Side Hustles Before Santa Season – Five Ways to Make Extra Dough for The Holidays

When future generations look back on 2020, there’s no way they won’t talk about COVID-19. This nasty virus has certainly “infected” all areas of our lives, even if we were fortunate not to catch the bug. As many states fluctuate with their lockdown restrictions, it will take a while to recover from the financial impacts of this global pandemic. It’s understandable why millions of Americans are looking for ways to bring in a little extra cash before the holidays.

Thanks to the rise in the “gig economy,” there are a few convenient ways you could earn a few extra bucks. Heck, there are even a few side hustles that don’t require you to leave the house! If you need a few ideas to bring in a little more money, consider taking on one of these gigs before Santa packs his sleigh!

Five Side Jobs for Extra Holiday Cash

Ride Your Way to Riches – Rideshare Driving

Ridesharing is the prime symbol of both the “gig” and “sharing” economies. While rideshare drivers don’t enjoy the full benefits of being a full-time employee, they can earn a decent chunk of change at their own speed.

Currently, it’s estimated Uber and Lyft drivers make between $15 – $20 per hour. So, if you don’t have a problem driving strangers around your city’s streets, this might be a lucrative position.

Both Lyft and Uber have similar requirements before accepting rideshare applications. For starters, you need to be at least 21-years-old, have a valid driver’s license, and have a minimum of three years of driving experience. Lyft and Uber also put their drivers through lengthy criminal background checks.

In addition to these preliminary requirements, drivers must abide by their state’s conditions for operating a rideshare vehicle. For instance, some counties require rideshare drivers to only use cars made after 2010. However, in other areas, you might be able to get away with an earlier model. No matter the laws in your target city, your car must pass a routine safety inspection and show no signs of damage.

Finally, Uber and Lyft have put in some special requirements for the health and safety of their drivers and passengers. These precautions include the mandate of facemasks, backseat rides only, and sanitation wipes.

If you’re interested in learning more about the application process, it’s best to contact either Uber or Lyft online or via telephone.

Deliver Dough for Dough – Delivery Driving

For those interested in driving without strangers in their car, here’s another suggestion: drive for a food delivery service! As some of you might know first-hand, food delivery has become increasingly common in the age of COVID-19. Now that more people are quarantining and/or working from home, this yummy industry has seen a “sizzling” surge in demand—which means there are plenty of openings for delivery drivers.

Just like ridesharing, delivery drivers don’t enjoy full employee benefits, but they can customize their schedules. Although prices vary depending on what company you’re looking into, you could make about $13 – $20 per hour on this side hustle.

As long as you have a valid driver’s license, you can start applying for one of the many delivery services online. A few of the most prominent companies to look into include DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, and GrubHub.

Consider Writing Content for Cash

Dr. Samuel Johnson is known for many witty quotations, but one of his best lines for writers has to be the following:

“No man but a blockhead ever wrote except for money.”

Sure, writing a personal blog for fun is cool, but wouldn’t you like to earn a bit of change for your writing skills? If so, we suggest looking into online content generators.

Sometimes called “content mills,” these sites put writers in contact with clients who need content. Typically, you have the freedom to choose whatever project you feel comfortable researching at a set-rate. Some sites will pay you by tracking how many hours you work, but you’ll most often get paid by the word.

Exactly how much you get paid depends on many factors such as your writing experience, how long your posts are, and what site you’re using. However, as a total beginner, you might have to write a few low-paying articles to get your name out there. As you gain more prominence on your site, clients could potentially come to you for higher rates.

Here are a few great content websites to help you get started on your writing journey:

• Textbroker
• Constant Content
• Problogger Jobs Board
• Scripted
• CrowdContent

Get Paid to Take Polls – Research Online Survey Sites

If writing isn’t your forte, don’t worry. There’s another easy way you could earn some extra cash at home: register for online survey sites!

Yes, it might sound too good to be true, but many websites will pay you to take surveys. Depending on how much time you put into this venture, you could make anywhere from 50 cents to $5 per survey. Sometimes these websites also offer fun ways to earn points towards awesome gift cards (just in time for Christmas!).

As long as you have a computer with a good Internet connection, you can easily add a few of these polls into your weekly routine. Not only could you earn a bit of extra money, you’ll have a chance to vent your opinions on everything from politics to popsicle brands!

Here are a few of the leading survey sites worth looking into:

• Swagbucks
• Branded Surveys
• Survey Junkie
• InboxDollars
• LifePoints

Is Selling Plasma Legit During COVID-19?

One of the many unfortunate effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a shortage of blood and plasma donations. Heck, many people feel uncomfortable enough around needles—so the added stress of COVID-19 certainly doesn’t help matters.

There are, however, many clinics that would be more than happy to pay for your plasma donation. The rates for these donations vary greatly, but the average is about $20 – $50 per visit. In most cases, it takes roughly two hours to complete the necessary paperwork, evaluations, and plasma donation.

While this may seem like “easy money,” please talk with your doctor before scheduling your first screening. Donating plasma carries certain health risks, especially if you’re deficient in minerals like iron. If you do choose to donate plasma, it’s also imperative you remain well-hydrated throughout the day.

If you have more specific questions about giving plasma in your area, be sure to Google accredited plasma clinics nearby.

The post Side Hustles Before Santa Season – Five Ways to Make Extra Dough for The Holidays appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

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