Here’s how you can make some extra money this holiday season

‘Tis the season for Christmas shopping.

According to the National Retail Federation, shoppers are expected to spend an average of over $900 on holiday shopping this year.

Whether it’s gifts, food or seasonal decorations – it can all add up quickly.

I spoke with shoppers looking for the perfect gifts for everyone on their list.

“I was shopping for my mom, my niece, my nephew and my brother,” Lauren Bothe said outside TJ Maxx in Newport. “I got them Christmas presents.”

Financing holiday gifts for friends and family can be overwhelming, especially if your budget is already tight.

“It’s hard to keep track of what you’re spending and how much you have left,” Bothe said.

If you’re worried about more money going out than coming in, you might want to consider getting a part-time job to make some extra cash.

NerdWallet’s Kimberly Palmer said the good news is that many stores are looking for seasonal help this month.

“There is a huge demand from retailers for workers who can come in and help with the holiday surge,” she said. “If you work 32 hours and make about $16 an hour, you can get to $500, which can help you with all those vacation costs.”

If retail isn’t for you, Palmer said delivery drivers are also in high demand.

“So think about things like Uber Eats, Instacart, Doordash,” she said. “All of these types of services are looking for workers, and especially this time of year, you can get a lot of work that way.”

Northern Kentucky shoppers told us how they can make some extra cash around the holidays.

“I babysit for extra money and that has worked out pretty well for me,” Bothe said.

“Sometimes I like to bring things into Plato’s closet,” added Bothe’s friend Jahla Ellis.

Palmer said if you’re looking for work, be creative and think outside the box

“So, for example, if you have a hidden skill, maybe you’re a really good photographer or you enjoy cooking or baking. “People are looking for help with all sorts of things, even assembling children’s toys or furniture,” Palmer said.

I asked Palmer what the next steps are for people who have a skill they want to use.

“What’s really helpful is that there are a lot of e-commerce platforms, places like Fiverr, Etsy, Airtasker and all kinds of websites that make it really easy to connect with people who are looking for additional help and services ” she says.

You can also go to sites like TaskRabbit and take on jobs like gardening, TV assembly, cleaning, and appliance repair. You could also consider an app like Rover and walk a few dogs around your neighborhood.

NerdWallet said that finding ways to save money can be just as effective as earning a little more, so you can always reduce your spending to avoid wasting your money.

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