Friday 29 April 2022

InboxDollars vs. Swagbucks: Which Is Better?

The post InboxDollars vs. Swagbucks: Which Is Better? appeared first on Millennial Money.

In the game of online survey sites, InboxDollars and Swagbucks are two of the biggest players out there. While Swagbucks is much larger, both sites offer legit earning opportunities. They are also both owned by the same holding company, Prodege. 

In this post, you’ll find a full rundown of each site, including how much you can earn, what makes them unique, and more.  

Let’s start with a look at Inbox Dollars. 

or, jump straight to our in-depth InboxDollars and Swagbucks comparison

What Is InboxDollars?

InboxDollars is a leading consumer rewards site and market research provider. The company started back in 2000 and has paid out over $80 million in cash rewards over the last two-plus decades.

In a nutshell, here’s how InboxDollars works. 

Companies pay InboxDollars to access consumer opinions and gather feedback about products and services. As a member, you can earn rewards in exchange for completing surveys, watching videos, and even for paid shopping. 

It’s completely free to sign up for InboxDollars, but you need to be at least 18 to qualify. 

Top features for InboxDollars 

Multiple ways to earn 

The more you engage with the InboxDollars platform, the more you’ll earn. 

Paid surveys are its bread and butter, but InboxDollars is much more than just a survey site. You can also get free samples and earn money by playing games, watching videos, and shopping through its partner merchants. 

Most survey activities pay between 50 cents and $5. However, you should expect that scale to lean towards the lower end — as with most survey sites.

PaidEmails

As the name suggests, PaidEmails compensates you for reading emails. The earning amount is usually only a few pennies, and you can read up to three sponsored messages per day. To receive a higher payout, you typically have to complete a task (e.g., trying a service from one of the PaidEmails sponsors). 

Minimum payment threshold

A major drawback to InboxDollars is the $30 payment threshold. Making matters worse, if you cash out at the $30 minimum, you’ll have to pay a $3 processing fee. You must earn at least $40 in earnings to avoid paying this fee.

Flexible rewards 

When it’s time to cash out, you can transfer your InboxDollars rewards to PayPal or redeem them for gift cards at leading retailers like Amazon and Walmart. 

You can even request for InboxDollars to send you a paper check. The company actually still does that.

There’s also a grocery coupon portal in the InboxDollars dashboard where you can find discounts for brands like Kraft, M&M’s, Pampers, Pillsbury, Purina, and Huggies. 

InboxDollars Surveys app

InboxDollars offers a mobile app that you can use to take surveys from any Android or iOS device.

Overall, members appear to be pleased with the app’s quality. With a 4.5-star rating in the App Store and a 4-star rating in the Google Play Store (out of 5), the InboxDollars Surveys app is one of the top-rated options in the market.

Instant $5 sign-up bonus

New members can earn a $5 instant sign-up bonus. After that, all you have to do is enter your email address and password and confirm the activation email that the company sends out.  

Considering that you don’t even need to take a survey, this is essentially free money. Just remember that you eventually need to rack up at least $25 more to cash out.

Pros and Cons of InboxDollars 

Pros 

  • Real cash earnings
  • $5 sign-up bonus
  • Easy to navigate
  • Well-rated mobile app

Cons

  • Inactivity penalties
  • Processing fee for PayPal
  • Low payouts
  • Checks can take three to 10 business days to arrive
  • Minimum payout of $30 before you cash out

Now that you have a better idea of the ins and outs of InboxDollars, let’s take a look at another popular survey site: Swagbucks.

What Is Swagbucks?

Swagbucks is a hugely popular online survey site with more than 20 million active members. Since its inception in 2008, the site has paid out over $579 million in rewards. 

You read that right — over half a billion dollars.

In many ways, Swagbucks and InboxDollars are similar. For example, third-party market research companies and brands also partner with Swagbucks to collect valuable consumer feedback. And, as a Swagbucks member, you can earn SB points for completing many of the same tasks you can do with InboxDollars. 

Swagbucks is also free to sign up for, but you need to be at least 18 years old to qualify.

Top features for Swagbucks

Multiple earning opportunities

Swagbucks offers a range of ways for users to make money online. 

For example, you can earn SB points by filling out surveys, watching online videos, browsing the web, and using the Swagbucks search engine. You can also get paid to play games.

In addition, if you install the SwagButton Chrome Extension, you will automatically be notified if any of the websites you’re visiting offer SB points in exchange for purchases.

When it’s time to cash out, you can convert your SB points to gift cards at major retailers like Old Navy and Kohl’s. But why do that when you can convert them to cash in your PayPal account? 

Swagbucks rewards

Here’s one area where Swagbucks is unique. Instead of earning cash rewards, you’ll earn SB points. One SB point is worth one penny. So 100 points are equal to $1, and so on.

Lower payout threshold

Once your account hits 2,500 SB points, you can cash out to your PayPal account. If you prefer a lower payout threshold, you can redeem your earnings for gift cards at 100-point increments. 

Swagbucks Magic Receipts

With Swagbucks Magic Receipts, you can earn SB points from your everyday grocery store purchases. All you have to do is go shopping at a major grocery store (e.g., Kroger, Walmart, Whole Foods, or King Soopers) and upload your receipt to the mobile app after checking out.

As you might expect, Swagbucks is going to collect and monetize your purchasing behavior. But, if you can earn a few extra SB points, what’s the harm? 

Swagbucks mobile app

With the Swagbucks mobile app, you can take surveys, watch videos, and earn rewards from online shopping from any Android or iOS device. You’ll also use the app to upload your Magic Receipts. 

The Swagbucks mobile app is also well-liked by customers, with a 4.4-star rating in the App Store and a 4.2-star rating in the Google Play Store. 

$10 signup bonus*

Notice the asterisk. To qualify for a $10 signup bonus (in the form of 1,000 SB points), you first need to spend $25 at a participating Swagbucks merchant. 

Seeing that you have to spend real money – and may never reach the 2,500 SB points minimum payout threshold – this doesn’t qualify as a bonus in my book.

Pros and cons of Swagbucks

Pros 

  • Free to join
  • Earn cash or gift cards
  • Low payout threshold
  • More earning options than competitors

Cons

  • Low payouts 
  • Lackluster signup bonus
  • Easy to spend money rather than make money

Comparing InboxDollars and Swagbucks

In this next section, I’ll show you where each site takes the cake.

Earning potential: It’s a tie 

First things first: Neither site pays serious income. InboxDollars and Swagbucks are only good for earning a little bit of extra cash, and that’s it. Across both sites, most users tend to bring in anywhere from $10 to $50 per month. 

In my opinion, your best approach is to let earnings accumulate and cash out once you reach $50 or $100. You can then invest those earnings, pay off a bill, or put them into emergency savings.

Promotions: Swagbucks has more

InboxDollars and Swagbucks both have tons of surveys and deals. However, Swagbucks is a much larger site, so it has many more partner advertisers and merchants. 

With that said, it’s also easier to spend money on Swagbucks in pursuit of earning SB points. You’ve been warned.

Referral programs: InboxDollars wins

Have some friends who may want to take online surveys? Round ’em up. Both companies have referral programs for new users. 

For each new person that you refer to Swagbucks, you’ll get 10% of the referral’s earnings for as long as they’re active on Swagbucks. This applies to shopping, searching, watching, answering, and playing games. 

Better yet, with the InboxDollars Refer a Friend program, you can receive $1 per referral (up to five friends). Plus, you’ll get 30% of your friends’ earnings while they’re active on the platform.

If you’re trying to make money taking surveys, the InboxDollars referral program is better. Hands down.

Signup bonus: InboxDollars wins

InboxDollars offers a quick $5 signup bonus just for trying the platform. Enter your email, choose a password, and answer some qualifying questions to receive the credit. Boom. It’s that easy.

Swagbucks has a higher signup bonus of 1,000 points ($10). However, you have to spend at least $25 at a partnering retailer. While this is a decent discount if you are buying a necessary item, you still have to spend money, and that’s not the point here. 

Sweepstakes: Swagbucks wins 

Swagbucks offers earning competitions known as Swagstakes. You can enter limited-time giveaways using Swagbucks points and potentially earn fun gadgets and prizes.

For example, a contest may ask you to pay 5 SB points for your chance to win 40 or 50 SB points. To date, Swagbucks has paid out over $3 million in total Swagstakes prizes.

InboxDollars often promotes contests and promotions on its Facebook page. But overall, there are fewer chances to win sweepstakes prizes.

Customer service: It’s a tie

Neither company lists a phone number or email address to contact for customer support, which is pretty weak. That’s probably because if they list that information, they will receive thousands of calls from members each day asking about getting paid or why they didn’t qualify for a survey.

Your best bet is to try and resolve your issues by submitting tickets in the self-help portals. Both of these sites want you to be happy and engage with their platforms, so you should eventually get a reply. 

Sign up process: It’s a tie

It’s super easy to sign up and use both survey platforms. Simply enter your email address, password, confirm your email address, and you’ll be good to go. 

Survey qualification: It’s a tie

You won’t qualify for every survey that you sign up for, and there is usually low availability for the top-paying surveys. 

To maximize your access to money-making surveys, you’re probably better off signing up for both platforms. 

Inactivity penalties: Swagbucks wins

InboxDollars has strict inactivity penalties. If you don’t perform a task at least once every 10 days, your account will become inactive, and you’ll have to ask to reinstate it. If you wait more than six months to reinstate your account, the company will delete it, and you’ll lose your rewards. Bummer!

Swagbucks won’t delete your account for inactivity. However, points will expire if you don’t claim them within two years.

Learn More:

Top Alternative Survey Sites

MyPoints

MyPoints is a leading online rewards provider where members can earn points for watching videos, shopping online, taking surveys, and completing simple tasks. The site lets you convert points into money, retail gift cards, and airline points.

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a top online survey aggregator and market research company. You can also get paid to test products, which you can keep when you’re done.

Vindale Research

Vindale is a market research company that focuses on online surveys. It’s safe, reliable, and free to use. You can cash out through PayPal or check. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you make real money with cashback sites?

Yes, most cashback sites (like the ones I mention above) pay real cash rewards if you complete surveys and participate in online activities. 

That said, each paid survey site tends to have a unique payment structure. For example, some sites will issue Visa or Amazon gift cards while others will deposit money directly into your bank account.

Know what you’re getting before you sign up to avoid disappointment.

Are survey sites scams?

Unfortunately, there are many scams out there, and you have to be careful when taking online surveys. 

For starters, avoid giving away personal information to unknown websites. And make sure to research a company ahead of time to determine whether it’s legit.

When in doubt, stick with well-rated sites like Swagbucks and InboxDollars, and you shouldn’t have any issues.

Can you make a lot of money with paid surveys?

No. Unfortunately, most cashback sites pay very little. The ones who are really making money are the survey sites themselves and their market research partners. 

But, if you can make an extra $50 per month taking surveys from home, it might be worth your time. It’s better than wasting your time staring at the TV.

The Bottom Line

Swagbucks and InboxDollars won’t make much of a dent in your student loan debt, but they can help you earn extra money in your spare time. Most importantly, both sites have been around for a long time, and they’re trustworthy.

If taking online surveys is a side hustle you’d like to try, I recommend signing up for both platforms and seeing which one you like more. You may find that you prefer one over the other or you might be able to double up and take surveys on both sites simultaneously. 

At the end of the day, there are higher-paying online jobs out there, and you’re going to have to really hustle if you want to be financially independent. 

Invest as much as you can, avoid overspending, and you’ll be in better shape than most come retirement age.

Whatever you decide, I’m rooting for you every step of the way.

The post InboxDollars vs. Swagbucks: Which Is Better? appeared first on Millennial Money.



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April 29, 2022 at 10:30PM

How to Choose an LMS: A Comprehensive Guide for 2022

A learning management system is a platform that helps you manage your online courses and track your student’s progress. Learning management systems come in all...Read More

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Thursday 28 April 2022

How To Choose Video Conferencing Software (2022 Guide)

The vast increase in demand for video conferencing software during the pandemic has led multiple companies competing to offer the best service. As a result,...Read More

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How to Choose Project Management Software (2022 Guide)

Project management software refers to various software solutions used to plan, organize, manage and control project resources. The goal is to ensure the success of...Read More

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Wednesday 27 April 2022

How To Choose a VoIP Provider (2022 Guide)

VoIP systems are phone systems that use the internet to make calls. This means that you can use your computer, smartphone, or other devices to...Read More

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Tuesday 26 April 2022

DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: Which Is the Better Food Delivery Service for Drivers?

The post DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: Which Is the Better Food Delivery Service for Drivers? appeared first on Millennial Money.

If you’re thinking about making extra money as a delivery driver, two popular delivery apps to have in your rotation are DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Let’s take a look at how they compare to see why both food delivery apps should be on your mobile device. 

or, jump straight to our in-depth DoorDash vs. Uber Eats comparison

What Is DoorDash?

DoorDash is a food delivery app covering more than 4,000 cities across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Puerto Rico. The company is now in its ninth year in business and has a solid track record. 

When using DoorDash, customers can select from a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late-night munchies. DoorDash operates 24/7, but hours depend on local establishments.

Learn More:

DoorDash driver requirements 

  • Be at least 18
  • Have a valid driver’s license 
  • Have a Social Security number 
  • Own a car, bike, or scooter 
  • Pass a background check 

DoorDash features

Here are some of the reasons why drivers looking to make quick cash work for DoorDash.

Set your own hours 

DoorDash lets you set your own hours. You can work as much or as little as you want. If that sounds awesome, that’s because it is.

Delivery drivers typically wait until the busiest time of day — like lunch or dinner — to work. If you opt to do the same, keep in mind that, while it’s good to be on the road during peak pay times, you’ll also be competing against other drivers for pickups.

If you want to make decent money as a DoorDash driver, and you have the time, get out there and hustle. Maximize the in-between hours and you’re bound to earn more income.

How to schedule hours with DoorDash

There are two ways to make deliveries using DoorDash. 

The most flexible way to be a DoorDash driver is with Dash Now. If you’re looking for convenience, simply log in and make deliveries at your leisure. 

The only downside is that this option isn’t always available. It depends on local demand and how many other drivers are active in your area.

The other way to work with DoorDash is to schedule shifts with set hours. You can reserve blocks of hours for any given day — and up to six days in advance. 

By scheduling hours, you can guarantee the delivery time and avoid getting shut out due to low demand. 

Dasher Challenges

If gamification motivates you, then Dasher Challenges may be right up your alley. 

Challenges let you earn extra money when you complete a certain number of deliveries in a set period of time. For example, one challenge might involve earning an extra $20 for completing 15 deliveries over five days.

Dasher Challenges are optional, but enrollment is automatic. Either participate and push yourself or go at your own pace. No worries either way.

Flexible locations

You can drive for DoorDash in any city where the app is active and where you can legally drive and work. 

This is helpful if you’re going away to school, moving to a new city, or trying to finance a cross-country trip. This flexibility gives you a great way to find work in a new place immediately, without having to waste time applying for jobs.

Pros and cons of DoorDash

Pros 

  • Be your own boss
  • Use your own vehicle
  • Work when and where you want
  • Bring in extra money with Challenges 
  • Predictable pay 
  • Limited benefits through Stride Health

Cons

  • On-demand feature depends on availability 
  • Car maintenance, gas, and parking fees add up
  • No job security as an independent contractor

Now that you have a better idea about the ins and outs of DoorDash, let’s turn our attention to another hugely popular delivery service: Uber Eats.

What Is Uber Eats?

Uber Eats is Uber’s food delivery app. The service is now available in more than 6,000 cities across 45 countries. 

Uber Eats is very similar to DoorDash. The app aggregates menus and processes orders from local restaurants. You can make money picking up orders and delivering them to customers in your local area.

Learn More:

Uber driver requirements

  • Own a car, scooter, or bike
  • Scooters must have a motor of 50cc or less and can’t go faster than 30 mph
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Car insurance
  • At least one year of driving experience 

Uber Eats features

Set your own schedule

Uber Eats lets you set your schedule. Unlike DoorDash, there’s no advanced scheduling component. However, the company does cap the number of drivers for local areas. So,if you’re in a busy area, the service might not always be available. 

If there isn’t any availability in your local area, you can either travel to another nearby town or simply wait until the number of drivers decreases. 

Pro tip: If Uber Eats isn’t available, fire up a different food delivery app to keep your business humming along.

Immediate payouts 

Uber has an instant payout feature for drivers. For a fee of 50 cents, you can instantly cash out all earnings including tips. Or you can avoid the fee and wait until the end of the week. The money will automatically transfer into your bank account. 

Instant pay isn’t available for new drivers. To receive instant payouts, make at least 25 deliveries with Uber Eats. 

Pay tracking

Uber makes it easy to see exactly how much money is on the table before you take a trip. If the payout doesn’t look good or the drive looks too complicated, you can pass without penalty.

Pros and cons of Uber Eats

Pros 

  • Be your own boss
  • Use your own vehicle 
  • Accept or decline rides
  • Instant payout option after 25 rides

Cons

  • No benefits for food delivery drivers
  • Work depends on local demand
  • No job security
  • Vehicle wear and tear 

DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: How They Compare

While there’s no rule that says you can’t work for both DoorDash and Uber Eats, it’s worth figuring out which food delivery app deserves more of your time. Here are some things to consider as you make that determination.

Car requirements 

DoorDash doesn’t have any specific vehicle requirements. Uber Eats is a bit more restrictive. Your car has to have been made within the last 20 years. Also, it has to have at least two doors. If you happen to own a BMW Isetta, you’re out of luck. 

User experience 

Both DoorDash and Uber Eats work with iOS (iPhone) and Android devices. Both apps are also designed well and easy to navigate. 

In addition, Uber Eats and DoorDash let you choose your default mapping service. Most users prefer Google Maps or Waze. 

For what it’s worth, Uber Eats doesn’t allow MapQuest or Apple Maps. 

Customer support 

When Uber first launched, the company famously shunned phone support. After years of complaints and negative publicity, the company finally added phone support for its services — which now includes Uber Eats drivers

If you need help while working with Uber Eats, you can get in touch with a live agent when you need assistance.

DoorDash offers a bit more support, with both a call center and a live chat feature.

Promos and incentives 

DoorDash and Uber Eats offer driver perks to encourage folks to participate.

Top Dasher 

Top Dasher is a DoorDash rewards program that recognizes the best drivers. 

To qualify, you have to have a customer rating of at least 4.7, an acceptance rate of at least 70%, and a completion rate of 95%. You also need to have completed 100 deliveries within the last month, and 200 deliveries over your time with DoorDash. 

If you qualify, you can access the Dash Anytime feature and drive at any time regardless of whether it’s busy. As an added bonus, you’ll also get more deliveries by getting priority over other drivers when it’s slow.

Uber Eats Pro

Uber has a slight edge here with Uber Eats Pro. The program offers actual rewards instead of just opportunities to drive more.

Examples include 100% tuition coverage at Arizona State University Online for you or an eligible family member. You can also get 25% discounted car maintenance and 5% back at any gas station — which is a big deal if you drive a lot! 

To qualify, simply deliver food with Uber Eats and earn points as you go along. You can also collect points by maintaining a satisfaction rating of at least 85%. You’ll get one point for every completed delivery, two points during lunch hours, and six points during dinner hours from 5 to 9 p.m.

Referral bonuses 

Both companies offer referral programs. So if you have a buddy who spends too much time playing video games, you both can benefit. 

Uber Eats rewards you when a friend signs up and completes a certain number of trips. DoorDash operates the same way, requiring the referred driver to complete a certain number of trips.

Both referral amounts and delivery requirements vary by location. If you’ve got friends looking for flexible work, you might be able to generate some decent cash. 

Benefits 

Uber Eats doesn’t offer medical or financial benefits to drivers. If you’re working full-time as an independent contractor, you won’t be able to access benefits through the company. 

On the flipside, DoorDash partners with Stride Health to give drivers some medical benefits. If you’re unfamiliar, Stride helps individuals find affordable health coverage. 

When you drive for DoorDash, you can receive personalized healthcare recommendations and limited dental and vision coverage.

Starting out

Neither Uber Eats nor DoorDash has a lengthy application process. 

Both companies make you submit to a background check before you can drive. If you’re cool with that, consent to the background check at signup and wait a few days to hear back. Assuming the background check clears and you meet the requirements, you can start driving for both companies pretty quickly. 

The only reason you might experience a delay after approval is because of low availability. If that’s the case, just be patient and wait for a spot to open up. 

If you’re using DoorDash, simply reserve some time blocks the following week.

Delivery radius

Most restaurants that use DoorDash and Uber Eats have a delivery radius of about five miles. However, some restaurant deliveries can go much further. One former contractor at DoorDash tells about making deliveries up to 29 miles from his location to the dropoff zone. 

The great part is that you always have the choice to accept or decline any potential delivery. If you want to drive more, you’ll earn more. If not, you can stay local to save gas and limit vehicle wear and tear. Either way, it’s up to you.

Scheduling 

Some people prefer having a set work schedule, and that’s perfectly OK. 

If you’re the type of person who likes to work the same hours each week, DoorDash may be the better option. You can reserve blocks of time in advance, so you’ll know exactly when you’ll be on the road during the week.

Popularity 

The latest data shows DoorDash has a slight market edge over Uber Eats, commanding 45% of the entire food delivery market compared to Uber Eats’ 30%. 

However, both companies are doing better than competitor Grubhub, which is hovering around 20%.

Just because both apps are popular doesn’t mean they are popular in your area. So you’ll need to think about local availability. 

For example, Uber Eats has a larger footprint than DoorDash, especially on an international scale. In this light, one service may be more popular than the other in your area. 

Earning potential

DoorDash and Uber Eats have different methods for calculating pay. 

Uber Eats pays you based on a few different factors — like picking up an order, dropping off an order, how far you travel, and the amount of time it takes to drop off the food. 

You’ll also receive tips, which can add up if you drive a lot. When factoring in tips, the pay can jump to the $20-per-hour range — or even more. That said, Uber Eats takes a 25% commission.

DoorDash pay varies from location to location. In certain areas, you may be able to benefit from a guaranteed hourly minimum rate. DoorDash also takes a subtotal commission. But at 20%, it’s less than what Uber Eats charges. 

DoorDash drivers can earn upwards of $25 per hour after factoring in tips. Not bad if you need money fast.

Other Online Food Delivery Apps to Consider

Grubhub

Grubhub is a top fast-food delivery provider. The company has nationwide coverage, with service across more than 4,000 U.S. cities. 

With Grubhub, you can access a wide range of restaurants and make about $17 to $26 per hour depending on your location and how much you work.

Postmates 

Postmates lets you expand beyond food delivery. 

When driving for Postmates, you can drop off additional items beyond food orders.  

Postmates supports grocery delivery and delivery of household items. The service is available in roughly 3,500 cities across the U.S., and drivers earn about $18 per hour on average using it.

Saucey 

Saucey is a small alcohol delivery service. 

The company has a growing presence in cities like Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, San Diego, Orlando, Dallas, Austin, and Washington, DC. 

If you want to be the hero of the party and keep drunk drivers off the road, this could be an ideal choice. You’ll make around $10 per hour on average. But the conversations you’ll have will be priceless.

Amazon Flex 

Amazon Flex allows delivery drivers to earn flexible income by delivering Amazon packages.

You can use your own car and set your own hours with Amazon Flex, which pays $18 to $25 per hour. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is working as a delivery driver worth it?

It depends on a few different factors. 

For starters, your location matters. Drivers in big cities like New York City and Chicago benefit from a larger customer base and shorter delivery routes (although they might have to combat more traffic). Plus, there are more opportunities to make money outside peak hours.  

When determining whether to drive for delivery apps, you also need to factor in skills and availability. It’s possible that you could make better use of your time and talents by taking on other side hustles or full-time jobs. 

How do food delivery drivers make money?

Pricing and payment models tend to vary across different delivery companies.

DoorDash drivers can now keep 100% of the delivery fee in addition to tips. 

Uber Eats keeps part of the fee (a combination of a service fee and delivery fee) and drivers get a small percentage of the profits.

Make sure to read each company’s policy before you get behind the wheel to avoid confusion.

The Bottom Line

The food delivery market skyrocketed during the coronavirus pandemic. All signs indicate the market will continue rolling as we move further into the future.

Some cities like New York and San Francisco are also considering capping delivery fees to prevent providers like Uber Eats and DoorDash from gouging customers. Limiting fees should help drivers by preventing customer churn and encouraging new customers to give delivery a shot. 

On top of money, both apps also come with some nice benefits. While you have to hustle and work long hours, the work isn’t especially difficult. You don’t have to handle cash with apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash, as all transactions take place online using credit cards or debit cards. This fast pay system is safer for drivers and more convenient. 

The post DoorDash vs. Uber Eats: Which Is the Better Food Delivery Service for Drivers? appeared first on Millennial Money.



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April 26, 2022 at 10:30PM

7 Best Translation Software of 2022 (Ranked for Business)

In such a connected global economy, businesses cannot afford not to communicate across various languages. As a business, there are many ways to get your...Read More

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Friday 22 April 2022

PointClub Review

The post PointClub Review appeared first on Millennial Money.

Looking for a quick and easy way to make money online? You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better way to make some cash than by taking online surveys. 

A cool part about survey sites is that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. Most people sign up for several different sites to maximize their earnings. That way, even if one site doesn’t have any available surveys, you can cycle through the others to keep earning. 

In this post, I’ll review PointClub and everything it has to offer. At the end of it, you’ll be able to decide for yourself if you want to add it to your survey rotation. 

To start, here’s an overview of what PointClub is and how it works. 

Overall Rating

Pros

  • Free to sign up
  • Cash or gift card payouts
  • $5 sign-up bonus
  • Daily Streak Bonus

Cons

  • High payout threshold
  • No mobile app
  • Low earning potential
  • 2% fee for PayPal cash outs 

What Is PointClub?

PointClub is an online platform that provides paid survey opportunities to its members. It’s owned by Innovative Market Research. 

Unlike some other rewards sites (e.g., Swagbucks and InboxDollars), PointClub focuses entirely on surveys. There are no options to watch ads or play games for points. Instead, members can focus their energy on grinding through market research questions. 

How Does PointClub Work?

The way PointClub works is similar to most paid survey sites and apps. When you sign up for a free account, you first fill out a brief questionnaire to establish your demographic. PointClub uses this information to find surveys that you’ll qualify for. 

From there, you can see your available PointClub surveys. When you start one, you’ll answer a couple more screening questions. If you qualify, you can continue to complete the survey. 

When you’re finished, you earn a certain number of reward points, which you can redeem for cash or gift cards.

Sounds simple, right? That’s because it is.

Get Started With PointClub

PointClub Features

Online surveys

PointClub surveys are available to anyone 13 years or older. They’re mostly intended for folks in the United States, but other countries may have some available. New surveys pop up daily, and an average survey takes anywhere from five to 30 minutes to complete.

You can expect to earn between 200 and 2,000 points for each survey. Usually, you’ll earn more money on longer surveys versus shorter ones. Each point equals $0.001, so 1,000 points are worth $1. 

It’s not exactly a thrilling amount of money. But at least it’s something, right?

You can also boost your point totals by logging in regularly. PointClub offers a Daily Streak Bonus of up to 10%, so even if you don’t have time to take a survey, you should try to log in every day for extra rewards.

There is no mobile app. But the PointClub website works well on mobile browsers for survey-taking on the go. 

Learn More:

Bonus points

On top of surveys, PointClub periodically offers extra point opportunities. These could be short quizzes, polls, giveaways, or other activities. 

These bonus points aren’t typically high amounts. But if you ask me, free points are never a bad thing. PointClub also assures that more earning opportunities are on the way as the platform grows.

Payment options

To cash out your earned points, you need a balance of at least 25,000, which is worth about $25. This threshold is on the higher end for survey sites, so it could take a little while to get there.

When you do build up enough, you can redeem your points for PayPal cash or e-gift cards. If you go with PayPal, you’ll have to absorb a 2% fee. Gift cards are free, and you can choose from more than 80 vendor options. Here are some of the most popular cards available:

  • Walmart
  • Amazon
  • Home Depot
  • Google Play
  • Visa
  • Tango
  • Sephora

PointClub Pricing and Fees

Aside from the fee for cashing out to your PayPal account, PointClub is entirely free to use. There’s no sign-up fee, and you don’t need to pay for a subscription. 

This is typical of nearly all survey sites. Seeing that most survey sites come with relatively low earning potential, you shouldn’t be spending money to access them. 

Furthermore, some might categorize surveys as passive income. But the reality is that they take time and some effort to complete.

With this in mind, my advice is simple: Only take surveys when you wouldn’t be making money otherwise. They aren’t lucrative enough to take time away from a true side hustle. 

That said, they can still be a good way to make a few bucks in your downtime. 

Signing Up and Getting Started

You can join PointClub by setting up an account at pointclub.com. You need to enter your email address and home address to get started or you can sign up through Google or your Facebook page.

Once your PointClub account is confirmed, you’ll need to fill out your initial questionnaire. Keep an eye out for “red herring” questions, which are there to ensure that you aren’t clicking at random. Survey sites need to ensure that they’re getting accurate information, and you’ll get fewer opportunities if you don’t answer honestly. 

From there, you should see your available surveys, which you can start taking right away. 

PointClub Promotions, Bonuses, and Coupons

When you enroll with PointClub, you automatically get a 5,000 point ($5) sign-up bonus in your account. Considering the high payout threshold, this is a nice boost to get you closer to earning real money.

Unlike most survey sites, PointClub doesn’t currently offer a referral bonus, though it has in the past. Fingers crossed they’ll launch a new referral program in the future.

PointClub Security

PointClub collects your name, email, address, and home address when you sign up. The site will also ask you for your phone number, but you don’t have to share it if you don’t want to. 

PointClub uses this information to find relevant surveys for you, but it’ll never share your personal data without your consent. The site has safeguards to protect the information it stores, though it comes with a disclaimer that these are never 100% foolproof. 

If you want to learn more about PointClub security, you can check out its Privacy Policy on the website. 

Customer Service and Support

If you need a hand with your account, you can check out the PointClub Help Center. It mostly consists of FAQs for common issues, but you can also submit a request to the PointClub team. 

A bare-bones approach to service like this is typical of survey sites. As a member, it’s unlikely that you’ll need much support, as PointClub’s platform is pretty straightforward and intuitive to figure out. 

That said, if you’re having any issues cashing out your points, don’t hesitate to reach out right away. 

Pros and Cons of PointClub

Pros

  • Free to sign up
  • Cash or gift card payouts
  • $5 sign-up bonus
  • Daily Streak Bonus

Cons

  • High payout threshold
  • No mobile app
  • Low earning potential
  • 2% fee for PayPal cash outs 
Get Started With PointClub

Alternatives to PointClub

As I mentioned, there’s absolutely no shortage of survey sites online. If you want to max out your earnings, it’s a great idea to sign up for several of the best survey sites. Here are a few to check out. 

Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys is another option that focuses entirely on paid survey opportunities. It’s well-known for having more surveys available than most other sites. Plus, it has one of the cleanest interfaces around, so it’s extremely easy to use. 

Learn More:

Swagbucks

If you want some paid tasks on top of survey-taking, Swagbucks is a top contender. The popular platform has plenty of surveys but also cash back shopping, ads, and video games. All of these tasks earn points, which you can redeem for gift cards or PayPal credits. 

Swagbucks is free to use, and you can cash out once your balance reaches $10.

Learn More:

Opinion Outpost

Opinion Outpost is another solid option. It has more than 350,000 members and pays out nearly $400,000 in rewards every month. 

With Opinion Outpost, you’ll get regular notifications about new surveys in your inbox. That way, you’ll know when you should log in and get to work. 

Learn More:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is PointClub legit?

Yes, PointClub is a legitimate paid survey site. It’s free to use and pays out real rewards when you complete tasks. 

The company is accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where it has an A+ rating. 

How much can you make with PointClub?

Like most survey sites, not a ton. This is where it’s important to manage your expectations. Since surveys are so accessible, they simply don’t pay much. 

I always recommend that you think of survey sites as a way to earn some extra spending money — not to pay your bills. Even with consistent use, it’s unrealistic to expect more than a single payout per month.

Is PointClub safe?

Yes. PointClub is a safe survey platform, and it’s not a scam. It requires minimal personal data to sign up, and the site is secure. 

The Bottom Line

If you’re a seasoned survey-taker, you know that available surveys are your greatest asset. If you want to find more opportunities, you need to cast a wider net. 

This means signing up for multiple online survey sites. Naturally, some will net more than others. But the key is to keep the points coming in — and this is where PointClub can help. 

Overall, PointClub is by no means your best option. The payout threshold is high, so it could take a lot of time to earn enough points to cash out. Plus, the site charges a 2% fee for PayPal payouts.

With all this in mind, I recommend using PointClub for keeping the engine churning on days when your go-to surveys sites are running dry. It might not be the best survey site on the market, but it’s still a legitimate way to earn extra cash. 

And remember: On the road to financial freedom, every penny counts!

If you’d like more help achieving financial freedom, check out our in-depth course that will help you get there, no matter what’s happening in the economy.

The post PointClub Review appeared first on Millennial Money.



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April 21, 2022 at 10:30PM

Monday 18 April 2022

Valued Opinions Review for 2022

The post Valued Opinions Review for 2022 appeared first on Millennial Money.

Valued Opinions is a popular survey company that offers a fast and easy way to earn rewards while you’re sitting on the sofa, enjoying your lunch break, or waiting for the bus to arrive.

In our Valued Opinions review, we’ll break down how the app works. Keep reading to learn all about how you can start using the Valued Opinions survey site to make some extra cash.

Overall Rating

Pros

  • Frequent paid survey opportunities 
  • Ad reviews and product testing 
  • Fast payouts 
  • Easy access
  • Low barrier to entry 

Cons

  • Low payouts 
  • Limited customer support 
  • You must submit personal information to get surveys
  • Does not support PayPal 
  • No instant cash-out opportunity 

What Is Valued Opinions?

Valued Opinions is a rewards site offering e-gift cards in exchange for participating in easy and non-invasive surveys, ad reviews, and product tests.

Surveys range from cultural opinions to views on products, electronics, and household items. The range of surveys is very diverse, making the site useful for consumers of all demographics, from teens to Boomers and beyond. 

Is Valued Opinions legit?

More than 3 million global users access Valued Opinions on a regular basis, making it a trustworthy and reputable survey site.

Get Started With Valued Opinions

Valued Opinions Features

Support for multiple languages

Want to take surveys in a language other than English? 

Valued Opinions has you covered, offering panels in more than fifteen languages. 

Personalized surveys 

Valued Opinions requires you to build a profile and share personal information like your political beliefs, health conditions, entertainment preferences, and cultural affiliations. 

The site asks for feedback across twenty categories. By filling out this section, you can receive surveys that match your interests and personality. 

Quick panels

Some survey sites are notorious for making participants sit through long questionnaires that take an hour or longer to complete. This isn’t the case with Valued Opinions. 

Surveys are short, taking only fifteen to twenty minutes. This means you can quickly access a survey panel, run through the questions, and move on to other money-making opportunities.

Ad reviews

Companies put a lot of time and research into targeted ads in order to make promotions that resonate with customers. Now you can be part of the process with Valued Opinions by providing feedback on ads for products that match your lifestyle. 

Product tests 

There’s nothing better than getting free items in the mail. With Valued Opinions, you can occasionally receive products to test and enjoy. 

Items may include food, beauty products, household products, electronics, clothes, and accessories, to name a few examples. 

These products correlate with your interests, which is why it’s important to provide accurate information when filling out your profile. For example, you may not want to receive household items if you’re mainly into electronics. 

Charity opportunities 

The company donates $10,000 of its profits to the American Red Cross every month. So participating in their events indirectly supports a great cause. It’s a win-win.

Membership program

Valued Opinions offers a tiered membership program where you can collect badges for participating in research opportunities. The categories include Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. 

Reaching Platinum and Diamond status will make you a preferred participant, giving you access to the best surveys and products. 

Valued Opinions Rewards 

Survey rewards range in value from $1 to $5. You can see how much each one is worth before participating. So if you decide that a survey isn’t worth your time, you can easily avoid it. 

The site pays immediately after completing a task. But the cash won’t transfer automatically into your bank account. Once you rack up $10 in your account, you can browse different rewards. 

The site offers a variety of options for converting points into a reward. For example, you can receive a gift card for leading retailers like Amazon, Target, iTunes, and the Home Depot. You can also convert points into airline miles, cash out for a restaurant voucher, and collect prepaid Visa debit cards. On top of this, the company also offers sweepstakes that you can enter. 

Unfortunately, the site does not work with PayPal, so you can’t access liquid capital from your earnings. As a workaround, you can sell your gift card on a third-party site like Raise and CardCash These types of sites will take a cut of the profits, but you can still convert a gift card into cash. 

You may even be able to get a full return by selling your cards to friends. For example, you may have a friend looking for an excuse to shop at Macy’s or Amazon who is willing to offer cash in exchange for a gift card to help you out and put money in your pocket.

Signing Up and Getting Started

Signing up for Valued Opinions is fast and easy. Chances are you’ll be able to get up and running in a matter of minutes on this great rewards site.

Valued Opinions isn’t overly restrictive. But the site does have some basic requirements that you have to meet in order to participate in paid opportunities. 

For example, you have to be at least 17 years old, a U.S. resident, and have a working email address.

Keep in mind that you may have trouble signing up if the company’s security system blocks your IP address or internet domain. If this happens, try registering from a different email address or device and see if that works. Otherwise, contact customer support.

Beyond that, Valued Opinions may contact you with a short questionnaire to determine eligibility for a particular research project. For example, the company may ask if you consume dairy products or watch television.

How do you receive surveys from Valued Opinions?

Valued Opinions will notify you when a new survey opportunity arises. In other words, you won’t have to worry about staying logged into their website. Instead, you’ll receive survey invitations via email.

In addition, surveys are available through a dashboard feature within the Valued Opinions web portal. All surveys eventually expire, so you have to keep an eye out for updates. 

Valued Opinions Promotions for 2021

Valued Opinions is free for anyone to sign up and their membership program doesn’t cost anything either. As such, there are no direct discounts or promotions available.

Rather, the company’s promotional items come in the form of gift cards from top retailers. Completing Valued Opinions surveys can unlock valuable rewards from many leading organizations. 

The following companies participate in the Valued Opinions rewards program. 

FragranceNet

FragranceNet offers e-vouchers for brand-name fragrances, candles, skincare, and accessories. 

Southwest Rapid Rewards 

Southwest offers Rapid Rewards points for getaways and flight perks. 

Target

Target is a great choice for all types of household items. You can cash out on a Target card and load up on everyday items — like toothpaste, hair gel, and soap.

Apple 

Apple users can redeem Valued Opinions points for things like shows, movies, apps, and games.

Does Valued Opinions have a referral program?

Valued Opinions offers an affiliate program for partners. 

To become an affiliate, you simply have to promote Valued Opinions on your website or blog. When someone clicks on a link and signs up for Valued Opinion, you can receive a commission. 

Valued Opinions Security

Valued Opinions doesn’t charge a sign-up fee. And you don’t need to give your credit card information or Social Security number at any point, either. Add it up, and there’s no risk of having someone lift your sensitive information.

That said, you do have to submit your name and email address and answer personal questions. So if submitting that information makes you uncomfortable, then this site may not be the best choice.

That said, Valued Opinions claims to keep personal information secure from external parties. According to the company, the information that you submit is only for research purposes. 

Get the full scoop by checking out the company’s privacy policy.

Customer Service and Support

There aren’t too many situations that call for having to contact customer support, other than missing a payment or being unable to log in. This is a good thing when considering the company’s limited customer service.

Valued Opinions offers a help portal where you can submit a query and wait for a response. Or, if the matter is more urgent, you can try contacting parent company Dynata and escalate the situation.

Valued Opinions Review Pros and Cons

Pros 

  • Frequent paid survey opportunities 
  • Ad reviews and product testing 
  • Fast payouts 
  • Easy access
  • Low barrier to entry 
  • Free to join
  • Safe to use

Cons

  • Low payouts 
  • Limited customer support 
  • You must submit personal information to get surveys
  • Does not support PayPal 
  • No instant cash-out opportunity 
Get Started With Valued Opinions

Alternatives to Valued Opinions

The key to making money through online survey sites is to use many different providers. Good news: There are countless sites online that will pay you for your opinions. 

The following companies offer paid survey opportunities and rewards. 

Swagbucks 

Swagbucks offers a more comprehensive approach than Valued Opinions. The site pays participants for surveys and for completing everyday activities — like playing games, watching videos, and browsing the internet. The company also offers paid focus groups. 

Learn More:

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a top destination for social influencers who want to complete surveys and share opinions. Sign up, take surveys, collect rewards, and redeem virtual points for PayPal or gift cards. If you’re looking for a site with cash payouts, this one’s for you.

Learn More:

Vindale Research 

Vindale Research is another provider offering cash payouts for online surveys. The site works with PayPal and is free to access making them another potential way to earn extra money.

Learn More:

Valued Opinions FAQs 

Is Valued Opinions a scam?

When taking online surveys, you have to always be on the lookout for scams. But rest assured: Valued Opinions is perfectly legit. The site is safe, reliable, and trustworthy. 

Is Valued Opinions worth it?

It largely depends what you are looking for. If you want to earn money directly with cash payouts, Valued Opinions won’t help. But if you’re comfortable with receiving gift cards and fun promotional items, the site can be a great fit. Plus, you can always sell the gift cards you receive to make money directly.

Are my surveys private with Valued Opinions?

The company claims that the data they collect is private and for research purposes only. So, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about submitting private information.

The Bottom Line

Valued Opinions is a leading paid survey site, providing survey panels in addition to product testing and ad review opportunities. It’s one of the most widely used survey websites on the internet.

Capitalizing on available surveys in your spare time leads to fun rewards through gift vouchers. When you join Valued Opinions you won’t become a millionaire, but you can receive some great kickbacks from leading retailers, ultimately putting more money back in your pocket at the end of the day from savings opportunities.

The post Valued Opinions Review for 2022 appeared first on Millennial Money.



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April 18, 2022 at 10:30PM

Monday 11 April 2022

11 Best Rental Property Trackers for 2021

The post 11 Best Rental Property Trackers for 2021 appeared first on Millennial Money.

If you’re a landlord, managing multiple properties can quickly get out of hand. Luckily, there’s a variety of apps designed to streamline everything from tenant screening to rent payment. By having the right rental property tracker, you can stay organized and profitable.

We’ve rounded up the best rental property trackers available today. Keep reading to find out who made our list, why we picked them, and how to use these property management apps to maximize your profits.

The Top Property Management Software for 2021 

There’s no shortage of rental property trackers available to help the busy real estate investor. And each property management app has its own specialty. 

Some services focus on rental property expense tracking and bookkeeping. Others enable you to interface with clients to collect rent, process maintenance requests, and securely exchange documents. 

We’ve investigated the software available and selected eleven apps worth checking out. Read our write-ups of the best rental property trackers and choose which one — or ones — best suits your needs.

1. Buildium 

Why we like it:

  • The most comprehensive property management app currently available
  • Convenient tenant portal manages payments and maintenance requests
  • Not difficult to use

Buildium is one of the most popular property management apps on the market — and for a good reason. This tracker streamlines the entire management process, from screening potential tenants to collecting and tracking rent payments. 

The app also features a tenant portal that allows your renters to send payments and submit maintenance requests. Buildium even offers communications tools that enable you to send bulk emails and texts to your tenants and contacts lists. 

However, although Buildium offers a myriad of features, that doesn’t mean it’s tricky to use. In fact, we found Buildium’s platform relatively straightforward and intuitive.

How much you pay depends on how many units you manage. The lowest price tier starts at $50 per month for up to 150 units. On the other end of the pricing spectrum, management services for 5,000 units will run you $1,080 per month. Note that Buildium will give you a 10 percent discount if you choose to pay annually rather than monthly .

2. Personal Capital 

Why we like it:

  • Free income tracking
  • Holistic wealth management app that goes beyond your rental cash flow
  • Easy enough for beginners to use

Personal Capital is one of the most popular finance apps out there. The app treats your real estate as an investment, rather than just a business or side hustle. Although you won’t get features such as a tenant portal or a special email inbox, you’ll be able to see how your rental income affects your overall net worth.

For property owners, the app integrates with Zillow so you can link up your various properties. The app then pulls all of your financial data, including your cash flow and property values, and factors those into your overall net worth. 

You’ll also find yourself using Personal Capital to monitor your spending and plan for retirement. It will also manage all of your other investments, too.

Many of Personal Capital’s features are free. However, for a fee, the company does offer asset management for investors who deposit a minimum of $100,000.

3. Stessa

Why we like it:

  • Mostly free service
  • Great for collaborating on properties with others
  • Integrates with Roofstock so you can buy and sell properties 

If you’re looking for a solution that will not only help you track your current properties but find new real estate opportunities, check out Stessa.

Stessa’s parent company is Roofstock, an online real estate investing platform. You can use Roofstock to select and buy new rental properties and then use Stessa to manage them. 

Stessa operates on a mostly free model, with some a la carte reporting services. Using Stessa, you can track an unlimited number of properties, access performance dashboards, and even collaborate with partners and family members. 

Then, when you’re eventually ready to sell, you can use Roofstock to find a purchaser for your property. This Stessa/Roofstock combination is a complete solution for real estate investors.

Learn More:

4. Rentec Direct

Why we like it:

  • Unlimited U.S.-based customer service
  • Full ledger accounting and Quickbooks synchronization
  • Includes a custom website so you can market your properties

Rentec Direct is a software company that offers two products for managing properties. Rentec Pro was designed for landlords who manage multiple units. Rentec PM is intended for property managers who need trust accounting features.

With either plan, users have access to a variety of features to help with both the financial and operational aspects of their real estate investments. 

For example, Rentec offers full general ledger accounting, an in-depth reporting system, and a built-in 1099-MISC e-filing solution. You can also use the app for running credit reports and background checks on potential tenants. 

Rentec Direct also has some nifty features to help you market your vacancies. The service will help you set up a website with a lead tracking tool to reach prospective tenants. Rentec will even automatically post your listings to popular sites like Zillow and Realtor.com.

Costs for Rentec Pro and Rentec PM start at $35 and $40 per month, respectively. 

5. Quicken Home & Business

Why we like it:

  • Top choice for existing Quicken customers
  • Easily connect with TurboTax
  • Dedicated customer support team

Quicken’s Home & Business software helps landlords stay on top of day-to-day tasks. For example, you can maintain contact information for tenants, track statements and loans, and even check metrics such as occupancy rates and rents received. You can also track payments and expenses.

When tax time comes, you’ll be in good hands because the service links to Quicken’s proprietary and super-popular tax service, TurboTax. As a result, it’s straightforward to transfer and manage your tax paperwork.

Quicken doesn’t charge an arm and a leg, either. To get the property management features, you’ll need to upgrade to the Home & Business plan. The list price is just $103.99 per year, but Millennial Money readers currently get a 10 percent discount.

6. Landlordy

Why we like it:

  • Easy-to-use app that integrates with your mobile phone or tablet
  • Free option for landlords who manage just one property
  • Charges a one-time fee, rather than a monthly subscription

Landlordy is a user-friendly mobile app that makes it easy to stay organized and on top of your finances. The app helps you track expenses, maintenance records, safety inspections, and various other crucial info about your properties. 

Landlordy integrates with a variety of tools that already exist on your smartphone, such as your camera, messaging program, and email. It enables you to directly communicate with tenants or your accountant. You can even send invoices to tenants right through the app. 

And since Landlordy stores all of your data on your phone rather than on a server or in the cloud, you don’t need to hassle with logging in with a username and password.

If you manage multiple units, you’ll probably find Landlordy too simple for your needs. But for the smaller-scale rental investor, it’s great. It’s also much cheaper than Buildium and some other services.

Landlordy is free for landlords who manage just one unit. For two units, the cost is $14.99. Up to ten units costs $49.99, and for just $99.99, you can manage unlimited properties. These are one-time costs, rather than monthly recurring fees.

7. NowRenting 

Why we like it:

  • Streamlines tenant communication
  • Great for tenant screening
  • Convenient electronic lease signing feature

NowRenting is a digital rental assistant designed by rental owners for rental owners. The service is centered around good landlord/tenant communication.

When you sign up, NowRenting will assign you a private telephone number and email address to give to prospective and current tenants. So you can keep your personal life separate from your investment.

The app also comes with a single inbox for tenant communication and a feature that automatically sends pre-screening questions to prospective tenants. 

NowRenting offers a free version that’s quite limited. If you want to use all of the features, you’ll need a paid subscription, which starts at $19 per month.

8. Rentler  

Why we like it:

  • Mostly free for landlords
  • Streamlines tenant payment collection
  • 24/7 customer support

Rentler is a property management software that enables landlords to view their entire rental lifecycles from a single dashboard. Best of all, you can use most of its services for free. Extras like legal forms can be purchased a la carte.

The service helps landlords with a wide variety of otherwise tedious tasks, such as listing properties, collecting applications, running screenings, and collecting payments. It also lets you track maintenance requests, so you’ll never miss an important update from a tenant. 

Another cool feature is a rentability tool, which lets you see exactly how much you can rent your place for.

9. RentTrack

Why we like it:

  • Best suited for payment collection
  • Rent reporting can help build tenant’s credit scores
  • May increase chances of timely payments 

RentTrack is an app that lets landlords collect rent and track tenant payments online. The company’s main goal is to provide property owners with tools that save time and grow revenue. 

The service also helps tenants build good credit. The app reports each rental payment to the three major credit bureaus. That’s an extra incentive for your renters to pay their monthly bills on time! 

10. Landlord Studio 

Why we like it:

  • Streamlines expense tracking for tax purposes
  • Helpful for managing tenant payments and communication
  • Low-cost, with three account tiers 

Landlord Studio is a comprehensive property management app that lets you track all your rent payments and finances in one place.  

One of Landlord Studio’s most useful features is a rent collection service, which enables tenants to easily pay rent online. The app also offers tenant screening, email, and SMS invoicing, along with an automatic late-fee feature.

LandlordStudio is also inexpensive. Plans start at just $5.99 per month.

11. PropertyTracker

Why we like it:

  • Relatively low-cost, at $37 per month
  • Enhanced bookkeeping services available
  • 30-day free trial option

PropertyTracker helps landlords track properties and assets from an easy-to-use mobile app. 

The app also serves as an expense and income tracker and features performance reports and appreciation trends, among other things. 

How to Maximize a Rental Tracker

Only use reputable apps

As always, be cautious about trusting third-party apps with your financial or real estate information. The last thing you want to do is give an app unrestricted access to your financial portfolio without first making sure that it’s trustworthy. 

Before downloading any app, read its reviews and make sure that it’s from a legit provider. There are plenty of solid property trackers out there. So there’s no sense in settling for a second-tier service.

Browse various property management tools

We’ve covered a variety of rental property trackers in this list. For some real estate investors, just one of these solutions will meet all of their tenant and real estate management needs. Others may need to combine two or more services. You don’t have to be exclusive to a single provider. 

Write off your expenses 

Chances are, you can write off your real estate app and software costs. As an investor, it’s crucial to write off every possible tax-deductible expense

When in doubt, ask a qualified accountant or tax advisor. This isn’t something you should be guessing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rental property tracker?

A rental property tracker is an app or software solution that helps landlords track the costs, revenue, and operations of their real estate investments. Some trackers might include additional services, such as tenant screening, communication platforms, and advertising options for your listings. 

Do you need an app for rental property management?

You don’t need to have an app, but it certainly helps. Most people are on their phones constantly these days. So it makes sense to have a management app right alongside your other solutions. Apps also enable you to connect with your business from any location. 

That said, many landlords have done just fine with a good, old-fashioned spreadsheet.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a property owner, having a good rental property tracker (or two) can make your life easier. There are many free services to try. But if you choose to pay for a premium service, you can probably write it off at tax time. 

Once you’re using a tracker app to streamline your business, you can focus more on growing your investments. You could have a million-dollar real estate empire in no time!

The post 11 Best Rental Property Trackers for 2021 appeared first on Millennial Money.



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April 11, 2022 at 10:30PM

Thursday 7 April 2022

17 Best Ways to Get Paid to Chat

The post 17 Best Ways to Get Paid to Chat appeared first on Millennial Money.

When it comes to side hustles, it’s best to find work that aligns with your lifestyle and interests.

Like driving? It probably makes sense to get behind the wheel for Uber or Lyft. Love pets? Look into walking dogs for Rover

Similarly, if you text chat like it’s the end of the world and enjoy phone chats and online chats, you may want to explore a side hustle that pays you to converse with strangers. 

Believe it or not, there are plenty of companies that will pay you to online chat with people. Keep reading to learn the top ways to get paid to text message and chat in your spare time. 

17 Legit Ways to Get Paid to Chat

1. Best for serious shoppers: Swagbucks  

Swagbucks is a popular cashback site that offers paid surveys and also pays users to participate in focus groups.

If you’re new to the idea of focus groups, here’s what to expect: You basically sit in a chat room with a handful of other people and talk about products and services.

For example, a fitness and lifestyle company may ask you questions about your exercise regimen or clothing preferences. Companies do this to collect market research they can use to inform their marketing campaigns, product development, and packaging.

You can earn $30 to $50 per focus group with Swagbucks. The company pays in points, which you can redeem for gift cards and cash payments.

If this kind of work sounds interesting to you, you may also want to check out Survey Junkie and InboxDollars — both of which offer paid surveys and text chat focus groups.

2. Best customer service gig: LiveWorld

LiveWorld is a social marketing agency. The company hires part-time workers to get paid to chat with customers online over social media. 

In this type of role, you’ll monitor clients’ social media channels and keep your eye out for engagement opportunities. For example, someone might write to a clothing company about a problem with their order.

LiveWorld agents make $9 to $12 per hour. So this isn’t the most lucrative line of work. But it can be a way to make some extra cash when you’ve got time to spare. 

3. Best for helping people: Premium.chat

Premium.chat is a site where experts like doctors, lawyers, and mechanics can text or hold a video call with clients for extra cash.

If this sounds interesting to you, check this out: You can set your own rate and make your own schedule. 

Premium.chat lets you offer paid online chat services across a range of topics. So if you’re an expert in medicine and law, you can offer commentary on both topics. 

To work for Premium.chat, you’ll need a webcam or a smartphone. Of course, you’ll also have to be knowledgeable in a specific topic or two.

4. Best site for subject matter experts: JustAnswer

JustAnswer is very similar to Premium.chat. This is a chat service where experts can offer their advice and opinions to customers. 

As a new expert, you’ll receive 20% of what the user pays. Over time, this can increase to as much as 50%. To make sure the work is worth your while, you can see how much a user is willing to pay before you agree to help. 

JustAnswer comes with a rigorous approval process. You have to demonstrate that you’re an expert to use the site. 

But as long as you have the requisite qualifications, you can bring in $2,000 to $7,000 per month using this site. Take my word for it: That’s good money for a side hustle.

5. Best for passive income: McMoney

McMoney is a company that focuses on improving mobile communications. 

Simply install the app, sign up, and register your phone number. Once that’s done, the company sends text chat messages to your phone. The coolest part is you don’t even have to respond to them. 

One thing worth noting: The service only works with Android devices. And don’t expect to become filthy rich using McMoney; you’ll only receive a few cents per SMS. 

That said, the money can accumulate over time. This is a set-it-and-forget-it type of app, and it enables you to earn money for doing almost nothing. It’s truly passive income.

Another company that offers this type of service is I Spy Plates, which helps banks and repo workers find and locate vehicles. Some people move to different areas to run away from their responsibilities, making it very difficult to track and locate them. 

The company currently has a program that pays you to receive text messages. Sign up for free and you’ll receive money every time you get a message. The company claims that users can make around $200 or more per month.

In addition, I Spy Plates is actively hiring information collectors. You can make money identifying license plates and entering them into the I Spy Plates database. If you’ve got a bit of a sleuthing streak in you, why not give it a whirl?

6. Best for talkers: Accolade Support 

Accolade Support is a call center services provider that offers both customer and technical support. 

When working for Accolade, you’ll take calls or hop on live chat to engage directly with customers. In most cases, you’ll need to answer their questions or help troubleshoot issues. In some instances, you might have to deal with irate customers who are calling up to complain.

Accolade Support agents typically make $10 per hour. It’s not the highest-paying gig in the world, but it can still help you get paid to chat.

7. Best for digital nomads: Amazon 

Amazon has a global presence with more than 75 service locations around the world. If you’re into the digital nomad life, Amazon could lead to steady and reliable work as a customer service representative engaging with users over live chat. 

When working with Amazon, you’ll have access to the latest tools, data, and technology. This is a good thing because you can expect your workload to be action-packed and fast-moving, and having the latest tools helps you get more done.

When you’re just starting out, expect to make about $11 per hour. Over time, that number could increase. And who knows? You might even be able to use this experience to springboard into a higher-paying position with corporate.

8. Best for teachers: Cambly

Cambly is a site that helps non-native English speakers improve their conversational skills. Most of the job entails chatting with people and offering feedback and answering simple questions.

Unlike most tutoring sites, Cambly doesn’t require you to have any certifications or teaching experience to qualify for a position. All you need is a winning attitude and a desire to work with others and help them improve. 

Cambly pays $0.17 per minute, or $10, per hour teaching adults and $0.20 per minute, or $12 per hour, teaching kids. Again, it’s not the most money in the world, but it can add up when you get paid to chat over time.

9. Best for techies: Apple

Apple has a decent remote work opportunity through Apple At Home. As part of this program, remote advisors can help iOS users provide troubleshooting and customer support over email, chat session, or phone.

Apple has strict requirements about where you work. For example, you need to have a desk, a high-speed internet connection, and an ergonomic chair. In other words, this isn’t something you can do at a coffee shop or on the beach. 

Apple At Home advisors make $19 per hour to start, making it one of the best-paying options to get paid to chat on this list.

10. Best for short-term gigs: Fiverr

Fiverr is an online marketplace for discovering gigs and short-term work. It’s one of the top sites that freelancers and contractors use to find jobs.

For example, you can use Fiverr to find social media gigs and engage with customers on Twitter and Facebook. 

Word to the wise: Fiverr takes a 20% commission on your earnings. But the site can be an excellent source for finding a lot of gigs. So if you like to move around and work with different brands, it’s worth looking into. 

Upwork is another marketplace that’s very similar to Fiverr. If hustling is the name of the game, you should be active on both platforms. 

11. Best seasonal opportunity: 1-800-Flowers

Do you like flowers? If so, you may be interested to learn that 1-800-Flowers usually ramps up its customer service team before holidays like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day when more customers make purchases.

In this light, the company occasionally offers full-time jobs to high performers. Knock it out of the park and you may be able to land a rosy at-home customer service job. 

With 1-800-Flowers, you can work flexible hours and make $10 to $21 per hour. Plus, you’ll never forget to buy flowers for that special someone. 

12. Best for people who like to video chat: Fibler 

Fibler is another site that connects customers with experts. By becoming a verified Fibler expert, you can make money hopping on video calls and facilitating text chats with global customers.

Part of what makes Fibler unique is its high-quality video chat feature available with most webcams. The site also makes it easy to chat over voice calls. 

If you’re interested in flexibility, you’ll love to learn that you can set your own minutes on Fibler and video chat with people on your own time. That way, you won’t have to worry about minimum hourly requirements or sticking to a set schedule. 

13. Best for psychics: MeetYourPsychic 

MeetYourPsychic offers an app that provides psychic readings. The company offers services across several categories — like career and finance, love and relationships, money and health, and loss and grieving.

To work for this chat app, you need to have psychic experience and go through a 10- to 15-minute evaluation. The company works with a range of advisors, including pet psychics and clairvoyants.

Are you the type of person who can’t get enough of Tarot cards? This could be your dream gig. Believe it or not, the company offers limitless commissions and claims that psychics can make over $1,500 per week. Cha-ching! 

14. Best for social butterflies: RentaCyberFriend

RentaCyberFriend is a social meeting platform that connects individuals looking for friends with people like you, who get paid to chat with them.

You’ll meet all types of individuals on this site. Some are lonely people who just want to talk and make virtual friends. Other people may want to learn new skills and hobbies. 

For example, someone might “rent an online friend” before moving to a new city to learn about the area and pick up some local insider advice like where to eat or shop. 

This is an outstanding way to meet people from all over and make money doing it. If you’re the kind of person who’s up for a virtual friendship, why not give it a whirl? 

15. Best for pro chat representatives: Working Solutions 

Working Solutions is looking for people to get paid to chat from home as customer service agents. The company now has a network of more than 150,000 agents across the U.S. and Canada. 

With Working Solutions, you can set your own hours and make $15 per hour chatting with customers from major global brands. It’s a good way to get solid customer service experience while earning steady cash.

16. Best for survey lovers: 1Q

1Q is a top customer engagement platform. You can get paid to chat by answering surveys over text messages. 

That said, you won’t bring down a ton of extra cash with this site. Unfortunately, the company pays between $0.25 and $1 for every survey that you take. 

Still, you might find that it’s a good way to bring in some easy money. It’s easy to sign up, and you can cash out via PayPal, so why not give it a whirl? 

17. Best full-time way to get paid to chat: The Chat Shop

The Chat Shop hires chat agents to provide customer service for different clients across multiple industries.

If you’re looking for flexibility, you might want to look elsewhere. The company wants people who can work at least 35 to 40 hours per week, so this is ideal for people who want to put in a full week’s work as a chat agent. 

The Chat Shop pays $10 an hour, with potential for increases over time. 

Quick Tips If You Want to Get Paid to Chat

As with any side hustle, you’ll want to be savvy about your business decisions. These tips should help.

Learn More:

Watch out for scams 

It’s best to be upfront about this: The internet is full of scams. If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is, so it’s best to avoid it.  

To stay on the safe side, be cautious about connecting your bank account. Instead, use PayPal to keep your sensitive financial information secure.

You can also look at the Better Business Bureau to see a company’s rating. And before downloading an app, check out its rating on Google Play or App Store to make sure it’s not going to cause you endless frustration.

Check your cell phone plan

Before you sign up for a text messaging service, double-check that you have unlimited texting through your wireless carrier.

This is important when sending text messages at volume through your phone. The last thing you want is to get hit with an unexpected overage charge for excessive texting — especially if you’re roaming around outside of the U.S. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get paid to text online?

There are tons of ways to make money by chatting and texting online (see above). Not only can you help customers troubleshoot issues, but you can also even get paid to become someone’s virtual friend.

Does chatting online make a good side hustle?

It largely depends on who you work for and how much you work. 

For example, you can make decent money texting if you work for a contact center as a customer service specialist, which can be a great home job you can tackle from the comfort of your couch. 

At the same time, some companies will only pay a few cents per interaction.

For the best results, always research the pay rate before working as a chat support representative. If a job doesn’t pay well, it’s probably better to move on to greener pastures. 

Is it safe to chat online with strangers?

When it boils down to it, you need to find a provider that protects your privacy. Professional chatting should always be anonymous and secure. 

Remember, some people can be very persuasive when chatting online. To avoid doing something you end up regretting, make it a habit to never give your personal information to a stranger online. 

What skills do you need to chat online?

To thrive in an online chatting role, you need to have excellent communication skills. It helps to have a basic understanding of customer service and know-how to carry on a professional conversation.

Always be courteous when chatting online with customers. Oftentimes, companies hire investigators to perform quality control. So, it pays to always be respectful and give each customer your best effort because you never know when they might be grading you. 

The Bottom Line

If you’re the type of person who loves texting and chatting with anyone and everyone, an online chat job seems like the perfect side hustle. You actually can bring in real cash by making phone calls and receiving text messages.

At the end of the day, there are tons of ways to make money online, and chatting is just one of them. Look around, research your available options, and you’re bound to find something that matches your personality and skills. 

Here’s to landing a couple of side hustles that supercharge your journey to financial freedom!

The post 17 Best Ways to Get Paid to Chat appeared first on Millennial Money.



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April 07, 2022 at 10:30PM