Thursday, 29 July 2021

7 Best AdSense Alternatives of 2021 (to Make More Money)

Want to jump straight to my top picks for the best AdSense alternatives? The best options are Media.net and AdThrive. Google AdSense is a powerful...Read More

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Monday, 26 July 2021

7 Best HRIS Systems of 2021 (Ranked & Reviewed)

Want to get started with the best HRIS software today? BambooHR and ADP are my top recommendations. HR operations are critical to any medium to...Read More

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Thursday, 22 July 2021

The Ultimate Guide to Flipping Furniture

The post The Ultimate Guide to Flipping Furniture appeared first on Millennial Money.

What’s better than sitting on a comfortable couch watching movies? Getting a comfortable couch for a bargain and flipping it for profit. 

You can earn loads of money by flipping furniture. Here’s how!

What is Furniture Flipping?

Flipping is a term used to describe acquiring an object of value and selling it for a profit. 

Flipping is most commonly used in real estate, as it describes the process of buying and selling houses for profit. You can also flip cars, clothes, stocks, and many other types of investments. 

Just as the name suggests, furniture flipping involves obtaining furniture and selling it at a marked-up price to make money. You might buy old furniture that has value as an antique. Or, you might buy wood furniture and refinish it. 

Either way, your goal is the same: bringing home some extra cash.

How to Know When to Flip, Pass, or Keep?

Those who decide to enter the furniture flipping game are encouraged to develop a critical eye for detail and an ability to differentiate trash from treasure. 

Here are some tips for deciding when to flip furniture and when to pass on the opportunity. 

When to flip 

The piece is in like-new condition

When flipping, there’s nothing better than finding a furniture piece in like-new condition either at a thrift store sale or online. Keep your eye out for bargain pieces that won’t require much work but can be resold for a higher value.

Generally speaking, the pieces that don’t require much or any work offer the best value. If you can secure a piece of furniture without putting any effort forward, that’s the way to go.

It can be repurposed

Think like an artist when looking for furniture. Certain pieces could be modified and repurposed for other uses. 

You may find a fancy wooden cabinet that you can strip and repurpose as a bookcase. Or, you may find some boxes or crates that can be fastened together and given new life as a table. 

In some cases, you may even be able to find scraps or junk that you can screw together and hang on the wall as the most trendy of “shabby-chic” decor. 

It’s visually appealing

Some pieces of furniture just radiate beauty. Something may catch your eye when you walk by that screams “BUY ME!” 

Listen to your gut (and the screaming furniture). 

If you see the beauty in something, chances are another buyer will as well. And there could be small changes that you can make to enhance the beauty even further—like replacing the knobs on a chest of drawers.

When to pass

The furniture is damaged beyond repair

In some cases, furniture may be damaged or rotten to the point where you shouldn’t even touch it, let alone bring it home. As a general rule, stay away from furniture that’s been outside for a long time, smells bad, or is full of sharp objects or dangerous components. 

The last thing you want when flipping furniture is to get cut on a rusted nail. And you certainly don’t want to bring home a family of critters or even—I shudder at the thought—bed bugs.

It’s ugly

Just because a piece of furniture is functional doesn’t mean someone will want it. The furniture also has to have some level of visual appeal. 

Avoid furniture that’s just plain ugly and outdated in the worst way. You don’t want to end up looking at an eyesore for months on end.

When to keep 

In some cases, you may find an antique too good to flip right away—maybe an antique mirror, a solid wood bookshelf, armoire, divan, or piece of decor. 

In this case, it’s better to hold onto the piece and consult with a certified antique dealer to see what you have. You may even want to enter a drawing to go on Antiques Roadshow

Sometimes treasure can be worth more than you can get when flipping. If you think you’ve stumbled across a legitimate gem, snag it and hold on until you can get it properly appraised.

If it turns out to be junk, you can still most likely sell it. But you’ll never know if it has serious value unless you inquire.

How to Make Money Flipping Furniture

Here’s a quick checklist on how you can make money flipping furniture. 

  1. Learn the flipping basics
  2. Find furniture deals
  3. Restore the furniture
  4. Sell the items
  5. Save, invest, and repeat!

1. Learn the flipping basics  

Before you dive into the furniture market, brush up on some basic knowledge of how the market works so that you don’t go in cold.

Even though we just went over the basics of when to flip, pass, or keep, it’s important to learn the economics of flipping so that you don’t waste your time and money.

One of the best resources to start learning is a free 45-minute flipping workshop hosted by Rob and Melissa Stephenson from Flea Market Flipper.

Here are a few books you can check out as well:

The Furniture Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Identify, Restore, & Care for Furniture by Christophe Pourny 

Christophe Pourny is one of the best in the industry for restoring furniture. Learn all of his secrets in this can’t-miss book on flipping. 

The Encyclopedia of Furniture: Third Edition – Completely Revised by Joseph Aronson 

If you want to sell furniture, it pays to have an encyclopedic knowledge of the industry. And there’s no better place to start than with Joseph Aronson’s book.

My Flipping Life: The Furniture Flipping Guide for People Who Want More Than Just a Hobby by Michele Corwin

Perhaps you’re looking to go from amateur to professional. If so, check out Michele Corwin’s guide to selling furniture. 

2. Find furniture deals 

Once you’re ready, lace up your sneakers, grab your car keys, and head out to hunt down some furniture! 

You may not need to go far. Once you open your eyes and start looking for furniture to flip, you’ll notice opportunities everywhere. 

Garage Sale

Sometimes, regular homeowners have furniture that’s perfect for flipping, and they either don’t know its potential value or don’t want to take the time to restore it.

Learn More:

Flea market 

Check local community boards and websites for information on flea markets. They’re fun to walk through and often loaded with treasures.

Pawnshop

Pawnshops are like flea markets except they’re established brick-and-mortar businesses where people bring items they no longer want for quick cash.

Thrift store 

Check out local thrift stores regularly for deals on incoming furniture. Thrift stores and goodwill shops can be an excellent source for used furniture and household accessories.

Craigslist 

Craigslist is one of the best websites for finding furniture. People often put items on Craigslist for free or for very low prices. You can also easily negotiate on Craigslist… but you have to act fast because competition can be fierce.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a site that allows neighbors and community members to come together and exchange objects. It’s a bit safer than Craigslist because the site has a community element to it, with personal photos and user profiles.

Local colleges

Drive around your local college at the end of a semester and see what you can find out on the street. College students often dump their unwanted items out for bulk trash pickup. Sometimes, you can scavenge decent furniture to turn around and sell.

3. Restore the furniture you collect

Once you find a piece of furniture, spend some time restoring it to like-new condition. 

If you’re a complete newbie to refurbished furniture, spend some time watching painting and carpentry how-to videos on YouTube. Trust me, it’ll help you avoid a lot of misteaks mistakes.

Visit Pinterest for ideas and to find out what’s in style and desirable to buyers. You’ll want your flipped furniture to sell quick so you’re not storing it for lengthy periods of time.

What you’ll need

Here are some products you’ll want to consider picking up: 

  • Gorilla Glue 
  • Chalk paint or varnish 
  • Dewalt variable speed random orbital sander 
  • Old English furniture polish 
  • Wood putty
  • Martha Stewart tintable fabric medium

Find a well-ventilated spot where you feel comfortable working and set up a tarp, as some projects can get very messy. Some tools, like sanders, may also be loud and could generate complaints from neighbors.

4. Sell the items 

Once you have an item ready to go, your next step is to turn around and sell it. 

Here are some places to do it. 

Yard sale 

If you have a handful of items to sell, consider having a yard sale. Put up some signs and sell your furniture out of your driveway or garage.

This is a fun way to meet your neighbors and make a few bucks in the process.

Just be prepared to deal with hagglers. You may value that chair you lovingly restored at $30… but someone else may only be willing to give you $15. 

Whatever you do, don’t be too greedy. Otherwise, you may not make a sale. 

Facebook Marketplace 

Like Craigslist and Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace is an online market for exchanging goods. All you need is a Facebook account. My editor has personally flipped a few great pieces of painted furniture using Facebook Marketplace, and she barely knows how to use an orbital sander! 

eBay

To really maximize your digital return, look into a site like eBay. People cruise eBay looking for hidden gems all the time. That being the case, you may be able to get top dollar here. 

TIP: Also be sure to check out our article on the Best Places to Sell Used Furniture.

5. Save, invest, and repeat!

It’s a good idea to have a plan in place to manage your finances as the money rolls in from furniture sales.

You may want to consider forming a budget so that you don’t go overboard with spending and bite off more than you can chew. Keep a running balance of your income and expenses. 

When forming a budget, determine where you want to allocate your money. For example, you may want to put the proceeds toward more furniture to flip into even bigger profits. Or maybe you’ll put the extra cash into a high-yield savings account or a retirement fund

Just remember that you’ll have to pay taxes on whatever you make from furniture sales. You may want to talk to a tax advisor to avoid running into trouble if you plan on doing a substantial amount of furniture flipping.

Top Reasons to Flip Furniture 

There are many reasons to consider flipping furniture. Here are some of the best. 

Money for nothing

Money may not grow on trees, but it can be found scattered on curbs and alleyways or sitting unused in garages.

Something like an old end table or chairs may look like garbage at first. But with a little elbow grease and some Annie Sloan chalk paint, someone could get some use out of them. And you could turn a healthy profit in the process by flipping furniture for a good price without having to invest a lot of time in the makeover. 

Imagine driving down the street one day and seeing an interesting old table just begging for refurbishment. 

Throw it in the back of your truck, dust it off, and sell it online—you could make a decent chunk of change! 

Pay down debt

If you’re buried in debt, then you have to make money wherever you can.

Selling furniture isn’t very cost or resource-intensive. If you get a table for next to nothing, you may have to spend a few hours refurbishing it. But then you can potentially sell it for a profit and put that money toward your debt. 

One of the reasons people stay in debt for long periods of time is because they don’t treat it like a financial emergency. They’ll let time go by and steadily rack up more and more interest instead of going to work and doubling down on payments. 

If you’re trying to get out of debt, you’ll need to start a side hustle—like flipping furniture. Who knows? You might end up loving the flipping business.

Put more money toward retirement 

Planning for retirement is hard when struggling to make ends meet. If the majority of your paycheck goes toward putting food on the table, then you may need to look for alternative sources of income. 

Why not sell flipped furniture?

Across your community, there are people who need places to sit and tables to put their food on. You can help them and earn some extra cash to put toward your retirement.

Work from home 

Nothing’s more comfortable than making money from home. There, you can work in your own space, with your own music and amenities. 

Flipping furniture may require setting up a workshop area in your garage or basement where you can sand, paint, nail, and hammer your way to financial freedom. It’s not for everyone. But it sure beats spending hours in traffic, hustling from place to place to make money. You can even save gas by having customers pick up flipped furniture at your house.

Participate in the circular economy 

These days, there is a massive push to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability. One way to take part in the fight for the planet is to participate in the circular economy. 

You could potentially help consumers avoid buying new products and instead get by with things that have already been made and are still in perfectly good condition. 

Flipping furniture may seem like a small step. But if everyone bought used instead of new, the planet would be much better off. 

Have fun 

Believe it or not, furniture flipping can be a lot of fun! Work, yes… but also fun! You’ll learn all about furniture in the process, and it will require getting acquainted with various types of woods and stains and understanding how fabrics should be treated and repaired. 

By flipping furniture, you can become an expert in home decor and carpentry—someone other people turn to for advice. And you don’t even have to spend years honing your skills. Watching a few tutorials on YouTube can mean all the difference in the world.

Can You Make Money Flipping Furniture?

It largely depends on the type of furniture you’re flipping. 

Some people prefer to only flip antiques. They may take a 60- or 70-year-old table and return it to like-new condition. This could potentially generate a profit if sold online or to an antique dealer or flea market flipper. 

The other approach is to fix and flip any random furniture, which can be trickier. The general rule is to never spend more time and effort on a piece than you can get in return.

If you spend $50 on a table and put two or three hours of work into it, you’d better get at least double that price when you sell it or it just won’t be worth the effort. Return on investment is the name of the game, flippers!

One way to make money flipping furniture is to take a piece and make it entirely your own. You can take a regular coffee table and add a layer of resin with seashells or stones embedded in it. Doing so could turn a regular table into a functional piece of art that someone just has to have in their home. 

As you move forward with furniture flipping and get more confident using tools, it’s possible to get more creative. And that’s when the fun starts! 

Tips for Restoring Furniture 

Furniture flipping isn’t always rosy. Truth be told, this trade can be downright difficult at times.

Here are some things to consider before getting started. 

Watch out for bed bugs

Bringing used furniture into your house can be very risky due to insects. Bed bugs can live in upholstery and crawl into your personal space. 

Be very careful about bringing used fabrics into your house. Otherwise, you could wind up with a devastating infestation and need to burn your entire house down to get rid of it. (Kidding. Mostly.)

Check the return on investment 

It’s all about knowing when to walk away from an investment. Just because a piece of furniture is of good quality doesn’t mean you’ll be able to sell it. 

Do some research ahead of time so that you avoid buying items you can’t turn around and sell easily.

Storage can be a problem

Some people flip furniture as a side hustle. Then, there are those who decide to flip furniture at scale and often run into storage problems—especially if the business takes off. 

What starts off as a home project can quickly turn into a bigger ordeal requiring more space. You may need to rent a storefront or storage unit just to peddle your wares.

Frequently Asked Questions  

What skills do you need to flip furniture?

Making it as a furniture flipper requires a working knowledge of many different skills, like sanding, refinishing, painting furniture, pricing, reselling, and identifying quality pieces. 

You also have to know different types of furniture and be able to communicate with potential buyers. 

Can old pieces of furniture generate profits?

Old pieces can be great to sell. Oftentimes, buyers purchase old secondhand items and sell them for big profits just because they’re vintage or antique.  

At the end of the day, it largely depends on the quality of the piece and the type. For instance, real wood furniture will most likely sell for more than the fake stuff.

Should I sell items on social media?

Certain channels are better than others for selling furniture. 

A site like Facebook or OfferUp can help connect you with local buyers. Instagram can also be a fun and easy way to connect with buyers. Etsy and eBay are other social channels that may open the door to sales.

The Bottom Line

So you’re interested in becoming a furniture flipper. Good news: Now is the best time to get started! 

It doesn’t take much to flip your first piece of furniture. And who knows? After a while, this could prove to be a great way to improve your personal finances. 

Just remember to be smart about what you buy and take into your house to avoid running into complications. It’s also a good idea to practice refurbishing furniture on items like scrap wood or fabrics so you don’t accidentally damage an item when restoring it. 

You may find that you’re a natural and start a lucrative flipping business. But you won’t know until you try. Some people start out as hobbyists and quickly learn they can make a full-time income with this fun and engaging activity. 

Of course, there are many other things you can flip for a profit. Furniture is just the beginning! You may start with furniture and decide you like it so much that you move on to real estate.

Whatever you decide, I’ll be rooting for you as you move down the path to financial independence.

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July 22, 2021 at 07:56PM

7 Best Workflow Management Software of 2021 (Ranked)

Managing workflows can get tedious if done manually, regardless of the size of your company. And with the rise of “work-from-home,” it’s no surprise that...Read More

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7 Best Calendly Alternatives of 2021 (Ranked and Reviewed)

Online scheduling is hard. If you’ve considered using Calendly in the past to book meetings, you’ve likely enjoyed their free and easy-to-use functionality. However, when...Read More

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Tuesday, 20 July 2021

Clickfunnels Review: The Best or Overrated? (2021)

ClickFunnels has become the go-to funnel building software for online businesses. It pretty much invented the category and is usually the first choice for any...Read More

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Best Petsitting Jobs for 2021

The post Best Petsitting Jobs for 2021 appeared first on Millennial Money.

As they say: Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. So animal lovers… this one’s for you.

In the past, providing pet care required you form personal connections offline and manually line up gigs. But now, there’s an abundance of digital services that make it easier than ever to land petsitting jobs. 

You can work part-time and possibly even full-time walking dogs and petsitting for pets while their owners are at work or out of town. 

Keep reading to learn about the best petsitting jobs and how to maximize your earnings in this fun line of work.

Best Sites for Petsitting Jobs 

For starters, let’s review the top websites where you can find petsitting gigs.

  1. 🏆 Rover
  2. Wag!
  3. Care.com
  4. Fetch!
  5. PetBacker
  6. PetSitter.com
  7. Meowtel
  8. Nextdoor
  9. Bay Area Pet Pals
  10. Sniff and Go LLC

1. Rover

Rover is a popular pet care app and website that connects people to local pet care providers. 

You can use Rover to discover boarding, house sitting, dog walking, daycare, and drop-in opportunities. Rover customers can search for care providers, read reviews, and pick a sitter who matches their needs. All bookings and payments go through Rover. 

To work for Rover, you have to be at least 18 years old and pass a background check. Laws and regulations for providing certain pet care services can also vary from place to place, so it’s important to check your local area for licensing and certification requirements. 

According to the company, walkers can earn up to $1,000 per month. Average prices vary depending on the job you do. For example, boarders make about $28/night, house sitters bring in $25/night on average, and drop-in visits land $25 per visit.

2. Wag!

Wag! is an online community that connects dog walkers, trainers, and sitters with pet owners. You can make money walking and dog sitting or boarding them for longer stays.

With Wag!, you can set your schedule and the company provides a convenient app that features instant pay, automated report cards, and even live chat for communicating with pet owners. The company also has a 24/7 customer support team and offers up to $1 million in damage protection. 

Payment is hourly, and the rate varies depending on your location. On average, you can expect to earn around $12 for walking dogs and $26 for boarding per night.

3. Care.com

Care.com is an online community for caregivers. Among the company’s many services, it also provides pet care opportunities.  

To start, you’ll have to provide your name and contact information, work experience, skills and certifications, and pay range. 

The average pay on Care.com is $11 per hour, but you can make more if you have special experience. For example, a certified dog trainer can make an average of $20 to $25 per hour.

Learn More: Care.com Review

4. Fetch!

Fetch! provides dog walking, sitting, overnight care, pet taxi services, and pet medical administration. The company services all types of animals, including birds, lizards, fish, gerbils, and even farm animals like horses and chickens. 

When working for Fetch!, you can build a clientele and take on various jobs depending on your availability and what you want to work on. Income varies depending on your level of expertise and the types of assignment you choose.

For people with specialized animal knowledge, Fetch! is a great place to search for gigs.

5. PetBacker 

PetBacker is a global pet care service that dog walkers, boarders, groomers, and sitters can use to connect with pet owners. As a service provider, it’s free to list your services on the site, and you can set your own rates. However, once you land gigs, the company takes a 15% to 25% service fee from your total earnings.

If you’re a world traveler and want to find petsitting gigs wherever life takes you, PetBacker is ideal.

6. PetSitter.com

PetSitter.com is an online marketplace for petsitting gigs available in most major U.S. and Canadian cities. 

Pet owners can post their pet care job and caretakers can create a profile to showcase their services. 

You can set your own rates as a provider, but you’ll want to keep them competitive with what other people are charging. Also, some gigs will have a fixed price, while you may be able to negotiate the rates on others. 

According to PetSitter.com, most pet sitters are charging between $14 and $19 per hour.

7. Meowtel

Meowtel is a premium cat sitting service, so if you’re a cat lover, look no further.

However, it’s not that easy to qualify, as the company accepts less than 10% of applicants. If you make the cut, the service is flexible, and Meowtel lets you choose your rates and availability. 

To start, create an account at Meowtel and go through the onboarding questionnaire. Then, you must clear a background check and schedule a 15-minute call with the company. Pay runs from $22 to $25 per hour. 

8. Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a community marketplace where you can connect with local community members to find petsitting jobs. To be clear, Nextdoor isn’t a petsitting service. Like Craigslist, Nextdoor is a publicly available website where any community member is welcome to post jobs or ask for pet care.

To view opportunities in your area, sign up by providing your name and zip code and build a profile that shows the services you provide (e.g., dog walking, bird-sitting, or cat sitting). 

Nextdoor is completely free to use, and you can set your own rates. If you’re looking to find clients directly, without going through a middle-man, Nextdoor is a great place to start. 

9. Bay Area Pet Pals

Bay Area Pet Pals is another option if you’re in the San Francisco Bay area. This is a family-owned facility offering dog walking, petsitting, and dog boarding services as well as round-the-clock checks for people traveling. The company serves places like San Mateo, Atherton, and Belmont, among others.

Pay is $500 to $2,000 per month depending on availability, client demand, and the hours you work. Applicants need to fill out an application, pass an interview, and commit to at least one year of service. 

10. Sniff and Go LLC (San Francisco)

Sniff and Go is a premium San Francisco pet care provider. This isn’t an on-demand app, and you’ll have to go through a comprehensive interview process to demonstrate your skill, character, and trustworthiness. But if you prefer having steady work and you live in the city or even nearby in Oakland, this is a great company to check out.

Sniff and Go is looking for part-time dog walkers and puppy taxi drivers at the time of writing. 

Payment starts at $21.50 per hour, and you can also receive tips and bonuses for employee and client referrals.

Tips for Maximizing Petsitting Jobs 

Work multiple hustles 

Most petsitting jobs pay $12 to $25 per hour.  To make extra money, you have to line up many different pet service gigs and spread your services around multiple companies. So be careful when taking a job and avoid making yourself exclusive to one company. 

In addition, you should prepare to work long days, nights, and even weekends if you want to maximize profits. The tradeoff is that in many cases, you can make extra money just hanging out with fun animals or house sitting.

It can be challenging work, but when the pets behave and the stars align, it’s a breeze.

Go direct 

One of the downsides of working for a pet care app is that the company usually takes a portion of the proceeds. Therefore, it’s usually much more profitable to land clients on your own and set your own rates.

Start with your personal network. Chances are, you already have friends and neighbors that need regular assistance with their pets.

Set aside money for taxes 

When taking on pet care jobs, you may work as an independent contractor. Make sure to set money aside for taxes, so that you don’t wind up with a massive tax bill on your hands. Consider working with a tax advisor to set up estimated taxes throughout the year and avoid a large lump sum payment in the spring.

You can also check out my Freelance Tax Guide for more information.

Carefully read the job description 

People who are new to pet care often think animal care is nothing but playing with animals and having a good time. However, it’s not always a shower of rose pedals. Sometimes you’ll have to roll up your sleeves and change a litter box or pick up after a dog on a walk.

The work can be messy and difficult, especially if you have a hyperactive or aggressive dog. To minimize surprises, read the job description carefully before signing up so you don’t wind up taking on work that you later regret.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Do pet sitters make a lot of money?

It largely depends on your location, who you work for, and how much you work. Not all cat sitter or dog sitter jobs pay a lot of money, but some can pay decent hourly rates.

Pet sitting can be a great side job. It can also be a full-time job if you line up enough solid gigs. But you have to hustle to make serious money. Better yet, why not start your own petsitting business?

Is it dangerous to work as a dog walker?

Yes, dog walking can be dangerous, especially when walking big or aggressive dogs and in heavily trafficked cities. Even docile dogs can sometimes snap if provoked or frightened. Consider getting insurance for peace of mind when walking dogs or visiting clients’ homes.  

Do you need a license to provide pet care?

Check the laws in your local area to learn about any restrictions. Most places don’t require a license or certification for dog walking and pet sitter jobs, but some may require special permission to work as a pet groomer or trainer. 

The Bottom Line

Those who love to pet sit and walk dogs are benefiting from high demand and steady work. New job postings are always popping up as travel starts to pick up again.

If you have a reputation as a dog lover or cat lover you shouldn’t have a problem discovering clients, especially now that you know about these online resources. And once you start forming relationships with pets and their owners, you should be able to get plenty of referrals and recommendations. 

There really is no better job for animal lovers at the end of the day than working in pet care. You can help take pets out of their kennel and provide companionship while also earning extra money that you can use to invest or pay down debt. 

Who knows? You may even love the work so much that you decide to start your own pet sitting business.

Interested in more side hustle opportunities? Here’s my list of the 31 Best Side Hustle Ideas.

The post Best Petsitting Jobs for 2021 appeared first on Millennial Money.



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July 20, 2021 at 08:54PM

Friday, 16 July 2021

How to Start a YouTube Channel in 2021 (Ultimate Guide)

With well over a billion users and over 500 hours of video uploaded every minute, YouTube is the second largest search engine on the internet....Read More

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Tuesday, 13 July 2021

21 Ways to Get Paid to Walk

The post 21 Ways to Get Paid to Walk appeared first on Millennial Money.

These days you can get paid to do just about anything. And one of the most unique ways to make money is simply by walking around. 

That’s right: you can actually get paid to stroll around your neighborhood, using iOS and Android apps. So get your sweatbands, sneakers, and ad-filled spandex ready, because it’s time to go for a walk and generate income while you do it.

Keep reading to learn how to make this weird dream a weird reality! 

How to Make Money Walking

Here are the 21 best ways to make money walking.

  1. Sweatcoin
  2. StepBet
  3. Lympo
  4. Lifecoin
  5. Achievement
  6. FitPotato
  7. Rover
  8. Fit For Bucks
  9. CircleCare
  10. Postmates
  11. Winwalk
  12. HealthyWage
  13. Higi
  14. DoorDash
  15. Gigwalk
  16. Charity Miles
  17. PK Rewards
  18. Earthmiles
  19. Instacart
  20. MapMyRun, MapMyWalk, MapMyFitness
  21. Runtopia

1. Sweatcoin 

Sweatcoin is an app that pays users to exercise. Payment comes in the form of Sweatcoins, which is the company’s own form of cryptocurrency.

You can collect rewards every time you reach 1,000 steps. Sweatcoins can then be redeemed for in-app offers like clothing discounts, food, and Amazon credit, to name just a few. 

On its website, Sweatcoin claims to be the fastest-growing health app ever, making it a company to put on your radar.

2. StepBet

Stepbet is a walking app that allows users to bet on themselves to meet step goals. If you meet your step goals, you can win cash prizes. 

In basic form, StepBet can be a fun way of making walking fun, and getting rewarded in the process. Check out StepBet if you’re motivated by fitness challenges and gamifying your own personal improvement. 

3. Lympo

For another app that pays you to walk and complete other activities, look into Lympo. You can participate in local walking challenges, take surveys, and upload your daily health-based activities.

Each qualifying activity pays LYM coins, which you can redeem for rewards and prizes right through the app. 

4. Lifecoin

Lifecoin is a rewards app that enables users to collect coins with every GPS-confirmed step you make toward your step goal.

According to Lifecoin, the more you step, the more you earn in Lifecoin units. These Lifecoins can then be converted to rewards such as an iPhone X, Apple Watch, or Lululemon gift card.

5. Achievement

Achievement is an app that offers money for participating in a variety of activities like walking, swimming, and biking. You can even collect rewards for doing things like meditating and logging meals.

Like with most apps, the more you use Achievement, the more you can earn. Over 4 million people have already downloaded and highly rated the Achievement app. 

6. FitPotato

FitPotato is a fitness app that lets you challenge friends and other users to earn cash for steps. You can participate in weekly prize groups, and you can choose from various activities like dog walking, running, and solo walking.

7. Rover 

Calling all dog walkers! If you love spending time with animals, then you need to check out the Rover dog walking app. Using Rover, you can earn money for walking dogs in your local community. 

Not only can you earn extra cash by spending time with furry friends, but you’ll also be helping out neighboring pet owners.  

8. Fit For Bucks

Fit For Bucks rewards users for staying active. You can get paid for running, walking your dog, grocery shopping, and various other activities.  

Simply download the Fit For Bucks app, connect it to an activity tracker, and start moving. When it’s time to redeem your rewards, you can earn free stuff like a cup of coffee, discounts on local fitness classes and massages, and more.

9. CircleCare

CircleCare is an employee engagement and well-being app that companies use to motivate workers to stay healthy. The concept is that by keeping employees healthier, they will in turn be happier and more productive.

To participate in CircleCare, your employer will have to sign up for the service.

10. Postmates 

Postmates is a growing delivery and convenience service. As a Postmates delivery person, you can get paid on your own schedule. 

Unlike Uber or Lyft, you don’t need a car to join the Postmates Fleet. All you need is an iOS or Android phone so you can download the app. Once you register, you can get paid to pick up items like office supplies and groceries and deliver them to customers. 

That being said, if you only plan to walk as a Postmates delivery person, you most likely have to live in an urban area with easy access to public transportation (or own a bike). Alternatively, if you decide to drive for the service, you’ll still get some steps in as you get in and out of your car to hand off packages. 

11. Winwalk

Winwalk is a simple, Android-only walking app that pays you to walk by using a pedometer function in your smartphone. 

You can earn one coin for every 100 steps you take, with a maximum daily earning amount of 100 coins. 

The more you move, the more rewards you can get, including gift cards to the Google Play Store, Nike, and Starbucks. 

12. HealthyWage 

Are you looking to drop a few pounds? HealthyWage can help you get there while offering cash prizes for meeting your target weight loss goals.

As a HealthyWage subscriber, not only can you get paid to walk around, but you’ll also most likely see results in your physical appearance if you keep up with it. 

13. Higi

Higi is a wellness-focused service that aims to provide users with easy access to their health data. 

As a Higi user, the service records your activity and movements by connecting with a variety of health devices, including FitBit, Nike+, Strava, iHealth, Garmin, and more. Then, you can earn rewards points for each mile worth of steps you take. You can then cash these points in for rewards and discounts.

Higi is more than just an activity tracking app. You can also track your blood pressure, weight, BMI, and more, by stopping into one of the 10,000 physical Higi stations nationwide.

14. DoorDash

DoorDash is one of the leading food delivery apps in the United States, Canada, and Australia. 

As a DoorDash Dasher, you can get paid cash for delivering food to people in your community. 

Technically, DoorDash doesn’t pay you to walk, but you will certainly get some steps in when running around between your car, the restaurant, and customer locations. Depending on where you live, you may be able to make deliveries on your bike.

15. Gigwalk

Gigwalk is a free app that can connect you to local gigs in your area. Gigwalkers can earn from $3 to $100 or more for each Gig, depending on how much time is involved and how hard the job is. 

To get started, simply download Gigwalk, answer a few basic questions, and connect your PayPal account. You can find Gigs in your area by shopping around on the Gig List within the app.  

16. Charity Miles

Charity Miles lets people earn money for their favorite charity by doing activities like biking, running, and walking.

The first step is to download the Charity Miles app and then select the charity of your choice (e.g., Alzheimer’s Association, Autism Speaks, ASPCA, and Habitat for Humanity).

Then, with each mile you move, you’ll rack up money from the company’s pool of corporate sponsors. The more miles you log, the more the app’s sponsors donate to your favorite cause. 

17. PK Rewards 

PK Rewards hands out prizes to users that achieve their fitness goals. 

To start earning, download the app in the App Store. PK Rewards will then track how much effort you put into each workout and compensate you with coins, which can then be exchanged for gift cards, apparel, and trips.

The harder you exercise, the more PK Rewards coins you can earn. 

18. Earthmiles 

Earthmiles is an app that strives to reward users similar to how airlines offer frequent flier miles. Since 2017, the company has inspired its users to walk over 49 million kilometers.  

When you sign up for Earthmiles, you first have to link the app to your favorite movement tracker (e.g., Strava or Nike+). Then, you can earn one Earthmile for each kilometer you walk. 

As you stay active, Earthmiles automatically accrue in your account, and you can redeem them for exclusive rewards right in the app.  

19. Instacart

Instacart is technically a grocery delivery app, but you can also get paid to walk as a shopper. This means you can earn money to walk around a grocery store and fulfill customer orders. 

As an Instacart shopper, you have the option to either work exclusively within a grocery store or to deliver orders to customers as well.

20. MapMyRun, MapMyWalk, and MapMyFitness

Leading sports apparel manufacturer Under Armour offers several ways to earn extra money by moving around.

  • MapMyRun is a service that offers local challenges, along with prizes for achieving certain challenges.
  • MapMyFitness offers a similar program for athletic training (e.g., working out in the gym).
  • MapMyWalk is a digital walk management app that also offers prizes to users who complete various walking challenges.

21. Runtopia 

The Runtopia is a top-rated GPS tracker app that rewards users with Sports Coins (SPC) for running. 

Simply put, Runtopia is a great app for avid runners who want to compete with others and earn digital currency. The more you run, the more SPC you can earn, which you can then redeem for free gear, prizes, services, and more.  

Tips for Getting Paid to Walk

You may be champing at the bit to get up and start walking for rewards. But before you do, here are some things to consider. 

Proceed with caution

Safety is critical when doing any form of exercise. When using fitness apps, it’s easy to go overboard, especially when dollars, rewards, and leaderboards are attached to fitness goals, or when participating in social fitness challenges.

If you’re not in the best shape, start slow and consider talking to a doctor. Remember that walking can be strenuous, especially in hot or dry weather. 

Look around for the best app

As you can see, there are a ton of different apps to choose from and each offers its own unique features and rewards. 

Think about your workout preferences and the type of experience you want. There’s no point in downloading a run mapping app if you hate running. 

Don’t do it for the money

Fitness apps offer fun rewards and cash payouts, but they’re not going to make you rich. Often, users get frustrated because the effort they put forth doesn’t always come with a solid return on investment. Getting up and walking a few miles takes time and energy. 

It’s important to have a strong personal reason for using fitness apps. Don’t do it for the rewards. Use them to get in shape, experience the outdoors, and have some fun while exercising. Treat the rewards as small perks for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and you won’t wind up disappointed. 

If you’re in it just for the money, check out our list of the best side hustles.

Why Get Paid to Walk?

Not convinced? Here are some more reasons why you should consider getting paid to walk as your next side hustle.

Keep yourself healthy

If you’re here, chances are you have a money-making mindset. Speaking from personal experience, pursuing financial freedom can be stressful and overwhelming if you don’t balance your time with wellness activities. 

Walking can reduce stress and keep you in better shape. With each daily step you take, you invest a tiny bit in yourself—and that’s the best investment you can make.

Reduce long-term healthcare costs 

There’s another benefit to exercising on a regular basis. Over time, you can keep yourself healthier and potentially reduce the risk of getting sick or injured. This can possibly help you save money on healthcare costs down the line. 

Clear your mind

Let’s face it: Walking can be a pretty dull activity, especially if you travel the same route over and over. 

But that’s not necessarily a bad thing! Walking provides uninterrupted time for you to think, reflect, and brainstorm money-making ideas. You can also use the time to tap into personal finance audiobooks and podcasts

How to Maximize Your Returns from Paid Walking

Invest  

Bringing in passive income through investments should be at the top of everyone’s to-do list.

If you collect cash rewards, consider putting them into a brokerage account or retirement account so the funds can grow over time.

Suppose you earn $200 each month by shopping for Instacart. If you throw that all into your brokerage account, you’ll have $2,400 by the end of the year—and that number is likely to grow much higher thanks to the power of compound interest.  

Download podcasts for the journey 

As I mentioned above, walking is an awesome opportunity to clear your head and take in knowledge from audiobooks and podcasts. 

To start, check out The Motley Fool’s podcast collection, which contains a variety of programs that will get you motivated and excited about investing.

You can also check out my Financial Freedom podcast if you want to learn about investing, mindset, and a bunch more.

Bring friends along

Consider making exercise a group effort. Round up your friends and start a walk-and-talk investing group. Use this time to motivate each other and share some insights about investing and money management. You can also motivate each other to work out more by creating challenges among yourselves. 

Alternative Side Hustles that Require Physical Activity

Here are some great alternative side hustles to consider for people who like to live an active lifestyle. 

Teach yoga 

There are millions of people out there who want to learn how to improve their yoga skills. If you’re good at yoga and instructing, then you should teach yoga online or in person. This is a great way to earn money while improving your own fitness goals. 

Referee or umpire 

If you have a deep knowledge of a particular sport, consider officiating local sports games. You can get paid to show up, officiate, and take part in an athletic contest. This can be a lot of fun, and some places will pay a decent hourly rate (most likely, more than many of the apps listed above). 

Check your local town hall for a list of leagues and inquire about how to get involved. In some cases, you could get paid to referee three or four games in a single day if the demand is high and you’re good at it. 

Coach youth sports

If officiating isn’t for you, consider coaching a youth soccer, basketball, or softball team. You can get paid to help young people and lead them to victory.

Host tours 

If you live in a popular area with heavy volumes of tourists or visitors, then you may be able to get paid to host local tours of historic sights or scenic areas.

Hosting tours is a great way to remain active, and you can meet some fun and interesting people in the process. 

Lifeguard 

As a lifeguard, you’ll play a big role in keeping local swimmers safe at beaches and private events. Depending on the location, you may be able to do this part-time or full-time in the summer. Most lifeguards are paid by the hour, and some public municipalities pay very well and even include retirement benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do fitness apps work?

Fitness tracker apps use GPS and connect to health tracker devices (e.g., Fitbit or Apple Watch) to track your health and exercise data.

The thing to remember about fitness apps is that they’re almost always running throughout the day, which can seriously drain your battery. They can also pose some security concerns if they’re always collecting data. Make sure to read each app’s security policy before moving forward. 

Can you make money by using walking apps?

Apps tend to vary in their rewards systems. Some pay PayPal cash, while others offer rewards from partners like Amazon, Walmart, and others.

In addition to rewards and payouts, these apps can also help you achieve your weight loss and fitness goals. 

Are fitness rewards apps legit?

It largely depends on what you’re looking for. Most likely, you aren’t going to earn a lot of money. 

However, if you think that extra perks will encourage you to burn body fat, then, by all means, fitness apps are worth it. 

The Bottom Line

There are many benefits to using health apps while exercising. Earning extra money, gift cards, and living a healthier lifestyle are just a few.

Whether you’re getting paid to run, walk dogs, shop for groceries, or pick up office supplies for local businesses, opportunities abound. Start by defining the type of experience you want, then pick one of the above providers that aligns with your goals.

Get moving!

The post 21 Ways to Get Paid to Walk appeared first on Millennial Money.



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July 13, 2021 at 09:06PM

7 Best ClickFunnels Alternative Options (Ranked and Compared)

Eager to jump into the best ClickFunnels alternative? Then Leadpages and Unbounce are the top options you can go with. ClickFunnels has exploded since its...Read More

The post 7 Best ClickFunnels Alternative Options (Ranked and Compared) appeared first on Adam Enfroy.



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Friday, 9 July 2021

How to Make Cash Today

The post How to Make Cash Today appeared first on Millennial Money.

If you’re reading these words, you need money and you need it fast. Maybe you need to pay rent, buy meds, pay your student loan, or fill your stomach to fight another day. 

Whatever your reasoning, the good news is that it’s never been easier to make quick cash. With that in mind, here are some things you can do to pick up some extra money. 

25 Ways to Make Cash Today

Here are the top 25 ways that you can make cash today.

  1. Take online surveys
  2. Sell your unwanted stuff
  3. Find jobs on TaskRabbit
  4. Babysitting
  5. Pet sitting
  6. Shop on Instacart
  7. Deliver food
  8. Teach English online
  9. Drive for Lyft or Uber
  10. Scour Craigslist for odd jobs
  11. Teach as a substitute teacher
  12. Slash your bills
  13. Liquidate investments
  14. Visit a pawnshop
  15. Be a street performer
  16. Sell your clothes
  17. Cash in credit card points
  18. Bartend or wait tables
  19. Monetize your network
  20. Try temp work
  21. Rent your space on Airbnb
  22. Monetize your car with Turo
  23. Rent your garage
  24. Sell your car
  25. Get a personal loan

1. Take online surveys

If you’re looking to make good money today, online survey sites and market research companies can be tricky. That’s because paid online surveys often require you to spend a lot of time and effort before you can cash out. Many also only offer gift card payouts.

That said, some survey sites, like InboxDollars and Survey Junkie, do provide quick cash turnarounds. Plus, some offer generous signup bonuses just for getting started. Poke around and try to find surveys online that you can use to make cash today.

Learn More: Check out the best survey sites

2. Sell your unwanted stuff

Most people have a bunch of unnecessary items just sitting around. A lot of this stuff could be easily sold online. Or if you want cold hard cash today, consider throwing a garage sale.

Not only can you earn some extra cash selling these items, but you’ll also be clearing out space in your home.  

When’s the last time you actually played your old Nintendo 64? It’s probably been a while. While you’re at it, stop pretending you’re going to watch any of the DVDs on your shelf within the next decade. 

You’re better off selling these things—along with your old laptops and cell phones—on a site like Decluttr or eBay. Then you can cash out your extra money to your PayPal account while this stuff still has some resale value. 

Learn More: Best selling apps for 2021

3. Find jobs on TaskRabbit

Let’s say you’re handy with tools. Or maybe you have a knack for interior painting or furniture assembly.

If this sounds like you, you’re in luck. You can make money with these skills on TaskRabbit. Somewhere in your neighborhood, a community member has fences that need to be painted and grass that needs mowing. 

Download the TaskRabbit app, create a profile, and list the services you’re good at. You don’t need any experience or credentials for small jobs, just a willingness to help and a drive to make money. 

If you need quick cash, TaskRabbit is definitely worth checking out.

Sign up with TaskRabbit

4. Babysitting 

If you’re good with children, babysitting is one of the best side hustles. 

Think about all the people in your network who could use a night off from their kids through the help of a sitter. You could be that sitter, earning money to watch Disney movies and eat kid snacks!

Head over to Care.com, a site that connects caregivers to people in need of assistance.

If you’re responsible and great with networking, you may be able to line up a few steady-paying gigs and pocket a few hundred in real money each week.

Learn More: Care.com Review

5. Pet sitting 

Not everyone is great with kids. Some people are better suited for working with dogs and cats, and that’s perfectly okay. 

People in this situation should look into pet sitting. Try the same strategy: Contact pet owners you know to form business connections. Once you’ve got a few clients, expand your business using a platform like Rover.com, an on-demand pet sitting and pet care site.

Sign up with Rover

6. Shop on Instacart 

If you’re low on cash, you’re probably also low on groceries and need to go to the grocery store.

You can earn a few dollars in the process using the Instacart app. Simply sign up for Instacart, and people will pay you to shop for items throughout the grocery store. 

All you have to do is sign up, and you can get paid to shop and deliver groceries to customers. Make a few of these trips, and you’ll earn enough money to pay for a week’s worth of your own groceries. It’s a no-brainer if you need quick cash.

Learn More: Instacart Shopper Review

7. Deliver food

After you’re done cruising around delivering groceries, keep the cash flow going by using delivery apps like DoorDash, Grubhub and UberEats. 

These apps are handy because they can provide access to a variety of restaurants in your area. It’s also a great way to make money late at night from people ordering midnight snacks like pizza and wings.

You can also expand your horizon and go beyond food, delivering items like office supplies and even alcohol through the Postmates app. If you want to deliver more alcohol, Saucey is an on-demand booze service. You can be the hero at someone’s home gathering and keep drunk drivers off the road at the same time. 

Learn More: Best Delivery Apps to Work For in 2021

8. Teach English online 

The internet is full of people looking to learn English. 

People who have a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) certificate and a college degree should consider teaching English as a part-time job. Check out sites like VIPKid and Magic Ears to get started.

Sign up with VIPKid

9. Drive for Lyft or Uber

If you enjoy driving around town and chatting people up, consider driving for Lyft or Uber. 

You don’t need any prior professional driving experience. All it takes is a reliable car in good condition, a valid driver’s license, and a clean driving record. 

If you check these boxes, download the Lyft or Uber app (or both!) and apply today. 

Keep in mind that it usually takes between one and ten days to get officially approved to drive for rideshare services. So you may not be able to get cash today if you’re signing up to drive for the first time. But you can make extra cash in the very near future. Why wait?

Learn More:

10. Scour Craigslist for odd jobs

You can find all sorts of jobs on Craigslist, from washing dishes to mowing lawns and repairing cars. You might also find a blogging gig or other positions that let you work from home.

Users can also advertise their services, but this generally doesn’t get as good of a response. 

One thing to consider about Craigslist is that it’s highly competitive. You have to assume at least ten other people will apply for a job. As such, you have to respond quickly and professionally to get results. 

In addition to Craigslist, you may want to look into sites like Fiverr and Upwork, platforms designed to match freelancers with jobs.

Disclaimer: Craigslist is like the Wild West of the internet, and as such, is full of scams and crooks. Be careful out there! That said, it’s also a potential gold mine for earning money if you need to make quick cash. 

11. Teach as a substitute teacher

Check your list of contacts to see if you know any teachers or school administrators. School systems are always short on substitute teachers, and if you’re willing to be a good role model for a few hours, you may be able to earn a few bucks by subbing in a local classroom.

Substitute teaching is not all that hard. You just have to follow the lesson plan and maintain a professional demeanor in the classroom. This is a good way to make $50 to $100 of easy money (depending on how well-behaved the students are) in one day, or maybe even more. But you’ll have to wait a few weeks for your paycheck to clear.

TIP: If teaching is your thing, look into creating or administering an online course as well.

12. Slash your bills

They say a penny saved is a penny earned. 

How much are you spending each month on bills and subscription services that you’re barely using? It might be a substantial amount.

If you’re short on time, consider using a service like Truebill to cancel unwanted subscriptions automatically. Or do it the manual (and free) way by going through your bank statements and canceling services one by one. 

You could probably wipe out $50 to $60 per month just by canceling unwanted subscription plans like Netflix and Hulu, putting cash back into your pocket. 

Learn More: Truebill Review

13. Liquidate investments 

Here’s an unusual one for the cash-poor with strong investing habits. Take a look at your investment portfolio for potential stocks or bonds you can liquidate. 

For example, you may have a brokerage account with a stock that’s overperforming. It may be time to sell that stock and reduce portfolio risk in the process. Or you may have some savings bonds that have matured and need to be liquidated.

Transferring investments into cash isn’t the best thing to do. But if you need money and you’re in a bind, it’s better than taking out a loan. Just be smart about what you liquidate and watch for fees like foreign transaction charges and capital gains taxes.

TIP: Before you sell any stock, remember that investing in the stock market is the best way to earn passive income.

14. Visit a pawnshop

If you’re truly desperate for cash, there’s always an option to sell your unwanted gold or jewelry and selling it at your local pawnshop.

The pawn shop will inspect the item to make sure it’s working and give you an estimate. At that point, you can either decide to swap the item for cash or keep it and try to hawk it online using a site like Craigslist or eBay.

The nice thing about using a pawn shop is that you don’t have to worry about shipping the item to a customer or dealing with collecting digital payments. Usually, it’s a quick cash transaction.

15. Be a street performer 

For a true musician, there’s nothing more rewarding than playing your instrument for an audience. Gifted musicians should pack up their guitar or violin and head down to a local street corner to play some tunes.

Just keep in mind that some cities have laws and licensing fees concerning playing music in public (also known as busking). You may need to stick to a particular area or fill out a permit to play music in public. Check the rules, or you could risk getting fined or even arrested in certain regions. 

Depending on the foot traffic where you’re playing and how good you are, you can easily make $10 per hour or more. Plus, you get to do what you love!

16. Sell your clothes 

Take a look in your closet. Chances are you have a lot of clothes you don’t really need anymore. 

If you’re looking for a quick payday, visit a local second-hand clothing shop and see what you can get for your unwanted items. Generally speaking, these shops are looking for name-brand and designer clothing.  

You can also look into selling your threads on ReRuns, eBay, or Etsy, but you’ll have to wait a little longer for those payments to come in. 

Learn More:

17. Cash in credit card points 

Log into your online credit card account and check the rewards you’ve been generating. If you’ve been using your card for a long time, you most likely have points just waiting to be cashed in. It’s basically just unclaimed money, waiting to be used.

If you really need the cash, it might be time to redeem those points and pay off your credit card balance. You can then put purchases on the credit card, effectively using it like an emergency fund.

Learn More:

18. Bartend or wait tables 

Restaurants are almost always looking for bartenders, waiters, and hosting staff, especially if you have some prior experience working in the food industry.

If this line of work catches your interest, make a list of top restaurants in your area. Throw on your best interview outfit and show up to the restaurants in person (ideally between the lunch and dinner shifts, when managers tend to be less busy).

You might just hit it off with the restaurant owner. And who knows? It could lead to a same-day shift if you’re lucky. Even if they aren’t hiring right now, they might keep you in mind for when business picks up.

When you wait tables or bartend, you could make hundreds of dollars in cash on a busy night, just from pouring drinks, serving dishes, and chatting with guests about the day’s events. For many, working in a restaurant is the perfect side hustle.

19. Monetize your network 

Every young professional—yes, even you—should have a robust LinkedIn network with at least 500 or more connections.

Visit LinkedIn and check out your connections. Do you have a particular skill you want to monetize? Let people know that you’re looking for work in that particular area (e.g., graphic design, social media management, and so on). This could lead to immediate work and potentially a full-time gig. 

20. Try temp work

Staffing agencies are always looking for highly qualified individuals ready to start working immediately. You can potentially land a gig at a leading retailer working as a temporary employee during a holiday season. If you’re lucky, you can get a job that same day or in the same week.

Wake up early in the morning and contact a staffing agency like Robert Half. Give them a copy of your resume and arrange a meeting with an advisor.

21. Rent your space on Airbnb

There’s a big advantage to having a house or apartment with a spare bedroom, as you can rent your space out on a site like Airbnb.

If you keep a tidy home, this could be one of the easiest ways to put some extra money in your pocket. You don’t have to do anything except rent your place, find another place to stay in the meantime with a friend or family member, and then sit back and rake in cash. 

This is a great idea for people who often travel for work or leisure. You can make a few hundred or a few thousand dollars just by opening your house to strangers and doing the laundry after they check out.

Learn More: How to Make Money with Airbnb

Sign up with Airbnb

22. Monetize your car with Turo

Turo is the leading person-to-person (P2P) car rental app, which lets car owners rent their cars to other folks who need a set of wheels. 

If you own a minivan, SUV, or pick-up truck, someone may need to rent your ride for just a few hours so they can make a trip to IKEA. All you have to do is hand them the keys and get paid. 

Or maybe you have a neighbor who needs a car for just a few hours to visit a relative. This person can then book your sedan in the app and pick up the keys from you at an agreed-upon time.

If you’re interested in Turo, simply download the app, create a profile and listing, and you’re good to go.

Learn More: Turo Review for 2021

23. Rent your garage

People often use their garages to store their own stuff. However, you may be able to make some money by renting it to other people.

Consider clearing out your garage and offering a parking space to someone in your community or on a platform like Neighbor. There are many car owners who don’t have a parking space where they live, who might be interested in renting your garage space on a monthly basis for a reasonable price. 

If you have the extra space, this could be one of the easiest ways to bring in $100 or more per month. 

24. Sell your car 

Many of us are driving a lot less today and working from home. You may also have car-free options available for getting around town like public transportation or rideshare services. When you stop to think about it, you may not have any use for your car! (Unless of course you decide to make quick money driving for Lyft or Uber.)  

If this is ringing a bell, visit Kelley Blue Book and see what your car is worth. Then, start contacting local dealers or consider listing your car for sale on a site like Craigslist or Facebook. You might be in a position to sell your car today, possibly racking up a few thousand dollars in the process. 

At the same time, you’ll be able to cancel your car insurance and avoid throwing money away on maintenance, gas, and property taxes. It’s not fast cash, but it’ll benefit you in the long run!

Learn More:

25. Get a personal loan

Taking out a personal loan should be your last-ditch effort to get money. Just don’t make it a habit, and be sure you’re in a position to pay it off on time. 

There are a variety of sites today offering loans for consumers, and you don’t have to have a great credit score to secure one. Granted, you’ll pay a high interest rate, but it can provide quick access to capital. 

If taking out a loan is the only way for you to get the funds you need, some legit providers we recommend are SoFi, Marcus, and Rocket Loans.

Learn More:

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make money fast?

If you need extra cash, you’re going to have to roll up your sleeves and work for it. Use the above-mentioned ideas to make money online or in your community. You may need to get creative or be willing to take on jobs that you wouldn’t normally do otherwise.

Not everyone has the time or ability to start a lucrative side hustle or launch a freelance business as a designer or social media consultant. Freelancing looks easy, but it actually takes some time to get started. 

But take our word for it: You can definitely do it!

What should I do with my extra cash?

Use the money you bring in wisely. Pay off any debt or outstanding bills you might have. Once you’re out of debt, it’s time to save money and build up a solid emergency fund

After building up your emergency fund, consider starting investing and building up your personal finance strategy.

The Bottom Line

Let’s be honest: there’s nothing fun about needing quick money to buy groceries or pay off credit cards and student loans. But the reality is that we’ve all been there… myself included.

The good news is that there are many things you can do to get fast cash into your bank account. Explore the gig economy and look for things you can do in your spare time to bring in extra income. 

At the end of the day, there are many strategies for making money online and working on your own schedule. There’s only one question remaining: Which one will you pursue first?

The post How to Make Cash Today appeared first on Millennial Money.



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July 08, 2021 at 11:23PM

Thursday, 8 July 2021

How to Stream on Discord (Step-By-Step Guide)

Discord is a free voice-over-internet service that allows users from all over the world to join together to discuss anything they like. The ability to...Read More

The post How to Stream on Discord (Step-By-Step Guide) appeared first on Adam Enfroy.



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Wednesday, 7 July 2021

29 Part-time Jobs with Benefits

The post 29 Part-time Jobs with Benefits appeared first on Millennial Money.

In the past, you typically had to put in a 40-hour workweek to get benefits like medical insurance, employer-sponsored retirement accounts, and disability insurance. 

Today, the landscape has changed. Many companies pay part-time and gig workers benefits, meaning you could obtain quality coverage without committing to a binding full-time schedule. 

Keep reading for a quick primer on part-time jobs with benefits.

or, skip ahead to read about 29 great companies offering perks for a part-time employee

First Up: What are Part-time Benefits?

For starters, part-time benefits are very similar to full-time benefits. In short, they are incentives and perks that companies issue to workers to attract and retain them. 

The quality of the program depends entirely on the company and how profitable and generous the organization is. Some companies offer very generous part-time benefits packages that are similar or the same to what full-time employees receive.

Other times, companies provide limited packages for part-time workers and give full-time employees more perks. 

Examples of Common Part-time Benefits

Health insurance 

Health insurance generally covers visits to the doctor, prescription drugs, surgeries, and overnight hospital stays. 

It’s critical to pay attention to the deductible (or the amount that you have to pay out of pocket before health insurance pays) when selecting a healthcare plan. Some programs can be very high, in the $6,000 to $7,000 range. In some cases, it’s better to buy your own health coverage than to take a high deductible plan with limited coverage. 

Vision insurance

Vision insurance typically costs a lot less than health insurance, with most companies offering low-cost plans through leading providers VSP or EyeMed. Vision plans usually cover doctor’s visits and contact lens or glasses fittings. You may also be able to get prescription discounts for frames and lenses. 

Dental insurance

Dental work is expensive, so it’s not a bad idea to get coverage, especially from your employer. Often, employers offer discounted dental insurance at a much lower rate than you can find independently. 

Childcare

Paying for daycare isn’t easy when working part time, or even full time for that matter. Many companies offer childcare services to ease the financial burden for caregivers and nurturers.

Mental health support

Companies increasingly offer mental health services for part-time workers, including personal and family therapy. 

Time off

Companies tend to either offer sick time and vacation time or paid time off (PTO) policies that bundle together multiple types of leave. It’s a good idea to dig into the employer’s policy to see how they classify time off, so there are no surprises once you start working. 

Some companies encourage workers to take a lot of time off to keep employees happy and avoid burnout. It’s possible to get several weeks off per year.

Parental leave 

This is a relatively new concept in the United States, but it’s very common in other countries. Certain organizations now offer extended parental leave, enabling parents to spend months at home following childbirth. 

Next, let’s dive into the best places to find solid part-time benefits.

29 Jobs That Offer Benefits for Part-time Employees 

1. Chipotle 

Chipotle’s benefits program is even tastier than its guacamole—and that’s saying a lot. Part-time workers receive comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) contribution matches, and educational assistance. The company even provides one free meal per shift, which can lead to lunch and dinner savings over time. 

One of Chipotle’s best offerings is a quarterly bonus, with an extra payment equal to a whopping one week’s compensation if your restaurant does well. 

2. REI

Leading outdoor retailer REI offers a comprehensive benefits program called REI Flex for part-time employees averaging 20 hours or more per week. REI Flex comes with medical coverage for employees and their dependents. The company pays medical plan costs and even the full cost for life and disability care.

On top of that, there’s the option for dental, vision, and long-term care coverage.

3. Lowe’s

Lowe’s specializes in home improvement and they care for their workers with a great benefits plan that includes vision, dental, and medical benefits. In addition, the company provides disability insurance and life insurance as well as learning programs for those interested in advancing beyond part-time positions and exploring leadership opportunities. 

4. Starbucks 

Starbucks offers strong roasts and an even stronger rewards program for baristas and maintenance workers. Part-time employees at Starbucks receive health coverage, complete with dental and vision plans, disability and life insurance, and accident coverage. 

Looking to invest for retirement? Starbucks has you covered with a competitive 401(k) program and company match, along with discounted company stock and access to the Bean Stock equity rewards program. 

Starbucks offers paid time off, parental leave, education benefits, commuter transportation coverage, and even emergency funding when illness occurs. 

The benefits keep going! Additional perks include a free pound of coffee or tea every week and a 30% discount on Starbucks beverages, merchandise, and food. 

5. Allegis Group

Allegis Group, formerly Aerotek, is a staffing company based in Maryland.  The company provides health insurance, a 410(k), and vacation and paid time off for those working at least 20 hours per week.

6. Instacart 

Instacart Shoppers work as either on-demand independent contractors or part-time at 15 to 20 hours per week. Working part-time with Instacart comes with benefits like health, life, dental, and vision insurance as well as temporary and long-term disability. 

You really can’t beat the perk of working on-demand for Instacart and fully controlling your schedule. Having a flexible schedule is the true pathway to financial independence. 

7. JPMorgan Chase

JPMorgan Chase grants part-time workers benefits for working more than 20 hours per week. Benefits kick in after 60 days and include medical reimbursement, access to flexible spending accounts, and prescription drug discounts.

8. Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s has a solid reputation as a worker-centric company. Part-time workers (“Crew Members”) get affordable dental, medical, and vision coverage. Plus, the company contributes 10% of the employee’s salary to a pre-tax retirement account.

Beyond that, workers receive a 10% discount on food and merchandise, which helps keep your weekly costs down.

9. Staples

Staples provides benefits like dental, vision, accidental death, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

What’s more, the company provides retirement coverage through a 401(k) plan. This is big, as most retailers don’t offer 401(k) coverage for part-timers. So if you love working around office supplies and helping customers, Staples could be worth exploring. 

10. Macy’s

Macy’s has a great reputation for offering premium clothing at reasonable prices. And as it turns out, they outfit staff members with some excellent benefits.

Macy’s offers all workers retirement and healthcare benefits, along with retirement plans and healthcare coverage. In addition, Macy’s offers the Live Healthy Wellness program, offering flu shots, disease management programs, lifestyle coaching, wellness mentorship, and even tobacco cessation. 

Of course, the strategy works in Macy’s favor too. Keeping workers happy and healthy ultimately leads to stronger customer service and a positive environment. 

11. Costco

Costco has a reputation for quality that extends to its worker benefits. Part-time employees receive affordable healthcare and contributions to company-sponsored retirement plans. Contribution amounts are based on years of service. 

In addition, Costco provides twice-yearly bonuses for tenured hourly employees, along with competitive vacation and sick leave policies.

12. Ikea 

Ikea remains one of the more progressive retailers as far as part-time benefits are concerned, offering generous medical and prescription coverage for workers who put in more than 20 hours per week. The company also offers dental and vision coverage, a 401(k), a retirement program, worker discounts, pet insurance, and tuition assistance. 

One of the company’s best policies is a parental leave program for new parents, offering four months of leave for spending time with family. Accessing these benefits requires putting in at least six months of work, but then you’re home free with one of the retail industry’s leading offerings.

13. The Container Store

The Container Store grants part-time employees access to benefits after only 30 days. Major benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as 401(k) retirement matching. 

Furthermore, the company offers wellness programs like family counseling, gym membership rewards, and family care for domestic partners. 

14. U-Haul

U-Haul ranked #15 on the Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America list for 2020, making them an attractive option for those seeking part-time work with benefits. The key factors on this list include vision, learning, culture and engagement, expertise, metrics, and technology. 

Employees have to work 20 hours per week to be eligible. This leads to medical and dental coverage, direct stock options, and 401(k) options. 

15. Amazon 

Amazon offers benefits for part-time employees, which is great considering Whole Foods—which the company purchased back in 2017—no longer does. Amazon’s part-time workers receive fair pay, opportunities to own Amazon stock, and 50% company matches for certain 401(k) retirement plans. 

Additional benefits from Amazon include paid life and accident insurance, estate planning services, and financial counseling. Short-term and long-term disability round out Amazon’s part-time worker benefits package.

16. The Home Depot

The Home Depot hires part-time cash register associates, warehouse members, and parking lot supervisors, among others. Unfortunately, the company no longer offers health insurance to part-time workers.

Yet, they still provide vision and dental coverage in addition to critical illness coverage and hospital indemnity to employees who put in at least 30 hours per week.

17. General Mills

General Mills is the brand that brought you Wheaties, so it’s no wonder they want their workers to feel like champions. The company empowers workers with standard medical, vision, and dental coverage, as well as mental healthcare and prescription drug subsidies.

In addition, General Mills offers 15 paid sick days, 18 days of PTO, and even a 12-week unpaid sabbatical after seven years. Sabbaticals are a great chance to recharge, try something different, and come back energized or forge a new path. 

Benefits kick in after one year of employment with at least 19 hours per week.

18. Nike

Nike‘s brand is synonymous with teamwork, performance, and dedication. So naturally, Nike makes all their team members feel welcome and supported. 

Part-time workers have health insurance, life insurance, and dental and vision coverage. Plus, the Nike Child Development program at their world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon provides daily learning and support services for employees’ children.

19. Walmart

Walmart offers just about every product under the sun, making them a go-to for everyday items. On top of that, the company offers an enticing benefits package for part-time workers who put in at least 30 hours per week.

Working for Walmart part-time comes with standard health insurance, as well as education assistance and bonuses based on store performance. 

20. UPS 

The United Parcel Service (UPS) partners with TeamstersCare, meaning eligible part-time workers receive care after putting in 225 or more hours—but less than 400—for any UPS service. This includes medical care and hospitalization, behavioral health, dental care, vision care, hearing care, and an employee assistance program. 

21. AT&T

AT&T connects part-time workers to useful benefits like medical and dental coverage, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and discounts on AT&T services. In addition, part-time workers receive medical and dental coverage and an employer-provided mobile device for staying in touch with contacts and customers.

22. DialAmerica

DialAmerica is flipping the script on contact center service providers, which are not typically known for offering great benefits to part-time workers. DialAmerica offers insurance, vision, dental, and retirement coverage through a 401(k) program. 

23. Wegmans

Wegmans is a regional grocery store chain located throughout New England and the mid-Atlantic states. The store is similar to Whole Foods in terms of layout, with a massive selection and a robust liquor warehouse. Wegmans is a true gem, with a loyal customer base and high-quality items at reasonable prices. 

Best of all, part-time employees receive health coverage, dental coverage, and access to pre-tax spending accounts.

24. Delta

Delta provides part-time workers with medical, vision, and dental insurance. Plus, employees receive travel perks after 30 days, allowing free or low-cost travel to any Delta destination. Workers who put in 30 hours or more in a week receive benefits from Delta. 

25.SunTrust Bank

SunTrust Bank is an excellent choice for people seeking part-time bank work. Workers receive benefits after just one month of employment. The company offers medical insurance and a health savings account (HSA) for medical savings. 

26. Activision Blizzard

Activision Blizzard created the massively popular games World of Warcraft and Call of Duty, making it an attractive option for gaming enthusiasts. The company offers health benefits to employees working at least 30 hours per week. 

27. Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble is a book lover’s dream. On top of that, Barnes & Noble has a decent benefits package with life insurance—including coverage for partners and children—and up to two weeks of paid vacation after one year. 

28. American Red Cross

The American Red Cross takes care of people, including their valuable part-time workers. Those who put in 20 hours per week can enroll for medical insurance and select from four different plans with different levels of coverage. 

29.  Aquent

Aquent, a top staffing provider, grants health benefits for part-time workers that put in 20 hours per week. Aquent’s package includes health coverage with a choice of three plans for families and individuals. Some perks include specialist doctor visits, hospital stays, and coverage for surgery. 

Tips for Maximizing Part-time Benefits 

The devil’s in the details

Don’t assume anything when accepting employee benefits. It’s critical to scour the details of your coverage so you know exactly what you’re receiving. Some companies can be misleading with their benefits offerings, using clever wording and legalese to make their benefits packages more appealing than they are.

For example, not all healthcare plans offer the same level of care and support. You may get access to a healthcare plan through work, only to have a sky-high deductible, which defeats the purpose of having coverage in the first place.

Read over the details of your plan carefully, check out online reviews, and speak with other employees and HR reps to understand your coverage and eligibility details. 

Use tuition assistance to your advantage 

Working part-time can be challenging. Oftentimes, part-time workers have to work multiple jobs to get by. At the same time, job security can be nonexistent in certain companies. And part-time roles can sometimes be thankless and frustrating. 

If the company offers resources like tuition assistance or professional development, use these tools to your advantage. Explore the offer to expand your skills and further your career. 

Don’t get too caught up on benefits 

Some of the above companies, like Starbucks, offer unique and exciting rewards programs. But at the end of the day, a benefits program is just an incentive to attract workers. Oftentimes, benefits programs mask other issues like low pay, toxic work environments, and limited upward mobility. 

Countless organizations offer valuable and rewarding benefits packages. You just have to find them. Don’t stay at a company just because they offer great benefits. Chances are, you can do better. If you’re having trouble finding work, consider approaching a job coach or staffing agency to help. 

Think about the value you bring to the table. Chances are you have skills and expertise you can use to get higher-paying jobs and potentially even full-time employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a flexible spending account?

A flexible spending account (FSA) sets aside money from a paycheck before applying taxes. You can use an FSA for qualified medical expenses like doctor’s visits and prescription drugs. 

My job doesn’t offer retirement benefits. What should I do?

Not all employers offer retirement benefits. This isn’t the end of the world! If you like the job and it pays well, consider funding your own retirement through an individual retirement account (IRA) or solo 401(k). 

As it turns out, people who fund their own retirement often do better than workers who receive steady retirement benefits because they put more time and attention into it. You can still retire and live comfortably even if your company doesn’t offer retirement coverage… but only if you spend, save, and invest wisely.

What is the Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) extended healthcare to millions of uninsured Americans and improved coverage access and rights. The ACA requires plans to cover a list of essential health benefits and prevents insurance companies from denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions.

For many employees, the ACA increased access to health coverage and also increased the cost of insurance. 

The Bottom Line

Part-time workers now share many of the same benefits that full-time workers enjoy, with health insurance plans, store discounts, stock purchase plans, and paid time off. A growing number of companies are putting more care into part-time associates because they recognize a simple truth: caring for workers is the right thing to do, and it helps the business, too. 

So, during your job search, keep in mind that it’s possible to find insurance benefits and other perks without committing to a full-time schedule. In fact, choosing to work part-time can free up your time to pursue more lucrative opportunities.

You can work part-time at a retail store, collect benefits, and supplement your income by starting your own business on the side.

Keep looking and you’re bound to find a job that offers awesome benefits along with a positive work environment. 

The post 29 Part-time Jobs with Benefits appeared first on Millennial Money.



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July 07, 2021 at 12:49AM