by Timothy MooreContributorSome banks and credit unions charge overdraft fees if you use more money than you actually have available in your checking account. The problem is, people often overdraft by accident and are assessed fees that make it even harder for them to rebuild their finances.Below, we’ll discuss how to avoid overdraft fees, review what to do when an overdraft occurs and share the growing list of financial institutions
by Timothy MooreContributor Struggling with bad credit? A debt consolidation loan may be your ticket to rebuilding your finances. In recent years, median household incomes have dropped 3%, but prices — on everything from a tank of gas to a pound of beef to monthly rent — are at an all-time high. When Americans are faced with higher bills and less money to put toward them, they often turn to
by Quinten PlummerStaff WriterFake reviews can attract more business short-term, but it’s the real feedback that helps companies improve their customer service.Businesses that are genuinely motivated to improve know the value of honest feedback, so much so that a company called Elite CXS will pay you an average of $44 an hour to mystery shop their clients.Got 15 minutes to spare? You can make up to $22 in that time
by Jenna LimbachContributorNow that everything seems to be available with a few taps on a screen, the practice of hailing taxis is going the way of telephone booths and DVD rental stores.Rideshare services like Uber make getting home from a night out easy to plan — no more worrying about parking, not to mention beverage consumption. But when you’re hit with surge pricing, the deal might not look so great
by Robert BruceSenior Writer There’s a whole category of job opportunities that often gets overlooked: jobs that provide housing — for free. They include entry level jobs and seasonal jobs, and they run the gamut of industries and careers. What they have in common is a significant way to save money by letting you live where you work. That might be private rooms in a home or employee housing in
by Lisa McGreevyStaff WriterWe’ve all got a story (or two) to tell. Yours could earn you money.Chicken Soup for the Soul is accepting stories and poems to include in upcoming books. If yours is chosen, you’ll get a check for $200.Back in the early 1990s, two popular motivational speakers put together a book filled with inspirational stories.“They called it Chicken Soup for the Soul because they wanted it to soothe
by Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorIf you already got your first two rounds of free at-home COVID tests from the federal government, you can now order eight more free tests for your household. Tests are free regardless of whether you have health insurance.On May 16, the government reopened its website covidtests.gov to allow households to order another eight free COVID tests. When it first launched in January, the website allowed each
by Kent McDillContributorRemote working has advantages beyond being able to attend Zoom meetings in your sweatpants. You can move closer to family or friends, head to a nicer climate, or live in a cheaper state.As long as you have no in-office requirements, you can live wherever you want providing you are willing to deal with attending meetings in a different time zone.Moving to your dream location does require money. Whether
by Kristin JennyContributorSprucing up your front yard landscaping can really improve the look of your house, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.If you’re getting ready to sell your home, landscaping your yard can add curb appeal, which can make a home more attractive to potential buyers. And even if you don’t intend to move, some colorful flowers and a simple landscape design can offer a pleasant view from
by Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorWhen I learned that the cost of my monthly parking garage pass was more than doubling to $75 a month, I balked. Seventy-five dollars a month just to babysit my car while I’m at work?So one muggy morning, I decided to give bike commuting a shot. I didn’t plan my route. Or my outfit. Or take my bike for a test ride, even though I hadn’t
