cash back.
• Use the app or website. Search for your store through Rakuten first, click the link, and then shop like normal.

Cash back rates vary by retailer (sometimes as low as 1%, other times 10% or more), and Rakuten often runs “double cash back” promotions. That means if Old Navy usually offers 2%, you might get 4% during a promotion. Your earnings are sent every quarter by PayPal or mailed check, giving you a built-in bonus just in time for holiday shopping.

And here’s where it gets really exciting: referrals. Rakuten pays you $30 for every friend or family member you refer who signs up and makes a qualifying purchase. There’s no limit to how many referrals you can earn, so sharing your unique link (even on social media) can add up fast.

Is Rakuten worth it? Reviewers say it’s “a low-lift way to score cash back” for both online and in-store shopping. It’s completely free, with no hidden fees or interest charges, and unlike credit card rewards, there’s no risk of debt. One user compared it to “finding money in your jeans pocket,” not huge amounts all at once, but it adds up over time.

Pro Tip: Layer Rakuten with a rewards credit card if you have one. For example, if your card earns 2% back on purchases and Rakuten gives you 5% cash back, you’ve effectively saved 7% on your order. That’s money back in your pocket for something you were already buying.

Bottom line: Rakuten won’t pay the rent, but it can absolutely cover a few gifts or pad your Christmas fund without any extra effort. It’s one of those “why wouldn’t you?” tools that makes holiday spending sting a little less.

• MORE: How to Earn Cash Back Shopping Online with Rakuten – It Really Works!

3. Make Money Online by Testing Websites

If you’re comfortable clicking around websites and sharing your thoughts out loud, you can actually get paid for it. Companies like UserTesting hire everyday people, not tech experts, to test websites and apps and then give honest feedback. Developers need to know what real users think, and that’s where you come in.

Here’s how it works:

Apply on the UserTesting site and take a short practice test. Don’t worry if you don’t pass the first time. It’s common, and you can try again.

Once approved, you’ll start receiving opportunities. Each test usually pays $10 for about 20 minutes of work. Sometimes you’ll get invited to live video interviews that pay $30 for a half hour.

Payments are sent weekly through PayPal, so you don’t have to wait months to see your earnings.

Now, let’s talk real-world expectations. While it’s possible to make $30 an hour if you stack a few tests back-to-back, most testers say the work is sporadic. You might get three or four tests in a good day, and some days you’ll see none. One reviewer shared that in their first month they completed 53 tests and earned $553. They averaged a handful per day, usually in the mornings or evenings when new opportunities dropped.

The nice part? You control when you take tests, so it’s easy to fit around a 9–5 job, school schedule, or family time. Many users treat it like “bonus money” they use for holiday shopping, fun splurges, or building a little savings buffer.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Patience pays off. Not every screener will qualify you for a test. Stick with it, and you’ll land more over time.
• Tech matters. Make sure your computer or phone is running smoothly and updated. Glitches can cause failed uploads.
• Be yourself. Companies want your honest, thoughtful feedback, not “perfect answers.”

Bottom line: Website testing won’t replace a full-time job, but it’s one of the more flexible and interesting side hustles out there. If you like the idea of making a little extra cash by giving your two cents, it can be a surprisingly fun way to pad your Christmas fund.

More Legit Ways to Find Extra Cash for Christmas

So there you have it, three solid ways to pad your holiday fund without turning your life upside down. The best part? They’re just the beginning.

If you’re ready to keep the momentum going, there are plenty of other side hustles and work-from-home opportunities worth exploring. Some can put money in your pocket fast, while others take a little more time but can grow into a steady income stream (like freelance writing, virtual assisting, or selling your creations on Etsy).

Here are a few more ideas to spark inspiration:

• Freelance Platforms: Sites like Fiverr let you turn random skills (writing, design, even voiceovers) into quick cash.
• Virtual Helping: From tutoring to assisting small businesses, you can earn on your own terms while making someone’s life easier.
• Creative Hustles: Got a hobby you love? Consider turning it into extra income through platforms like Etsy, Fine Art America, or even blogging.

If this has you curious (or maybe a little fired up), I’ve put together a full guide with even more legit ways to make money online. You can check it out here → 25 Proven Ways to Make Money from Home in 2025

Remember, there’s no “one right way” to earn extra cash. The trick is finding the option that fits your lifestyle, energy, and goals. Whether you just want a cushion for Christmas gifts or you’re looking to build something more lasting, the opportunities are out there.

 

Question: What’s your favorite way to stash away a little extra cash before Christmas sneaks up on you?

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