Christmas is just around the corner and it is expected that retail sales will be between 6% to 8% higher during the winter holiday season compared to last year. The festive season is a time for taking it easy, spending time with loved ones, and showing appreciation to those who are important to you.
That’s why, if you have some extra cash this year, it’s a wonderful idea to spend it on something special. In this blog post, we will highlight different ways you can spend your extra cash that you got from junking your car this holiday season.
Buying a Gift for Someone Special
Gift-giving is a tradition that is as old as time. In the modern sense, gift-giving began around the 19th century, when manufacturing made it easier and more affordable to give gifts to many people. This year, the average American expects to spend around $832 during the Christmas period, including on gifts for friends, loved ones, and colleagues.
Buying a gift for someone special in your life is a great way to show them just how much you care. It shows appreciation, interest, and gratitude, and helps to strengthen the bond between you both. Of course, giving a gift is not just a pleasant experience for the recipient. Many people say that they prefer to give a gift than receive one based on how good it makes them feel personally.
Donating it to Charity
It is estimated that there are more than 1.5 million non-profit organizations in the United States. If there is a particular charity that you are interested in, then donating, whether large or small, is highly recommended during the winter holiday season. This could be a small local charity in your community, or a larger national organization, it’s completely up to you.
Americans, by their nature, are incredibly charitable. In 2021, people in the United States gave more than $484 billion to charity. If you are looking for an impactful way to use your extra cash over the holiday period and make a positive difference in the world, then it’s worth taking the time to research charities that you associate with and would benefit from a donation. As with giving a gift to a loved one, donating to charity is an excellent mood booster too.
Taking Someone Out to Dinner
It’s a well-known fact that Americans love dining out. A recent survey found that 56% of people either dine at a restaurant or have a meal delivered between two and three times a week. 10% of people even say that they eat out between four and six times a week, while 6% say that they eat out every day.
Of course, going to a restaurant is more than just about sustenance. It’s an experience. Depending on where you go, what you choose to eat, how much you spend, what you wear, and who you bring with you, the experience will vary greatly.
If you have some extra cash lying around, there are few better ways to treat someone you care about than bringing them to a restaurant. You can either let them choose the restaurant or surprise them by making a reservation at their favorite spot (if you happen to know it).
Save for Something in the Future
There is, of course, nothing wrong with taking that extra cash and saving it for the future. It needn’t necessarily be for your own future, either. You can use that money to set up a college fund for a child, for example.
If you are saving for something, such as a house, a holiday, or a car, then it’s a good idea to put that money away. Think of saving for the future as an investment in yourself and know that when the time comes that your goal has been met, that you made the right decision for what to do with your spare money.
Using it to Better the Community
You don’t have to donate money to a local charity to make a difference in your community. There are many ways you can turn some extra cash into something that serves to benefit the local area.
For example, if there is an area of your town or neighborhood that has become run-down, you can invest your cash into improving its appearance. Even a few tins of paint and a DIY attitude can make a big difference to the community.
Other tips include buying jerseys for a community sports team, building a free library, helping the needy with some food, and even just shopping locally. On the last point, spending money in your community serves everyone, so if you do have some extra cash this holiday season, it’s worthwhile spending it in a local business.
Holiday Spending Tips for Your Extra Cash
The bottom line is that there is no end to the ways you can spend your extra cash this holiday season. There is something special and unique to winter holiday spending, with the feeling of cheer in the air everywhere you go.
One great way to get your hands on some extra cash is to sell your junk car to All Car Buys in Orlando, Florida. With our easy three-step process, you will be able to receive cash quickly for your old car. Contact us today to learn more.