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According to the Bank of England, households spend about £713 more in December than in a typical month. Some people try to cover part of that by earning extra money in the months before Christmas. Below are some common options, with the time and costs involved.

Services named here are examples only, and others are available. Earnings vary and aren't guaranteed. Figures are before tax unless stated.

Freelancing

If you have a skill such as writing, design, bookkeeping or tutoring, you can offer it on freelance platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr or Freelancer. Platforms usually take a fee from what you earn. At £20 an hour after fees, earning £700 would take 35 hours.

Sell things you no longer use

You can sell unwanted items at car boot sales or through online marketplaces such as eBay or Gumtree. Selling your own personal belongings usually isn't taxed. If you regularly buy items to resell, that may count as trading. Online platforms now share information about sellers' income with HMRC.

Seasonal or second jobs

Retail, hospitality and delivery firms often take on extra staff before Christmas. Since 1 April 2026, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over has been £12.71 an hour. At that rate, earning £700 before tax would take 56 hours. The minimum wage is £10.85 an hour for workers aged 18 to 20.

Cutting bills

Lowering your regular costs, for example by switching energy tariff, changing your mobile contract or cancelling subscriptions you don't use, can free up money. Read more: subscription traps and how to avoid them.

Checking for money you may be owed

• Lost pensions: the Pensions Policy Institute estimated in 2024 that £31.1bn was held in lost pension pots. The free Pension Tracing Service can help you find old schemes.

• Old bank and building society accounts: you can search for dormant accounts through My Lost Account.

• Unclaimed estates: when someone dies without a will or known relatives, their estate may pass to the Crown. Relatives can check the government's unclaimed estates list.

Selling your story

Some newspapers and magazines pay for personal stories, photos or videos. Payment varies, and publication isn't guaranteed.

Driving or delivery work

Ride-hailing and delivery apps let you choose your hours. To drive for a ride-hailing app such as Uber, you need a private hire licence from your local council, a suitable vehicle and the right insurance. Earnings depend on demand and running costs such as fuel.

Taking in a lodger

Under the government's Rent a Room scheme, you can earn up to £7,500 a year tax-free from letting furnished accommodation in your own home. You may need permission from your mortgage lender, landlord or home insurer before taking in a lodger. You can also let a room through short-let sites such as Airbnb, which may have different tax and insurance rules.

Babysitting

If you have childcare experience, you can babysit for people you know or join an agency such as Sitters, where sitters set their own hourly rates. Agencies may require references, an interview and background checks.

Starting a side business

A side business can take longer to earn money. If your gross income from self-employment is £1,000 or less in a tax year, the trading allowance means you don't usually need to declare it. Above that, you'll need to register for Self Assessment. Depending on the business, you may also need insurance or licences.

Video and content creation

Creating content is a longer-term option rather than a quick way to earn before Christmas. To earn ad revenue on YouTube, a channel needs to join the YouTube Partner Programme. That requires 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 public watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million Shorts views in the past 90 days.

Things to be aware of

• Payday loans are capped by the FCA, but they're still expensive. Interest and fees can be up to 0.8% a day, and the total cost can be up to the amount you borrowed.

• Gambling isn't a way to raise money. Free support is available from GamCare.

• Survey and reward sites usually pay small amounts per task.

If you're worried about Christmas costs or debts, free advice is available from StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice.