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Tag: make money

  • TaskRabbit Review 2023: A Gig App to Get Work Done

    TaskRabbit Review 2023: A Gig App to Get Work Done

    Odd jobs are as old as time. There have always been folks hiring people to perform tasks they don’t have the time or skills to do themselves.

    The gig app TaskRabbit makes it easier than ever for service providers to make extra money and for clients to buy some free time.

    Want to know how it works? In this TaskRabbit review, we cover what it takes to get to work on the platform, and what it’s like to hire through the platform to help everyone make the most of it.

    What Is TaskRabbit and How Does It Work?

    TaskRabbit connects gig workers with people who need help with jobs like cleaning houses, making deliveries or completing household tasks, such as installing a new faucet or putting together a bookshelf.

    The app lets clients post the work they need help with. Service providers, called “Taskers,” use it to find jobs, contact potential clients and get paid for the work. Jobs are paid at an hourly rate, which Taskers set, and clients pay right through the app with a connected credit card or account.

    Using TaskRabbit, instead of a classifieds site like Craigslist or other job-listing site, helps make sure service providers actually get paid for their work, and reassures clients that they are who they say they are and they’ve been vetted by the platform.

    How does TaskRabbit work? Here are the basics.

    Working for TaskRabbit

    Here’s everything you need to know about making money through TaskRabbit.

    Who Can Work for TaskRabbit?

    To become a Tasker, you have to be at least 18 years old and live in one of 61 cities in the U.S. or those in seven other countries where the platform is active.

    You can provide services across more than 35 categories in the app. Some require previous experience or expertise, but many don’t. You should be able to become a Tasker without any specific background or experience. Just choose tasks from the categories that fit your skills.

    When Do You Work on TaskRabbit?

    Like with any gig app, you make your own hours on TaskRabbit. Unlike some gig options, though, you have to keep an updated schedule on your profile in the app so clients see you in search results and you can avoid scheduling conflicts.

    The client handles the entire booking process through the app.

    When a client needs to book a service, they select from a list of chores in the app to search for available Taskers in their area. They read through your profile to make sure it matches their needs, then book an appointment based on your availability. You’ll receive notifications when clients request your services.

    Once they’ve confirmed the appointment through the final booking page, you can communicate with each other through messages in the app to make sure you have all the information you need.

    Clients can book same-day or future appointments, based on your settings, and the appointments will show up on your work schedule. Once you have the task completed, they’ll pay you your hourly rate through the app. You keep 100% of your rate plus any tips clients offer.

    What Kind of Services Do You Provide on TaskRabbit?

    Tasks on the platform range from the mundane to the creative across more than 50 categories. Some require experience or expertise in a certain field, but you can perform many tasks without any background.

    Some gigs we’ve seen for Taskers include:

    This is not at all exhaustive. You can pretty much get paid to do anything (legal) that a client doesn’t have the time or resources to do on their own.

    How to Sign up for TaskRabbit as a Worker

    To become a Tasker, you can sign up through the TaskRabbit website or download the iOS or Android app.

    Pro Tip

    Note that TaskRabbit uses separate apps for clients and Taskers — to offer services, download the “Tasker by TaskRabbit” app.

    During the registration process, you’ll have to:

    • Consent to an ID check.
    • Provide a Social Security number (in the U.S.).
    • Connect your bank account to get paid.
    • Submit to a criminal background check (using your name, SSN and birth date).

    In some cities, you’ll have to pay a non-refundable $25 registration fee when you sign up. Paying the fee doesn’t guarantee you’ll be approved as a Tasker, so if you have any concern you won’t pass the screening process, you probably want to save your money and try other gigs.

    Once your profile is approved, you can begin tasking!

    You’ll build your profile, listing the tasks you want to offer and your related experience and background, if necessary. You’ll also set your schedule, which determines your availability, and your service area, as a radius from where you live.

    Getty Images

    How Much Money Do You Make on TaskRabbit?

    On Taskrabbit, you set your own rates, and the average hourly pay for Taskers in the U.S. is $48, according to TaskRabbit’s April 2022 fact sheet.

    The rates you can earn through TaskRabbit gigs vary based on the types of tasks you take on and what clients are willing to pay. If you set your hourly rates higher than average, they might sift past you in their search, for example.

    TaskRabbit no longer charges a support fee, so you keep 100% of what you earn plus any tips.

    (Instead of taking a cut from you, TaskRabbit makes money from the service fee clients pay on top of your hourly rates. So the total cost to clients is a little higher, but you don’t have to fork over a share of your earnings.)

    Don’t Forget About Taxes

    Like all workers in the gig economy, Taskers are independent contractors in the eyes of the IRS and most state income tax authorities.

    As an independent contractor, you’re completely responsible for paying income taxes on the money you earn through TaskRabbit. The company doesn’t withhold taxes the way an employer would.

    To keep up with what you owe throughout the year, you’ll want to pay estimated quarterly taxes four times each year. If a substantial amount of your income comes from TaskRabbit or other gig work or self-employment, you’ll want to do the paperwork and stay on top of that quarterly tax bill.

    If you’re just picking up an occasional gig here and there on the side of employment, your payroll taxes might cover anything you’d owe from tasking. Don’t count on it, though — do the math to estimate your tax obligation and make sure you’re not surprised with a bill in April.

    Need a banking service that’s built for freelancers, helping you save for taxes and keep track of your expenses? Check out Lili. (It’s free!)

    8 Tips to Make More Money on TaskRabbit

    TaskRabbit and other gig sites that match eager workers with people who need odd jobs performed are often criticized as a difficult way for people to earn a decent living. Many of the independent contractors who complete tasks through these sites end up racing between different low-paying gigs, with long, unpaid commutes in between.

    But that doesn’t have to be the case. If you’re strategic, you can use gig economy apps to make a serious side income or even to make a full-time living.

    To make more money as a Tasker, follow these strategies.

    1. Be Flexible

    Set an hourly rate that makes any task worth your time, and be willing to take on a variety of tasks to fill out our schedule. We’ve learned from experts that flexibility is key to high earnings on the app.

    Being willing to work on call is extremely helpful, too. That availability could give you a leg up on other Taskers and win you more gigs.

    2. Be Versatile

    You might have preferences for some types of tasks, but your best bet to earning good money through the platform is to be open to a variety of gigs.

    If that’s not your bag, no worries; TaskRabbit just might not be the best platform for you. On this platform, it’s all about fulfilling client’s unexpected needs.

    One day, you could find yourself walking dogs, and the next week, you’ll be parking strollers outside of preschool. The app connects you with an array of odd jobs, and the more open you are — they’re called “odd” for a reason — the more money you could earn.

    3. Capitalize on Your Skills

    Top-dollar Taskers earn their cash by having top-notch skills. You can be willing to take on the occasional stroller-parking gig, but you can command the highest rates doing things like carpentry, construction and other handyman tasks clients hire out because they don’t have the skills themselves.

    Having top-notch, in-demand skills help you rise to the top of the pack.

    Figure out your strengths: Maybe you have a big truck for moving jobs, you’re a neat freak, you’re an expert at IKEA furniture assembly or you run a handyman business. Keep an eye out for gigs that require those skills to get the most for your time.

    4. Invest in Your Business

    If you want to take this tasking thing full-time, it could be worth some investment. Maybe you see a lot of gigs for moving help, so you buy a truck or a van to stand out against the competition. Or maybe you invest on a smaller scale, like a set of cleaning supplies or tools.

    5. Build an Appealing Profile

    A strong profile that highlights your skills and abilities will help you stand out to clients as they scan through bids.

    Choose a quality, fun photo of yourself and take the time to write an informative bio. Link to your social media profiles, especially LinkedIn, to highlight your background and expertise. If your profile shows you’re experienced, approachable and intelligent, you’ll have a much higher chance of landing gigs — even if you don’t have the lowest rate.

    6. Work With Your Busy Schedule, Not Against It

    Run lots of errands already? Choose tasks that fit with your own to-do list to get paid for the running around you have to do all day.

    Figure out which types of services to focus on by considering what works with your life. Maybe you can plan your grocery shopping or donation drop-offs to coincide with tasks, for example.

    7. Set Your Prices Well

    Choosing a fair and accurate price for a job can keep you from being passed over or worrying about being paid less than your work is worth.

    Set prices that make the work worth your time, and use your profile to let clients know why you’re worth it. In the long run, that’ll help you build a much stronger business or side hustle than simply trying to be the lowest bidder.

    Don’t be afraid to experiment as you get started to figure out the best balance for getting the most tasks and earning fair wages.

    8. Use the TaskRabbit App to Check Tasks on the Go

    Increase your productivity by checking the app while you’re out and about. Does anyone need anything from your area, whether it’s groceries or a lunch delivery? Have you had any task requests?

    Being able to check on available tasks while you’re away from your computer adds a little extra productivity to your work.

    A man places a nail in the wall.
    Getty Images

    FAQs About Working for TaskRabbit

    Here are answers to some of the most common questions about working as a Tasker.

    Is TaskRabbit legitimate?

    Yes. TaskRabbit has been around since 2008 and has a reputation as a safe marketplace for gig work. The company is owned by the multinational company that owns IKEA, and it has more than 1.5 million users, more than 140,000 of whom are Taskers who earn money through the platform, according to its 2019 fact sheet. Over the past decade, more than nine million tasks have been completed on the platform, with furniture assembly being the most popular task in 2021.

    Is TaskRabbit a good way to make money?

    Whether TaskRabbit is a good gig for you depends on your financial goals and lifestyle. At an average of $48 per hour in the U.S., the earnings are well above minimum wage — even when you cut them in half to account for self-employment costs and taxes. Your total earnings depend on how many hours you’re available and where you live, which could determine how much commuting you have to do between gigs and how many clients are around.

    Do you pay taxes on TaskRabbit?

    In the U.S., Taskers are classified as independent contractors for tax purposes, which means you’re responsible to pay all of your taxes owed, including a self-employment tax. Money you earn through TaskRabbit counts as earned income (just like any work income). You have to file an income tax return if your earnings from self-employment are $600 or more.

    Do you need a license for TaskRabbit?

    In California only, you need a business license to operate as an independent contractor in any capacity, including as a gig worker. This license confirms you’re a service provider and not an employee of the company (which keeps TaskRabbit out of legal hot water). You can get a license as a sole proprietor (i.e. a solo person), so you don’t have to form a business entity like an LLC. No other states require a business license to work for TaskRabbit.

    Can an LLC work for TaskRabbit?

    Yes. If you do run a business that’s registered as an LLC (or any other entity, including a partnership, you can sign up for TaskRabbit under your business.

    Hiring on TaskRabbit

    Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of hiring contractors through TaskRabbit.

    What Kinds of Services Can You Pay for on TaskRabbit?

    TaskRabbit connects you with any kind of help you need, as soon as the same day. To find what you’re looking for, just browse the task categories, and choose one to pull up Taskers who do that kind of work.

    TaskRabbit offers a range of services across more than 35 categories, from virtual assistance to furniture assembly to cleaning to moving to yard work to… well, you get the picture.

    If it needs to get done and you don’t want to do it, you can probably hire a Tasker to handle it for you.

    Who Are You Hiring Through TaskRabbit?

    You’re often letting Taskers into your home — maybe even while you’re not there — so you probably want some assurance that they’re legit. For this reason, TaskRabbit runs an identity check and criminal background check on all Taskers.

    Also, Taskers tend to be folks from your local community, so you may already have some trust and rapport just from being in the same neighborhood.

    Taskers create profiles that list the kinds of work they do and their experience and expertise. So you can make sure you’re hiring someone fit to do the job, especially for more complex tasks that require a very particular set of skills.

    If you liked the service you got from a Tasker, you can rehire them through the app by adding them to your favorites or pursuing your completed tasks. Note that Taskers might not be available for all kinds of tasks, so you might not be able to rehire a previous Tasker who, say, delivered your groceries, to be your virtual assistant.

    How to Hire a Tasker

    You can hire a Tasker through the app for iOS or Android through this simple process:

    1. Search the list of chores in the app. They span 35+ categories and include hundreds of tasks. Select the type of task you need completed.
    2. TaskRabbit matches you with fitting service providers in your area, and you choose someone and put in the request, including details about the task and a date and time that fits the Tasker’s availability. You can schedule a task as soon as the same day or as much as 14 days in advance.
    3. Once the Tasker accepts your request, you’ll manage the booking through the app, including communicating and payment.
    Pro Tip

    To use TaskRabbit to hire someone to do your odd jobs, download the client app: TaskRabbit: Handyman, Errands.

    How Much Does TaskRabbit Cost?

    When you book a task, you’ll pay a Tasker’s hourly rate (“Tasker Rate”) plus a service fee and a “Trust & Support Fee” paid to TaskRabbit, plus any reimbursements you agree to with the Tasker.

    Taskers set their own hourly rates, and you’ll be able to see those in their profile before you put in your request. Rates should generally be commensurate with the work and competitive for the area, because that’s the best way for Taskers to get work.

    Both the service fee and the Trust & Support Fee are billed as a percentage of the total Tasker Rate. TaskRabbit is a little opaque about the exact percentage, but some users have reported seeing fees as much as 35%. You’ll be notified of the fee percentage before you book, so keep an eye out for that detail to avoid surprise charges!

    After you receive your invoice, you can also add a tip of any amount for the Tasker. They receive 100% of their hourly rate and tips; TaskRabbit doesn’t keep a cut.

    Dana Sitar (@danasitar) has been writing and editing for online audiences since 2011, covering personal finance, careers and digital media. She is a former staffer at The Penny Hoarder. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, CNBC, The Motley Fool, Inc. and more. Freelancer Larissa Runkle contributed to this report. 


    dana@danamedia.co (Dana Miranda, CEPF®)

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  • How to Make Money Podcasting in 2023

    How to Make Money Podcasting in 2023

    These days, everyone and their ex-boyfriend has a podcast. But do they actually make money with it?

    There are plenty of ways to make money podcasting, from placing ads to selling merch. The most popular podcasters make millions, but even hobbyists can make some extra cash.

    Take David Weinberger co-host of Shonen Flop, for example.

    “We take a look at a lesser-known manga that ran in the popular Japanese magazine Shonen Jump,” he said. “There’s a lot of really big hits in that magazine, but what happens to… the ones that don’t last so long?”

    The podcast’s funny, and in-depth reviews have earned it hundreds of five-star ratings – and a few hundred bucks a month for Weinberger.

    Not every podcast is going to be as popular – or profitable – as Serial. But plenty of podcasters make a little extra money doing what they love. We asked Weinberger to walk us through the steps.

    1. Get Real 

    Making money with podcasting is a totally realistic goal. But how much money? Spotify reportedly paid $200 million for exclusive rights to The Joe Rogan Experience. Amazon spent $100 million on Exactly Right Media’s podcast portfolio (read: My Favorite Murder). But for every uber-successful megahit podcast, there are a hundred others that never make a cent.

    Most podcasts fall somewhere in between. Shonen Flop is one of them. As of this writing, the podcast makes $286 per month on Patreon: not enough for the creators to quit their day jobs, but enough to cover the cost of their hobby.

    When setting goals for podcasting income, be realistic. You probably won’t make a million in your first year. Focus on putting out the best show you can in the meantime.

    2. Get Professional 

    Listeners (and potential advertisers) tune out when sound quality is low. Make audio a priority from day one.

    Think you can get away with phoning it in? Think again.

    “Your first episode will always be your first episode,” Weinberger said. If it’s full of static, road noise and “um”s, no one will listen to episode two.

    There are a few simple things you can do to sound great from the beginning. First, acquire a decent microphone.

    “I honestly think if me and my co-host had just bought $50 mics we would be … in a better spot,” Weinberger said.

    Second, learn how to use audio editing software – Audacity is a popular (and free!) option. Weinberger has an excellent, thorough guide available right here.

    Finally, be ruthless. Filler words, misspeaks, and unfunny tangents have got to go. “We record for about an hour and ten minutes and we get that down to about fifty five minutes,” Weinberger said. “If you’re cutting fifteen minutes, you’re cutting the worst fifteen minutes of your show.”

    3. Get Promoted

    If you want to make money with podcasting, you need listeners. How do you find them?

    Start small. “Those initial hundred listens a month are all going to be people that know you,” Weinberger said.

    After that, make connections with other podcasters in your wheelhouse. Host a show about Barbies? Make friends with the American Girl podcast host. You can work together to make great episodes and boost your profile.

    Here’s a real-life example of how this works. When Shonen Flop invited Red from Overly Sarcastic Productions to guest star, the show got a big jump in listenership. That makes sense – Overly Sarcastic Productions has over 2 million subscribers on YouTube.

    4. Get Sponsored 

    Businesses big and small are always on the lookout for places to advertise. Why not your podcast?

    There are three main ways you can connect with sponsors. One, you can approach them. There’s nothing wrong with cold-emailing a business and asking them if they’d like to team up.

    Two, you can connect with a middle man who pitches advertisers for you. If you’ve chosen to host your podcast with a service like Libsyn or Anchor, getting paired with brands is part of the deal.

    Three, you can wait for advertisers to come to you. Once your numbers hit about 1,000 downloads per episode, you might get a knock on the proverbial door.

    Note: just because a business offers to sponsor you doesn’t mean you have to say yes. Shonen Flop has been approached by advertisers. So far, they’ve said no. Why leave money on the table? For now, explains Weinberger, “the additional overhead and hassle on the arrangements to get people to advertise on our show … isn’t worth it.”

    5. Get Fans

    Another major revenue stream for podcasters is their audience. Many fans will throw in a few bucks a month for early, ad-free, and bonus content.

    The most popular way to do this is Patreon. Hit podcasts net hundreds of thousands of dollars per year on the platform. You’re Wrong About has over 23,000 subscribers who pay between $2 and $25 a month for extra content and community. While YWA’s exact revenue isn’t public, some back of the napkin math tells you they’re making a tidy sum.

    Fans of the show might also shell out for merchandise. Printed t-shirts are an old stand-by – and relatively easy to produce.

    Don’t Want to Monetize? It Can Just Be Fun

    Is all this talk of monetization starting to kill your joy for podcasting? Hit the brakes.

    “There’s definitely been temptation to say: can we make a career out of this?” Weinberger said. “But then, if it’s your job, it adds a lot more stress for you. You really have to care about your listenership.”

    It’s OK for podcasting to be fun. It’s OK for it to be a hobby.

    And who knows? Maybe someday Ira Glass will Tweet out your podcast, gaining you thousands of subscribers and a Casper Mattress ad deal.

    Ciara McLaren is a freelance writer with work in HuffPost, MoneyGeek, and The Penny Hoarder. You can find her on Substack (@camclaren). 


    ciara.ainsley@gmail.com (Ciara Ainsley McLaren)

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  • Single? This Jeweler Will Pay You $1,500 to Go on 15 First Dates

    Single? This Jeweler Will Pay You $1,500 to Go on 15 First Dates

    Want to turn your Tinder swipes into debit swipes? Shane Co., a family-owned jeweler, is offering one lucky lovebird the opportunity to earn $1,500 just for going on 15 first dates.

    Of course, if you’re selected, you’ll have to do more than just go on the dates. You’ll also have to document the dates via photos and recaps for Shane Co., meaning your love connection (or dating disaster) could end up as fodder for a future marketing campaign for the jeweler.

    $1,500 for 15 First Dates: How Does It Work?

    Shane Co. is currently accepting applications for the gig. You have until just before Valentine’s Day — Feb. 10, 2023 — to sign up. The winner will be announced Feb. 27, 2023.

    But the contest isn’t open to just anyone. You’ve got to be a U.S. citizen, 18 years or older and, most importantly, single and ready to mingle. Shane Co. makes this very clear: “Cheaters never win, and winners never cheat.”

    If you’re willing to document your love life — and are OK with averaging three first dates a month for five months — you can fill out the application on Shane Co’s website.

    Be prepared: They’ll ask about more than just your name and age. Shane Co. wants to know why you think you’re right for the role and what your ideal first date would be.

    If You’re Selected by Shane Co.

    The winning applicant will have five months to go on 15 first dates. On each date, the winner will have to snap a pic and then fill out a short worksheet about how the date went. (Think of it as writing in your diary after a date, except the whole world can read it.)

    Every date has to be with a different person, and you can meet them however you want — online, as a blind date, at a bar or even, as Shane Co. suggests, at a bullfighting competition. You know, where love abounds.

    Technically, the first dates don’t have to be with strangers, so you could call up an old classmate or have an awkward conversation with a coworker if you’re struggling to hit 15.

    Before getting too excited about the prospect of a $1,500 reward, don’t forget about the cost of dating. Last year, Zoosk found that the average date costs $97. After 15 of them, you’ll have spent — wait for it — around 1,500 bucks.

    Happy swiping!

    Contributor Timothy Moore is a writer and editor in Cincinnati who covers banks, loans, insurance, travel and automotive topics for The Penny Hoarder.


    tmoorefreelance@gmail.com (Timothy Moore)

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  • Americans With Less Than $9,000 in Savings Should Do These 7 Things

    Americans With Less Than $9,000 in Savings Should Do These 7 Things




    When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look? Probably not as good as you’d like. It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.

    But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?

    Ask one of these companies to help….

    1. Stop Paying Your Credit Card Company

    If you have credit card debt, you know. The anxiety, the interest rates, the fear you’re never going to escape… 

    And the truth is, your credit card company doesn’t really care. It’s just getting rich by ripping you off with high interest rates — some up to 36%. But a website called AmOne wants to help.

    If you owe your credit card companies $50,000 or less, AmOne will match you with a low-interest loan you can use to pay off every single one of your balances. 

    The benefit? You’ll be left with one bill to pay each month. And because personal loans have lower interest rates (AmOne rates start at 2.49% APR), you’ll get out of debt that much faster. Plus: No credit card payment this month.

    You don’t need a perfect credit score to get a loan — and comparing your options won’t affect your score at all.  Plus, AmOne keeps your information confidential and secure, which is probably why after 20 years in business, it still has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

    It takes less than a minute and just 10 questions to see what loans you qualify for — you don’t even need to enter your Social Security number. You do need to give AmOne a real phone number in order to qualify, but don’t worry — they won’t spam you with phone calls.

    2. Play Bingo on Your Phone for Real Money — up to $83 Per Win

    Do you play games on your phone just for fun? You should see if you can make money doing it, too.

    A free iPhone app called Bingo Cash lets you play for real cash. Every win could pay you up to $83.

    Bingo Cash is based on the classic Bingo format, where you’ll battle it out against other players at your same skill level. Everyone gets the same board and sees the same Bingo balls. The top three players in a game can win real money — anywhere from $1 to $83.

    And no, there’s no catch. There are no ads, either. You can play for free or pay to play in higher-stakes tournaments.

    Download the free app and start playing your first game immediately. You could win money today!

    3. Add up to $526.44 to Your Wallet for Skipping the Grocery Store

    Running errands is the worst. Seriously. After a long day of work, the last thing you want to do is go to the store and deal with the traffic and the crowds. 

    We get it. That’s why we like a free site called Rakuten — they’ll pay you to skip going to the store and shop online instead. 

    No, really. They work with just about every online store you probably shop at, and they can make sure you get some cash back every time you buy — up to 15% cash back.

    We talked to Denver resident Colleen Rice, who’s earned more than $526.44 in cash back since she started using Rakuten. For doing nothing. She just uses Rakuten for things she already has to buy, like rental cars and flights. 

    It takes less than a minute to open a Rakuten account and start shopping like you normally would. You just need an email address. 

    They’ll pay you with a check in the mail every few months or deposit it to your PayPal account. Talk about money for nothing.

    3. Get Paid Up to $140/Month Just for Sharing Your Honest Opinion

    It sounds strange, but brands want to hear your opinion. It helps them make business decisions, so they’re willing to pay you for it — up to $140 a month.

    A free site called Branded Surveys will pay you up to $5 per survey for sharing your thoughts with their brand partners. Taking three quick surveys a day could earn up to $140 each month.

    It takes just a minute to create a free account and start getting paid to speak your mind. Most surveys take five to 15 minutes, and you can check how long they’ll take ahead of time. 

    And you don’t need to build up tons of money to cash out, either — once you earn $5, you can cash out via PayPal, your bank account, a gift card or Amazon. You’ll get paid within 48 hours of your payout being processed, just for sharing your opinions.

    They’ve already paid users more than $20 million since 2012, and the most active users can earn a few hundred dollars a month. Plus, they’ve got an “excellent” rating on Trustpilot.

    It takes just a minute to set up your account and start getting paid to take surveys. Plus, right now, you’ll get a free 100-point welcome bonus just for becoming part of the community. Now” button. It’s free.

    4. Cancel Your Car Insurance

    Here’s the thing: your current car insurance company is probably overcharging you. But don’t waste your time hopping around to different insurance companies looking for a better deal.

    Use a website called EverQuote to see all your options at once.

    EverQuote is the largest online marketplace for insurance in the US, so you’ll get the top options from more than 175 different carriers handed right to you. Take a couple of minutes to answer some questions about yourself and your driving record. With this information, EverQuote will be able to give you the top recommendations for car insurance. In just a few minutes, you could save up to $610 a year.

    5. Let This App Pay You up to $83 When You Win Solitaire Games

    Lots of us already play Solitaire on our phones for fun or just to pass the time. Want to see if you can win money at it?

    There’s a free app called Solitaire Cash that pays you up to $83 every time you win.

    You might be thinking: There’s got to be a catch. This is definitely one of those spammy apps, right?

    Wrong. There really isn’t a catch. And, in fact, there aren’t even any annoying ads.

    With each game, you’ll battle it out against at least five other players. Everyone gets the same deck, so winning is totally a matter of skill. The top three players who solve the deck fastest can win real money — anywhere from $1 to $83.

    Over on the App Store, it has over a million downloads and more than 15,000 ratings, averaging 4.7 stars (out of 5).

    To get started, just download the free app and start playing your first game immediately.

    6. Get Free Stock 

    Here’s the thing about investing: The sooner you start, the better. And we found a company that will give you free stock to get started. 

    An investing app called Robinhood will give you free stock worth between $2.50 and $200 just for downloading its free app and funding your account. 

    Yeah, you’ve probably heard of Robinhood. Both investing beginners and pros love it because it doesn’t charge commission fees, and you can buy and sell stocks for free — no limits. Plus, it’s super easy to use.

    Whether you’ve got $5, $100 or $800 to spare, it takes just a couple of minutes to sign up, fund your account and get your free stock — a nice boost to help you build your investments.

    7.  Earn $300+/Month in Passive Income with Your Extra Space

    If you’re like us, your garage probably isn’t doing much of anything at the moment. Maybe you have some tools in there, or maybe it’s home to your boxes of odds and ends, collecting dust. 

    But with a website called Neighbor, your extra space — whether it’s a spare room, an empty garage or a parking space — could be earning you an extra $300 a month in totally passive income. 

    Neighbor works by connecting people who need storage space with hosts who have the room to spare. The average host makes about $300 a month, but some people have earned up to $50,000 a year just by letting people park on their property. 

    It takes less than 10 minutes to get started. Just answer a few questions about your space, take some pictures and set your asking price. Neighbor will recommend a dollar amount based on your location and type of rental, but the final listing is up to you. 

    Neighbor even gives you up to $1 million in free protection as a host and offers protection plans for your renters, giving you both peace of mind. 

    Neighbor is an easy source of passive income, and it’s easier than most side hustles. It’s free to list your space, and you’ll only be charged a 4.9% processing fee from the profit you make each month, so there’s no risk to you. 

    Sign up here and see how much you could earn.

     

    *Results may vary and some may not see savings.





    qplummer@thepennyhoarder.com (Quinten Plummer)
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  • So You Want to Be a Writer: 10 Free Tools to Get You Started

    So You Want to Be a Writer: 10 Free Tools to Get You Started

    Whether it’s a calling, a passion, a way to make money — or some combination of all three, writing is a pretty rewarding way to spend your time, not that I’m biased.

    But before you set out for your favorite cafe with a typewriter and a funky hat (neither of which are an actual requirement of the profession), hear this. There are several online tools that can help you get your career as a wordsmith off the ground — without spending a dime.

    In this list, I’ve included 10 of my absolute favorite (and completely free) writing tools currently on the market. Whether you’re looking for a distraction-free writing platform, a way to save your ideas on-the-go, or a keen editing buddy — these freebies have something for every writer. Keep scrolling to find your new favorite free writing tool.

    10 Online Tools for Writers

    For new writers and old pros alike, here are 10 free online tools to help.

    1. Google Docs

    It isn’t glamorous, but it is free, and it certainly does get the job done. With plenty of free storage and endless ways to organize your work into folders, Google Docs is a must-have for any serious writer. Plus, it’s easy share documents with other writers and editors for seamless collaboration.

    You can access Google Docs simply by signing in (or signing up) for a Gmail Account. From there, you can create new documents and folders, spreadsheets (which can be super helpful for tracking your taxable income), and so much more.

    2. FocusWriter

    Another great free tool for easily-distracted writers, FocusWriter answers the call with that perfect blank-page look, and no fussy settings or additional controls to get in the way.

    Customize your background theme, set a timer or alarm and then get to work. Since this application is available via download rather than in a web browser, you’ll need to have one of its supported devices. Fortunately, FocusWriter is available on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.

    3. Sprinter

    It doesn’t get any simpler than Sprinter, a one-window online writing platform that allows you to set a timer (or not) and just “free-write.” (Pun intended. The company is also behind Freewrite — a line of smart typewriters which will satisfy any writer’s aforementioned hipster-cafe fantasies).

    Drafts can be saved and accessed through the company’s online platform, or copied and pasted into any word processor. Besides the timer and old school typeface (which is especially satisfying for some reason), this free platform also includes a real-time word count and “read-time” to help you determine the length of your current draft.

    4. Medium

    If you’re a new writer just looking to dip your big toe in and make a name for yourself, you might want to try using Medium. This blogging website offers a clean, distraction-free experience and allows you to get your writing in front of more people a lot faster than you would by starting your own blog.

    You can write and publish your work for free, and even submit it to publications within Medium (to get more eyes on your writing). Whenever I meet a new writer looking to get out there, I always recommend submitting to these publications. Not only do they make impressive samples to show would-be clients, but they also teach you a bit about how to cater your writing for certain audiences and platforms— an important skill if you want to get paid to write.

    5. Milanote

    If you’re a highly visual kind of writer looking for an organizational tool more than a writing interface, then you might want to try Milanote. It offers a great way to compile all your images, notes, and anything else into one easy-to-use visual board.

    Once you try Milanote, it’s easy to see how it would be helpful for larger projects like longer essays or books where you have lots of ideas and notes to keep track of. It’s also a useful brainstorming tool if you like making mood boards for your writing work.

    Although Milanote has an unlimited paid version for $9.99 per month, there’s also a free version which includes 10 file uploads, unlimited shared boards with other users and 100 notes, images, or links.

    6. Evernote

    Although it’s not strictly a tool for writers, Evernote is a great application to know about. Similar to Milanote (but less mood-board-ish and more about note-taking), Evernote allows you to organize all of your notes and ideas in one place. I especially like Evernote for the way it syncs seamlessly across all devices.

    Use it to make notes on the go, then open up the application on your laptop and dive back in, right where you left off. You can use the basic version of Evernote for free, or get a few more perks by paying $7.99 per month.

    7. Hemingway Editor

    If you’re looking for a free way to edit your work before submitting it to an editor, The Hemingway App is a great way to go. This free online tool allows you to paste your completed article or essay and get instant feedback on grammar, formatting, and even readability.

    I especially like it for this last point, since the app stresses the use of simple language, short sentences, and active voice, all of which help improve your writing and make your editor’s life easier.

    8. Grammarly

    For writers in need of a bit of extra help with grammar, you might want to try Grammarly, which can be downloaded onto your device or used in the form of a browser extension. This free tool provides instant feedback on grammar as well as clarity, word variety and tone.

    Some editors even require their freelance writers to use Grammarly when starting out, so if you’re not feeling 100% in your ability to draft up grammatically correct prose, this is a great place to start.

    9. yWriter

    For longer bodies of work like novels and other books, this free downloadable word processor may prove to be an invaluable resource. Combining a clean, distraction-free interface with loads of great organization tools — like the ability to break your work into scenes or chapters and find them again later — makes yWriter one of the best free writing tools on the market.

    The best part about yWriter is that it was created by an author for authors. Offering some of the same functionality as paid tools like Scrivener, yWriter is a great one to get once your work starts reaching lengths in the thousands of words and organization becomes imperative.

    10. Reedsy Book Editor 

    For the writer who already has a large body of work and is looking to edit it, consider trying Reedsy Book Editor. This platform offers more than just editing. It also has a huge network of freelance editors, designers, and publicists available to help you bring your manuscript up to speed, whether you’re sending it off to a literary agent or self-publishing.

    While you will have to pay for advanced services, you can access the free formatting tools on their website, which allow you to format your manuscript as an epub or PDF, something you’ll need to do before publishing no matter how you choose to do it.

    Beyond these tools, the company also provides a variety of free online mini-courses for writers including a self-publishing course, a marketing course for published writers, and a course to help jumpstart your novel.

    The Final Word

    Writing isn’t easy, but when it comes to everything else — editing, formatting, and even publishing — there’s a free tool that can help. The best part about getting comfortable using these online tools is that you’ll actually become better at your craft by using them.

    Platforms like Medium and Reedsy can help you better understand what it takes to get published, while Draft and FocusWriter may help boost your daily word count. Once you get in a groove, you may find you need these tools less and less, which is one clear way to measure your growth as a new writer.

    Contributor Larissa Runkle specializes in finance, real estate and lifestyle topics. She is a regular contributor to The Penny Hoarder. Contributor Matt Mastasci contributed to this report. 


    larissa.runkle@gmail.com (Larissa Runkle)

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  • Low on Funds? These 5 Apps Make Selling Your Stuff a Snap

    Low on Funds? These 5 Apps Make Selling Your Stuff a Snap

    Need some extra cash? When you’re low on funds, selling your stuff is one way to make money fast. We’re not saying you need to sell family heirlooms, but some items around your home might be worth a few bucks to the right buyer.

    We’ve rounded up the best apps to sell your stuff right from your iOS or Android device — you don’t even need to leave the house. We have the best apps to sell stuff, from general online marketplaces to those with more specific focuses, such as fashion.

    What Are the Best Apps to Sell Your Stuff?

    Rather than providing you with an endless list of selling apps that may have low virtual foot traffic, we’ve rounded up the top five apps for you to sell your stuff. After testing each platform, we found the following selling apps to be the best options:

    Facebook

    The Best for Selling Locally

    Key Features

    • Large reach via the Facebook website and app
    • No fees for selling in person
    • Low fees for online sales

    Facebook

    Sales Method

    In person / Online

    Service Fees

    0% in person, 5% online on most sales, or 40 cents for shipments of $8 or less

    iOS

    Android

    You cannot understate the power and scale of Facebook. Whether you love the big blue social app or not, it provides many free services, including a marketplace. Over recent years, Facebook Marketplace has grown, proving to be one of the most powerful apps for everyday individuals looking to sell unwanted items lying around their homes.

    If you already have a Facebook account, selling on the website is as easy as launching the app on your smartphone. Head to the “Marketplace” tab at the bottom of the screen. From there, tap the “Sell” button in the upper-left corner and choose “Create Listing.”

    You can sell nearly anything on Facebook Marketplace, from items to entire homes; however, some things, such as drugs, weapons and animals, are not allowed. Keep it legal and non-dangerous, and you can likely list it.

    Our favorite features of Facebook Marketplace include your ability to set your item’s price and the lack of fees when dealing with local buyers. If desired, you can also use Facebook Marketplace to sell things over long distances with minimal additional costs.

    Poshmark

    The Best for Selling Clothes

    Key Features

    • Best for selling clothing or accessories online
    • Marketplace devoted to a single sales category
    • Flat fees for sales

    Poshmark

    Sales Method

    Online

    Service Fees

    Flat $2.95 fee under $15, 20% commission to Poshmark for sales of $15 or more

    iOS

    Android

    Fashion fans are likely already familiar with the selling app Poshmark, but if you are not, let us make the introduction. Poshmark is an online marketplace that allows members to sell clothing and accessories or, as Poshmark puts it, “new and secondhand style for women, men, kids, home, and more.” It might be an excellent way to clean out your dresser drawers.

    Signing up for Poshmark is free, and you can immediately begin browsing the marketplace, but we aren’t here for shopping — we are here for selling. Begin your journey by heading to the “Sell” tab at the bottom of the screen and start taking photos of the item you wish to list.

    You’ll need to fill in information such as the item’s size, original price and the price you are asking, although Poshmark can suggest pricing to start. Additional details, such as the item category, brand, color and style, can help shoppers discover your item.

    Once your item sells, you’ll need to carefully package it up and ship it out using the provided shipping label. You can withdraw your sales funds anytime via direct deposit to your bank account, a physical check or an instant money transfer.

    For sales under $15, Poshmark takes a flat fee of $2.95. If you sell anything above $15, Poshmark will take a 20% commission, leaving you with 80%. Not a bad deal compared to most selling apps.

    Decluttr

    The Best for Fast Electronic Sales

    Key Features

    • Sell electronics immediately
    • No having to deal with buyers or shipping fees
    • Easy for first-time sellers

    Decluttr

    Sales Method

    Online

    Service Fees

    N/A

    iOS

    Android

    If you want to sell your electronics fast and don’t want to deal with the hassle of other people, then Decluttr might be your solution. This online company is ready to buy whatever electronics you have, from smartphones to tablets.

    You can likely obtain more money selling your items on your own either locally or using an online sales platform, such as eBay, but Decluttr is the easiest of all selling apps. Selling an item on Decluttr is as easy as accessing its website and clicking “Start Selling.”

    Decluttr will ask you questions about your device to help determine its value, including the item’s model and serial number. You may also need to answer additional questions about your item’s overall condition and, in the case of smartphones, which cellular provider it utilizes.

    Decluttr will then provide you with a sales price. If the price appeals to you, you can mail in the item using the free shipping label. Once Decluttr receives your device and can confirm its condition, you will receive payment via direct deposit or PayPal.

    In addition to electronics, Decluttr also accepts specific forms of media, including books, video games, Blu-rays, CDs and DVDs.

    eBay

    The Best Online Auction House

    Key Features

    • Access to a large pool of online shoppers
    • Possibility of a buyer returning items
    • Complicated service fee structure

    eBay

    Sales Method

    Online with local pickup option

    Service Fees

    Nearly every item category has a different fee.

    iOS

    Android

    The king of the selling apps remains eBay, a go-to when most individuals think it’s time to sell stuff online. But is eBay as good as it once was, and should you use it to sell your items? Maybe.

    eBay remains a popular platform for sales, allowing sellers to offer up their goods in either an auction or flat-fee (Buy It Now) format. If you want to sell your stuff, eBay will provide you with a large audience of individuals ready to whip out their credit cards.

    But where is the hesitation? As eBay has grown, so have its listing and selling fees. Nearly every item category on eBay has a different fee, so you’ll need to check it out by visiting eBay’s Seller Fees page; it’s less than user-friendly.

    We also found that in most sales-related disputes, eBay tends to settle with the buyer. So you’ll need to be prepared for a situation in which your buyer needs to return your item and you may be liable for the return shipping costs.

    We recommend going with eBay if you have some sales experience and are looking to maximize exposure (there are tons of potential buyers). This can be particularly important when selling niche or expensive items.

    Other options are available if you plan to sell locally rather than online.

    OfferUp

    The Best for Non-Facebook Users

    Key Features

    • Similar to Facebook Marketplace
    • Give items a boost with OfferUp Promote Plus
    • No fees for in-person sales

    OfferUp

    Sales Method

    In person / Online

    Service Fees

    Free for in person; online varies

    iOS

    Android

    OfferUp provides an excellent local marketplace for selling stuff that might otherwise collect dust. Posting an item for sale is as easy as launching the app and tapping the “Post” tab at the bottom of the screen. Then, follow along to snap a few photos and list your item. We recommend filling out as many details as possible for the best exposure.

    Once an item is listed, OfferUp works similarly to Facebook Marketplace in that prospective buyers will reach out to you if interested. There are no fees if you choose to sell your item locally in person. However, if you wish to ship your item to someone, OfferUp will charge a fee as part of the transaction.

    One unique aspect of OfferUp is that it offers (no pun intended) a paid subscription plan. The OfferUp plan is called Promote Plus and promotes your item so that more potential buyers are likely to view it. Promote Plus costs $2.99 a day, $7.99 for three days or $19.99 a month. We recommend it only for those clearing out a large inventory.

    In our testing, we found OfferUp to be quite responsive, and we received a healthy number of replies for the items listed. We recommend OfferUp as one of the best selling apps to anyone looking to buy or sell items in their local area.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What Is the Best Way to Sell My Belongings?

    For most individuals, the best way to sell their belongings is locally using an online marketplace, such as Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, the best selling apps for local transactions and sales. Otherwise, a service such as Decluttr is desirable if you wish to sell electronics and want money fast.

    How Do I Start Selling My Stuff?

    To start selling your stuff, you’ll need to select an online sales platform. We’ve chosen Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, Decluttr, eBay and OfferUp as our best selling apps. Once selected, complete your listing with quality photos and thorough descriptions of your item.

    How Can I Sell My Stuff for Fast Cash?

    If you need to sell items fast, we recommend using eBay. While eBay does charge a healthy dosage of fees, it will get your items in front of the most people quickly. Otherwise, you can use a selling app like Decluttr to buy electronics for a flat rate.

    Where Is the Easiest Place to Sell Stuff?

    If you’re new to selling items online, we recommend getting started with an option that offers local buyers, such as Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp. By dealing with local sales only, not only can you avoid excess fees, but there is no worry about shipping items to buyers.

    Michael Archambault is a senior writer with The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.


    michael.archambault@thepennyhoarder.com (Michael Archambault)

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  • 11 Employers That Pay for Your Health Insurance if You’re a Part-Time Worker

    11 Employers That Pay for Your Health Insurance if You’re a Part-Time Worker

    Employers of a certain size, by law, have to offer health insurance to full-time workers. But some employers extend coverage to part-timers, too.

    The Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, defines “full time” as 30 hours or more per week. That’s right — 30, not 40.

    “That definitely doesn’t sync up with common usage,” David Frazzini, a partner and health benefits expert at the HR consulting firm Mercer.

    If you regularly clock 30 hours a week, and if your employer is large enough, they should be providing health insurance, according to the ACA.

    Some employers market this as a perk but, really, they’re obligated to give it to you. Or they may offer some health benefits to part-timers, but the perks aren’t robust enough to qualify as health insurance.

    Other companies really do go above and beyond what is required by law. Here are 11 big employers that offer part-time jobs with health insurance.

    11 Places to Find Part-Time Jobs With Health Insurance

    These employers offer health insurance to part-timers working less than 30 hours per week.

    • Chipotle
    • Costco
    • The federal government
    • Lowe’s
    • REI
    • Starbucks
    • UPS
    • JP Morgan Chase
    • Amazon
    • Walmart
    • National Guard

    More details about each of the 11 employers and their health care offerings for part-time workers:

    1. Chipotle

    All hourly workers at Chipotle restaurants are eligible for a suite of health insurance plans. The fast-casual burrito chain provides medical, dental and vision insurance with dependent coverage.

    Medical plans are available through Anthem, according to the company’s latest benefits handbook. The vision plan is through EyeMed, and dental is through Delta Dental. Through a separate employee assistance plan, you can also receive mental health counseling for you and your dependents for free — face-to-face, over the phone or through teleconferencing.

    Health plans are just some of the perks available to part-timers. The company has been beefing up its benefits package for years. Chipotle also offers accrued paid time off, sick leave, stock options, a 401(k) plan and tuition reimbursement to part-time staff.

    Chipotle operates in 48 states and Washington, D.C. Find a job near you on Chipotle’s career page.

    2. Costco

    Costco, the membership-based wholesale retail chain, is known for providing comprehensive benefits and fair wages. If you work as a permanent, hourly part-timer in the contiguous U.S. for an average of at least 23 hours per week, you qualify for health insurance and other benefits. In Hawaii, you’ll qualify for benefits as long as you’re logging at least 20 hours per week.

    The Aetna health plan for part-timers has a $550 individual deductible, and you’ll be charged a copay for most doctor’s visits and prescription drugs. The company shares its health-care benefits summary publically.

    According to Costco’s benefits website, the benefits begin the “first day of the month following 60 continuous days of service” in the contiguous U.S. For example, if you started working at least 23 hours per week on December 1, it the earliest you would be eligible for health insurance would be February 1.

    If you’re in Hawaii, you only need to work at Costco for four weeks. Then, the benefits will start on the first day of the next month.

    Costco stores are located in 45 states and Washington, D.C. Look for jobs near you on the company’s career page.

    3. The Federal Government

    No matter how few hours you work for the federal government, you’ll be eligible for the same health insurance benefits as full-time employees — as long as your position is permanent.

    What varies is how much comes out of your paycheck, according to the Office of Personnel Management, the agency that manages the federal government’s civilian workforce.

    “Part-time employees… receive the same coverage as full-time employees but pay a greater percentage of the premium,” the website states. “For example, an employee on a 20-hour-per-week schedule receives one-half the Government contribution towards the premium.”

    You can find federal government jobs at agencies such as the Postal Service, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Department of Veterans Affairs on the USA Jobs website.

    4. Lowe’s

    The home-improvement retailer offers regular, part-time workers a variety of benefits at most locations. You can enroll in medical, dental, vision and pharmacy plans upon hiring, and benefits will kick in after a full month of employment.

    • Depending on your area, you may have several tiers of coverage options. Most of these plans have a $0 deductible.

    Lowe’s operates in all 50 states. Check its career webpage to find jobs nearby.

    5. REI

    REI, which stands for Recreational Equipment, Inc., is a membership cooperative that provides outdoors equipment and apparel for sale and for rent. Co-ops aren’t like traditional businesses. They’re run more democratically and are focused on the needs of their members and workers rather than consumers or investors.

    So it makes sense that they offer a generous benefits package. Several health care plans are available to part-time employees. There is an HSA that’s open to everyone, regardless of number of hours worked or amount of time employed by the co-op.

    If you work at least 20 hours per week, you gain access to plans with lower deductibles (and no HSA option,) including a PPO and in select states, Kaiser Healthcare Plans. If you want one of these plans, you’ll have to wait until a year after your hire date as a part-time worker.

    The company operates in 42 states and in Washington, D.C.. Use REI’s job board to see if they’re hiring near you.

    6. Starbucks

    In addition to health insurance for part-timers, Starbucks also pays toward their college education costs. Photo courtesy of Starbucks

    In addition to health insurance for part-timers, Starbucks also pays toward their college education costs. Photo courtesy of Starbucks

    Starbucks provides five tiers of medical plans for eligible hourly workers, and eligibility is based on a work week of about 20 hours. The exact number is a little more complex and is based on 240 hours worked over a three month period.

    “For example, if you are hired on May 2, we would measure for 240 paid hours in June, July and August. If you meet the requirement over that time, you would receive your enrollment kit in September and become benefits eligible effective October 1,” according to an employee benefits packet.

    Starbucks is also one of the few major employers that will pay for your college education as a part-time worker.

    Starbucks’ latest medical insurance package includes Bronze, Bronze Plus, Silver, Gold and Platinum coverage options. Depending on the plan, individual deductibles range from zero to $3,300. And copays run from $25 to $50 for doctor’s visits.

    Starbucks operates about 15,000 stores across all states in the U.S. Find a gig nearby through its online career board.

    7. UPS

    UPS has one of the most comprehensive benefits packages for part-time employees. It includes medical, dental, vision and pharmacy programs.

    Plans may vary by location. According to the TeamstersCare benefits page, you’ll need to work at least 225 hours over any three month period to qualify. That’s roughly 18 hours per week. If you work 400 hours over three months, you’ll gain access to full-time benefits over that time period.

    UPS operates more than 5,400 stores nationwide. You can look for jobs online using UPS’s career portal.

    8. JP Morgan Chase

    If you work at JPMorgan Chase for at least 20 hours per week, you qualify for health insurance benefits. After working for at least 60 days, you will be eligible on the first day of the last month.

    So let’s say you got hired on June 15. In August, you would have logged 60 days. You’d be eligible for coverage Sept. 1.

    There are a variety of different plans offered through Aetna or Cigna. If you live in California, you’ll also have the choice of a plan offered by Kaiser Permanente.

    To see if there are part-time jobs available near you through JPMorgan Chase, checkout their career site.

    9. Amazon

    Work 20-29 hours per week at Amazon? Then you’re eligible for health insurance, unless you live in one of the following states:

    • Connecticut
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Maryland
    • North Carolina
    • Pennsylvania
    • Utah
    • Wisconsin

    There are multiple plans available in the rest of the states, all of which provide 100% coverage of preventative care. Deductibles range from $0 to $1,500 for individuals, and $0 to $4,500 if you want coverage for your entire family.

    Amazon employs over 1.5 million people in America. If you’re interested in becoming one of them, you can check out current openings here.

    A man rings up a pack of coca-cola for a customer at Walmart.
    Photo courtesy of Walmart

    10. Walmart

    Walmart labels people who work 30 hours/week as part-timers – even though they’re considered full-time workers under the ACA.

    However, certain jobs at Walmart will provide health insurance if you are truly part-time, as long as you work at least 24 hours per week over a two-month period. Those jobs include:

    • Pharmacists
    • Nurse practitioners
    • Supply chain associates

    You become eligible for benefits after you work 60 days at part-time status in one of these positions, but they won’t kick in until the month where you’ve worked for 89 days.

    Here’s how Walmart explains it: “For example, let’s say your hire date is May 11, 2022. Your 60th day is July 9, and on that day you’ve worked enough hours to meet the requirement. Your 89th day is Aug. 7, so benefits become effective on Aug. 1.”

    You can find open positions here if you’re interested in being one of their 2.2 million US-based store associates.

    11. National Guard

    Age 35 or under and think you’ve got what it takes to be a reservist? If so, the National Guard offers coverage through TRICARE Reserve Select.

    Costs depend on your rank. If you’re E1-E4, deductibles are $60/individual or $121/family, while ranks of E5+ — who are paid more — have deductibles of $182/individual or $365/family. If you only need coverage for yourself, it’ll run you about $48/month in premiums. If you want family coverage, premiums are $91.33/month.

    TRICARE doesn’t necessarily mean everything’s covered. In fact, there’s a significant list of exclusions; plans offered by Starbucks provide more coverage in some instances.

    Joining the military even as a “part-time” reservist is a serious commitment. Be sure to fully understand the obligations before signing your name on the dotted line. If you do decide that service is right for you, here’s where you can learn more.

    When an ACA Plan Is Cheaper and Smarter for Part-timers

    Many circumstances may drive you to look for health insurance through a part-time job. Maybe your partner has a full-time job and you don’t need to work as much. You might have child or elder care responsibilities. Or perhaps you’re looking to “retire” early as part of the FIRE movement.

    Whatever the case, Frazzini of Mercer says to consider your options on the ACA health-care exchange website.

    “For low-income people, the subsidies on the ACA exchanges are pretty generous,” he said, noting that subsidized health plans through the exchange may be cheaper than ones provided by an employer if you’re a part-timer.

    In some cases, being eligible for an employer-sponsored plan as a part-time worker might not be a good thing.

    “If you are offered coverage by your employer, you actually become ineligible for those subsidies — regardless of whether you take it,” he said.

    Also be aware that some employers offer health benefits but not health insurance. For example, in 2021, Target  started offering its part-timers a certain number of free telehealth visits with doctors and therapists. And some companies offer cost-share perks for hospitalizations.

    Pittsburgh-based writer Brynne Conroy is the founder of the Femme Frugality blog and the author of “The Feminist Financial Handbook.” She is a regular contributor to The Penny Hoarder. Adam Hardy is a former staff writer. 


    femmefrugality@gmail.com (Brynne Conroy)

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  • These Are Everyday Items That You Can Recycle for Money

    These Are Everyday Items That You Can Recycle for Money

    Why toss things in the trash when you can recycle them — and make a little money in return?

    By diverting certain items from the waste stream and keeping them out of landfills, you can also make extra money or help out worthy causes. From scrap metal to ink cartridges, bottle caps to construction materials, you can recycle a huge variety of items in exchange for cash. We’ve also included information on how to recycle items for the sake of good will.

    Businesses should also look at the recycling market for some extra cash. Restaurants can sell used or rancid cooking oil. Old cars and vans can be scrapped for money, as well as large appliances

    Ready to see all the different things you can recycle for money?

    How to Recycle Household Items for Cash

    First, you’ll need to find a recycling center or collection point that is looking for what you want to get rid of. While the goal is to make money, you might settle for a donation — which could be tax deductible — if it means clearing out the garage. The collection center will also let you know how to prepare items to their specifications.

    Find a Collection Point

    To find a recycling center near you, head to Earth911.com and plug in the item you’re looking to recycle along with your location. The site lists collection locations for materials as diverse as antifreeze and ammunition, computers and clothes.

    Prepare Items for Recycling

    Of course, not everything pays, and it’s important to prepare recyclables according to the organization’s specifications. This is especially important if you are recycling hazardous materials. Metal scrappers pay more for clean metal, sometimes almost twice as much.

    Recycling centers may require you to remove bottle caps, rinse and bag bottles in certain increments, or sort and tie together cardboard. Checking the rules before you go will save you time later.

    Be sure to properly bag items that may make a bit of a mess. Even if you thoroughly rinse all your bottles and cans, there might be water and other residue on them, so be sure to transport them in bins or bags to protect the interior of your car.

    If you’re donating a cell phone or other electronic item, be sure to clear your personal information from it, including contact lists, voice mails, text messages, photos, passwords, downloads and anything else that you wouldn’t want random strangers to access. Backup your information on your new phone, your computer or a cloud-based service, then restore your old phone to factory settings before recycling it.

    Items You Can Recycle for Money

    There are a lot of recyclable items around the house (maybe in the garage) that can bring in some money. Depending on where you live, you can get paid to recycle:

    • Scrap metal
    • Bottles and cans
    • Car batteries
    • Ink cartridges
    • Cell phones and other electronics
    • Junk cars
    • Wine corks
    • Cardboard boxes
    • Cooking Oil

    1. Scrap Metal

    Scrap metal is one of the more profitable materials to recycle.

    Copper, steel and aluminum are just a few of the scrap metals that you can recycle for money. Google your local area and “scrap yard” to find a facility that takes whatever metals you have and learn their procedures for drop off.

    Scrap metal prices were rising because of the pandemic caused shipping woes. Some forecasters think prices will start to sink later this year. Now is a good time to get rid of that junk metal.

    Once you have rounded up your metal, find out if it is ferrous or non-ferrous by seeing if a magnet sticks to it. If it does, the metal is ferrous and likely a common metal like steel or iron. These items typically aren’t worth much, but it’s still worthwhile to recycle them. If the magnet does not stick, you likely have copper, aluminum, brass, bronze or stainless steel on your hands. These metals are more valuable.

    Copper is one of the more profitable metals: Copper wire and tubing yields between $2 and $3.40 per pound, depending on the quality and thickness of the wire. Aluminum typically earns between 40 and 70 cents a pound, yellow brass can yield about $1.65 per pound.

    Die-cast metal, which is usually made from zinc, aluminum, and other non-ferrous metals, goes in the 20-to-30-cents-a-pound range, though local prices vary. Zinc is worth more than aluminum.

    2. Bottles and Cans

    One Penny Hoarder writer made $1,500 cashing in soda cans he collected at work. You, too, can make money by rounding up bottles and cans, whether from work, friends and family, at events, or just the recyclables you use at home.

    The World Economic Forum estimates that even though most aluminum is recycled, there’s still seven million tons not recycled every year. That’s a lot of money left on the table.

    California offers 5 cents for most plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans smaller than 24 ounces, and 10 cents for 24-ounce or larger containers. It’s technically a bottle deposit, but many people don’t bother to collect their refunds, so it’s easy money for bottle and can collectors.

    Michigan has a 10-cents per bottle recycling rate, which has prompted people to illegally smuggle in empty bottles purchased out of state to cash in. (This was even the plot of one Seinfeld episode!) Many states have similar deposit programs, so check what’s available where you live.

    3. Car Batteries

    Advance Auto Parts offers a $10 store gift card to customers who bring in their used car batteries (light-duty truck batteries are also accepted). If the company doesn’t have an outlet near you, call your local auto parts stores to see whether they offer similar deals.

    4. Ink Cartridges

    A number of office supply stores, including Staples and Office Depot accept used ink cartridges for recycling. Staples offers $2 back per cartridge, with a maximum of 20 returns per month, and you have to spend at least $50 on ink or toner within 180 days of recycling.

    Office Depot also gives you $2 back in program rewards for each ink or toner cartridge you recycle, up to 10 cartridges per month. But you must also purchase ink from them the same month. There is no limit on the number of cartridges you can recycle, but you will only receive points on the first 10 per month. You can use your points toward a number of different perks and discounts.

    5. Cell Phones

    Eco-Cell is one of many companies that offers cash for old cell phones and other electronics. The company accepts working or broken phones, tablets, rechargeable batteries, circuit boards and a variety of other electronics. Even if an item is broken or was submerged in water and is unusable, Eco-Cell will accept it in order to divert electronics from landfills and properly dispose of their toxic components and metals.

    Many cell phone providers, including Verizon and AT&T, have trade-in programs where you can receive a voucher, gift card or other reward for turning in your old phone. Amazon Trade-in is another way to earn gift cards.

    A number of charities also accept cell phones, whether to re-purpose or sell and use the funds for a charitable purpose. Cell Phones for Soldiers refurbishes and sells your old phone to active-duty military members and veterans. If a phone is too old or broken, Cell Phones for Soldiers sells it to recyclers who strip it for parts and dispose of its metals responsibly. The proceeds from the sales go to purchase international calling cards for troops and provide emergency financial assistance to veterans.

    Organizations that work with domestic abuse victims also accept used cell phones for their clients for emergency 911 calls.

    And of course, you can always sell your old phone yourself.

    6. Junk Cars

    Your rusted old jalopy? You can recycle it for money. There are companies that pay cash for broken down cars. U-Pull-It has a helpful guide on the best way to scrap your car.

    Junk Car Medics is  another company that will buy your vehicle.  You can sell your car to them online or over the phone. You enter details about your vehicle, such as condition and mileage, and quickly get an offer. If you accept it, you’ll have to provide proof of ownership and a few other details before you get paid. The company says most transactions are same-day, and they take the car away for you.

    7. Wine Corks

    You can let your wine pay a little bit for itself. Sites like Etsy and Ebay and others show listings for used wine corks. Selling on these sites isn’t difficult. When setting prices, keep in mind that the sites charge small fees for both listing and selling items.

    You also want to make sure you know how much it will cost to mail an item so there are no unpleasant surprises during the transaction.

    Got some items to recycle and want to make money from them on Etsy? Here’s a step-by-step guide.

    8. Used Boxes

    Just moved and have a bunch of boxes? Or do you have a slight online shopping addiction and have piles of boxes in the garage? You can resell your boxes through Boxcycle and other similar sites. They take pretty much everything as long as they are still in decent shape and don’t smell.

    9. Electronics

    Old laptops, monitors, tablets, and other electronics can be sold through sites like Decluttr. But wait, there’s more! They also take dvds, cds, books, games, and cell phones. Decluttr has an app you can download to make selling easier.

    A similar site is IWM, which stands for It’s Worth More. It covers similar electronics but also includes camera sales.

    10. Cooking Oil

    Used (or spoiled) cooking oil is used in biofuels, which is a growing market. While an individual household may not use a lot of oil, many restaurants do. Lots of companies will offer to give you containers and pick up your oil. Only a handful promise to pay. GF Commodities services most of the continental US and will pay for oil.

    11. The Rest of Your Unwanted Stuff

    You can “recycle” belongings you no longer want on a variety of apps and platforms and get a little something back for them. ThredUp, Swap, and Poshmark are popular apps where you can sell clothes online.

    ThredUp will send you a free shipping label and apply credits for anything that sells to your own account, but it’s often not a lot of money. Poshmark offers bigger potential payouts, but you have to put in more work to make your items move.

    OfferUp is a second-hand site where you can buy or sell just about anything you no longer use.

    Ziffit is another site for selling CDs, dvds, books, and games.

    Someone has to provide all of those tennis balls to the pups. There are several sites accepting used balls, including Rebouncing and Tennis Ball Recycling.

    If you have a bunch of gift cards that you haven’t (and probably won’t) used, you can sell them online for cash. It won’t be for the full amount of the card, but better than them just sitting in the junk drawer. Cardcash lets you post your card and sell it directly. On the other hand, you post what you have on Clipkard and the site directly makes you an offer.

    Bartering

    Cash is nice, but sometimes trading is better. There are bartering sites for almost anything. Trade for houses, books, clothing and more. Some sites charge a fee for participating or individual transactions.

    Some of the general purpose sites are Swap Thing and Barter Only.

    Donating

    You might hear public radio stations asking you to donate your old vehicles for a tax donation. If you don’t mind doing little detail in your tax return, you can get significant deductions by donating larger, unwanted items.

    Many nonprofits work with companies collecting and selling cars, boats, motorcycles, golf carts, and other vehicles. The vehicle gets picked up and is sold at auction. Once it is sold, you get a notice of the amount sold for your taxes. While it isn’t direct cash, if you need a big deduction one year, this could help.

    Contributor JoEllen Schilke writes on money-saving strategies and lifestyle topics and Kristen Pope is a former Penny Hoarder contributor.


    joellenschilke@gmail.com (JoEllen Schilke)

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  • Here’s What You Need to Know to Start a Food Business From Your Home

    Here’s What You Need to Know to Start a Food Business From Your Home

    Amid the pandemic, some out-of-work people have started food businesses in their homes, using handwritten flyers and Instagram accounts to advertise their wares.

    These underground businesses can supplement income in uncertain times, but they’re often operating in a legally gray area, and that could lead to fines from local health departments. Going legit takes time, but it can help scale your food business from underground sales to farmer’s markets, online marketplaces or local stores.

    While every state treats home-based food businesses a bit differently, here’s what you’ll need to look into to take the next steps with your food business.

    Check State and Local Laws

    When I opened my small-batch confectionary in Massachusetts, I needed to have my apartment kitchen certified as a Retail Residential Kitchen. The application process was time-consuming: I had to read the entire federal food code, become ServSafe certified in food handling, describe the items I planned to make and how they’d be processed and packaged, and have my kitchen inspected (I sweated this one, but I passed).

    This process is likely different for every state in the country. Search “retail residential kitchen for (name of state) to find the regulations for your location.

    Massachusetts law only allows for home production of foods that don’t require hot or cold holding. Baked goods, jams and bread are fine, but pizza doesn’t pass. Cut tomatoes aren’t allowed, so a home-based salsa business is a no-go.

    Massachusetts tends to be a bit draconian in its laws; had I started my home-based cooking business in New York, where I live now, I wouldn’t have had to get my kitchen certified or inspected. (New York only inspects if complaints are made.)

    New York offers an expansive list of approved and banned foods that’s worth examining closely for its inconsistencies. While you can repackage dried pasta, you can’t make or dry your own pasta. While cakes and cookies are OK, custom cakes and cookies for weddings or special events are prohibited.

    Cottage laws in Texas are even looser. Texans can make baked goods, jams, pickles, coffee and tea with no license required and no need to observe the Texas Food Establishment Rules, and the state’s Health Department can’t inspect home kitchens.

    Some areas, like King County, Washington, don’t allow any sales of home-prepared foods. If you face those restrictions, look for a community kitchen space to rent, such as a commissary or church kitchen.

    State and local laws not only determine what you’re allowed to sell but what, if any, business licenses or permits you’ll need before you can legally sell home-prepared foods. States, including Texas and Massachusetts, require food safety training, such as ServSafe. New York requires a Home Processing License (which is free and takes about two weeks to receive). My Massachusetts residential kitchen permit allowed me to sell direct to consumers; to sell to stores would’ve required a wholesalers’ license.

    In addition to state laws, check local zoning regulations. You might not be able to have a home-based food business without a separate permit due to local zoning restrictions on home-based businesses. Or you might be allowed to operate a business so long as sales aren’t made onsite, with customers picking up from your home.

    This is the most exhausting step, but it’s critical that you do it first, so you don’t invest time and resources in dreaming up a side gig you can’t actually run where you live.

    Protect Yourself With Business Insurance

    Home food business insurance may or may not be required in your state, but it’s the smartest thing you can do to protect yourself from liabilities like allergic reactions or food contamination. While ideally, nothing will ever go wrong, food spoils even in professional kitchens and you need to protect yourself.

    Without insurance, you’d be on the hook for a hospital bill to cover an allergic reaction, which could damage your credit and empty your bank account pretty quickly. Liability insurance prevents a claimant from going after your personal assets in the event of an incident, and it’s pretty cheap: I paid $195 a year for a $2 million policy.

    Before buying separate insurance for your food business, make sure you understand whether any other insurance you currently purchase (such as renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance) will cover your home-based food business. You may be able to extend coverage through a rider and you’ll often get a discount by bundling insurance through your current provider.

    Invest in Supplies

    Most states require you to package, portion and label food for sale. That means a food scale (mine needed to pass inspection), labels, a printer and ink. Packaging might include bags, boxes, tins or jars, depending on your inventory.

    A local craft supply store is fine for times when you run out of packaging with a backlog of orders, but retail pricing eats into your margin significantly. Look for wholesalers to pare down your costs.

    Vending at markets means special market supplies: a table and chairs, market tent (with weights so it doesn’t blow away), sign or banner, cash box (and change), Square or another equivalent, display items and decor to showcase your wares.

    Yes, it’s more than you might think when you’re scrolling for Instagram inspo. How I did it on the cheap: thrift stores.

    Build a Sales Strategy

    Between social media, online marketplaces, and local outlets, there are more places to sell than you can probably handle as a new food entrepreneur. To avoid overwhelm, figure out where your business fits best.

    I started my confectionary pop-up style, gifting friends with goodies while I worked out my recipes. Once I was licensed, I put up an Etsy shop to test the market. My products were a hit for the wedding demographic and the holiday season. I expanded to local farmer’s markets, but the price point never worked for me. I’d spend half a day manning a booth where I’d sell out of an item one week, then sell none at the following market. I always had leftover inventory, which had a limited shelf life. With Etsy, it took seconds to renew a listing and I made the product to order.

    Pro Tip

    Think Etsy is the right platform for you? Check out our step-by-step guide to making money on Etsy.

    Food businesses are flexible, and there’s no one right path to profitability. With a better idea of what it takes to turn a home-based cooking business legit, you can earn more and worry less, while making changes along the way just like you would to a recipe you’ve made your own.

    Lindsey Danis is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder. Freelancer Kent McDill contributed to this report. 


    lindsey.danis@gmail.com (Lindsey Danis)

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  • Grab One of These 12 Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Jobs Before They’re Gone

    Grab One of These 12 Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Jobs Before They’re Gone

    A group of Hoddogers pose in a field next to the Oscar Mayer mobile in a field.


    These people were the 2022 Hotdoggers. Photo courtesy of Oscar Mayer

    Do you wish you were an Oscar Mayer wiener?

    Bad news first. You can’t morph into a mechanically separated meat link. (2023’s tech just isn’t there yet.) But the century-old cold-cut meat company is dishing out the next best thing: paid opportunities to drive a 27-foot long Wienermobile across the nation.

    “The Wienermobile is an American icon and one of our brand’s most prized assets, making the Hotdogger role an extremely important job,” said Ed Roland, senior brand communications manager for Oscar Mayer. “From traveling to events across the U.S. to regularly speaking with consumers and media on behalf of the brand, Hotdoggers operate as a marketing firm on wheels, providing invaluable experience to recent graduates, while continuing our mission of uniting millions around a love of meat.”

    The Oscar Mayer HotDogger job is an extremely coveted role — only 12 out of the average 2,000 applicants are accepted to drive the six Wienermobiles. Each one of the lucky 12 will drive an average of 20,000 miles through an average of 20 states during the paid, yearlong gig.

    They’ll work as brand ambassadors, making radio and TV appearances, doing newspaper interviews and appearing at grocery, retail and charity functions. Hotdoggers also pick a nickname — check out “Ketchup Kaitlyn” and “Chaddar Cheese” — to share their travels on Instagram and hand out more than 250,000 Wiener Whistles during the year.

    Think you can cut the mustard? Oscar Mayer is looking for:

    • Recent college graduates who have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in public relations, journalism, communications or marketing
    • Outgoing, friendly, creative and compassionate people with strong communication skills; a love of hot dog puns preferred
    • A valid driver’s license, including a good driving record

    If your stars align, send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] or mail by Jan. 31 to:

    Oscar Mayer

    Attn: Hotdogger position

    560 E Verona Ave

    Verona, WI 53593

    So if you think you’re up for a year-long ride on the Wienermobile, head over to Oscar Mayer and apply!

    Robert Bruce is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.


    robert.bruce@thepennyhoarder.com (Robert Bruce)

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  • These 5 Sites Will Let You Sell Gift Cards Online to Make Extra Cash

    These 5 Sites Will Let You Sell Gift Cards Online to Make Extra Cash

    Ah, gift cards: The go-to present from someone who has good intentions, but doesn’t know you well enough to get you something you’d actually like.

    This holiday season, you’re likely to end up with a stack of them — some of which you probably can’t use or don’t want.

    Maybe your boss gave you a Starbucks gift card, but you aren’t a coffee drinker. Or your Aunt Rita gave you a generous $75 for a steakhouse, but you’re a vegetarian.

    There is no reason for the gift to go to waste. Instead of letting them languish in a junk drawer or unopened email somewhere, sell those gift cards for cash.

    5 Best Places to Sell Gift Cards for Cash and Discounts

    Ready to start selling gift cards? Start with these five sites.

    1. CardCash

    Founded in 2009, CardCash is a no-frills marketplace to buy and sell gift cards. It accepts cards from more than 1,100 different retailers — all types of popular department stores, restaurants, grocers and more. While the website states that you can earn up to 92% of a gift card’s value, each card is given a unique quote that could be lower. CardCash pays you directly if your card is accepted.

    Use CardCash’s quote tool to see how much cash your gift card is worth and to find out if you need to physically mail it in. You also have the option to swap the gift card for one at another store, possibly exceeding the value of your current gift card. Gift cards must have a balance of at least $10.

    Get started: www.cardcash.com

    2. ClipKard

    According to its website, ClipKard accepts physical gift cards from more than 100 retailers – including partially used ones. Fast food restaurants and department stores are especially popular.

    ClipKard’s quote tool will let you know if your card is currently being accepted and, if so, how much it’s worth in cash. If you like the quote, you can ship your gift card to ClipKard using the prepaid USPS shipping label provided to you. If you’re in a rush, you can choose to upgrade to priority shipping, and the price will be deducted from your payout.

    If you don’t see your gift card brand on the list, you can email [email protected] for an evaluation. All cards must have a value of at least $15.

    Get started: www.clipkard.com

    3. Gameflip

    Gameflip is a unique way to get rid of your unwanted digital gift cards and other items. The e-commerce site is a blend of eBay and Upwork for gamers. When selling gift cards, like any other product or service on the site, you’ll have to make a listing, which requires you to first make a Gameflip profile.

    You can sell any unused prepaid and non-reloadable gift card for gaming platforms or other retailers. Popular gift cards include Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, iTunes, Google Play and more. With Gameflip, you have full control over the price, though it’s recommended you list your card at a discount of 2% to 15% of its value.

    When someone buys your gift card, Gameflip transfers the funds into your Gameflip wallet, which you can withdraw from using Wise, Payoneer, Skrill or Bitcoin. (PayPal is no longer supported.) Gameflip takes an 8% cut of all listings and a further 2% cut of digital-only listings. Each wallet withdrawal method has its own associated fees.

    Get started: www.gameflip.com

    4. GiftCash

    GiftCash is a straightforward way to sell digital and physical gift cards from more than 150 accepted brands. And you can earn up to 92% of the value for in-demand brands.

    As with other gift card exchange sites, you can get a quote from GiftCash before you choose to sell it. However, GiftCash does not allow gift-card swapping.

    All gift cards must have a value of at least $25. Some brands require a higher minimum value, such as $100 for Air Canada, Apple, iTunes and Petco. Maximum value for all gift cards is $2,000.

    Get started: www.giftcash.com

    5. Raise

    Raise is a mobile payment app and e-commerce platform launched in 2013. Among many things, Raise allows you to sell your unwanted gift cards with a balance of at least $5 on its marketplace. That means you’ll need to create a Raise account and a listing for your gift card.

    As with any product, the more demand, the more you can ask for it. Gift cards for major retailers like Walmart, Target and Best Buy tend to sell on the marketplace for about 95% of their value.

    You also maintain control over your listing. If your card doesn’t sell in the first couple of days, you can always adjust the price to attract more buyers. Or you can unlist it if you change your mind. Once it sells, Raise charges a 15% seller fee, and for physical cards, it charges an additional $2.75 or 1% fee for shipping — whichever is greater.

    If you lost track, that means the maximum you can earn on a digital gift card is 85% of its value, if it sells for 100% of its value.

    Get started: www.raise.com

    To help you determine the best place to sell your unwanted gift cards, we’ve compared several price estimates from popular stores in fall 2022. Here’s how the five gift-card sites stack up.

    How Much Cash Your Gift Cards Could Earn

    Sites $25 Walmart Gift Card $25 Target Gift Card $25 Starbucks Gift Card
    CardCash $21.50 $21.13 $19.75 GET DETAILS
    ClipKard $17.84 $17.33 $15.29 GET DETAILS
    Gameflip* $22.50 $20.61 $14.40 GET DETAILS
    GiftCash $21.00 $20.75 $17.50 GET DETAILS
    Raise* $21.25 $20.82 $20.30 GET DETAILS

    *Note: Estimated exchange prices for Gameflip were based on the rates of digital gift cards currently listed and selling on their marketplace, minus the applicable 10% seller fee.

    Tips to Sell Gift Cards Online

    There are plenty of websites to sell your gift cards, and each one is a little different. Some will let users bid on your gift card, while others will purchase it from you and then sell it themselves.

    Here’s what to keep in mind as you find a buyer for that unwanted present.

    Consider Ways to Get Paid

    Depending on the service you choose, when you sell a gift card, you can receive a check in the mail, a PayPal or other digital payment, or a more useful gift card.

    Payment apps might be quick, but keep those pesky transaction fees in mind if you want to maximize your payout. Checks may take a little longer, but they’re as good as cold, hard cash. And depending on your spending habits, another gift card might be the best choice, as the conversion rate is going to be the highest.

    Each selection has its own perks, so choose whichever best fits your needs.

    Don’t Sell Gift Cards on eBay

    EBay has always been a popular place for buying and selling things online — but it might be the worst way to sell gift cards.

    First, an eBay buyer isn’t likely to buy your gift card for more than 80% to 90% of its value. For a $100 gift card, you can count on a loss of between $10 and $20 right off the bat.

    On top of that, you may be responsible for eBay’s insertion fees, a final value fee and a performance fee if your eBay seller account isn’t in good shape. These fees eat further into your earnings.

    You may be thinking, hey, don’t Raise and Gameflip also have seller fees? They do. But these marketplaces specialize in selling gift cards, so the base value of your gift card is likely to be higher on Raise or Gameflip than on eBay. Also with eBay, there’s no built-in way to verify your gift card’s code or balance — making the selling and shipment process much more of a hassle.

    In short, stick with one of the five gift-card selling websites above to get the most money for that well-meaning Applebee’s gift card that will fuse together with your wallet before you ever use it.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Selling Gift Cards Online

    Here are our answers to some common questions about selling gift cards online.

    How Can I Exchange Gift Cards for Cash?

    You can exchange gift cards for cash easily by selling the unused card directly to a gift card site like CardCash, CardKlip or GiftCash. They will buy the card from you directly. Or you could list your gift card on marketplaces like Gameflip or Raise, where people can bid on your card and buy it from you. You’ll give up a little bit of the gift card’s value, but you’ll have money you can use anywhere.

    How Can I Get Cash for Gift Cards Immediately?

    When you sell your gift cards online, it’s possible to get a quote immediately. That is, you can easily and quickly check how much your gift card is worth. But the entire process of selling the gift card online will take much longer, especially if you have to mail a physical card.

    One option for faster cash is through GiftCardBin, which partners with more than 600 businesses nationwide to buy gift cards — in person. Use its store locator tool to see if a partner is nearby. Then you can sell your gift cards for fast cash. However, you should expect a quote much lower than the online exchanges.

    Where Can I Sell Unused Gift Cards?

    You can sell gift cards for cash online and in person. Selling your gift card in person is the fastest way to get cash, but it’s not the most lucrative. GiftCardBin has hundreds of partners around the U.S. that offer cash for gift cards at a steep discount. The slower and more lucrative way to sell gift cards is online, and you can earn up to 95% of the gift card’s value in cash by using one of the gift card exchanges mentioned above.

    How Much Do You Get for Gift Cards at Coinstar?

    Coinstar discontinued its gift-card-buying services at all Coinstar terminals. However, if you’re using Coinstar to count your change, you can maximize your payout by choosing to accept payment by gift card. This option allows you to skirt the fees associated with cash payout.

    Adam Hardy is a former staff writer for The Penny Hoarder. Freelancers Dana Miranda and Cassidy Alexander contributed to this report.


    hardyjournalism@gmail.com (Adam Hardy)

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  • Curious about #DryJanuary? This Company Will Pay You $1,000 to Give Up Booze

    Curious about #DryJanuary? This Company Will Pay You $1,000 to Give Up Booze

    The holidays have gone and the awkward office parties are behind us.

    As we enter 2023, some of us are embracing new habits and leaving behind some of less-than-healthy choices — at least for a month.

    Say hello to #DryJanuary.

    If you’re one of the many who embrace #DryJanuary and have decided to kick dry mouth and late-night-text regret to the curb, then we’ve got an incredible way for you to make some significant cash while you’re at it.

    Tranquini — a company that makes a calming wellness drink — wants to give $1,000 to one Dry January participant for going boozeless for a month.

    “TranQuini wants to show that cutting back on alcohol can be easier than you think and can have lasting benefits. While lots of people turn to a glass of wine after a hard day to help them cope, science says alcohol can take a toll on the body and actually compound stress,” the company said.

    “By encouraging more people to refrain from alcohol for 30 days and swap in non-alcoholic options (like TranQuini!) instead, we’re hoping to find out whether people feel better physically and mentally, and if their perceived stress levels change at all.”

    So What’s the Catch?

    All they want from you is your favorite mocktail recipe.

    Need inspiration? #DryJanuary currently has 130 million views on TikTok, so go get creative.

    If you’re selected, you’ll be asked to share your experience online via a survey — how you felt, how you dealt with temptation and what drinks you chose instead of alcohol.

    You also need to be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old to apply.

    Ready to get buzzed off a fresh $1,000? Go apply at TranQuini.

    Robert Bruce is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.


    robert.bruce@thepennyhoarder.com (Robert Bruce)

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  • Curious about #DryJanuary? This Company Will Pay You $1,000 to Give Up Booze

    Curious about #DryJanuary? This Company Will Pay You $1,000 to Give Up Booze

    The holidays have gone and the awkward office parties are behind us.

    As we enter 2023, some of us are embracing new habits and leaving behind some of less-than-healthy choices — at least for a month.

    Say hello to #DryJanuary.

    If you’re one of the many who embrace #DryJanuary and have decided to kick dry mouth and late-night-text regret to the curb, then we’ve got an incredible way for you to make some significant cash while you’re at it.

    Tranquini — a company that makes a calming wellness drink — wants to give $1,000 to one Dry January participant for going boozeless for a month.

    “TranQuini wants to show that cutting back on alcohol can be easier than you think and can have lasting benefits. While lots of people turn to a glass of wine after a hard day to help them cope, science says alcohol can take a toll on the body and actually compound stress,” the company said.

    “By encouraging more people to refrain from alcohol for 30 days and swap in non-alcoholic options (like TranQuini!) instead, we’re hoping to find out whether people feel better physically and mentally, and if their perceived stress levels change at all.”

    So What’s the Catch?

    All they want from you is your favorite mocktail recipe.

    Need inspiration? #DryJanuary currently has 130 million views on TikTok, so go get creative.

    If you’re selected, you’ll be asked to share your experience online via a survey — how you felt, how you dealt with temptation and what drinks you chose instead of alcohol.

    You also need to be a U.S. citizen and at least 21 years old to apply.

    Ready to get buzzed off a fresh $1,000? Go apply at TranQuini.

    Robert Bruce is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.


    robert.bruce@thepennyhoarder.com (Robert Bruce)

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  • How to Get on ‘Shark Tank’ and Swim Away With a Deal

    How to Get on ‘Shark Tank’ and Swim Away With a Deal

    After months of compiling notes and practicing pitches, contestants walk down a long, cavernous hallway, pass through wood-grain double doors and enter the scorching cone of the spotlight. The piercing gaze of their interrogators — who seem more like executioners — is hotter still.

    Most contestants probably mutter to themselves “How did I get here?”

    Millions of viewers watching at home wonder the same thing.

    But these brave entrepreneurs have already passed the first test and figured out how to get on “Shark Tank.”

    (Full disclosure: it’s long and grueling.)

    Fret not. The Penny Hoarder talked to two successful “Shark Tank” contestants to help demystify the process.

    Dawoon Kang, CEO and cofounder of Coffee Meets Bagel, pitched her business alongside her sister-cofounders Soo and Arum for season four. Coffee Meets Bagel is a dating app that combats what the founders see as a toxic, swipe-right dating culture by focusing on slow, meaningful relationships.

    The Kang sisters didn’t walk away with a deal — they turned one down. Mark Cuban, the billionaire businessman and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, (in a rather controversial move because he was already “out”) asked the Kangs if they would sell their company for $30 million on the spot. They refused anyway.

    Sara Margulis and her husband, Josh, appeared on season six to pitch Honeyfund, their wedding-gift and honeymoon registry website. Honeyfund is the brainchild of their own honeymoon experience: Josh built a website for his family and friends to crowdsource their dream honeymoon to Fiji.

    The Sharks loved the idea, and the Margulises walked out with a non-equity deal from the Canadian multimillionaire Kevin O’Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful.

    How to Get on ‘Shark Tank’

    After a decade and more than 300 episodes, the entrepreneur-themed reality show is still going strong. Ratings have waned in recent years, but September’s season 14 premiere still drew in about 4.7 million viewers.

    Depending on the season, “Shark Tank” producers get between 45,000 and 100,000 applications, according to various reports. Around 100 pitches make it to the viewers’ eyes each season.

    Translation: It’s really, really hard to make it on the show. Applicants have a better chance of getting accepted into both Harvard and Yale.

    But this insider advice from Kang and Margulis is sure to help those odds.

    From left: Soo, Arum and Dawoon Kang pitch their dating app Coffee Meets Bagel on an episode of Shark Tank. Photo courtesy of ABC/Tony Rivetti

    Option One: Apply Online

    Currently, everyone who applies for “Shark Tank” does it online. Kang and Margulis included, technically. In both their cases, the producers of “Shark Tank” reached out to them first and encouraged them to apply.

    “Some people on the show were using [Coffee Meets Bagel] and thought it was a really interesting concept, so they reached out to us,” Kang said.

    But they still had to fill out the application, and it’s a doozy. All applicants must first complete a short screener questionnaire that asks background basics and for a brief description of the company or product.

    The Shark Tank team will review those applications and reach out for more information for those they’re interested in.

    That could include a 17-page document that explains your business’s backstory, numbers, stage of development, need for capital and more. It took Kang and Margulis both many months to fill out.

    If all goes well after the paperwork, the producers will request multiple pitch videos to see if your business comes across well on camera.

    Pro Tip

    When filming your video pitch, be sure to be expressive, use good lighting and prep your hair, makeup and wardrobe as if you were going on live television.

    “Speak succinctly about your company, just as you would if you’re cast on the show,” Margulis said.

    Option Two: Attend an Open ‘Shark Tank’ Casting Call

    Unfortunately, open casting calls have been canceled for the upcoming Season 15 “in accordance with efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.” Applications will be online-only “for the foreseeable future,” according to the show’s website.

    In previous seasons, contestant-entrepreneurs had the chance to apply in-person in various U.S. cities up to two months before the season premiered.

    But just showing up to one of the casting call locations did not mean you were guaranteed an audition. Lines formed in the early morning hours, and there was only a two-hour time frame when the casting crew distributed wristbands. Not everyone got one.

    And to audition, in the words of Paul Simon: “Wristband, my man, you got to have a wristband.”

    Preparation is key for casting calls because a completed 17-page application is due on the date of the audition. Be ready to “wow and dazzle” the crew with a well-rehearsed one-minute presentation.

    Pro Tip

    For open casting calls, there’s no guarantee of internet access, AV hook-ups or electricity. Keep your pitch low-tech. Check ABC’s open-call schedule to see when in-person auditions return.

    Insider Tips on Preparing for ‘Shark Tank’

    So you slayed the audition and figured out how to get on “Shark Tank.” Now you have to actually … go on TV.

    But before you shell out cash for strobe lights and models for an extravagant on-air presentation, make sure you have the basics down. Namely, your business pitch. Even if you don’t make it to the Sharks, the benefits of a well-crafted business pitch are endless.

    “At the same time that you’re working on the visual presentation,” Margulis said, “you’re also working through the points of the business, what you’re asking for what percentage of the company, and answering a bunch of business questions.”

    Here’s what else to do once that spotlight is on you.

    Hook the Sharks

    The Sharks are suckers for a good, relatable story. Gimmicks like models and corny platitudes might get a chuckle but not an investment. The Kang sisters crafted a hook that doubled as their origin story, which highlighted their journey from South Korea to Silicon Valley. And the Margulises went for a subtly Fiji-themed presentation to highlight how their personal honeymoon experience led to Honeyfund’s launch.

    “Play to your strengths,” Kang said. “You want to stand out and differentiate yourself because they hear pitches all day long.”

    Know Your Audience

    Each episode of “Shark Tank” features five of the six permanent Shark-investors. The contestants don’t know who will be there on the day of the show, so it’s good to have a few Sharks in mind who you want to make a deal with, in case your top pick isn’t there. In recent seasons, the show includes some wildcards like billionaire Richard Branson, actor Ashton Kutcher and NBA legend Charles Barkley.

    “Have a sense of who each Shark is, what kinds of deals they like to do and what kind of products and services they like to invest in,” Margulis said.

    But don’t forget about the audience at home. Have a presentation that also resonates with the average viewer.

    “You want to make sure you’re being energetic,” Kang said. “It can feel really flat if you’re not able to express your emotions. The audience watching the show would have a hard time connecting.”

    Arm Yourself With Numbers

    At the very least, every contestant on “Shark Tank” needs a specific ask in the format of “x% of my business for $x.” The obvious follow-up to that question is, “How did you come to that valuation?” And that’s likely just the first question in a coming onslaught.

    “We had a stack of flashcards four-inches thick,” Margulis said, which detailed revenue, sales and projected growth numbers.

    “You have to be able to succinctly tell [the Sharks] how their money is going to grow your company and return back to them,” she added. “Even better if you can say, ‘Hey Sharks, I have XYZ opportunities in front of me, but I can’t execute on these without your money.’”

    Be Fair

    In addition to the million other things to be aware of, it’s important to stay in the moment and dedicate time to address each Shark. They are a bunch of big media personalities, and they all want your attention. For example, if you have an infomercial-ready product, you might be itching for a deal with Lori Greiner, dubbed the “Queen of QVC.” But don’t ignore the other Sharks.

    “Investor fit is always important,” Margulis said, but if you’re not fully answering the other Sharks’ questions, it could backfire in more ways than one.

    The other Sharks might “go out,” which means less competition (and likely a worse deal). They will also be less likely to give you advice.

    “We definitely got some good feedback from the Sharks while we were in the Tank,” Margulis said.

    Even though Honeyfund took a deal with Kevin O’Leary, “Mark [Cuban] said that he thought it was a bad idea to go after other events beyond the wedding before we had really cornered the market in the wedding space,” Margulis said.

    “That’s the thing that has stuck with me.”

    Adam Hardy is a former staff writer at The Penny Hoarder. Freelancer Cassidy Alexander contributed tot his post. 

    Does all this “Shark Tank” talk have you ready to plunge into your own business venture? Read on.


    hardyjournalism@gmail.com (Adam Hardy)

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  • Minimum Wages Are Rising, But These Part-Time Jobs Already Pay Over $20/Hour

    Minimum Wages Are Rising, But These Part-Time Jobs Already Pay Over $20/Hour

    The minimum wage just went up in about half the states in the U.S., giving more than 8 million workers an instant raise.

    You don’t want to be one of them, though. You shouldn’t have to settle for making minimum wage — not even in your side gig.

    And increasingly, workers don’t have to. With today’s labor shortages, an increasing number of employers say they have to pay more than minimum wage to recruit and hold on to restaurant servers, hotel housekeepers, retail store clerks and other employees, according to reports like this one in The Wall Street Journal.

    This affects side gigs, too. It’s important to choose a side gig that’ll pay you properly for your time. Sure, you could fold T-shirts at a local shop to earn a few bucks. But how can you find a part-time job that will really take a bite out of your bills?

    Here are 11 flexible side gigs that pay more than $20 per hour.

    11 Side Gigs That Can Pay Over $20 Per Hour

    One of these side gigs could be your ticket to earning money outside your daily job.

    1. Landscaping

    If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and putting in some physical work, landscaping can pay quite well. If you can operate heavy machinery, you can earn even more.

    In some areas, landscaping jobs often start at $20 or more per hour. But many of these opportunities are offered through word-of-mouth, so be sure to ask around.

    Check Craigslist and local online bulletin boards for one-off gigs, or contact a local landscaping company to see if it needs an extra hand on weekends during its busy season.

    Be sure you have all the licenses and insurance you need, and always be careful connecting with unknown clients.

    2. Graphic Design

    An eye for design can earn you nearly $29 per hour on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You’ll also need good computer skills to succeed at this gig.

    Having a portfolio of your work or a website and having recommendations from others are the best ways to get hired. You can brush up on your skills with this tutorial.

    3. Interpreter

    If you’re bilingual or multilingual, consider offering your language skills as a translator. You can be an on-call translator for legal and medical services or set up steady gigs ahead of time.

    Interpreters and translators earn a mean hourly wage of $28, according to the BLS. 

    4. Sign Language Interpreter

    Many events provide interpreters for their hard-of-hearing clientele. If you know sign language, look into opportunities translating on stage at events, in courtrooms and in classrooms.

    If standing on stage isn’t your thing, look into opportunities to translate at mediation hearings and other smaller meetings. The average hourly pay is $31, but you can earn up to $52 per hour with this job, according to Payscale.

    5. Tutor

    Tutors can make well over $20 an hour. If you know your math, science and other subjects well, consider sharing your skills with students.

    The more advanced and specialized the subjects, the more money you’re likely to earn. Advanced math and science courses (such as Advanced Placement calculus, Advanced Placement physics, etc.) typically earn the highest rates, which can be up to $100 per hour, according to Care.com. 

    6. Test Prep Instructor

    Kaplan and other companies look for skilled test-takers to teach students how to succeed at important exams, including the SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GRE and GMAT.

    Generally, you’ll need to take a sample test to prove your testing prowess and perhaps even do a sample lecture to prove you can communicate well.

    Instructors can earn $29 per hour for an SAT course, according to Glassdoor.

    7. Personal Chef

    Cook up a storm and fill your pockets with cash by working as a personal chef. Set up a weekly gig at someone’s house, cook a series of freezer meals for a client or work special events, crafting creations for individual tastes and needs.

    Personal referrals are a great way to get these gigs, which pay an average of over $23 per hour (up to $46 per hour or more), according to Payscale.

    8. Personal Assistant

    Drop off dry cleaning for your client, get their car’s oil changed, take their dog for a walk and pick up a birthday gift for their friend — these are just a few things you may do as a personal assistant.

    Running these errands can pay off, with top-earning personal assistants making $26.75 per hour, according to Payscale. 

    The best way to get the highest-paying gigs is generally through word-of-mouth. Posting an ad or answering ads on Craigslist and other job forums can also help connect you with people in need of assistance.

    9. Yoga Instructor

    Teaching yoga can bring in an average of $25 an hour, which can go up to nearly $55 per hour, according to Payscale.

    To get started as a yoga instructor, you’ll need to take a teacher training class. The most basic is typically 200 hours and includes training, instruction and a final exam. You can then advance your skills with higher-level courses. 

    10. Dog Walker

    Take pups out for their walks and earn money.

    Dog walkers earn between $10 and $30 per hour, according to Payscale.

    You can work for yourself or for a dog-walking company. You should have plenty of experience handling all different types of dogs. You should also be physically fit and able to confidently control the dogs when you’re out walking.

    If you work for yourself, you can make the most at this gig. If you can handle a few dogs at once, you’ll be able to earn even more. But be sure to have all the insurance you may need.

    A good way to start is to advertise your services at local pet-related businesses, such as groomers, boarding facilities, doggy day cares and pet supply stores.

    11. Makeup Artist

    Style bridal parties’ makeup, prepare theatrical stars for their big performances and get people ready for special events as a part-time makeup artist.

    You can make more than $20 an hour helping people get ready for their big event.

    Kristen Pope is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder, where Mike Brassfield is a senior writer.


    kristen@kepope.com (Kristen Pope)

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  • You Could Be $160K Richer If You Won All These Contests

    You Could Be $160K Richer If You Won All These Contests

    Cash from national contests can help you pay off debt, finance that dream vacation around the world or send you on a shopping spree in style. But you can’t win the money unless you enter the contests. The odds may be tough but it’s easy to enter online. And, someone has to win, right? Why not good people like you?

    The contests listed here represent about $130,000 in cash prizes and that excludes the Publishers Clearing House SuperPrize. The uber lucky person who scores in that contest brings in $5,000 a week for life — not a bad haul for the few minutes it takes to enter.

    The Time to Enter Cash Money Contests Is Now

    Don’t delay in entering contests to win cash — the more you enter, the greater your chances of walking away with a big fat check!.

    1. HGTV Dream Home 2023

    If you’ve ever watched a young couple with an unbelievable budget searching for their new home on HGTV, chances are you’ve heard of the HGTV Dream Home.

    Every year, the home-focused channel builds a breathtaking home using the biggest names in home design, and then gives it away to one lucky winner. This year’s home is a stunning mountain escape in Morrison, Colorado, less than 20 miles southwest of Denver..

    But it’s not just a one-of-a-kind home you could win. The winner of the HGTV Dream Home 2023 sweepstakes will also win $100,000 from Ally and a brand-new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Sounds fantastic, right?

    You can enter up to twice daily — once on HGTV.com and once on FoodNetwork.com. Simply enter your email address, name, home address, date of birth, and cable service provider into the online form and click “enter.” The winner must be at least 21 years old and live in one of the 50 United States or Washington, D.C.

    The 2023 HGTV Dream Home sweepstakes runs through Feb. 16, 2023.

    2. Fingerhut Sweepstakes

    Fingerhut provides credit to help people buy things they need without dealing with large monthly payments or annual fees. And it also holds an annual sweepstake that awards several cash prizes throughout the year.

    Fingerhut gave away a $25,000 cash prize in June and December and a $10,000 prize in October, and for the remainder of the 2022-2023 contest period, the Fingerhut Sweepstakes is giving away another cash prize in 2023. The entry date is April 30, 2023, to win $10,000.

    To get started, go to www.fingerhut.com and enter your email address. If you don’t have a Fingerhut account, you will be asked to provide some basic information like your name, address and birthday. There are four ways to enter.

    1. Place an order with Fingerhut
    2. Use your Fingerhut account to set up scheduled recurring payments through your WebBank/Fingerhut Fetti Credit Account
    3. Use your WebBank/Fingerhut Fetti Credit Account to make on-time monthly payments
    4. Enter by mail with no purchase necessary

    To enter by mail, send your name, address, date of birth, phone number, and email address to 2022-2023 Fingerhut $70K Sweepstakes, P.O. Box 7748, Melville, NY 11775-7748. The email address must be associated with a Fingerhut account for the entry to be valid. The Fingerhut Sweepstakes are open to U.S. residents aged 18 and up.

    3. Publishers Clearing House SuperPrize Event

    Even if you’re not big into sweepstakes, chances are you have heard of Publishers Clearing House. Rather than just mailing you a check, they show up with a gigantic check and make a big spectacle of awarding it to you.

    You might wonder if this is legit; while there are plenty of copycat scammers around, PCH really does give out giant checks to real people just like you.

    The PCH SuperPrize Event is offering a phenomenal prize of $5,000 a week for life. To enter, simply fill out this form and submit. Winners are notified throughout the year.

    In addition to the SuperPrize Event, PCH has several other sweepstakes, so keep checking the website to see how you can enter to win.

    4. Nielsen $10,000 Monthly Sweepstakes

    Nielsen is known for its audience research, but you might not know that the company also sponsors monthly sweepstakes where you can win a whopping $10,000!

    To be eligible to win, you need to sign up for an account with Nielsen and provide information about your household and the devices you use. Then, you’ll need to download an app to your phone or tablet, or some software to your computer (don’t worry, it’s secure). Your info will be reported to Nielsen so they can see what products and services you use, and they can use your data (along with data from thousands of other participants) to improve these products and services.

    In addition to the chance to win $10,000 every month, you can also earn points that translate into a maximum of $60 per year. You can redeem the points for gift cards to stores such as Amazon and Walmart.

    The sweepstakes take place once per month, so get signed up today for the most chances to win!

    5. Walmart August-October Sweepstakes

    From now until Jan. 27, 2023, you can enter the Walmart Q4 sweepstakes for a chance to win one of five $1,000 Walmart gift cards for the grand prize, or one of 750 $100 Walmart gift cards for the first prize. That’s a total of $80,000 up for grabs in Walmart swag (and you can buy pretty much anything there, so it may as well be cash).

    There are a few ways you can enter to win the sweepstakes:

    • Shop at your local Walmart and complete the survey at the bottom of your receipt for one entry.
    • Complete an online survey for another entry.
    • Send a postcard containing your name, address, phone number and date of birth to 2022 Walmart Sweepstakes, PO Box 228, Macedon, NY 14502-0228. Write-in entries must be postmarked by Jan. 27, 2023, and received by Feb. 2, 2023.

    6. Travel Channel’s New Year New Destination $10K Giveaway

    Although the Travel Channel’s New Year New Destination $10K Giveaway is marketed as a vacation sweepstakes, the actual prize is a check for $10,000. Sure, you can spend it on the trip of a lifetime, but you’re not required to; you can spend it on whatever you want!

    You can enter the sweepstakes twice a day — once at TravelChannel.com and once at InvestigationDiscovery.com — by entering your name and email address and answering a travel-related trivia question that changes daily. If you’re not sure of the answer, you can click for a “hint” and be taken to a Travel Channel article where you can find the correct response.

    The sweepstakes runs until Feb. 7, 2023. Entrants must be at least 21 years old and a resident of one of the 50 United States or Washington, D.C.

    7. T-Mobile Tuesdays

    Every Tuesday, T-Mobile gives away prizes as a thank you to its customers. The prizes vary from week to week and often include free cash.

    To enter via the app, you’ll need to be a customer of either T-Mobile, Sprint or Metro by T-Mobile with a qualifying rate plan. If you’re not a customer, you can still participate by entering your phone number on  this website, followed by your name, email and home address.

    If you want to enter for a chance to win cash and other prizes, you’ll need to be 18 or older (that increases to 21 or older if you’re a Puerto Rico resident).

    There are many more sweepstakes available for entry, with new ones added all the time, so it pays to keep on top of them to increase your chances of winning some of that sweet, sweet cash.

    Ohio-based contributor Catherine Hiles writes about finance, cars, pet ownership and parenting for The Penny Hoarder.


    cat.hiles@gmail.com (Catherine Hiles)

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  • Write an Online Quiz for BuzzFeed and Earn $1,500 If It Goes Viral

    Write an Online Quiz for BuzzFeed and Earn $1,500 If It Goes Viral

    You’re probably familiar with BuzzFeed’s infamous quizzes and lists, or “listicles.”

    Ah, the quizzes. You’ve got your personality quizzes (Are You a Better Dog or Cat Owner?), your pop culture quizzes (Which Kanye Quote Drives You Crazy?), your movie quizzes (Which Mad Max Character Tugs on Your Heartstrings?) and your science quizzes (What Do You Know About Neutrinos?).

    Maybe you’ve thought to yourself, “I could do that. I could come up with one of those.”

    Well, now’s your chance — and you can get paid for it, too. BuzzFeed just kicked off its Winter 2023 Writers’ Challenge, in which you can earn payouts of up to $1,500 by contributing quizzes and lists to BuzzFeed.

    The more pageviews your quiz gets, the more money you win. The contest started Jan. 1 and runs through Feb. 28.

    To get pageviews (also known as readers), your post will need to be chosen by BuzzFeed’s editors for promotion on the site and on social media. To be chosen, it’ll need to fit BuzzFeed’s “editorial voice” — in other words, your work needs to look and sound like it would appear on BuzzFeed.

    For example, here are some quizzes and listicles written by members of BuzzFeed’s online community that recently got promoted on the site:

    • Which Teen Titans Character Are You?
    • Let’s See Which Fast Food Restaurant Matches Your Personality
    • This Breakfast Sandwich Quiz Will Totally Reveal Which National Park You Should Visit Next
    • These Are Some of the Least Recognizable World Flags — Can You Match Them to Their Home Countries?

    You get the idea.

    If your quiz or list draws 150,000 pageviews, you earn $100. If it gets 250,000 clicks, you earn $300. For 500,000 clicks, you earn $500. And if your post really goes viral and attracts a million readers, you earn $1,500. (Take it from us, getting a million pageviews is tough.)

    But if your quiz tanks, you don’t get anything. Them’s the breaks in this harsh online world.

    BuzzFeed has guides for making quizzes and lists. Oh, and you have to sign up for a BuzzFeed Community account to submit a post.

    So if you’ve ever wanted to be the brains behind a BuzzFeed quiz like “Let’s See How Well You Know These Disney Dogs,” now’s your chance to shine.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Can I Keep Track of My Pageviews?

    Yes. You can track your stats on a dashboard that you can view when logged in. 

    How Will I Know If I’ve Earned Anything?

    BuzzFeed will contact you at the email address you gave when you signed up for a community account. Pageviews will be counted until March 14. Winners will get their payouts by March 20.

    Can I Submit More Than One Quiz?

    Yes. Any post that doesn’t violate the site’s community rules will be considered.

    What Criteria Is the Website Using to Judge Entries?

    The site typically chooses entries to promote if they check at least one of these boxes:

    • Fits in with trends of what’s performing well on the site 
    • Features originality and cleverness in voice, frame or topic
    • Fills a content gap that the website’s staff isn’t already writing about

    Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.


    mike@thepennyhoarder.com (Mike Brassfield)

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  • A Guide to SSDI Benefits: Who Qualifies and What to Do if You’re Denied

    A Guide to SSDI Benefits: Who Qualifies and What to Do if You’re Denied

    Someone born in 2000 has about a 1 in 4 chance of becoming disabled before they reach their full retirement age of 67. For a worker who becomes disabled during their working years, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a lifeline.

    As with Social Security retirement benefits, Social Security disability benefits are available only to workers who have earned work credits and paid payroll taxes. In some cases, spouses and dependent children can collect either type of benefit based on the insured person’s work record.

    The SSDI application process is notoriously difficult. People who qualify for benefits must adhere to a number of strict rules, particularly when it comes to working. In this article, we’ll explain how SSDI works and answer some commonly asked questions about disability benefits.

    Who Qualifies for SSDI Benefits?

    Eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance is based on two criteria: whether you have a medical diagnosis that meets Social Security’s definition of a disability and your work history.

    Medical Diagnosis

    You’ll need to be diagnosed with a physical or mental health condition that will render you unable to work for at least a year or is likely to result in death. Social Security’s Blue Book includes an extensive list of conditions that meet the minimum threshold for disability.

    But having one or more of the listed conditions doesn’t mean you’ll automatically qualify for disability benefits. Likewise, if your condition isn’t listed, you still may qualify if your medical diagnosis meets Social Security’s disability criteria.

    Work History

    To collect Social Security, including disability benefits, you’ll typically need 40 work credits. In 2023, you’ll need $1,640 of earnings in a quarter to earn one work credit. You can’t earn more than four credits in any given year.

    Younger workers who have paid Social Security taxes can qualify with fewer credits if they become disabled, though. You’ll also need to meet a recent work test, meaning you earned work credits in the period immediately before you became disabled. For example, if you’re 31 or older, you’ll need to have worked in five of the 10 years before you developed a disability.

    How Do I Apply for SSDI?

    You can apply for Social Security disability online, in person at your local office or by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

    Along with identifying documents like your birth certificate (or proof of citizenship or lawful alien status if you weren’t born in the U.S.), be prepared to present W-2s or self-employment tax records, medical evidence and documentation related to any temporary or permanent workers’ compensation-type benefits you’ve received.

    SSDI benefits have a five-month waiting period. You can’t apply until the sixth month after you became disabled, known in Social Security parlance as your onset date. On top of that, in 2021, it took an average of five months to process an SSDI application, but many states have a longer backlog.

    Don’t delay your application just because you don’t have all the documents you need. Social Security staff will help you locate them.

    Do I Need an Attorney to Apply for SSDI?

    No, but you should seriously consider consulting with an attorney, considering that about two-thirds of initial SSDI applications are denied.

    Attorneys who represent SSDI applicants work on contingency, which means they get paid only if you win your case. Charging upfront fees to represent someone in a disability claim is illegal.

    If your application is approved, your attorney’s fees are capped at whichever is less: 25% of your first payment (which includes a lump sum back payment for benefits beginning on the sixth month after the onset date) or $6,000.

    What if My Application Is Denied?

    If your first application for disability benefits is denied, you have four opportunities to appeal. You typically have a 60-day window to take your case to the next level after your claim is rejected.

    • Ask for reconsideration: You’ll start by requesting a review of your initial application from your local Disability Determination Services, a state-level Social Security office that handles disability claims. During this time, you can submit additional evidence, such as medical records, to bolster your claim.
    • Request a hearing with an administrative law judge: If your claim is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
    • Take it to an Appeals Council: If a judge rejects your claim, the next step is to take your case to SSA’s Appeals Council.
    • Appeal in federal court: If an Appeals Council panel denies your claim, your final option is to challenge the decision in U.S. District Court.

    How Are Disability Payments Calculated?

    The Social Security Administration calculates your SSDI benefit as if you’ve already reached full retirement age, which is 67 for anyone born in 1960 or later. The maximum SSDI benefit is the same as the maximum monthly benefit for someone retiring at full retirement age: $3,627 in 2023.

    But the average SSDI benefit is substantially lower. In 2023, the average SSDI beneficiary will receive just $1,483 per month versus $1,827 for the average retired worker.

    Disability benefits are typically lower than retirement benefits because Social Security uses your average total yearly wages to calculate your benefit. Wages tend to increase over time. Because disabled workers often miss out on their higher-earning years, their average income tends to be lower.

    Pro Tip

    After 24 months of receiving SSDI payments, you’ll typically qualify for Medicare regardless of your age.

    Is Working While Collecting SSDI Allowed?

    You can work while collecting SSDI, but the limits are strict. Social Security disability benefits stop if you engage in what’s known as substantial gainful activity, defined in 2023 as earning more than $1,470 in a month if you’re not blind or $2,460 if you’re blind.

    However, you’re allowed a nine-month trial work period during which you can test a job without jeopardizing your SSDI eligibility. You can take your trial work period months consecutively or spread them out over seven years. During any trial work period month, you can earn any amount without affecting your benefits, but you must report your earnings to Social Security. In 2023, any month in which you earn at least $1,050 counts as a trial work month.

    What’s the Difference Between SSDI vs. SSI?

    Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) is available to people who have a disability or are 65 and older, but eligibility is restricted to those with limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI recipients, SSI recipients aren’t required to have earned work credits. The maximum monthly SSI benefit for individuals is just $914 in 2023.

    Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What Happens to SSDI Benefits When You Reach Retirement Age?

    Does Social Security Recognize Partial Disability?

    No. While workers’ compensation programs and the Veterans Administration pay benefits for partial disability, you must meet Social Security’s criteria for total disability to receive benefits through SSDI.

    Can You Collect Your Spouse’s or Ex’s SSDI?

    As with Social Security retirement benefits, you may be eligible for spousal benefits if your current or former spouse receives SSDI monthly benefits. The maximum you can receive is 50% of your spouse’s primary insurance amount — and only if it’s higher than your own Social Security benefit.

    Robin Hartill is a certified financial planner and a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder. She writes the Dear Penny personal finance advice column. Send your tricky money questions to [email protected]


    robin@thepennyhoarder.com (Robin Hartill, CFP®)

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  • The 8 Best Sites to Get Paid for Taking Surveys and Playing Games Online (Earn up to $896/Month!)

    The 8 Best Sites to Get Paid for Taking Surveys and Playing Games Online (Earn up to $896/Month!)

    You probably have friends or family that already supplement their income by filling out surveys or winning card games online.

    And we all understand how survey sites work: Businesses are willing to pay for honest feedback from us consumers about what we like and don’t like.

    This is the kind of article you look for when you just want to make sure you’re linking up with a legitimate company that isn’t trying to rip you off or waste your time.

    These are some of the best survey sites and quick-cash games, selected based on their reputation and the amount of money you can realistically earn in a month.

    1. InboxDollars — Add Up to $225/Month to Your Wallet While Watching the News

    You just have to answer honestly, and InboxDollars will continue to pay you every month. This might sound too good to be true, but it’s already paid its users more than $56 million.

    You could add up to $225 a month to your pocket by signing up for a free account with InboxDollars. They’ll present you with short surveys to choose from every day, which you can fill out while you watch tonight’s broadcast.

    It takes about one minute to sign up, and start getting paid while you watch the news.

    2. Branded Surveys — Get Paid Up to $140/Month Just for Sharing Your Honest Opinion

    Taking three quick surveys a day could earn up to $140 each month. A free site called Branded Surveys will pay you up to $5 per survey for sharing your thoughts with their brand partners.

    It takes just a minute to create a free account and start getting paid to speak your mind. Most surveys take five to 15 minutes, and you can check how long they’ll take ahead of time.

    Once you earn $5, you can cash out via PayPal, your bank account, a gift card or Amazon. You’ll get paid within 48 hours of your payout being processed, just for sharing your opinions.

    It takes just a minute to set up your account and start getting paid to take surveys. Plus, right now, you’ll get a free 100-point welcome bonus just for becoming part of the community.

    3. Bingo Cash — You Could Bag $83 For Every Win

    Bingo Cash gives you the chance to play Bingo for real money. The game is based on the classic Bingo format, but with special power-ups you can use to do things like buy more time or dab an extra square.

    You’ll battle it out against other players at your same skill level. Everyone gets the same board and sees the same Bingo balls. Winning is totally a matter of how you use the powerups you’re given.

    The top three players in a game can win real money — anywhere from $1 to $83. You can also play casually with virtual currency if you want.

    To get started, just download the free app and start playing your first game immediately.

    4. YouGov — Earn Up to $100 this Month By Answering Survey Questions About the News (It’s Anonymous)

    The news is a heated subject these days. It’s hard not to have an opinion on it.

    Good news: A website called YouGov America will pay you up to $100 or more this month just to answer survey questions about politics, the economy and other hot news topics.

    Plus, it’s totally anonymous, so no one will judge you for that hot take.

    When you take a quick survey (some are less than three minutes), you’ll earn points you can exchange for up to $100 in cash or gift cards to places like Walmart and Amazon. Plus, Penny Hoarder readers will get an extra 500 points for registering, and another 1,000 points after completing their first survey.

    It takes just a few minutes to sign up and take your first survey — and you’ll get your points immediately.

    5. Survey Junkie — Get Paid up to $40/Month Just for Sharing Your Opinion

    Yes, there are a bunch of paid survey sites out there, but one of the best we’ve found is Survey Junkie.

    They’ll ask you questions about things like, what kind of laundry detergent you use, or if you prefer Pepsi or Coke. You get points for answering, and many people accumulate enough points to request a check within a few hours. Completing just three surveys a day can earn you as much as $40 a month.

    More than 10 million people already use Survey Junkie, and it has 4.5/5 stars on TrustPilot.

    Give it a try by visiting Survey Junkie and clicking the “Join Now” button. It’s free.

    6. Solitaire Cash — Earn up to $83/Win in This Mobile Game

    Lots of us already play Solitaire on our phones for fun or just to pass the time. Want to see if you can win money at it?

    There’s a free iPhone app called Solitaire Cash that lets you play for real money. You could get paid up to $83 per win.

    You might be thinking: There’s got to be a catch. This is definitely one of those spammy apps, right?

    Wrong. There really isn’t a catch. Sure, you can pay to play in some higher-stakes tournaments, but there’s no pressure. And, in fact, there aren’t even any annoying ads.

    With each game, you’ll battle it out against at least five other players. Everyone gets the same deck, so winning is totally a matter of skill. The top three players who solve the deck fastest can win real money — anywhere from $1 to $83.

    Over on the App Store, it has over a million downloads and more than 15,000 ratings, averaging 4.7 stars (out of 5).

    To get started, just download the free app and start playing your first game immediately.

    7. Swagbucks — Get Paid $225 for Watching the News

    It’s been a historic year in the news, and we’re all constantly refreshing for the latest updates. You probably know more than one news-junkie who fancies themselves a constitutional scholar or a foreign policy expert.

    That might not be the best news for your dinner conversations — but it’s great news for your wallet. You could add up to $225 a month to your pocket by signing up for a free account with Swagbucks. They’ll present you with short surveys to choose from every day, which you can fill out while you watch tonight’s broadcast.

    You just have to answer honestly, and Swagbucks will continue to pay you every month. This might sound too good to be true, but it’s already paid its users more than $429 million. We talked to one user in Pennsylvania, 52-year-old Carolinda Hendrickson, who earned $1,200 in a year.

    It takes about one minute to sign up, and start getting paid while you watch the news.

    8. Nielsen Consumer Panel — Scan Your Groceries’ Barcodes For Free Gift Cards

    Remember the Nielsen company? The one that’s always tracked TV ratings? Well, now it wants to know what’s in your fridge.

    Once you sign up to be on the Nielsen Consumer Panel, you’ll gain access to the NCPMobile app. (If you don’t have a smartphone, Nielsen will send you a scanner.) As you unload your groceries after your next shopping trip, simply use the app to scan items’ barcodes.

    Nielsen will reward you with points, which you can redeem for free gift cards, electronics (new TV, anyone?) and household items. The longer you stay on the panel, the more opportunities you have to earn.

    Applying to become a panel member is straightforward. You’ll answer some basic questions about you and your household, then Nielsen reviews your application and will contact you when you’re eligible to join.


    qplummer@thepennyhoarder.com (Quinten Plummer)

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  • Need Some Cash on the Side? Try These 9 Freelancing Websites

    Need Some Cash on the Side? Try These 9 Freelancing Websites

    Turning to a freelancing website is an excellent option when you need extra money. Whether you are looking to supplement your primary source of income for more stability or so you can treat yourself to a bit of luxury, we can help you out.

    You wouldn’t be the only person hoping on the freelancing bandwagon, as nearly 5% of U.S. workers have two or more jobs. Freelancing is an excellent way to bridge the gap between your primary source of income and the land of financial security.

    Working as a freelance writer is one excellent way to earn extra money, but there are plenty of options for other professions. Here are the best freelance websites to find your next side gig.

    The 9 Best Freelance Websites

    No matter your skillset, there’s likely someone who’s willing to pay for your services. Usually, the hardest part is making sure the freelance work is legit.

    There are plenty of freelance websites out there, but plenty of those job sites are scams.

    So we did the hard part for you and vetted some of the top freelance websites. They’re not freelance job aggregators that leave you to fend for yourself with clients. All the work and pay is funneled through, and moderated by, the freelancing websites themselves.

    The best part? They don’t charge you money to sign up.

    Each freelance website also has user reviews through Glassdoor, a jobs search engine that aggregates anonymous reviews and salaries from employees and rates companies on a scale of five stars. Each site below lists the Glassdoor rating at the bottom and links to what employees have to say about the company.

    Here are nine of the best sites that can help you find freelance jobs, whether you’re looking for a one-time project or a longtime client.

    (Note: The sites are listed alphabetically, not by order of importance.)

    CopyPress

    For budding copywriters, editors, designers and developers, CopyPress is a solid content mill to get your bearings.

    The media company has in-house agencies in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Tampa, Florida. But it’s mostly used nationwide by outside contractors who collaborate on an internal content management system (CMS).

    In CopyPress’ CMS, users don’t have to bid on freelance jobs. They can accept or decline tailored projects as they flow in.

    CopyPress does make freelance applicants pass two tests before they get jobs. The first test is a multiple choice test that gets graded instantly. The second is a practical assessment (such as a sample article for writers) that can take up to three weeks for grading.

    Don’t worry too much though―CopyPress’s training materials are more than enough to get you started on the right freelancing foot.

    To get started as a CopyPress contractor, register here.

    Who Can Freelance: Copywriters, editors, software developers or graphic designers.
    Glassdoor Rating: 2.9 (out of 5) stars.

    Need a banking service that’s built for freelancers? Check out Lili. (It’s free!)

    Fiverr

    You can find (and list) just about any service on Fiverr, a freelance marketplace through which giant brands and individuals alike can search for services they need on an internal search engine.

    As a freelancer, you can list your services and prices (don’t worry, you can charge more than $5) and over time get ratings that help you rank higher in the search results.

    It’s completely free to sign up as a “seller.” So is creating a listing. The service fees come in when sales are made. For each sale, Fiverr takes 20% of the purchase amount, according to the company’s terms of service. The good news is that Fiverr has a deal with PayPal to waive withdrawal fees for any project completed on the site.

    Who Can Freelance: Almost anyone, including pianists, translators and mathematicians.
    Glassdoor Rating: 4.5 (out of 5) stars.

    Freelancer

    Want to deliver packages? Design websites? Write articles? Post it on Freelancer. It’s another solid freelance site for projects big and small.

    On Freelancer, both employers and freelancers can create listings and specify rates per project or per hour. If you’re interested in a project an employer posted, you can bid on it. That alerts the employer that you’re interested.

    The standard free membership includes eight free bids per month. You can add extra bids if you cough up some dough.

    Freelancer’s fee system is somewhat complicated but lower than similar freelancer websites overall.

    “The fee for fixed-price projects is 10% or $5.00 USD, whichever is greater, and 10% for hourly projects,” the website states. For services, Freelancer takes 20% from the payment amount. There are a ton of ways to promote your services, get fee exemptions and more, according to the fee breakdown.

    To get started, make a free account and upload your portfolio.

    Who Can Freelance: Almost anyone — ghostwriters and game developers alike.
    Glassdoor Rating: 4.2 (out of 5) stars.

    Gigster

    This one is for the techies.

    Gigster is an on-demand software development website. Since its founding in 2013, the site has garnered the attention of well-known venture capitalists, including Michael Bloomberg and Michael Jordan. The website has received more than $32 million in funding, according to Crunchbase.

    While Gigster does have a core software engineering team, it offers freelance work for designers, developers and product managers through its talent network. Projects range from wireframes and mockups to full designs. Compensation is based on the complexity of the project.

    Gigster uses traditional job postings, unlike other popular freelance websites. So instead of making freelancers bid on job opportunities, Gigster has them submit resumes. That may sound like more work, but keep in mind that Gigster tends to deal more in long-term contracts than one-off odd jobs.

    The talent network accepts applications from a wide range of candidates, from self taught to Ph.D.s. To get started, you can apply to the appropriate role here.

    Who Can Freelance: Designers, developers and product managers.
    Glassdoor Rating: 3.0 (out of 5) stars.

    Guru

    Guru runs on a bidding system. An employer needs a document translated into French? Bid on it. Someone needs a logo for their cooking blog? Bid on it. An entrepreneur needs a ghostwriter for her new thought leadership book? You get the idea… bid on it.

    Alternatively, potential clients can reach out to you directly if they search your listed area of expertise.

    Profiles are free to create. They include a basic membership, which comes with 10 bids per month.

    There are varying levels of paid memberships that give you extra bids each month, or you can purchase more bids directly if you don’t want to pay a recurring membership fee. It’s $10 for every 20 bids, or you can get discounts for bulk — $50 for 125 bids and $100 for 250 bids.

    Similar to other freelance marketplaces, Guru takes a percentage from the selling price of the service, and it varies based on what kind of membership you have.

      Basic membership Basic+ membership Professional membership Business membership Executive membership
    Fee deducted from payment 9% 9% 7% 6% 5%
    Monthly membership fee (billed annually) Free $11.95 $21.95 $33.95 $49.95

    Interested? You can make a free profile here and select what membership works best for you.

    Who Can Freelance: Almost anyone — customer service reps, legal experts, photographers and more.
    Glassdoor Rating: 3.8 (out of 5) stars.

    nDash

    Looking for writing jobs? While you can offer writing services on almost all freelance websites, nDash is tailored specifically for freelance writers looking for gigs in digital marketing.

    Unlike most content mills, you can set your price expectations for projects based on the platform: blogs, in-depth articles, website copy and more. Plus, nDash lets you pitch ideas to clients–meaning you can create your own freelance opportunities.

    NDash is refreshing in that it encourages freelance writers to not undersell themselves. $30 blog post? Not here. The site has helpful career advice, like guides on how to set your prices if you’re new to freelance writing as well as several videos to help you create your portfolio.

    NDash’s clients include some pretty heavy hitters, including LinkedIn and HubSpot. The icing on the cake is that the NDash freelance platform doesn’t take payment fees from your earnings.

    Create a free writer profile here to get started.

    Who Can Freelance: Copywriters, marketers and journalists.
    Glassdoor Rating: 4.9 (out of 5) stars.

    PeoplePerHour

    Founded in 2007, PeoplePerHour is one of the oldest freelancing sites on the list. It’s based in the U.K. but available worldwide and to freelancers in most professional fields.

    The company focuses on the quality of its freelancers. To get started at PeoplePerHour, you must apply initially to create your account. After you’re screened and approved for relevant topics or industries, you’ll have free rein to bid (or “quote”) on projects in your wheelhouse.

    Basic accounts come with 15 free quotes per month. Once you burn through those, you can wait for them to renew or purchase more.

    Number of Quotes 5 10 25 50
    Cost $8.95 $13.95 $21.95 $29.95

    Based on the payout from the project, fees vary at marginal rates:

    • For the first $500 dollars with a new client, the fee is 20%.
    • Income between $501 and $4,999 is charged 7.5%.
    • Fees for payments of $5,000 or more are 3.5%.

    The scale starts over with each new client, so it incentivizes recurring business.

    Who Can Freelance: Experts in almost any field, from tax pros to tutors.
    Glassdoor Rating: 3.7 (out of 5) stars.

    TopTal

    Toptal is for expert software developers and designers, financial experts, project managers and product managers.

    Unlike most freelancing websites, Toptal has an intense screening process that can take upwards of three weeks. Before freelancers can see job listings, they have to complete a communication assessment (that requires English comprehension), an in depth skill review, a live screening and test projects.

    This process helps Toptal find the most highly skilled professionals. In fact, it boasts that when all is said and done, only 3% of applicants pass. If you make it through, you’ll have access to Toptal’s clients, some of which are top tier — Airbnb, Artsy, Pfizer and Zendesk to name a few.

    According to Toptal’s website and Frequently Asked Questions, the company doesn’t take service fees from its freelancers. Rather, it charges its clients for access to its freelance talent pool. Freelancers can be hired by clients per project, part time or full time.

    To create a freelancer account and begin the vetting process, start here.

    Who Can Freelance: Experienced developers, designers, finance experts, project managers and product managers.
    Glassdoor Rating: 4.0 (out of 5) stars.

    Upwork

    Upwork, aka the baby of Elance and oDesk, claims to have more than 14 million users from 180 different countries, which would make it the largest freelancing platform in the world.

    It’s a marketplace format, meaning gigs in just about every professional field are up for grabs. Businesses can reach out directly to you, or you can bid on a business’ job listing. With so many users, the competition is hot. Making a good profile and crafting the perfect pitch are crucial to landing a gig.

    Under new Upwork fees that go into effect in Summer 2019, freelancers must pay between 15 cents and 90 cents to bid on a gig.

    Once a project is completed, Upwork charges marginal fees depending on how much you’ve earned with that client.

    • A 20% fee for the first $500 with a client.
    • For $500.01 to $10,000, the fee drops to 10%.
    • Anything over $10,000 is charged 5%.

    Again, the idea is to encourage recurring work with the client. The more they pay you, the lower the fees.

    Think Upwork is the site for you? Click here to make a profile.

    Who Can Freelance: Almost anyone, whether you’re a creative or a coder.
    Glassdoor Rating: 4.3 (out of 5) stars.

    Adam Hardy is a former TPH staff writer. Senior writer Michael Archambault and freelancer Chloe Goodshore contributed to this post.


    hardyjournalism@gmail.com (Adam Hardy)

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