How to Make Money in Winter: Ideas for Extra Income

Winter brings a shift in daily routines and financial considerations. The colder months present opportunities to supplement income, whether to manage increased heating costs, save for future goals, or enhance financial security. Exploring avenues for earning additional money during this season can cater to diverse skill sets and time availabilities. Ways to generate income range from weather-tied activities to flexible, indoor pursuits.

Winter-Specific Service Opportunities

Winter weather creates service opportunities. Snow removal is a common example, with homeowners and businesses seeking assistance for clearing driveways, walkways, and parking areas after snowfall. Pricing varies; shoveling a residential driveway ranges from $30 to $75 per visit, while larger plowing jobs command $50 to $150, depending on property size and snow depth. Providing de-icing services, involving salt or ice melt, can be offered for an additional $20 to $50 per application.

Individuals undertaking snow removal or similar services should track income received, as it is taxable. Keeping records of expenses, such as shovels, snowblowers, fuel, and de-icing agents, allows for deductions as business expenses. Another seasonal need is the installation and removal of holiday lights, sought after from late fall through early winter. Charges often depend on the display’s size and complexity, with installation costing $200 to $600 for an average home, and removal priced at about half the installation fee.

Chimney sweeping and inspection services see increased demand as people prepare to use their fireplaces. A standard cleaning and inspection costs between $150 and $350. Specialized training or certification is important for safety and effectiveness. Professional training costs for such services can be deductible business expenses.

As people spend more time indoors, they notice home repairs and maintenance tasks, creating opportunities for indoor handyman services. These services can be billed hourly, ranging from $40 to $80 per hour, or on a per-job basis for tasks like painting, minor plumbing, or general repairs. Tools, materials, and transportation costs are deductible business expenses.

Holiday Season Income Streams

The holiday period ushers in a surge of consumer activity, creating numerous temporary income streams. Retailers frequently engage in seasonal hiring to manage increased customer traffic, offering positions in sales, stocking, and customer service from November through December. These roles pay an hourly wage, often ranging from $10 to $15 per hour or more. As W-2 employees, taxes are withheld directly from earnings.

Gift wrapping services are desirable as the holidays approach, with individuals or small businesses offering to professionally wrap presents for a fee. This service can be priced per gift, ranging from $5 to $20 depending on size and complexity, or on an hourly basis. Those providing gift wrapping should maintain records of income and deduct the costs of supplies like paper, ribbon, and tape. The demand for event staffing escalates during the holiday season for corporate parties and private gatherings.

These roles, which might include catering, serving, or coat check, pay an hourly rate ranging from $15 to $25, with potential for additional tips. Individuals performing these services may be classified as W-2 employees or 1099 independent contractors, and understanding this classification is important for proper tax filing. Crafting and selling personalized gifts or seasonal baked goods presents a viable income opportunity during the holidays. Creators can sell items through online marketplaces, local craft fairs, or direct orders.

For craft sales, material costs, platform fees, and marketing expenses are deductible against the self-employment income generated. For holiday baking or catering services, ingredients, packaging, and specialized equipment are deductible. Seasonal delivery jobs for packages or prepared holiday meals see a significant increase in demand. Package carriers might pay $18 to $25 per hour, while food and grocery delivery drivers can earn $15 to $30 per hour during peak times, often combining a base pay with tips.

Flexible and Remote Income Generation

Winter is an opportune time to explore income generation methods that offer flexibility, remote work options, or can be performed comfortably indoors. Online freelancing provides a broad spectrum of possibilities, including writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, and social media management. Platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr connect freelancers with clients, allowing for hourly rates ranging from $20 to over $100, or project-based fees depending on skill and complexity. Freelancers operate as independent contractors, meaning their net earnings are subject to self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare at a rate of 15.3% on earnings up to a certain threshold, such as $168,600 for 2024.

It is crucial for freelancers to maintain meticulous records of all income and expenses, as business-related deductions can significantly reduce taxable income. Common deductible expenses include home office costs, specialized software, internet service fees, and professional development courses. Online tutoring is another flexible option that allows individuals to leverage their subject matter expertise from home. Platforms like Chegg or TutorMe facilitate connections with students, with hourly rates ranging from $20 to $50, depending on the subject and the tutor’s experience.

Similar to other freelancing endeavors, income from online tutoring is subject to self-employment tax. Tutors can deduct expenses such as educational materials, internet costs, and a portion of their computer’s depreciation. Content creation, including blogging, YouTube channels, or podcasting, represents a longer-term income strategy that can be pursued from home during winter. While monetization through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing may take time to develop, initial setup and content production can begin during this period.

Expenses related to content creation, such as camera equipment, microphones, editing software, and website hosting fees, are generally deductible. Reselling items online, whether through platforms like eBay or Poshmark, provides an opportunity to declutter and earn income. The process involves sourcing items, cleaning them, taking photographs, listing them for sale, and shipping. Profit is the difference between the selling price and the original purchase price, plus any associated platform fees.

If reselling is done with a profit motive, the income is taxable, and accurate records of purchase and sale prices are essential. Pet sitting or house sitting services are in demand during the holiday travel season, offering flexibility. Pet sitting rates range from $25 to $50 per day or night, while house sitting fees can be $30 to $100 per day, depending on the responsibilities involved. Income from these services is also self-employment income, allowing for deductions related to pet supplies or travel costs.

General delivery services for food or groceries, facilitated by apps like DoorDash or Instacart, offer highly flexible schedules. Drivers can set their own hours, and earnings range from $15 to $30 per hour during busy periods, combining base pay with customer tips. As independent contractors, delivery drivers can deduct significant business expenses. The most notable deduction is mileage, with the standard mileage rate for 2024 being 67 cents per mile. A portion of cell phone costs, insulated bags, and vehicle maintenance expenses attributable to business use can be deducted. Individuals engaged in these flexible or remote income streams should be mindful of estimated tax payments if they expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes for the year, typically due quarterly to the IRS.