7 Ways to Make Extra Money

Looking for a few ways to make extra money?

No matter if you’re unemployed, self-employed or underemployed – it is very important for you to have multiple streams of income.

You can call it a side gig or a hustle, but making extra money should be on the tippy-top of your to-do list.

When you have money to pay down debt, pad your savings, or help others – life becomes a zillion times easier.

Related Posts:

Here are 7 Real Ways to Make Extra Money

1. Start a Blog

If you want to make money online, I truly believe starting your very own blog is one of the best things you can do. If you’re passionate about a topic and enjoy helping people, then blogging can be very lucrative.

There are many bloggers out there who have turned their blogs into full-time money-making machines and you can too.

I recommend finding a profitable niche that piques your interest and to go from there. Blogging won’t make you rich overnight, but if you view it as a business from the very start, making money is possible.

If you’re ready to make extra money blogging, read my step-by-step guide on how to Start a Blog to get started.

You can get a free domain and a year’s worth of hosting for as little as $3.95 a month if you sign up with Bluehost through my link.

2. Teach a Class

You probably know a little more about a topic than most people. These could be skills you learned while on the job or through your experience with a hobby of yours.

No matter how little you think you know, there are plenty of people out there who are looking to know what you know.

Consider what most people ask you for your expertise or advice in and develop a course from there. What you teach can be as technical as programming code or as creative designing an arrangement of silk flowers.

You could teach your course locally through your community parks and recreation department or teach online. There are many platforms out there such as Teachable and Udemy to help you to set up and deliver your course.

3. Tutor

As a former teacher, tutoring just seems like a natural fit for me and I continue to do it, even when I’m not in the classroom. Depending on the subject, I charge on the average $35/hour.

Not a teacher?

Don’t worry. There are many non-educators who have been very successful in tutoring students in all subjects at every level.

If you’re good with numbers or a grammar nerd, you’ll find many tutoring opportunities, especially during the academic school year. In fact, the more specialized the better.

Have great test taking skills or received high test scores? You could help someone prepare for their SATs or GREs.

Check Craigslist for local opportunities or sign up with a company such as Varsity Tutors, Tutor.com or Care. If you’re interested in tutoring exclusively online, you’ll find plenty of opportunities on Chegg.

4. Sell Unwanted Items

Whenever I needed to make extra money, I would always go through the house to see what I could sell. I would sell mostly electronic items such as an iPad, a Kindle, and cell phone, but have also sold furniture such as an eight-drawer dresser I no longer wanted.

If you have items lying around that you no longer want or need, look to see if someone else would want them.

If selling online, make sure to create a great headline and take great pictures. Do some research first to find a competitive price.

Pricing wrong can turn people off and you’ll find yourself stuck with those items. Look to sell on sites such as Craiglist, Amazon, or Ebay.

Depending on the item, you’ll have better luck on certain platforms than others.

5. Join a Network Marketing Company

I know, a lot of network marketing and direct selling companies get a bad rep. They are often synonymous with pyramid schemes and sleazy meetings.

That’s too bad because there are a lot of great companies out there that are not only legit but highly profitable to those who join.

According to the Direct Selling Association, there are more than 20 million people associated with direct sales or network marketing either as a seller or consumer.

The low-cost entry makes companies such as Beachbody, Avon, and Herbalife great opportunities for people to try their hands in entrepreneurship. It’s also an ideal way for stay-at-home moms to bring in extra income.

I have been associated with companies on both sides and have seen the good, bad, and the ugly.

Just do your research before signing on. I’m currently a distributor with this company and make extra money just by sharing products I use and love (while getting healthy at the same time).

6. Run Errands for Busy People

When I worked as a personal assistant for a real estate agent, she would always have me run errands for her. These errands involved doing her grocery shopping and letting the house cleaner into her home.

Though I hated that part of the job, I realized that there were a lot of people out there who were too busy to do their own shopping and would love to pay someone to do it for them.

If you have extra time on your hands you could pick up a few tasks for people here and there. Seniors who are unable to get around like they used to could be some of your best customers.

You could look in directories such as Craigslist for jobs, or you could sign up with a company. If you’re quite handy, you’ll find plenty of opportunities on sites such as Instacart TaskRabbit, Amazon Home Services, and Thumbtack.

7. Become a Dog Sitter

Love pets, but don’t want to own another one? Well, dog sitting is a great way to bring in extra money each month.

Most of us treat our pets like family anyway, so it’s only fitting that we put the time and money into finding someone who will take care of them as well as we do.

If you have space in your home, you can start offering sitting or boarding services to pet owners. Many times pet owners are unable to take their pets with them when they travel and prefer someone’s home over a kennel.

Two years ago, I found the best sitter in the world on Rover. After a background check and acceptance, you can set up your own profile.

They offer fast payment and premium insurance to you as an approved sitter. You set your own rates and great reviews will get you repeat customers.

There you have it. I hope you found these additional ways to make extra money helpful. Have you ever tried any of these and if so, how was your experience with them?

Making Money/

7 Legit Survey Sites to Make Extra Money

Interested in making money on the side without getting another job? Looking to earn extra money to pay for date night or cover a bill or two (or more)? Consider these legit and credible survey sites to make extra money.

Why Complete Online Surveys?

If you’re looking to bring in some extra cash without spending a lot of time doing so, here are a few of the highest paying survey sites I recommend for everyone.

Now, you won’t get rich completing surveys or even be able to quit your day job, but if you’re consistent, you can make hundreds or more each month.

What Survey Companies Really Want

There are hundreds (if not thousands) of companies conducting market research who are looking for someone like you to help them gauge if their products and services are worth it.

They could put a product out for the world and wish for a good result, but that’s very expensive. It’s cheaper to do the research in the beginning and put out the product or service people want.

That’s where you come in. Businesses pay market research companies to seek out the answers from people like you. Potential consumers of their products or services. You provide the answers to them in the form of online surveys.

The best part? Many of these online survey sites pay cash!

Are Survey Sites a Scam?

Not all survey companies are created equal and if you’re not careful, you’ll come across some who will spam your inbox or offer a laughable reward for long, mundane surveys. Now don’t get me wrong – there are some bad sites out there masquerading themselves as legit survey companies – but the ones on my list are not.

Not only are these reputable companies, but I’ve been active on them for years. Yes, that’s right. I complete surveys too. Always check reviews and read their privacy policies. You don’t want to sign up for a company that will sell your personal information as soon as you click the signup button.

No one has time for that and that’s why I’ve created this list of 7 totally legit survey sites to make extra money with. Simply, completing surveys is one of the easiest ways to make money online. You may not get rich off of them, however, getting paid to complete a survey or two while watching television or waiting around, is an easy way to collect cash.

Survey Sites that Pay Cash

I bet you’re wondering how do you get paid for completing surveys. Do they mail you a check in the mail? A couple of these sites will pay you with a check. However, most of them give you the option of getting paid with gift cards or via PayPal.

There are also varying cash-out amounts. This means that you will have to earn a certain amount of money before you’ll be able to “cash-out” your money. Some companies will pay you if you make $5, one, in particular, will pay you when you earn $30. This makes sense. No one wants to get paid a dollar here and there.

What is the fun in that?

Reviews of the Best Survey Sites to Make Money Online

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is my favorite survey site HANDS DOWN and the one I recommend to all of my friends to join, even if they want to complete surveys or not. With Swagbucks, not only do you have opportunities to earn with surveys but with a variety other ways as well.

For example, you can earn points (Swagbucks) to redeem later for gift cards by completing offers, watching videos, playing games and referring others. You can use their search engine and earn points that way as well or use it to shop online (similar to Ebates , now Rakuten).

I tend to earn around 50 to 200 Swagbucks a day using this site, easy. It’s fun for me and I make the effort to log in every day. You can too. Use my link to earn between 100 to 400 Swagbucks for just signing it up.

Inbox Dollars

Inbox Dollars is similar to Swagbucks in that they give you several opportunities to earn money. You can complete surveys, watch videos, play games and more to earn cash. With Inbox Dollars, you earn cash, so after earning $30 in your account you can cash out.

The last time I cashed out, I received a check, but they also allow you to convert your cash into an e-gift card or a Visa Debit Card. You can also earn entries for a chance to win more prizes.

If you complete a survey a day, you will hit your minimum payout each month. Earn $5.00 when you sign up for Inbox Dollars here.

Vindale Research

You can sign up with Vindale for opportunities to complete surveys for cash. I have email alerts to notify me when a survey becomes available because I’m not going to remember to log in to do so. Each email will tell you the survey topic, the estimated time of completion and the amount of compensation.

These surveys are comparable to the other companies on this list and you are given an opportunity to review certain surveys after taking them. There’s also opportunities to join focus groups or watch videos, but aren’t as plentiful as the surveys.

Payment requests can be made once you’ve reached $50 in your account. You can receive payment via PayPal or paper check. They boast to paying $5 to $75 for surveys, but I haven’t qualified for any over $10 yet. Maybe you will. To sign up for an account with Vindale, click here.

Opinion Square

When you sign up for Opinion Square, you have the option of downloading software onto your computer as well as complete surveys to earn points and tokens.

Don’t worry, the software is unobtrusive and runs in the background. Points can be redeemed for gifts and prizes in their catalog. They’ll notify you via email when a survey is available, so be on the lookout for more opportunities to earn points.

The number of survey invites you to receive will depend on your demographics, so some months you may get a little or a lot. The amount you receive for each survey ranges as well.

Most will pay you around $1 to $2, but the more specific the demographic the company is looking for, the higher the reward. I recently completed a 20-minute banking survey and earned $9.50!

You can sign up for Opinion Square here.

Panel Place

Another great place to complete surveys is through Panel Place.

American Consumer Opinion

You can complete surveys to earn points, which can be cashed out when you earn 1,000 (equivalent to $10), payable via PayPal or paper check. In addition to surveys, you’ll also receive opportunities to test products at home.

I haven’t been able to qualify to test products just yet, but I was THIS CLOSE to becoming a tester for Keurig. For some reason I didn’t fit their demographic, which is a bummer, but I’m sure another opportunity will come up soon.

Invitations to their surveys are emailed to members, so make sure to check your inbox for opportunities. To sign up for a free account with American Consumer Opinion click here.

Opinion Outpost

Opinion Outpost is another fun way to earn rewards and points. Members earn points which they can redeem for cash or gift cards. In addition to points, you can earn badges as you meet certain achievements, such as filling out all of your profiles or completing several surveys.

A great thing about Opinion Outpost is that the payout is pretty low. You can request a PayPal transfer when your account reaches $10.00. You can earn Amazon and iTunes gift cards when you’ve earned $5.00.

Survey Junkie

If you’re looking to up your chances of being qualified for a variety of surveys, sign up for Survey Junkie.

Unlike the other companies listed above, Survey Junkie is sort of a warehouse of surveys. You’ll find opportunities for various companies, including some that may even be on this list. This is awesome because more surveys mean more ways to earn.

As always, maximize your chances to earn rewards by filling out your profile completely and joining panels. You can cash out when you reach 1000 points, which is around $10.

Opinion City

If you’re looking for the best surveys to complete, Opinion City is a great option for you. Once you sign up for Opinion City, you will be directed to the best surveys that are best for you depending on your demographics.

Remember when you sign up and complete your questionnaire to be completely honest with your answers. A weekly drawing gives you an option to win more money.

To earn money online with Opinion City, click here.

If you’re looking to make extra money with the best survey sites out there, check out the ones on this list and start racking up dollars. Not only will you make money, but you’re sure to have fun as well.

7 Sure Fire Ways to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Ready to stop living paycheck to paycheck? Sure you are. Counting the days to your next payday is stressful and no way to live. If you are having a hard time meeting your financial obligations between paydays, then you need to make some changes.

Here are few simple ways on how to stop living paycheck to paycheck.

Change Your Mindset About Money

Let me be honest with you, if you don’t change how you act and respond to money, you’re never going to get a grasp of your finances. You’ll find yourself spending more than you have and begging for payday to come.

And if you never have enough money to cover even the basics, such as rent and utilities, how are you going to have enough to live your best life?

Our upbringings had a lot to do with how we view money as adults, no matter if we admit this to ourselves or not. If you grew up in a household of spenders, you’re going to view money differently than someone who grew up with savers.

That’s just a fact.

Also, our parents are our first teachers so we may find we mimic their actions when it comes to how we handle money.

What words come to mind when you think about money? These words will give you some insight into your feelings about money and if they are of abundance or scarcity.

Knowing this will help you to understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions affect your relationship surrounding money.

Assess Your Financial Situation

Be honest with yourself and admit you have a problem. Don’t think you have a problem? Well, let the figures do the talking. It’s easy to lose track of your spending, so for an entire month write down every place you spend money.

No matter how little or how small write it down. Jotting down your expenses will help you to see where your money goes.

Once you have tracked your expenses for a month, you may be surprised that you are spending a lot of money in areas you didn’t expect.

One time I tracked my expenses and realized that most of my money went to girl nights and happy hour with my coworkers. At the time it didn’t seem like a big deal, but when I put the figures down on paper I realized my money was going down the drain.

So, for an entire month, keep a journal with:

Income from all sources (include money from your side gigs)
Expenses (expected and unexpected)
Feelings (this will help you to get a sense of how your emotions control your money)

Create a Budget

Did you know that even millionaires keep a budget? Though they may not use an envelope system or cut coupons, you better believe they know exactly where their money is going each month. A budget helps you to:

Not spend money you don’t have and
Save money you do have

Creating and keeping a budget will help you get a hold of your finances and stay on track. With a budget, you’ll be able to track how much money you make and how much you have to spend. If you know what bills are due and for how much, you’ll get a sense of your net worth.

To create a budget, you can read this step-by-step guide and read these tips over at Money Crashers as well as use tools such as Mint (my favorite) and You Need a Budget (I’m currently using their free trial and will give a review of it in a later post).

Cut Out Unnecessary Expenses

If you tracked your expenses for a month and created a budget, you already know there are some areas that need to be cut. Expenses such as eating out seem to be huge budget busters and can be eliminated with little preplanning and creativity.

When I looked over my expenses, I realized I spent a lot of time and money over at Starbucks. As much as I love their coffee, I didn’t need to have it every day.

I purchased a Keurig, started making coffee at home, and literally saved over $75 a month! I also cut out my gym membership, because I never went and preferred walking outdoors anyways. Even at only $20 a month, it was still a waste of money.

Determine what you need to cut so you can have more money to spend each month. Do you really need 200 channels?

If not, try cutting out cable and use a digital antenna instead. Afraid you’ll miss your favorite shows? Subscribe to Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime Video and you will still save thousands each year.

Build Up Your Emergency Fund

Accidents happen when you least expect them and usually during the worse time possible. You can expect your car to break down right after you’ve paid your car note or to get sick when you don’t have any health insurance.

That’s life and the only way to deal with these unfortunate events is to be well prepared with an emergency fund.

Are you prepared? Probably not. According to this Credit Donkey’s survey, half of Americans have less than $500 in their savings.

This scary statistic is true for the poor as well as the middle class who are considered to have everything going well for them.

Before you start saving money and paying off debt, you need to at least build up an emergency fund of at least $1000. This fund needs to be in cash where you can get to immediately.

When I took Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, I was ready to quit after learning this was Baby Step #1. I then realized that I had to do it because I was one paycheck away from catastrophe.

Once you have your $1000 saved, though, don’t stop there. A sound emergency fund should have enough to cover three to six months of living expenses. All of you know no one’s job is 100% safe.

CLICK HERE FOR WAYS TO MAKE MONEY FROM HOME WITH

LITTLE OR NO EXPERIENCE

Stop Trying to Keep up with the Jones’

The Jones family looks good over there with the big house, nice cars, and green grass, but looks can be deceiving. While you’re trying to keep up with them, you didn’t realize that the Jones were in debt up to their eyeballs.

We tend to buy things we can’t afford to impress people we don’t even like. This is how we get ourselves in a lot of trouble and become bogged down with debt. These are the actions that keep us broke and put our financial health at risk.

Yes, your neighbor’s car looks great but did you know they probably leased it because it was the only way they could afford it? Or that the husband had to pick up extra hours at work to pay for it?

There’s no way to know another person’s financial situation and what looks good on the outside may be crumbling on the inside. Make sure to assess your finances first and only make purchases that make sense for you and your household.

Make More Money

Sometimes cutting expenses and eliminating unnecessary debt may not be enough to make ends meet. You may actually need to make more money to stay afloat.

You can make more money by getting a second (or better) job or find ways to bring in additional income.

I am not a proponent of getting a second job, simply because in my opinion, it takes you away from your family. I mean, if you’re young and single, then, by all means, go for it.

However, I think you can find other ways to make money such as selling items you no longer need or completing side gigs that will bring in additional income.

When I side hustled my butt off to make extra money I was then able to get better control over my finances. I tutored students after school, completed surveys, sold items from my home and signed up for cashback programs such as Rakuten and Swagbucks.

Every bit of extra change helped a lot. I also started blogging, which eventually took the place of my income as an elementary school teacher.

You can to start your own blog by following my step-by-step guide here. Starting a blog is easy and affordable and if you sign up with Hostgator, you can use my link here.

Making more money may help you to build an emergency fund and add to your savings, however, if you don’t control your spending you’ll suffer. I know people who are making close to six figures a year and are still living paycheck to paycheck.

Money/

15 Personal Finance Books that Have Changed My Life

Wish you learned how to manage your personal finances in high school, instead of trigonometry? So, do I.

Unfortunately, most of us didn’t learn how to create a budget or to create an emergency fund, until it was too late. Some of us learned from trial and error (or crash and burn).

No matter if you were busting budget spreadsheets from the time you got your first lemonade stand or learned on the fly, here are some of the best personal finance books you will want to add to your reading list.

Why Personal Finance Books

Being educated about finance is important to your overall life. How much money you make, how much money you keep, and your credit score will determine the neighborhood you live in. It will also determine if you’ll live a comfortable life for you and your family or struggle to make ends meet.

Making the right decisions about your money is easiest when you have the right education. Now, do you have to go to school and get your MBA? No. Most of what you need to live your best financial life can be found in books.

Since most of us were exposed to financial literacy in school, we’re often responsible for gaining our own knowledge.

If you’re looking to create a budget, save money, or make more money – here are a few of my favorite personal finance books you should definitely check out.

Here’s a list of the personal finance books that have changed my life.

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

I first read Rich Dad Poor Dad when I was a freshman in college. I can’t remember if it was one of the books assigned to us by one of my professors or something I picked up on my own.

Most likely it was a book I picked up when I should’ve been reading a textbook, but that’s not the point. After reading this book, my view on money and entrepreneurship changed forever. I still have the same copy I purchased 20 years ago and I’ve read it several times since.

Kiyosaki writes about how he had two dads, his biological dad and a man he looked up to as a mentor. His father, a professor at a local college, was educated but broke. On the other hand, his other dad didn’t have a college degree or any formal education but was a rich businessman.

He goes on to say that he learned a lot about both men, but his rich dad taught him a lot about money and building wealth. This book showed me that being rich is a mindset and no matter if you want to be an entrepreneur or not, you will find nuggets in this book.

Best Personal Finance Books for Beginners

The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke by Suze Orman

I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

One of the best finance gurus to follow is definitely Dave Ramsey. With a disdain for credit cards and car payments, Ramsey wrote one of my favorites, The Total Money Makeover.

If you’re looking for sound money advice from someone who is not only rich but who was broke, became rich, lost his money and regained his wealth again, then Dave Ramsey is your man.

For me, I have a hard time taking diet advice from someone who has never been fat. I feel the same way when it comes to money, it’s easy to talk about how easy it is to be rich if you’ve always been rich.

Other Books to Check Out…

The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy by Thomas Stanley

The Purposeful Millionaire: 52 Rules for Creating a Life of Wealth and Happiness Now by James R. Nowlin, J.D

Love Your Life Not Theirs: 7 Money Habits for Living the Life You Want

One of the ways we get ourselves in financial trouble is by trying to keep up with the Jones’. Rachel Cruz agrees and in her book Love Your Life Not Theirs: 7 Money Habits for Living the Life You Want is a manual on how to stop wanting what others have (but we can’t afford).

Sound advice from someone who grew up in a household where being financially responsible was taught (she’s Dave Ramsey’s daughter), Rachel breaks it down on how we can have great lives, without going into debt and without feeling like you’re missing out.

Love Your Life Not Theirs is one of the few personal finance books I ever pre-ordered simply because I was excited to read it. Rachel has a YouTube channel that has sound advice.

Check These Great Reads Out, Too

America’s Cheapest Family by Steve Economides

Retire Inspired by Chris Hogan

The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris

Some people have discounted Tim Ferris’ mantra that you can work as little as four hours a week and live a rich and successful life. I disagree, to a point. I believe it’s possible to work 4 hours a week, but you have to put the time in first.

It is possible to lay out on a beach somewhere and live off of passive income. However, most of us know that passive income isn’t quite passive, especially not in the beginning.

I like the 4-Hour Work Week because Ferris tells us that as long as we have an infrastructure and system in place, then it is possible to have a four hour workweek.

These systems including starting businesses in profitable niches with little overhead and automatic processes. He shows how he started working from home by asking his boss for the opportunity.

Best Personal Finance Books of All Time

Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller – Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century by Napoleon Hill

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

Gold Diggers and Deadbeat Dads

I admit it, I was interested in Gold Diggers and Deadbeat Dads because of the title. Good thing the book met my expectation and I have kept this book in my bag to refer to when I need a reality check.

The author talks about how she and others were financially devastated by trusting those she loved with their money.

As a woman who has done financially better than most of those around me, I am always being hit up for a loan to get someone out of their own mess. When I should have been paying my bills, I was paying others.

Though I have never cosigned for a car or an apartment for a boyfriend or family member, I have given money when I shouldn’t have.

This book will show you the power of no and how it’s okay to help others on occasion, but not to risk your own financial health to save someone who doesn’t care about theirs.

You will either resonate with the stories in this book or get scared to death by them. Either way, this is a must-read for all women and one of my favorite life-changing personal finance books.

Also, Check Out these Personal Budget Books

Smart Women Finish Rich: 9 Steps to Achieving Financial Security and Funding Your Dreams by David Bach

Live Richer Challenge by Tiffany Budgetnista Aliche

Have you read any of these books on my list? If so, what did you think of them? Do you have any to add?

Hey, if you’re looking for a way to cover some of these books on your list, sign up for here a free account with Swagbucks. Not only will you get to participate in great surveys and games, but you’ll earn SB to redeem for gift cards such as Amazon.

Money/

A Few Things to Consider Before You Buy Your First House

Things to consider to see if you're ready to buy a house.

Buying a house is a dream for some people, but without preparation, it can quickly turn into a nightmare. If you want to purchase a home I commend you and recommend that you give some thought about it first. Before you jump head first into home ownership, consider these few things before you buy your first house.

How’s Your Credit?

If I had a penny for every person who has ever applied for a loan who didn’t know their credit score, I would be rich by now. I never understood the reasoning for this.

Just like I would never use my debit card without knowing how much money I had in my account, I would never apply for credit without knowing my FICO score.

Your credit, but more importantly your FICO score, will show a lender how credit-worthy you are. If your credit score is 625 and the lowest they’ll go is 650, you will most likely be denied for a mortgage.

To them, you’re too much of a credit risk. In addition, knowing your credit score will not only let you know what you need to work on but will help you to shop around for great rates.

Related:

So before you start looking on Zillow, check your credit first. Need to order your credit report and score? Go to AnnualCreditReport.com to view your credit score. Because of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, every person is entitled to a free credit report once per year from each of the major credit bureaus. Just make sure to order all three, because each of them reports differently.

If you see issues on your credit, the time to fix them is before a lender runs it.

Other Ways to Check Your Credit and Score

Are You Ready?

Just because you want to buy a house now doesn’t mean you’re ready to. Planning to move out of the area in the next two years? Then buying a home right now may not be the best thing to do. When buying a home, plan on living there for at least five years.

Why?

Unless you like losing money, you should look at purchasing a home as a long-term investment.

In the first few years into your mortgage, you are only paying on interest and it takes a while before you start paying towards your principal.

Unless your neighborhood sees a spike in prices, not enough time will pass for you to accumulate any equity.

I thought I would live in my house and sell it in three years to move to a bigger house. Less than a year later the market crashed and I was underwater (still was 8 years later).

As you assess your readiness to buy a house, check your finances. If you are living paycheck to paycheck and barely making ends meet, buying a house will put you in a very precarious situation. Part of the reason so many people defaulted on their mortgages was that most of them couldn’t afford them in the first place.

Are You Ready to Buy a House: Checklist

Can You Afford to Buy a House?

Ready to buy a home? If so, can you afford to? Many people think buying a home is cheaper than renting, but this isn’t always the case. Yes, you’re able to get a tax credit for mortgage interest as a homeowner, but you also face more expenses.

When you rent an apartment or a house, you call the landlord when something stops working or breaks. As a homeowner, it’s up to you to find – and pay – for someone to fix the problem.

Also when considering if you are ready to buy a house, consider if you can afford to buy a home. To do this, you will need to take in account your debt-to-income ratio. A lot of people only consider what they make and ignore what they owe.

More debt will not only lower your credit score, but it will also decrease the amount a lender is willing to loan to you. Start paying down bills before you start thinking of buying a house.

Let’s say you currently rent an apartment for $1,500 a month, you might think you can also afford a mortgage for that amount too. Right? Wrong. Unless you’re spending less than 28% of your salary on housing, you cannot afford to have a $1,500 mortgage.

In addition, if you live in a condo you’ll have condo fees on top of your mortgage as well as HOA fees if you live in a homeowners’ association. Add together your mortgage payment, utilities, fees, and repair costs, you may be in over your head.

How to Determine Your Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio

To determine your debt-to-income ratio, add up your expenses and divide it by your total income. For example: if your expenses equal up to $1500 and your monthly income is $5500, then divide…

1500/5500 = 0.28 or 28%…

…which is your debt-to-income or DTI.

All lenders have their own guidelines, but according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, most can’t go over a 43% debt to income ratio when offering a qualified mortgage.

Follow these guidelines when determining what you can afford:

Mortgage Payment – 28% of gross income (max)
Total Housing Payment (Principal, Interest, Taxes and Insurance) – 32% of gross income (max)
Total Debt Including Mortgage – 40% of gross income

Do You Have Enough Money Saved?

No matter how much money you have in your savings account right now, it’s probably not enough. Most people underestimate the amount of money they will need to have saved up when buying a home. They think that since they already pay rent, they can afford a mortgage.

Like I mentioned before, that thinking is wrong and will make you frustrated and unable to purchase a home.

When looking to buy a home, make sure you have enough money to put up 20% for a down payment. As a first time homebuyer, you may be able to put in as little as 10%, but lenders want to be sure that you have skin in the game too.

A gift from family is great, but don’t depend on it. Always aim for 20% of the home’s purchase price.

In addition to the down payment, some other costs you will need money for:

Debts (lenders may require you to pay some completely off)
Earnest Money Deposit
Home Inspection
Closing Costs
Moving Fees
Repairs and renovations

Make sure that you have enough money to carry you throughout the entire home buying process. When I purchased my home, I was shocked at all the money I had to put out before I ever signed on the dotted line.

I hope these tips were helpful in deciding if you’re ready to buy your first home. Get a few things in order before you pick up the phone to call a real estate agent. I know a few people who go into an agent’s office only to leave disappointed because they’re not quite prepared to become homeowners.

Your home will probably be one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make in your lifetime. Going in blind will leave you devastated, resentful and worse – broke.

Making Money/

21 Surprisingly Easy Ways to Make an Extra $500 a Month

The truth is that most of us would like to make extra money each month.

Living paycheck to paycheck is a real bummer and having additional ways to bring in extra income can keep us afloat.

If you find yourself making too little or spending too much, then you may appreciate these 21 surprisingly easy ways to make $500 a month.

If you haven’t already, go to my post on 5 Easy Ways to Make $100 or More a Month. I show you ways you can literally make money sitting on your butt.

Making an extra $500 a month or more can be life-changing, and that’s why I encourage people to find easy ways to bring in additional income.

Not only can these moneymakers help to make ends meet, but they can keep you from having to get another job.

Surveys

I have signed up with several survey companies and never was consistent in completing them. However, when I realized how easily and quickly I could earn cash completing surveys, I set some time each day to complete them.

With one company, in particular, I’m able to earn around $100 to $150 a month or more. If you diversify your efforts among several companies, making an extra $500 should be pretty easy.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is still my favorite when completing surveys. Even though they have many opportunities to earn Swagbucks to redeem later for gift cards, completing their surveys is where I focus most of my time and attention.

I like to go for the surveys worth a lot of points because even though they may take 30 or more minutes to complete, you’ll know almost immediately if you don’t qualify or if they’re not accepting any more people.

Other Survey Companies to consider signing up for:

Earn cashback every time you shop! Sign-up for Rakuten (formally Ebates). Rakuten is totally free and you’ll earn cashback on regular purchases. Use my link here and you’ll earn $30 cashback on your first $30 purchase! Sign up here to start getting cash back whenever you shop.

15 Best Survey Sites to Make $1000 + a Month

Mystery Shopping

Like to shop? If so, you may be interested in mystery shopping.

Years ago when I was in-between jobs, I would spend a lot of time completing shops for several companies.

Mystery shopping involves accepting a shop and completing it as specified. You are usually reimbursed for your purchase and/or given a fee for the shop.

Your job is to see if employees know their stuff and rate their customer service skills. So if you’re someone who loves completing Yelp reviews, you will love going mystery shopping.

You can make more money if you sign up for several companies and is very organized and detailed in submitting reports. I also recommend only accepting shops in your local area. It doesn’t make sense to

I also recommend only accepting shops in your local area. It doesn’t make sense to waste your money on gas because this will not likely be reimbursed.

In addition, consider the amount of money you’re willing to spend upfront.

Though you are often reimbursed, there’s a limit and you may have to wait a while to get your money back. This is a good side gig, so don’t depend on it to take the place of your income.

Some Mystery Shopping companies I recommend:

BestMark

Sinclair Customer Metrics

Market Force

Intellishop

Start a Blog

If you’re looking to make some side money or replace your full-time income, blogging can be an easy way to bring in $500 or more each month.

Many small and mid-size blogs are easily bringing in hundreds and thousands each month, so the possibilities are there. If you have an interest in a great niche, you can make money blogging.

Consider, however, that making money from blogging is not immediate and will take some consistency on your part, so don’t create one on a topic you’re not passionate about.

Some bloggers I know are profitable in the first six months of starting a blog, so if you have something to share with the world, start blogging. If you haven’t already, go over and read my post on How to Start a Blog.

Sell Products on Amazon

Not interested in writing and selling Kindle books on Amazon? Then you don’t have to.

There are so many ways to make money on Amazon including selling products.

Most people know about selling on eBay, but Amazon is a great way to sell products through their Fulfilled by Amazon program.

You can also list products on Amazon and deliver them yourself. Selling on Amazon is great if you can find a niche product that will sell well and allow for a pretty decent profit margin.

This 23-year old makes over $40,000 a month selling products on Amazon. Watch her tell her story below.

Plan Parties

Now I’m not talking about a wedding or event planner in the traditional sense. Instead of planning parties for other people, you can make money planning and hosting parties.

You will secure a place to have the event and you will sell tickets to the event. Depending on the type of party, you can make hundreds and thousands every month.

It’s a moneymaker that has helped to raise thousands of dollars for our family reunion. Consider planning a party if you’re looking to make some extra money.

A fun and simple side hustle to start.

Become a Virtual Assistant

If you have a skill that would benefit small business owners, try your hand at becoming a virtual assistant. If you’re pretty techy when it comes to WordPress or graphic design, you can work for bloggers to help them with their business.

Making money as a blogger is a slow process, but in the meantime, you can be a virtual assistant to someone who runs a more established blog.

You can start off with websites such as Fiverr or Indeed to look for virtual assistant jobs.

The following companies help you to find legitimate virtual assistant work, but there are usually costs associated:

More Great Ways to Make Extra Money Each Month

Join Ebates. This is one of my favorite reward companies out there. I do most of my shopping through Ebates and earn cashback on all of my purchases. It doesn’t take much for me to earn $100+ each month. Sign up with my link and get $10 added to your account.
Host and Plan Parties. If you love to entertain, then consider making a business out of it. Planning parties is not only fun but can be lucrative as well. See how I’ve made thousands planning parties with my family and friends.
Share your thoughts and opinions. Make your voice count and join a focus group. Find opportunities in your area and earn $75 to $150 for completed surveys.
Sign up to GrabPoints. I recently found this program and have fallen in love with it. Another way to earn gift cards by completing offers, watching videos, refer friends, and much more. Sign up through your computer or download the app for your phone.

Driving People Around

If you have time during the day and have a fairly recent 4-door car, you can make money by driving other people around.

Sign up for companies such as Uber or Lyft and make hundreds (even thousands) every month. Check out my post How to Make Money with Uber – The Ultimate Side Gig.

You’ll get out of it what you put in it, so your pay will vary. However, as an independent contractor, you’re your own boss and can set up your own hours.

My Uber driver today told me that he doesn’t go home until he meets his daily earnings goal of $150, which is a good side income (or full-time for some).

Making money online is not as difficult as it might seem. If you are looking to make a few extra hundred each month, then I highly recommend that you try the money-making endeavors on this list.

But don’t quit your day job just yet.

As with most money-making opportunities, the amount you make may be minimal. You’ll make more money if you’re consistent and if you pair them up with different opportunities.

Making Money/

5 Easy Ways to Make $100 a Month

I’m always looking for the best way to earn money. As a firm believer in having multiple streams of income, no matter how small they are.

If it brings in a cent, you bet your bottom dollar I’m doing it. I call these my “mini side hustles” and I use this money to pay for groceries or use to pay for date nights.

You’re not giving yourself enough flexibility to live your best life if the only money you bring in is from your paycheck. I also believe that the least amount of effort you can expend to bring in this money, the better.

I mean, who wants an extra part-time job?

Here are 5 easy ways to make $100 a month or more.

5 Easy Ways to Make $100 a Month – On the Side

Ebates (Now Rakuten)

If you’re like me and love to shop online, then you will definitely want to sign up for Ebates. As a member, I’m able to earn cashback on purchases I make at participating retailers online.

Depending on the month, I can easily make enough money to put towards another shopping trip. Ebates is my favorite way to make an additional $100 or more a month.

How Does Ebates Work?

You shop online, just like you usually do, but you do so after activating offers through your Ebates account.

Sometimes I forget to check to see if it Ebates eligible, so I’ve installed the Ebates button through my Chrome browser.

I am alerted each time I land on a site that has offers to activate. It also automatically applies promo codes to my cart. This makes it easy. Once my purchase is verified, the amount is added to my account.

How to Get Paid with Ebates

Ebates pays you with one Big Fat Check on a quarterly basis.

You have the option of being paid via paper check or PayPal. I have one friend who earns a check of at least $1000 each quarter, so it is possible to make a decent amount.

I’m not there yet and earn on average $75 to $150. I expect this to increase since I’ve started to use Ebates more consistently.

Hate shopping online? If you prefer to shop in the store, you can also earn cash back for in-store purchases.

You can either shop online like you usually do and then choose the option of in-store pick-up (if available, such as with Walmart) or you can link your credit or debit card to Ebates and shop for in-store offers.

Once your purchase is confirmed, you can then get cash back.

Other Ways to Make Money with Ebates

You can also download the app on your phone and activate offers while in the store as well as refer others to make money. Sign up for Ebates here and earn $10 when you do.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is my second favorite on this list to make money.

You are able to earn money in more ways, which makes this one of the easiest ways to make money.

You can complete surveys and watch videos, among other things to earn Swagbucks. These Swagbucks can be redeemed for gift cards or entries into their Swagstakes. You can also earn cash back through PayPal, which is another great option.

Ways to Make Money with Swagbucks

Here are the many ways you can increase the money you earn with Swagbucks:

Complete Offers (some free)
Complete Surveys
Refer Others
Use their Search Engine
Shop at Participating Stores
Buy GiftCards
Enter Swag Code (found on Swagbucks’ Facebook and Twitter accounts daily)
Watch Videos
Play Games and
Meet Your Daily Goal and
Redeem Coupons at Your Local Grocery Store

I increased my chances of earning Swagbucks by installing the Chrome extension as well as downloading their app on my phone. I usually just open up the app each morning and play videos.

There are people who just let the videos run while they do other activities, but I actually enjoy watching the movie trailers from upcoming movies.

Start earning $100 a month with Swagbucks here to start earning points. You earn a $5 bonus for just signing up.

Ibotta

I wrote a post on Earning Money with Ibotta While Shopping where I discussed how I use this app in my everyday shopping.

I have only used this app for three months and I think it’s easily becoming not only the easiest way for me to make money but the quickest way as well.

You earn cash back from participating store purchases. Participating retailers include grocery, drug, and convenience stores. In addition to earning rebates while dining out, you can also earn them on clothing as well. Ibotta matches you up with stores in your local area so you can start earning cash back.

How Does Ibotta Work

After you download the Ibotta app, you can search for rebate offers at your local stores.

Since I go grocery shopping at least once a week, I always refer to the app before shopping. Once you have found an offer you would like to redeem you just click to unlock them and go shopping.

You are then able to verify your purchase after your shopping trip. Most of the time Ibotta requires you to scan the barcode of the item first and then take a picture of your receipt.

Ibotta allows you to link your reward cards of certain stores. This saves me an extra step of verifying my purchases since I don’t have to take a picture of my receipt.

How to Earn Money with Ibotta

Once you have enough money in your account (usually $20) you can redeem it for gift cards or cash using PayPal or Venmo.

What I Really Like About Ibotta

There are a few features I like about Ibotta, such as not being limited to one particular store for a product.

For example, if I find a cashback offer for Dove, I can usually redeem it at any participating store.

Also, Ibotta has opportunities for you to earn rebates on generic items, such as bread and milk. They can be of any brand and from any store and you’ll still receive credit for them.

I also like how many participating stores Ibotta has. I’ve earned rebates from restaurants such as Papa John’s and Ruby Tuesday, so it pays to open up the Ibotta app before doing anything.

Though I haven’t redeemed any of these (yet), I noticed the rebates on alcohol are worth a second glance.

Earn $10 for signing up with Ibotta here.

Shopkick

How Does Shopkick Work

I just found out about Shopkick a week ago and I fell in love with this app immediately.

You can earn rewards in the form of kicks that can be redeemed for gift cards. With Shopkick’s app, you earn rewards in the form of kicks in the following ways:

Walk-in
Scan Items in Store
Purchase
Submit Receipts
Invite Others to Do the Same

Walk-In

Yes, you can earn kicks by simply walking into the door of a participating retailer.

Shopkick tells you to open up your app when you enter into a store to earn kicks.

I’ve visited two stores thus far and I forgot to open my app while at the door, but still was able to earn kicks.

I think as long as you’re in the store and have your GPS/locator on, then you should be okay.

I also found that if you log into the store’s wi-fi (if available) it automatically awards you kicks as well.

Scan Items in Store
Now, this is probably my favorite feature of Shopkick.

Once you are in a store, open up the app and check for ways to earn kicks on your visit.

You may notice that there are a few store items listed that you can earn rewards from just scanning the barcode with your phone.

It’s just that simple. You don’t have to even purchase the item, you just scan.

Purchase

You can earn kicks from eligible purchases you make.

All you have to do is link your credit or debit card and use it to make purchases in store. Since Shopkick only tracks credit purchases, you’ll have to select ‘credit’ at the register, even if you’re using your debit card.

Submit Receipts

You can earn rebates, or what Shopkick likes to call “kickbates” from eligible in store purchases. Once you open up your app, you can find these items from the scan kick list and make your purchase. Shopkick will then ask you to submit a receipt, similar to Ibotta, for verification.

Invite Others

As with all of the programs listed in this post, you can earn kicks from referring others to try the Shopkick app. You can sign up for Shopkick here.

Inbox Dollars

An old favorite, Inbox Dollars is another rewards program I have used for years. Similar to the above programs, you can make money easily with Inbox Dollars.

I just think you have more ways to earn with them, which makes it a great option if you’re looking for variety.

How to Earn Money With Inbox Dollars

You can earn money with Inbox Dollars by:

Completing surveys
Reading Emails
Playing Games
Watching Videos and Commercials
Completing Offers (free and paid)
Installing and Using their Search Bar
Shopping
Referring Friends and
Completing Tasks

You can earn money shopping at participating retailers, but you can also earn cashback from your Groupon purchases.

To me, that’s a double whammy and it makes the extra step worth it.

Not only do I save on local deals with Groupon, but I get cashback from them as well. In addition, Inbox Dollars offer opportunities for you to earn money from completing tasks, which I don’t think the other programs offer.

Through Crowd Flower you complete tasks such as verifying information on a website or answering questions based on interests.

This seems to be similar to Amazon’s Mechanical Turk, though I don’t know how comparable they are to payment.

How to Get Paid with Inbox Dollars

You can cash out with as little as $30 and request payment via an e-gift card, a prepaid Visa or a good ole’ paper check. In addition, you can earn points to enter into their daily sweepstakes for additional chances to win cash and gift cards.

I usually don’t have time to complete a lot of surveys, so I appreciate having a lot of options to choose from to earn money.

Inbox Dollars really make it easy for you and depending on your time, you can easily make $50 or more a month. I made $30 one year and now I clear that and more each month. So it all depends on your time and effort.

How to Maximize Earnings

Some people complain that these programs are not worth the effort.

I disagree.

I think if you do a little each day, you’ll see your earnings improve. You won’t get rich off of these reward programs, but you’ll earn money and gift cards you can apply to your entertainment or savings.

Since these are activities you were probably going to do anyway, why not get paid doing them?

Another great thing about many of these programs is that you have a variety of options to choose from to earn rewards. If you don’t like to complete surveys, play the games or watch videos.

Here are a few tips to maximize your earnings:

Sign up for a variety of programs. You increase your chances of making more money.
Be consistent and do a little each day. Ten minutes a day can rack up your points.
Participate in activities that you actually enjoy (Hate surveys? Don’t do them!).
Look for the many different ways to make money within a program. At first, I didn’t know I could shop and earn rewards with some programs, so it pays to know what the program offers.
Research and compare rebates and cash back offers between programs. I’ve noticed how one program gives 2% cash back for Groupon purchases, whereas another program gives 6%.
Refer friends. Most programs have awesome referral programs, so spread the word.
Install the app on your phone. I have my phone on me all of the time, so it becomes pretty automatic.
Link to programs social media accounts. Some hold contests or opportunities to win prizes if you follow them.

I hope these ways to make extra money this month was helpful. I found these to be easy and effortless ways to make a few extra bucks each month and I think you will too. Each of the ways I mentioned above takes little effort and skill and is even a good way for teens to earn a little of their own spending money.

Quick Note: Now, if you’re looking to bring in thousands

Saving Money/

How to Plan a Road Trip Without Losing Your Mind (or Cents)

Road trips are one of the best ways to explore new places, make lasting memories, and embark on a spontaneous adventure. But, as exciting as they can be, proper planning is essential to ensure that the journey is not only fun but also safe and cost-effective. Whether you’re driving solo, with friends, or family, taking the time to prepare can make a significant difference in the quality of your trip. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with 10 essential tips on how to have a safe, budget-friendly, and fun road trip.

1. Plan Your Route (But Be Flexible)

The Importance of Route Planning:
One of the first steps in preparing for a road trip is planning your route. Research the destinations you want to visit, the attractions along the way, and any scenic routes that could make the drive more enjoyable. GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze are excellent tools for mapping out your journey and providing real-time traffic updates.

However, while planning is important, you should also leave room for flexibility. Some of the best road trip memories are often unplanned — like discovering a quirky roadside attraction or a beautiful viewpoint you hadn’t known existed. Having a general route in mind will prevent you from getting lost, but leaving room for spontaneity will keep the trip exciting.

Budget Tip:
Use apps like Roadtrippers to map out gas stations, affordable accommodations, and restaurants to stay within your budget. By knowing where cheaper alternatives are, you can avoid costly detours.

2. Perform a Pre-Trip Car Check

Car Maintenance is Non-Negotiable:
Before hitting the road, it’s crucial to ensure that your vehicle is in top shape. A breakdown in the middle of nowhere can turn a dream road trip into a nightmare. Here are some key car maintenance checks to perform before you start:

Oil and Fluid Levels: Check the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Top up or replace as necessary.
Tire Condition: Ensure tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated. Don’t forget to check your spare tire, too!
Battery and Lights: Test your car’s battery, headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to avoid any unexpected problems.
Brakes: If your brakes are squealing or not responding as well as they used to, get them checked by a mechanic.

By taking the time to perform a car check-up, you not only increase the chances of a smooth trip but also avoid costly repairs on the road.

Budget Tip:
Make sure to get your car serviced by a local mechanic before you hit the road. This can save you money versus being forced to seek emergency assistance in unfamiliar and possibly more expensive locations.

3. Pack Smart and Light

Prioritize Essentials:
While it may be tempting to pack everything you own, less is more when it comes to road trips. Focus on the essentials — items you will need every day or in case of an emergency. Overpacking can reduce fuel efficiency, and a cluttered car makes for a less comfortable ride.

Here are some packing essentials:

First-Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any prescription medications. Try this first-aid kit.
Car Emergency Kit: Carry jumper cables, a flashlight, extra batteries, a tire repair kit, and a portable phone charger.
Comfort Items: Neck pillows, blankets, and reusable water bottles for hydration.
Entertainment: Audiobooks, music playlists, or downloaded movies can be lifesavers on long stretches of highway.

Budget Tip:
Buy snacks and drinks in bulk from grocery stores before you start your trip. This is much cheaper than purchasing food at gas stations or touristy rest stops. Keep a small cooler in the car for perishables, and refill water bottles at rest stops.

4. Budget Your Trip and Track Expenses

Set Financial Limits:
To avoid overspending, set a clear budget for your road trip. Identify key areas where you’ll spend money, such as gas, food, accommodation, and attractions. Use budgeting apps like Trail Wallet or Splitwise to track your expenses throughout the journey. This will help you stay on track and avoid any unpleasant surprises at the end of the trip.

Save on Accommodation:
Instead of staying at expensive hotels every night, consider more budget-friendly options like:

Camping: Campsites can be fun, adventurous, and affordable. Some public lands even offer free dispersed camping.
Hostels or Airbnb: If you’re not a fan of camping, budget-friendly motels or Airbnb rentals can be a cheaper alternative to traditional hotels.
Stay with Friends or Family: If your route passes through areas where you have friends or family, ask if you can stay with them for a night or two.

Budget Tip:
To save even more on accommodation, look for deals on booking apps like Hotels.com or Expedia. Many of these platforms offer last-minute discounts or rewards programs that can help you save a few dollars.

5. Be Fuel-Efficient

Save on Gas:
Gas is likely one of the biggest expenses on your road trip. To minimize costs, practice fuel-efficient driving techniques:

Maintain a Steady Speed: Avoid rapid acceleration and braking, as it uses more fuel. Cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed on highways.
Reduce Drag: Take off any unnecessary rooftop cargo racks or bike mounts to reduce wind resistance.
Lighten Your Load: The heavier your car, the more fuel it consumes. By packing light, you’ll improve your gas mileage.
Choose Fuel-Efficient Routes: Apps like GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest gas stations along your route. Some loyalty programs, like those offered by certain gas stations, can also save you a few cents per gallon.

Budget Tip:
Plan your gas stops in states or regions where fuel prices are lower. Gas prices can vary dramatically depending on location, so research ahead of time to avoid paying higher prices unnecessarily.

6. Make Safety a Priority

Be Prepared for the Unexpected:
Road trips can be unpredictable, and safety should always be your top priority. Here are some ways to ensure you stay safe on the road:

Take Breaks: Driving for long periods can lead to fatigue, which is dangerous. Take breaks every two to three hours to stretch your legs and rest.
Share the Driving: If traveling with friends or family, rotate drivers to avoid burnout.
Know Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including roadside assistance numbers, local hospitals, and your insurance company.
Keep Valuables Hidden: Store important items like wallets, electronics, and travel documents out of sight to avoid theft when stopping at rest areas or restaurants.

Safety Tip:
Before your trip, sign up for roadside assistance programs like AAA or check if your car insurance provider offers similar services. This can be a lifesaver if you run into car trouble.

7. Embrace Free and Low-Cost Activities

Find Budget-Friendly Fun:
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Many activities and attractions are free or low-cost. Here are some ways to have a blast without breaking the bank:

State and National Parks: Most parks have a small entry fee, but they offer stunning landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, or birdwatching.
City Parks and Festivals: Check out local parks, fairs, and free events in the cities you pass through. Community calendars often list festivals, farmers’ markets, and free concerts.
Self-Guided Tours: Many cities have free walking tours or self-guided audio tours that provide interesting information about the area’s history and landmarks.

Budget Tip:
Look for discount passes if you plan to visit several attractions in one area. City passes or national park passes can offer savings compared to paying individual entry fees.

8. Stay Connected, But Disconnect When Needed

Technology is Your Friend:
Your smartphone can be a valuable tool on your road trip. It can help with navigation, finding food, making reservations, or even streaming music. Download key apps like:

Offline Maps: Download Google Maps for offline use in areas with poor reception.
Navigation Apps: Waze or Google Maps can help you find the best routes and avoid traffic or road closures.
Entertainment Apps: Spotify or Apple Music are great for creating road trip playlists, while Netflix or Amazon Prime Video can provide entertainment during downtime.

Unplug for the Experience:
That said, it’s equally important to disconnect at times to truly appreciate the journey. Take in the views, have conversations with your fellow travelers, and embrace the peace and quiet of the open road.

Safety Tip:
Avoid texting and driving. Use hands-free technology if you need to make calls or send messages, or let a passenger handle your phone.

9. Take Care of Your Body

Road Trip Wellness:
Sitting for long hours in the car can take a toll on your body, so it’s essential to prioritize your health. Stay hydrated, eat balanced meals, and take short breaks to stretch or walk around. Here are some health-conscious road trip tips:

Hydrate: Keep a reusable water bottle handy, and try to drink water regularly throughout the day. These hydration packets are my go-to for every trip.
Healthy Snacks: Opt for nutritious snacks like fruits, nuts, and whole-grain crackers instead of sugary or processed foods.
Stretch: Take frequent breaks to stretch your legs, back, and neck. Long drives can cause stiffness, and stretching can help prevent discomfort.
Sleep: Don’t compromise on sleep. If you’re tired, switch drivers or stop for the night. Driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence.

Budget Tip:
Instead of dining out at every meal, pack a cooler with healthy food options like sandwiches, fruits, and salads. This will save you money and help you avoid the temptation of fast food.

10. Capture the Moments

Document Your Adventure:
Road trips create unforgettable memories, and you’ll want to capture them! Take photos of the scenery, interesting stops, and candid moments with your travel companions. If you enjoy journaling, keep a travel log of your experiences — from the quirky roadside diners to the breathtaking sunsets you encounter.

Technology Tip:
Bring a portable power bank to keep your phone and camera charged so you never miss a moment. You can also use travel apps like Day One or Journey to create a digital travel diary.

Conclusion

A successful road trip doesn’t have to be expensive or overly planned, but it requires some foresight to ensure it’s safe, budget-friendly, and fun. By following these 10 tips, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and enjoyable adventure on the open road. So, buckle up, hit the gas, and enjoy the journey!

Life/

Money Mistakes Women Make that Keep Them Earning Less Than Men

It’s a well-known fact, yet still frequently dismissed, that women earn approximately 79 cents for every dollar earned by men. This persistent wage gap is undeniably rooted in workplace discrimination, where women are often overlooked for promotions and raises compared to their male counterparts, despite having similar education and experience. While systemic change through legislation and shifts in societal behavior will take time, there are immediate, actionable steps that women can take to enhance their financial stability and work towards closing this gap.

The Persistent Wage Gap

Despite progress in many areas, pay inequity persists due to ongoing discrimination against women in the workforce. This inequality extends beyond just salaries, influencing promotions, job security, and the professional respect afforded to women. As we work towards broader societal and legislative changes, women must adopt personal strategies to mitigate these challenges.

Empowering Financial Decisions

In recent years, women have gained more control over their finances and are increasingly responsible for major economic decisions. This shift brings an empowering opportunity to directly influence their financial health and long-term security. By making informed and strategic decisions, women can build wealth and avoid the pitfalls of debt.

Personal Financial Empowerment

As a single mother and the primary financial decision-maker in my household, I experienced firsthand the power and pitfalls of managing family finances. I learned through both successes and significant mistakes, like quitting a well-paying job without a backup plan and unintentionally renting my home to professional squatters. These experiences, though extreme, are not uncommon. Many women find themselves in precarious financial situations due to similar errors in judgment.

Common Financial Mistakes Made by Women

Pausing Careers for Motherhood

Often, women are the ones who opt to pause their careers to raise children, influenced by the wage gap that typically sees their husbands earning more. This decision, while sometimes economically rational when considering childcare costs against income, frequently overlooks the long-term impacts such as lost wages, missed promotions, retirement savings, and employer contributions to 401(k) plans.

Taking Care of Family Members

Women frequently assume the role of caregiver, not only for children but also for elderly family members. This responsibility can lead to reduced working hours or even career breaks, which significantly impact their financial independence and career growth.

Relinquishing Financial Control

Traditionally, men handled household finances, but today, it is imperative for women to be equally involved. Unfortunately, many women are still not actively participating in their household financial decisions, which can lead to a lack of preparedness in cases of divorce or the spouse’s death.

Not Negotiating Salaries

Women often hesitate to ask for raises or promotions, possibly due to ingrained societal norms or lack of confidence in negotiation settings. This reluctance can further widen the wage gap between them and their male colleagues.

Succumbing to Financial Pressures

Women sometimes extend financial help to family or friends, jeopardizing their own financial stability. This generosity, though admirable, can often delay or diminish their financial goals and retirement plans.

Strategies to Overcome Financial Challenges

To counter these financial setbacks, women can adopt several strategies to assert more control over their finances and future:

Educate and Advocate: Become financially literate to manage and negotiate your finances confidently.
Invest in Long-term Care Insurance: Prepare for potential caregiving needs without compromising your financial health.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult with financial advisors to create robust financial plans that accommodate career breaks.
Explore Alternative Income Streams: Consider side hustles or passive income opportunities to buffer against economic downturns or job losses.

While the road to financial equality remains long, by understanding and addressing these common financial missteps, women can take significant strides towards securing their financial future. It’s not just about making up for income disparities but also about empowering women to take complete control of their financial journeys. Every step taken is a step towards diminishing the wage gap and enhancing economic security for women everywhere.

Saving Money/

Amazon Prime Day is Baaaaaaack!!!

It’s not too late to sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime, right in time for Prime Day. Amazon Prime Day will start at 3:00 PM on July 16, 2018. Now is a great time to be a Prime member. On Prime Day, members can expect to see exclusive deals on many of their products.

What is Prime Day

Amazon uses this time to offer exclusive deals on many of their products. Think Black Friday deals, but only for Amazon Prime members.

Amazon rolls out their bestest (is that a word?) deals in July for their members. For 36 hours, they’ll have the chance to snatch deals that won’t be seen for awhile…

Which means you must be a Prime member (why aren’t you already) in order to be eligible to buy these deals. This year, Prime Day will be held from July 16 – 17.

Benefits of an Amazon Prime Membership

I have been a Prime member for years and find enormous value in the membership. I love not having to pay for 2-day shipping and shopping on Amazon saves me a lot of time. It also saves me a lot of money, because not only am I saving on gas and shipping, but I’m also able to compare and cross-check prices – right from my phone.

A few other benefits of becoming an Amazon Prime member:

Prime Video – unlimited streaming of the hottest movies and TV, including Prime Original Series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Sneaky Pete
Music – streaming of the hottest tunes
Kindle Lending Library – borrow a Kindle book each month for free
Free same-day delivery (available in most areas)
Prime Now – receive deliveries within 2-hours
Unlimited photo storage (comes in handy)
Discount at Whole Foods…
And much, much more.

It makes the $119 a year price tag bearable and affordable.

Sign Up For a 30-Day Trial of Amazon Prime

To participate in Prime Day, you will definitely need a membership.

Don’t have one?

No need to worry. You can sign up for their 30-day trial Prime membership, just in time for Prime Day.

Get a FREE $10 Credit

Once you sign up for a Prime membership, you should download their app to your phone.

Not only is it highly convenient (it has stopped me from making many expensive impulse buys in the store), but if you download the app you will get a $10 credit to use just in time for Prime Day.

Want to earn FREE Amazon gift cards? Sign up for Swagbucks, where you can earn points (they call them Swagbucks) from watching videos, playing games, completing surveys, shopping and more! It’s free to sign up and you can apply what you earn to gift cards.

Another bonus: If you sign up for Swagbucks FIRST and THEN sign up for Amazon Prime through their link, you’ll receive a $15 shopping credit! That’s now $25 you can put towards any of the deals on Prime Day.

Deals to Expect

It’s Amazon, so you can definitely expect to save big on their devices. If you have been eyeing that Echo Show, you’ll save $100 up to Prime Day.

Save up to 30% off of Alexa enabled devices (you can never have enough Echo Dots through the house) and everyday essentials.
Receive a $10 credit when you make a purchase from Whole Foods.
Discounts up to and beyond 10% off of furniture, clothes, and products that will launch for the first time on Prime Day.

Amazon can send you a notification if you add an item to your watch list before that item is available. They’ll let you know via email or their app when the product is available to purchase.

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