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Pampers Coupons — Turn Dirty Diapers Into Rewards

Parents, let’s get real for a second. You funnel a ton of money into diapers, and you don’t get crap in return. OK, well, that’s a poor choice of words, but you get where we’re going with this… They all end up in the trash.

It’s time to change that. (No pun intended on that one.)

Sign up for Pampers Rewards, and earn points each time you buy a new batch of diapers.

Here’s how it works:

Register for Pampers Rewards here. You’ll earn 100 bonus points just for registering and signing into the mobile app.

In the packs of diapers you buy, you’ll find a code. Scan the code with the app, and earn more points. You’ll get another 50 bonus points for the first code you scan.

Exchange points for rewards, like $5 off Pampers diapers or pants (700 points). Or $30 off your first order of Hello Fresh (30 points). You can even enter sweepstakes, like a chance to win a $250 gift card to Lowe’s (30 points) or free Cheerios for a year (30 points).

You’ll also receive weekly customized emails with tips and coupons that are tailored to each stage of your pregnancy or your baby’s development.

Go ahead and sign up for a Pampers rewards account for free coupons and chances to win awesome prizes.

Enfamil coupons — Get up to $400 in Free Baby Gifts and Coupons

Expecting — or already have — a little one at home?

Join Enfamil Family Beginnings to get up to $400 in free gifts and a chance to win a $25,000 college scholarship for your baby*.

Your gifts will include things like coupons for baby necessities, free samples of Enfamil formula and other goodies.

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9 Employers Who Pay for College Even for Part time Jobs

January 2, 2020 by Frugal Prof

9 Employers Who Pay for College even for Part time Jobs

Most people go to college to land a good job, but thanks to a tight labor market, several major employers are flipping the script by offering jobs that lead to college.

Disney, Starbucks and Walmart have all announced education programs that will not just reimburse a capped amount of tuition but directly pay for their employees’ degrees at select universities.

Why would companies do this?

Well, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. economy is continuing to add jobs in record numbers, which creates more openings than there are workers to fill them.

This situation forces employers to compete with each other for new applicants and to retain current employees.

The result is good news for workers and job seekers alike — usually in the form of better wages and benefits.

Or, in this case, a free college degree.

Jobs That Pay for College

Before you go and quit your current gig to become a barista or a Disney cast member, you need to know the particulars of each program.

1. Disney – All Hourly Workers

The Disney Aspire program will cover 100% of the tuition costs for hourly U.S. workers who want a bachelor’s or master’s degree from one of Disney’s partner universities.

“Disney will pay for tuition upfront, making it even easier for cast members to take the first step,” said Thomas Smith, an editorial content director at Disney Parks, in an announcement from August 2018, when the program launched.

Disney Aspire universities include the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida. All hourly cast members, regardless of location, can enroll in UF’s online programs. UCF is limited to Florida residents.

Disney employs more than 80,000 hourly workers, all of whom are eligible for the Aspire program after their first 90 days of employment. Disney will also cover the cost of textbooks and high school diploma programs.

2. Starbucks – All Employees

Starbucks has been ahead of the pack, offering its U.S. employees access to Arizona State University’s online bachelor’s degrees for years.

The landmarkStarbucks College Achievement Plan(SCAP) launched in 2015 and is available to all benefits-eligible employees in the U.S., which is to say all employees after a certain amount of time.

Employees are considered benefits-eligible after “the first day of the second month after receiving a minimum of 240 total hours over three full, consecutive months.”

That means part-time employees must be working at Starbucks or Starbucks-owned businesses for at least five months and have been scheduled to work at least 240 hours in the first three months. Benefits for full-time employees kick in sooner.

Arizona State University offers 80 different degrees online, and Starbucks will cover 100% of the tuition costs after scholarships and financial aid kick in. ASU first gives SCAP students a 42% scholarship, then the students

get additional aid by filling out the FAFSA as part of the program. Starbucks covers the remaining tuition costs.

Military service members and veterans can extend these benefits to certain family members.

SCAP doesn’t cover the cost of books or supplies.

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3. WalMart

Walmart is the largest employer in the U.S., with an estimated 1.4 million employees.

Through its Live Better Uprogram, all of them are eligible for specific degrees at six partner universities.

Current partner universities include Bellevue University, Brandman University, Purdue University Global, Southern New Hampshire University, University of Florida and Wilmington University — with each university offering fully online programs.

Employees who live near a partner university may attend in-person, but the vast majority choose to attend online, a Walmart spokesperson said.

For bachelor’s degree seekers, the program is not 100% free, however. Employees pay $1 per day toward college tuition and Walmart covers the rest. Workers are limited to degrees in fields related to business, supply-chain management, computer science or cyber security.

College tuition is only one facet of Walmart’s education program. For high school student-employees, Walmart will cover the full cost of ACT or SAT prep classes, plus seven hours of college credit. Walmart also pays the costs of a high school diploma or GED program for employees who didn’t finish high school.

Additional perks through Live Better U include discounted master’s degrees and free foreign language classes. Eligible workers can also pass on these benefits to family members.

4. UPS

Part-time employees of UPS are eligible to receive up to $5,250 in tuition assistance per year, up to a lifetime maximum of $25,000. Eligibility begins on the date of hire. Also, most full-time UPS employees started at the company as part-time or non-manager employees, including managers and executives!

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5. Publix

According to the company’s website, employees may be reimbursed for not only traditional degree programs, but also some individual courses and online programs. Any associate with at least six months of continuous service, who works an average of 10 hours per week is eligible. Associates enrolled in a four-year college or university, may be reimbursed up to $3,200 annually, with a lifetime limit of $12,800.

Associates enrolled in undergraduate courses at a two-year community college, technical program or individual course program may be reimbursed up to $1,700 annually, with a lifetime limit of $3,400.

6. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo offers several scholarships to children of employees, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 each. In addition, they offer their employees up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement annually, for eligible tuition expenses.

7. Smuckers

Employees may be eligible for up to 100% reimbursement of tuition costs for Company-approved college courses. In addition to that, they offer a scholarship program for children of employees valued at $3,000 per year to 10 recipients – and, its renewable! And also a lifetime supply of delicious strawberry jam! (ok we made up that last part…)

8. Chipotle offers up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance

9. McDonald’s is not to be left out with it’s ‘Archways to Opportunity^TM‘ program. McOpCo full-time Store Manager Trainees, Certified Swing Managers, Department Managers, or General Managers are eligible for $5,250 in tuition assistance as long they have and maintain a performance rating of “significant performance” throughout the course/program. McOpCo restaurant Crew, Floor Supervisors, Shift Manager Trainees, Primary Maintenance, or other part-time employees are eligible for $700 in assistance each year. This also comes with some additional eligibility requirements

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11 Survey Sites that could pay you $750 this month.

Bonus:

10. Fidelity

Full-time employees with at least six months of service may apply for tuition reimbursement for up to 90% of of certain costs, up to $10,000 per year

Eligibility is subject to manager approval and the coursework must be at an accredited college or university and be work-related.

7 Impressive Alternatives to Uber and Lyft as a Money Making Side Hustle

December 30, 2019 by Frugal Prof

7 Better Alternatives to Uber and Lyft as a Side Hustle

You have a vehicle. You need to supplement your income.

So, Driving for Uber or Lyft may seem like a no-brainer.

Since Uber’s 2009 launch rideshare driving has become almost synonymous with side hustles and the gig economy.

Lyft self-reports 1.5 million drivers in the U.S.

But is ridesharing all it’s cracked up to be?

Before you sign up, take some time to answer these sobering questions.

How Much Will I Really Be Making?

Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees.

So earnings can get a little tricky.

First of all, the companies don’t pay by the hour. They pay per fare.

But technically, as an independent contractor, you’re only getting paid if you’re en-route or already chauffeuring a passenger. The time you spend waiting for a fare or returning to a populated area after you’ve dropped off a passenger doesn’t count.

All the while, you’re racking up mileage and burning gas, another expense that should be subtracted from your earnings.

John Brown, a library tech and former rideshare driver from Louisiana, started picking up on these “invisible expenses” when his bank account balance wasn’t what he expected.

“I did a cost-benefit analysis,” he said.

“The profit only ended up being $10 an hour when we broke down all the other expenses… I didn’t really think of that going in.”

This is consistent with other analysis’ that I have seen of people who include all of the costs including depreciation i.e. wear and tear on your car.

Reports claim that Uber drivers earn between $12 and $16 per hour and about the same for Lyft drivers, but I am a bit skeptical.

Can My Vehicle Handle It?

The first thing you need to determine is if you’re vehicle is eligible for ride sharing.

The biggest one being: Your car, truck or SUV needs to be a 2002 model or newer to drive for Uber and a 2006 model or newer to drive for Lyft.

Your vehicle must be able to fit at least four passengers for both services. It needs to be in good working condition, too.

But just because it’s in good condition at first doesn’t mean it’s going to stay that way.

Besides gas, maintenance costs piled up quickly.

“I put almost 30,000 miles on my car,” Brown said.

Those miles cost more than just gas and oil changes. They depreciate your car’s value, too.

“Many drivers decide to pivot away from Uber as a side hustle because it was too much wear and tear on their cars and not profitable enough.

Disclaimer; I believe in transparency and want to disclose this page has links to products that I may earn an affiliate commission for purchases you make. The reader pays nothing.

Some Better Alternatives:

Loan Signing Agent:

In the viedo below, Dylan went from driving for Uber to making $10,000 a month as a loan signing agent.

You can make $75 to $200 in a single signing, and a signing takes about an hour.

Total work time including preparing and driving to the signing is about an hour and a half to two hours when you’re starting out. And a lot less as you become more experienced.

Part time loan signing agents generally do one to three signings per week, – about $300 to $500 dollars extra a week. while full time agents can do 3-8 signings in a day which is about $400 to over $1,000 dollars in a day.

• You can get started with absolutely zero experience. There’s no resume checking prior to a loan signing. You are hired simply based on your location in proximity to the loan signing.

• You can work from home and be your own boss.

• You have the ability to make money almost immediately.

It pays nearly 9X more than driving for Uber.

However, it requires you to take a class and invest time and money.

If you can do that, then you can start making up to $200 per signing.

In the viedo below, Dylan went from driving for Uber to making $10,000 a month as a loan signing agent.

Learn More about the Loan Signing System here.

Take Part in Consumer Surveys:

Survey Junkie: (Great Surveys, Little Time, Great Payout)

You can earn anywhere from $12 – $18 per hour from Survey Junkie!

Survey Junkie has one of the strongest reputations on the web, and they’ve always paid on-time and the right amount. Not only that, but they have excellent customer service if you ever have an issue.

Taking surveys in your spare time can be a great way to earn some extra dough fast. Check out Survey Junkie which will pay you instantly with cash via Paypal. They have over 6,000,000 members and they have an 8.9/10 rating on Trust Pilot.

American Consumer Opinion: Easy to sign up. And they have 6 Million Members.

Reviews of American Consumer Opinion:

“American Consumer Opinion Panel has been one of the best, and probably THE best, panel that I have worked with in some time…” J.D., Texas –

“I do surveys for several different companies and, I have to say, American Consumer Opinion ranks at the top as they have a very good site with no junk [that] seems to be well managed.” H.B., Tennessee –

Begin earning at American Consumer Opinion:

Vindale Research $2 Registration Bonus Plus Up to $75 Per Survey

Focus Group Cash Saved Me.

Learn more Here

Electric Scooter Charging: A New Side Hustle from Bird Pays $30/ Hour

Mike Wisell, 33, a tattoo artist who lives in Santa Monica, started a new gig a few weeks ago. He charges scooters and he makes pretty good money doing it.

Bird is among a handful of companies that rent out electric scooters to get around big cities. The site uses a team of “chargers” to pick up the scooters when they’re running out of juice, bring them home, charge them and return to a “nest.”

Training was simple:

sign up, (No affiliate relationship)
take an online video course,
receive a set of tools in the mail,
then get to work.

He even picks his own hours.

“The pay is pretty good if you hustle,” he says.

More info about Scooter charging here.

Referee local youth soccer games

If you’re a soccer fan, you can become a part-time referee and make anywhere from $14-$26 per hour, according to Glassdoor data.

Anyone can sign up to become a trained and certified soccer referee. To start, find your State Referee Association through the U.S. Soccer website and get in contact with them about next season’s registration. The cost, process, and registration deadlines vary depending on your state.

Start your soccer referee journey by officiating local youth games, and work your way up to high school and college games. The more games you work, the more experience you’ll get. This gives you the opportunity to move up a grade, which means more money!

Babysitter

If you love kids, then babysitting on nights and weekends is a good way to beef up your bank account. Depending on where you live and the job in question, you might earn up to $20 an hour watching other people’s children.

Granted, you’ll need to be willing to give up a decent chunk of your personal downtime to hit the $1,000 mark on a monthly basis, but think about it this way: Babysitting often means sitting on somebody else’s couch while children are asleep.

And really, that’s not so hard. Just be aware that some families will want you to become CRP-certified before hiring you. If so, you’ll need to complete a brief course, but a non-expensive one at that.

Sell on Ebay:

This might be the fastest way for most people to generate quick cash. I wrote a post detailing how I made $493 in a few weeks and made money on Ebay.

Details and tips here.

Officiate games as an amateur umpire

Baseball and softball fans can become an umpire for local games by taking advantage of local umpire certification programs.

According to Umpire School HQ, pay starts at around $15-$30 per youth game. This increases to $30-$50 for Babe Ruth leagues, $40-$70 for high school games, and $150 per college game. It’s important to note these numbers vary by location, but this is the general amount an umpire can expect to make.

To get started, become a member of the Amateur Baseball Umpires’ Association (ABUA). You’ll be connected with other local amateur umpires, get information about their local organizations, and learn how to become certified.

The ABUA is a paid membership, with annual fees ranging from $30-$75 depending on which membership type you choose. If you’d rather join a local association, find your state’s organization.

Some states might require you attend an umpire school or clinic. And don’t forget to factor in the cost of official umpire gear; you’ll need special shoes, a chest protector, shin guards, and a mask. If your budget is tight, these costs can add up quickly. Look into making extra money so these costs don’t have to come out of your regular paychecks.

Start a Blog

Forbes: How This 27-Year-Old Made $1 Million Last Year

One never knows what can happen when a blogger finds just the right niche. Take Michelle from the blog Making Sense of Cents. She was recently featured in Forbes magazine and makes over $1M a year from a side blog that became very popular. You never know what a blog could become.

The 7 Rules to a Profitable Blog here.

Focus Group Cash Saved Me.

Learn more Here

7 Smart Money Moves to Crush your Finances in 2020

December 29, 2019 by Frugal Prof

7 Smart Money Moves to Crush your Finances in 2020

It’s time to celebrate the previous year, but it’s also the perfect time for some reflection about the year ahead.

Read on for some smart money moves you should start making Now to set you up to crush 2020.

1. Set Your Financial Goals for the Coming Year

When you think ahead to the end of 2020, what would make you feel super accomplished?

What if you cut your credit card debt by half?

What if you were able to boost your savings account to four — or even five — figures?

What if you saved enough to make some long-overdue improvements to your house?

Or build up that emergency fund you know you need to have?

Think about what you want to celebrate at the end of 2020, and then set some goals to help you get there.

We’re fans of the SMART method of goal-setting. A SMART goal is:

Specific
Measureable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely

For instance, “become financially secure” isn’t considered a SMART goal because it’s ambiguous.

On the other hand, “pay off $5,000 in student debt by the end of 2020” would be considered SMART because it’s specific, measurable and timely.

By thinking through your financial goals in this way, you’ll have more clarity about what you’re actually trying to do,

and that will give you a better sense of how to allocate your resources and energy in the year to come.

1. Make An Extra $1,000 Per Month.

I’ve saved you the trouble by putting together a list of 11 of the Best Side Hustles to earn an Extra $1,000 per month.

Find them HERE.

If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” –Peter Drucker, Author and Business Consultant

2. Get Organized

Here is the playbook I used to get out of Debt.

It’s simple and straightforward.

Take Action:

I negotiated discounts on all of my recurring charges.
I switched to a less expensive gym,
I sold nearly $500 of my things on Ebay.
I stopped using a storage locker.
I started writing this blog.

Coming to terms with my spending habits: I tried to understand where my money was going. I tried to slow down and learn why I wanted the stuff I was buying. I learned to budget. I set small financial goals and I hit them.

I cut back. And I cut back even more. I paid attention to every single penny. I paid attention to purchases that created true value in my life. And those that added minimal value, I cut out.

3. Make a Budget

Get organized: Creating a budget. I created a budget using a free app, Everydollar.com.

It’s a very good app, but I didn’t keep using it. What worked well for me was old school: keeping a notepad next to my credit card bills. And keeping track of the good, the bad, and the unexpected in my monthly bills. I was also keeping track of my bills in my head because I became VERY focused.

Read my post, 7 Tips To Help you Create a Budget here.

The Stupid stuff I spent money on here

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4. Pull Your Credit Reports and Examine Them for Errors

This is another task that should be part of your regular financial maintenance, but a lot of us either forget or we don’t really see the point.

But when you go over your credit reports with a magnifying glass, here’s what you might find:

1. Accounts that aren’t yours. It’s possible you have accounts on your credit report that actually belong to someone with a similar name. Do you, Karen Smith, really want to have the overdue Dillards’ charge card belonging to a Karen Smythe on your credit report?

2. Accounts you didn’t realize were delinquent. Maybe your dentist’s office repeatedly sent the bill to the wrong address until the unpaid bill wound up in collections, leaving a giant black mark on your credit report, and you weren’t aware of any of this until your application for a car loan or mortgage was turned down.

3. Outdated or incorrect information about your accounts. Perhaps you paid off a loan last year that’s still showing up as unpaid, or your credit card balance is listed as being much higher than it’s ever been. These could significantly ding your credit score, and those three little numbers hold a lot of power over your ability to access credit in the future.

Freezing your credit is now Free here

5. Make sure you have Insurance

There are the eight types of insurance worth having:

Auto Insurance
Homeowners/Renters Insurance
Umbrella Policy
Health Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Term Life Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance
Identity Theft Protection

I’ve laid out all the details – Eight types of Insurance you need in 2020 Here

6. Celebrate Your Progress

We know this post has been all about how to do better going forward,

but we also know you’ve probably accomplished some pretty good stuff in 2019 too.

Maybe you’ve started looking for ways to bring in more income through a side hustle, or you’ve steadily chipped away at your student debt. Maybe you started educating yourself about personal finance — after all, you’re here, aren’t you?

Take a few minutes to think about what you’ve done in the past year that you’re proud of, and give yourself some time to really let that feeling of pride sink in.

And now remember that feeling throughout the coming year, especially when things get hard and you encounter setbacks (because you inevitably will). Trust that if you stick to your plan, you’ll get to experience that feeling of satisfaction again this time next year.

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Seven Types of Insurance you Definitely Need in 2020

December 25, 2019 by Frugal Prof

Seven Types of Insurance you Definitely Need in 2020

Insurance is like a life jacket. It’s a bit of a nuisance when you don’t need it, but when you do need it, you’re more than thankful to have it.

Without it, you could be one car wreck, illness or house fire away from drowning—not in the ocean, but in debt.

But for something so essential to our financial well-being, insurance is a complicated—even uncomfortable—topic. So I’ve boiled your options down to the seven types of insurance policies you can’t go without in 2020.

While each one is a must-have, you should consult an independent insurance agent to help you find the right types of insurance customized to fit your needs.

Here are the eight types of insurance worth having:

Auto Insurance
Homeowners/Renters Insurance
Umbrella Policy
Health Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance
Term Life Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance
Identity Theft Protection

Find out more about how each of these can help you and your family below!

1. Auto Insurance

Never drive around uninsured—not just because it’s against the law, but also because the average loss per claim on cars is around $4,900.

Imagine having to pay that kind of money out of pocket.

There are several options to choose from when it comes to auto insurance, so there’s no reason to go without it:

- Liability coverage. If you’re responsible for an accident, your liability coverage will cover the costs of any injuries or property damage caused in the collision. Most states require you to carry a minimum amount of coverage, so check with your insurance agent to understand your basic requirement.

- Collision coverage. This covers the cost to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged or destroyed in a wreck.

Comprehensive coverage. This level of insurance covers your losses that aren’t caused by a wreck such as theft, vandalism, flood, fire and hail.

Again, an insurance agent is a good resource to help you determine the level of protection

you need based on the type of car you drive.

2. Homeowners/Renters Insurance

Be sure your homeowners policy includes extended dwelling coverage.

Extended dwelling coverage adds an extra layer of protection above your policy limits.

With extended dwelling coverage, the insurance company will replace or rebuild your property even if the cost exceeds your policy’s coverage. There is a limit to how much they’ll pay, however—usually 20–25% above the amount you’re insured for unless you opt for more coverage.

Keep in mind, the higher your home’s value, the higher the need for extended dwelling coverage.

Another note about homeowners insurance: Check with your agent about what your policy covers and what it doesn’t.

- Flood Insurance. Most homeowners don’t know that flood insurance is excluded from their policies. Flood insurance is also different from water backup protection. Ask your agent to go over the details with you.

Earthquake Coverage. Depending on where you live in the country, earthquake coverage might not be included. If you need it, check with your agent to include it.

If you’re a renter, you’re not off the hook for insurance.

Without renters insurance, it’s up to you to replace your belongings if they are lost in a fire, flood, burglary or some other disaster.

A good independent insurance agent can walk you through the steps of covering the basics of both homeowners and renters insurance.

Remember, if your full emergency fund is in place, you can take a higher deductible and lower the premium on your policy to save money.

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3. Health Insurance

Medical debt contributes to nearly half of all bankruptcies in America according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

If you’re uninsured, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable to potential financial catastrophe.

One unexpected major medical emergency could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars of expenses.

Don’t put yourself in that situation.

The high cost of medical insurance isn’t an excuse to go without coverage—even if you don’t go to the doctor often. One option is a high-deductible health insurance plan combined with a Health Savings Account (HSA). With a high-deductible plan, you’re responsible for more of your up-front healthcare costs, but you’ll pay a lower monthly premium.

4. Long-Term Disability Insurance

Long-term disability insurance protects you from loss of income if you are unable to work for a long period of time due to an illness or injury.

Don’t think a permanent disability could sideline you and your ability to work?

According to the Social Security Administration, just over one in four of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching age 67.

Those odds are too high for you to skimp on long-term disability insurance. If you’re in your prime wage-earning years, a permanent disability could potentially derail your dreams of home ownership or paying for your kid’s college.

Bottom line: make sure you’re covered.

Many companies offer long-term disability insurance to their employees, so start there.

As you look into your options, you’ll also find short-term disability insurance designed to fill in income gaps caused by an illness or injury that keeps you out of work for three to six months. That’s insurance you can skip—especially when you have a fully funded emergency fund to cover your needs.

5. Term Life Insurance

Many of us take life insurance too lightly.

The Insurance Information Institute reports that 30% of Americans carry no life insurance.

Think about it: If you were to pass away unexpectedly, how would your spouse pay for monthly expenses without your income? In the dark moments of grief, the last thing your spouse should worry about is surviving financially in your absence.

With a term life insurance policy for 10–12 times your yearly income, your family won’t have to worry about making ends meet, losing their home or changing their college plans if you’re not there to provide for them.

Make this a priority. Talk to an independent insurance agent about term life insurance today. It’s affordable and will provide priceless security for your family. When you shop for life insurance, don’t forget, term life insurance is always a much better deal than whole life insurance.

What about singles with no dependents? If you have a ton of debt and no savings, consider a small term life insurance policy. A healthy 30-year-old can easily find an affordable policy that will at least pay off your debt and cover your burial expenses.

If you’re debt-free and have enough cash to pay for your burial, you can hold off on life insurance, but why would you? The younger you are, the more affordable term life insurance is, so there’s no reason to wait until you have a family to get insured.

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6. Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance covers a range of services like nursing home care and in-home help with basic personal tasks like bathing, grooming and eating.

Usually, long-term care refers to any ongoing assistance for those who have a chronic illness or disability. It’s expensive, and long-term care costs are not generally covered by Medicare.

So who really needs long-term care? To protect your retirement savings from the expenses of long-term care, get long-term care coverage no later than age 60. Remember that while you’re not likely to need long-term care before then, many factors—like your health and family history—go into your decision when to buy long-term care insurance—and how much you’ll pay for it.

7. Identity Theft Protection

According to a 2017 Identity Fraud Study released by Javelin Strategy and Research, identity thieves stole $16 billion from 15.4 million US consumers last year. Cybercrime and identity fraud are real threats—even if you’re careful about protecting your personal information. National retail stores are under constant attack by industrious hackers who break into their payment systems, leaving millions of people vulnerable to theft.

Think about it: With a few important bits of information about you, criminals have all they need to ruin your finances by taking out a mortgage in your name, receiving medical care or filing a false tax return.

Cleaning up an identity fraud situation could take years to handle on your own, so make sure your insurance includes restoration services that assign a qualified counselor to clean up the mess for you.

One Final Point to Remember

One word of caution: Stay away from gimmick policies like cancer insurance, accidental death or anything that packages your coverage with investments like whole life or universal life.

These types of insurance policies are just a way for the seller to make extra money off you. You need an agent who’s on your side—not the side of the insurance company.

The Best Paid Survey Sites for Fast Money in 2023

December 17, 2019 by Frugal Prof

The Best Paid Survey Sites for Fast Money in 2023

There’s a certain appeal to paid online surveys.

Prop up in bed and click, click, click — cash out.

Heck, you can even earn money while binging on Netflix.

That’s why you might want to flip on Netflix in the background.

Still, there’s something thrilling about making extra money from your bed.

I’ve combed through dozens of platforms to hand-pick the most legitimate online survey sites that pay and to help you avoid the scams.

These are the Best sites based on user experience, the ease of cashing out and the actual potential to earn money.

Disclaimer; I believe in transparency and want to disclose this page has links to products that I may earn an affiliate commission for purchases you make. The reader pays nothing.

The Best Paid Survey Sites — That Are Actually Legit

I suggest signing up for these paying survey sites all at once. Check into each a few times a week to find at least one or two surveys you qualify for.

Remember: Every little bit adds up.

1. InboxDollars

InboxDollars, owned by CotterWeb Enterprises, Inc., is a survey site that actually pays you in dollars — not points — so you can see exactly how much you earn.

BBB rating: A+

Payment method: Check via mail

Amount paid per survey: Surveys pay up to $5 each, though it’s more likely you’ll earn 10 to 50 cents.

Minimum amount required to cash out: $30, though there’s a $3 transaction fee to cash out.

Time to get paid: 10 to 16 business days

Pros: With InboxDollars, you earn cash, so you don’t have to worry about exchanging points.

It also offers more ways to earn, such as watching videos, playing scratch-off games and searching the internet.

Cons: You have to earn $30 to cash out, which is a bit high compared to other sites on this list. Also remember you’ll have to pay that $3 transaction fee. You’ll probably want to unsubscribe from its frequent emails, which you can do under your account settings.

Join Inbox Dollars Here

2. Survey Junkie

A screenshot of Survey Junkie's homepage.

Relevant Articles:

This survey site is owned by Blue Media Ventures, Inc. and says it has more than 3 million members.

Survey Junkie is strictly focused on market research through surveys.

BBB rating: B+

Payment method: Points, which you can exchange for gift cards or cash via PayPal, Dwolla or direct deposit

Amount paid per survey: 20 to 200 points

Minimum amount required to cash out: 1,000 points, which equates to $10

Time to get paid: Up to 24 hours through PayPal; bank transfers can take longer.

Pros: Compared to other survey sites, the threshold to cash out is a bit lower at $10. If you qualify for five 200-point surveys, you’ll earn $10 in no time (though that’s not the most realistic situation). The platform itself is clean and easy to navigate.

Cons: Like other survey sites, you might have a difficult time qualifying for opportunities. And although you might find 200-point surveys, you’ll also find ones that only reward you 35 points for a 14-minute survey. That equates to 3.5 cents for 15 minutes of your time.

Pro tip: Once you sign up for Survey Junkie, you’ll start banking bonus points. If you take all the profile surveys, which will ideally help match you to opportunities you qualify for, you can earn an easy 200 points or so.

Join Survey Junkie Here

2. American Consumer Opinion (Can make $175/mo with it)

Paid Surveys: Money Making Potential Level: Very High

Many reviewers recommend ACOP and think it is the best due to high paying surveys.

ACOP is very straightforward. All you need to do is fill out the demographic questions truthfully to determine the surveys you will be qualified for and start taking surveys. That’s it.

What reviewers have gotten so far?

▪ Over $1,350 in cash and products.

Why sign up?

▪ Incentive range in value from 100 to 5,000 points per survey.
▪ Test and own new products for FREE.
▪ More than 7M active members, $30,146,900 paid out, and 20M+ surveys taken.

This site is super easy to use and is a money magnet. Get a chance to earn hundreds of dollars every month and FREE products.

Click here to start using ACOP for FREE

3. Vindale Research ($2 Registration Bonus/ Up to $75/ Survey)

Paid Surveys: Money Making Potential Level: Very High

Do you want to earn up to $75 per survey? If you do, then, this is right for you.

Multiple $10, $15, and $75 payouts for individual surveys.

Vindale Research is one of the online surveys that pay cash. Yes, cash. If you are looking for surveys for cash only, this is the site for you.

Take surveys now with Vindale Research for FREE.

Vindale Research is by far one of my favorite survey sites due to the fact that surveys can pay as much as $75 per survey. People usually earn closer to $10 – $12 per hour.

When you complete your profile you get a $2 sign-up bonus. There are usually plenty of surveys to take and you can setup email notifications when new surveys come out. Sometimes you can even take the same survey 2-3 times a day.

Benefits:

Plenty of surveys – both low-paying and high-paying
$2 registration bonus when you verify your email and complete your profile
Payout on time once every month on the very last day
One of the best referral programs – earn $5 per referral
All payments are awarded in cash
Potential to earn roughly $10 – $12 per hour
Highest-paying survey at around $75 per hour, although this is quite rare

Join Vindale Research for Free

Mobile Version Here

Desktop Version Here

5. Nielsen Computer Panel (Earn Without Taking Surveys)

Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel pays you without the need to take a survey.

Simply install their mobile app or install their desktop software and earn money by having them track your internet usage. They track things such as your internet speeds and what browser you’re using.

Essentially, you’re earning a passive income. Once you install the app, get paid just to leave it on your phone.

Simply install the app and do things that you would normally do – surf the web, play games and text your friends. Not only that, but by using the app you frequently automatically get entered into sweepstakes for a prize drawing of $10,000.

Benefits:

Get paid for surveys without actually taking surveys
Earn prizes as well as gift cards
Earn a passive income – get paid to leave an app installed on your phone
By leaving the app installed, you are frequently entered into a drawing for $10,000

6. VIP Voice

VIP Voice is owned by market research company NPD Group, which has been around since 1966. It exclusively offers survey opportunities. You’ll earn points and use them to enter sweepstakes for cash and prizes.

BBB rating: A+ (but not accredited)

Payment method: Points to enter sweepstakes

Amount paid per survey: Typically 100 to 225 points

Minimum amount required to cash out: You can enter sweepstakes with as little as one point and cash out your winnings anytime.

Time to get paid: Varies

Pros: You’ll earn points from a variety of surveys, even if you don’t qualify to take the entire survey. Additionally, you’re not plagued with pop-ups or ads, and you won’t be navigated away from the VIP Voice portal.

Cons: You don’t automatically win cash or gift cards. This survey site requires a little luck, because you’ll have to enter sweepstakes and bid on prizes, so it could be a big waste of time.

Tips to Make the Most From Survey Sites

First, pile your couch with pillows and get comfy. Turn on some tunes or play Netflix in the background.

But seriously. You’re going to want to settle in and practice patience with survey sites. To make the process more efficient, here are a few of our pro tips:

Create a New Email Address for Surveys

It’s no secret: Signing up for a survey site means you’re likely going to get an influx of emails. These could be ads or earning opportunities.

Either way, it can really clog up your work or personal email.

Create a new email address for free through Gmail or Yahoo.

Now these additional emails will automatically stay clear of your real life.

Never Pay to Join a Survey Site (or Enter your Bank Info)

You should never have to pay to join a survey site. These sites are paying you, because you’re participating in market research and helping companies out.

Additionally, you shouldn’t have to enter your banking information. Legitimate sites pay with gift cards, through PayPal or with an old-school check in the mail.

Answer Honestly, and Update Your Information Often

You’ll qualify for certain surveys based on your demographics.

For example, a company might be looking for homeowners to answer a question about their product. Or another might only want parents.

Either way, be honest. Sure, you can be vague and broad in your responses (recommended), but honesty is the best policy.

Additionally, be sure to keep your profiles on these sites up to date. If you move, update your city. If you get a new job or a salary boost, update that. It could help you qualify for more opportunities.

Use Roboform to Auto-Fill Responses

You know how survey sites ask you the same questions over and over and over, especially when you’re first signing up?

Using a free auto-fill platform like Roboform can help. You’ll enter your information into its system once, then it’ll recognize when that question is being asked and automatically fill in the information for you. This will save you a bunch of time.

Additionally, you can use Roboform to save your passwords — because let’s be honest, no one can ever remember passwords.

Secret Tips to Save DOUBLE at Thrift Stores by an EX- Goodwill Employee

August 22, 2019 by Frugal Prof

How to Save DOUBLE at Thrift Stores by EX- Goodwill Employee

1. Connect on Social Media to Learn About Sales

First and foremost, he shared that staying up to date with your local Goodwill is the key to knowing the inside scoop on daily, weekly and monthly sales. Sounds too easy, but believe it or not, not many people do this. So make sure to sign up for their local mailing list so you’re always in the know.

It’s also a good idea to keep up with your local Goodwill’s Facebook page (if they have one) as they often post current sales, coupons, and special events. As an example, here’s the Goodwill of Southern Nevada Facebook page.

Not only will you be the first one to know about special sales, but you’ll also receive coupons on occasion and learn when they have store freebies. For example, last week at our insider’s store, teacher’s could get a free book with any purchase and they also hosted a kid’s club where all kids could score a free toy or book with any purchase!

Relevant Articles:

2. Go to the weekly color tag sale days and pay as low as $1!

That’s right! Every week all Goodwill locations have a special color tag sale day so make sure to keep up to date on their website or next time you head in-store. For example, here’s a specific Goodwill store page that lists their current and upcoming sales. You can expect to see sales anywhere from 30%-50% off and sometimes even tags that sell for just $1 each!

3. The Early Thrifter Gets the Best Stuff

It’s probably no news to you that some people make a living on buying cheap stuff at Goodwill and selling it for a profit reselling items on Ebay and Amazon.

Learn about making side money on Amazon here

Sometimes stuff is priced for way less than it’s worth (unknowingly) therefore the good stuff is sure to fly out the doors.

Since employees price new items at night, make sure you’re the first person in the door so you can get to the really good deals first.

And don’t forget to always ask an employee about current sales every time you shop!

4. Shop the Goodwill Outlets AKA The Goodwill Bins for the Best Deals (check out my Youtube Video for the Best Strategies!)

Something a lot of people don’t know is that Goodwill makes an effort to ensure items don’t end up in landfills so one major way you can contribute is to shop at one of their Clearance Centers. Here you will pay a low cost by the pound, rather than paying for each item individually.

So if you’re stocking up on some pretty lightweight stuff, be prepared for some big savings!

For more info on their clearance centers the Goodwill Bins, click here.

To find your nearest Goodwill Clearance Center, head to their store locator and type in your zip code.

You’ll then need to scroll down until you find a store that’s called a “Clearance Center”.

Senior and Military Discounts

In order to save on your future purchases, you’ll just need to sign up for Goodwill’s free rewards program, which you can do at your local Goodwill store. Note that these sales and days stated below can vary by location, so make sure to check out your location before you head to the store.

For military members: At my local Goodwill, military members can save 10% every day on all their orders.

For seniors: If you’re a senior over 55 years old, you can shop certain days to get anywhere from 20% to 40% off.

If you’ve been avoiding a drop off at your local Goodwill, now is the perfect time to find out what the best day actually is. At most Goodwill locations, they host special donation days, where you can receive a pretty sweet coupon to use on your next shopping trip.

It’s a win, win – drop off your unwanted goods and received money off when you’re ready for something new.

Relevant Articles:

The Best Paid Survey Sites for Fast Money in 2019

November 20, 2018 by Frugal Prof

The Best Paid Survey Sites for Fast Money in 2019

There’s a certain appeal to paid online surveys.

Prop up in bed and click, click, click — cash out.

Heck, you can even earn money while binging on Netflix.

That’s why you might want to flip on Netflix in the background.

Still, there’s something thrilling about making extra money from your bed.

I’ve combed through dozens of platforms to hand-pick the most legitimate online survey sites that pay and to help you avoid the scams.

These are the Best sites based on user experience, the ease of cashing out and the actual potential to earn money.

Disclaimer; I believe in transparency and want to disclose this page has links to products that I may earn an affiliate commission for purchases you make. The reader pays nothing.

The Best Paid Survey Sites — That Are Actually Legit

I suggest signing up for these paying survey sites all at once. Check into each a few times a week to find at least one or two surveys you qualify for.

Remember: Every little bit adds up.

1. InboxDollars

Screen capture of the InboxDollars sign up page.

InboxDollars, owned by CotterWeb Enterprises, Inc., is a survey site that actually pays you in dollars — not points — so you can see exactly how much you earn.

BBB rating: A+

Payment method: Check via mail

Amount paid per survey: Surveys pay up to $5 each, though it’s more likely you’ll earn 10 to 50 cents.

Minimum amount required to cash out: $30, though there’s a $3 transaction fee to cash out.

Time to get paid: 10 to 16 business days

Pros: With InboxDollars, you earn cash, so you don’t have to worry about exchanging points.

It also offers more ways to earn, such as watching videos, playing scratch-off games and searching the internet.

Join Inbox Dollars Here

2. Survey Junkie

A screenshot of Survey Junkie's homepage.

This survey site is owned by Blue Media Ventures, Inc. and says it has more than 3 million members.

Survey Junkie is strictly focused on market research through surveys.

BBB rating: B+

Payment method: Points, which you can exchange for gift cards or cash via PayPal, Dwolla or direct deposit

Amount paid per survey: 20 to 200 points

Minimum amount required to cash out: 1,000 points, which equates to $10

Time to get paid: Up to 24 hours through PayPal; bank transfers can take longer.

Join Survey Junkie Here

2. American Consumer Opinion (Can make $175/mo with it)

Paid Surveys: Money Making Potential Level: Very High

Many reviewers recommend ACOP and think it is the best due to high paying surveys.

ACOP is very straightforward. All you need to do is fill out the demographic questions truthfully to determine the surveys you will be qualified for and start taking surveys. That’s it.

What reviewers have gotten so far?

▪ Over $1,350 in cash and products.

Why sign up?

▪ Incentive range in value from 100 to 5,000 points per survey.
▪ Test and own new products for FREE.
▪ More than 7M active members, $30,146,900 paid out, and 20M+ surveys taken.

This site is super easy to use and is a money magnet. Get a chance to earn hundreds of dollars every month and FREE products.

Click here to start using ACOP for FREE

3. Vindale Research ($2 Registration Bonus/ Up to $75/ Survey)

Paid Surveys: Money Making Potential Level: Very High

Do you want to earn up to $75 per survey? If you do, then, this is right for you.

Multiple $10, $15, and $75 payouts for individual surveys.

Vindale Research is one of the online surveys that pay cash. Yes, cash. If you are looking for surveys for cash only, this is the site for you.

Take surveys now with Vindale Research for FREE.

Vindale Research is by far one of my favorite survey sites due to the fact that surveys can pay as much as $75 per survey. People usually earn closer to $10 – $12 per hour.

Benefits:

Plenty of surveys – both low-paying and high-paying
$2 registration bonus when you verify your email and complete your profile
Payout on time once every month on the very last day
One of the best referral programs – earn $5 per referral
All payments are awarded in cash
Potential to earn roughly $10 – $12 per hour
Highest-paying survey at around $75 per hour, although this is quite rare

Join Vindale Research for Free

Mobile Version Here

Desktop Version Here

5. Nielsen Computer Panel (Earn Without Taking Surveys)

Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel pays you without the need to take a survey.

Simply install their mobile app or install their desktop software and earn money by having them track your internet usage. They track things such as your internet speeds and what browser you’re using.

Essentially, you’re earning a passive income. Once you install the app, get paid just to leave it on your phone.

Benefits:

Get paid for surveys without actually taking surveys
Earn prizes as well as gift cards
Earn a passive income – get paid to leave an app installed on your phone
By leaving the app installed, you are frequently entered into a drawing for $10,000

6. VIP Voice

vip voice screenshot

BBB rating: A+ (but not accredited)

Payment method: Points to enter sweepstakes

Amount paid per survey: Typically 100 to 225 points

Minimum amount required to cash out: You can enter sweepstakes with as little as one point and cash out your winnings anytime.

Time to get paid: Varies

Cons: You don’t automatically win cash or gift cards. This survey site requires a little luck, because you’ll have to enter sweepstakes and bid on prizes, so it could be a big waste of time.

Tips to Make the Most From Survey Sites

First, pile your couch with pillows and get comfy. Turn on some tunes or play Netflix in the background.

But seriously. You’re going to want to settle in and practice patience with survey sites. To make the process more efficient, here are a few of our pro tips:

Create a New Email Address for Surveys

It’s no secret: Signing up for a survey site means you’re likely going to get an influx of emails. These could be ads or earning opportunities.

Either way, it can really clog up your work or personal email.

Create a new email address for free through Gmail or Yahoo.

Now these additional emails will automatically stay clear of your real life.

Never Pay to Join a Survey Site (or Enter your Bank Info)

You should never have to pay to join a survey site. These sites are paying you, because you’re participating in market research and helping companies out.

Additionally, you shouldn’t have to enter your banking information. Legitimate sites pay with gift cards, through PayPal or with an old-school check in the mail.

Answer Honestly, and Update Your Information Often

You’ll qualify for certain surveys based on your demographics.

For example, a company might be looking for homeowners to answer a question about their product. Or another might only want parents.

Either way, be honest. Sure, you can be vague and broad in your responses (recommended), but honesty is the best policy.

Use Roboform to Auto-Fill Responses

You know how survey sites ask you the same questions over and over and over, especially when you’re first signing up?

Additionally, you can use Roboform to save your passwords — because let’s be honest, no one can ever remember passwords.

The Best Deals for Black Friday Shopping in 2018

November 9, 2018 by Frugal Prof

The Best Deals for Black Friday Shopping in 2018

Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to find Great deals. But, only for those who know where to look. Below, you’ll find all the details of Black Friday shopping deals for 2018. And if you read to the end, you’ll find some great ideas to Save more and earn extra income.

Ready, Set, SAVE!

Disclaimer; I believe in transparency and want to disclose this page has links to products that I may earn an affiliate commission for purchases you make. The reader pays nothing.

Amazon: Early Black Friday deals have already started and plan to last throughout November.

There are currently 1,000 offers live. They also just announced free shipping with no minimum, right now!

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the retail behemoth’s big plans for 2018.

Amazon Deals for Black Firday here.

Target: Doors open at 5PM on Thanksgiving. Between 1AM and 7AM on Friday, they will be closed, but the deals will ramp up early in the morning.

If shopping online, Target will offer free shipping for hundreds of items.

Like Walmart, keep your eyes peeled for gift card bundles, such as a $150 Gift Card with an iPhone 8 activation. If you’re interested in the iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max, you will get a free $250 Target Gift Card.

But it’s not just free shipping and gift cards—you will find:

a 55” Element Smart TV for $200
a $149 Fitbit Versa Smartwatch,
among other sweet deals.

Apple iPhone Black Friday Sales – (Use the Search Bar)

Target – Free $250 Target Gift Card with qualified activation on iPhone Xs or iPhone XS Max on Verizon, Sprint or AT&T – See Deal Here

Target – Free $150 Target Gift Card with Qualified Activation on iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone 8 or iPhone X on Verizon, Sprint or AT&T – See Ad Scan Deal – See Deal Here

Free Gift Card Promotion:

Right now, Get a $10 Gift Card when you spend $50 or Get a $25 Gift Card when you spend $100!

More about this target deal here.

Relevant Articles:

11 Legitimate Survey Sites for 2018

Macy’s: Look for Black Friday Doorbusters starting on Nov. 21 and lasting through Nov. 24. According to their early ad, you will be able to get “free after rebate” items, including watches, slow cookers, handbags, and more.

Kohl’s: Shoppers get 15% off deals from Nov. 19 through Nov. 23. Find deals such as a Microsoft Xbox One Bundle for $200, a Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR Camera for $400, and an Amazon Echo for $69.

JCPenney: Deals start online on 11/18; doors open at JCPenney in-store locations at 2PM on Thanksgiving. Their ad boast epic 50% off deals on toys, $20 boots, and up to 30% off Nike.

Walmart: Deals for Black Friday:

Doors open at 6PM on Thanksgiving night.

Online, Black Friday deals will last all day.

Highlights include
a $298 Sharp 55” 4K Smart TV,
a $125 Element 39” Smart TV,
$5 DVDs, and
a $299 Nintendo Switch Console.

Also look for Walmart’s recurring $300 Gift Card deal in exchange for a purchase of a newer-version iPhone—the iPhone XS or the iPhone XS Max. Also, lookout for lots of deals on toys.

Earn Money Using Inbox Dollars:

InboxDollars is the mobile and online loyalty club that pays cash!

Members have earned over $30 million in cash since 2006.

InboxDollars earn cash with the official InboxDollars mobile app.

In the current version of InboxDollars mobile app, members can earn cash for:

– Searching the web

– Reading email

– Taking surveys

– Downloading apps

– Purchasing Groupons