This Week’s Money Map:

• Holiday Hustles: Easy side gigs to boost your budget

• Paw-sibly worth it? Why pet insurance could save your wallet in 2025

• The Psychology of Money: Part III - Want to be happier with your money? Try lowering the bar.

•  Know your rights: New airline refund law for delays and cancellations

• Big credit card debt? Balance transfer strategies can erase your interest charges! 

Got a burning question about money that you would like to see in the Smart Cents newsletter? Drop them here and your topic may be featured in a future newsletter.

🎊Holiday Hustles: Easy side gigs to boost your budget

The holidays are here, and so are those mounting expenses. Gifts, parties, and decorations can add up fast, but your wallet doesn’t have to take the hit. These creative side hustles are the perfect way to earn extra cash while spreading holiday cheer.

Turn Your Talents into Cash Online
Have a skill to share? Take your talents to Fiverr, Upwork, or freelance sites like Freelancer and PeoplePerHour. Short gigs in design, writing, or even holiday-themed projects are in high demand this season, and you can earn quick cash right from your couch.

Capture the Moment or Set the Vibe
Got a creative talent? Put it to work! Be a photographer, videographer, DJ, or acoustic guitarist for holiday events. If you’re great with people, try being an event host or coordinator. Advertise your services on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or your local town’s Facebook group. Many families and businesses are looking for pros to make their celebrations unforgettable—and you could be the one they hire.

Deck the Halls for Others
Love decorating? Help neighbors hang lights or style Christmas trees. TaskRabbit, Jobble, or Handy are great platforms to connect with people willing to pay for a festive touch.

Pet-Sit or Housesit
Travelers often need someone to watch their pets or homes. Use Rover, PawShake, or PetBacker to pick up these simple, rewarding gigs.

Ready to make your bank account jingle? Check out these smart money moves for extra income ideas to keep your holiday hustle on point! Start now, and let the season pay off!

🐶Paw-sibly worth it? Why pet insurance could save your wallet in 2025

Our furry friends are part of the family. But with pet care costs skyrocketing in recent years, that vet bill might give you pause. If you’ve ever wondered whether pet insurance is worth it, now’s the time to dig in.

Vet Bills Are No Joke
Emergency surgeries, routine checkups, and dental cleanings can cost hundreds — or thousands — of dollars. Pet insurance helps cover those costs, so you’re not stuck choosing between your budget and your pet’s health. Plans often cover everything from accidents to chronic conditions. 

Does It Make Sense for You?
Not all pets are the same. A young, healthy dog might only need accident coverage, whereas older pets benefit from more comprehensive plans. Check out MoneyGeek’s guide to insurance basics to see if pet insurance aligns with your needs.

Shop Smart for Coverage
Just like human health insurance, pet policies vary. Some policies even cover wellness care like vaccines or flea treatments. Compare options, check deductibles, and ensure your vet is in-network. A little homework can save big bucks down the road.

Ready to give your four-legged friend the care they deserve? Explore MoneyGeek’s insurance tips and make pet parenting easier.

💵The Psychology of Money: Part III - Want to be happier with your money? Try lowering the bar.

Here’s a money secret no one talks about: happiness isn’t about endless upgrades — it’s about adjusting expectations. In The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel nails it with, “Happiness = Reality – Expectations.” The lower our expectations, the richer we feel.

Stop Chasing “More”
We’re told that true wealth means a bigger house, flashier car or luxe vacations. But happiness doesn’t have to be a moving target. Imagine setting small, realistic goals that bring you joy instead of stress. If you focus on what truly brings joy — financial security and time with loved ones — life feels fuller without the pressure. 

Dial Back the “Wants”
When you stop measuring yourself against everyone else’s lifestyle, you create more space for what genuinely matters. Here’s how you can start:

• Set fun, manageable goals: Focus on smaller, achievable milestones that bring joy without stretching your finances.

• Value what you already have: Contentment and gratitude are more powerful than a big paycheck.

• Focus on financial security: Stability feels better than status. 

Keep Goals High, Expectations Grounded
We’re not telling you to ditch your dreams. Set ambitious goals, but let your daily expectations stay grounded. Happiness is less about owning stuff and more about valuing what’s real. 

Happiness isn’t about keeping up with the Joneses—it’s about creating a life that feels rich in ways money can’t buy. Start your journey today, one grounded goal at a time. Your wallet (and peace of mind) will thank you!

✈️Know your rights: New airline refund law for delays and cancellations 

Got a flight coming up? Here’s some big news: airlines are now required to issue automatic refunds when a flight is canceled or significantly delayed. No more jumping through hoops to get your money back!

So, what qualifies as a “significant delay”?

• Domestic flights: Delays over three hours

• International flights: Delays over six hours

And it’s not just the ticket cost. Under the new law, airlines must refund any paid extras—like seat selection, Wi-Fi, or other services that weren’t provided. Even checked baggage is covered if delayed more than 12 hours domestically or 30 hours internationally. So if your bag takes a scenic route, your wallet doesn’t have to suffer!

Want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your travel dollars? Check out MoneyGeek’s guide on protecting your travel plans to see how travel insurance and smart planning can help cover those surprise disruptions.

💳Big credit card debt? Balance transfer strategies can erase your interest charges!

Drowning in credit card debt? A balance transfer card might be your life raft. These cards offer 0% interest for up to 18 months, giving you a break to pay your balance without getting slammed by interest.

Before you leap, though, check the fine print. Many cards charge a 3% transfer fee, so make sure the math works in your favor. Once you’re set up, focus on knocking down that balance. Use the interest-free period to pay off debt faster—and resist adding new charges. The goal? Break the debt cycle for good.

Bonus perk: Reducing your debt can boost your credit score. With a lower balance-to-credit ratio, you’ll see your score climb—a nice side effect of debt reduction.

Just watch out: rates can skyrocket once the 0% period ends. So aim to clear the balance while it's still interest-free.

Ready to take charge? Check out MoneyGeek’s best balance transfer cards and practical steps to improve your credit score to kick-start your journey to financial freedom.

Weekly Nugget of Financial Wisdom

"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants." — Epictetus (Greek philosopher)

Smart Cents gives you actionable tips or behaviors to avoid to help you reach your financial happy place. Thanks for being a part of our community.

The MoneyGeek Team

Got this newsletter from a friend? Subscribe to Smart Cents to get street-smart about money matters!