'Tis the season for helping (and earning while you do)

Holiday expenses can add up quickly, leaving many workers looking for extra income this season. If you’re looking to make a little money during the celebrations, there are a few ways to stand out from the competition. Retailers are looking to hire hundreds of thousands of seasonal workers.¹ But you’ll need to be open to a flexible schedule. In fact, the number one reason people don’t get hired is their unwillingness to work certain days and hours—like Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.² Here's how to help yourself, and others, this winter.

How to make extra money for the holidays

For Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or whatever holiday you may be celebrating, keep this in mind: People want to spend time with their families. Combine that with the following tips and you can put more savings in your pocket while keeping the spirit of the season alive.

Pencil in flexibility

First things first: brush up on different December holidays when workers are most in demand. During interviews, mention that you’re flexible with your days off and may be able to pick up extra shifts if other coworkers need to take off. It could help you get hired.

Once you land the job, this info helps you and your coworkers cover each other’s shifts so everyone enjoys the holidays. For example, a younger worker might cherish a restful New Year’s Day while a mother might prefer to spend evenings during Hanukkah with her kids.

Here's a list of holidays to work into your schedule:

• Christmas Eve/Day

• Day After Christmas Day

• Hanukkah

• Kwanzaa

• New Year’s Eve/Day

• Advent

• Winter Solstice

Help more, earn more

Ride-sharing services often pay higher bonus rates to drivers who are picking up passengers on holidays. If you’ve already celebrated Hanukkah with your family, earn more cash by driving on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Not only are you earning even more cash by working certain days, you’re also helping other workers by allowing them to take off and celebrate with their loved ones. Just don’t forget to stash some of that bonus money in your savings account and reward yourself with a “you day” after working the holiday rush.

Whatever you’re saving for—whether you’re hosting Kwanzaa at your place this year, trying to earn extra money for Christmas or just stashing some away for your dad’s birthday—seasonal jobs provide an ample opportunity for saving.