CHRISTMAS may seem like a daunting prospect following a year that saw many of us pinching the pennies.
But one savvy mum has revealed how you can boost your festive funds with these quick money-making ideas.
Lifestyle blogger Jody Allen says there is still time to rake in some extra cash for the big day.
Speaking to News.com.au, she shared her top tips…
HAVE YOU ACCUMULATED LOYALTY POINTS?
If you use loyalty and rewards cards when making purchases during the year, log into your account online and see how much credit you have.
I found $50 (£27) on my Woolies card! And it is actually surprising just how many decent gifts you can buy at a supermarket. Use up your loyalty dollars to grab gifts!
LEGO IS NOW WORTH MORE THAN GOLD
If your kids have outgrown Lego – give it a wash (put it in a pillowcase and run it through your washing machine) – dry it in the sun – then weigh it and sell it by the kilogram on eBay or Gumtree.
The closer you are to Christmas, the more it is worth – and it goes for a fortune. Don’t worry about putting sets together or anything like that – just whack kilo lots online and wait for the money to rain on in.
ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICES TO SET UP CHRISTMAS TREES
I would genuinely pay someone to come and put up my Christmas tree – and then even more money in July when I get sick of making excuses to pull it down again.
It is a painful job if you aren’t remotely crafty or one of those anally retentive sorts.
You could charge upwards of $150 (£100) to do it; put up a few trees per day – you are rolling in cash. Advertise on local noticeboards and Buy Swap and Sell Facebook Pages.
Note: This year I’m tempted to wrap the completely decorated Christmas tree in plastic wrap and place it in the shed for next year!
MAKE AND SELL CHRISTMAS SWEET CRAFTS
If you are a parent, every second Facebook post at the moment will be ‘What should I buy little Johnny’s teacher for Christmas?’.
The answer: Make Christmas Sweet Sleighs or other sweet-related Christmas Crafts. I made the sleigh pictured here. It sells like hotcakes in the schoolyard. You could retire on Christmas Sweet Sleigh money.
Advertise in local school groups. Start your own Sweet Sleigh cartel.
So there are a few ideas. Happy start of the festive season, everyone.
Jody Allen is the founder of mothers network Stay At Home Mum. Find her at @StayHomeMum on Facebook, @jodyallen.stayathomemum on Instagram, @JodyAllen_SAHM on Twitter
This article was originally published on News.com.au and has been republished with permission.
In other festive news, an ex-retail worker has revealed how to make Christmas trees look bigger and fuller.
And experts share the one mistake not to make when putting up your Christmas lights this year.
Plus Primark reveals the three ways to use their paper bags as free wrapping paper when stores re-open next week.
Source: Read Full Article