Saving & Spending Budgeting & Expenses

10 Ways You Could Put up to $300 Back in Your Pocket

If you earn some extra and save some extra, it can really add up.

By Cassandra Yorgey

Edited by Lisa Dammeyer

Updated Dec. 17, 2025

Americans are all feeling a strain on their bank accounts as prices rise and wages stagnate, leaving many anxiously seeking ways to make extra money on the side to cover expenses that are suddenly out of budget. Whether it's saving money or earning more, here are some great ways to put $300 or more back in your wallet.

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Drive as a side hustle

If you have a car (and a valid driver's license), you can earn extra money by driving for an app like Uber, Lyft, or Instacart. The pay is variable, but you have a lot of flexibility about when to work and whether to accept requests. It's very easy to add a driving routine into your current schedule and make an additional $300 a week.

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Open a bank account offering a bonus

When banks want to bring in new customers, they will often offer bonuses to start a new account. There are usually terms and conditions and minimum qualifications that must be met, but it's an easy way to get free money within a couple of weeks.

Cancel some of your subscriptions

Axing your Netflix subscription isn't going to suddenly allow you to buy a house, but it could definitely put a few bucks back in your pocket each month. Seemingly everything is a subscription these days, so it is worth auditing what you're actually using to see if you can cancel or combine some to lower your recurring monthly bills.

Even if you don't really want to get rid of one of your streamers, if you try to cancel a streaming service, you'll likely be offered a lower promotional rate for a few months if you stay.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.¹ <p>Clients who complete the program and settle all debts typically save around 45% before fees or 20% including fees over 24–48 months, based on enrolled debts. “Debt-free” applies only to enrolled credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills. Not mortgages, car loans, or other debts. Average program completion time is 24–48 months; not all debts are eligible, and results vary as not all clients complete the program due to factors like insufficient savings. We do not guarantee specific debt reductions or timelines, nor do we assume debt, make payments to creditors, or offer legal, tax, bankruptcy, or credit repair services. Consult a tax professional or attorney as needed. Services are not available in all states. Participation may adversely affect your credit rating or score. Nonpayment of debt may result in increased finance and other charges, collection efforts, or litigation. Read all program materials before enrolling. National Debt Relief’s fees are based on a percentage of enrolled debt. All communications may be recorded or monitored for quality assurance. In certain states, additional disclosures and licensing apply. ©️ 2009–2025 National Debt Relief LLC. National Debt Relief (NMLS #1250950, CA CFL Lic. No. 60DBO-70443) is located at 180 Maiden Lane, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10038. All rights reserved. <b><a href="https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/licenses/">Click here</a></b> for additional state-specific disclosures and licensing information.</p>

Negotiate down your bills

A few phone calls could dramatically reduce your recurring monthly bills. Not every bill can be negotiated, but many can, especially when the competitor is offering better deals. Things like cell phone plans, car insurance, and even credit card interest rates can all be negotiated to a lower monthly fee.

If you haven't had any tickets or accidents, you can likely lower your car insurance rates by threatening to shop around when it's time for renewal. If you've been with your mobile service provider for a few years, they may offer you a lower monthly rate to keep you from switching to a company offering new customers a promotion.

Use a cash-back credit card

If you pay your bills with a cash-back credit card, and then use your checking account to pay off the credit card, it will technically lower the amount you pay each month while also building up your credit score. The trick is to make sure you aren't charging more than you can pay because you don't want to fall into heavy debts.

Sell some of your unused items

This is a two-for-one trick that can feel like paying yourself to clean your own home. A good general rule is that if you haven't used something in more than a year, then you probably aren't going to start. That breadmaker that's been sitting in a cupboard since the pandemic? List that bad boy on Facebook Marketplace and make some more useful "dough."

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Sell unused gift cards

If you still have unused gift cards left from last holiday season, it might be worth selling them to someone who frequents the store. After all, $40 in cash is better than $50 of store credit to some place you don't actually shop.

Do small tasks for locals

Sign up for Taskrabbit and help out people around your town or city with little things around the house, like hanging lights, shoveling snow, assembling furniture, or anything else that people often need assistance completing.

Redeem credit card rewards

A study by LendingTree found that nearly 70% of credit card holders are sitting on unused rewards, and of those nearly a third have accrued over $100. Take a few hours to go over the benefits of all of your cards and make sure you know how the rewards work. Then, see if other credit cards may serve you better by transferring the balance.

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Trade in used electronics

A lot of folks hang on to their old phones, tablets, and laptops to soothe those "just in case" anxieties, but you could be sitting on a few extra hundred dollars. Many retailers, such as Walmart, Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and others, offer trade-in or buy-back programs. The amount varies based on age and condition, but most let you enter in details to get an estimate of the value.

Bottom line

The general public is struggling with basic affordability of necessities, so assurances the economy is doing just fine aren't landing with those looking to eliminate money stress caused by things like the cost of groceries and other things vital to living. Picking up side hustles and tightening the budget can only go so far when the scope of the problem is outside the influence of consumers.

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