Looking for ways to get free money? Free money does exist, but it’s not about finding a magical solution.
Instead, it’s about smart strategies to maximize your existing resources and opportunities.
Let me show you some of the most effective and legitimate ‘free money hacks’ that can help you save, earn, and even invest your money wisely.
Cashback and Rewards Credit Cards
I made $500 using these apps for my regular spending. You can earn cashback or rewards points.
Just be sure to pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges.
Loyalty Programs
Many retailers, restaurants, and service providers offer loyalty programs that reward you for frequent purchases.
Bank Account Bonuses
Some banks offer cash bonuses for opening a new account and meeting certain deposit criteria.
I will not recommend any particular bank, as there are always fine print details behind those bonuses and referrals that I cannot read for you.
I made mistakes a couple of times by only reading the catchy headline offering me $100 for “free.” You guessed it; these were not exactly free.
Referral Bonuses
Many services and apps offer referral bonuses when you invite friends to use their service. Check all the paid apps you’re using, probably all of them have some kind of incentive.
If you need help, check out this list of money-making and money-saving apps offering referral and sign-up bonuses.
Automated Savings Apps
Apps like Acorns that round up your purchases to the nearest dollar and save the difference can help you save money without thinking about it.
Government Rebates and Incentives
Depending on where you live, there might be rebates for energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, or electric vehicles.
If you’re an EBT user, we’ve got you covered with these food stamp hacks to save even more on your SNAP benefits.
Survey and Research Participation
Participating in surveys or research studies often pays a small amount. You can make money with sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie by completing surveys whenever you have a spare moment.
This could be while waiting to pick up your child from school, during your lunch break at work, or while watching Netflix before bed. Btw, there are many apps like Survey Junkie should try.
High-Interest Savings Accounts
Putting your savings in a high-interest account can earn you more than a standard savings account.
Sell Unused Items
Do you have some old board games or fine china to sell?
Selling those items you no longer need on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay can be a quick way to earn cash.
Couponing and Discount Apps
Using coupons and discount apps for groceries and everyday purchases can save a lot of money over time.
You might think those days are gone, but there are many ways to get coupons in the mail.
Free Educational Resources and Scholarship
There are many ways to get paid to go to school.
Utilize those free online courses to improve your skills or apply for scholarships if you’re a student. This can save money on education or help advance your career.
Utility Savings Programs
Some utility companies offer programs or discounts for reducing energy usage during peak hours.
Public Transportation Incentive
Some employers offer incentives or subsidies for using public transportation, which can save you money on commuting.
Library Resources
Libraries offer more than just books; they often have movies, music, and even tools available for free rental, which can save on entertainment costs.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
If you have access to these accounts through your employer, they can save money on medical expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Government-Assisted Programs
Depending on your situation, you might qualify for government assistance programs that can help with food, health insurance, and childcare costs.
Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
Investing in energy-efficient upgrades for your home can lead to long-term savings on utility bills.
Bulk Buying and Wholesale Clubs
Buying in bulk or through wholesale clubs can save money on groceries and common household items.
DIY Projects
Learning to do basic home repairs or projects yourself can save a lot on labor costs.
Community Events and Free Entertainment
Look out for free community events, museum days, or public performances to save on entertainment.
Gardening and Growing Your Own Food
If you have the space, growing your own vegetables and herbs can save money on groceries.
You don’t need a huge budget to start a garden, as there are many ways to get free seeds, free compost, and even free land, but you’ll have to put in a lot of manual work.
House Sitting or Pet Sitting
This can be a way to earn extra cash, especially if you can find opportunities that don’t conflict with your regular job.
If you have an extra room or a parking spot, consider renting it out for additional income.
Carpooling
Share rides with others to save on fuel and vehicle maintenance costs.
Making and Selling Handmade Goods
If you have a craft or skill, selling handmade items can be a simple way to earn money.
Use Public Domain or Creative Commons Resources
For creative projects, using free-to-use assets can save on licensing fees.
Second-Hand Shopping
Buying clothes, furniture, and other items second-hand can significantly reduce expenses.
Cooking at Home
Preparing meals at home rather than eating out can save a lot of money over time.
Volunteering for Perks
Some events offer free entry or other perks in exchange for volunteering.
Reducing Subscription Services
Periodically review subscription services (like streaming, magazines, etc.) and cancel those you don’t use frequently.
Bike or Walk Instead of Driving
This not only saves money on transportation costs but also is good for your health.
Take Advantage of Free Trials
But remember to cancel before the trial period ends if you don’t intend to continue the service.
Consolidating and Refinancing Debt
If you have high-interest debts, consolidating or refinancing them can reduce interest payments.
Automated Investment Apps
Some apps allow you to invest small amounts of money and can be a way to grow your savings over time, although this comes with risk.
Participate in Local Exchange or Barter Networks
Trade skills or items with others in your community.
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